Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Child protection caseworkers and government sign historic deal

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Families and Communities


    The NSW Government and the Public Service Association (PSA) have signed a reform agreement to deliver an immediate $8,283 pay increase for new caseworkers and improve rates of pay, roles and conditions for the state’s child protection workforce.

    The agreement covers more than 2,000 public sector caseworkers who do one of the most important jobs in the state, keeping vulnerable children safe.

    Under the reform agreement:

    • Child protection caseworkers will receive a 4 per cent pay increase this year, backdated to 1 July 2024, plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation. This totals 8 per cent in the first two years of the Labor Government;
    • The commencing rate for new child protection caseworkers in 2024-25 has been lifted by $8,283, including the 4 per cent;
    • A standalone child protection worker classification will be established for the first time in NSW history (currently child protection workers are under the general classification structure which covers nearly 80,000 workers);
    • The NSW Government and the PSA will enter into a reform process to update role descriptions and examine specific conditions such assafe working allocation guidelines;
    • At the conclusion of the reform process a three-year pay agreement will be made from 2025-26 onwards under a new Child Protection Award.

    This agreement delivers on a promise by the NSW Government to better support the vital work caseworkers do and consigns the former Coalition government’s punitive public sector wages cap to history.

    The NSW Government is also undertaking significant structural reform of the child protection system following years of neglect under the former government.

    The government will ban the use of unaccredited emergency accommodation for vulnerable children in the foster care system from March next year, with the government already achieving a 72 per cent reduction in the number of these arrangements since November 2023.

    The 2024-25 NSW Budget has invested $224 million in funding that will allow the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to: 

    • re-enter the market as a foster care provider and expand the recruitment of DCJ emergency foster carers to include longer-term carers,
    • introduce government-run intensive and professional foster care models,
    • deliver government-run residential care for children where non-government providers are unable to offer stable placements,
    • ensure children living in residential care are supported by high quality, accredited providers, and
    • commence recruiting family time workers and additional caseworkers to undertake carer authorisation assessments. 

    These initial measures will help rebuild the broken out-of-home care system and ensure that more children grow up in safe and loving homes in NSW. 

    Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:

    “Child protection caseworkers have one of the most challenging and important jobs in the world, keeping vulnerable children safe.

    “When we came into government, we inherited a broken child protection system with a workforce walking out the door because they hadn’t felt valued in years.

    “I have seen firsthand the incredible difference these workers make to children and families, and I hope that this agreement will encourage more caseworkers to take up positions with DCJ.

    “I thank the PSA and their hardworking members for their advocacy and commitment to keeping children in NSW safe.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Improving flood resilience around singleton

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads


    The Singleton Local Government Area has received $7 million in funding from the Albanese and Minns Governments to help improve the resilience of Kilfoyles Bridge and Stanhope Road ahead of future flood events.

    The funds, provided through the Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package, will go towards:

    • Raising Stanhope Road at Elderslie; and
    • The betterment of Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road with a two-lane concrete structure.

    Work to raise the road level along a one kilometer section of Stanhope Road is already underway and will involve major culvert upgrades to better manage drainage and improve access to the route during future rainfalls.

    The funding also covers raising Kilfoyles Bridge and approaches on Luskintyre Road by at least 2.2 metres, and upgrading the bridge to a two-lane concrete structure with a higher bridge deck and scour protection. This work is expected to start in November 2024.

    The improvements will help reduce the likelihood of road and bridge closures during severe weather and reduce costs for ongoing repairs and maintenance.

    These upgrades are jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

    “We are working with the Minns Government and regional councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day, but particularly in times of crisis.”

    “Upgraded roads and bridges will help residents stay connected during flooding and improve access to emergency services.

    “By raising the road and increasing the capacity of culverts, these projects will also reduce turbulence and help flood water escape quickly.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

    “We’ve seen over the last few years the devastation that constant rain and flooding has had on our communities and on our vital infrastructure.

    “Keeping our roads and bridges open during flood events is vital to stop communities being isolated.

    “It’s all about building back better and it’s about the Albanese Labor Government working with the states and the local government so that we can build back better and give people the future they need.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

    “This key investment by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments will improve Singleton’s resilience to floods.

    “Workers, students, tourists, freight operators and other residents will be able to continue to go about their business, get to education and medical appointments with less inconvenience and disruption during disasters.

    “This will reduce their reliance on Surf Life Saving and the State Emergency Service (SES), particularly for residents of smaller communities like Lambs Valley and Stanhope.

    Quotes attributable to NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal:

    “These flood resilience projects will keep communities better connected during disasters while importantly protecting lives and livelihoods across the Upper Hunter.

    “It’s great to see all three levels of government working together to deliver projects that make such a big difference to our regional communities.”

    Quotes attributable to Singleton Council Mayor Sue Moore:

    “I’m very pleased to have State and Federal Governments working together to improve access in times of flooding for Singleton rural communities.”

    Quotes attributable to Singleton Council General Manager Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr:

    “Stanhope Road and Kilfoyles Bridge form an important transport route for the community and agricultural businesses but in times of flooding, they become inundated and unpassable for days at a time.

    “By upgrading and raising the level of this road and bridge, we’ll keep our community connected during future flooding disasters.

    “We’re extremely grateful to the Australian and NSW governments for their support to deliver these integral infrastructure projects for Singleton.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Time’s Running Out! Louisiana Non-Profits: SBA Deadline for Hurricane Francine Property Damage Aid Nears

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    “As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists, in person and online, so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.” 

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded Louisiana private nonprofit organizations of the Nov. 22, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by Hurricane Francine that occurred Sept. 9-12. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.

    According to Sánchez, eligible private nonprofits of any size may apply for SBA federal disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    In addition, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help eligible private nonprofits meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the private nonprofit suffered any property damage. Private nonprofits have until June 23, 2025, to apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez continued. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    These low-interest federal disaster loans are available in Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington and West Feliciana parishes.

    The interest rate is 3.25 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

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

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

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

    ###

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW invites technology and AI solutions to improve planning assessments

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces


    The Minns Labor Government is calling on the best and brightest in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology tools to improve the NSW Planning Portal and speed up assessment timeframes to deliver more homes, jobs and infrastructure.

    The NSW Planning Portal processes all the state’s Development Applications (DA) as well as Complying Development Certificates (CDC) and Concurrence and Referrals (C&R) for DAs that require state agency advice.

    The NSW Government has launched two Requests for Proposals (RFP) seeking innovative technology and AI solutions to integrate into the Planning Portal as a feature of the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem. The first RFP asks for:

    • Products to improve DA quality and assessment times that can be integrated into the existing Portal
    • Products or services that use AI to provide data analytics and spatial insights
    • Products to strengthen cybersecurity and improve user privacy including document security and certificate forgery

    A second tender seeking a range of technology enhancements to upgrade the core platform functionality of the NSW Planning Portal which include:

    • Making this legacy platform more efficient through upgrades to assessment and implementation planning
    • Seeking products that improve security through data processing and document migration and validation
    • Enhancements to the core platform, making it more reliable and improving the user experience

    These two RFPs follow the NSW Government’s $5.6 million investment to introduce AI into the planning system with 16 councils currently trialling AI solutions through the AI Early Adopter Grant.

    To provide a Request for Proposal for the NSW Planning Portal, applicants should respond by 3pm on Friday 1 November: NSW Planning Portal – Pega Upgrade – SR00252 | buy.nsw

    To provide a Request for Proposal for the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal ecosystem applicants should respond by 3pm on Monday 4 November: Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem – SR00132 | buy.nsw

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “The NSW Planning Portal services millions of people, it should be utilising the best technological platforms available to us.

    “AI can assist planners to determine DAs much faster and that means faster assessments for housing across NSW.

    “We are also looking for solutions to improve the core technology of the Planning Portal to improve user experience.

    “The Minns Labor Government is bringing the planning system into the 21st century.

    “Our Early Adopter AI grant Program has already seen 16 councils commence technology trials to help their planners free up valuable time and energy to improve assessment times. This next round of technology enhancements will bring us even closer to the future of digital assessment in the planning system.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERIE COUNTY – Governor Shapiro, Agriculture Secretary Redding to Announce Significant Investment in Local Potato Farm and Fry Company

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 23, 2024Waterford, PA

    ADVISORY – ERIE COUNTY – Governor Shapiro, Agriculture Secretary Redding to Announce Significant Investment in Local Potato Farm and Fry Company

    Governor Josh Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will join Troyer, Inc. to announce the Commonwealth’s significant new investment in its organic farm fry company, Folkland Foods, to build out a state-of-the-art organic potato fry manufacturing plant, creating 50 new local jobs in the first three years.

    Folkland Foods is a start-up organic food company based in Erie County and will continue the Troyer family’s rich legacy and impact in the northwestern Pennsylvania snack foods industry.

    The Shapiro Administration’s Economic Development Strategy puts agriculture front and center – with the Governor’s 2024-25 budget making critical investment to support and attract new agricultural businesses and build the future of American agriculture right here in Pennsylvania.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding
    Zachary Troyer, Co-Founder of Folkland Foods
    Brian Garlick, Chief Operating Officer of Folkland Foods

    WHEN:
    Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 1:15 PM

    WHERE:
    Folkland Foods
    817 Rt. 97
    Waterford, PA 16441

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Guilty Plea of Fruitland Woman in Knife-Assault Case

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

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Fruitland woman pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of felony assault for assaulting and seriously injuring another woman with a pocketknife.

    According to court documents, on February 21, 2024, Richelle R. Upshaw, 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe with a knife (considered a “dangerous weapon” under federal law), and that assault resulted in serious bodily injury to Doe’s head and face.

    At sentencing, Upshaw faces up to 20 years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Upshaw will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. She must also make criminal restitution to the victim of her stabbing.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Andrew Cardno to Deliver Keynote at November Gaming Conference in Phoenix: “How are Technology Advancements Impacting Decision Making and Driving Innovation in Gaming?”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The gaming industry continues to evolve with the rapid integration of advanced technologies, offering new pathways for innovation and decision-making. Andrew Cardno, Chief Technology Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), will deliver a keynote address titled “How are Technology Advancements Impacting Decision Making and Driving Innovation in Gaming?” at this year’s premier gaming conference, taking place on November 12th and 13th in Phoenix, Arizona.

    Cardno, a leading expert with over two decades of experience in gaming and technology, will explore how advancements such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven solutions are reshaping decision-making processes within the gaming industry. His address will provide actionable insights for professionals seeking to stay ahead in this fast-paced environment.

