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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Protecting public spaces and critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks focus of OSCE workshop in North Macedonia

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Protecting public spaces and critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks focus of OSCE workshop in North Macedonia

    Protecting public spaces and critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks focus of OSCE workshop in North Macedonia | OSCE
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Presence in Albania organizes 10th annual Media Development Forum

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE Presence in Albania organizes 10th annual Media Development Forum

    Representatives from media, public institutions, academics, and civil society gather at the OSCE Presence in Albania’s 10th annual Media Development Forum, Tirana, 23 October 2024. (OSCE) Photo details

    Representatives from local media, public institutions, academics, and civil society gathered at the OSCE Presence in Albania’s 10th annual Media Development Forum, a key event focused on the future of media freedom and integrity in the country.
    Ambassador Michel Tarran, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, opened the forum with a commitment to fostering a structured dialogue between Albania’s institutions and its media sector. He said: “Building on last year’s discussions, the OSCE Presence is willing and remains committed to supporting the structured dialogue between Albania’s institutions and its media sector. For this purpose, we avail not only the resources we have at disposal at the OSCE Presence in Albania but also from the broader set of OSCE institutions that are specialized in democratization and media affairs. We believe that this dialogue will foster a more collaborative environment where public officials and media professionals can work together to strengthen press freedom and find solutions that work in the Albanian context.”
    Opening remarks were also delivered by Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, Head of the Delegation of the European Union in Albania, and Philippe Tremblay, Director of the Office of the OSCE’s Representative on Freedom of the Media, through a video address.
    The forum facilitated discussions on the intersection of media policy and journalist safety, highlighting the importance of aligning with European standards while exploring how to enhance protections for journalists. Participants emphasized the need for continued reforms to strengthen the media landscape and ongoing efforts to further communication between the media and government institutions.
    Another key focus was the current state of media ownership in Albania and its impact on journalistic independence. The increasing concentration of media ownership raised concerns about the impartiality of information that the public receives, with discussions centred on strategies to promote transparency and media pluralism.
    The relationship between the media and the judiciary was another relevant and intertwining topic. Participants explored ways to improve communication and collaboration between journalists and judicial authorities, aiming to foster a more supportive environment for accurate reporting.
    By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the Media Development Forum aimed to enhance cooperation among public institutions, media organizations, and civil society, ultimately working towards a more vibrant and secure media environment in Albania.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds Little Rock Man Guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Marijuana

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

          LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock man has been convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana at the conclusion of a three-day trial. On Thursday, a federal jury found Marquis Hunt, 42, guilty of four federal narcotics violations: and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

          The jury returned their verdict after deliberating for approximately 2.5 hours. United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. presided over the trial and will sentence Hunt at a later date. Hunt faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with a maximum of life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

          Hunt was indicted by a federal grand jury on third superseding indictment on August 6, 2024. An investigation revealed that on July 8, 2022, a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made contact with Hunt at a residence in southwest Little Rock. Hunt was detained while a search warrant was obtained and executed. During a search, agents located more than 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 16 pounds of fentanyl throughout the residence, as well as distributable amounts of cocaine and marijuana. Through further investigation, it was discovered that the fentanyl was distributed or sprayed on a shredded vegetable material with a mixture of tramadol, which made it appear to be a form of synthetic marijuana or “K2.” During the jury trial, Hunt acknowledged selling drugs, but then denied selling the drugs located at the residence.

          The methamphetamine and fentanyl convictions carry minimum statutory sentences of not less than 10 years and not more than life in prison, not less than five years supervised release, and a fine of not more than $10,000,000. The cocaine conviction carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, not less than four years supervised release, and a fine of not more than $1,000,000. The marijuana conviction carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, not less than two years supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000.

          The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Arkansas State Police and Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. The and the case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Fields and Reese Lancaster.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Cloud Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Attempting to Entice a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Ahead of the Threat Podcast: Episode Zero

    Welcome to Ahead of the Threat, the FBI’s new podcast miniseries that brings together an FBI cyber executive and a private sector chief information security officer. Join Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, and Jamil Farshchi, a strategic engagement advisor for the FBI who also works as an executive vice president and CISO of Equifax, as they discuss emerging cyber threats and the enduring importance of cybersecurity fundamentals. Featuring distinguished guests from the business world and government, Ahead of the Threat will confront some of the biggest questions in cyber: How will emerging technology impact corporate America? How can corporate boards be structured for cyber resilience? What does the FBI think about generative artificial intelligence? Listen to new episodes biweekly and stay Ahead of the Threat.

    Charity and Disaster Fraud

    Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.

    RYAN JAMES WEDDING

    Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Export Cocaine; Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Murder in Connection with a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Drug Crime; Attempt to Commit…

    Capitol Violence

    The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Arrested for Exposing Himself on an Aircraft

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    BOSTON – A man was arrested and charged yesterday for allegedly masturbating and exposing himself within the view of two other passengers seated near him on board a flight from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to Boston, Mass. yesterday.

    Krishna Kunapuli, 39, of India, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Kunapuli was arrested yesterday and will appear in federal court in Boston later today.

    According to the charging documents, Kunapuli allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward a female passenger on board an Etihad Airlines flight, including touching her hair and taking pictures of her without her permission. After a crew member intervened, Kunapuli returned to his seat.

    It is alleged that, later in the flight, two male passengers seated near Kunapuli noticed Kunapuli masturbating under a blanket and, at times, with his penis fully exposed. One of the passengers reported this conduct to a flight attendant who intervened and alerted law enforcement.

    The charge of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 90 days in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ‘Operation Not Forgotten’ Shines New Light on Indian Country Cases

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Ahead of the Threat Podcast: Episode Zero

    Welcome to Ahead of the Threat, the FBI’s new podcast miniseries that brings together an FBI cyber executive and a private sector chief information security officer. Join Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, and Jamil Farshchi, a strategic engagement advisor for the FBI who also works as an executive vice president and CISO of Equifax, as they discuss emerging cyber threats and the enduring importance of cybersecurity fundamentals. Featuring distinguished guests from the business world and government, Ahead of the Threat will confront some of the biggest questions in cyber: How will emerging technology impact corporate America? How can corporate boards be structured for cyber resilience? What does the FBI think about generative artificial intelligence? Listen to new episodes biweekly and stay Ahead of the Threat.

    Charity and Disaster Fraud

    Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.

    RYAN JAMES WEDDING

    Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Export Cocaine; Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Murder in Connection with a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Drug Crime; Attempt to Commit…

    Capitol Violence

    The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kyle Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of four counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor, one count of Abusive Sexual Contact, and one count of Witness Tampering. The sentencing took place on October 17, 2024.

    Lloyd Emerson Elk, 48, was sentenced to a total of 50 years in federal prison on each count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $600 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was also sentenced to five years in prison for Abusive Sexual Contact and 25 years in prison on the Witness Tampering conviction.  The sentences were ordered to run concurrently. 

    Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024. He was found guilty following a two-day jury trial in July of 2024.  At the sentencing hearing, Judge Theeler reflected Elk’s long pattern of violence was very concerning to her. She noted, “Crimes against children are some of the most heinous crimes . . .  Adults in positions of power can abuse that position, take away the innocence of a child and hurt them.”   

    Elk, a former tribal law enforcement officer, sexually abused his stepdaughter multiple times when she was between the ages of five and seven years old.  Elk employed years of domestic violence to control the victim and her family, including physical and emotional abuse.  Elk told the victim if she ever told anyone about the sexual abuse, that he would kill her, her mother, and her brother.  When the victim finally disclosed the abuse in late 2023, the investigation revealed Elk had sexually abused another seven-year-old girl in 1998—while employed as a police officer in Idaho—and made similar threats to her to keep her quiet.

    “Every instance of child sexual abuse is simultaneously shocking and heartbreaking,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “But it is unthinkable that such victimization would happen at the hands of a law enforcement officer. It took great courage for the victims in this case to come forward with the truth, and we are grateful to our partners at the FBI who expertly investigated the matter so that our prosecutors could bring this violent defendant to justice, once and for all. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will never yield in our steadfast commitment to protecting women and children from violence.”

    This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Lindrooth and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case. Elk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member of Multi-State Gas Pump Skimming Device and Fuel Theft Ring Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Fraud Charges

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

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Deonelky Tabares Cid (36, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy, four counts of wire fraud, six counts of access device fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Cid faces a minimum penalty of 2 years in federal prison on the count of aggravated identity theft, up to 20 years in federal prison on each count of wire fraud, up to 10 years in federal prison on each count of access device fraud, up to 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count, and payment of restitution to the victims he and his co-defendants defrauded. No sentencing date has been set.

