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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six defendants arrested in retail theft ring, charged with stealing and selling hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that six defendants were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, transportation and sale of stolen goods in interstate commerce, money laundering, and conspiracy, for their roles in a retail theft ring in the Rochester, NY, area. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaint are:

    •              Shabon Banks, 41

    •              Amanda Reeves, 40

    •              Chad Lewis, Jr., 20

    •              Chanc Lewis, 22

    •              Dominic Sprague, 40

    •              James Civiletti, 33, all of Rochester, NY.

    Defendant Shabon Banks is also charged with aggravated identity theft.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, in November 2023, the Greece Police Department began an investigation after it became aware that serial larcenist, Shabon Banks, had been engaged in an unusually large number of transactions at the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop in Greece. The investigation uncovered a theft ring involving defendants Banks, Reeves, Lewis, Jr., and Lewis (the larcenists), who have been engaged in an ongoing retail theft conspiracy involving the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop and its operators, defendants Sprague and Civiletti, since December 2021. As part of the scheme, the larcenists stole new-in-box items from store shelves, which they then sold to Sprague, Civiletti, and others at the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop, for a fraction of the actual retail value. Sprague and Civiletti then resold the stolen merchandise on eBay at much higher prices, resulting in significant profits for the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop. The merchandise was stolen from various stores including Home Depot, Target, Lowes, Walmart, and Kohls.

    Since December 7, 2021, the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop has purchased 37,936 new-in-box items from the larcenists on more than 670 occasions, paying the larcenists $290,000.00. The investigation determined that the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop paid the larcenists 30% of the actual retail value of the stolen items. Therefore, the actual losses to the victim-retailers and resulting profit to the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop are estimated to be much higher.

    Sprague and Civiletti engaged in multiple financial transactions involving the proceeds of the fraud in violation of federal money laundering statutes. In total, between January 2022, and August 7, 2024, the New York Gold Diamond Pawn shop resold more than 48,000 new-in-box items via eBay for $2,467.847.46, the majority of which are believed to have been stolen.

    The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Internal Revenue Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lincoln County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jason L. Norman, 42, of Ranger, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 10, 2023, Norman possessed a Smith & Wesson model M&P 15 .223-caliber rifle and a Mossberg model 500A 12-gauge shotgun at his residence in Ranger.

    Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Norman knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm following his felony conviction for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in Lincoln County Circuit Court on April 13, 2017.

    Norman is scheduled to be sentenced on January 30, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

    United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

    United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess and former Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams have prosecuted the case.

    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.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-94.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jefferson City Man Sentenced for $26 Million Bank Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for a multi-million dollar bank fraud scheme that included fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for four businesses.

    Tod Ray Keilholz, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to a total sentence of 12 years in federal prison without parole.

    On March 28, 2024, Keilholz pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    Keilholz was the sole owner of TRK Construction, LLC, TRK Valpo, LLC, TL Builders, LLC, and Project Design, LLC.

    By pleading guilty, Keilholz admitted that he engaged in a bank fraud scheme from Jan. 1, 2018, to Jan. 7, 2021.

    Prior to the bank fraud scheme, Keilholz obtained three business loans totaling $3,526,771 from Hawthorn Bank between Aug. 31, 2017, and Sept. 21, 2018. One of these loans financed the purchase of property in Valparaiso, Indiana. As Keilholz’s businesses failed, these loans fell into default and sub-contractors sued him for unpaid invoices during 2019 and 2020. In February 2020, Hawthorn Bank initiated foreclosure proceedings. Keilholz delayed the foreclosure proceedings and paid off these loans and other past due debts with fraudulent PPP loans.

    The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these programs, the PPP authorized forgivable loans, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments.

    Keilholz received a total of $12,430,932 in PPP loans for his four businesses. In each of those loan applications, Keilholz admitted, he failed to disclose his ownership in the other three businesses, and made materially false and fraudulent claims in the loan applications and supporting documentation. Keilholz falsely stated the businesses were in operation on Feb. 15, 2020, and eligible for PPP loans. He inflated the income of those businesses and claimed payrolls for employees who did not exist or no longer worked for him. Additionally, Keilholz applied for a $7,818,705 PPP loan for TRK Valpo but the loan was denied by the bank.

    Keilholz received a $1,706,260 PPP loan for TRK Construction, a $3,618,815 PPP loan for TL Builders, a $3,903,857 PPP loan for Project Design, and a $3,202,000 PPP loan for TRK Valpo.

    Keilholz admitted that he used PPP loan proceeds for unauthorized purposes other than legitimate payroll, lease and mortgage interest, and utilities as required by the PPP. Keilholz, through TRK Construction, had accrued substantial and delinquent indebtedness to a number of lenders, and all or part of these debts were satisfied by PPP loan proceeds.

    The conviction for aggravated identity theft is related to Keilholz’s use of a former TRK Construction employee whose name and Social Security number were used without his knowledge or authorization on wage reports in connection with a fraudulent PPP loan application for TRK Valpo.

    Under the terms of his plea agreement, Keilholz must forfeit to the government any property involved in, or derived from the proceeds of his bank fraud scheme, including a money judgment of $12,430,932, two properties in Jefferson City, one property in Valparaiso, one property in La Porte, Ind., four vehicles (a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, two 2021 Chevrolet Silverados, and a 2019 BMW X5), a 2020 John Deer ZTrak, a 2020 John Deere Tractor, a Kubota Compact Track Loader, a Gents 43mm IWC Schaffhausen Perpetual Chronograph wristwatch, two Gents stainless steel Rolex Sea-Dweller self-winding automatic diver’s watches, and a Gents Citizen Eco-Drive Radio-controlled world time self-winding automatic watch with sapphire crystal.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General; the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; the FBI; and IRS-Criminal Investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pierceland — Pierceland RCMP investigating sudden death

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 16, 2024, at approximately 6:20 p.m., Pierceland RCMP received a report of a sudden death at a residence on the Mudie Lake First Nation. Officers immediately responded and located the individual, who was declared deceased by EMS at the scene.

    Pierceland RCMP continue to investigate this sudden death with the assistance of the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

    Currently, the investigation has not identified a risk to public safety. Updates will be provided when available.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Craik — Craik RCMP: motorists can expect delays on Highway #2

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Craik RCMP are currently at the scene of a serious collision on Highway #2 west of Chamberlain, approximately one kilometer north of the Highway #2 and Highway #733 junction.

    Both southbound and northbound lanes are currently closed.

    Detours are in place but motorists should expect delays in the area. Please follow the instructions of emergency personnel on scene.

    Please visit the Highway Hotline for road closure updates. Further details will be provided as possible.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fifteenth Defendant Sentenced for Prison Drug Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Gulfport, Miss. – A Long Beach, Mississippi man was sentenced to 99 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

    Johnson Tran, 47, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.

    According to court documents and information presented to the Court, in 2018, agents with the DEA received information from the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) that drug laced letters and greeting cards were being sent to inmates in the Bureau of Prisons from the Southern District of Mississippi.  The drug laced letters and cards were intercepted at prisons in Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

    DEA and BOP officials were able to determine that inmates were ordering the drug laced letters and cards from Johnson Tran via prison email accounts and jail calls.   The inmates would typically order the drugs using coded language. The letters or greeting cards were laced with FUB-AMB and 5F-MDMB-PICA, which are Schedule I controlled substances and synthetic cannabinoids.  Many of them were sent through the postal service in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Tran’s base of operation was Harrison County, Mississippi.

    Agents were also able to determine through the review of financial records that Tran would ultimately receive payment for the drugs that he sent into prison via U.S. Department of Treasury checks drawn from the inmate’s prison accounts and/or peer-to-peer money transfers from associates or family members of the inmates.  When Tran’s associates would receive funds on Tran’s behalf, Tran would give them a portion of the funds they received as payment for their services.

    In addition to Johnson Tran, fourteen other defendants have now been sentenced in the case:  

    Chaze Lowery and William Hernandez previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Lowery was sentenced to 48 months in prison and Hernandez was sentenced to 87 months in prison.  Jermaine Jones pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced to 62 months imprisonment.

    Jorge Pena, Trae Short, Bobby Huneycutt, Clarence Plato, Ryan Douglas, Salomon Ayala, Stanley Spriggs, Corderius Trammell, Jonathan Estrada, Marcus Thames, and Allen Butler all pled guilty to conspiring to commit an offense against the United States by conspiring to introduce contraband to a federal correctional facility. Their sentences ranged from time served to 52 months in prison.

    Two additional defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing:

    Ryan Schmittaur pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He will be sentenced on October 22, 2024, and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Ashley Magee pled guilty to engaging in an unlicensed money transmission business by accepting and transferring money on behalf of Johnson Tran and the inmates. She will be sentenced on January 7, 2025, and faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Todd Gee of the Southern District of Mississippi and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor- led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Extends Renewal Period for Flood Insurance Policyholders in Florida Affected by Hurricane Milton

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Extends Renewal Period for Flood Insurance Policyholders in Florida Affected by Hurricane Milton

    FEMA Extends Renewal Period for Flood Insurance Policyholders in Florida Affected by Hurricane Milton

    Extension follows grace period announcement last week for seven states affected by Helene

    WASHINGTON – While renewal dates have passed for some National Flood Insurance Program policyholders in Florida who were affected by Hurricane Milton, these policyholders may be able to take steps that will renew their policy and receive coverage for flood damage. 

    Certain NFIP policyholders in Florida affected by Hurricane Milton now have additional time to renew their policies without a lapse in coverage. These policyholders now have until Dec. 10, 2024 to renew their policies. This is a significant extension from the standard 30-day renewal grace period.

    “I’m sensitive to the fact that our policyholders are dealing with many obstacles during this period of extensive recovery in the wake of Hurricane Milton,” said Jeff Jackson, the interim Senior Executive of the NFIP. “Extending the grace period for policy renewals is one way to show our customer that we care about what they’re going through.”

    Policyholders should be sure to ask their insurance agent or company about advance claims payments to help start their recovery. Advance payments may be available of up to $20,000 prior to a visit from an adjuster. 

    FEMA previously announced an extended grace period for policyholders in seven states affected by Helene, including Florida. Due to Hurricane Milton, this grace period will be extended for Florida policyholders based on the below schedule. 

    If the policy term ended on: The grace period would have ended: But now runs until:
    Aug. 28, 2024 Sept. 26, 2024 Dec. 10, 2024
    Sept. 26, 2024 Oct. 25, 2024 Dec. 10, 2024
    Oct. 15, 2024 Nov. 13, 2024 Dec. 10, 2024
    Nov. 1, 2024 Nov. 30, 2024 Dec. 10, 2024
    Nov. 15, 2024 Dec. 14, 2024 Dec. 14, 2024

    Policyholders whose NFIP policy renewal date is within this range should contact their agent or insurance company.

    For example, if the original policy expiration date was Aug. 28, 2024, the policy may be renewed on or before Dec. 10, 2024. Holders of active policies can file claims for damage received from Milton if premium is paid. 

    Other Actions to Help Policyholders

    The NFIP has extended the proof of loss requirement for policyholders who suffered flood damage from Hurricane Milton from the standard 60 days to 120 days from the date of loss.

    The NFIP also authorized its Write Your Own insurance company partners and the NFIP Direct to pay claims based on the adjuster’s report without requiring policyholders to sign a proof of loss. When a policyholder seeks additional payment for any reason or disagrees with the adjuster report, they may still submit a signed proof of loss to the insurer along with supporting documentation. This can include a contractor’s estimate, bills, receipts, photographs and other related documents. 

    Anyone affected by Milton who has an NFIP flood insurance policy and has suffered flood damage should begin filing their claim now. Evacuated policyholders can still start their claim and provide specifics later once local officials say it’s safe to return home.