    “Technology is no longer just an enabler; it’s the driving force behind innovation in gaming,” said Andrew Cardno. “At this year’s conference, I will delve into how these advancements can empower industry leaders to make better, faster decisions and capitalize on new opportunities for growth.”

    Mark Pace, President of the International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA), praised Cardno’s expertise: “Andrew Cardno has a deep understanding of how technology is transforming the gaming industry. His ability to translate complex innovations into practical, strategic insights makes him the ideal keynote speaker. His work continues to inspire and guide decision-makers across the gaming world.”

    The conference, held in Phoenix on November 12th and 13th, promises to be a hub of cutting-edge discussions and networking opportunities, bringing together top leaders to explore the future of gaming.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI AGI Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Denver, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at http://www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Andrew Cardno
    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOWELL, Mass., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBTC), parent of Enterprise Bank, announced its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Net income amounted to $10.0 million, or $0.80 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.5 million, or $0.77 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and $9.7 million, or $0.79 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Selected financial results at or for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2024 were as follows:

    • The returns on average assets and average equity were 0.82% and 11.20%, respectively.
    • Tax-equivalent net interest margin (non-GAAP) (“net interest margin”) was 3.22%, an increase of 3 basis points.
    • Total loans amounted to $3.86 billion, an increase of 2.4%.
    • Total deposits amounted to $4.19 billion, a decrease of 1.4%.
    • Wealth assets under management and administration amounted to $1.51 billion, an increase of 8.5%.

    Chief Executive Officer Steven Larochelle commented, “Our team continued to deliver strong results in the third quarter. Loan growth was 2.4% for the quarter and 13.4% over the past twelve months. Customer deposits, which were down slightly during the quarter, have increased 5.3% in 2024 and 3.2% over the last twelve months. We continue to be primarily core funded and had no brokered deposits at September 30, 2024. Total borrowings were down $1.8 million compared to June 30, 2024, and amounted to only $59.9 million, or 1.3% of total assets. Higher deposit costs and the inverted yield curve continued to be a headwind, but net interest margin increased to 3.22% in the third quarter of 2024 from 3.19% in the prior quarter and benefited by 2 basis points from a large seasonal deposit.”

    Mr. Larochelle continued, “We remain committed to our long-term strategy of geographic expansion and customer acquisition through organic growth and investment in our team members, communities, products and technology. We are well positioned with a strong balance sheet, centered around a high-quality loan portfolio and favorable liquidity, core deposit funding and capital, paired with a conservative credit and reserve culture.”

    Executive Chairman & Founder George Duncan stated, “I would like to congratulate Steve, who completed his first quarter as CEO of Enterprise, and the whole team for a very successful quarter. I am particularly impressed that the team has been able to achieve such strong loan and deposit growth while stabilizing our net interest margin and without significant increases in wholesale funding. I firmly believe this is a testament to our relationship based, sales and service culture partnered with our strong commitment to community outreach and involvement.”

    Mr. Duncan added, “On September 5th, we were once again recognized at the Boston Business Journal’s Corporate Citizenship Summit for our significant contributions in employee volunteerism and corporate philanthropy. In particular, I am very proud that we ranked 2nd in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the highest average of volunteer hours per employee.”

    Net Interest Income
    Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, amounted to $38.0 million, a decrease of $482 thousand, or 1%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was due primarily to increases in deposit interest expense of $7.7 million and borrowings interest expense of $646 thousand and a decrease in income on other interest-earning assets of $971 thousand, partially offset by an increase in loan interest income of $9.3 million.

    The increase in interest expense during the period was attributed primarily to an increase in the cost of funds and changes in deposit mix, while the increase in interest income during the period was due primarily to loan growth and higher market interest rates.

    Net Interest Margin
    Net interest margin was 3.22% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 3.19% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 3.46% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Asset yields for the third quarter of 2024 were 5.09%, an increase of 8 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024, due primarily to new loan originations, loans repricing and an increase in the average balance of other interest-earning assets, which resulted mainly from deposit inflows during the period. Average total loans increased $105.3 million, or 3%, and average other interest-earning assets increased $57.6 million, or 46%, compared to the second quarter of 2024.

    The cost of funds for the third quarter of 2024 was 1.99%, an increase of 5 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024. During the third quarter of 2024, average total deposits increased $128.8 million, or 3%, and the cost of deposits increased 6 basis points, compared to the second quarter of 2024. The increase in average total deposits was comprised of increases in average lower-cost checking account balances of $59.4 million, or 3%, which was driven primarily by a large seasonal deposit, and higher-cost savings, money market and certificate of deposit account balances of $69.4 million, or 3%.

    Provision for Credit Losses
    The provision for credit losses for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 are presented below:

        Three months ended   Increase / (Decrease)
    (Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Provision for credit losses on loans – collectively evaluated   $ (663 )   $ (1,518 )   $ 855  
    Provision for credit losses on loans – individually evaluated     2,311       2,512       (201 )
    Provision for credit losses on loans     1,648       994       654  
                 
    Provision for unfunded commitments     (316 )     758       (1,074 )
                 
    Provision for credit losses   $ 1,332     $ 1,752     $ (420 )

    The increase in the provision for credit losses on loans of $654 thousand was due primarily to a net increase in reserves on individually evaluated loans. The increase in reserves on individually evaluated loans for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was driven by one individually evaluated commercial relationship which was downgraded, placed on non-accrual and assigned specific reserves of $3.4 million, partially offset by a reduction of $1.2 million in specific reserves resulting from a commercial relationship that experienced improvement in its collateral valuation during the period. The reduction in the provision for unfunded commitments of $1.1 million was driven primarily by a decrease in off-balance sheet commitments during the period.

    Non-Interest Income
    Non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, amounted to $6.1 million, an increase of $1.7 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in non-interest income was due primarily to increases in gains on equity securities, wealth management fees and deposit and interchange fees.

    Non-Interest Expense
    Non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, amounted to $29.4 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 4%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in non-interest expense was due primarily to an increase in salaries and employee benefits expense of $938 thousand, or 5%.

    Balance Sheet
    Total assets amounted to $4.74 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $4.47 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of 6%.

    Total investment securities at fair value amounted to $632.0 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $668.2 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease of 5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was largely attributable to principal pay-downs, calls and maturities. Unrealized losses on debt securities amounted to $80.8 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $102.9 million at December 31, 2023, a decrease of 21% that resulted from lower term interest rates.

    Total loans amounted to $3.86 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $3.57 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase of 8% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was due primarily to increases in commercial real estate and construction loans of $175.2 million and $89.3 million, respectively.

    Total deposits amounted to $4.19 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $3.98 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase of 5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was due primarily to increases in money market and certificate of deposit balances of $85.5 million and $153.6 million, respectively.

    Total borrowed funds amounted to $59.9 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $25.8 million at December 31, 2023. The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 resulted from a term advance in the first quarter of 2024.

    Total shareholders’ equity amounted to $368.1 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $329.1 million at December 31, 2023. The increase of 12% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was due primarily to an increase in retained earnings of $19.1 million and a decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $17.1 million.

    Credit Quality
    Selected credit quality metrics at September 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, were as follows:

    • The ACL for loans amounted to $63.7 million, or 1.65% of total loans, compared to $59.0 million, or 1.65% of total loans.
    • The reserve for unfunded commitments (included in other liabilities) amounted to $4.6 million, compared to $7.1 million.
    • Non-performing loans amounted to $25.9 million, or 0.67% of total loans, compared to $11.4 million, or 0.32% of total loans. The increase in non-performing loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 resulted primarily from two individually evaluated commercial construction loans which were placed on non-accrual.

    Net recoveries amounted to $7 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $12 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Wealth Management
    Wealth assets under management and administration, which are not carried as assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, amounted to $1.51 billion at September 30, 2024, an increase of $194.9 million, or 15%, compared to December 31, 2023, and resulted primarily from an increase in market values.

    About Enterprise Bancorp, Inc.
    Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts corporation that conducts substantially all its operations through Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, commonly referred to as Enterprise Bank, and has reported 140 consecutive profitable quarters. Enterprise Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and investing in commercial loans and investment securities. Through Enterprise Bank and its subsidiaries, the Company offers a range of commercial, residential and consumer loan products, deposit products and cash management services, electronic and digital banking options, as well as wealth management, and trust services. The Company’s headquarters and Enterprise Bank’s main office are located at 222 Merrimack Street in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Company’s primary market area is the Northern Middlesex, Northern Essex, and Northern Worcester counties of Massachusetts and the Southern Hillsborough and Southern Rockingham counties in New Hampshire. Enterprise Bank has 27 full-service branches located in the Massachusetts communities of Acton, Andover, Billerica (2), Chelmsford (2), Dracut, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Lowell (2), Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury (2), Tyngsborough and Westford and in the New Hampshire communities of Derry, Hudson, Londonderry, Nashua (2), Pelham, Salem and Windham.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This earnings release contains statements about future events that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by references to a future period or periods or by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “assume,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” and other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements should not be relied on because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results, performance, and achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the impact on us and our customers of a decline in general economic conditions and any regulatory responses thereto; potential recession in the United States and our market areas; the impacts related to or resulting from bank failures and any uncertainty in the banking industry, including the associated impact to the Company and other financial institutions of any regulatory changes or other mitigation efforts taken by government agencies in response thereto; increased competition for deposits and related changes in deposit customer behavior; the impact of changes in market interest rates, whether due to the current elevated interest rate environment or future reductions in interest rates and a resulting decline in net interest income; the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation or inflationary pressures in our market areas and the United States; the uncertain impacts of ongoing quantitative tightening and current and future monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; increases in unemployment rates in the United States and our market areas; declines in commercial real estate values and prices; uncertainty regarding United States fiscal debt, deficit and budget matters; cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks; severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability or other external events, including as a result of changes in U.S. presidential administrations or Congress; competition and market expansion opportunities; changes in non-interest expenditures or in the anticipated benefits of such expenditures; changes in tax laws; the risks related to the development, implementation, use and management of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learnings; potential increased regulatory requirements and costs related to the transition and physical impacts of climate change; and current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions. Therefore, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For more information about these factors, please see our reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q on file with the SEC, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Any forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty, and specifically disclaim any duty, to update or revise any such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (unaudited)