    According to court documents, Cid and his co-conspirators worked together to install skimmers on gas pumps to include gas stations in Alabama, Louisiana, and Northern Florida, including the Florida Panhandle. The conspirators used the skimmers to illegally obtain credit and debit card account numbers involved with the purchase of fuel by customers at the gas pump. Using the account numbers stolen by the skimmers, they subsequently made counterfeit credit and debit cards and then, used them to purchase large amount of diesel fuel.

    During the conspiracy, Cid and others drove vehicles that contained a fuel bladder system. This system allowed the conspirators to fake pumping gas into the vehicle’s gas tank when in fact the diesel fuel was being pumped into the fuel bladder system. Analysis by law enforcement of fuel purchases, vehicle tracker data, gas station video surveillance, and real time surveillance of the conspirators determined that Cid and other conspirators drove to multiple case stations throughout Northern Florida. After obtaining the gas, the conspirators offloaded the stolen fuel into 9,500-gallon tanker trucks at a fuel yard. The stolen fuel was then sold to a gas station associated with one of the co-conspirators.

    The co-defendants, Luis Edel Trujillo Pena (29, Miami), Deyvis Hernandez (37, Miami), Luis Ernesto Vigil Ochoa (32, Miami), and Isvaldo Guerra Perdomo (38, Jacksonville) are set for trial in January 2025.   

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. General Services Administration – Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Indicted for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and Receipt of Child Sex Abuse Material

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

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging James Anthony Davila (20, Cleburne, TX) with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and receipt of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Davila faces a mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for the coercion and enticement count, and a mandatory 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison for receiving child sex abuse material. 

    According to court documents, Davila met a 12-year-old girl online while playing a video game. The two continued to communicate and exchanged sexually explicit photos. Davila later drove from Texas to Florida to pick up the child and engage in sexual acts with her. 

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.          

    This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Midway (Florida) Police Department and the Johnson County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.

    This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Integrates ApeChain for Enhanced DApp and Meme Coin Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet is thrilled to announce its integration with the ApeChain mainnet, the native blockchain of the Bored Ape Yacht Club. This collaboration opens exciting opportunities for users to engage with the ApeChain ecosystem, enhancing DApp interactions and meme coin trading experiences.

    With the Bitget Wallet browser extension and mobile app, users can effortlessly switch to the ApeChain network without complex manual setups. This simplifies coin additions, enables seamless transfers, and provides straightforward access to decentralized exchanges (DEXs) for trading. Looking ahead, Bitget Wallet plans to introduce popular meme coin swap functionality and real-time market data for ApeChain, further enriching the trading experience.

    Integrating ApeChain lowers the barrier to entry for users eager to explore this vibrant ecosystem and discover trending meme coins. With the ability to quickly tap into market hotspots and seize breakout opportunities, Bitget Wallet becomes an essential tool for savvy traders. Additionally, a dedicated section for ApeChain DApps has been added to the Bitget Wallet’s “Discover” tab, allowing users to connect easily with various decentralized applications and access innovative projects within the ecosystem.

    In just 12 hours since its launch, ApeChain has recorded over 360,000 transactions, generating 495.17 APE in transaction fees, demonstrating its significant market potential. As the ApeChain ecosystem evolves, Bitget Wallet remains committed to enhancing its platform with more functionalities and services related to ApeChain, ensuring users receive the best possible trading experience.

    “With BAYC’s launch of ApeChain, we’re witnessing a pivotal shift in the crypto landscape,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “As the NFT market faces declining interest, meme coins are emerging as the new frontier of crypto trading, much like NFTs did in their prime. This surge in meme coin popularity is attracting new investors and reshaping market sentiment. Bitget Wallet is dedicated to supporting the ApeChain ecosystem by providing seamless access to its DApps and facilitating meme coin trading, ensuring our users remain at the forefront of this dynamic environment.”

    About Bitget Wallet

    Bitget Wallet stands as one of the world’s leading non-custodial Web3 wallets and decentralized ecosystem platform. With the Bitget Onchain Layer, the wallet is well-poised to develop a burgeoning DeFi ecosystem through co-creation and strategic incubation. Aside from a powerful Swap function, Bitget Wallet also offers multi-chain asset management, smart money insights, a native Launchpad, Inscriptions Center, and an Earning Center. Supporting over 100 major blockchains, 500,000+ tokens, and a wide array of DApps, Bitget Wallet is your top wallet for asset discovery and Web3 exploration.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | Discord

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a5b7a4d-7b1b-4398-92c6-2a323c11ff16

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bank of Åland Plc: Targeted issue as part of the Bank of Åland’s share saving programme for employees

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bank of Åland Plc
    Stock Exchange Release
    October 23, 2024, 18.00 EET

    Targeted issue as part of the Bank of Åland’s share saving programme for employees

     On October 23, 2024, based on the authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting on 26 March 2024, the Board of Directors of Bank of Åland Plc (Ålandsbanken Abp) decided on a targeted share issue as follows:

    The Board of Directors has decided to issue 22,912 Series B shares for the fulfilment of the Bank’s commitments as part of the Bank of Åland’s share savings programme for employees.

    The Bank of Åland’s share savings programme is a voluntary savings programme enabling employees to save a maximum of five per cent of their monthly salary in order to subscribe for twice-yearly targeted issues of Series B shares. The programme was introduced in 2023 as a one-year programme.

    Employees subscribe for Series B shares at a price that is 10 per cent below the average stock market price during September 2024. The issue is related to the savings period March 1, 2024 – August 30, 2024.

    Three years after each respective share issue, the Bank of Åland will distribute one matching share for each share acquired in the targeted share issues to those who have participated in the share issues, who are still employed by the Bank of Åland Group and who own the shares that were issued.

    After the share issue, the Bank of Åland´s share capital will remain unchanged at EUR 42,029,289.89, with the number of Series A shares totalling 6,476,138 (representing 129,522,760 votes) and the number of Series B shares totalling 8,890,781 (representing 8,890,781 votes). 

    For further information, please contact:

    Peter Wiklöf, Managing Director and Chief Executive, Bank of Åland Plc, tel. +358 40 512 7505

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Visits Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Wichita, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. visited the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF) in Wichita, KS this past week. 
    The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities enter the workforce by empowering them with the resources they need to become personally and economically independent. The organization helps Kansans with disabilities achieve their goals through programs that provide accessible housing, job placement and financial assistance. The CPRF also offers a customized wheelchair program that services over 800 clients over the southern 2/3rds of the state.
    “The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation helps Kansas with disabilities thrive in all areas of life,” Senator Marshall said. “The resources they provide are invaluable in empowering people with differing abilities achieve their personal and professional goals, and I am grateful for their dedication to serving Kansans.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: Nearly $3 Million Awarded to Fargo & Northwood Airports for Terminal Expansions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    10.22.24
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding Hector International Airport and Northwood Municipal Airport-Vince Field nearly $3 million for terminal expansion projects.
    Specifically, these grants include:
    $2,000,000 to Hector International Airport to construct four new gates, rehabilitate and expand holding rooms, and expand the ticket and baggage handling area. Senator Hoeven is working to fulfill the project’s federal cost share, now having secured nearly $36 million for the effort to date.
    $950,000 to Northwood Municipal Airport-Vince Field for a new 650-square-foot general aviation terminal building to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
    “The Fargo-Moorhead and Northwood regions are rapidly growing, both in terms of population and in economic activity. That means greater demand for air service and the need for updates and added facilities at Hector International and Northwood Airports,” said Hoeven. “This FAA funding supports both terminal expansion projects that will help to ensure North Dakotans are able to fly efficiently and safely throughout our state and country.” 
    In August of this year Senator Hoeven led the North Dakota delegation in sending a letter to the Department of Transportation requesting support from the Airport Terminals Program for Fargo’s terminal expansion project. Full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of the Government Commission on the protection of Lake Baikal

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of the Government Commission on the protection of Lake Baikal

    October 23, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of the Government Commission on the protection of Lake Baikal

    October 23, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of the Government Commission on the protection of Lake Baikal

    October 23, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of the Government Commission on the protection of Lake Baikal

    October 23, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of the Government Commission on the protection of Lake Baikal

    October 23, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of the Government Commission on the protection of Lake Baikal

    October 23, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of the Government Commission on the protection of Lake Baikal

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting of the Government Commission on Lake Baikal Protection. The event was attended by the heads of three regions belonging to the Baikal Natural Territory, State Duma deputies, and representatives of relevant departments.