    Policyholders who wish to take advantage of the grace period should contact their agent or insurance company. Those who don’t have their insurance agent or company’s contact information should call 877-336-2627 for assistance. 

    FEMA also encourages NFIP policyholders affected by Milton to apply for federal disaster assistance. The three ways to apply are visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App. Survivors may receive funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

    To learn more about how to file a flood insurance claim visit floodsmart.gov.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Announces Launch of Ashanti Alert Website

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – With National Crime Prevention Month underway, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today announced the launch of the Ashanti Alert website administered by the Department of Justice. The Ashanti Alert, created by a Warner-authored law, seeks to notify the public about missing or endangered adults, ages 18-64, and assist by way of a national communications network. The public website unveiled today provides information about the law and the National Ashanti Alert Network, and it includes links to state missing person programs and other resources.
    “Having fought for the passage and nationwide implementation of the Ashanti Alert nationwide, I’m very proud to announce the launch of a public website that will help the public better understand how to report a missing person,” said Sen. Warner. “I’ve been proud to work closely with the Department of Justice on the launch of these resources as we continue to honor Ashanti’s legacy and save lives.”
    The Ashanti Alert Law, championed by Sen. Warner in 2018, was named after Ashanti Billie – a 19-year-old whose body was discovered in North Carolina, 11 days after she was first reported missing in Norfolk, Va. At the time of Ashanti’s abduction, she was too old for an AMBER Alert and too young for a Silver Alert. 
    In 2023, the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) reported 546,097 entries for missing individuals – 34 percent of whom were over 18 when reported missing. This data underscores the urgency of addressing missing adult cases, given that missing person reports for adults do not always receive the same mandatory attention as those involving juveniles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown Announces That East Palestine Selected to Receive Nearly $16 Million To Build a New Public Safety Complex

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has selected East Palestine to receive a major investment of nearly $16 million to build a new public safety complex that will host the city’s fire, emergency services, and police departments, along with its 911 call center.

    “East Palestine knows all too well how important well-equipped first responders are to protecting Ohioans. We’re continuing to work to make this community whole by securing a new facility for East Palestine police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel. I’m proud to have worked with the East Palestine community to deliver this essential facility for them,” said Brown.

    Brown secured a provision in the government funding package that made USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Disaster Assistance available to the Village for building this new public safety complex. Brown aggressively advocated to ensure that the Village was selected for this investment.

    Last year’s train derailment brought to light East Palestine’s serious need for updated public safety infrastructure. The Village’s firehouse is located just 40 feet from the railroad tracks. Had the derailment occurred half a mile sooner, the fire station would have been inaccessible and unable to respond to the disaster. Making matters worse, every public safety building in the Village is within the 1-mile evacuation zone for railroad incidents. When the derailment happened, the Village’s dispatch center was forced to relocate, and the fire and police personnel ended up operating out of a city garage.

    A fully functional dispatch center is essential for effective emergency responses. The establishment of a well-located public safety building is critical to public safety. This new complex would not only serve the Village but also assist the county as a back-up 911 call center.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTO RELEASE: Tuberville Leads Forestry Tour Across South Alabama

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) led a forestry tour across Alabama this week in partnership with the Alabama Forestry Association and the Alabama Forestry Commission. Along the way, Sen. Tuberville saw many aspects of the forestry industry and forest products supply chain. He heard about how rising inflation is hurting businesses.
    “This week, we’ve been traveling the state where we have over 23 million acres of forestland,” said Senator Tuberville. “Along the way, we heard about sky-high costs of energy and gas, crippling EPA regulations, and unfair trade deals that are hurting Alabama businesses. Our foresters and Ag producers are some of the best conservationists we have, yet Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are trying to regulate them out of business. Under the Biden-Harris administration, it is more difficult for some of our foresters to thrive and contribute to Alabama’s economy. We need to lower inflation, get red tape out of the way, and enter trade deals that put American and Alabama businesses first.”
    The Senator visited a logging site in Monroe County, forest land in Fulton County, Harrigan Lumber Company in Monroeville, Westervelt Lumber in Thomasville, SmartLam North America in Dothan, and Peak Renewables Bioenergy in Dothan. He discussed various forest land management practices, such as prescribed burning and thinning, soil types, proper harvesting practices, and various pests and diseases, which impact timber and the forestry sector. Overall themes of the trip included overregulation by the federal government, the need for land stewardship and voluntary conservation practices, and how various rising input costs are hurting foresters’ and producers’ bottom lines.  

    BACKGROUND:
    As a member of the Senate Agriculture committee, Sen. Tuberville is committed to cutting red tape to enable the forest products industry to continue to prosper and boost Alabama’s rural communities.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Smith Working to Secure Funding for Projects for Duluth and Floodwood in Year End Budget

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    The Senate and House Appropriations Committees Advanced Funding Bills with Resources for Minnesota Projects Backed by Klobuchar, Smith

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget bills that passed the Senate and House Appropriations Committees include projects to benefit Duluth and Floodwood. These projects would invest in public infrastructure and child care. On September 26, the Senate and House agreed to avoid a shutdown and continue to negotiate on a final budget proposal. Klobuchar and Smith will fight to ensure these projects are included in that final year-end bill.

    “From upgrading critical infrastructure to investing in expanding child care options for families, we worked with local leaders to secure resources important to Duluth and Floodwood,” said Klobuchar. “Once completed, these projects will improve quality of life for Minnesotans.”

    “Those closest to an issue have the best solutions, and these projects were developed and designed to fit the specific needs of the Duluth area,” said Smith. “From streamlining law enforcement and emergency data or fixing the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge, to updating our water infrastructure or investing in affordable childcare, these projects will help strengthen our communities and I look forward to working with Senator Klobuchar to get them passed and signed into law.”

    Klobuchar and Smith have successfully secured the following projects in the Appropriations Committee-approved bill:

    • $2,000,000 for the Northern Minnesota Counties Records System Collaborative. This project between nine Minnesota counties will allow for seamless data sharing of 9-1-1 communications records, jail records, and law enforcement data.
    • $500,000 for repairs on the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge.
    • $1,000,000 for the City of Duluth to make improvements at the Lakewood Water Treatment Plant. Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN).
    • $1,500,000 for the City of Floodwood’s Infrastructure & Accessibility Improvements Project. The project consists of upgrading infrastructure including water, sewer, storm water and ancillary street reconstruction/curb/sidewalks.
    • $674,000 for the Duluth Lincoln Park Restoration Project. 
    • $136,000 for supporting Divine Konnections’ child abuse prevention, recovery, and healing services for young moms.
    • $50,000 to operate the Polar Cubs Child Care Center in Floodwood.

    Klobuchar and Smith have been actively involved in securing this federal funding for projects benefiting communities across the state through a process called “Congressionally Directed Spending” (CDS). During the CDS process, Klobuchar and Smith have considered project proposals and advocated for funding in close coordination with leaders from across the state.

    The projects are expected to pass the Senate over the next several months.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Completes Visits to All 87 Counties in 2024

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

    MINNESOTA – With stops today in three remaining counties: Aitkin (American Peat Manufacturing); Carlton (local airport), and Kanabec (Lakes & Pines Community Action Council), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has once again visited every one of Minnesota’s 87 counties in one year.

    “The best way for me to do my job is by listening to the people of Minnesota and getting things done for them,” said Klobuchar. “That’s why every year I meet with Minnesotans all over our state and discuss what we can get done together. From expanding child care and housing to supporting local businesses, I’m committed to taking action on the issues that matter most.”

    Today, Klobuchar toured American Peat Technology in Aitkin and then went to the Cloquet Airport in Carlton County which is developing a new storage hanger thanks to federal funding. Klobuchar ended the day in Mora and visited the Lakes and Pines Community Action Council. 

    This year, Klobuchar’s stops included: 

    1. Aitkin
    • Toured American Peat Technology and met with their leadership team.

    2. Anoka
    • Gave remarks at the USA Cup Opening Ceremony in Blaine.
    • Attended the 43rd annual Game Fair and discussed conservation policy with Ron Schara.
    • Participated in Coon Rapids 4th of July Festivities.
    • Attended the Blaine Festival.

    3. Becker
    • Led a child care discussion and toured the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes LEAP Preschool.

    4. Beltrami
    • Led a breakfast discussion with Bemidji City and Beltrami county and tribal leaders.
    • Spoke at the dedication ceremony of the new Bemidji Veterans Home, toured it with veterans, and met with Red Lake Band Members.

    5. Benton
    • Toured SNX Technologies Inc. and met with their leadership.

    6. Big Stone
    • Discussed agriculture with local farmers while touring Anne Schwagerl’s farm.

    7. Blue Earth
    • Visited Mankato in the aftermath of severe flooding with Mankato mayor and Representative Finstad.
    • Met with family and friends of Sergeant Cade Wolfe.

    8. Brown
    • Attended the community celebration at the Pheasant Opener in Sleepy Eye and spoke at the Pheasants Forever land dedication.
    • Toured the New Ulm Airport’s recent upgrades and met with local leaders.

    9. Carlton
    • Toured the new Cloquet airport hangar with airport leadership and the Cloquet mayor.

    10. Carver
    • Led a discussion with the City of Chaska mayor and public safety leadership about their Emergency Operations Center project.
    • Toured the town of Carver with the mayor in the aftermath of severe flooding.
    • Attended the Highway 212 Groundbreaking Ceremony.
    • Spoke to veterans at the Chanhassen Memorial Day event.

    11. Cass
    • Led a community discussion with the Walker mayor and local business leaders.

    12. Chippewa
    • Spoke with veterans and toured the new Montevideo Veterans Home.

    13. Chisago
    • Discussed regional tourism and toured the Franconia Sculpture Park.

    14. Clay
    • Celebrated the launch of the federally funded Moorhead 11th Street Underpass project.
    • Attended the Reimagine Romkey Park event.

    15. Clearwater
    • Toured TEAM Industries and met with their leadership.

    16. Cook
    • Visited the North Shore Winery and Coho Cafe.

    17. Cottonwood
    • Toured Red Rock Rural Water Treatment Center and visited with local leaders.

    18. Crow Wing
    • Met with the mayor and city leadership about the Highway 210 expansion in Brainerd.
    • Toured the new YMCA child care center.

    19. Dakota
    • Gave remarks at the Kaposia Library opening in South Saint Paul.
    • Met with Burnsville first responders.
    • Attended the opening ceremony of the Veterans Memorial Greenway in Inver Grove Heights.
    • Met with law enforcement and community leaders in Hastings to highlight the Cooper/Davis Act that requires social media to alert authorities when controlled substances are being distributed illicitly on their platforms.
    • Attended an event in Inver Grove Heights to highlight the new Criminal Justice Network for Minnesota law enforcement.
    • Led the Survivor March and delivered remarks at the Susan G. Komen 32nd Annual Race for the Cure in Eagan.

    20. Dodge
    • Met with the owner and toured Chaotic Good Brewery in Kasson.

    21. Douglas
    • Led a discussion at the Alexandria YMCA about their child care program.

    22. Faribault
    • Met with leadership and toured Winnebago Manufacturing in Blue Earth.

    23. Fillmore
    • Toured Harmony Enterprises manufacturing facility and their child care center.
    • Toured the new Preston State Veterans Home and met with veterans.

    24. Freeborn
    • Led a discussion and toured the Freeborn/Mower Electric Cooperative in Albert Lea.

    25. Goodhue
    • Met with students and school leadership to hear about the Red Wing Flight Path workforce training program.
    • Spoke at the 50th Anniversary Jaunt With Jim bike ride in Cannon Falls.

    26. Grant
    • Toured the West Central High School Greenhouse and the Central Lakes College’s mobile meat cutting trailer and met with FFA students and their instructors.