    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents:            
    Cash and due from banks   $ 60,466     $ 37,443     $ 45,345  
    Interest-earning deposits with banks     28,166       19,149       180,076  
    Total cash and cash equivalents     88,632       56,592       225,421  
    Investments:            
    Debt securities at fair value (amortized cost of $703,311, $763,981 and $806,077, respectively)     622,527       661,113       672,894  
    Equity securities at fair value     9,448       7,058       6,038  
    Total investment securities at fair value     631,975       668,171       678,932  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock     2,482       2,402       2,403  
    Loans held for sale     1,229       200        
    Loans:            
    Total loans     3,858,940       3,567,631       3,404,014  
    Allowance for credit losses     (63,654 )     (58,995 )     (57,905 )
    Net loans     3,795,286       3,508,636       3,346,109  
    Premises and equipment, net     43,291       44,931       43,391  
    Lease right-of-use asset     24,291       24,820       24,979  
    Accrued interest receivable     20,529       19,233       18,572  
    Deferred income taxes, net     44,067       49,166       55,080  
    Bank-owned life insurance     66,899       65,455       65,106  
    Prepaid income taxes     4,645       1,589       2,548  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     13,827       19,183       14,177  
    Goodwill     5,656       5,656       5,656  
    Total assets   $ 4,742,809     $ 4,466,034     $ 4,482,374  
    Liabilities and ShareholdersEquity            
    Liabilities            
    Deposits   $ 4,189,461     $ 3,977,521     $ 4,060,403  
    Borrowed funds     59,949       25,768       4,290  
    Subordinated debt     59,736       59,498       59,419  
    Lease liability     24,010       24,441       24,589  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     32,116       45,011       31,288  
    Accrued interest payable     9,428       4,678       2,686  
    Total liabilities     4,374,700       4,136,917       4,182,675  
    Commitments and Contingencies            
    ShareholdersEquity            
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued                  
    Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 12,428,426, 12,272,674 and 12,256,964 shares issued and outstanding, respectively.     124       123       123  
    Additional paid-in capital     110,110       107,377       106,451  
    Retained earnings     320,497       301,380       296,291  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (62,622 )     (79,763 )     (103,166 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     368,109       329,117       299,699  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 4,742,809     $ 4,466,034     $ 4,482,374  

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (unaudited)

        Three months ended   Nine months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Interest and dividend income:                    
    Other interest-earning assets   $         2,497             $         1,697           $         3,468             $         5,366             $         7,593          
    Investment securities             3,835                       3,943                     4,316                       11,812                       14,356          
    Loans and loans held for sale             53,809                       51,224                     44,501                       153,850                       125,855          
    Total interest and dividend income             60,141                       56,864                     52,285                       171,028                       147,804          
    Interest expense:                    
    Deposits             20,581                       19,172                     12,889                       57,025                       28,568          
    Borrowed funds             674                       664                     28                       2,032                       70          
    Subordinated debt             866                       867                     866                       2,600                       2,600          
    Total interest expense             22,121                       20,703                     13,783                       61,657                       31,238          
    Net interest income             38,020                       36,161                     38,502                       109,371                       116,566          
    Provision for credit losses             1,332                       137                     1,752                       2,091                       6,756          
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses             36,688                       36,024                     36,750                       107,280                       109,810          
    Non-interest income:                    
    Wealth management fees             2,025                       1,970                     1,673                       5,845                       4,933          
    Deposit and interchange fees             2,282                       2,284                     1,987                       6,635                       6,330          
    Income on bank-owned life insurance, net             518                       503                     327                       1,479                       950          
    Net losses on sales of debt securities             (2 )             —                     —                       (2 )             (2,419 )
    Net gains on sales of loans             57                       44                     14                       123                       34          
    Net gains (losses) on equity securities             604                       101                     (181 )             1,170                       (8 )
    Other income             656                       726                     666                       2,013                       2,242          
    Total non-interest income             6,140                       5,628                     4,486                       17,263                       12,062          
    Non-interest expense:                    
    Salaries and employee benefits             20,097                       19,675                     19,159                       58,948                       53,815          
    Occupancy and equipment expenses             2,438                       2,406                     2,433                       7,303                       7,439          
    Technology and telecommunications expenses             2,618                       2,658                     2,626                       8,021                       7,937          
    Advertising and public relations expenses             559                       674                     592                       1,976                       2,077          
    Audit, legal and other professional fees             569                       711                     735                       2,014                       2,157          
    Deposit insurance premiums             900                       862                     654                       2,621                       1,944          
    Supplies and postage expenses             261                       240                     251                       738                       753          
    Other operating expenses             1,911                       1,803                     1,862                       5,669                       5,853          
    Total non-interest expense             29,353                       29,029                     28,312                       87,290                       81,975          
    Income before income taxes             13,475                       12,623                     12,924                       37,253                       39,897          
    Provision for income taxes             3,488                       3,111                     3,225                       9,247                       9,746          
    Net income   $         9,987             $         9,512           $         9,699             $         28,006             $         30,151          
                         
    Basic earnings per common share   $         0.80             $         0.77           $         0.79             $         2.26             $         2.47          
    Diluted earnings per common share   $         0.80             $         0.77           $         0.79             $         2.26             $         2.46          
                         
    Basic weighted average common shares outstanding             12,428,543                       12,389,917                     12,247,892                       12,370,812                       12,210,740          
    Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding             12,438,160                       12,394,463                     12,264,778                       12,379,390                       12,233,861          

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Ratios
    (unaudited)

        At or for the three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Balance Sheet Data                    
    Total cash and cash equivalents   $ 88,632     $ 199,719     $ 147,834     $ 56,592     $ 225,421  
    Total investment securities at fair value     631,975       636,838       652,026       668,171       678,932  
    Total loans     3,858,940       3,768,649       3,654,322       3,567,631       3,404,014  
    Allowance for credit losses     (63,654 )     (61,999 )     (60,741 )     (58,995 )     (57,905 )
    Total assets     4,742,809       4,773,681       4,624,015       4,466,034       4,482,374  
    Total deposits     4,189,461       4,248,801       4,106,119       3,977,521       4,060,403  
    Borrowed funds     59,949       61,785       63,246       25,768       4,290  
    Subordinated debt     59,736       59,657       59,577       59,498       59,419  
    Total shareholders’ equity     368,109       340,441       333,439       329,117       299,699  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity     4,742,809       4,773,681       4,624,015       4,466,034       4,482,374  
                         
    Wealth Management                    
    Wealth assets under management   $ 1,212,076     $ 1,129,147     $ 1,105,036     $ 1,077,761     $ 984,647  
    Wealth assets under administration   $ 302,891     $ 267,529     $ 268,074     $ 242,338     $ 211,046  
                         
    Shareholders’ Equity Ratios                    
    Book value per common share   $ 29.62     $ 27.40     $ 26.94     $ 26.82     $ 24.45  
    Dividends paid per common share   $ 0.24     $ 0.24     $ 0.24     $ 0.23     $ 0.23  
                         
    Regulatory Capital Ratios                    
    Total capital to risk weighted assets     13.07 %     13.07 %     13.20 %     13.12 %     13.45 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets(1)     10.36 %     10.34 %     10.43 %     10.34 %     10.61 %
    Tier 1 capital to average assets     8.68 %     8.76 %     8.85 %     8.74 %     8.59 %
                         
    Credit Quality Data                    
    Non-performing loans   $ 25,946     $ 17,731     $ 18,527     $ 11,414     $ 11,656  
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.67 %     0.47 %     0.51 %     0.32 %     0.34 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.55 %     0.37 %     0.40 %     0.26 %     0.26 %
    ACL for loans to total loans     1.65 %     1.65 %     1.66 %     1.65 %     1.70 %
    Net (recoveries) charge-offs   $ (7 )   $ (130 )   $ 122     $ 15     $ (12 )
                         
    Income Statement Data                    
    Net interest income   $ 38,020     $ 36,161     $ 35,190     $ 36,518     $ 38,502  
    Provision for credit losses     1,332       137       622       2,493       1,752  
    Total non-interest income     6,140       5,628       5,495       5,547       4,486  
    Total non-interest expense     29,353       29,029       28,908       28,224       28,312  
    Income before income taxes     13,475       12,623       11,155       11,348       12,924  
    Provision for income taxes     3,488       3,111       2,648       3,441       3,225  
    Net income   $ 9,987     $ 9,512     $ 8,507     $ 7,907     $ 9,699  
                         
    Income Statement Ratios                    
    Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.80     $ 0.77     $ 0.69     $ 0.64     $ 0.79  
    Return on average total assets     0.82 %     0.82 %     0.75 %     0.69 %     0.85 %
    Return on average shareholders’ equity     11.20 %     11.55 %     10.47 %     10.21 %     12.53 %
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)(2)     3.22 %     3.19 %     3.20 %     3.29 %     3.46 %

    (1)   Ratio also represents common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets as of the periods presented.
    (2)   Tax-equivalent net interest margin is net interest income adjusted for the tax-equivalent effect associated with tax-exempt loan and investment income, expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Loan and Deposit Data
    (unaudited)

    Major classifications of loans at the dates indicated were as follows:

    (Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Commercial real estate owner-occupied   $ 660,063     $ 660,478     $ 635,420     $ 619,302     $ 618,903  
    Commercial real estate non owner-occupied     1,579,827       1,544,386       1,524,174       1,445,435       1,413,555  
    Commercial and industrial     415,642       426,976       417,604       430,749       425,334  
    Commercial construction     674,434       622,094       583,711       585,113       501,179  
    Total commercial loans     3,329,966       3,253,934       3,160,909       3,080,599       2,958,971  
                         
    Residential mortgages     424,030       413,323       400,093       393,142       362,514  
    Home equity loans and lines     95,982       93,220       85,144       85,375       74,433  
    Consumer     8,962       8,172       8,176       8,515       8,096  
    Total retail loans     528,974       514,715       493,413       487,032       445,043  
    Total loans     3,858,940       3,768,649       3,654,322       3,567,631       3,404,014  
                         
    ACL for loans     (63,654 )     (61,999 )     (60,741 )     (58,995 )     (57,905 )
    Net loans   $ 3,795,286     $ 3,706,650     $ 3,593,581     $ 3,508,636     $ 3,346,109  

    Deposits are summarized as follows as of the periods indicated:

    (Dollars in thousands)   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Non-interest checking   $ 1,064,424   $ 1,041,771   $ 1,038,887   $ 1,061,009   $ 1,118,714
    Interest-bearing checking     682,050     788,822     730,819     697,632     727,817
    Savings     279,824     294,566     285,090     294,865     302,381
    Money market     1,488,437     1,504,551     1,469,181     1,402,939     1,434,036
    CDs $250,000 or less     375,055     358,149     337,367     295,789     262,975
    CDs greater than $250,000     299,671     260,942     244,775     225,287     214,480
    Deposits   $ 4,189,461   $ 4,248,801   $ 4,106,119   $ 3,977,521   $ 4,060,403

    ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Yields (tax-equivalent basis)
    (unaudited)

    The following table presents the Company’s average balance sheets, net interest income and average rates for the periods indicated:

        Three months ended September 30, 2024   Three Months Ended June 30, 2024   Three months ended September 30, 2023
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average
    Balance
      Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest(1)   Average
    Yield(1)
    Assets:                                    
    Other interest-earning assets(2)   $ 181,465   $ 2,497   5.48 %   $ 123,887   $ 1,697   5.51 %   $ 260,475   $ 3,468   5.28 %
    Investment securities(3)(tax-equivalent)     731,815     3,945   2.16 %     750,822     4,057   2.16 %     820,156     4,444   2.17 %
    Loans and loans held for sale(4)(tax-equivalent)     3,813,800     53,956   5.63 %     3,708,485     51,366   5.57 %     3,372,754     44,644   5.25 %
    Total interest-earnings assets (tax-equivalent)     4,727,080     60,398   5.09 %     4,583,194     57,120   5.01 %     4,453,385     52,556   4.69 %
    Other assets     104,284             96,991             82,190        
    Total assets   $ 4,831,364           $ 4,680,185           $ 4,535,575        
                                         
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                                    
    Non-interest checking   $ 1,069,130           $ 1,044,648           $ 1,186,243        
    Interest checking, savings and money market     2,574,439     13,017   2.01 %     2,520,439     12,381   1.98 %     2,491,229     9,185   1.47 %
    CDs     651,614     7,564   4.62 %     601,339     6,791   4.54 %     430,376     3,704   3.41 %
    Total deposits     4,295,183     20,581   1.91 %     4,166,426     19,172   1.85 %     4,107,848     12,889   1.24 %
    Borrowed funds     61,232     674   4.38 %     62,513     664   4.27 %     4,938     28   2.30 %
    Subordinated debt(5)     59,689     866   5.81 %     59,609     867   5.82 %     59,372     866   5.84 %
    Total funding liabilities     4,416,104     22,121   1.99 %     4,288,548     20,703   1.94 %     4,172,158     13,783   1.31 %
    Other liabilities     60,524             60,270             56,414        
    Total liabilities     4,476,628             4,348,818             4,228,572        
    Stockholders’ equity     354,736             331,367             307,003        
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 4,831,364           $ 4,680,185           $ 4,535,575        
                                         
    Net interest-rate spread (tax-equivalent)           3.10 %           3.07 %           3.38 %
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent)         38,277             36,417             38,773    
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)           3.22 %           3.19 %           3.46 %
    Less tax-equivalent adjustment         257             256             271    
    Net interest income       $ 38,020           $ 36,161           $ 38,502    
    Net interest margin           3.20 %           3.17 %           3.43 %

    (1)   Average yields and interest income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis, calculated using a U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% for each period presented, based on tax-equivalent adjustments associated with tax-exempt loans and investments interest income.
    (2)   Average other interest-earning assets include interest-earning deposits with banks, federal funds sold and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    (3)   Average investment securities are presented at average amortized cost.
    (4)   Average loans and loans held for sale are presented at average amortized cost and include non-accrual loans.
    (5)   Subordinated debt is net of average deferred debt issuance costs.

    Contact Info:        Joseph R. Lussier, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (978) 656-5578

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sinema, Kelly Announce Nearly $107 Million Investment to Strengthen Gila River Indian Community’s Water Supply

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona)
    Law shaped by Sinema and Kelly provides the necessary funding for the agreement which has the potential to create system conservation of over 73,000 acre-feet within the next 10 years for the Gila River Indian Community
    WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced approximately $107,000,000 coming to the Gila River Indian Community to fulfill long-term water conservation agreements critical to Arizona’s water future and the long-term health of the Colorado River System. 
    The $107 million – allocated through the Sinema and Kelly shaped Inflation Reduction Act – will fund three projects for the Gila River Indian Community: $64 million to replace and upgrade irrigation systems on Gila River Farms, $26 million to concrete line more than 7.5 miles of earthen canals in the Blackwater area, and $17 million to construct a regulating reservoir to capture flows that are currently being spilled from the Santan Canal when too much water is accidentally ordered or delivered into the system.
    “Arizona continues to lead the way in water conservation. I’m proud to help secure nearly $107 million for the Gila River Indian Community – a critical step towards securing Arizona, and the entire West’s, water future for generations to come,” said Sinema. 
    “Upgrading irrigation systems and improving water management will help the Gila River Indian Community conserve more water and strengthen Arizona’s resilience to drought,” said Kelly. “These projects and the leadership of the Gila River Indian Community are essential to building a sustainable water future for Arizona, that protects the Colorado River and the communities that rely on it.” 
    “Our congressional champions, especially Senator Sinema, worked hard to include drought relief funding for the Colorado River in the IRA. Their foresight and determination provided us with the resources necessary to launch these projects.  By investing time and energy into careful planning, and in close partnership with our trustee, the Bureau of Reclamation, we were able to not only sign the first Bucket 2 infrastructure investment agreements, but also to break ground on all three of them this month,” said Governor Lewis. He continued, “Arizona is leading the way in combatting drought, and we are proud that we have been able to be the first to put the resources our congressional champions and this Administration made available to us.”
    In June, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced an initial $700 million investment from the Inflation Reduction Act to support long-term water conservation and protect the health of the Colorado River System. 
    The agreements with the Gila River Indian Community represent the first long-term agreements to be signed and have the potential to create system conservation of over 73,000 acre-feet within the next 10 years. 
    Last year, Sinema secured a nearly $64 million investment to fulfill new water conservation agreements across Arizona – including from tribal communities, local municipalities, and a farm – which will conserve up to 162,710-acre feet of water in Lake Mead through 2026.
    Between Sinema’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Senator has secured more than $12 billion in drought relief and Western water funding that made this investment possible.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister warns Russian threat to global stability is accelerating as Putin ramps up attacks on Black Sea

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea, delaying vital aid from reaching Palestinians, and stopping crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the global south.

    • Grain ships collateral damage in the Black Sea as Russian risk appetite increases, UK intelligence shows.
    • Prime Minister calls out Russia’s actions, saying the Black Sea strikes underscore that Putin is willing to risk anything in attempts to force Ukraine into submission.
    • UK and Norway at the forefront of protecting the corridor, funding cutting edge maritime capabilities for Ukraine to ensure grain can reach the global south.

    Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea, delaying vital aid from reaching Palestinians, and stopping crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the global south.

    The acceleration in attacks coincides with harvest season in Ukraine, a country which remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, crucial for global food security.

    Putin’s almost 1000-day conflict in Ukraine has reduced supplies for some of the world’s most in need and helped drive up food and fuel prices across the globe.

    Now, UK intelligence shows that there has been a noticeable increase in Russian risk appetite when conducting strikes on port infrastructure, with grain ships becoming collateral damage in Russia’s campaign. 

    Those strikes are believed to have delayed the MV SHUI SPIRIT from departing Ukraine while carrying vegetable oil destined for the World Food Programme in Palestine.

    It has also hit ships loaded with grain destined for Egypt, two vessels carrying corn – which Ukraine is the second biggest supplier to China of – and World Food Programme shipments bound for southern Africa. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on ports in the Black Sea underscore that Putin is willing to gamble on global food security in his attempts to force Ukraine into submission. 

    ‘’In doing so, he is harming millions of vulnerable people across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, to try and gain the upper hand in his barbaric war. 

    “In recent weeks, we have seen reporting that the Kremlin has been forced to turn to North Korea to provide troops to fuel its self-destructing war machine, an embarrassing and desperate act, and now they are intensifying attacks on areas of Ukraine that support the global south with much-needed food. 

    “Russia has no respect for the norms and laws that govern our international system. Not only was their illegal invasion a blatant attack on the principles of the UN Charter, but the way they have executed their war in Ukraine shows no respect for human life, or the consequences of their invasion across the world.” 

    According to Defence Intelligence, between 05 – 14 October 2024, at least four merchant vessels have been struck by Russian munitions. 

    These include: 

    1.       05 October 2024 – Yuzhny port – MV PARESA (St Kitts and Nevis flagged) was almost certainly the target of the strike that damaged it. Following the attack, the Russian MoD released a video of what they say shows the vessel unloading containerised cargo which they likely perceive to be weapons. 

    2.       07 October 2024 – Odesa port – MV  OPTIMA (Palau flagged). There is a realistic possibility that the vessel was collateral damage as a result of a strike on port infrastructure and was not the direct target of the attack. MV OPTIMA was also likely further damaged in a strike on port infrastructure on 15 October 2024. 

    3.       08 October 2024 – Chronomorsk port MV SHUI SPIRIT (Panama flagged).Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitalii Koval stated the MV SHUI SPIRIT was carrying sunflower oil as part of a UN shipment. However, the vessel was a containerised cargo carrier and noting the earlier strike on MV OPTIMA, there is a realistic possibility that this vessel was also the target of the strike as opposed to collateral damage. 

    4.       14 October 2024 – Odesa port – NS MOON (Belize flagged) was likely damaged in strikes on port infrastructure. The vessel was likely collateral damage in strikes on port infrastructure. 

    The announcement comes as this government announces a further £2.26 billion for Ukraine as part of the UK’s contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme.  

    Through the scheme, $50 billion from G7 countries will be delivered to Ukraine for its military, budget and reconstruction needs. The loan will be repaid using the extraordinary profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets. 

    The UK has been at the forefront of work to protect the maritime corridor in the Black Sea. The Maritime Capability Coalition – led by the UK and Norway – is focused on delivering a future naval fighting force for Ukraine and has been instrumental in helping to equip Ukraine’s navy with items such as uncrewed surface vessels, better known as maritime drones, which will protect the corridor. 

    The UK is donating an additional £120 million toward the Maritime Capability Coalition and is seeking partners to co-fund delivery of hundreds more maritime drones (aerial and uncrewed boats), as well as surveillance radars to protect the Grain Corridor. 

    And together, the UK and Norway are seeking a further £100 million to co-fund hundreds more. 

    Recent gifting packages have provided dozens of amphibious all-terrain vehicles and raiding craft, hundreds of anti-ship missiles for coastal defence and river operations, and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition to accompany the machine guns we have provided. 

    Russia’s brutal and indiscriminate attacks have not been limited to the Black Sea, Putin’s forces have also been targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine throughout this year, aiming to make life intolerable for the Ukrainian people, especially as the country heads into winter. 

    They have attacked thousands of civilian targets, including hospitals and energy infrastructure. 