    “This water body is a unique natural resource of our country and plays a major socio-economic role in the development of nearby regions. Therefore, of course, preserving Lake Baikal is an important state task that requires a comprehensive approach and close cooperation of all interested parties,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    In particular, it was noted that the reconstruction of the Bolsherechensky fish hatchery in Buryatia will almost double the artificial reproduction of the Baikal omul, one of the main symbols of the lake. Work on the facility should be completed by the end of this year.

    The government commission meeting also discussed the issue of construction and modernization of treatment facilities in the Baikal natural territory. Within the framework of the national project “Ecology”, activities are being implemented in three regions – Zabaikalsky Krai, Irkutsk Region and the Republic of Buryatia – a total of six facilities.

    In addition, the participants considered the issue of developing tourism infrastructure on Baikal. The Ministry of Economic Development has developed a corresponding draft “road map”, which provides for the creation of conditions for increasing visitor numbers to the Baikal natural territory. “It is important to understand how these activities are linked to the need to reduce the load on the lake’s ecosystem,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The draft road map for the development of tourism infrastructure on Lake Baikal must be submitted to the Government for approval by December 20.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin took part in the government hour in the State Duma

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Marat Khusnullin took part in the government hour in the State Duma

    October 23, 2024

    Marat Khusnullin took part in the government hour in the State Duma

    October 23, 2024

    Marat Khusnullin took part in the government hour in the State Duma

    October 23, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Marat Khusnullin took part in the government hour in the State Duma

    During the government hour held in the State Duma, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin delivered a report in which he spoke about the key areas of the new comprehensive national project “Infrastructure for Life”, as well as measures aimed at improving the quality of housing and communal services.

    “At the request of the President, we are currently completing the development of a comprehensive national project – “Infrastructure for Life”, in which one of the main blocks will be the modernization of the communal infrastructure. Over the decades, a considerable number of problems have accumulated there, including the depreciation of the main fund. However, all of them should be considered much more broadly than just the repair of individual objects. Within the framework of the new national project, we intend to create a regulatory and legislative framework, where we will outline a detailed “road map” for housing and communal services. Another very important issue regarding the industry is social. We must clearly verify how we will protect the population here. Government support measures also need to be updated,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that it is also extremely important to increase the level of executive discipline at the local level. According to him, the modernization of housing and communal services should become a priority for each region in the coming decades.

    In addition, it is necessary to update the general plans and schemes for heat, water supply and sanitation, take additional measures to attract extra-budgetary investments, and build a system of more precise control over the fulfillment of social obligations to citizens in terms of housing and communal services.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted the high level of communication between the State Duma, the Government and relevant departments, as well as the systematic approach to joint work, including on the current national projects “Housing and Urban Environment” and “Safe High-Quality Roads”.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian Grain Commission announces new partnership to support Canadian soy food industry

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    October 23, 2024        Winnipeg        Canadian Grain Commission

    In partnership with Soy Canada, the Canadian Grain Commission is now delivering the Soy Quality Program that the Canadian soy food industry has come to rely on.

    Previously delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Harrow Research and Development Centre, this program has contributed to Canada’s strong reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality food grade soybeans to global markets. The Canadian Grain Commission is uniquely suited to build upon the legacy of the Harrow Research and Development Centre, given its expertise in soy quality evaluation and its international reputation for scientific excellence.

    In its new form, the Soy Quality Program will continue to deliver quality testing for new food-grade soybean varieties and performance testing of soy food products, including soymilk, miso and tofu. In addition to quality and performance assessments, researchers in the Canadian Grain Commission’s Grain Research Laboratory will provide scientific expertise to support important stakeholder relationships with customers, Canadian exporters, seed companies and academics.

    The program will be led by Dr. Ning Wang, Research Scientist and Program Manager for Pulse Research at the Canadian Grain Commission’s Grain Research Laboratory. Support for the program has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Soy Canada.

    Quotes

    “The Soy Quality Program is an ideal match for the Canadian Grain Commission’s scientific expertise and focus on grain quality. I would like to thank the staff at Soy Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Grain Commission who collaborated to bring this program to its new home.”

    David Hunt
    Chief Commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission

    “My team and I are excited to bring the Grain Research Laboratory’s expertise to a program of such value to the soy food industry, and look forward to receiving the first samples.”

    Dr. Ning Wang
    Research Scientist and Program Manager for Pulse Research, Grain Research Laboratory, Canadian Grain Commission

    “We’re confident the Canadian Grain Commission will continue the proud Canadian tradition of measuring soy quality. We’re committed to continuing to provide our customers trusted information on how our varieties will perform in their soy food manufacturing facilities.”

    Brian Innes,
    Executive Director, Soy Canada

    Quick facts

    • The Canadian Grain Commission will analyze up to 2,300 samples per year from variety trials conducted in the major soybean-producing provinces of Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba. These results will ensure that future varieties available to producers meet the high quality standards customers expect from Canadian food-grade soybeans.

    • The Canadian Grain Commission will conduct soy food performance testing on up to 100 samples of soymilk, miso, and tofu products made with this year’s crop. The results will be used by marketers and exporters to promote sales of Canadian food-grade soybeans.

    •  The Canadian Grain Commission and Soy Canada will work together to promote the Soy Quality Program and Canadian food-grade soybeans in international markets.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Christianne Hacault
    Head of Communications, Canadian Grain Commission
    204.229.0128
    christianne.hacault@grainscanada.gc.ca

    Canadian Grain Commission

    The Canadian Grain Commission is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The Canadian Grain Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producers’ rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Predicting when the grass is greener: new phenological forecasts for invasive annual grasses

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Non-native, annual grass species like cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and red brome (Bromus rubens) were introduced to the United States in the late 1800s and have since invaded and critically transformed ecosystems like the sagebrush steppe and southwestern deserts. Where present, both grasses increase wildfire risk, reduce native wildlife habitat, and alter soil properties like erosion potential, nutrient availability, and water retention.

    Their ability to invade so effectively is directly related to their phenology; both cheatgrass and red brome grow faster and flower earlier in the Spring than neighboring native plants. In disturbed habitats, like a burned grassland, these growth patterns give invasive grasses an advantage over native species, allowing them to dominate a habitat after disturbance.

    Background photo: cheatgrass invasion of a post-fire landscape.

    Invasive plant managers can exploit the phenological differences between native and invasive grasses by concentrating management actions like grazing or herbicide application on the window of time in early Spring when invasive grasses are growing and native grasses are not. However, it can be difficult to determine exactly when cheatgrass and red brome will begin different phases of their annual life cycle, given the myriad environmental variables, such as precipitation, elevation, and temperature, that can potentially affect plant growth.

    In 2022, researchers set up a timelapse camera to take daily photographs of cheatgrass growth in Wyoming. In this slideshow, photos from every few weeks show how much faster cheatgrass completes its annual life cycle, compared to its native counterparts. The cheatgrass shoots up and flowers much earlier than the native grasses and dries out much sooner, turning red by the end of June while native grasses are still green.
    Estimated dates of (A) flowering and (B) senescence of cheatgrass, and (C) flowering and (D) senescence of red brome for 2019 calculated using the top performing model from this study. Figure 4 from Prevéy and others (2024).

    The phenology forecast models developed in this study can be adapted to:

    • Time management activities, such as intensive short-duration grazing, to reduce undesirable invasive grasses
    • Promote forage production and biodiversity in grasslands
    • Forecast when and where invasive annual grasses have dried out and fire danger may be greatest 
    • Aid remote sensing specialists in selecting imagery that captures distinctive phenological phases to accurately map invasive grasses

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center to Close in St. James Parish

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center to Close in St. James Parish

    Disaster Recovery Center to Close in St. James Parish

    BATON ROUGE, La. –The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) serving Louisiana survivors of Hurricane Francine in Convent will close 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24.The center (St. James Parish) is located at Convent Community Center, 5775 Hwy 44, Convent, LA 70723.Additional locations in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes are open. To find the DRC nearest to you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).The centers operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Residents in all nine parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.Additional options when applying include:Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.
    alexa.brown
    Wed, 10/23/2024 – 14:40

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands to Hold Fourth Meeting

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (October 23, 2024) — On Monday, October 28, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands, chaired by Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), will hold its fourth meeting at the Polk County College and Career Academy, Cedartown Campus.