    27. Hennepin
    • Attended the annual MLK Breakfast.
    • Delivered remarks at the Asia Mall Lunar New Year celebration in Bloomington.
    • Delivered Remarks at the MN Newspaper Association Convention.
    • Met with officers at the Minneapolis Second Precinct Station.
    • Convened a meeting with the Metropolitan Airport Commission leadership to hear updates on aviation safety and passenger experience.
    • Delivered remarks at the Stand with Ukraine Two Year Commemoration event.
    • Spoke at the Annual Parkinson’s Foundation Walk in Plymouth.
    • Delivered remarks at the Celebrating the Sistas Awards Ceremony and presented the Icon Award honoring Laysha Ward.
    • Delivered remarks at the MN Ovarian Cancer Alliance Gala.
    • Visited Woodlake Nature Center in Richfield and met with staff.
    • Spoke at the 78th Annual Paralyzed Veterans of America National Convention.
    • Participated in the groundbreaking event for the St. Louis Park Cedar Lake Road Reconstruction project.
    • Spoke at the Annual Somali Independence Day Street Festival.
    • Delivered remarks at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation 75th Anniversary Gala.
    • Toured the I-494 construction site and met with local project leaders in Bloomington.
    • Attended the Minnesota Business Partnership Annual Dinner.
    • Attended the Twin Cities Pride Parade and Festival in Minneapolis.
    • Honored the Legendary Cornbread Harris at an event with his son Jimmy Jam.
    • Attended Champlin Father Hennepin Festival.
    • Convened a meeting with the Metropolitan Airport Commission leadership to hear updates on aviation safety and passenger experience.
    • Attended the Charles Lindbergh Richfield Post Office Dedication Ceremony.
    • Presented the Spirit of Hospitality Award at the Bloomington Travel and Tourism Diamond Service Awards Gala.
    • Attended the Niron opening and met with local businesses and Shakopee Band investors.

    28. Houston
    • Led a discussion with leadership and toured the Houston County airport in Caledonia.

    29. Hubbard
    • Toured a workforce housing development and met with local leaders.

    30. Isanti
    • Toured the North Star Child and Family Advocacy Center in Braham.

    31. Itasca
    • Met with leadership and toured the KOOTASCA Child Care Hub.

    32. Jackson
    • Met with first responders to discuss the new EMS telemedicine ambulance in Jackson.

    33. Kanabec
    • Toured the Lakes and Pines Community Action Council and visited with leaders.

    34. Kandiyohi
    • Toured the Life Link III Air Base at Willmar Municipal Airport.
    • Attended the four lane Highway 23 completion celebration.

    35. Kittson
    • Met with owners and toured Far North Distillery.

    36. Koochiching
    • Met with the team at the Voyageurs National Park Headquarters.

    37. Lac qui Parle
    • Toured PURIS Plant-Based Protein manufacturing facility and met with leadership.

    38. Lake
    • Visited the iconic Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors.

    39. Lake of the Woods
    • Met with county leadership about their new water safety equipment.

    40. Le Sueur
    • Led a discussion with the Le Sueur Sheriff and other local leaders and toured the department.
    • Viewed the flood damage and met with leadership in Waterville about federal assistance.

    41. Lincoln
    • Led a discussion at Lyon-Lincoln Electric Co-Op with their leadership.

    42. Lyon
    • Visited the farm of Carolyn and Jonathan Olson in Cottonwood.

    43. McLeod
    • Participated in the Winsted Post Office Rededication Ceremony to James A. Rogers, Jr.

    44. Mahnomen
    • Toured the White Earth Nation College with Chairman Fairbanks and members of the Tribal Council.

    45. Marshall
    • Toured North Valley Health Center Community Hospital in Warren.

    46. Martin
    • Toured the CHS soybean processing facility in Fairmont.

    47. Meeker
    • Toured the Doosan Bobcat manufacturing plant and met with leadership in Litchfield.

    48. Mille Lacs
    • Met with the owner and enjoyed breakfast at the Bee Cafe in Milaca.

    49. Morrison
    • Delivered remarks at the Memorial Day program at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.
    • Met with the mayor and area leadership to discuss the Little Falls bridge project.

    50. Mower
    • Led a discussion and toured the Hormel Foods child care center in Austin.
    • Attended the I-90 bridge project groundbreaking ceremony in Austin.

    51. Murray
    • Met with the owners and got a tour of Painted Prairie Vineyard in Currie.

    52. Nicollet
    • Toured KATO Engineering and met with leadership in North Mankato.
    • Delivered remarks and presented the Purple Heart at a ceremony honoring Corporal Earl Meyer in St. Peter.

    53. Nobles
    • Met with CEDA and county officials to discuss child care projects and solutions in Worthington.
    • Toured the Highway 59 federally funded street project with Worthington leadership.

    54. Norman
    • Convened a meeting with Norman County leadership to discuss the West Central Regional Water District project.

    55. Olmsted
    • Delivered remarks at the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Annual Legislative Conference in Rochester.
    • Attended the Memorial Day Rochester Honkers game.
    • Toured the Mayo Clinic’s new Kellen building.
    • Delivered remarks at the Soldier’s Field Aquatic Center improvements opening ceremony.
    • Led a discussion with county leadership and law enforcement about efforts to combat illegal fentanyl use in Rochester.

    56. Otter Tail
    • Met with leadership from Pioneer Kids Child Care and toured the facility in Fergus Falls with Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce members.

    57. Pennington
    • Visited Northern Woodwork Inc. in Thief River Falls.
    • Met with city and business leadership at Rivers and Rails Brewing Company.

    58. Pine
    • Toured Pine Technical & Community College and met with leadership.

    59. Pipestone
    • Met with local leaders at the Pipestone Airport to discuss improvement plans.

    60. Polk
    • Met with child care and city leaders at the Prairie Pines Child Care Center in Fosston.

    61. Pope
    • Met with staff and toured Clyde Machines in Glenwood with the mayor and Pope County leadership.

    62. Ramsey
    • Toured PAR Systems in Shoreview.
    • Delivered remarks at the St. Paul Firefighters Local 21 Installation celebration.
    • Gave welcome remarks at the Thai Songkran Festival opening ceremony.
    • Delivered remarks at the Official State Memorial Day event at Fort Snelling.
    • Spoke at the Hmong Freedom Festival in St. Paul.
    • Hosted Secretary Becerra at the Episcopal Homes Senior Living Center to highlight Medicare drug pricing.
    • Hosted tourism event at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights.
    • Toured the Carter Work Project in St. Paul with Habitat for Humanity leadership.
    • Delivered remarks at the Military Appreciation Day event at the MN State Fair.
    • Spoke at the CLUES Fiesta Latina in St. Paul.
    • Toured Delkor Systems in Arden Hills with Ex-Im Bank Director Herrnstadt.
    • Led a round table discussion with Ex-Im Bank director and Minnesota business leaders.
    • Delivered remarks at the St. Paul Kellogg-Third Street Bridge Construction Kick Off event.
    • Attended the Serving Our Troops Event in support of military families.
    • Attended St. Paul St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
    • Toured the Neighborhood Development Center with Secretary Yellen

    63. Red Lake
    • Led a discussion about the Farm Bill with the Minnesota Wheat Growers Association and Minnesota Barley Growers Association.

    64. Redwood
    • Delivered remarks and met with agricultural leaders at Farmfest.

    65. Renville
    • Toured K&M Manufacturing in Renville and met with employees.

    66. Rice
    • Met local leaders and manufacturers to tour a planned child care facility in Faribault.
    • Toured flood damage and met with leadership in Northfield.

    67. Rock
    • Toured the new child care center under construction in Luverne.

    68. Roseau
    • Attended annual Hockey Day Celebration activities in Warroad.

    69. Saint Louis
    • Toured flood damage in downtown Cook with the mayor and local leaders.
    • Toured the flash flood damage in Biwabik with the mayor and local leaders.
    • Joined Duluth mayor to highlight the success of their flood mitigation projects.
    • Visited the Blatnik Bridge to highlight its need for repair.
    • Attended Fourth of July festivities in Aurora, Gilbert, Eveleth, Tower, and Ely.
    • Presented a flag to the Ely mayor at Ely Memorial High School in commemoration of their 100th Anniversary Celebration.
    • Attended Labor Day events in Duluth and Virginia.

    70. Scott
    • Met with Scott County Sheriff leadership, viewed the new rescue equipment, and toured the 911 Dispatch Center in Shakopee.

    71. Sherburne
    • Met with leadership of the Wave Youth Center in Big Lake to tour and discuss their expansion project for middle and high school-aged youth.

    72. Sibley
    • Toured the Heartland Ethanol Plant in Winthrop with company leadership.

    73. Stearns
    • Delivered remarks at the annual St. John’s Boys’ Choir Spring Gala in St. Cloud.
    • Spoke at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center 100th Anniversary celebration.
    • Toured the St. Cloud Coborn’s with business leadership.

    74. Steele
    • Convened a discussion with Owatonna High School staff and Chamber of Commerce leadership about their Youth Skills Training Program.

    75. Stevens
    • Met with the Chancellor of UMN Morris and toured the campus.

    76. Swift
    • Toured the Swift County Historical Museum in Benson and met with leadership.

    77. Todd
    • Met with company leadership of EnterpriseCP Manufacturing and toured the facility.

    78. Traverse
    • Led a discussion with Browns Valley mayor and fire chief to hear about fire department operations.

    79. Wabasha
    • Toured Pepin Manufacturing Inc. in Lake City.
    • Spoke at the Governor’s Fishing Opener Kick-Off in Lake City.

    80. Wadena
    • Met with Central Lakes College leaders to discuss their Butchery Program and federal partnerships.

    81. Waseca
    • Met with staff and toured Winegar Manufacturing in Waseca.

    82. Washington
    • Spoke at the 1st Annual Momentous Music Festival with Brian Mueller in Woodbury, honoring Aimee Muller.
    • Attended the Hugo Good Neighbors Day festivities.

    83. Watonwan
    • Visited the farm of Harold Wolle in St. James.

    84. Wilkin
    • Toured CHI St. Francis Health and met with leadership in Breckenridge.

    85. Winona
    • Visited local businesses in Winona with Chamber of Commerce leadership to discuss tourism.

    86. Wright
    • Attended the I-94 West Corridor Coalition Gap Project Groundbreaking Ceremony in Monticello which received federal funds.

    87. Yellow Medicine
    • Met with leadership and visited the Yellow Medicine County Historical Society and Museum.
    • Walked the Dave Smiglewski Memorial Trail in Granite Falls with the Smiglewski Family.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A sister’s last hope to save her brother from addiction – David Vincent Smith’s He Ain’t Heavy is a triumphant debut

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Thompson, Lecturer, Australian Catholic University

    Bonsai Fims

    So, on we go
    His welfare is of my concern
    No burden is he to bear
    We’ll get there
    For I know
    He would not encumber me
    He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother
    – He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies

    Writer–Director David Vincent Smith’s reference to The Hollies’ 1969 hit as the title for his new film is not without irony.

    Max (Sam Corlett) – drug-dependent and out of control – is clearly a crushing weight on his sister Jade (Leila George) and mother Bev (Greta Scacchi).

    The opening scene of this compelling new Australian production throws us right into the chaos he visits upon them. The desperate, violent, off-camera shouts of abuse from Max as his sister sneaks past concerned neighbours and into their mother’s house are obviously nothing new.

    Bev, seated at the kitchen table, shows none of the anxiety we see in Jade. Perhaps she’s beyond reacting to Max’s outbursts. Perhaps she looks past the ugly side of her son through eyes that see only with a mother’s love.