    Open-source intelligence shows there has been 1,522 attacks on Ukraine’s health care system since February 2022, 774 attacks damaged or destroyed hospitals and clinics, and 234 health workers have been killed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Prime Minister warns Russian threat to global stability is accelerating as Putin ramps up attacks on Black Sea

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

    Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea, delaying vital aid from reaching Palestinians, and stopping crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the global south.

    • Grain ships collateral damage in the Black Sea as Russian risk appetite increases, UK intelligence shows.
    • Prime Minister calls out Russia’s actions, saying the Black Sea strikes underscore that Putin is willing to risk anything in attempts to force Ukraine into submission.
    • UK and Norway at the forefront of protecting the corridor, funding cutting edge maritime capabilities for Ukraine to ensure grain can reach the global south.

    Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea, delaying vital aid from reaching Palestinians, and stopping crucial grain supplies from being delivered to the global south.

    The acceleration in attacks coincides with harvest season in Ukraine, a country which remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, crucial for global food security.

    Putin’s almost 1000-day conflict in Ukraine has reduced supplies for some of the world’s most in need and helped drive up food and fuel prices across the globe.

    Now, UK intelligence shows that there has been a noticeable increase in Russian risk appetite when conducting strikes on port infrastructure, with grain ships becoming collateral damage in Russia’s campaign. 

    Those strikes are believed to have delayed the MV SHUI SPIRIT from departing Ukraine while carrying vegetable oil destined for the World Food Programme in Palestine.

    It has also hit ships loaded with grain destined for Egypt, two vessels carrying corn – which Ukraine is the second biggest supplier to China of – and World Food Programme shipments bound for southern Africa. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on ports in the Black Sea underscore that Putin is willing to gamble on global food security in his attempts to force Ukraine into submission. 

    ‘’In doing so, he is harming millions of vulnerable people across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, to try and gain the upper hand in his barbaric war. 

    “In recent weeks, we have seen reporting that the Kremlin has been forced to turn to North Korea to provide troops to fuel its self-destructing war machine, an embarrassing and desperate act, and now they are intensifying attacks on areas of Ukraine that support the global south with much-needed food. 

    “Russia has no respect for the norms and laws that govern our international system. Not only was their illegal invasion a blatant attack on the principles of the UN Charter, but the way they have executed their war in Ukraine shows no respect for human life, or the consequences of their invasion across the world.” 

    According to Defence Intelligence, between 05 – 14 October 2024, at least four merchant vessels have been struck by Russian munitions. 

    These include: 

    1.       05 October 2024 – Yuzhny port – MV PARESA (St Kitts and Nevis flagged) was almost certainly the target of the strike that damaged it. Following the attack, the Russian MoD released a video of what they say shows the vessel unloading containerised cargo which they likely perceive to be weapons. 

    2.       07 October 2024 – Odesa port – MV  OPTIMA (Palau flagged). There is a realistic possibility that the vessel was collateral damage as a result of a strike on port infrastructure and was not the direct target of the attack. MV OPTIMA was also likely further damaged in a strike on port infrastructure on 15 October 2024. 

    3.       08 October 2024 – Chronomorsk port MV SHUI SPIRIT (Panama flagged).Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitalii Koval stated the MV SHUI SPIRIT was carrying sunflower oil as part of a UN shipment. However, the vessel was a containerised cargo carrier and noting the earlier strike on MV OPTIMA, there is a realistic possibility that this vessel was also the target of the strike as opposed to collateral damage. 

    4.       14 October 2024 – Odesa port – NS MOON (Belize flagged) was likely damaged in strikes on port infrastructure. The vessel was likely collateral damage in strikes on port infrastructure. 

    The announcement comes as this government announces a further £2.26 billion for Ukraine as part of the UK’s contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme.  

    Through the scheme, $50 billion from G7 countries will be delivered to Ukraine for its military, budget and reconstruction needs. The loan will be repaid using the extraordinary profits on immobilised Russian sovereign assets. 

    The UK has been at the forefront of work to protect the maritime corridor in the Black Sea. The Maritime Capability Coalition – led by the UK and Norway – is focused on delivering a future naval fighting force for Ukraine and has been instrumental in helping to equip Ukraine’s navy with items such as uncrewed surface vessels, better known as maritime drones, which will protect the corridor. 

    The UK is donating an additional £120 million toward the Maritime Capability Coalition and is seeking partners to co-fund delivery of hundreds more maritime drones (aerial and uncrewed boats), as well as surveillance radars to protect the Grain Corridor. 

    And together, the UK and Norway are seeking a further £100 million to co-fund hundreds more. 

    Recent gifting packages have provided dozens of amphibious all-terrain vehicles and raiding craft, hundreds of anti-ship missiles for coastal defence and river operations, and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition to accompany the machine guns we have provided. 

    Russia’s brutal and indiscriminate attacks have not been limited to the Black Sea, Putin’s forces have also been targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine throughout this year, aiming to make life intolerable for the Ukrainian people, especially as the country heads into winter. 

    They have attacked thousands of civilian targets, including hospitals and energy infrastructure. 

    Open-source intelligence shows there has been 1,522 attacks on Ukraine’s health care system since February 2022, 774 attacks damaged or destroyed hospitals and clinics, and 234 health workers have been killed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police Perpetuate Siege on Ōpōtiki

    Source: Te Pati Maori

    Te Pāti Māori MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi, says today’s police-sponsored terrorism in Ōpōtiki is a continuation of the State’s predatory behaviour towards the iwi of Te Whakatōhea.

    “Ōpōtiki is once again being intentionally targeted and is the direct byproduct of this Government’s ‘tough on crime’ legislative changes,” said MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi.

    “This predatory action only exacerbates the broken relationship between Te Whakatōhea and authorities, which has been strained for centuries, ever since the death of Rev. Carl Sylvius Völkner in 1865.

    “Violating whānau in their own homes on a hunch, and then throwing our people into this racist system, will do nothing to address the systemic issues created by this and successive Governments.

    “In anticipation of what we know will be yet another empty apology from the Government this week, we recognise these targeted attacks as merely doubling down on this Government’s racist agenda to exterminate our people.”

    “I demand that the Police Commissioner immediately convene a meeting with Te Whakatōhea and explain why the police have chosen to activate their state-sponsored terrorism in Ōpōtiki today, when te iwi Māori converges on Tuahiwi Marae in Ōtautahi for the hui ā-motu that empowers te iwi Māori to move towards our own nationalism and liberation from this oppressive Pākehā system.

    “Ōpōtiki needs stability, support, and meaningful community intervention, rather than actions that incite fear and division. It doesn’t need the state to continuously torment them,” said Waititi.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC to Hold a Commission Open Meeting October 29

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Rostin Behnam today announced the Commission will hold an open meeting Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (EDT) at the CFTC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. Members of the public can attend the meeting in person, listen by phone, or view a live stream at CFTC.gov.

    The Commission will consider the following: 

    • Final Rule – Operational Resilience Framework for Futures Commission Merchants, Swap Dealers, and Major Swap Participants 
    • Final Rule – Investment of Customer Funds by Futures Commission Merchants and Derivatives Clearing Organizations
       
    • Final Rule – Derivatives Clearing Organizations Recovery and Orderly Wind-down Plans; Information for Resolution Planning
       
    • Commission Fall 2024 Unified Agenda Submission
       
    • CFTC Executive and Supervisor Compensation Structures

    What:

    Commission Open Meeting

    Location:

    CFTC Headquarters Conference Center

    Three Lafayette Centre

    1155 21st Street N.W.

    Washington, D.C. 20581 

    When:

    Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024

    10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (EDT)

    Virtual Viewing/Listening Instructions: To access the live meeting feed, use the dial-in numbers below or stream at CFTC.gov. A live feed can also be streamed through the CFTC’s YouTube channel. Call-in participants should be prepared to provide their first name, last name, and affiliation, if applicable. Materials presented at the meeting, if any, will be made available online. Persons requiring special accommodations to access the virtual meeting because of disabilities should email [email protected].

    Participation Details

    Domestic Toll-Free:

     

    Domestic Toll:

     

    +1 833 568 8864 or +1 833 435 1820 

     

    +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 669 216 1590 or (U.S. Spanish Lines) +1 415 449 4000 or +1 646 964 1167

    Webinar ID:

    161 486 1920

    Passcode: 239574

    International Numbers:

    International Numbers

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Urges Western North Carolinians to Enroll in Disaster Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) as Relief Efforts Continue

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Cooper Urges Western North Carolinians to Enroll in Disaster Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) as Relief Efforts Continue

    Governor Cooper Urges Western North Carolinians to Enroll in Disaster Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) as Relief Efforts Continue
    mseets

    As relief efforts continue in Western North Carolina, Governor Cooper is encouraging Western North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene to enroll in Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) this week by the Thursday deadline. Eligible households can apply for help buying food through D-SNAP.

    “We know many North Carolinians were affected by Helene and D-SNAP is one of the many ways we are taking action to get help to those who need it,” said Governor Cooper. “I encourage all those eligible to apply by Thursday’s deadline. We will continue to support communities and families every step of the way as they recover.”

    The deadline to apply for D-SNAP is Thursday, October 24, 2024. Eligible households may apply for D-SNAP through Thursday, October 24 by phone or in person. More information including a list of application sites by county is available at ncdhhs.gov/dsnap.

    North Carolina National Guard and Military Response

    Over 3,000 Soldiers and Airmen are working in Western North Carolina. Joint Task Force- North Carolina, the task force led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of Soldiers and Airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities are working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina.

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping to assess water and wastewater plants and dams. Residents can track the status of the public water supply in their area through this website.

    FEMA Assistance

    Approximately $133 million in FEMA Individual Assistance funds have been paid so far to Western North Carolina disaster survivors and approximately 210,000 people have registered for Individual Assistance. Over 6,200 people have been helped through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance. More than 5,400 registrations for Small Business Administration Loans have been filed.

    Approximately 1,500 FEMA staff are in the state to help with the Western North Carolina relief effort. In addition to search and rescue and providing commodities, they are meeting with disaster survivors in shelters and neighborhoods to provide rapid access to relief resources. They can be identified by their FEMA logo apparel and federal government identification.

    North Carolinians can apply for Individual Assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 7am to 11pm daily or by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, or by downloading the FEMA app. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

    Help from Other States

    More than 1,600 responders from 39 state and local agencies have performed 147 missions supporting the response and recovery efforts through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This includes public health nurses, emergency management teams supporting local governments, veterinarians, teams with search dogs and more.

    Beware of Misinformation

    North Carolina Emergency Management and local officials are cautioning the public about false Helene reports and misinformation being shared on social media. NCEM has launched a fact versus rumor response webpage to provide factual information in the wake of this storm. FEMA also has a rumor response webpage.