    EVENT DETAILS:                      

    • Date: Monday, October 28, 2024
    • Time: 10:00 a.m.
    • Location:  167 Frank Lott Drive, Cedartown, GA 30125
    • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

    ABOUT THE MEETING:         

    During the upcoming meeting, committee members will hear presentations on the topics of the past, present, and future of Georgia’s agriculture industry, conservation efforts and agriculture protection policies. The Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands is tasked with studying the conditions, needs, issues and problems related to the preservation of Georgia’s farmlands and recommending any action or legislation. Information pertaining to all previous committee meetings can be found here.

    MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

    We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    # # # #

    Sen. Billy Hickman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He represents the 4th Senate District which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, and a small portion of Chatham County. He may be reached at 404.463.1371 or via email at billy.hickman@senate.ga.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commerce Awards Nearly $3 Million to Tackle Workforce and Childcare Challenges

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that 10organizations were recently approved for $2,942,890 through the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP) in round 3. The RWIP provides grants to regional workforce entities in North Dakota to design and implement innovative plans to address their region’s most demanding workforce challenges.  

    “We’re proud to support these innovative projects that are addressing core issues impacting our workforce today,” said Katie Ralston Howe, Director of Workforce at Commerce. “By focusing on solutions that enhance childcare availability and promote workforce recruitment, we’re empowering communities to overcome these challenges and build a more resilient and thriving future for North Dakota.” 

     

    The RWIP recipients include:   

     

    • Learning Adventures Childcare was funded $147,000.00 to purchase the Stony Creek location and expand childcare capacity by 50 slots. 

    • Watford City EDC was funded $50,745.00 to expand the FIND YOUR FUTURE marketing plan, focusing on careers and value propositions in the Watford City region. 

    • Heart of America Medical Center was funded $250,000.00 to expand and renovate the Kids Next Door Daycare Center, adding 30 additional childcare slots. 

    • Ragamuffins Ranch was funded $500,000.00 to build a new childcare center, creating the potential for 90 additional childcare slots. 

    • Devils Lake Area Chamber was funded $250,000.00 for a retention project to address workforce issues by retaining students through various programs, including job fairs and business videos. 

    • Buffalo Daycare Inc was funded $221,274.00 to build a new daycare facility and add 38 additional childcare slots, supporting rural community recruitment. 

    • Charge on Together was funded $180,330.00 to renovate a building and increase childcare availability by 84 children. 

    • S&A Erickson LLC was funded $464,727.50 to build a new childcare center, expanding capacity by 15 slots. 

    • University of Mary was funded $464,727.50 to renovate the University of Mary Butler Center, creating 72 additional childcare slots. 

    • Richardton Development Company was funded $414,086.00 to create a turnkey building for affordable, high-quality childcare, adding 38 additional childcare slots. 

     

    Round 3 of the RWIP is currently open until 5:00 PM CST on October 29, 2024 and eligible applicants can visit ndgov/RWIP to apply. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Burgum thanks Teacher Retention and Recruitment Task Force for recommendations in final report

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Gov. Doug Burgum today expressed his gratitude for the members of the North Dakota Teacher Retention and Recruitment Task Force for their efforts to provide recommendations that support the education workforce. The task force’s final report is available here.

    Burgum established the Teacher Retention and Recruitment Task Force through Executive Order 2023-08 after a request for emergency rules from the Education Standards and Practices Board was approved on Aug. 8, 2023. The 15-member panel was tasked with developing policy recommendations and identifying best practices to retain and recruit teachers. The task force met four times over the course of the year and received stakeholder input from groups of teachers, administrators and school board members. 

    “The task force’s final report reflects a dedication to the teaching profession by acknowledging the expertise, passion and commitment of our educators in addition to the experiences shared from additional members on the task force,” Burgum said. 

    The task force supported seven recommendations, which will be forwarded to Burgum and state lawmakers for consideration during the budgeting process and the next legislative session beginning in January, including:

     

    • Provide a safe and supportive environment for educators and learners in every building.
    • Reduce barriers for schools that wish to provide child care.
    • Understand supportive school culture.
    • Fund mentorship for educators and administrators.
    • Fund educator pathways.
    • Maximize benefits for educators.
    • Optimize educator earnings.

    The Teacher Retention and Recruitment Task Force consists of Burgum and State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, or their designees, and 13 members appointed by the governor and representing stakeholders across the education community:

    • State Rep. Steve Swiontek, Fargo
    • State Sen. Dean Rummel, Dickinson
    • Patti Stedman, West Fargo, a West Fargo School Board member and member of the Education Standards and Practices Board
    • Bret Dockter, Harvey, a Harvey Public Schools teacher
    • Ashley Seykora, Rugby, Rugby Public Schools instructional coach
    • Abby DuBord, Bismarck, a Bismarck Public Schools teacher
    • Luke Schaefer, Minot, CEO of the Central Regional Education Association
    • Robert Lech, Jamestown, Jamestown Public Schools superintendent
    • John Porter, Fargo, executive director of South East Education Cooperative and co-director of the South Valley/Rural Cass Special Education Units
    • James Green, Watford City, high school principal at McKenzie County Public Schools
    • Sherry Tandeski, St. John, elementary school principal at St. John Public Schools
    • Jenny Bladow, Northwood, director of teacher education, College of Education & Human Development, University of North Dakota, and member of the Education Standards and Practices Board
    • Erin Jacobson, Bismarck, coordinator of the Teacher Support System.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman Names District Election Officer

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

    Ahead of the Threat Podcast: Episode Zero

    Welcome to Ahead of the Threat, the FBI’s new podcast miniseries that brings together an FBI cyber executive and a private sector chief information security officer. Join Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, and Jamil Farshchi, a strategic engagement advisor for the FBI who also works as an executive vice president and CISO of Equifax, as they discuss emerging cyber threats and the enduring importance of cybersecurity fundamentals. Featuring distinguished guests from the business world and government, Ahead of the Threat will confront some of the biggest questions in cyber: How will emerging technology impact corporate America? How can corporate boards be structured for cyber resilience? What does the FBI think about generative artificial intelligence? Listen to new episodes biweekly and stay Ahead of the Threat.

    Charity and Disaster Fraud

    Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.

    RYAN JAMES WEDDING

    Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Export Cocaine; Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Murder in Connection with a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Drug Crime; Attempt to Commit…

    Capitol Violence

    The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Messi’s MLS Cup Playoffs debut to stream free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Messi’s MLS Cup Playoffs debut to stream free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    October 23, 2024

    UPDATE

    Lionel Messi’s historic MLS Cup Playoffs debut to stream free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    Round One of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs kicks off this Friday on MLS Season Pass, on apple.com, in Apple Store locations around the world, and on TikTok

    Lionel Messi makes his historic MLS Cup Playoffs debut this Friday, October 25, as the playoffs return to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV for a free primetime match. The top-seeded Inter Miami CF kicks off against Atlanta United FC at 8:30 p.m. EDT for the Round One Best-of-3 Series.

    After joining Inter Miami CF last season and leading the club to claim the Supporters’ Shield and single-season points record earlier this month, Messi is aiming to reach yet another milestone in his legendary career with a record 47th trophy.

    Fans can tune in on Apple TV to enjoy the match in its entirety, and have an incredible breadth of options to watch live, including through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs and streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and on the web at tv.apple.com.

    Additionally, top-ranked clubs — including defending MLS Cup and Leagues Cup champions Columbus Crew, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winners Los Angeles FC, and more — are vying to claim the 29th MLS Cup. MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is the only place fans can watch every playoff match with no blackouts, culminating with the MLS Cup final on December 7.

    “We’re offering Friday’s match to fans worldwide on MLS Season Pass at no cost to celebrate an amazing season and Messi making his first-ever appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “This is a historic moment, and we’re thrilled that viewers have such an extensive array of ways to watch.”

    “Our partnership with Apple has brought MLS to global audiences in innovative ways, and making this opening playoff match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United available at no cost is another example of our commitment to connect with fans,” said Don Garber, MLS’s commissioner. “The Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs are going to be intense from start to finish, so we’re excited to kick things off on Apple TV with this matchup of two great clubs featuring some of our sport’s biggest stars.”

    “The history books could be rewritten with the MLS Cup Playoffs, when you consider Inter Miami winning the Supporters’ Shield, breaking the record for most points in a season, and ultimately vying for the MLS Cup,” said Taylor Twellman, MLS Season Pass’s lead analyst. “The attention on the playoffs will be unlike anything we’ve seen, because with every trophy Messi wins, he becomes more and more the greatest of all time. And the best part is everyone is coming to try to knock him off the mantle. It’s going to be fun to watch it all unfold.”