    Jade, however, is at the end of her tether. Everything she’s tried has failed. She’s left with just one last desperate measure.

    This desperate measure didn’t come to David Vincent Smith as a narrative conceit. It was much closer to home.

    One night, Smith got a call from his mother who told him his own drug-addicted brother was outside their home. As he explains in the film’s press kit:

    I could hear smashing windows in the background as he tried to claw his way inside. I was done. There had been many years of violence, emergency rooms and mental trauma […] my own life was suffering as a result […] what could I do? I had an idea – I could kidnap him. Take him out to the desert, throw away the car keys and resolve this once and for all.

    Smith didn’t pursue that extreme thought in real life. Instead, it found its way onto the screen, first as a short “proof of concept” film – I’m Not Hurting You, which played at the 2019 Sydney Film Festival – and then as He Ain’t Heavy, his first feature film.

    The kidnapping and withdrawal

    Jade does indeed kidnap her brother. She sedates him and brings him to their dead grandparents’ home in the country, which Jade and Bev have been packing up in preparation to for its sale.

    Here, we see Jade’s methodical preparation of the room where she will incarcerate Max, the food she will feed him, the posters and pamphlets that inform her how to manage a drug addict’s withdrawal.

    The film follows Jade (Leila George), who has spent much of her life trying to bring her brother Max out of his drug addiction.
    Bonsai Fims

    The choice of the grandparents’ home is significant for our understanding of this fractured family. Here we find evidence that things weren’t always like this.

    We see old photo albums of happier times, toys and games that are now just reminders of fun family visits, a guitar that was once part of Max’s promising singing career, the nearby waterhole where lazy days were spent, and pencil marks on the door jamb recording the siblings’ growth.

    Perhaps the resonance of their better days will be as powerful as the enforced withdrawal in bringing Max back. But, of course, Jade’s best-laid plans don’t go as she might have hoped.

    Sam Corlett, who plays Max, also plays the role of Leif Eriksson in the popular Netflix series Vikings: Valhalla.
    Bonsai Fims

    In many ways, Max’s drug addiction is what Alfred Hitchcock would have called a McGuffin – the story element you think the film is about, when in fact the film is about something else entirely.

    In this case, that something else is love: the love Jade feels for her brother that leads to this extreme action, the love Bev feels for her son that makes her vulnerable to his unpredictable and violent behaviour, and the absence of love Max feels for himself – a void that sucks him into a self-destructive spiral.

    He Ain’t Heavy is essentially a three-handed chamber piece that delivers a triumvirate of distinctive, grounded and well-delineated performances, each one serving a sharply written screenplay imbued with an authenticity that reflects Smith’s lived experience.

    Bev (Greta Scacchi) feels a lot of lover for her son, which makes her vulnerable to his unpredictable and violent behaviour.
    Bonsai Fims

    A powerful portrait of familial love

    Without giving any spoilers, there are some narrative conveniences along the way that might detract from a lesser film. In this case, however, they are easy to forgive, in favour of the powerful viewing experience they help deliver.

    If only for the curiosity factor, it’s worth noting Leila George is also Greta Scacchi’s real-life daughter (her father is Vincent D’Onofrio). This obviously doesn’t hurt when it comes to casting for family resemblance. But this tidbit of trivia is quickly forgotten in the moments of each of their finely crafted, absorbing performances.

    In Smith’s earlier short film version, we see a plaque on the grandparents’ kitchen wall with the following aphorism:

    RECIPE FOR LIFE – pinch of persistence, dash of kindness, spoonful of laughter, heap of love.

    This is a story about a family that has exhausted its persistence, and for whom laughter is something of the past. But Jade’s extreme action is really an act of kindness. Both she and Bev, in their own ways, are driven by that heap of love.

    He Ain’t Heavy is a film that deserves the same heap of love from its audience.

    The film serves a sharply written screenplay imbued with authenticity.
    Bonsai Fims

    He Ain’t Heavy is in select cinemas from October 17.

    Chris Thompson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. A sister’s last hope to save her brother from addiction – David Vincent Smith’s He Ain’t Heavy is a triumphant debut – https://theconversation.com/a-sisters-last-hope-to-save-her-brother-from-addiction-david-vincent-smiths-he-aint-heavy-is-a-triumphant-debut-237764

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Straw Purchase Earns Androscoggin Woman a Felony Record

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

    PORTLAND, Maine: An Androscoggin County woman was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for making a false statement while purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), also known as a straw purchase.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Tia Lavigne, 24, to time served and three years of supervised release. Lavigne pleaded guilty on June 20, 2024.

    According to court records, in June 2023, Lavigne purchased a .22 Glock pistol from an FFL in Scarborough. In completing the required Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol,

    Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473, Lavigne falsely stated she was the actual purchaser. However, prior to purchasing the firearm, she received instruction and money from a second person who later retrieved the pistol from Lavigne’s vehicle.

    ATF investigated the case.

    STRAW PURCHASING: A straw purchase is an illegal firearm purchase where the actual buyer of the gun, being unable to pass the required federal background check or desiring to not have his or her name associated with the transaction, uses a proxy buyer who can pass the required background check to purchase the firearm for him/her.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Volcano Watch — Potential long-term outcomes of recent intrusions in Kīlauea East Rift Zone

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. 

    Chain of Craters within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park before 1969, when several craters were partly or completely filled with lava. Now the Chain of Craters Road turns south, away from its pre-1969 route, between Pauahi and ʻAloʻi, a pit crater buried in 1969 by Maunaulu lava flows. The junction with the Hilina Pali Road is essentially at Devil’s Throat.

    The eruption in and near Nāpau Crater on September 15–20 is an example of a brief eruption in this area. If a longer and larger eruption were to occur, such as at Maunaulu (1969-1974), most lava flows would head south from their vents because of the topography. Some, however, could be trapped within craters, as at Nāpau, partly or completely filling them.

    This part of the rift zone is popularly known as the Chain of Craters. Geologically, all the craters are pit craters, which form solely by collapse of the ground surface without accompanying eruption at the site. Probably all the pit craters are younger than the 15th century.

    Before about 1900, 16 pit craters dimpled the surface from Luamanu to Nāpau. Some of the craters coalesced, so there are more craters than crater names; Hiʻiaka had two craters, Pauahi three; ʻAlae two, and Makaopuhi two. Another crater, Devil’s Throat, formed around 1900. 

    Beginning in the 1960s and continuing to the early 1980s, this area erupted numerous times. Seven craters were partly filled (Luamanu, Hiʻiaka, Pauahi, and Nāpau) or completely filled (Aloʻi, ʻAlae, and the deepest pit in Makaopuhi). Today, the upper East Rift Zone is defined by some to end at Maunaulu, a shield that grew in 1969-1974 between now-filled Aloʻi and ʻAlae Craters.

    The Chain of Craters is the only section of the East Rift Zone and its submarine extension, the Puna Ridge, that contains pit craters. This probably relates to the proximity of the Chain of Craters to the summit of Kīlauea, where magma rises from the mantle.  It stands to reason that such proximity leads to more intrusions than elsewhere along the rift zone. The infrequent lateral draining of such intrusions is the likely explanation of how pit craters form.

    The recent intrusions along the Chain of Craters could have three very different outcomes. Repeated intrusions might spawn eruptions could bypass the craters completely, or partly or completely fill one or more craters. Another possibility is that underground draining of one of the intrusions could lead to formation of a new pit crater. One or more eruptions seem far more likely (such as the recent Nāpau eruption), but collapse to form a new pit crater happened at least 17 times in the past 550 years and so is not a rare occurrence.

    History suggests another potential effect that could accompany continued intrusions in the East Rift Zone is earthquakes beneath the south flank of Kīlauea. Kīlauea volcano is always in a constant state of balance between extension of the south flank due to pressure beneath the summit of the volcano and intrusion of magma along the rift zones.  At times, the flank becomes loaded like a spring and even the relatively small force of an intrusion can trigger an earthquake. 

    The largest earthquake beneath Kīlauea’s south flank happened in 1975. On November 29, 1975, a deadly magnitude 7.7 earthquake, the largest on the island since 1868, struck the south flank. It unleashed a tsunami that killed two campers and many horses at Halapē, and the south flank of Kīlauea moved several meters southward and downward. We don’t know what led directly to this earthquake, but following, as it did, about 15 years of repeated intrusions along the Chain of Craters, a relationship with these intrusions is a possible interpretation. Current conditions provide an excellent opportunity to better understand the generation of south flank earthquakes. 

    All of these extreme scenarios—a new pit crater or massive seaward movement of the south flank— are less likely than one or more eruptions. Continued close monitoring of the Chain of Craters may provide clues down the road. 

    A holistic, historically based approach to studying Kīlauea helps us appreciate what can happen in the long run. Evaluation of the past activity of the volcano, no matter how imperfect known, can influence our thoughts about what could happen. Even with this approach, though, we must remind ourselves that there are no facts about the future.

    Volcano Activity Updates

    Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.

    Over the past week, about 30 earthquakes were located in Kīlauea summit region, and about 100 were located in the upper-to-middle East Rift Zone. Ground deformation rates have greatly decreased since the September 15-20 middle East Rift Zone eruption, but data show that magma is continuing to move at a low rate from the summit to the middle East Rift Zone. Future intrusive episodes and eruptions could occur with continued magma supply. The most recent measurement of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate at the summit was 60 tonnes per day on September 17, 2024, and SO2 emissions were not detected at downwind of the eruption site on Monday, September 23.

    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.

    No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week.

    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

    Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 47 IP fast handling centers built or under construction across China

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Oct. 17 — A total of 47 national-level intellectual property (IP) fast handling centers have been built or are under construction across China as the country strengthens IP rights protection, the top IP regulator said on Thursday.

    The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) recently approved the establishment of two new such centers in the cities of Linhai and Yuyao in east China’s Zhejiang Province.

    The two centers will provide expedited IP protection services for the fashion and leisure industry in Linhai and the plastic product industry in Yuyao, enabling design patents in these sectors to be applied for and granted within a short timeframe, according to an official of CNIPA.

    “This initiative will help build a specialized talent pool for IP protection, enhance the effectiveness of IP protection in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, and create a favorable environment for innovation and business development, thereby promoting the growth of small and medium-sized private enterprises,” the official said.

    The development of the two centers will further attract outstanding design talent to both regions, improve the level of product design, support the modernization of traditional industries, and contribute to high-quality economic development, added the official.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi calls on Fujian to play leading role in country’s modernization drive

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    XIAMEN, Oct. 17 — On a recent inspection tour in east China’s Fujian Province, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized the need for the province to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He stressed the importance for the province to comprehensively implement the new development philosophy and uphold the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability. Xi also underscored the importance for Fujian to steadfastly pursue the goals of creating a new Fujian characterized by dynamic mechanisms, thriving industries, prosperous communities, and a beautiful environment, staying committed to translating these objectives into realities. He called on Fujian to make further progress in accelerating the building of a modernized economy, make greater achievements in serving and integrating into the new development paradigm, take even greater strides in blazing a new trail for integrated cross-Strait development, and achieve greater breakthroughs in improving quality of life. He urged the province to deepen reforms across the board, promote high-quality development comprehensively, and strive for a leading role in China’s modernization drive.

    From Oct. 15 to 16, Xi — accompanied by Zhou Zuyi, secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, and Zhao Long, governor of the province — conducted an inspection and research tour in the cities of Zhangzhou and Xiamen, visiting sites including a village, a revolutionary education base, a cultural heritage site under government protection, and an area of the Fujian pilot free trade zone.

    On the afternoon of Oct. 15, Xi first inspected Dongshan County in the city of Zhangzhou. The village of Aojiao, located in Chencheng Town in the southeastern part of the county, faces the sea on three sides. Over the past few years, the village has embarked on a new path of development by leveraging the sea to revitalize and develop itself. Xi took a walk to inspect the marine environment of Aojiao Bay and the appearance of the village, and inquired in detail about the trading of dried seafood and freshly caught seafood products. Xi was glad to learn that many seafood products are in high demand and that the incomes of villagers have been on the rise. Speaking to the villagers and fishermen who gathered around him, he said: “I visited your village 23 years ago, and it left a deep impression on me. Seeing the significant changes here today is gratifying and inspiring.” He said rural areas will undoubtedly have a brighter future and farmers will enjoy a more vibrant life on the new journey in the new era. He urged the village Party committee to play a leading role, guide villagers to make good use of the sea, and strive forward to achieve rural revitalization and common prosperity.

    Xi then visited the Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall, where he learned about the inspiring deeds of Comrade Gu Wenchang and was briefed about how revolutionary traditions were carried forward. During the visit, he also engaged in cordial exchanges with representatives of teachers and students from Gu Wenchang Cadre College. Xi pointed out that public recognition is the key gauge to evaluate an official’s performance, calling on leading officials at all levels to learn from Gu, have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, and bring benefits to local people during their term in office. He also asked the officials to deliver tangible results, make constant efforts for achievements in the long run, and build a good reputation in the hearts of the people. “Learning from Gu requires not only deep admiration, but also concrete deeds to follow his example in fostering integrity and performing duties,” Xi said.

    At the Guandi cultural industrial park, Xi was briefed about local efforts in strengthening the protection of cultural heritage and promoting cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait. He stressed that cultural heritage is a precious legacy left by our ancestors and should be protected and carried forward.

    On the morning of Oct. 16, Xi inspected the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone. He visited an exhibition showcasing the achievements in the construction of the pilot free trade zone, and was briefed about local work in further expanding reform and opening up, as well as in exploring a new path for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. He also talked with the staffers at a comprehensive service hall. Over more than 40 years of development, the Xiamen Special Economic Zone has experienced tremendous changes that were once unimaginable, he said. Today, the requirements for reform and opening up, both in depth and breadth, are higher than ever before. Fujian and Xiamen need to adapt to the changing situation, steadily advance institutional opening up, align with international high standards, and achieve more institutional and policy outcomes to contribute to the expansion of high-level opening up, Xi said.

    On the afternoon of Oct. 16, Xi listened to work reports from the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and the provincial government. He commended what Fujian has achieved in various areas of its work and put forward clear requirements for the province’s work in the future.

    Xi noted the need to explore new pathways for the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation. He called on the province to accelerate the building of an all-around innovation support system, promote integrated reforms in education, technology, and talent systems in a coordinated manner, and strengthen the building of high-level scientific and technological innovation platforms. He also emphasized the importance of implementing major technological initiatives, enhancing the role of enterprises as major players in innovation, and improving financial policies and mechanisms that support technological advancement, so as to create a better environment for boosting innovation and attracting talent.

    He urged the province to firmly develop the real economy, consolidate the strengths of traditional industries, vigorously promote the transformation and upgrading of industries, cultivate and expand strategic emerging industries, make plans for future industries, develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions, and shape new advantages in industrial development.

    Xi stressed efforts to comprehensively deepen reform and expand high-level opening up. He called for continued efforts to boldly practice, explore and reform on its own, with a focus on key sectors and links and economic structural reform as the spearhead. It is imperative to unswervingly consolidate and develop the public sector and unswervingly encourage, support, and guide the development of the non-public sector, and innovatively develop the “Jinjiang Experience” to fully stimulate the whole society’s vitality for investing and starting businesses. It is essential to prioritize reforms aimed at improving the people’s well-being, with a focus on delivering on the people’s aspirations and expectations. Xi also called for efforts to further upgrade pilot free trade zones, align with major regional strategies, further integrate into high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, build a core area of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, and consolidate and expand the roles of the province as an important link and an important channel in the interplay between domestic and international economic flows. He urged Fujian to build itself into a demonstration zone for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait.

    Xi noted that Fujian should play an exemplary role in promoting coordinated regional development and integrated urban-rural development. It is imperative for the province to advance the mechanism for collaboration between mountainous and coastal areas, further coordinate their development and strengthen the complementarity of their functions. It is essential for Fujian to advance the building of national ecological conservation pilot zones, build a great pattern of protection and governance covering from the mountains to the sea, strengthen overall governance in key areas, river basins and sea areas, and expand the capacity of the ecosystem. Xi called for efforts to strengthen coordinated integration of rural revitalization across the board and new-type urbanization, as well as to expedite integrated urban-rural development. He highlighted the need to bolster the county-level economy, speed up the revitalization and development of former revolutionary bases, and consolidate and further expand the achievements of poverty alleviation. It is imperative to ensure that the total area of farmland remains above the specified red line, adopt an all-encompassing approach to food and agriculture, and forge specialty-based agricultural clusters. Xi also underscored the importance of deepening the collective forest tenure reform and developing forest foods and under-forest economy, thus continuously exploring the forests’ potential in boosting the economy and grain production. Xi also urged accelerated efforts to develop the cities of Fuzhou and Xiamen as national-level marine economic development demonstration zones, as part of the wider endeavor to expand and strengthen the marine economy. He also stressed the imperative to guard against natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes, and strengthen the capacity for disaster prevention, mitigation and relief.

    Xi urged continued efforts to improve the appeal of culture and present the province’s fresh image. He called on the province to inherit and carry forward the revolutionary traditions, commit to the construction of national culture parks for the Long March in Changting and Ninghua, as well as deepen the research and interpretation of revolutionary historical materials and relics. He underlined the need to strengthen the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage, stay committed to the work of cultivating people morally and intellectually, and actively transform outmoded habits and customs. He also stressed advancing deeper integration of culture and tourism, and developing the culture and tourism sector into a pillar industry. Xi urged continued efforts to promote cross-Strait cultural exchanges, jointly carry forward Chinese culture, and enhance the common sense of the Chinese national and cultural identity among Taiwan compatriots. Xi called on Fujian to rely on ties such as ancestral bonds and ancestral land culture to extensively rally the support of overseas Chinese.

    Xi pointed out that Party members and officials should be educated to inherit the best of traditions, carry forward our revolutionary heritage and the pioneering and innovative spirit of daring to think big and fighting to win big, forge ahead with fortitude, and make further achievements. All Party members and officials should have an understanding of performing their duties to serve the people, never forget the original aspiration, take on responsibilities, be honest and clean in performing duties, and always maintain the political integrity of communists. It is imperative to fight pointless formalities, and take further steps to ease the burdens on grassroots. He urged efforts to implement the practices of going into communities to communicate the Party’s lines and policies, carry out fact-finding missions, address people’s complaints, and conduct field work, follow the Party’s mass line in the new era, and raise the effectiveness of Party building in boosting grassroots governance.

    Xi stressed the necessity to conscientiously implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, spare no efforts to do a good job in the economic work of the fourth quarter, and strive to achieve the economic and social development objectives for the whole year.

    Vice Premier He Lifeng and leading officials of relevant central Party and state departments accompanied Xi on the inspection tour.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China boasts robust industrial ecosystem for intelligent connected vehicles: minister

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China boasts robust industrial ecosystem for intelligent connected vehicles: minister

    BEIJING, Oct. 17 — A comprehensive industrial system for China’s intelligent connected vehicle sector has basically taken shape, covering products and technologies such as basic chips, sensors, computing platforms and chassis control, Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong said Thursday.

    Jin made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference in Beijing.

    China leads the world in human-machine interaction and is rapidly advancing toward breakthroughs in technologies like steer-by-wire and active suspension technologies, among others, the minister noted.

    According to him, the country’s intelligent connected vehicle sector currently boasts nearly 400 “little giant” firms, or novel elites of small and medium-sized enterprises that are engaged in manufacturing, specialize in a niche market and hold cutting-edge technologies.

    Five Chinese lidar companies have ranked among the global top ten in sales, while nine automotive manufacturers are piloting conditionally automated driving models, Jin said.

    To support such rapid industrial development, more than 50 cities in China have designated over 32,000 kilometers of test routes for intelligent connected vehicles and upgraded about 10,000 kilometers of roads with smart technologies.

    The 2024 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference, running from Oct. 17 to 19, has attracted over 250 auto firms and institutions from home and abroad. More than 200 new technologies and products are expected to make their debut at the event.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils first multidisciplinary diagnosis, treatment guidelines for obesity

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China unveils first multidisciplinary diagnosis, treatment guidelines for obesity

    BEIJING, Oct. 17 — China on Thursday unveiled its first guidelines for the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of obesity.

    Emphasizing a multidisciplinary team-based approach, the guidelines were released to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of the condition and to ensure the quality and safety of medical care, said the National Health Commission (NHC), which led the formulation of the document.

    The guidelines address the diagnosis standards, classification and staging of obesity. Its treatment section includes methods for behavioral, psychological and sports-based interventions, medical nutrition therapy, medication treatments, weight-loss and metabolic surgery, as well as approaches from traditional medicine.

    According to the guidelines, five medications have been approved in China for weight-loss treatment in adults with primary obesity. No medications have been approved for the treatment of inherited obesity in China.

    The second-largest economy is combating obesity, largely a “sweet burden” of affluence. More than half of adults in the country are overweight or obese, and the rate could reach 65.3 percent by 2030, according to a 2020 report from the NHC.

    China had struggled for centuries to feed its vast population. And undernourishment was a genuine concern for many families before the reform and opening-up started in the late 1970s. Obesity has emerged as an unintended consequence of improving living standards in the country.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Vice premier urges improved policy implementation to hit yearly growth targets

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NANJING, Oct. 17 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has called for more effective implementation of both existing and incremental policies to fulfill the country’s annual social and economic development targets.

    Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an investigation and research tour of Henan and Jiangsu, two provinces in central and eastern China, respectively.

    The tour, spanning from Monday to Thursday, focused on economic operations, sci-tech innovation and industry development.

    In Zhengzhou, capital of Henan, Ding visited places including an academy of science, a university and a digital technology firm, calling for concerted efforts to promote projects aligned with major national strategies. He underscored the need to cultivate the digital economy and develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions.

    While visiting a housing project in the city, Ding also urged strengthened financial support for the country’s real-estate market.

    In Suzhou and Jiangyin, two cities of Jiangsu, Ding learned about local efforts to attract foreign investment, develop the integrated circuit sector and promote vocational education. He said it is crucial to integrate sci-tech innovation and industry innovation to create momentum for high-quality development.

    Work should also be done to maximize the use of local government special-purpose bonds, improve the business environment for the private businesses, and enhance services for foreign investors, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director Rachel Rossi Delivers Keynote Address at the Community Legal Services 57th Annual Pro Bono Awards Dinner

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

    Thank you very much for that generous introduction, Executive Director Harvey. I want to first thank Jeff for his leadership and for hosting this awards dinner. And Jeff, thank you for your service as a lieutenant colonel in the Florida Army National Guard during the recent hurricanes.

    Also, a big thank you to Andrea Ortiz, CLS’ Director of Pro Bono Services, for all her work to make tonight’s event possible. And thank you to all those who helped plan this award dinner.

    I also want to recognize the distinguished attendees tonight for attending this event that recognizes the amazing work of volunteer attorneys throughout the 12-county service area of Community Legal Services.

    And I want to congratulate all those who will be recognized with awards tonight. The commitments you have made to the work of serving those most in need is truly inspiring. To all the pro bono volunteers, including those assisting the Community Legal Services’ Pro Bono Program and the Peer Academy, we commend your dedication and aid to the most in-need in our communities.

    Finally, I must acknowledge my colleague Roger Handberg, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, and his leadership team. We’ve been impressed with the Office’s innovative access to justice initiatives, including their regular collaboration with CLS.

    It is an honor to be here. I am delighted to join all of you to shine a light on the access to justice work being done in the Orlando area and across Central Florida.

    As Jeff mentioned, I lead the Office for Access to Justice, a standalone office within the Justice Department. Our mission is to ensure access to the promises and protections of our civil and criminal legal systems for all communities. We do this work strategically, through several different initiatives:

    We are focused on dismantling economic barriers, including by promoting reduced reliance criminal and civil fines and fees.

    We’re breaking down language access barriers, through the department-wide Language Access Coordinator who led efforts to modernize the department’s Language Access Plan for the first time in over a decade.

    We’re combatting barriers to reentry for adults in custody, through innovative civil legal assistance programs in federal prisons.

    We’re also disrupting barriers through Access DOJ, an initiative that utilizes human centered design and best practices from the access to justice field to make it easier to access critical forms, understand important information and resources, or more easily navigate federal court systems, such as bankruptcy proceedings.

    And of course, we promote access to council and legal help. I don’t have to convince the people in this room that pro bono assistance is essential to disrupting barriers and closing the justice gap.

    Legal aid organizations provide invaluable assistance to the most vulnerable, but they can’t help everyone. There are eligibility requirements that limit the kinds of cases they can take. Even when eligibility is not an issue, the need for legal aid often outweighs the resources available.

    That’s where pro bono attorneys come in: they extend the reach of these limited resources by volunteering to represent low-income individuals, often in close collaboration with legal service providers. The justice gap is vast — and it will require a wide range of strategies and tools to close it. This includes the hard work and dedication of pro bono attorneys.

    That’s why I’m so inspired by programs like CLS’ Pro Bono Academy, an innovative program that provides structured training to prepare volunteers for pro bono representation.

    And that’s why the Office of Access to Justice is prioritizing promoting pro bono representation through our leadership of the Federal Government Pro Bono Program, which is working to mobilize a massive workforce — federal government attorneys and staff — to pitch in and help bridge the justice gap.

    I am particularly proud of the Federal Government Pro Bono Program’s significant work in Florida.

    Last year, ATJ launched the DOJ Pro Bono Portal on Paladin to enable Justice Department employees to find pro bono opportunities statewide. The portal has expanded to 15 jurisdictions so far, including Florida.

    Every Justice Department attorney in Florida can access pro bono opportunities with the click of a mouse, including those posted by Community Legal Services.

    Unfortunately, the urgent need for pro bono assistance and legal aid often becomes most salient in the wake of disaster. You know this better than anyone with Florida having experienced four hurricanes in the last 14 months. Parts of the state saw complete obliteration of homes and businesses. Other areas of the state are cleaning up debris and starting the long process of rebuilding.

    As you know, it is estimated that more than 200 people were tragically killed by Hurricane Helene. And even for those who survived, the costs are devastating. Helene’s path of destruction across the southeastern U.S. is expected to exceed 30-40 billion dollars in damages.

    And Hurricane Milton compounded the harms, with at least 24 additional lives lost. I don’t have to tell you, because you’re living it.

    When hurricanes and other natural disaster strike, first responders make sure people have the basics: food, shelter, utilities and medical care. Skilled professionals and volunteers bravely address immediate critical needs and conduct rescue efforts.

    While many know to call police, fire departments and disaster response officials for help, rarely do people think about the need for lawyers or legal help.

    Yet, in the midst of a disaster, attorneys — like those in CLS’ disaster unit — are critical to facilitating disaster survivors’ access to essential needs like food and shelter. And when disaster survivors start picking up the pieces of their lives in the weeks, months and sometimes years after a disaster — legal help is often a critical lifeline.

    In the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, legal aid providers and pro bono volunteers address urgent civil legal issues — from defending against unlawful evictions, to helping apply for public assistance like unemployment benefits, food stamps and FEMA resources.

    And a disaster doesn’t end once the storm has passed. Legal challenges can haunt disaster survivors for years as they seek to replace identification papers, apply for benefits and deal with insurance claims. The hardest hit and the most vulnerable communities can be struggling to fully recover for even longer or in some cases may never fully regain their normal lives. Legal aid providers in Florida are still assisting victims impacted by Hurricane Ian, which hit the Ft. Myers area two years ago.

    The complications of seeking assistance and barriers to obtaining relief for disaster survivors can constitute a second disaster for survivor victims, especially for the elderly, disabled and persons who have limited proficiency in English. Unique complications also exist for those who live in rural areas, where distance or lack of broadband can create additional barriers to accessing legal help, or where damage to agricultural industries can create complex harms.

    Simply put, legal aid and pro bono assistance must be a central element of efforts to rebuild and support communities after a natural disaster.

    That’s what you’re demonstrating here in Florida. Today, I had the opportunity to participate in a Disaster Relief Legal Aid Roundtable hosted by CLS staff and joined by other members of the Florida Disaster Umbrella Group.

    I learned how the Umbrella Group collaborates to address common legal problems impacting low-income communities and how it fosters and promotes better coordination and communication between civil legal aid providers, pro bono volunteers, emergency managers and other advocates from across the state, to ensure that low-income disaster survivors receive the legal assistance they need.

    The Umbrella Group also helps educate the emergency management community about the importance of integrating legal services providers into their work and is an impressive model of collaboration and communication that can be implemented in other states to address natural disasters.

    And here in Florida you’re also demonstrating how pro bono volunteers — like those we celebrate tonight — play an essential role in helping people navigate a maze of post-disaster bureaucracy — including disputes with landlords, insurers and contractors.                          

    Like everyone in the state during an emergency, legal aid organizations have their resources stretched to the limit as they seek to respond to the overwhelming need of disaster survivors. Pro bono volunteers play an invaluable role in relieving the pressure on legal aid organizations during a disaster and in assisting those that would otherwise be forced to weather the storm alone.

    Initiatives like the Disaster Relief Hotline launched this month by the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division are an innovative way to coordinate pro bono resources in the wake of a disaster. The hotline connects survivors with the help they need when they need it most and supports the legal community by making it easier to volunteer.

    The Office for Access to Justice is also focused on doing what we can to help ensure access to justice for disaster survivors. As one example, our Federal Government Pro Bono Program recently hosted a training for federal government employees on how to volunteer to provide legal help in the midst of a disaster. That training featured participation from legal services providers who specialize in this type of work. We were thrilled to be joined by Legal Services of North Florida, who I know collaborates closely with CLS.

    And next week, we will host the annual Federal Government Pro Bono Week, where we’ll provide a variety of trainings and clinic opportunities for federal employees, lift up their role as collaborators in closing justice gaps and recruit and expand the ranks of the federal volunteer workforce.

    Our Office will continue to promote pro bono volunteerism by federal government employees in the midst of a disaster and to develop resources that advance access to justice for disaster survivors.

    Florida has seen terrible tragedies this past month. But it has also been at the heart of incredible resilience and creative problem solving, producing unique and effective legal assistance programs that help bring people back from most difficult days of their lives. Programs that would not be possible without the vision, hard work and dedication of the legal aid providers and pro bono attorneys in this room and across the state.

    So I once again want to thank the awardees we have gathered tonight to celebrate. And as you continue in this difficult mission and this awesome responsibility, please know that the Office for Access to Justice stands shoulder to shoulder with you as a partner and ally.

    Thank you.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Saskatchewan — URGENT: Amber Alert Child Abduction Notification

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    This is an activation of the AMBER ALERT system at the request of WASKESIU RCMP.

    On October 17, 2024 at approximately 1:50 p.m. Waskesiu RCMP received a report that a five-day-old baby was abducted from the health centre in Montreal Lake.

    The victim is five-day-old baby boy Koda Moccasin. The baby was last seen wearing a blue sleeper.

    • Weight: 7 pounds
    • Last seen wearing: blue sleeper

    Police believe the child was taken by:

    • Name: Merlin Junior Crookedneck
    • Age: 35
    • Height: 5 foot 11 inches
    • Weight: stocky build
    • Hair colour/length: short dark hair
    • Eye colour: brown
    • Last seen wearing: unknown

    The suspect is believed to be driving a black 2022 Hyundai Tuscon SUV with Saskatchewan license plate 965 NAN.

    Investigators believe Merlin Junior Crookedneck may be traveling to the Big River, Loon Lake or Mudie Lake areas.

    The suspect and child were last seen at the health centre in Montreal Lake early this afternoon.

    If you see the suspect, do not approach. If you have information about this child, call 911 immediately.

    The official police service contact for this Amber Alert is:

    The Saskatchewan RCMP
    639-625-3605

    Criteria for and information about the Saskatchewan AMBER Alert program can be located on the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police website: https://www.sacp.ca/amber-alert.html

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary visits China

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrives in China on two-day trip, which will include meetings in Beijing and Shanghai

    • Foreign Secretary arrives in China on two-day trip, which will include meetings in Beijing and Shanghai
    • UK is taking a consistent, strategic and pragmatic approach to China which prioritises the UK national interest
    • Foreign Secretary will urge China to stop its political and economic support of the Russian war effort

    The UK is to take a stable, consistent and pragmatic approach to China, with engagement vital between two global players. That is the message the Foreign Secretary David Lammy will deliver as he lands in Beijing today. 

    The Foreign Secretary will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Friday (18), with talks which will cover a breadth of issues, from climate and trade, to global foreign policy challenges including Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    In Shanghai, the Foreign Secretary will meet with British business leaders to discuss how our economic links with China support growth in the UK.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    As permanent members of the UN Security Council with major global economies, the UK and China are global players. Our relationship matters.

    Engagement with China is pragmatic and necessary to support UK and global interests. From stopping Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, to supporting a global green transition, we must speak often and candidly across both areas of contention as well as areas for cooperation in the UK’s national interest.

    UK diplomatic efforts with China will be one of serious, stable and pragmatic reengagement across the full spectrum of government, prioritising the UK’s national interests.

    This will come with a firm recognition that the UK and China will not, and do not, always agree. We have significant differences including on democratic values and freedoms, Hong Kong and support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine; but we also have shared interests, including a global green energy transition, and deep economic links, with China including Hong Kong the UK’s 4th largest trading partner.

    The Foreign Secretary’s visit is a reflection of the consistent, strategic and pragmatic approach the UK government will take to managing the UK’s relations with China – co-operating where we can; competing where we need to; and challenging where we must.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard, partners to discuss rescue of 17-year-old kayaker

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    10/17/2024 06:15 PM EDT

    WHO: Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, Honolulu Fire Department, Honolulu Ocean Safety Department WHAT: Holding joint press briefing about rescue of missing 17-year-old kayaker off Waikiki WHEN: 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 WHERE: Hale Kinai Ahi Auditorium, Honolulu Fire Department Headquarters, 636 South St., Honolulu, HI 96813

    For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Remarks by President Charles Michel at the press conference following the European Council meeting of 17 October 2024

    Source: Council of the European Union

    European Council President Charles Michel held a press conference at the end of the meeting held on 17 October 2024. EU leaders adopted conclusions on Ukraine, Middle East, competitiveness, migration and foreign affairs. Ahead of this meeting, EU leaders and leaders from the Gulf region gathered in the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit on 16 October 2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Virtual reality and wearable technology pilot to cut drug deaths

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The government will fund research into wearable technology, virtual reality and artificial intelligence in a bid to support people with drug addictions.

    • Government funds research into wearable technology, virtual reality and artificial intelligence to support people with drug addictions and save lives
    • Projects include body-worn devices which alert emergency services if overdose is expected
    • 11 projects across UK could be rolled out more widely if successful

    Thousands of lives could be saved through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable technology designed to reduce drug deaths and improve outcomes.

    The government has awarded £12 million to projects across the UK that are researching innovative technology to support people with addictions.

    One of the chosen projects, called PneumoWave ALERT, pairs a chest-worn sensor that monitors breathing to a mobile device that sends out an immediate alert to nearby antidote carriers and emergency services if an overdose is detected, helping people get potentially life-saving treatment as soon as possible.

    Another study will look at using virtual reality to help people overcome their triggers for cocaine addiction. People will be assessed using watch-like devices to determine which cues in their environment lead to a drug craving, by measuring physical changes to the body.

    Virtual reality will then be used to create realistic situations to repeatedly expose people to triggers in a safe environment. Previous research shows cue exposure treatment (CET) can significantly reduce the level of craving and relapse among alcoholics, but it has not yet been fully explored for people experiencing a cocaine addiction until now.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne said:

    Drug addiction devastates lives and rips apart families, and this government is committed to gripping this problem.

    We’re determined to harness the full potential of cutting-edge technology to save thousands of lives across the country. I want the UK to lead the way in championing innovation to end the harmful effects of addiction.

    The research is being funded through the Addiction Healthcare Goals programme, which is run by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS). Around £12 million has been awarded to 11 projects across eight organisations in the UK. The projects were selected as part of the Reducing Drug Deaths Challenge and the NIHR i4i Addiction: Innovation for Treatment and Recovery Awards, which are being run in partnership with the Scottish government and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).  

    The funding will also support research to improve the accessibility of the life-saving drug naloxone. Naloxone rapidly reverses heroin and opioid overdose but is typically available as an injection or nasal spray which have limitations and cannot always be used in time. Kings College London is looking into naloxone wafers which melt in the mouth and provide rapid access to this emergency medicine and can fit easily in a wallet or purse.

    Several of the projects are based in Scotland which has the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe.

    These include a wristband to monitor vital signs such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate and body temperature. If an overdose is suspected, the device, named “Saving Sam”, will send out an alert to a trusted contact. This research is being run by the University of Edinburgh and NHS Fife.

    The technology being researched could be rolled out to more sites across the UK if successful. The projects support the government’s Health Mission – building an NHS fit for the future – by helping to embed a greater focus on prevention and supporting services.

    It also helps establish the UK as a global leader for innovative treatments and technologies, supporting the UK’s Growth Mission – for sustained economic growth, good jobs and increased productivity across the country – by inspiring healthcare companies to invest in the UK, while supporting people back into stable work.

    Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

    The UK’s life sciences sector plays a critical role in finding new ways to tackle the biggest challenges facing healthcare, including the devastating impact of addiction. The Addiction Healthcare Goals Programme is testament to our commitment to bringing together researchers, clinicians, and innovators to create real change.

    From wearable technology to AI-powered tools, these innovative projects highlight the power of collaboration in delivering life-saving treatments. By investing in these partnerships, we are tackling addiction head-on and ensuring that cutting-edge science reaches those who need it most, improving public health across the UK.

    Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR’s Scientific Director for Innovation, said: 

    Innovation in managing addiction is needed to break the pattern of prison relapse and rebound and the wider impacts of addiction on society.

    Through the NIHR i4i Addiction: Innovation for Treatment and Recovery Awards, successful projects have been awarded funding to develop approaches to improve treatment and recovery outcomes.

    Interventions, including AI, that allow management in the community need this research to validate their potential so we can implement them at scale.

    Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientific Advisor for Health, Scottish Government, said:

    Tackling drug-related deaths is a priority for the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland and we are committed to tackling these issues through targeted research, innovation and support.

    As part of phase two of the Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Competition, funding has been awarded to develop seven prototypes aimed at reducing drug deaths.

    These innovative solutions include wearable sensors, digital monitoring and alert applications as well as novel antidote delivery systems.

    By harnessing the expertise we have in Scotland and across the rest of the UK, we can continue to develop new technologies to drive prevention initiatives.

    Professor Anne Lingford-Hughes, Chair of the Addiction Healthcare Goals, said: 

    New approaches to treat drug addiction and reduce drug related deaths, particularly from overdose, are urgently needed. The Addiction Healthcare Goals programme is pleased to fund promising innovations that have brought together partnerships between industry, academia and organisations involved in delivering treatment and care for those experiencing drug addictions.

    Establishing such collaborations also enhances the UK’s research capacity and ability to deliver novel patient research. This lays firm foundations for the UK to accelerate the development and testing of effective innovations to use in routine care to save lives, reduce harms, and benefit society.

    Notes to editors:

    Further information on some of the projects is available below:

    Reducing Drug Deaths Innovation Challenge

    Pneumowave ALERT

    PneumoWave ALERT is a remote monitoring platform designed to make opioid usage safer by detecting the onset of life-threatening respiratory problems caused by opioid-induced overdose. The platform consists of a discreet, chest-worn biosensor paired with a mobile device, which allows for the immediate alerting of nearby naloxone carriers and emergency medical services. The research involves conducting end-to-end monitoring, detection, and alerting in 200 high-risk patients residing in homeless accommodation, in collaboration with the University of Dundee, King’s College London, and Third Sector partners HumanKind, Thames Reach, and Hillcrest Futures.

    NOMW Health

    NOMW Health, in collaboration with Greater Glasgow and Clyde Innovation Hub and The University of Southampton, previously conducted a feasibility study on LifeSavr, an innovative wearable device aimed at addressing the opioid overdose crisis. The Scotland-based team is now advancing the development of LifeSavr to prepare it for consumer availability in the UK, Europe, and globally. LifeSavr features monitoring of oxygen saturation, heart rate, body movements and respiratory rate for accurate overdose detection. It is based on NASA research and uses a self-contained design that eliminates the need for a mobile phone. The device aims to reduce the burden on emergency services and long-term care.

    Kings College London

    Kings College London is developing rapid-dispersal naloxone wafers to improve the accessibility and portability of this life-saving emergency antidote medication. Naloxone rapidly reverses heroin/opioid overdose, but current forms (injection and nasal spray) have limitations, such as requiring healthy nasal passages and consistent carrying by users. The proposed naloxone wafers disintegrate within seconds and can easily fit into a wallet or purse, addressing the current low carriage rates which are around 15-20%.

    EMoodie – Saving SAM System for Alert and Monitoring of Potential Overdoses  

    ‘Saving SAM’ is an innovative, low-cost digital tool developed by eMoodie Limited to help prevent drug overdoses and save lives. The tool consists of a wristband that monitors vital signs such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate, body temperature, and movement patterns to detect potential overdose risks. If an overdose is suspected, the wristband sends an alert to the Saving SAM app on the user’s smartphone, alerting a trusted contact. The app also offers mental health support and well-being programs for people who use drugs. Co-created with people with lived experience, “Saving SAM” is an overdose detection tool that combines wearables, remote monitoring, artificial intelligence (AI), and a smartphone app with gamified digital therapeutics.

    Mesox-Ltd

    MESOX has developed a wearable patch of the antidotes Naloxone and Flumazenil for the rising number of drug deaths from mixed overdosing of opioids and benzodiazepines. The skin patch is designed for wide application by non-professionals in the community, avoiding the challenges of existing routes of administration and complexity of injectable antidotes. In the next phase of development on the programme, MESOX will work closely with NHS Fife and other sub-contractors to design acceptability studies with patients across all four UK nations.

    Science & Engineering Applications Ltd (Scienap)

    Scienap, in collaboration with ambulance services led by the Scottish Ambulance Service, has designed a low-cost alert and responder pathway to create effective responses to potentially fatal overdose events. The project includes a new Alert App for self-monitoring by drug users, automatically raising an alarm if they become unresponsive, and a Care & Respond App for trusted supporters to provide coordinated help, administer life-saving drugs, and be supported by emergency services when appropriate.

    University of Glasgow

    The University of Glasgow presents a significant advancement in wearable sensor technology for detecting and preventing overdoses. The soft sensor, designed for seamless body integration, provides real-time respiratory monitoring to identify early signs of overdose episodes. The team will test the usability and acceptability of the refined prototype with people with lived/living experience of substance use through an iterative co-design process supported by the West of Scotland NHS Innovation Hub.

    NIHR i4i Addiction Innovation: Innovation for Treatment and Recovery Awards

    Kings College London – is developing a Virtual Reality-enhanced cue exposure treatment integrated with a wearable device to address craving, prevent relapse and improve treatment outcomes of people with cocaine dependence.

    A key challenge in helping people to recover for cocaine addiction (or dependence) is their craving for the drug that can be triggered by ‘cues’ in their environment, such as situations or objects, which remind them of the pleasurable effects of cocaine. This process is known as ‘classical conditioning’ and the aim of this study is to reduce the risk of relapse to cocaine through use of novel technologies to reduce craving. This research will test the ability of technology-enhanced CET to reduce craving and relapse to cocaine use, compared to people receiving usual care.

    Another project led by Kings College London, The Prison Release Engagement Trial will refine and test an interactive smartphone app to improve Continuity of Care post-release for prisoners working to stay drug free. 

    For the full list of projects that have been successful in receiving funding across both competitions, please see the NIHR publications and the Scottish Government  publications.

    Further information

    The Addiction Healthcare Goals is being delivered by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS) alongside the Dementia, Mental Health, Cancer and Obesity Healthcare Goals. The Addiction Healthcare Goals programme is working to make the UK a globally leading location for researchers and industry to develop, trial and deploy innovative treatments and technologies which will help people recover from drug and alcohol addictions, save lives, and benefit society.

    Alongside funding innovative research, the Addiction Healthcare Goals programme is aiming to support the training of research leaders across the UK and is exploring ways to make better use of addiction healthcare data to enable researchers to develop better treatments. The programme has also been working with the James Lind Alliance to identify the key research priorities within the UK community and will be publishing this list in 2025 with the aim of influencing future research funding priorities.

    The projects were selected as part of the Reducing Drug Deaths Challenge and the NIHR i4i Addiction: Innovation for Treatment and Recovery Awards, which were run in partnership with the Scottish government and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The successful Reducing Drug Deaths projects builds on feasibility funding awarded through phase 1 of the Reducing Drugs Deaths Challenge last year.

    The Addiction Healthcare Goals form a part of the Department of Health and Social Care’s ambition to deliver a world-class treatment and recovery system for people experiencing drug and alcohol addictions.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Natural Gas Producer Agrees to Settlement to Reduce Emissions in New Mexico

    Source: US State of California

    Settlement Includes $9.4M Civil Penalty and Compliance Measures that Will Result in Reduction of Over 113,000 Tons’ Worth of CO2 Pollution

    The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) today announced a settlement with Hilcorp Energy Company resolving Clean Air Act and New Mexico state law violations at the company’s oil and gas production operations in New Mexico.

    Under the settlement, Hilcorp agreed to pay a civil penalty of $9.4 million for violations resulting from Hilcorp’s failure to reduce emissions during well completion operations. The civil penalty will be split between the U.S. and the State of New Mexico. In addition, the company must employ an EPA-approved third-party auditor to ensure compliance with all applicable Clean Air Act and New Mexico Air Quality Control Act requirements.

    Hilcorp is further directed to account for the excess volatile organic compound (VOC) and methane emissions released through improper well completions by replacing, on a faster timeline than federal regulations require, old process control equipment with equipment that does not emit air pollution. This mitigation project will occur on Tribal lands of the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation, in Rio Arriba County, and on Navajo Nation Off-Reservation Trust Land in San Juan and Sandoval counties; all of these areas have potential environmental justice concerns.

    The work that Hilcorp will do under this agreement will result in the equivalent of over 113,000 tons of reduced carbon dioxide emissions over the next three years, similar to the number of reductions achieved by taking 24,000 cars off the road for one year. The settlement will also eliminate nearly 583 tons of VOC emissions annually.

    The case is the first to address violations of the Clean Air Act New Source Performance Standards covering well completions following hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as “fracking.”

    “Hilcorp is a large, sophisticated natural gas producer and should know better than to violate Clean Air Act requirements to capture and control gas produced as a result of fracking,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to upholding the rule of law and holding industry accountable. Today’s settlement importantly includes commitments to make infrastructure upgrades that will result in significant reductions of methane and VOC emissions.”

    “Oil and gas production results in significant air pollution, including emissions of methane that are one of the leading sources of near-term climate change, which makes today’s settlement with Hilcorp Energy a huge win for the environment and the planet,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is requiring Hilcorp to pay a $9.4 million penalty and make substantial investments in Clean Air Act compliance, which will reduce climate damaging emissions and improve air quality for all New Mexico residents, including communities with environmental justice concerns.”

    “This settlement holds one of the San Juan Basin’s largest polluters accountable for their contribution to climate change and ozone pollution,” said Secretary James Kenney of the New Mexico Environment Department. “If we want to make New Mexico’s air safe for future generations then Houston-based Hilcorp Energy Corporation executives need to step up their game and comply with federal and state rules.”

    Federal Clean Air Act and New Mexico state air regulations require oil and gas producers to capture gas that flows back to the surface following fracking using equipment that can accommodate flowback and to implement a reduced emission completion control, commonly referred to as a green completion. Producers have several green completion options to choose from. If none are technically feasible, producers may route the captured gas to a pollution control device like a flare.

    Based on EPA’s and NMED’s investigations, the U.S. and the state allege that Hilcorp conducted at least 192 well completion operations in Rio Arriba and San Juan counties from Aug. 2, 2017, through Aug. 1, 2019.

    At 145 of these well completions, Hilcorp captured none of the gas and instead released into the atmosphere all gas that flowed back following fracking. At the remainder of well completions, Hilcorp captured a portion of the gas and directed it to a flare but did not demonstrate that all green completion options were infeasible. Hilcorp’s actions resulted in thousands of tons of harmful methane and VOC emissions being released into the environment. Methane is a climate super pollutant and potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and VOCs adversely affect human health in multiple ways, including being involved in the formation of ground level ozone.

    Hilcorp is one of the nation’s largest privately-owned oil and gas exploration and production companies, and a top producer of natural gas in New Mexico from 2018-2021. New Mexico is one of the top ten producing states for natural gas in the United States for 2018-2023. In 2022, on-shore oil and gas industry data reported to EPA showed that Hilcorp’s San Juan Basin operation emitted the most methane in the U.S. among all oil and gas operations.

    The settlement is part of EPA’s Mitigating Climate Change National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, which focuses, in part, on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas and landfill sources. Like all EPA’s national enforcement initiatives, the Mitigating Climate Change initiative prioritizes communities already overburdened by pollution and other potential environmental justice concerns.

    More information on the settlement agreement is available on EPA’s Hilcorp Energy Company webpage.

    The consent decree was filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico and is subject to a 30-day comment period. Information on providing public comment and the complaint and proposed consent decree are available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

    EPA and NMED investigated the case.

    Attorneys of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Administrator Surveys Virginia Counties and Meets with Survivors and Local Community Officials Recovering from Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Administrator Surveys Virginia Counties and Meets with Survivors and Local Community Officials Recovering from Helene

    FEMA Administrator Surveys Virginia Counties and Meets with Survivors and Local Community Officials Recovering from Helene

    WASHINGTON — As FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell continues to lead the federal response to Helene and Milton in six states, today she is in Virginia to meet survivors and local officials as they continue their recovery from Helene.

    In Virginia, the administrator visited affected communities with Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Earlier in the week she and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper in Buncombe County to speak with disaster survivors and meet staff at a local high school as part of the recovery.

    Critical services continue being restored. The Commonwealth of Virginia is focused on debris removal, particularly in lakes that provide the commonwealth a source of drinking water. Removing debris will also reduce threats to public health and safety. In Florida—hit by both storms—power outages have been reduced to about 17,000, down from a peak of 3.2 million. And in North Carolina, approximately 13,000 customers remain without power, down from a peak of about 1 million customers without power. 

    In total, about 433,000 households have been approved for nearly $619 million in FEMA assistance for their Helene recovery while 61,000 households have received $54 million for Milton. Survivors are using these funds to replace essential items, pay for somewhere to stay and make home repairs.

    Hurricane Milton survivors in 34 Florida counties and one Tribal Nation can register for federal disaster assistance. On Oct. 11, President Jospeh R. Biden, Jr., approved a major disaster declaration for Florida following the hurricane. President Biden previously approved federal disaster assistance in six states affected by Helene. This opens up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

    In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the Operation Blue Tarp which is a free service to homeowners. Residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov, or by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). The initial sign-up period is set for 21 days and ends Nov. 5. The Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Milton currently identified for the program include: Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia.

    FEMA encourages Helene and Milton survivors to apply online as this remains the best way to apply for disaster assistance. Here are the ways to apply for federal assistance: 

    ·         Apply online at disasterassistance.gov

    ·         Call 800-621-3362

    ·         Use the FEMA App

    ·         Visit a Disaster Recovery Center to talk with FEMA and state agency officials and apply for assistance

    In total, over 8,200 federal personnel—including 4,300 FEMA staff—are in communities in these states supporting the ongoing response and recovery efforts. 

    These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across states impacted by Helene and Milton.

    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56489″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/51c770e055bfac2bdf77a115b7d1e1e9.jpg?itok=d6OkGMpD” alt=”Caption: Lee County, Va. – A group comprised of staff from the Lee County 911, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and FEMA was conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments to survey properties affected by Tropical Storm Helene in September.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Lee County, Va. – A group comprised of staff from the Lee County 911, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and FEMA was conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments to survey properties affected by Tropical Storm Helene in September.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56511″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/0ac80a360274e00254b29ac8e241b18a.jpg?itok=d3rO453K” alt=”Caption: Burnsville, N.C. – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper visit the Pensacola Volunteer Fire Department to talk with staff and disaster survivors.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Burnsville, N.C. – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper visit the Pensacola Volunteer Fire Department to talk with staff and disaster survivors.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56462″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/7037f02841813c689a6e8dc2d71c40b7.jpg?itok=p12cSWX5″ alt=”Caption: Buncombe County, NC – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper tour recovery operations at a local high school, fire station and community care station to talk with staff and disaster survivors.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Buncombe County, NC – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper tour recovery operations at a local high school, fire station and community care station to talk with staff and disaster survivors.
    BUNCOMBE COUNTY, North Carolina – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visits with staff and disaster survivors about recovery operations at a local high school, fire station and community care station. (Source: FEMA)
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56452″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/a0cbc8cb1e9938b50f025fa483a0d283.jpg?itok=pClsD1s-” alt=”Caption: Buncombe County, NC – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper tour recovery operations at a local high school, fire station and community care station to talk with staff and disaster survivors.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Buncombe County, NC – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper tour recovery operations at a local high school, fire station and community care station to talk with staff and disaster survivors.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56481″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/80ff6cd868da9e52fceb6d20106f1667.jpg?itok=9Hhe7DBi” alt=”Caption: Swannanoa, NC – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance staff help survivors at a Community Care Station. FEMA, Buncombe County, City of Asheville and the private sector have worked together to offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, hot food, water, Wi-Fi, and medicine.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Swannanoa, NC – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance staff help survivors at a Community Care Station. FEMA, Buncombe County, City of Asheville and the private sector have worked together to offer showers, laundry, bathrooms, access to cell towers, hot food, water, Wi-Fi, and medicine.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56531″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/50d8ffc037538c49d382007aa1769886.jpg?itok=xW7qucuF” alt=”Caption: Sarasota, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2024) – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assist a family of survivors in their first Blue Roof Project in Sarasota, Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Sarasota, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2024) – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assist a family of survivors in their first Blue Roof Project in Sarasota, Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56426″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/6ed91d66e28321cf80a1887989c06c4a.jpg?itok=qM79h6sL” alt=”Caption: Palm Beach County, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2024) – DSA crews canvas an area of The Acreage in Palm Beach County Florida.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Palm Beach County, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2024) – DSA crews canvas an area of The Acreage in Palm Beach County Florida.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56473″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/cf9d4bec75102ebbb97b6fc199bfe0d0.jpg?itok=9VB86i5n” alt=”Caption: Columbia, S.C. (Oct. 14, 2024) – FEMA’s Director of Disability Integration and Coordination, Sherman Gillums, Jr., visits the Association for Better Living and Education to show support for their ongoing efforts in supporting the disabled community. Director Gillums met with Dori Tempio, Sr., Director of Community Education, and Mandy Halloran, Director of Public Health.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Columbia, S.C. (Oct. 14, 2024) – FEMA’s Director of Disability Integration and Coordination, Sherman Gillums, Jr., visits the Association for Better Living and Education to show support for their ongoing efforts in supporting the disabled community. Director Gillums met with Dori Tempio, Sr., Director of Community Education, and Mandy Halloran, Director of Public Health.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56471″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/9050b3d4f1ac9a6e2bd7cdfbf7ae3a71.jpg?itok=o0HpV_iy” alt=”Caption: Sandersville, Ga. (Oct. 14, 2024) – FEMA opens a Disaster Recovery Center in Sandersville, Georgia to register members of the community and surrounding counties effected by Hurricane Helene for disaster assistance.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Sandersville, Ga. (Oct. 14, 2024) – FEMA opens a Disaster Recovery Center in Sandersville, Georgia to register members of the community and surrounding counties effected by Hurricane Helene for disaster assistance.

    FEMA’s Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor control web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene response. 

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Floridians May be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Floridians May be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels

    Floridians May be Eligible for Transitional Sheltering in Hotels

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for Floridians displaced by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton in 52 counties and for tribal members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians.

    Residents in these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. Applicants do not need to request this assistance. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance.

    Applicants may be eligible if they cannot return to their disaster-damaged home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency.

    Under the TSA program, FEMA pays the cost of room, taxes and non-refundable pet fees directly to participating hotels and motels. Pet fees will only be paid up to the approved limit of assistance for individual rooms. Survivors are responsible for all other costs, including laundry, restaurant/room service, parking, telephone or movie rental. 

    Continued eligibility is determined on an individual basis. When eligibility ends, survivors will be notified by FEMA seven days prior to checkout date.

    TSA is limited to participating hotels and motels in Florida, Alabama and Georgia. Applicants must refer to the TSA Locator to find a hotel, which will be visible to them when they go to DisasterAssistance.gov.  

    TSA participants may also be eligible for other FEMA financial help, including Displacement Assistance, Rental Assistance, Home Repair Assistance and other aspects of the Individual Assistance program.

    Floridians can apply for either storm online at DisasterAssistance.gov. They can also apply using the FEMA mobile App or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you choose to apply by phone, please understand calls to FEMA’s helpline are experiencing delays because of the increased volume due to multiple recent disasters. The fastest way to apply is online or through the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube. 

    For the latest information about Florida’s Hurricane Helene recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834.Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    kirsten.chambers

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement On Death Of Yahya Sinwar

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    October 17, 2024

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, on Thursday released the following statement on the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
    “Yahya Sinwar was a brutal U.S.-designated terrorist and the mastermind of the October 7th terror attacks. His death provides an important measure of justice for the 1,200 innocent Israelis murdered that day, their families, and the more than 100 hostages still being held in Gaza. With Sinwar’s death, Hamas’s military command structure has been decimated and the group no longer has the capability to stage another attack like October 7th. It is time to redouble efforts to secure an agreement to end this war and bring home all of the hostages.”

    MIL OSI USA News –