    Efforts continue to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, using both ground resources and air drops from the NC National Guard. Food, water and commodity points of distribution are open throughout Western North Carolina. For information on these sites in your community, visit your local emergency management and local government social media and websites or visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

    Storm Damage Cleanup

    If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

    Power Outages

    Across Western North Carolina, approximately 5,200 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than 1 million. Overall power outage numbers will fluctuate up and down as power crews temporarily take circuits or substations offline to make repairs and restore additional customers.

    Road Closures

    Some roads are closed because they are too damaged and dangerous to travel. Other roads still need to be reserved for essential traffic like utility vehicles, construction equipment and supply trucks. However, some parts of the area are open and ready to welcome visitors which is critical for the revival of Western North Carolina’s economy. If you are considering a visit to the area, consult DriveNC.gov for open roads and reach out to the community and businesses you want to visit to see if they are welcoming visitors back yet.

    NCDOT currently has over 2,000 employees and 900 pieces of equipment working on over 7,400 damaged road sites.

    Fatalities

    Ninety-six storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. This number is expected to rise over the coming days. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will continue to confirm numbers twice daily. If you have an emergency or believe that someone is in danger, please call 911.

    Volunteers and Donations

    If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate. Donations will help to support local nonprofits working on the ground.

    For information on volunteer opportunities, please visit nc.gov/volunteernc.

    Additional Assistance

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you are seeking a representative from the North Carolina Joint Information Center, please email ncempio@ncdps.gov or call 919-825-2599.

    For general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    ###

    Oct 22, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Distributing Quantities of Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine, Marijuana, and Firearm Possession in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

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

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANAROLAND ROBINSON (“ROBINSON”), age 44, of New Orleans was sentenced on October 15, 2024, after previously pleading guilty to distribution of fentanyl and, possession with intent to distribute, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.  Specifically, ROBINSON was sentenced on each of 4 charged counts to 60 months imprisonment.  As to the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, ROBINSON was sentenced to 60 months to run consecutive to any other sentence.  ROBINSON was also sentenced to four years of supervised release and payment of a $500 mandatory special assessment fee.

    ROBINSON distributed fentanyl and possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana within the New Orleans area.  During this time, ROBINSON also possessed firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.

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

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: SECU Members Benefit from Suncoast Credit Union Mobile ATM During Storm Recovery

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Florida-based Suncoast Credit Union generously provided State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) with a mobile ATM to help support the financial needs of its members and area residents affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina (WNC). The mobile ATM offers 24-hour availability and is currently located at SECU’s Asheville-Oak Plaza Branch, which is without a functioning ATM and is operating on a modified schedule until water and other resources are fully restored.

    While most of its area branches and ATMs are operating in some capacity, SECU encourages members to check the online Branch and ATM Locator to determine if their closest location is open or operating on a modified schedule due to ongoing storm recovery.

    “We are very grateful to Suncoast Credit Union for their generosity and swift action in helping us deliver much-needed ATM access to support our members and others in the community who desperately need cash during this difficult time,” said SECU President and CEO Leigh Brady. “Western North Carolina has a long and challenging road ahead, and we will continue to find ways to help our neighbors recover from Helene’s destruction. We also recognize that as our Florida friends are extending helping hands to us, they are also recovering from storm damage, most recently from Hurricane Milton. We are keeping them close to our hearts and are ready to support them as well.”

    “Our goal is to be where we are needed because that is the credit union way,” said Suncoast Credit Union President and CEO Kevin Johnson. “People helping people is part of the Suncoast Credit Union DNA, so our traveling to North Carolina is an act of heartfelt readiness to serve those whose lives have, like many Floridians, been devastated by the fate of nature. Working together, we can create change and expedite restoration.”

    About SECU

    A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 87 years. SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States with $56 billion in assets. It serves more than 2.8 million members through 275 branch offices, over 1,100 ATMs, Member Services Support via phone, http://www.ncsecu.org, and the SECU Mobile App.

    About Suncoast Credit Union

    Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $18.7 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 78 full-service branches and serves more than 1.2 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $45 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit http://www.suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

    SECU Contact:  Sandra Jones, SVP – Communications
    Office:  (919) 508-8773 | sandra.jones@ncsecu.org

    Suncoast Contact:  Patti Barrow, Vice President of Media Relations
    Office:  (813) 280-4441 | patti.barrow@suncoastcreditunion.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/be2b89b6-5cac-422a-9af2-a3a3209ec1de

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Cramer: FAA Awards Nearly $3 Million for Terminal Expansion Projects at North Dakota Airports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    BISMARCK, N.D. – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an award of $2,950,000 to support terminal expansion projects at the following North Dakota airports: 

    • $2,000,000 to Hector International Airport for Phase 3 of a project to construct four new gates, rehabilitate holding rooms, and expand ticket and baggage handling areas. In August, the North Dakota delegation wrote a letter to DOT in support of the project.
    • $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.

    “This award is a step toward the completion of the expansion projects at Hector International Airport, giving Fargo residents and visitors coming to North Dakota a better, safer travel experience,” said U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure.Enhanced infrastructure projects like these help improve safety, increase air service capacity, and support economic growth in North Dakota.”

    These funds will be distributed through the FAA’s Airport Terminals Program (ATP), which was established by the fully-paid-for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide airports with funding for terminal modernization projects. Earlier this year, the delegation helped secure $10 million in funding from the ATP program to support Hector’s terminal expansion project.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators to Introduce Legislation Combatting Israel’s Persecution at the United Nations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    Click here to download audio.

    BISMARCK, N.D. – During a United Nations (U.N.) emergency special session in May, the General Assembly adopted a resolution upgrading Palestine to a “Permanent Observer State.” This allows Palestine to participate in all U.N. proceedings, increasing the Palestinian Authority’s ability to deny or dilute Israel’s status in the organization.

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in announcing their intent to introduce the Stand with Israel Act once the Senate and House reconvene in a few weeks.

    This legislation prohibits U.S. funding to U.N. agencies which expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. In a September speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas indicated the Palestinian Authority would attempt to downgrade Israel’s status at the U.N.  

    “The United States must unequivocally support Israel’s right to defend itself,”said Cramer. “If the United Nations moves to expel, downgrade, suspend, or restrict Israel’s participation in any way, it should not receive a cent from the American taxpayer. We have to stand by our strongest ally in the Middle East and really push back against these deliberate, antisemitic attempts to punish Israel for simply defending its own existence.”

    “Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic,” said Ranking Member Risch. “That said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all I can to ensure any changes to Israel’s status will come with consequences.”

    The Stand with Israel Act has been endorsed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, FDD Action, Republican Jewish Coalition, Endowment for Middle East Truth, Christians United for Israel, Heritage Action, Combat Antisemitism Movement, and Jewish Institute for National Security of America. 

    Additional cosponsors of the legislation include U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scanlon, Casey, Fetterman, Boyle, Evans, Parker Announce $27.5 Million for Philadelphia International Airport

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

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today joined Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), Representatives Dwight Evans (PA-03) and Brendan Boyle (PA-02), and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker in announcing that Philadelphia International Airport is receiving $27,500,000 in new federal infrastructure funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This funding comes from the Airport Terminal Program (ATP), which was created by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to revitalize the nation’s aging airports. 

    “I’m proud to see PHL earning the competitive grants we authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, bringing good jobs to our region as PHL upgrades its terminals.” said Rep. Scanlon. “Modernizing our region’s airport infrastructure will improve air travel for passengers and position our local economy for success in an increasingly competitive global economy.”

    “Philadelphia International Airport serves as a vital transportation and economic gateway to the rest of the Commonwealth and the world,” said Senator Casey. “This investment from the infrastructure law will help modernize the airport by upgrading HVAC and electrical systems in Terminals D and E. I will always fight for investments that boost Southeastern Pennsylvania’s economy and keep the region moving.”

    “It’s investments like this that help keep Philadelphia a world-class city with world-class infrastructure. This $27.5 million for terminal energy upgrades guarantees that the commonwealth’s largest airport stays efficient, resilient, and ready for the future. That’s how we keep Philly competitive and connected,” said Senator Fetterman.

    “I’m pleased to see another $27.5 million in federal funding that I voted for coming to Philadelphia! The airport has also received other federal funding for improvements through the Biden-Harris administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and this will all benefit people traveling from and to our area, along with our local economy,” said Congressman Evans.

    “It is tremendous news that our Philadelphia International Airport will be receiving $27.5 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to help with important HVAC and energy efficiency projects,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Every single federal grant or funding allocation coming into Philadelphia is because of the hard work of all our federal partners, including Senator Casey and every member of our delegation, along with the support of the Biden-Harris administration.  It’s another step forward for Philadelphia, and we are profoundly grateful.”

    The funding for Philadelphia International Airport will support improvements to the existing upper levels of portions of Terminals D & E that have reached the end of their useful lives,  including HVAC and electrical efficiency upgrades and improvements. PHL has received a total of $374,545,577 in federal investments since the start of 2021. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT welcomes commonsense change in work rights for migrant families

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT’s Immigration spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar is welcoming today’s announcement that the Government intends to restore open work rights to the partners of skilled migrants, delivering on an ACT coalition commitment.

    “Migrants are vital to address skill shortages in New Zealand,” says Dr Parmar.

    “It never made sense to allow the partners of visa holders to be in New Zealand, consume services, and yet be banned from working and paying taxes.

    “Today’s change is common sense, effectively lifting a ban contributing to New Zealand – something most migrants would be more than happy to do.

    “We saw what happened when our borders were sealed shut. Businesses went to the wall, fruit was left to rot on the ground, the health system struggled to keep up with demand, and families were separated.

    “But many were at risk of leaving due to unworkable rules requiring the partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa holders to also work for accredited employers and be paid the median wage. Making New Zealand a much less attractive place for migrants to live and work.

    “This concern has been raised with me by businesses who are at risk of losing valuable staff. The uncertainty and distress this has caused for migrants and their families has been immense. I am relieved this issue is finally being resolved.

    “ACT’s coalition agreement included a commitment to ‘liberalise the rules to make it easier for family members of visa holders to work in New Zealand, beginning with Skilled Migrant Category visa holders’.

    “We are encouraged by this progress and are eager to see further improvements to our immigration settings to fulfil ACT’s coalition commitments and make our country the preferred destination for ideas, talent and investment.