    “Following 38 matchdays of fantastic regular-season soccer, we’re coming to the most beautiful time of the season,” said Sammy Sadovnik, MLS Season Pass’s Spanish-language play-by-play announcer. “Miami’s success will depend on both their ability to maintain the consistency they’ve displayed in the regular season and the talents of Leo Messi, the best player in the world.”

    More Ways to Watch

    In addition to broadcasting free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Friday night’s match will also stream live on apple.com and in Apple Store locations across the world, including Apple Fifth Avenue in New York City, Apple Union Square in San Francisco, and Apple The Grove in Los Angeles, in addition to Apple Store locations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, and Mexico.

    Fans on TikTok can enjoy a special “Player Spotlight: Messi” presentation of Friday’s match where the camera will be trained on Messi as he lights up the pitch. The stream will broadcast live on the @MLS TikTok profile and be simulcast on the @InterMiamiCF TikTok profile, beginning five minutes before kickoff. This will mark the first time TikTok has streamed an entire live soccer match with a single-player focus. Fans can register on TikTok to stream the live event.

    The match will be provided at no additional cost to all DIRECTV residential satellite customers on channel 622 and all DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS customers on channel 9475.

    Round One Best-of-3 Series: Game One Schedule

    Friday, October 25
     Inter Miami CF vs. Atlanta United FC
    8:30 p.m. EDT

    Saturday, October 26
     LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids
    11 p.m. EDT

    Sunday, October 27
     Orlando City SC vs. Charlotte FC
    7:30 p.m. EDT

    LAFC vs. TBD (winner of today’s Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Portland Timbers wild card match)
     9:45 p.m. EDT

    Monday, October 28
     FC Cincinnati vs. New York City FC
    6:45 p.m. EDT

    Seattle Sounders FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC
    9 p.m. EDT

    Tuesday, October 29
     Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls
    6:45 p.m. EDT

    Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United FC
    9 p.m. EDT

    How to Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    MLS Season Pass will broadcast every match of the postseason, including the MLS Cup final presented by Audi. MLS Season Pass is available through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, as well as on the web at tv.apple.com. Fans can also access MLS Season Pass from the Apple TV app on Apple Vision Pro, where they can watch games alongside other apps in their physical space; within an Environment, so the screen feels 100 feet wide; and in Spatial Audio for an even more immersive viewing experience.

    Fans in more than 100 countries and regions can sign up for MLS Season Pass for $9.99 for the remainder of the season. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for a subscription to MLS Season Pass for free for the remainder of the 2024 season. For more information, and to subscribe to MLS Season Pass, visit apple.co/_MLS_.

    Follow the MLS Cup Playoffs with the Apple Sports App

    The free Apple Sports app for iPhone is the best way for fans to stay up to date on scores, stats, standings, and their favorite clubs throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs.1 Users can easily navigate between scores and upcoming games, explore play-by-play information, team stats, lineup details, live betting odds, and tap to watch matches on MLS Season Pass in the Apple TV app.2 Apple Sports also seamlessly syncs with favorites selected within the My Sports experience, including in the Apple TV app and Apple News. With iOS 18 and watchOS 11, the Apple Sports app now offers Live Activities for all teams and leagues available in the app for the first time ever, delivering live scores and play-by-play info at a quick glance to a user’s iPhone and Apple Watch Lock Screens.3

    1. Available in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.
    2. A subscription is required.
    3. Live Activities require iOS 18 and watchOS 11 or later.

    Press Contacts

    Sam Citron

    Apple

    citron@apple.com

    Hayden Zelson

    Apple

    h_zelson@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Helps Weatherize Vermonter’s Home and Joins CVOEO, State Officials, to Celebrate Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Program

    US Senate News:

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

    ISLE LA MOTTE, VT–  Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) yesterday joined the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) at the home of Sidney and Eleanor Martinez, of Isle La Motte, as their home was weatherized with the help of CVOEO’s weatherization program. The weatherization program is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and, most recently, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Senator Welch championed the weatherization program funding in the IRA when he was a member of the House of Representatives. 
    “Weatherizing homes helps reduce energy costs for Vermonters while protecting their health and safety—and it does it while supporting good local jobs. Everyone deserves to have access to the cost-savings we passed in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, and this program helps hardworking homeowners and renters access these green benefits—while saving some green—right here in Vermont,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thrilled that funding from my policies in the Inflation Reduction Act will power up soon and help states and families reduce energy costs and weatherize their homes.” 
    Since July 2023, the State of Vermont has weatherized more than 1,200 homes. As a member of the House, Welch was the sponsor of HOPE for HOMES Act program that was included in the Inflation Reduction Act. The state will use $29 million of its HOPE for HOMES funding to provide sustained support for weatherization of qualifying homes in Vermont. Vermonters interested in applying for Vermont’s Weatherization Assistance Program can learn more here. 
    View photos from the event below:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUDAN – The shooting down of a cargo plane sheds light on the international alliances that fuel the war

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – The shooting down of a Russian cargo plane over Darfur (western Sudan) sheds light on the international alliances that are fueling the Sudanese civil war that broke out in April 2023.The plane, an “Ilyushin IL-76” belonging to a company registered in Kyrgyzstan (New Way Cargo), had taken off from Ras al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates) to Amdjarass (Chad). The aircraft was shot down on October 21 over Malha in North Darfur, allegedly by a missile fired by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who mistakenly thought it was a Sudanese army plane.The crew of this plane is usually five men. Currently, only the identities of two crew members are known: a Russian and a Kyrgyz, who was carrying an ID card identifying him as an engineer from a Kyrgyz company based in the United Arab Emirates.The plane was en route to Amdjarass in Chad, not far from the border with Sudan, where the United Arab Emirates sends humanitarian aid to the Sudanese population using the local airport (Aéroport International Maréchal Idriss Deby), which has the longest and best paved runway in all of Chad. Humanitarian aid which, according to independent investigations, conceals arms deliveries to Sudanese paramilitaries. The Emirates are considered to be one of the sponsors of the Rapid Support Forces, which is therefore said to have made a serious mistake by shooting down the plane. The militia said in a statement that it had shot down a foreign fighter plane that was supporting the Sudanese army. They also claimed, without providing any evidence, that the plane dropped “barrel bombs” on the civilian population. The Sudanese Air Force, meanwhile, uses Antonov cargo planes, not Ilyushin (like the one shot down), as improvised combat aircraft, which drop barrels filled with explosives from the tailgate during flight.While the Rapid Support Forces are supported by the United Arab Emirates and the Russian private military company Wagner-Group, the Sudanese army receives support from Egypt, Turkey and Iran, while the Ukrainian special forces publish videos from time to time in which their men can be seen taking action against Russian mercenaries who support the Rapid Support Forces. So, apart from the internal origin of the conflict, Sudan is also part of the “world war in pieces”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 23/10/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – National Human Rights Commission wants to mediate in the civil war

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Yangon (Agenzia Fides) – “The process of dialogue and mediation in the civil conflict in Myanmar is important and urgent for many reasons: to stop the army’s cruelty against the civilian population, which is before everyone’s eyes; to enable the nation to resume a social life with education, health and development, otherwise it is heading towards the abyss,” says Joseph Kung Za Hmung, a Catholic from Yangon, educator and founder of the country’s first private Catholic university, “St. Joseph University” in Yangon, to Fides. Joseph Kung Za Hmung has been involved for years in public relations (with the Catholic news portal ‘Gloria news Journal’) and in rural development programs, and has headed the NGO “Community Agency for Rural Development” since 2004. Joseph Kung has now been appointed as a Christian representative to the Burmese government’s Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (members are appointed by the current government according to the Constitution), which is to play the role of an “independent observer” who monitors the human rights situation in the country and makes recommendations to the executive.In September, the military junta reappointed the eleven members of the commission (with a five-year term), choosing academics and people who belong to civil society and not the military or government apparatus. “The members of the commission come from society, they know the fighting people’s defense forces and have contacts with them, so that the commission can now take on a bridging function and be a body that can help to initiate a dialogue and mediation process.Opening a channel is crucial for the entire nation today. Dialogue must also be held with the junta. There are also attempts at mediation from outside the country, for example within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) with the participation of countries such as Indonesia and Thailand,” said the Catholic.Looking realistically at the situation on the ground, Kung notes that “everyone must agree to a ceasefire because the whole country would benefit from it, primarily the suffering civilian population and the internally displaced persons, whose numbers continue to grow. The nation is in a state of exhaustion. If the popular forces come to the negotiating table, they can reiterate their demand for civilian rule. The popular forces and ethnic militias now control an estimated 75% of the country, while the central areas and major cities are defended by the army, which remains very strong and has heavy weapons. Dialogue and the search for common ground is in everyone’s interest,” he notes.The call for dialogue between the warring parties also came from the last ASEAN meeting, where the organization of a peace conference was proposed. The President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences and Archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, who is currently in the Vatican for the World Synod of Bishops, recalled the dramatic conflict in his country and expressed his heartfelt hope that “a path of reconciliation will be found”, calling for “a dialogue table for peace”. Meanwhile, the head of Myanmar’s military junta, General Min Aung Hlaing, called on ethnic rebel militias to participate in peace talks and reiterated this call on the ninth anniversary of the signing of the 2015 national ceasefire agreement.The newly appointed Myanmar National Human Rights Commission had the opportunity in recent days to visit the prison in Yangon, which houses 12,000 prisoners. The commission examined the conditions and needs of the prisoners and made recommendations to the government. The situation of Rohingya prisoners is noteworthy, many of whom have already served their sentences but are still imprisoned because they cannot return to their homeland in the war-torn Burmese state of Arakan. In addition to prisoners imprisoned for ordinary crimes, the prison also houses political prisoners who are opponents of the regime. The commission recommended that political prisoners be treated in the same way as other prisoners and called for them to be included in the amnesty or sentence reduction measures that are often issued on national holidays. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 23/10/2024)

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster launches latest round of Community Priorities Programme funding | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

     

    Provider Name 

     Amount awarded

    Project Name 

    Project Description

     

    Individual Provider  

    £10,000

    Westminster Throws 

    Judo project offering structured activities to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and community development among children in Westminster.

     

    Happy Lizzy​  

    £32,000

    Happy Hub Holiday Clubs & ​ Wild Kittens Wild Cats 

    Holiday clubs every school holiday. During the Summer the club is for children aged 7 and over. Play, explore, plant gardens, build LEGO, learn chess and hold community events.

     

    WECH​ 

    £28,960 (Health and Well-being project)

    £28,960 (Foodbank)

    £13,816 (Welfare Benefits Service)

    The Maida Hill Foodbank, Maida Hill Health & Well- Being Project​​, Harrow Road Welfare Benefits Service  

    Sustain the weekly Foodbank from Nov 24 for a year, to continue providing food to 50 families per week for 46 weeks, benefiting at least 300 families over the year. approx. Also engaging 15 residents as volunteers and support staff.

    sustain delivery of the health and well-being activities.

     

    Next Generation CIC​ 

    £31,040

    Next Gen Intense Mentoring/ Business mentoring​  

    We aim to work with 50 young people (ages 11-25) and their support networks, focusing on those at risk or involved in SYV. Our goal is to encourage them to pursue their dreams and career aspirations while steering them away from antisocial behaviour. We take a holistic mentoring approach, emphasizing diverse career pathways, particularly entrepreneurship.
     

     

    The Flourish Group​ 

    £30,000

    Creativity Calling​  

    Creativity Calling’ is the first project of its kind in London. At its core are the Flourish-Banks, that act like food banks only donating and distributing art and craft materials to those that need them. Circular and sustainable, Flourish-Bank ‘bins’ positioned throughout Westminster allow the community to donate unwanted creative resources to be redistributed.

     

    The Pepper Pot Centre ​ 

    £30,000

    Harrow Road Elderly African and Caribbean Health & Wellbeing Project​  

    Stimulate Creativity: encourage participants to express themselves through art and creative materials.

     

    Westbourne Park Family Centre​ 

    £16412.80

    £10,000

    Parent Power​ & Westbourne Park Pantry

    A 36-week programme to help young people to tackle issues on bullying, boundaries, stop & search, drugs and alcohol, peer pressure and gangs (Parent Power).

    The pantry stocks a range of fresh, cupboard essentials and toiletries (fruit, vegetables, dairy, pasta, rice, cereals, toilet paper, soap etc.) The pantry provides a service for those impacted by the cost-of-living crises and may not qualify for a food bank, or who prefer to choose their food selection.

     

    Paddington Arts​ 

    £24,000

    Every Child Matters​  

    Dance activities for age groups 6-10; 11-15; 16-22, Emotional support programme for age 8 – 18, Wellbeing programme for girls’ group, Health advice and signposting for children and families.

     

    The Grove Think Tank​ 

    £38,000

    Westbourne Holistic & Development Project​  

    Boxing and basketball sessions for young people targeting 24-30 participants.

     

    In Deep​ 

    £24923.86

    In – Deep music therapy for children with send​ & Music Therapy &   Art therapy for People with SEND 

    free weekly group music therapy sessions in Edward Wilson Primary School, senior street, w2 for children with special needs.

     

    Abundance Arts​ 

    £21,000

    Community Unity – SEND Wellbeing, Music and Art project​  

    Interactive drumming and percussion games and stories incorporating basic sign language, enhancing sensory engagement and communication skills, including multicultural music, sign language, performances and community events.

     

    Fun4over 50’s 

    £41819.32

    Zumba Gold Over 50’s & Fun Social Events​  

    Zumba Gold: specialised version of Zumba fitness program designed for older adults or those with physical limitations including community events.

     

    Urban wise​ 

    £27397.60

    Discover and Share!​  

    Project consists of some short arts, culture and heritage courses, discovery walks and visits to places of cultural interest to build connections between people.

     

    Blind Aid​ 

    £25,365

    Reducing isolation and improving wellbeing of blind and visually impaired adults in Westminster​  

    Blind Aid’s flagship Sight Support Project provides free ongoing home-based support to isolated, blind and visually impaired residents of Westminster.

     

    Adebo Stitch​ 

    £29999.40

    Adebo Stitch​  

    Weekly sewing, knitting and crochet sessions for 15-20 participants per week.

     

    Dutch Pot​ 

    £20,736

    Dutch Pot Lunch & Social Club phase 2​ 

    professional wellbeing activities – chair & gentle exercises, special events for birthdays & other special days, signposting & visits from other services in Westminster and a minibus pick up door to door for the most vulnerable operates one day a week. Hand crafts, music, bingo with prizes is the highlight of the day, seaside visits and other places of interest. Cultural dancers & musical entertainers are invited to perform.

     

    London Disability Network​ 

    £35,844

    LDN London Community Hub​  

    We run group activities and workshops for people with learning disabilities.

     

    Kulan Somali Organisation​ 

    £29,985

    SAAXIB​  

    Weekly cultural activities/workshops such as cultural dancing, poetry, singing, cookery activities, telephone befriending service, physical activities and Nutrional meals.

     

    Avenues​ 

    £27,750

    Friday Night Seniors – The Avenues Youth Project​  

    Youth club providing a range of activities designed to enhance health and wellbeing including sports activities – dance, basketball, MMA, table tennis and teq ball. We provide balanced nutritious meals and a space to decompress. Socially the connections are strong, and we frequently run workshops on mental health, sexual health and managing emotions.

     

    Treasure Sports​ 

    £30,000

    Making Westminster Healthier​  

    The main activity of the project is to help uplift the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in Westminster through sports and exercise.

     

    All Stars Youth Club 

    £35,552

    Community Active 

    Kids boxing, female only boxing, Muay Thai and kickboxing.

     

    Adventure Play Hub 

    £16,453.20

    Saturday Play Days at Adventure Play Hub 

    Main activities of the project are to help uplift the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in Westminster through exercise classes as well as financial literacy and community engagement classes for children, young people and female only.

     

    Unfold​ 

    £29,992.66

    Peer Support Groups and Mentoring Programme for Women​ 

    Weekly peer support group for women in the local community in the North of the borough.

     

    Women’s Trust​ 

    £24,000

    Specialist Domestic Abuse Counselling Project​ 

    We offer an initial assessment session (IS) and then up to 18 weekly counselling sessions per client, which is longer than statutory provision (IAPT is usually 6 sessions).

     

    The Floating Classroom​ 

    £12,618.60

    Community Trips on the Floating Classroom (FC)​ 

    We are applying for funding to offer 20 trips on our electric canal barge for community groups and people accessing services provided by organizations.

     

    St Andrew’s Club 

    £55,188

    Active at the Andrew’s – Sports and Physical Activity Programme​ 

    St Andrew’s will support up to 150 children and adults to stay physically active, including football, basketball, yoga and other various physical activities.

     

    Make it Happen​ 

    £7,500

    Carers Mental Health​ 

    Bi-weekly group counselling sessions to provide emotional support and coping strategies. Those session are tailored for Parent Carers and offered by a credited counsellor who is a parent carer herself. The sessions will cover topics such as acceptance, managing feeling, anxiety and low mood. Other topics voted for by parents will be added.