    “In particular, we look forward to introducing a five year, renewable parent category visa, conditional on that person’s healthcare costs being covered. This will help attract and retain migrants to ensure New Zealand has a competitive edge in the global war for talent. Doing right by migrants does not have to come at the cost of New Zealand’s own standard of living.

    “Labour wrecked the economy and made a complete hash of immigration. ACT is determined to ensure that immigration policy is simple to navigate and welcoming so that migrants can reunite with their families, the economy can grow and more locals can be employed through job creation and investment.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sanctions Soar, Jobs Vanish – National’s Cruelty Exposed

    Source: Te Pati Maori

    Te Pāti Māori is enraged at the National government’s ruthless punishment of beneficiaries, all while jobs are disappearing.

    MSD data shows a 133% increase in sanctions over the past year, with over 14,000 sanctions in just three months. The kicker? The jobs this government insists people should find are nowhere to be seen.

    “The traffic light system is a dead end, a road to nowhere, a tool designed to punish whānau for not finding jobs the government itself has destroyed,” says Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

    “Instead of supporting people, they’re kicking them while they’re down. It’s cruelty masquerading as policy.”

    Since taking office, National has slashed more than 7,000 public sector jobs, then turned around to punish people for being out of work.

    “They’ve gutted the job market and then punished whānau for failing to find phantom jobs,” said co-leader Rawiri Waititi.

    “This isn’t incompetence—it’s a deliberate attack on our people. They’ve built a system designed to fail, and they’re celebrating the suffering they’ve caused.

    Te Pāti Māori has the solutions. Our policies will restore dignity and opportunity. We will scrap benefit sanctions and ensure everybody is paid enough to live with dignity, whether they are in employment or not. We will invest in job creation and retraining programmes.

    “While National is pushing whānau deeper into poverty, we offer a path out. Our solutions will allow whānau to thrive, not just survive,” says Ngarewa-Packer.

    “Beneficiaries are being sanctioned for missing appointments they can’t afford to attend because they don’t have bus fare,” adds Waititi.

    “They tout rising sanctions as success, but what they’re really celebrating is hungry children, struggling families, and people forced into desperation. Calling that a ‘win’ is beyond disgraceful.”

    Te Pāti Māori will be demanding an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to put an end to this failing system.

    “We will not stand by and watch as this government destroys our whānau,” says Ngarewa-Packer.

    “If they refuse to meet, they are turning their backs on the people. We will hold them to account—in the House and in the streets.”

    “This isn’t just about sanctions—it’s about the destruction of our people’s ability to put food on the table without Big Brother looking over their shoulder,” said Waititi.

    “If this government can’t see how this disproportionately impacts Māori, then they have gone blind in their ivory tower.”

    Te Pāti Māori will fight to end this cruelty and rebuild a system that empowers, supports, and uplifts our people.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH1 Karāpiro barrier repairs tomorrow night

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    Road users will experience delays on State Highway 1 (SH1) at Karāpiro tomorrow night (Thursday 24th October) while contractors carry out urgent repairs to damaged median barriers.

    Approximately 56 posts have been damaged recently, resulting in 300m of un-tensioned wire. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) wants the barriers repaired ahead of the long weekend. Slow and controlled moving traffic management will be in place from 9pm for around 4 hours to enable contractors to carry out the work safely, which will result in approximately 20 minute delays for drivers.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Overnight closure on stretch of HB Expressway tonight

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    A stretch of State Highway 2 / Hawke’s Bay Expressway will close overnight tonight for repairs to guardrail and flexible barriers.

    The expressway will close between the Pākowhai/Links Road and Evenden Road roundabouts from 8pm tonight and reopen at 5am on Thursday.

    Northbound road users will be detoured onto Evenden Road and left onto Pākowhai before rejoining the expressway.

    The reverse will apply for southbound road users.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi acknowledges the closure is short notice and is confident the overnight closure will minimise disruption to commuter traffic.

    NZTA advises road users to plan their journey accordingly and thanks people for taking the detour.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Overnight closures SH6/High St through Greymouth coming up

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Greymouth residents, road users and people travelling through the town after 8 pm at night will face local road detours from Sunday, 3 November.  (The weekend after Labour Weekend).

    Access will be restored by 5am the next morning again, with more night closures through until Thursday morning, 14 November.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is asphalting sections of SH6/High St through central Greymouth between Franklin St and the Marlborough Street roundabout.

    Access will be available for residents and emergency vehicles, with everyone else detoured onto local roads.

    How will I get across Greymouth?
    Other road users, including heavy vehicle drivers/ 50MAX and HPMV, will be able to follow signed, well-marked detours via Grey District Council roads.

    The closures are weather dependent and may be rescheduled if it is wet.

    Check Journey Planner for exact closure locations. 

    journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link) 

    “Thanks to all residents and locals for your patience while this essential summer sealing work is underway,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stretch of SH51 currently closed

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    A stretch of State Highway 51 is closed while a neighbouring factory fire is brought under control.

    SH51 between Awatoto Road and Farndon Road in Clive is closed after debris from the fire fell onto the road.

    Both lanes are currently closed.

    Southbound road users are being detoured right onto Awatoto Road at the roundabout, onto Meeanee Road and onto Hawke’s Bay Expressway. Northbound road users will be detoured onto Farndon Road, Pākowhai Road and onto Hawke’s Bay Expressway.

    Please drive to the conditions, expect delays and follow the directions of emergency crews on site.

    Our crews are currently onsite clearing the debris.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Auchincloss, Doggett Lead Bipartisan Letter Calling on Biden Administration to Strengthen Russian Oil Sanctions and Question Exception Approval

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Auchincloss (Massachusetts, 4)

    October 21, 2024

    Washington, D.C.— U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) and Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37) led a bipartisan effort calling on the Biden Administration to pursue more vigorous Russian oil sanctions and questioning an exception granted to a U.S.-based company, Schlumberger (SLB), operating in Russia. Since Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022, SLB has exported nearly $18 billion of equipment to Russia. The bipartisan group of lawmakers is questioning U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken as to why the Biden Administration has permitted SLB to aid Russia’s oil exports and fund Putin’s war economy.

    In the letter the members stated, “It is alarming that SLB, an American company, is still free to help Russia produce and export its oil to fund the war chest of an authoritarian regime. Its investment in the Russian energy sector is so harmful that Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention justifiably added SLB to an “international sponsor of war” blacklist. We and our G7 allies can hold SLB accountable for its complicity in Russian war crimes while still preserving stability in the global oil market. We look forward to your prompt answers to our specific questions, as well as the requested documents. We strongly urge further action to effectively restrict Putin’s profits and aid in Ukraine’s defense.”

    “While Ukrainians fight and die on the front lines of freedom, a U.S. oil company is supporting the enemy,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “Oil is the lifeblood of the Russian war economy, which is why the West must stand united in tightening and enforcing oil sanctions. That begins by holding SLB and its collaborators accountable for evading allied sanctions, profiteering from pain, and fueling Putin’s ability to wage war.” 

    “My name is on the first sanctions legislation to become law shortly after the Russian invasion,” said Rep. Doggett. “Implementation of that and similar legislation by our allies has not prevented Putin from earning billions from oil exports. And unfortunately, North Korea and Iran are not the only places providing him help. By permitting his exports and permitting continued American company investments in Russia, Americans, and our European allies, are essentially funding both sides of this war. While well aware of concerns about the price of gasoline at the pump, we must stop oiling the Putin war machine to win this war, secure a just peace, and reparations.”

    Additional signers include Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Wiley Nickel (D-NC-13), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA-30), Susan Wild (D-PA-07), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA-04), Thomas R. Suozzi (D-NY-03), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05),Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02),  Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-03), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Patrick Ryan (D-NY-18), Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ-04), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH-02), Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO-05), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ-06), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY-20), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Ted W. Lieu (D-CA-36), John B. Larson (D-CT-01), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-01), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), David J. Trone (D-MD-06), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA-08), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-02) and Ro Khanna (D-CA-17).

    The letter in full can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Community views sought for next round of Mobile Black Spot funding

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Local communities can help to identify potential locations for the next round of Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) funding through a Project Noticeboard opened by the Albanese Government today.
     
    The Albanese Government’s MBSP invests in telecommunications infrastructure to deliver new and improved mobile coverage and competition across Australia.
     
    Round 8 of the MBSP – which will open for applications from industry later this year – will provide $55 million in Government co-funding, targeted at natural disaster-prone locations in regional and rural Australia to better assist local communities during and after emergencies.
     
    The online Project Noticeboard allows local Councillors and State, Territory and Federal Parliamentarians to identify potential projects. Telco industry applicants are encouraged to review these submissions when preparing their applications. 
     
    The Project Noticeboard will close three weeks after the MBSP Round 8 opens for applications.
     
    Funding for the MBSP was confirmed in the October 2022–23 Federal Budget as part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
     
    In total, the Albanese Government is investing $2.2 billion in regional communications – the most significant investment since the inception of the National Broadband Network.
     
    Under the MBSP to date (Rounds 1 to 7), Commonwealth funding has generated a total investment of more than $1 billion, to deliver up to 1,400 new mobile base stations across Australia.
     
    To view the Project Noticeboard, or to make a submission, please visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-program/register-your-project-proposal-mobile-black-spot-program-round-8
     
    For more information on the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/bcp
     
    For more information on the Mobile Black Spot Program, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp     
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
     
    “Reliable, resilient mobile coverage is absolutely essential. The Albanese Government is working with industry and communities around Australia to deliver new and improved mobile coverage.
     
    “Round 8 of the Mobile Blackspot Funding Program will focus on regional and rural locations that are prone to natural disasters to better protect communities during their greatest time of need.
     
    “I welcome input from local communities through the online Project Noticeboard on how to best target the up-coming funding round which will open later this year. 
     
    “I encourage people to speak with their local Councillors or State, Territory and Federal Parliamentarians to make their voice heard.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Teachers stand up for public education on nationwide day of action

    Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)

    Teachers, support staff, and school and centre leaders are committed to continuing to improve the education system to realise the promises of Te Tiriti and deliver equity of learning opportunities for all.

    “The government’s repeal of the Fair Pay Agreements Act leaves teachers and other workers in early childhood centres worse off. It was a lost opportunity to affect positive change for common wages and conditions across the early childhood sector for kaiako and kaimahi. We will continue the fight to ensure early childhood education teachers are properly valued”, says NZEI Te Riu Roa President, Mark Potter.

    A Cabinet paper revealed that the move would disproportionately affect women, Māori and Pasifika, and young people – all groups which are over-represented in early childhood education (ECE), where Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) bargaining had been approved.

    David Seymour’s charter school project will see hundreds of millions of dollars diverted away from public education. Mr Potter says, “the refusal to invest more in public services means many children are on long waitlists and are not getting the learning support they need. The hundreds of millions of dollars earmarked for charter schools means less money for in-class support such as teacher aides and learning support specialists, alternative education and attendance supports for students.”

    “These are proven ways to support students to learn and teachers to teach, and not investing in them is at odds with the government’s wider goal of lifting student achievement and attendance, says Chris Abercrombie, PPTA Te Wehengarua president.

    “Getting students back to school is just the start – you have to also make sure they will stay there. Schools desperately need a meaningful increase in resourcing to engage students in alternative, vocational or adapted education programmes to support those with chronic attendance issues to reengage with school.”

    Mark Potter says, “Teachers will continue to uphold te reo as a tāonga in their classrooms in spite of the Minister of Education’s decision to cut $30 million from Te Ahu o te reo Māori, a programme which develops teacher competency in te reo.”

    Chris Abercrombie says, “The programme has helped both Māori and Pākehā kaiako and ākonga flourish in the reo and understanding of tikanga and te ao Māori. I speak to teachers and principals around the motu, and they say it’s helped boost their language confidence and proficiency, as well as challenging them. Our education system and our country are better off for being bilingual.”

    “We urge the government to get public education back on track and ensure every tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa New Zealand can experience the quality teaching and learning they deserve.”

    Note: On 23 October the NZCTU are hosting hui across the country to fight back against the Government’s ongoing attacks on workers’ rights.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA May Help Wildfire Survivors Whose Temporary Housing Insurance is Running Out

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA May Help Wildfire Survivors Whose Temporary Housing Insurance is Running Out

    FEMA May Help Wildfire Survivors Whose Temporary Housing Insurance is Running Out

    Kīhei, MAUI – If you are a wildfire survivor and have an insurance policy that covers your temporary housing, it’s important to verify the terms of that coverage, the amount, and how long it will last. If your insurance coverage is running out, contact FEMA to see how you may qualify for additional assistance. Even if your insurance is still in effect, you are encouraged to find out more about FEMA’s available programs. FEMA options include: The Rental Assistance Program, which may offer financial help towards paying your rent once you have exhausted insurance for additional living expenses or loss of use. The Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Program provides interim housing across Maui through the Direct Lease program. These programs – part of FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program — have been extended to Feb. 10, 2026, giving wildfire survivors more time to recover. The programs were set to expire Feb. 10, 2025.During the extended period, Direct Lease temporary housing occupants will be expected to start paying rent based on their financial ability. The amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis but won’t exceed 100 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Fair Market Rent. Homeowners with insurance temporarily covering living expenses may still be able to participate in FEMA’s Rental Assistance program and Direct Temporary Housing Assistance program. Some are currently in Direct Lease housing units. To begin the process for the Rental Assistance Program, applicants must first appeal to FEMA. The appeal must include the insurance policy page detailing additional living expense/loss of use coverage, proof of exhaustion of insurance funds, the current lease or rental agreement, and rental receipts. If approved, the initial Rental Assistance will provide two months of rent at 100 percent of HUD’s Fair Market Rent for Maui County. After the first two months of Rental Assistance, the applicant may apply for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. If approved, Rental Assistance would be extended for three months at a time as needed. The amount provided would be up to 175 percent of the HUD Fair Market Rent. To find out if you qualify, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Or you may call the FEMA Housing Hotline at 808-784-1600.For in-person support, visit FEMA at:Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center located at 153 E Kamehameha Ave Ste 101 in Kahului. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. HST Monday to Friday. Maui County’s Office of Recovery at the Lahaina Gateway located at 325 Keawe St. in Lahaina, next to the Ace Hardware Store. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. HST Monday to Friday.For more information about insurance-denial or insurance-settlement matters, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Operators are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. HST, seven days a week, and they speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires – YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema. 
    shannon.carley
    Tue, 10/22/2024 – 20:48

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Announces Murder-For-Hire Charges Against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Brigadier General and Former Intelligence Officer and Members of an Iranian Intelligence Network

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Ruhollah Bazghandi, an OFAC-Sanctioned Brigadier General in the IRGC and Former IRGC Intelligence Organization Counterintelligence Chief, and Members of His Iran-Based Network, Contracted Members of an Eastern European Organized Crime Group to Murder a U.

    Note: View the superseding indictment here. 

    The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of a superseding indictment containing murder-for-hire, money-laundering, and sanctions evasion charges against Ruhollah Bazghandi, also known as Roohollah Azimi; Fnu Lnu, also known as Haj Taher, Haj Taher; Hossein Sedighi; and Seyed Mohammad Forouzan, all of Iran.

    “The Justice Department has now charged eight individuals, including an Iranian military official, for their efforts to silence and kill a U.S. citizen because of her criticism of the Iranian regime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will not tolerate efforts by an authoritarian regime like Iran to undermine the fundamental rights guaranteed to every American. Three of the defendants charged in this horrific plot are now in U.S. custody, and we will never stop working to identify, find, and bring to justice all those who endanger the safety of the American people.”

    “Today’s indictment exposes the full extent of Iran’s plot to silence an American journalist for criticizing the Iranian regime,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “According to the charges, a brigadier general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a former Iranian intelligence officer, working with a network of conspirators, planned to kill a dissident living in New York City. The FBI’s investigation led to the disruption of this plot as one of the conspirators was allegedly on their way to murder the victim in New York. As these charges show, the FBI will work with our partners here and abroad to hold accountable those who target Americans.”

    “Today’s indictment makes plain that the Iranian regime for years has been behind a violent campaign to stalk, intimidate, and arrange the killing of an American dissident on U.S. soil for bravely speaking up for the rights of the Iranian people,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Department is committed to exposing and holding accountable those in Tehran who believe they can hide their hand in carrying out such reprehensible activities.”

    “As alleged, for years, the Government of Iran has attempted to assassinate, on U.S. soil, a U.S. citizen of Iranian origin who is a prominent critic of the Iranian regime,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “In January 2023, we unsealed charges alleging that members of an Eastern European crime group engaged in a plot to murder this victim. As we allege, that group was not acting alone. Today, we hold their Iranian masters to account, and allege that these Iran-based co-conspirators, including a Brigadier General in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, directed the murder plot. By charging these Iran-based defendants, we seek to strike another public blow at the heart of the Government of Iran’s efforts to execute the victim — as well as its lethal targeting, intimidation, and repression of other Iranian dissidents critical of the regime in the U.S. and abroad.”

    As detailed in the superseding indictment, Bazghandi, Haj Taher, Sedighi, and Forouzan contracted members of an Eastern European criminal organization, including Rafat Amirov, also known as Farkhaddin Mirzoev, Pᴎᴍ,  and Rome; Polad Omarov, also known as Araz Aliyev, Polad Qaqa, and Haci Qaqa; and Zialat Mamedov, also known as Ziko, to murder a U.S. citizen of Iranian origin in New York City who has publicly opposed the Iranian government and who has previously been the target of similar plots by the Iranian government. Amirov, Omarov, and Mamedov previously were arrested on charges contained in underlying indictments. Amirov and Omarov are in custody in the United States, pending trial; Mamedov was extradited from the Czech Republic to the Republic of Georgia to face charges there. Bazghandi, Haj Taher, Sedighi, and Forouzan, all of whom are based in Iran, remain at large. The case is pending before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon for the Southern District of New York.

    According to the allegations contained in the superseding indictment, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings, Bazghandi, who resides in Iran, is an IRGC Brigadier General and has previously served as chief of an IRGC Intelligence Organization (IRGC-IO) counterintelligence office. In April 2023, the U.S. Secretary of State designated IRGC-IO as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 14078, for hostage-taking and the wrongful detention of U.S. nationals abroad. On the same date, the Treasury Department sanctioned Bazghandi in connection with his involvement with the detention of foreign prisoners held in Iran. Bazghandi was designated by the Treasury Department a second time in June 2023, this time under Executive Order 13224, for his participation in IRGC-IO’s lethal targeting operations. Haj Taher, Sedighi, and Forouzan (collectively with Bazghandi, the Bazghandi Network), each of whom resides in Iran, also have connections to the Government of Iran.   

    The Bazghandi Network contracted Amirov, Omarov, Mamedov, and Khalid Mehdiyev to murder, on U.S. soil, a victim residing in New York City. The victim is a journalist, author, and human rights activist who has publicized the Government of Iran’s human rights abuses and suppression of political expression, including in connection with continuing protests against the regime across Iran. As recently as 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and assets plotted to kidnap the victim from within the United States for rendition to Iran in an effort to silence the victim’s criticism of the regime. That plot was disrupted and exposed by the FBI and led to the filing of federal kidnapping conspiracy and other charges in the Southern District of New York against several participants in the plot in United States v. Farahani, et al.

    Since at least July 2022, the Bazghandi Network tasked members of the organization with assassinating the victim. The organization’s participation in the murder-for-hire plot was directed by Amirov, who resided in Iran and who was tasked with targeting the victim by individuals in Iran. On approximately July 13, 2022, Amirov forwarded targeting information — which Amirov had received from individuals in Iran — about the victim and the victim’s residence to Omarov. Omarov, in turn, together with Mamedov, directed and collaborated with Mehdiyev, who was residing in Yonkers, New York, to carry out the plot against the victim. Mehdiyev’s participation in the plot was disrupted when he was arrested near the victim’s home on or about July 28, 2022, while in possession of the assault rifle, along with 66 rounds of ammunition, approximately $1,100 in cash, and a black ski mask.

    In January 2023, Amirov, Omarov, and Mamedov were arrested overseas. On Jan. 27, 2023, they were charged publicly for their roles in the plot to assassinate the victim. Nevertheless, in the months that followed, members of the Bazghandi Network continued to target the victim. For example, in or about March 2023, Haj Taher searched for information about the victim’s family members and Sedighi saved an image of the victim’s residence. As recently as on or about May 1, 2023, Bazghandi conducted an internet search, in Farsi, for, “a person in the house of [the victim] movie,” and, on the same date, watched a video with the title, “A video of the arrested gunman in front of [the victim]’s home in New York received by [the victim’s employer].”

    Bazghandi, Haj Taher, Sedighi, and Forouzan, have been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and sanctions against the Government of Iran, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

    Amirov, Omarov, and Mamedov  have also been charged with murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, Amirov, Omarov, and Mamedov were charged with attempted murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and possession and use of a firearm in connection with the attempted murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted with the extradition of Mamedov.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Lockard, Jacob H. Gutwillig, and Matthew J.C. Hellman for the Southern District of New York, Trial Attorneys Christopher Rigali and Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News