     

    Echo of Hope​ 

    £10,718

    Strive Together​ 

    EOH will bring together leading experts, organization leaders, and housing specialists to offer invaluable advice and workshops.

     

    Individual​ 

    £20,000

    Carlys Angels Stay and Play​ 

    Activities for the stay and play sessions will include outdoor play and exploration, creative arts and crafts, music and movement, storytelling and literacy, physical activities, educational and social play, healthy eating, mindfulness and relaxation and parent engagement. These activities aim to provide a balanced mix of physical, creative, educational and social experiences, supporting children’s overall development and preparing them for future educational settings. I plan to deliver the sessions weekly, dependant on how much funding is awarded, but at least once a week session. Number of participants will be 15-30 to begin with to offer a more personal approach and avoid overwhelming families.

     

    St Vincent’s Family Project​ 

    £20,000

    SVFP Drop-In and Lunch​ 

    Our charity targets young vulnerable families on low incomes. The drop in will provide two main responses to help families affected by this, including the cost of living crises with lots of free activities for children

     

    Individual​ 

    £8,611.26

    Stay Safe Stay Creative​ 

    Intro of the project for 30 minutes, partnership delivery with STREETDOCTORS for 1 hour to empower individuals affected by violence to keep themselves and others safe and in charge of delivering FREE Knife Wound 1st Aid Training. This also include a 1-hour art therapy through artwork craft and outdo of project.

     

    Basch Helps ​ 

    £16,598

    Angel Box​ 

    Emergency relief package which acts to alleviate conditions of distress, deprivation and disadvantage to parents, factors that contribute to social exclusion, self-harm & neglect

     

    Individual​ 

    £14,890

    Happy Feet Haven​ 

    We will offer people a programme of 6 reflexology sessions of 30-mins each. We will register 6 people for each 4-week block and deliver a total of 9 x 4 weeks sessions each year. This means we will be able to provide free reflexology sessions to 54 people each year. After the 30min reflexology session, people will have a 20-min foot spa session which will detoxify the feet and is a very relaxing experience.

     

    Sport 4 Health​ 

    £17,200

    Filipino Women Health and Support Project​ 

    Regular weekly indoor physical and social activities for improving physical health, and for mental wellbeing through creating strong friendship and support networks for Filipino Women. We will provide 2-hour activity sessions twice a week for 30 weeks per year (for 2 years) in both Pimlico South (at St. Gabriel’s Parish House) and Pimlico North (at Queen Mother Sports Centre). Activities (their choice) will include table-tennis, badminton, Pilates/stretching classes, etc and we aim to reach approx. 40 participants – mostly women.

     

    Motivez 

    £15,000

    Sustainable London​ 

    ‘Engage & Inspire’, ‘Empower’ and ‘Unleash’ using a hackathon approach to build community, strengthen confidence and increase feelings of inclusivity. Through 15+ fun activities, intimate fireside chats, team-building activities, site visits, and mentoring led by relatable and inspirational young professionals (volunteers), the students will increase their awareness of how they can solve these issues through STEM.

     

    Well Played​ 

    £17,340

    Well Played Community Hubs​  

    Invited by forthcoming ‘community hubs’ at Charing Cross/Victoria Libraries. Fulfilling established need (having completed community engagement). Increasing social barriers e.g. homelessness, isolation/mental health, increasing confidence/communication skills. Creative Writing with professional poets/writers, queer arts group and family story time.

     

    Individual​ Provider  

    £4,000

    Community Arts & Crafts Through Conversations​  

    Through arts and craft, we allow our participants to express themselves through nonverbal and verbal cues. The activity is also key to bringing the community together. We use mainly preloved materials and encourage sustainability creating sustainable art. This process is scientifically proven to enhance mental health. Single mothers, young adults, ethnic minorities who are less unaware of sustainable living and the public.

     

    WBWT​ 

    £25,000

    Stitch, Shuttle, and Soar​  

    The main activities of the “Stitch, Shuttle, and Soar” project include sewing classes, badminton sessions, 2 summer trips per year, along with two additional day outings for volunteers per year. The sewing classes will cater to 10-15 participants per session, with a total of 40 sessions held throughout the year. These classes provide a creative and cost-saving skill, enhancing mental well-being and community ties. Badminton sessions will host 10-12 participants per session, totalling 60 sessions over 2 years.

     

    Chinese Community Council​ 

    £7,632

    Outreach to the vulnerable​  

    Social “hub” for older Chinese people who either live or work in Chinatown as it is a service-providing charity organisation.   This fact affords us with daily face-to-face interactions with the community and hours spent building organic relationships with the people we serve, consequently developing deep insight into the complex and diverse views of disadvantaged people.  

     

    Bear Fitness​ 

    £29,659.20

    Bear Fitness Street Homelessness Programme​  

    Bear Fitness provides twice weekly fitness classes (~1 hour in length) in The Passage for people experiencing homelessness.

     

    Pro Touch SA CIC​ 

    £37,000

    Inspiring Youths in Health & Wellbeing ​ 

    Physical activities programme, mental health workshops, nutritional education sessions, community engagement events.

     

    Hotel School ​ 

    £30,000

    Hotel School 10-week programme​  

    Hotel School teaches hospitality skills to people experiencing homelessness and those who are vulnerable.

     

    Volta Theatre​ 

    £15,014

    Bright Lights​  

    Provide a 1hr after-school class three times per week, including yoga, pilates bodywork, fitness, stretching, breathing exercises, voice technique, yoga, bodyweight exercises, object-work, visualisation relaxation technique, stress management and performance science theory.

     

    Shop and Donate​ 

    £25,000

    Shop And Donate – Strengthening and Building Resilient Communities​  

    providing residents and families with essential food and goods which will help them with their health, diet and nutrition.  

     

    Individual provider ​ 

    £10,000

    Lunchtime Meals for Homeless​  

    The main activities are: preparing/sourcing the lunchtime meals

     

    Age UK, Westminster​ 

    £15,000

    Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) & Outreach Project​ 

    Over 24-months deliver 2 MCST sessions weekly for Westminster residents aged 60+ and family/carers. Each 2-hour session provides structured, and cognitively stimulating activities.

     

    The Feathers Association​ 

    £40,000

    Community Inclusion Project​ 

    Youth club, cultural events, residentials, vocational traing, including first aid, food sfety, & sports development.

     

    Mala CHERGA Theatre​ 

    £59,732

    Yoga and Dance for Adults and Children ​ 

    Mixed yoga class for men & women in the evenings, yoga class for women only in the mornings.

             49

    Photojournalism Hub CIC​ 

    £19,218

    Seeing the Green​  

    A nine-month project for 20 beneficiaries, each session will include learning documentary photography, followed by practical photography and group activities.

             50

    Creative Futures Ltd (London)​ 

    £20,000

    Community Families​  

    Community Families consists of 8 completely free music sessions every week during term-time for families with children aged 0-4 years old in north Westminster. (Nurture groups)

          51

    London Tigers​ 

    £47,398

    Tigers Connect: Supporting and empowering young people

    Sports to break down barriers of fear and distrust between communities including football, basketball, sports events, mentoring and volunteering activites.

    52

    North Paddington Youth Club​ 

    £40,000

    NPYC Intergenerational Project​  

    Youth club which provides health and fitness sessions and some therapeutic gardening sessions in our brand new 4 story building in Maida Vale.

    53

    Daily Veda​ 

    £22,260

    Little Lotus Meditation and Breathwork Sessions​  

    deliver weekly yoga sessions for 30 children which would consist of 3 x weekly sessions of 10 children per group.

    54

    Earth Living​ 

    £15,000

    Wellbeing Food Drive

    Our project supports over 70 residents who rely on our services, providing full-course meals, massage services for chronic pain relief, providing food parcels as we work with the local food banks to deliver the food parcels to the resident of Westminster.

    55

    Community for all​ 

    £30,000

    C4A’s Community Domino Effect (DE)

    DE is a bespoke culturally appropriate service that celebrates Caribbean culture whilst empowering individuals to make positive choices around health and lifestyle. DE provides a weekly social space that includes dominoes, music and food. It provides vital connections in the community for vulnerable isolated individuals as well as routine in a friendly environment.

    56

    Right at home​ 

    £6,000

    Memory Café for above 65 & carers​  

    The project aims to assist remote, localised communities by organising educational sessions on various subjects such as falls prevention, nutrition, home infection control, art, and chair exercises conducted by our team of senior physiotherapists.

    57

    West London Doulas​ 

    £26,843.5

    Free Birth Preparation Classes​ ​  

    run 8 free, 8 week antenatal courses, for expectant parents. Each weekly session is themed and led by a specialist speaker on that topic. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and discussion is encouraged. Each session includes yoga and relaxation to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing.  

    58

    Zodiac Arts / Sports4all​ 

    £29487.30

    Bee fit ​  

    Main activities of our project is to enhance health and well-being, community safety, and community development through chair based yoga, hydro swim sessions and windrush workshops.

              59

    7 Spheres 

    £28,976

    Church Street Community Cohesion Project 

    Yoga & Mindfulness and chess club

           60

    Individual 

    £19,010

    Dodge the Laziness 

    Dodgeball sessions for children and young people

            61

    Individual 

    £15,450

    Exploring Themes and Cultures through mosaics 

    Aims to reconnect children through 20 mosaic sessions, offering a fun environment to learn new skills/techniques. The final goal is for children to create a collaborative artwork for donation to hospitals/hospices/care homes.

           62

    Financial Harmony  

    £14,402

    Thrive & Tribe: Building Strong Futures Together  

    Fun workshops for young people to learn about financial concepts like budgeting and credit management.

          63

    Harrow Road Soup Kitchen

    £18,730

     HRSK Mentoring

    Training and mentoring for young people confidence-building, career exploration, and gaining real-world experience.

          64

    Plant Environment  

    £20,250

    What’s Growing On  

    Gardening and environmental awareness for the community

          65

       Cartoon Studios 

    £23,400

    JKCS: Arty and Wellbeing Wednesdays 

    Health and wellbeing workshops and events through art for mum’s, young & vulnerable people.

         66

       Vital Connections 

    £12,600

    “I Am – A Woman’s Voice” 

    67

    ESP Foundation 

    £30,000

    Girls Allowed 

    Sports and wellbeing activities for young girls.

    68

    Family Friends UK 

    £9,898

    Family Friends Befriending 

    Befriending and mentoring service for families from disadvantaged communities.

    69

    Jojays 

    £14,000

    Jojays Community Lunch Club 

    Help the local community improve their physical health and tackle social isolation through healthy meals.

    70

    MEWSO 

    £21,480

    Women’s Circle II 

    Sewing classes and walk & talk sessions for women – predominantly from the middle eastern background.

    71

    PACE 

    £18,984

    PACE Boccia at Beethoven 

    Bespoke physical activity programmes, including coaching in Boccia for all.

    72

    Progressay 

    £4,384

    Girl Power – Football for Girls 

    Football sessions for girls, including information and advice, parent support group and tuition classes

    73

    Queen’s Park Bangladeshi Association 

    £20,222

    Let’s Get Moving! 

    Sports & physical activities programmes to increase participation amongst the BME communities.

    74

    Queen’s Park Community Council 

    £20,000

    Queen’s Park Youth Holiday Camps 

    Youth activities for youths during the school holidays.

    75

    GarmHub

    £15,158

    GarmHubs – Clothes Bank

    Clothes Bank

               

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More electric vehicle chargers to be installed in Plymouth

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth will be trialling new ways to support residents who cannot charge their electric vehicles at home as they don’t have access to off street parking.

    An executive decision has been signed to trial different ways for residents to charge their electric vehicles across the city, to support residents who park on street as they don’t have private driveways or garages to charge their vehicles. Currently around 37 per cent of households in Plymouth do not have off street parking and have to travel to charge their car if they own an EV.

    As part of its electric vehicle strategy, the Council is allocating £2.415 million of funding obtained from the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to install:

    • 100 pavement channels to enable residents to run a cable from an electricity supply in their house. This is new for Plymouth and would initially be done on a trial basis.
    • 600 pedestal and/or flush fitting 7kW chargers (servicing 1,200 charging bays).  These will be publicly available chargers installed on streets and in car parks in areas where residents do not have access to off-street parking.

    Many of the existing public EV charge points in Plymouth, are super-fast chargers aimed at those who need to charge their cars quickly. There is however a lack of chargers in residential areas, where residents often wish to charge their cars more cheaply overnight.

    More drivers are making the switch to electric vehicles, with electric vehicles accounting for over 16 per cent of the new UK car market in 2023, according to industry statistics. However, electric vehicle uptake in Plymouth has been slower than the UK average, with only 1.5 per cent of 134,000 registered cars and vans as of mid 2024 compared to over 4.6 per cent across the UK. Affordability and insufficient financial incentives, along with perceived range anxiety have been some of the key barriers to EV uptake in Plymouth.

    Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Electric vehicles are a key component for how we get out and about in the future and it’s great to see that the city is starting to adapt and put this into practice.

    “We already have over 300 parking bays for electric vehicle charging across the city, but we need to make it easier for residents to charge electric vehicles close to home.”

    The Council will review requests from the public for proposals for pavement channels, charge point companies will install charge points across the city. We have divided the city up into 164 areas and all will have charge points.

    Find out more and how to apply for the EV charging trial here: www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymouth-ev-charging-trial

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Seven companies modernize and expand to drive growth

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Government of Canada support helps businesses in Dartmouth increase agility, competitiveness

    October 23, 2024 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)  

    Innovative manufacturing and technology solutions are giving Atlantic Canadian businesses a competitive edge. The Government of Canada is investing to help seven Dartmouth-based companies innovate, modernize and become more efficient.

    Exploring and seizing business opportunities

    Today, Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, announced that the federal government will invest total contributions of more than $6 million dollars to help seven small and medium-sized businesses scale up and modernize their operations. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

    The funding will help Farnell Packaging Incorporated, Ring Rescue Incorporated, Sunrise Foods Incorporated, Sunsel Systems Manufacturing Corporation, Ace Machining Limited, HFX Steel Framing Solutions Inc., and Aurea Technologies Inc. adopt technology, increase productivity and explore new markets.

    For more information on the companies and projects, please see the related backgrounder.

    Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to foster innovation, create jobs and strengthen the region’s economy.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council agrees Climate Change Strategy until 2030

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry’s Cabinet is set to approve its Climate Change Strategy that will cover the city until 2030.

    The strategy sets out how the Council plans to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change, working alongside partners, businesses and communities to create a more sustainable city. The city’s Climate Change Board has been instrumental in helping to shape the strategy, alongside feedback from public consultation undertaken last year. The strategy outlines the challenges, but more importantly the opportunities tackling climate change will deliver to local people, ranging from lower bills, warmer homes, greener streets, cleaner air, more jobs and skills.

    Coventry is currently delivering a range of projects while working towards the UK Government Net Zero target by 2050, with an interim target of 68% by 2030.

    The strategy asks five key questions:

    • How we adapt to weather changes caused by climate change and create more resilience in our infrastructure, services and systems?       

    • How we decarbonise our city including buildings, transport and industry and create a green economy?

    • How we use resources more efficiently?

    • How we tackle inequalities and deliver a just transition?

    • How we address the ecological emergency, reverse the decline in nature and create a greener city?

    The Strategy provides a foundation for how we will work with partners, businesses, organisations and communities to address climate change, which has many complex challenges which must be looked at holistically to deliver meaningful and lasting change.

    Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “Coventry City Council, like all other local authorities across the country, has an important leadership role to play in tackling the causes and consequences of climate change.

    “This strategy is just the beginning. It focuses on how to create opportunities for the whole city working in partnership with others to address a really wide range of issues- but all rooted in climate change.  We need everyone to play their part; as residents, businesses, educators and organisations, our action plan sets out what you can do to help drive positive change.

    “We are leading some really big projects in this area – putting us right at the heart of the green industrial revolution. We will be the first all-electric bus city, we have more on street charge points than any city outside London and of course we are pioneering Coventry Very Light Rail – a fully battery powered new transport system which could run on batteries produced at our gigafactory.

    “What’s also clear here is that this new revolution, this green approach, will also lead to new good jobs for local people and if we get this right, and we will, it will help us ensure that we support the most in need in the city. Our partnership with E.ON is leading some really good work in this area – with work to help people heat their homes for less.”

    Margot James, Chair of Coventry’s Independent Climate Change Board, said: “I am so proud of the work this board has done since its inception in 2021. We have seen the partnership grow from strength to strength, representing a huge breadth of expertise and passion for making a difference in Coventry.

    “We are striving to shape the city’s vision and make key recommendations for how we can improve the environment in Coventry. Taking bold action will help create a better future for everyone, and the board will continue to have a key role in ensuring its success.”

    The papers can be read on the Council website now

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –