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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Health Care Manager Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement Scheme

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

    MACON, Ga. – The former office manager of a Middle Georgia chiropractic office was sentenced to serve more than five years in prison after a federal jury found her guilty of committing bank fraud and other federal crimes in an embezzlement scheme that cost an established spinal center more than $200,000 in losses and resulted in its closure.

    Emiliya Radford, 33, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 66 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Oct. 9. In addition, Radford will pay $298,042.72 in restitution to Dr. James C. Smith on behalf of Smith Spinal Care Center. Radford was found guilty of one count each of bank fraud, wire fraud and federal program theft following approximately one hour of deliberations by a federal jury on June 27. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Financial crime can be life-changing for its victims; here, it forced a business’s closure and burdened innocent people with debt and other troubles,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “FBI and our other federal, state and local law enforcement partners will work to protect small businesses from financial crimes and hold fraudsters accountable.”

    “Radford violated the trust of the company that hired her and elevated her to a position of leadership,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “Because of her selfishness and greed, she has not only thrown away her career, but crippled a business and took away jobs from numerous victims. She will now serve a well-deserved prison sentence.”

    According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Radford’s company, Cyber Pinecone, was hired in Sept. 2019 under a one-year contract to perform marketing work for Smith Spinal Care Center (SSCC) in Warner Robins. In May 2020, Radford was hired as Office Manager at the business, and her new salary included marketing work. Radford was given signatory authority over the SSCC bank account and was responsible for issuing and signing all biweekly payroll checks, including her own.

    Radford collected her salary as office manager and, without authorization of SSCC, continued to write and endorse checks to her business, Cyber Pinecone, for extensive marketing work totaling more than $200,000. In addition, she gave herself an unauthorized pay raise and used money from the SSCC bank account to purchase $11,015.67 worth of items from the Apple store that she shipped to her residence. When Radford quit on Dec. 19, 2022, none of the Apple items could be located at SSCC, but some were found inside her home when federal agents executed a search warrant on May 4, 2023. A portion of the embezzled funds came from COVID-19 Federal Economic Disaster Loans (EIDL) directed to aid the business.

    The case was investigated by FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment in the province of Ontario

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    October 15, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada  

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    Linda A. Shin, General Counsel at the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario, Criminal Law Division, in Toronto, is appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Toronto. Justice Shin replaces Justice B.A. Allen (Toronto), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective November 4, 2022.

    Quote

    “I wish Justice Shin every success as she takes on her new role. I am confident she will serve Ontarians well as a member of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario”.

    —The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biography

    Justice Linda A. Shin was born in Toronto and is proud to be the daughter of Korean immigrants. She received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto. She was admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 2000.

    Justice Shin was General Counsel at the Crown Law Office – Criminal, where she conducted appeals to the Court of Appeal and trial prosecutions on complex matters, including homicides and allegations against police officers. Previously, she worked as Chief Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General for Ontario, and as an Assistant Crown Attorney in the Toronto Crown Attorney’s Office. Prior to joining Ontario’s Criminal Law Division, she was a civil litigation associate at McCarthy Tétrault, where she articled.  

    Justice Shin is committed to mentorship and education. She has been an articling principal and a mentor to law students. She has volunteered as an instructor for the trial advocacy course at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law for several years. She has been a board member of the KCWA (Korean Canadian Women’s Association) since 2018; this non-profit organization provides education, counselling and other services to support Korean-Canadians in a variety of areas including violence against women and the elderly and newcomer settlement.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment in the province of Quebec

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    October 15, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada  

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    Pierre Soucy, Counsel at Lambert Therrien in Trois-Rivières, is appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Trois-Rivières. Justice Soucy replaces Justice J. Geoffroy (Trois-Rivières), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective September 3, 2024.

    Quote

    “I wish Justice Soucy every success as he takes on his new role. I am confident he will serve Quebecers well as a member of the Superior Court of Quebec.”

    —The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biography

    Justice Pierre Soucy obtained his Bachelor of Laws from Université Laval in 1993 and was admitted to the Barreau du Québec in 1994.

    Justice Soucy is originally from Trois-Rivières. Since 1999, he has been a partner in the law firm Lambert Therrien s.e.n.c. in Trois-Rivières. Until his judicial appointment, he specialized in civil and commercial litigation, and was widely recognized for his skills in labour and construction law. He has also been involved in major litigation cases, pleading before all levels of the Quebec judicial system.

    Justice Soucy has taught labour law, ethics, and deontology at the Université du Québec in Trois-Rivières, in addition to construction law at the Chemin-du-Roy school board. He was active in his community, participating in various charities and initiatives to benefit his fellow citizens. He was also a member of numerous boards of directors, and he served as Bâtonnier de la Mauricie in 2019. At the time of his appointment, he was also a member of the Comité d’enquête à l’éthique et à la déontologie for the school service centres in his region.

    Justice Soucy is a proud Trifluvian. He and his wife, Annie Jacques, are the proud parents of three children: Juliette, Pénélope, and Philippe.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Civil Disorder During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

             WASHINGTON – A South Carolina man pleaded guilty on Oct. 10, 2024 to a felony charge stemming from his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

             William Robert Norwood III, 41, of Greer, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to a felony offense of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols. Judge Nichols will sentence Norwood on Feb. 21, 2025.

             According to court documents, Norwood drove from South Carolina to Washington D.C. to attend then-President Trump’s speech on Jan. 6, 2021, near the Ellipse. After the rally, Norwood walked to the U.S. Capitol building and entered its restricted perimeter. Norwood ascended the partially covered stairs on the northwest side of the Capitol and ultimately entered the building through the northwest Senate Wing door at approximately 2:23 p.m.

             Once inside, Norwood briefly entered an office across the hall from the Old Supreme Court Chamber. Norwood recorded a video of himself entering this office. In this video, Norwood can be heard saying, “Well we in this b— now. What now? This is our house,” upon entering the office, and “Where you at Nancy?” upon leaving the office.

             After leaving the office, Norwood made his way through the Crypt and ultimately toward the Rotunda. There, Norwood was part of a crowd of rioters making their way through Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office suite. As Norwood walked through the Speaker’s wing, he took a paper coaster with the words “U.S. Congress” and the Congressional seal printed on it, which another rioter had thrown to him from a desk outside of Speaker Pelosi’s offices.

             Norwood then walked to the balcony outside the Speaker’s chamber and recorded two videos of the crowd gathered outside on the west front of the Capitol building. In one of these videos, Norwood can be heard shouting, “It’s our house b—.” In the second, Norwood can be heard shouting, “The [inaudible] house! Go home police! Bye, you b—.”

             After leaving the balcony, Norwood entered one of Speaker Pelosi’s offices for approximately 25 seconds. He then walked back through the Speaker’s wing.

             After leaving the Speaker’s wing, Norwood walked back through the Rotunda and to the East Rotunda doors, which were being guarded from the inside by at least three U.S. Capitol Police officers. Norwood went to the front of the line of rioters that had gathered there and began banging on the doors in an attempt to open them.

             Norwood yelled at officers to open the doors, but the officers repeatedly told Norwood and the others that the doors would not be opened.  Norwood knew that the officers were attempting to keep the doors closed, yet he continued to push on the doors with his arms. At approximately 2:38 p.m., Norwood and the rioters behind him eventually pushed open the doors, which allowed hundreds of rioters to enter the Capitol building from the outside.

             After participating in the breach of the doors, Norwood continued wandering around the Capitol building and recorded a one-minute video inside the Rotunda that showed a line of Metropolitan Police Department officers. During the video, Norwood can be heard saying, “Oh these a—, trying to push us out. . . . Should we take our house back? Our house. Y’all are a bunch of p—. It’s about to go down bro.” Norwood then turns the camera on himself and says, “It’s about to go down. Cause I’m gonna go [unintelligible] guns or their asps and attack these m—f— later. No f— around, no no.”

             Norwood eventually left the Capitol through the East Rotunda door at approximately 2:59 p.m.  After exiting the building, Norwood took a U.S. Capitol Police helmet and plate carrier from a bin outside the building.

             The FBI arrested Norwood on Feb. 25, 2021, in South Carolina.

             The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina provided valuable assistance.

             This case was investigated by the FBI’s Columbia and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

             In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

             Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montana Man Sentenced to Prison on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

               WASHINGTON— A Montana man was sentenced to prison on Oct. 10, 2024, after he was previously convicted of felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

               Henry Phillip “Hank” Muntzer, 55, of Dillon, Montana, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 12 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb.

               Muntzer was convicted of obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder, both felonies, following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb. In addition to the felonies, Judge Cobb also found Muntzer guilty of four misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

               Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Fischer v. United States, the government voluntarily moved pre-sentencing to dismiss Muntzer’s conviction on obstruction of an official proceeding. Judge Cobb sentenced Muntzer on one felony count of civil disorder and the four misdemeanors.

               According to evidence presented during the trial, Muntzer traveled from Montana to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse on Jan. 6, 2021, with a group of friends in order to hear the former President’s speech. After the speech, Muntzer joined the crowd as they walked from the Ellipse to the restricted Capitol grounds. Muntzer entered into the restricted perimeter around the Capitol and made his way to the West Plaza. After other rioters had breached the scaffolding erected at the West Plaza’s north side, Muntzer joined the mob in surging up the northwest stairs before reaching the Upper West Terrace at approximately 2:35 p.m.

               After reaching the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace, Muntzer recorded multiple videos in which he commented that he had passed “through all the tear gas” to “tak[e] the Capitol by storm.” From there, Muntzer entered the Capitol building via the Upper West Terrace Door at approximately 2:44 p.m.

               Muntzer then proceeded through the Rotunda and toward the Senate Chamber. While in a hallway just outside the Old Senate Chamber, Muntzer joined other rioters in collectively pushing against law enforcement officers blocking the path to the Senate. Muntzer then entered the Rotunda by approximately 2:55 p.m. There, Muntzer joined other rioters in confronting a group of police officers blocking a doorway leading to the Capitol’s Upper West Terrace. Muntzer positioned himself at the front of this crowd and joined in a collective effort to push back the officers, who had their backs to a set of stairs. The group’s collective pushes ultimately caused at least one police officer to fall down the stairs.

               By approximately 3:03 p.m., police had begun attempting to clear the Rotunda of rioters and had established a line across the middle and instructed rioters to exit through the East Rotunda Door. However, the crowd of rioters, including Muntzer, resisted. Muntzer continued to resist police efforts to clear the Rotunda and was one of the very last rioters present in the area. Muntzer exited the Capitol building via the Rotunda Doors at approximately 3:22 p.m.

               Muntzer was arrested by the FBI on Jan. 18, 2021.

               The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.

               The case was investigated by the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office, Helena Resident Agency, and Washington Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

               In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

               Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Swaminathan J: Central banks and financial stability

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Distinguished panellists – Prof. Randall S. Kroszner, Professor, University of Chicago and Former Governor, Federal Reserve Board; Ms. Emmanuelle Assouan, Director General, Financial Stability and Operations, Banque de France; Ms. Sarah Breeden, Deputy Governor for Financial Stability, Bank of England; Dr. Sajjid Chinoy, Managing Director and Chief Economist India, JP Morgan; esteemed delegates and colleagues from the Reserve Bank. A very good afternoon to all of you.

    It is an honour to open this discussion on this very important and pertinent topic in today’s financial world – “Central Banks and Financial Stability: Assessing Risks and Building Resilience.”

    The financial sector is the backbone of the economy, enabling efficient allocation of resources, managing risks through various instruments, and ensuring smooth payments and settlements. It performs crucial functions that support investments and drives economic growth. Therefore, the financial sector becomes the cornerstone of a well-functioning economy.

    The financial sector is vulnerable to risks-especially systemic ones that, which if left unchecked, can have far-reaching consequences. As you are aware these systemic risks manifest across two dimensions: time and interconnectedness. On the one hand, financial risks can build up over time, especially in periods of economic euphoria. On the other, the growing interconnections between financial institutions, markets, and the broader economy make the system more open to shocks.

    In today’s world, challenges are more complex and unpredictable than ever. Traditional risks, like credit and liquidity risks, now have new and faster drivers. For example, bank runs that once unfolded over days, giving regulators time to respond, can now occur within hours due to the speed of internet and mobile banking. The increasing reliance on technology also introduces vulnerabilities, such as dependence on third-party service providers and heightened cybersecurity threats, all while customers expect uninterrupted services. Additionally, we face emerging risks, such as climate risk.

    In this increasingly volatile environment, building resilience is crucial to maintaining financial stability. However, resilience is a balancing act-too much emphasis on safeguarding can stifle innovation and growth, while too little can expose the system to significant vulnerabilities. Finding that right balance so that we can have a robust financial system that can weather crises without constraining economic progress is one of the key challenges that we face today.

    Indeed, central banks are much like wicketkeepers in cricket or goalkeepers in football-often unnoticed in success but always in the spotlight during failure. When everything works seamlessly, their efforts remain behind the scenes, often taken for granted. However, when a crisis occurs, they are asked as to how they could allow the ball to slip through their fingers! In addition, Central Bankers are also tasked with preventing further damage and restoring stability quickly.

    Let me offer an analogy: imagine a person teetering on the edge of a cliff, seemingly about to fall, only to be pulled back just in time by a watchful observer. When central banks intervene in such a manner to prevent a potential crisis, those they protect may claim they didn’t need saving at all. This highlights a common paradox-while regulators work tirelessly to maintain stability and avert disasters, their successes often go unnoticed, and their actions are sometimes viewed as unnecessary, intrusive or excessive by those unaware of the risks. Yet it is precisely this proactive oversight that ensures the safety and soundness of the financial system, allowing it to function smoothly even in times of uncertainty.

    Over the years, the role of central banks has significantly evolved. Initially seen as the lender of last resort, today, central banks are equipped with a broad range of tools-regulatory, supervisory, and monetary-to ensure the stability of the financial system. In some countries, central banks do not have supervisory roles, with the supervision being carried out by a separate agency, but a coordinated approach is essential. Governments, central banks, financial regulators, and the industry must all work together to ensure appropriate and timely action is taken to safeguard financial stability.

    In India, the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC), chaired by the Union Finance Minister, along with its sub-committee led by the Governor of the Reserve Bank, has been effectively facilitating discussions and enhanced understanding of risks across the financial sector. Biannually, Reserve Bank publishes Financial Stability Reports that deliver a thorough risk assessment of India’s financial landscape. These reports utilise macro stress tests, sensitivity analyses, network and contagion assessments, and systemic risk surveys to provide valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities that affect the financial sector. Apart from inter-regulatory coordination, RBI also actively engages with the industry through regular engagements/ interactions including conferences with the Boards of supervised entities, periodic meetings with the MDs & CEOs, Heads of Assurance functions as well as interactions with auditors.

    Having discussed the importance of domestic coordination, I would also like to emphasise the significance of global supervisory cooperation. Historically, crises have acted as catalysts for bringing supervisors together to address shared challenges. For instance, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision was formed in the aftermath of the Herstatt Bank failure, highlighting the necessity for a coordinated response to systemic risks. However, we should not wait for crises to play out before strengthening international collaboration. Greater engagement for proactive horizon scanning of potential risks and vulnerabilities, along with discussions on strategies to mitigate and address these challenges, can enhance our collective resilience and crisis preparedness.

    Indeed, as a part of our agenda for the next decade, RBI@100, the Reserve Bank intends to engage more with the central banks of the global south. The Reserve Bank also aims to establish a global model of risk-focused supervision by fostering a strong risk discovery and compliance culture, building a “through-the-cycle” risk assessment framework. Reserve Bank is working to create a comprehensive data analytics ecosystem to support its supervisory functions.

    With these thoughts in mind, I look forward to a rich and insightful panel discussion on how central banks can continue to enhance financial stability and build a resilient global financial system. Thank you!

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day with Visit to Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    October 14, 2024

    [EVANSTON, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today visited the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Duckworth met with the museum’s Executive Director Kim Vigue, Board President Susan Kelsey and community leaders and members to discuss how she can help advocate for the Indigenous community at the federal level, as well as toured the museum that honors and highlights the history and culture of Indigenous peoples and communities. Photos from today’s visit are available on the Senator’s website.

    “On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor and celebrate the Indigenous communities who have long contributed to our country as we continue to reckon with our nation’s horrific legacy of colonization,” Duckworth said. “I was pleased to visit and meet with the leaders of the Mitchell Museum to learn more about their mission to preserve the rich history of Indigenous peoples and pass on the culture and traditions to the next generation.”

    The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian is one of a few museums across the country that focuses exclusively on the histories, cultures, traditions and arts of Indigenous people from the United States and Canada. Since its founding in 1977, the museum has become a cherished resource and education center committed to promoting a greater understanding of Indigenous peoples and serving as a space to celebrate their diverse cultures, rich histories and present-day experiences and contributions.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Michael Debabrata Patra: Assessing inflation targeting

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    The Context

    Over the past three and a half decades since the formal adoption of inflation targeting (IT), it has proliferated across continents, regardless of the position of host jurisdictions in the developmental ladder. By the turn of this century, it has been increasingly embraced by emerging market economies (EMEs) so much so that they now outnumber advanced economies (AEs) as practitioners. A unique feature of IT is its operationalisation even before the development of a formal theory. The journey of IT has been tumultuous, navigating as it has the Great Moderation and ‘once in a century’ shocks such as the global financial crisis (GFC), the COVID-19 pandemic, and persisting geopolitical conflicts that have had a direct bearing on both inflation’s evolution and on financial conditions. Yet, there is no evidence of any major country abandoning it. On the other hand, central banks have drawn lessons from these humungous challenges and innovated and refined their policy frameworks. The endogenous evolution of IT has rendered it the longest surviving monetary policy framework in modern times.

    Three pillars of the framework – flexibility; transparency and, therefore, accountability; and credibility – have enabled IT to stand the test of time. Empirical evidence suggests that the post-pandemic price shocks have actually had relatively short-lived effects in comparison with the persistence of the price shocks of the 1970s on the wider acceptance that monetary policy will do whatever it takes. The effectiveness of inflation targeting is also found to be underpinned by its institutional quality, reinforcing pre-pandemic evidence pointing to IT being a better absorber of shocks than other regimes. The taming of the post-pandemic surge in inflation down to its last lap provides further validation of the framework. Everywhere, long-term inflation expectations remain broadly anchored in spite of heightened uncertainty.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Duckworth Hosts Domestic Violence Listening Session

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    October 14, 2024

    [CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today hosted a listening session with local domestic violence support organizations to learn more about the impact domestic violence has in communities across Illinois and the solutions to support, uplift and protect survivors while preventing further violence. Today’s roundtable was led by Amanda Pyron, President and CEO of The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence.

    “During Domestic Violence Awareness Month and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and supporting all survivors of abuse,” Duckworth said. “Today, I was proud be a part of such an important conversation about preventing domestic violence in our communities and how we can lift up survivors’ voices. I will continue to work with The Network and our local leaders to provide essential life-saving support and tools so that everyone has the knowledge to help domestic violence victims.”

    “We were grateful to welcome Senator Duckworth to The Network today to discuss the importance of community outreach in ending gender-based violence,” Pyron said. “Through congressionally directed funds from Senator Duckworth, the Network has expanded the reach of the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline. The SALONS Act will further enhance the capacity for domestic violence service providers across the state to provide education and training to trusted salon professionals.”

    In Fiscal Year 2023, Duckworth secured $550,000 in federal funding through a Congressionally Directed Spending Request for The Network. This federal investment supported an essential expansion of the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline. Duckworth also introduced the bipartisan Supporting the Abused by Learning Options to Navigate Survivor (SALONS) Stories Act, legislation to increase already-established grants to states that require beauty professionals and cosmetologists to undergo free and easily accessible domestic violence awareness training in order to help ensure more of these individuals are trained to successfully navigate conversations with clients who could be in danger.

    The Network is a group of 40+ member organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by gender-based violence through education, public policy and advocacy as well as connecting community members with direct service providers. We lead collaborative work to imagine and realize radical ways to respond to and end gender-based violence, focusing on the intersections between systemic violence and gender-based violence.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “The Charm of the Eyes” in Library No. 238

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Library No. 238 invites you to a themed event “The Charm of the Eyes” dedicated to autumn. Young guests will read poems by Afanasy Fet, Alexey Pleshcheyev, Apollon Maikov, and also answer riddles about the signs of autumn and the behavior of wild animals from September to November. In conclusion, children will take part in a master class “Autumn-themed paper craft”.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/poster/event/320785257/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: An AUKUS First, Seven Royal Australian Navy Enlisted Sailors Graduate Nuclear Power School

    Source: United States Navy

    GOOSE CREEK, South Carolina – Demonstrating another significant milestone for the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) trilateral security partnership, 12 Royal Australian Navy uniformed personnel, including the first seven enlisted sailors, graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power School at Joint Base Charleston-Naval Weapons Station, Oct. 11.

    The enlisted Royal Australian Navy sailors, who trained alongside U.S. sailors, began the naval nuclear power training pipeline in October 2023. Since then, they have been learning their specific rates, as well as the fundamentals of design, operation and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plans. These sailors are the vanguard of Australia establishing a sovereign conventionally armed, nuclear-powered, submarine (SSN) fleet in the early 2030s.

    “Naval Nuclear Power training is exceptionally rigorous and to have seven Australian sailors and five officers complete the program and move on to the Nuclear Power Training Unit takes us one step closer to operating our own SSNs,” said Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond.

    “Two days after assuming command of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, I presided over the graduation of the first three Royal Australian Navy officers from Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston,” shared Adm. Bill Houston, Director, Naval Reactors. “I have been nothing but impressed by the quality of Australian sailors and officers in our training pipeline and serving aboard our nuclear-powered submarine.”

    Following graduation, the Royal Australian Navy sailors will report to the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston for training focused on shipboard nuclear power plant operation and maintenance of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet.

    Making Australia Sovereign-Ready

    Training and education opportunities are critical to ensure Australia is ready to operate its sovereign Virginia-class SSNs early next decade.

    “The Australian sailors are receiving the same training as their American counterparts,” shared Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea. “They are held to the same high standards required to operate nuclear-powered attack submarines so that when they report to their boat, they’re ready to put their training to the test, integrate with the crew, and become Australia’s future front-line warriors aboard their own sovereign SSNs.”

    Currently, there are six Royal Australian Navy officers serving aboard or assigned to U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarines, 12 officers and 28 enlisted sailors within the naval nuclear power training pipeline with an additional 19 enlisted sailors completing Basic Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. Additionally, 39 personnel from ASC Pty Ltd. (formerly known as the Australian Submarine Corporation) are training at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to prepare them for future roles in maintaining nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

    Full Speed Ahead, ‘Well on our Way’

    The first three Australian-flagged SSNs will be Virginia-class submarines that are typically crewed by 15 officers and 117 enlisted submariners. Australian submariners will be joining U.S. SSN crews to gain practical experience and build their crews ahead of taking possession of their first sovereign SSN in the early 2030s.

    “The training at Goose Creek and Groton are preparing our Australian allies to operate Virginia-class submarines,” said Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck, Director, AUKUS Integration and Acquisition. “Over the coming months, we will see that number grow significantly across both the uniformed and civilian training pipelines so we can make sure, come 2032, Australia can fully crew its first, sovereign, conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarine.”

    The AUKUS partnership is a strategic endeavor aimed at strengthening the security and defense capabilities of each partner nation. The U.S. remains committed to peace and prosperity in order to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific. This alliance helps sustain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, benefits each country’s national security and prosperity, and uplifts all three industrial bases.

    “Thirty-seven months after AUKUS’ inception, we are well on our way to developing Australia’s SSN capability,” said Vice Adm. Jonathan Mead, Director General of the Australian Submarine Agency. “Last month, Australian sailors conducted the first maintenance period on a U.S. SSN in Australia. Today we graduate the first enlisted personnel from an exceptionally rigorous school, already we have Australian officers serving aboard both U.S. and UK SSNs.”

    AUKUS Pillar 1 will deliver a conventionally armed SSN capability to the Royal Australian Navy by the early 2030s. The Department of the Navy’s AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Program Office is the U.S. lead responsible for executing the trilateral partnership for Australia to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines at the earliest possible date while maintaining the highest nuclear stewardship standards and setting the highest standards for nuclear non-proliferation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Awarding of Nuclear Test Medals marked at City Hall

    Source: City of Norwich

    A veteran of the UK’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s received recognition for his participation in the tests in the Pacific with a presentation at Norwich City Hall today.

    David Freeman, 85, of Thorpe St Andrews, was presented with the medal by Lord Mayor Cllr Vivien Thomas.

    He was joined by the family of the late Robert (Bob) Carman, 84, from Norwich, who are recipients of the Nuclear Test Medal on Mr Carman’s behalf. Widow Pam Carman, daughters Sally Williams, Alison Carman and Sonia Billing, with grand-daughter and great grand-daughter Kasey and Lorena Williams, joined with Mr Freeman for the presentations and tea in the Lord Mayor’s parlour.

    Both Mr Freeman and Mr Carman, alongside thousands of services personnel, were at Christmas Island for the nuclear tests in 1957. Mr Freeman, who was a regular in the RAF for 12 years working with safety equipment, took part in the first test on November 8, 1957. Mr Carman, who passed away at the age of 88 in 2018, was in the Royal Engineers and was also present on that day and then took part in a second test.

    Mr Freeman, who was 18 at the time of the tests, said: “They kept everything very secret. There were rumours but we didn’t know what was about to happen. It’s something you never forget – the heat, the blast, tremendous winds. You could see the shock waves building up across the sky, and then there was torrential rain bringing down all the rubbish out of the cloud. Some of the sand turned to glass crystals. It’s a miracle that any humans were left standing.”

    Mr Freeman said there was no after care following the tests. “We were just sent home. About 6 to 7 weeks afterwards my gums started to bleed. I was told to take aspirin. Not long afterwards, I started losing my teeth. Even now I have to blend a lot of my food due to that. I still can’t get access to my medical records from that time.”

    Mr Freeman has also suffered other debilitating health issues with a long-running cough and lung problem, bowel and blood cancers, an aneurysm and he has suffered a heart attack. He also lost the sight in one eye. “But I feel I am one of the lucky ones – I am still here.”

    Mr Carman’s daughters said their father also felt he was lucky and whilst he had health issues, including prostate cancer, he “didn’t want to make a big deal of it”.

    The Carman family met with Mr Freeman after hearing him talk on Chatterbox about the Nuclear Test Medal.

    Alison Carman said: “David wanted more veterans to come forward as a lot of people are unaware of being able to receive the medal.”

    She said: “My dad used to tell us stories about the big piles of driftwood which after the bomb had exploded just turned to ash. He also said they held their hands up in front of their faces during the blast and could see all the bones in their hands. Today’s event has been lovely. It’s just a shame Dad couldn’t be here for it.”

    Mr Carman wrote down his recollection of the events on Christmas Island for his family. He said:

    “There was this huge bright flash. My goggles went white, then there was a searing blast of heat which we all felt pass through our backs and neck, and then the tremendous blast, the huge thunderclap and the island shook.

    “I turned around and it was awesome, like a giant golden ball of curling flames above the palm trees as it turned into the mushroom shape. We were allowed back to camp and our tents and belongings were thrown everywhere.”

    For the second test, he said: “The tremendous blast did not rock the island quite so much, but the heat felt like a razor cutting through my neck. I remember the Bay of Wrecks where we went a short time after the explosion. There was not a piece of driftwood to be seen. It had been evaporated by the heat. There was not a sound to be heard. The birds were all gone.”

    Lord Mayor Cllr Vivien Thomas said: “Sadly, there are lots of families whose fathers have passed away who wouldn’t know about these medals.”

    She said: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome you here, to hear your stories and to pass on the medals on behalf of all of us in gratitude for what you experienced. The events which happened all those years ago should be recognised as part of our history, as should the suffering they generated.”

    The Nuclear Test Medal was released in 2023. Around 40,000 British personnel took part in the testing of atomic and hydrogen bombs in the 1950s and 1960s, and around 2,000 are believed to be still alive. 22,000 veterans are expected to be eligible for the new honour, marking their service and contribution to the United Kingdom’s nuclear test programme. The medal can be awarded posthumously to a veteran’s legal next of kin.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Ferguson DNA collection project adds 3,000 DNA profiles of serious criminal offenders to national database

    Source: Washington State News

    Work is part of Ferguson’s Survivor Justice Unit

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his lawfully owed DNA project has helped law enforcement collect and log 3,000 DNA profiles of serious criminal offenders to the national database. State law requires many offenders to provide DNA samples as a condition of their conviction, but over the years thousands of serious violent and sexual offenders have neglected to do so.

    Ferguson’s lawfully owed DNA project has helped close the gap in DNA collection since it launched in October 2019. The samples collected and added to the national DNA database over the past five years are critical to identifying perpetrators of unsolved rapes, murders and other violent crimes — here in Washington and across the country.

    Of the new profiles added, 105 of the samples led to a “hit,” or a match between the DNA provided and the evidence already on file with the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). These hits in the national DNA database can help identify serial rapists, link cases across the country, shed new light on cold cases and provide answers to crime victims and their families. DNA evidence can also exonerate individuals who were wrongfully convicted.

    “We must ensure that every serious offender who legally owes a DNA sample provides one,” Ferguson said. “Closing the gap in DNA collection, with the help of local law enforcement, has resulted in more evidence that will help us solve more crimes and improve public safety. This work makes Washington safer.”

    The Attorney General’s Office estimates thousands of violent offenders are living in Washington with an obligation to provide their DNA. This estimate is based on initial data from the Department of Corrections, followed by an extensive verification process designed to identify and locate offenders who still owe a sample. Ferguson’s lawfully owed DNA project aims to stop these offenders from slipping through the system.

    Ferguson’s office started by collecting samples from currently registered sex offenders and offenders under the supervision of the state Department of Corrections, including those who are incarcerated and in community custody. Then, the office collected DNA from offenders convicted of sex, kidnapping and homicide offenses.

    Now, the Attorney General’s Office is working to collect samples from offenders convicted of a variety of violent and felony offenses, including assault and robbery.

    Washington law requires certain offenders to submit DNA samples

    Every state requires that individuals convicted of certain crimes — including violent crimes and sex offenses, among others — must have a DNA sample taken to be submitted to CODIS. Jails, correctional facilities and local law enforcement agencies are responsible for collecting the samples and submitting them to the Washington State Patrol Crim Lab, which enters them into CODIS.

    In July 2023, a new law took effect to improve the process for timely collection of DNA from offenders who owed samples. Before that, no uniform process existed. House Bill 1028 directs courts to create time-sensitive protocols for collecting DNA upon sentencing. It originated from a recommendation from the Attorney General’s Office Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Advisory Group.

    Specifically, courts must implement a sample collection system that includes scheduling a compliance hearing within 10 days if DNA is not collected at the time of sentencing. The new law does not address thousands of samples that were previously ordered and are still owed.

    Attorney General’s Office multistep process for collecting DNA

    The Attorney General’s Office uses a lengthy, multistep investigative process to locate offenders who still owe DNA.

    First, investigators with the office’s Survivor Justice Unit (SJU) — formerly Sexual Assault Kit Initiative — use data from the Department of Corrections and Washington State Patrol to identify offenders who owe DNA. Attorney General investigators confirm which offenders already have a DNA profile in CODIS and analyze offenders’ conviction histories to confirm that they still owe DNA.

    Then, investigators use numerous databases to confirm that the offender is still located in the state and find the last known contact information. Investigators then send letters to offenders asking them to report to local law enforcement to provide a sample, informing them that refusing a legal request to provide a DNA sample is a violation of state law. Attorney General staff conduct direct outreach and work with local law enforcement to contact individuals who do not respond to the letters.

    Ferguson’s Survivor Justice Unit

    Ferguson’s lawfully owed DNA project is part of his new Survivor Justice Unit. In addition to this project, the unit:

    • Assists local law enforcement to investigate sexually motivated homicides. The SJU is currently assisting with two cold sexually motivated homicides: one in King County and one in Port Orchard.
       
    • Helps solve cold cases by assisting with genetic forensic genealogy and other advanced DNA testing. A response that is commonly received from such agencies is that they do not have the resources and or personnel available to delve into cold cases to determine whether such testing would be appropriate. For example, in August, AGO-funded forensic genetic genealogy testing helped Kent police narrow the list of suspects and make an arrest in the 44-year-old murder of Dorothy “Dottie” Silzel. Kenneth Duane Kundert, 65, was arrested in Arkansas on Aug. 20 after DNA on a cigarette butt Kundert discarded matched the profile of the suspect in the crime.
       
    • Stands up for survivors by following up on cold cases from backlogged sexual assault kits. The SJU uses available data to track sexual assault cases and identify serial sex offenders.

    The SJU has helped solve dozens of cold case sexual assaults and homicides.

    Ferguson requests $534,000 for the upcoming biennium to support the ongoing work of this new unit.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit http://www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Brionna Aho, Communications Director, (360) 753-2727; Brionna.aho@atg.wa.gov

    General contacts: Click here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Angling brothers prosecuted for 3 counts of illegal fishing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Two brothers from Redditch pleaded guilty at Northampton Magistrates Court to fishing illegally.

    An Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officer checking rod licences.

    • Fishing in the close season, without a licence and using an illegal bait has led to prosecutions for two brothers.

    • Fisheries enforcement officers clamp down on illegal angling to protect fish stocks and make fishing sustainable .

    Two brothers from Redditch have pleaded guilty at Northampton Magistrates Court to three counts of illegal fishing in cases brought by the Environment Agency on Monday 23 September 2024. 

    Liam Astley Morris, 19 and Joseph Astley Morris, 21, of Kingsley Avenue pleaded guilty to fishing in the close season, fishing without a licence and using an illegal bait at Cleeve Prior, River Avon, Evesham on 21 April 2024.

    The fines

    Joseph Astley Morris received a fine of £87 as well as costs of £65 and a victim surcharge of £34.  His brother, Liam received a fine of £40, costs of £65 and a victim surcharge of £16.

    The annual close season (from 15 March – 15 June) prevents fishing for coarse fish in rivers and streams across England. This helps to protect fish when they are spawning and supporting vulnerable stocks.

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: 

    These two brothers were not only fishing in the close season, but they were also fishing without a licence and using an illegal bait.  We hope their prosecutions will act as a deterrent to anyone who is thinking of breaking the laws and byelaws we have in place across England. 

    We urge anglers to respect the close season to help reduce pressures on our fisheries, benefitting fish and the wider environment.

    Illegal fishing undermines the Environment Agency’s efforts to protect fish stocks and make fishing sustainable.  Money raised from fishing licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries for the benefit of legal anglers.

    We inspect rod licences 24/7, seven days a week to check on cases of illegal fishing and for those caught cheating the system, we will always prosecute. 

    Fishing licences

    Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence to fish. A 1-day licence costs from just £7.10, and an annual licence costs from £35.80 (concessions available). Junior licences are free for 13 – 16-year-olds.  

    Licences are available from http://www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. 

    Fisheries enforcement

    The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all year round and is supported by partners including the police and the Angling Trust. Fisheries enforcement work is intelligence-led, targeting known hot-spots and where illegal fishing is reported. 

    Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency incident hotline 24/7 on 0800 807060 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  

    The charges

    Joseph Astley Morris and Liam Astley Morris were both charged with the following offences: 

    On the 21st day of April 2024 at Cleeve Prior – River Avon, Evesham fished for freshwater fish in the close season contrary National Byelaw 2 of the Environment Agency Byelaws made on the 12th July 2010 and contrary to National Byelaw 6 confirmed 23rd March 2010 made pursuant to sections 210 and 211 Schedule 25 of the Water Resources Act 1991.

    On the 21st day of April 2024 at Cleeve Prior – River Avon, Evesham in a place where fishing is regulated, fished for freshwater fish or eels by means of an unlicensed fishing instrument, namely rod and line.  Contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. 

    On the 21st day of April 2024 at Cleeve Prior – River Avon, Evesham used an illegal bait in connection with fishing with rod and line. Contrary to Byelaw 5 of the Environment Agency Byelaws which were confirmed on 11 May 2001 and made pursuant to Section 210 and Schedule 25 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Contrary to Section 211 of the said Act.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence to Hold Sixth Meeting

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (October 15, 2024) — On Wednesday, October 23rd,2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), will hold its sixth hearing, in conjunction with the House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee on AI.

    EVENT DETAILS:                      

    • Date: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024
    • Time: 10:00 a.m.
    • Location: UGA Iron Horse Plant Sciences Farm, Watkinsville, GA 30677
    • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

    ABOUT THE MEETING:         

    The committee is tasked with promoting responsible innovation, competition, and collaboration in public and private sectors will allow Georgia to be a leader in ensuring that such technology will advance in a way that enforces the existing consumer protection laws and principles for its citizens while enacting any additional appropriate safeguards against, fraud, unintended bias, discrimination, infringements on privacy, and other potential harms from AI.

    MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

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

    # # # #

    Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb, and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 11, 2024 – Yardley, PA

    The “It’s Fall-ier in PA Swagon” is On the Road to Promote Pennsylvania as The Great American Getaway

    The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) launched the “It’s Fall-ier in PA Swagon” to demonstrate why Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway is the ultimate destination for fall enthusiasts. The Swagon is a classic hay wagon and rustically designed trailer that will provide an immersive experience to evoke the scents and sights of fall in Pennsylvania.

    Announced September 23, the Visit PA “It’s Fall-ier in PA” campaign is leaning into Pennsylvania’s premier position as the place to experience the very best of autumn – from unrivaled fall foliage and the nation’s most historical haunts to the season’s best scents and treats. On Wednesday, Governor Josh Shapiro promoted fall travel in Pennsylvania by visiting Black Moshannon State Park – one of 124 free state parks in Pennsylvania – and unveiled new color-correcting viewfinders to help colorblind and color deficient visitors view the best fall foliage in the nation.

    “We’re excited to take Pennsylvania’s fabulous fall season on the road to encourage and inspire more people to experience all that the Commonwealth has to offer,” said DCED Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan. “Fall travel is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy and contributes significantly to the $76.7 billion impact that tourism generates for the Commonwealth. Our “It’s Fall-ier in PA Swagon” will help entice the millions who live within a four-hour drive of the Commonwealth to discover why they should plan their perfect fall getaway in Pennsylvania.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Senator Bob Casey: PA ABLE Savings Program Surpasses $135 Million in Assets

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 14, 2024 – Allentown, PA

    Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Senator Bob Casey: PA ABLE Savings Program Surpasses $135 Million in Assets

    Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Senator Bob Casey announced the PA ABLE Savings Program has surpassed $135 million in assets, a major program milestone. PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts help Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families to save for disability-related expenses without impacting important benefits.

    “The growth of PA ABLE is truly amazing and it’s changing lives,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Earlier this year, we announced that we surpassed $100 million in assets. Today, we’re over $135 million. Those are great numbers, but it’s far more important to understand what they mean: Pennsylvanians with disabilities are saving with PA ABLE because it works. I will keep fighting to make PA ABLE even stronger because everyone deserves financial independence and security. ABLE has deep, bipartisan roots in Pennsylvania, and I’m proud to promote it everywhere I go.”

    Senator Casey joined Pennsylvania Treasury’s Deputy Treasurer for Consumer Programs, Julie Peachey, at the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) in Allentown Monday to make the announcement.

    Speakers Include:
    Tony Swartz, LVCIL Board President
    Senator Bob Casey
    Julie Peachey, Deputy Treasurer for Consumer Programs
    Jacey Surbrook, ABLE Account Owner
    Lisa Sportelli, Parent of an ABLE Account Owner

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army launches pilot program to explore generative AI for acquisition activities

    Source: United States Army

    WASHINGTON – Ms. Jennifer Swanson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Data, Engineering and Software, announced today the launch of a pilot program aimed at exploring innovative applications of generative artificial intelligence for Army acquisition activities.

    The new program will use LIGER, a cutting-edge generative AI tool that harnesses the power of advanced technology, data analytics, machine learning and natural language processing. LIGER is designed to deliver tailored responses that are highly relevant to specific topics, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of information retrieval and analysis.

    “By utilizing LIGER, we aim to streamline our acquisition processes while enhancing the accuracy of information,” said Swanson. “The ability to query curated document sets for generating new content, along with providing citations, will ensure that our outputs are not only accurate but also easily fact-checked.”

    This pilot program is aligned with the Army CIOs generative AI initiative and serves as an opportunity for AI experimentation and feedback by allowing participants to simplify repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as drafting contracts and policies. Deployed in an IL5 secure cloud environment, LIGER can handle controlled unclassified information data, ensuring that sensitive information is managed with the highest level of security.

    The pilot includes customizable user-access controls to protect “need to know” information, ensuring that data security and confidentiality are paramount. Additionally, the pilot will focus on identifying and calling out potential “hallucinations” or erroneous outputs, thereby increasing the reliability of AI-generated content.

    The pilot program will aim to:

    • Enhance information retrieval by utilizing LIGER to streamline access to critical information relevant to acquisition activities.

    • Promote innovation by encouraging the exploration of novel applications of AI in acquisitions.

    • Facilitate collaboration by fostering a collaborative environment for stakeholders to share insights and best practices regarding AI integration.

    • Improve accuracy by implementing mechanisms to provide citations, ensuring the integrity and verifiability of generated content.

    The Army’s Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology is committed to leveraging advanced technologies to improve efficiency and support the U.S. Army’s mission. This pilot program represents a significant opportunity to shape the future of acquisition activities through the transformative power of generative AI in a measured and thoughtful way.

    For more information about the pilot program, please contact Mr. Jamal Beck at jamal.b.beck.civ@army.mil.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Our system allows us to prevent data center failures”

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Photo: hackathon “Digital Breakthrough” / VKontakte

    First year student of the Master’s program “Product approach and data analytics in HR management» Konstantin Balcat and his team of like-minded people have developed a system for predicting hard drive failures based on machine learning. With this project, they are among the best at the Digital Breakthrough hackathon for the second year in a row. Vyshka.Glavnoe talked to Konstantin about developing innovations and studying at the university.

    About the project

    — The system we propose allows companies providing cloud services and using their own hard drives to promptly manage stocks and equipment in data centers, as well as effectively plan purchases and optimize the warehouse. At the same time, the possibility of warranty service for purchased batches of equipment is preserved. All this is especially important for large cloud providers.

    The idea for this solution arose from a case and problem proposed by the company “Sila”, which our project helps within the framework of the hackathon “Digital Breakthrough”. Based on historical data on the use and failure of disks, we can predict the moment of failure of a new disk in the future. At the same time, our system takes into account the features of each specific batch of equipment. This allows for more competent management of resources and prevention of failures in the operation of data centers.

    About the team

    — Our team won the regional hackathon “Digital Breakthrough” in Omsk last year with this project. In 2024, in the same hackathon, but at the federal level, we again entered the top, taking 4th place. We are currently negotiating with the company “Sila” about further development and implementation of our solution in the industry.

    The team also includes Daniil Galimov, Alexander Serov, Alexander Kharlamov and Artem Tarasov. We met two years ago at the educational forums “I am a professional” in IT and specialized programs at Sirius. Since then, we have taken part in dozens of competitions, in some of which we won or took prizes. Now, under the grant “Code-AI” of the Foundation for Assistance to Innovations, we are developing a system for identifying marine mammals using aerial photographs. All participants work as IT specialists in Russian bigtech companies: Daniil Galimov and Alexander Kharlamov are specialists in backend and Python, Alexander Serov and I are machine learning engineers and project managers.

    About HSE and studies

    – This year I entered the Higher School of Economics Faculty of Computer Science. My program, “Product Approach and Data Analytics in HR Management,” is being implemented jointly with Alfa-Bank. Having a technical education, I considered it important to delve into the field of management and people management. At the same time, I did not want to stray too far from the technical side and artificial intelligence engineering. It was in the FCN program that I saw such an opportunity. Now I am developing a solution for analyzing interpersonal communications using large language models. It was important for me to have the opportunity to discuss, collaborate with Alfa-Bank, and receive feedback on my project during classes.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/edu/974825227.html

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 59, Chance to Compete Act of 2024

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 59 would require federal agencies to use skills-based assessments for hiring civil service positions but would allow an agency to develop occupational questionnaires for openings if it determines that an examination is impractical for certain positions. To support those changes, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) would need to develop and implement a plan to transition federal hiring practices within three years of enactment. 

    S. 59 also would allow agencies and OPM to establish teams of specialists to improve assessments and share qualified applications throughout the federal government. Further, all federal agencies would be required to provide data related to the assessments they establish to OPM on a quarterly basis. Finally, OPM and the Government Accountability Office would be required to complete several reports to the Congress on the feasibility of implementing assessments, hiring practices, and governmentwide personnel records.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DAPN and DAPO Contract Changes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Updated draft contract documentation published to support Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) and Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) pilots.

    The Government intends to launch the Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) and Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) pilot in November 2024.

    The pilot will operate in Greater Manchester, Croydon, Sutton, Bromley and with the British Transport Police.

    The LAA has published updated draft contract documentation to support the pilot and to give providers at least 4 weeks’ notice of the pilot commencement.

    The 2024 Standard Civil Contract can be found here: Standard civil contract 2024 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    The 2022 Standard Crime Contract can be found here: Standard Crime Contract 2022 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Further guidance will be published prior to the commencement of the pilot. We have published a draft version of the Criminal Bills Assessment Manual (Legal aid guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk))

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Transparency International celebrates International Council member Daron Acemoglu on Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences

    Source: Transparency International

    Transparency International extends its heartfelt congratulations to Daron Acemoglu, a distinguished member of our International Council, along with his co-laureates Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson, on being awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. They have demonstrated the importance of societal institutions for a country’s prosperity with research that shows why societies with poor rule of law and exploitative institutions fail to generate growth or positive change.

    Their findings resonate strongly with Transparency International’s mission to fight corruption and strengthen institutions worldwide. Transparency, accountability and inclusive institutions are essential to fostering economic equity and sustainable development – principles at the heart of both Acemoglu’s research and our global work.

    Transparency International remains committed to advocating for institutional reforms that align with the laureates’ research on the transformative power of good governance.

    Maíra Martini, Head of Policy & Advocacy (Interim), Transparency International, said:

    “We are immensely proud to have Daron Acemoglu as a member of our International Council. The research conducted by Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson not only deepens our understanding of economic development but also reinforces the significance of our collective work in promoting transparency and combating corruption.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Robert Garcia and House Democrats Call on Fortune 1000 CEOs to Reject Division and Uphold Workplace Equality Initiatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Garcia California (42nd District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) led a group of 49 colleagues to call on the CEOs of Fortune 1,000 companies to affirm their commitment to workplace equality and stand against coordinated conservative efforts to dismantle programs and policies that foster inclusive workplaces. The letter comes in response to at least three Fortune 75 companies succumbing to a conservative media campaign aimed at scaling back critical diversity initiatives and gutting employee resource groups. To read the full letter, click here.

    “Employees deserve to work in environments that are free from discrimination and that are welcoming to Americans from all backgrounds,” said Congressman Garcia. “Corporations must stand up to groups that aim to bring our country backward. Supporting programs that foster inclusivity in the workplace is good for business and benefits employees, customers, and the bottom line.”

    Studies have shown that creating corporate environments where everyone is welcome improves business revenue, strengthens workplace morale, increases employee retention, and encourages innovation. The letter reminds corporations that decisions to end these programs not only jeopardizes the well-being of workers, but strips away overwhelming benefits for businesses. 

    Co-signers of the letter include: Congresswoman Alma Adams, Congresswoman Becca Balint, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Congressman André Carson, Congressman Joaquin Castro, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Congressman James E. Clyburn, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Congressman Danny Davis, Congresswoman Lois Frankel, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Congresswoman Pramila Jaypal, Congressman Henry Johnson, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Congressman Daniel Kildee, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Congresswoman Summer Lee, Congressman Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, Congresswoman Eleanor Norton, Congressman Scott Peters, Congressman Mark Pocan, Congresswoman Katie Porter, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, Congresswoman Janice Schakowsky, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Congressman Mark Takano, Congressman Bennie Thompson, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Congressman Paul Tonko, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Congresswoman Susan Wild, Congresswoman Nikema Williams, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, and Congressman Jimmy Gomez.

    As the first gay immigrant in Congress, Congressmember Garcia has always fought to protect marginalized communities in the workplace and beyond. In June, Congressman Garcia sent a letter to federal officials asking them to help protect LGBTQ+ people from violence during Pride month in response to threats from anti-Pride extremists. In January, Congressman Garcia demanded that the Pentagon resolve cases of LGBTQ+ people dishonorably expelled from the military under “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Last year, Congressman Garcia introduced the International Human Rights Defense Act with Senator Markey to enshrine global protections for LGBTQ+ people in US law and foreign policy, reaffirming the U.S.’s role in protecting and promoting LGBTQ+ rights. As former Mayor of the City of Long Beach, Congressman Garcia worked to ensure the city achieved a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index every year he served in office. During his tenure, the city ensured that gender-affirming care was made available to all city employees.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The Villers-Cotterêts Call for an honest, trustworthy digital space in the Francophone world (4 Oct. 2024)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    A free, open and safe Internet is an essential tool for promoting exchanges, inclusion and development. As digital platforms form a significant part of the Internet, their social responsibility must not be ignored.

    The Francophonie is a community of language and values, of women and men whose common language is French, and of the 88 member countries of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) which promote the same values: democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as a constant commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity.

    While a source of progress and opportunities, the digital transformation also raises multiple challenges for OIF member countries: fighting the digital divide, promoting inclusion, protecting fundamental rights, promoting pluralism of currents of thought and opinion, maintaining the integrity of electoral processes and promoting and protecting the right to reliable, high-quality information, and to be protected from fraudulent, malicious and hate content, as well as all forms of discrimination.

    This Call is intended to help address these challenges by inviting digital platforms to step up their commitment to a safer and more honest digital space.

    To this end, We, the Heads of State and Government of countries which have a shared relationship with French, meeting on 4 and 5 October 2024 for the 19th Francophonie Summit in the French Republic,

    Intending to work to develop, within the Francophonie and beyond, a digital space which is inclusive, respectful of democracy and human rights and encourages cultural and linguistic diversity, in accordance with our commitments in the Bamako Declaration (2000), the Saint-Boniface Declaration (2006), the 2022-2026 Strategy for Digital Francophonie, the Declaration on the French Language in the linguistic diversity of Francophonie (2022) and the Declaration of the 18th Francophonie Summit in Djerba (2022);

    Drawing on the guidelines applicable to digital cooperation and the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) provided by international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, but also the specific instruments of the acquis of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), incorporated in the Geneva Declaration of Principles and the Geneva Plan of Action, as well as in the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society, the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the NETmundial+10 Multistakeholder Statement, the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms and the Global Digital Compact;

    Continue to pay special attention to the specific needs of all people in the Francophone space, in all their diversity.

    Call on digital platforms to step up their efforts and commitments to an inclusive, pluralistic, high-quality and trustworthy digital space, especially by implementing the following actions and measures:

    Providing greater transparency, diversity and proximity

    1. Guarantee access, in French and in the largest possible number of national and official local languages of OIF member countries, in clear and understandable language, to the terms of service, as well as their policies and content moderation methods;

    2. Implement simple mechanisms which are easily accessible to all, in French and in the largest possible number of local languages of OIF member countries, in order to highlight content which is considered illegal or runs contrary to the terms of service;

    3. Report to the relevant stakeholders, including the users, public authorities and regulatory authorities, on the implementation of their terms of service and content-related policies;

    4. Facilitate Francophone researchers’ and academics’ access to application interfaces and data, under conditions which appropriately protect legitimate rights and interests, including compliance with and protection of users’ personal data and the confidentiality of algorithmic processes protected by trade secrets;

    5. Provide protection for personal data based on transparent, accessible procedures which are understandable by all, in French and in the languages of the countries providing a service, and ensure that there are sufficient human capacities to undertake this role.

    Taking greater responsibility in terms of content moderation

    6. Appoint single regional and subregional contact points with sufficient capabilities to ensure direct communication with the public authorities of OIF member countries, and effective processing of user requests, in French and local languages;

    7. Forge deeper ties with the relevant regulatory authorities, based on the model of commitments made with the Francophone Network of Media Regulators (REFRAM) at the Abidjan Conference on 23 and 24 April 2024;

    8. Set up moderation policies and methods for online content, scaled according to needs and capable of taking account of diverse cultures and national and regional languages, whether they be carried out automatically or are supervised by humans;

    9. Acknowledge the key role of associations, action groups, non-governmental organizations, and more generally, recognized bodies in Francophone civil societies as trusted flaggers, which can produce well-founded, reasoned requests to facilitate priority processing by digital platforms.

    Helping better protect Francophone societies and information spaces from risks linked to the use of their services

    Under all circumstances:

    10. Assess, within public reports, the risks of large-scale dissemination in OIF member countries of content which could channel hate speech or lead to violence on any discriminatory grounds; propose, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, preventive measures aimed at reducing such discrimination;

    11. Strengthen the legal and normative frameworks which organize the protection of the rights of the child in the digital space, in accordance with international human rights law and in particular the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

    12. Set up measures to provide high levels of confidentiality, safety and security for minors using their services;

    13. Collaborate, in accordance with the 2019 Christchurch Call, on quickly and effectively eliminating illegal terrorist and violent extremist content online;

    14. Take special care to prevent risks relating to misinformation and foreign interference; to this end, support independent fact-checking initiatives, including by backing the work of the OIF in this area, such as its ODIL platform;

    15. Use recommendations systems which provide a wide variety of information sources, as well as the free expression of pluralism of currents of thought and opinion, including by identifying and promoting content which is labelled by independent professionals, such as the Journalism Trust Initiative, all in compliance with national legislation;

    16. Help develop ethical and responsible artificial intelligence, which respects human rights, development and peace, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals;

    In election periods:

    17. While strictly observing countries’ sovereignty and complying with their legislation, help strengthen democratic institutions by maintaining the integrity of electoral processes, including by setting up public assessment and risk-reduction protocols specifically dealing with the integrity of elections or referendums in OIF member countries, before, during and after each process;

    18. Transparently identify public policies, particularly during electoral cycles; monitor the monetization of publications by political parties and their representatives and store these ads and all information enabling them to be analysed in a library with exhaustive content, which is accessible online and regularly updated;

    In crisis periods:

    19. In emergency or crisis situations such as armed conflict, environmental or public health crises, analyse the impact of operations, products, services and advertising systems of companies on fundamental rights and the dynamics of said situations.

    Contributing to cultural and linguistic diversity and fair remuneration for content creation

    20. Actively and tangibly promote cultural and linguistic diversity in creating, producing, distributing, disseminating, accessing and using cultural goods and services online, including in developing artificial intelligence;

    21. Help develop artificial intelligence which encourages cultural and linguistic diversity to combat the risk of homogenous, culturally-poor content;

    22. Help promote the use of various languages in this area, particularly in order to incorporate this cultural and linguistic plurality/diversity into the training for generative artificial intelligence models;

    23. Help with the discoverability of Francophone cultural and scientific content and in national and local languages spoken within the Francophone space as well as making available and promoting digital content which is representative of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Francophonie, including by (i) presenting collected data to create models without prejudice to applicable intellectual property rules and (ii) promoting algorithmic explainability in the interests of users;

    24. Provide effective protection for works protected by copyright and related rights without depriving users of the effective benefit of exceptions to copyright and related rights;

    25. Guarantee fair and equal remuneration for creators in all countries in the Francophone space and for rights holders when they have consented to their work being used on digital platforms through licensing agreements.

    Contributing to digital inclusion and the training of users to create Francophone digital citizens

    26. Actively contribute to strengthening digital literacy and training in digital careers for people from OIF member countries, particularly young people and women, by supporting and collaborating with the “D-Clic, Formez-vous au numérique” project, thus improving the digital literacy of all Francophone users regarding products, services, processes and risks associated with the platforms in their design, operations and uses;

    27. Help implement media and information education programmes to give users more autonomy and develop their critical thinking with regard to information with which they interact online, in French and in the local languages of OIF member countries, including by supporting OIF action in the areas like the ODIL platform, and by collaborating with the relevant public authorities, universities, civil society organizations which work with groups in vulnerable situations, researchers, librarians, teachers, special educators, IT and media professionals, journalists, artists and cultural professionals;

    28. Contribute to cooperation between OIF member countries in the area of education on the media, IT and digital citizenship, encouraging shared experiences, best practice and resources.

    We continue to work towards the objectives set out in this Call and to support the actions enabling us to meet them;

    To this end, we ask the International Organisation of La Francophonie to regularly monitor this Call, in conjunction with the relevant stakeholders within the framework of the Strategy for Digital Francophonie and work already underway in this area;

    We call on digital platforms to hear this Call and help achieve its objectives, in particular by cooperating with the relevant stakeholders.

    Source: Press Service, Presidency of the French Republic

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Prospect Capital Corporation Closes $764 Million of New Investments in Fiscal Year June 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: PSEC) (“Prospect”) closed $764 million of new investments during its fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, investing in 38 new and existing portfolio companies.

    91% of PSEC’s originations during fiscal year 2024 were first lien, senior secured loans.

    Selected investments in both new and existing portfolio companies during fiscal year 2024 include:

    • $56 million of first lien loans to refinance the debt of a provider of clinical trial services. The company is a clinical development services provider that operates and conducts clinical trials for pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers.
    • $60 million of primarily first lien loans to finance an acquisition of a provider of business process outsourcing solutions. The company provides customer experience services and business process outsourcing services, which includes customer call centers, online chat, text message, and general ‘contact center as a service’.
    • $26 million of primarily first lien loans to finance an acquisition of a healthcare services provider. The company is a detox and rehabilitation provider that offers residential inpatient treatment, partial hospital programs, and intensive outpatient care in multiple restore facilities.
    • $30 million of a first lien loan to finance a shareholder distribution for a direct-to-consumer marketing company. The company is a direct marketer and distributor of modern-era government-issued gold and silver coins.
    • $37 million of primarily first lien loans to finance an add-on acquisition and shareholder distribution for a logistics service provider. The company provides turnkey inventory management and transportation services.
    • $13 million of a first lien loan to finance an add-on acquisition by a furniture provider. The company provides furniture and furnishings to residential and commercial end markets, including churches, hospitality, offices, restaurants, and schools.
    • $10 million of first lien loans for a healthcare services provider in a secondary transaction. The company is a home-based infusion pharmacy services provider serving patients with chronic conditions.
    • $20 million of first lien loans to finance a shareholder distribution of a branded jeweler designer. The company is a designer and retailer of distinctive handcrafted gold-plated women’s jewelry decorated with semi-precious stones, including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings.

    In addition, as of October 14, 2024, Prospect is processing an investment pipeline of more than $350 million, which includes transactions where due diligence and analysis are still in process.

    The investment pipeline includes transactions for which a formal mandate, letter of intent, or signed commitment may or may not have been issued. The consummation of any of the investments in this pipeline depends upon, among other things, one or more of the following: satisfactory completion of Prospect’s due diligence investigation of the prospective portfolio company, Prospect’s acceptance of the terms and structure of such investment, and the execution and delivery of transaction documentation satisfactory to Prospect. In addition, Prospect may sell all or a portion of these investments and certain of these investments may result in the repayment of existing investments. Prospect cannot assure you that it will make any of these investments or that Prospect will sell all or any portion of these investments.

    About Prospect Capital Corporation

    Prospect is a business development company that focuses on lending to and investing in private businesses. Prospect’s investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments.

    Prospect has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”). Prospect is required to comply with a series of regulatory requirements under the 1940 Act as well as applicable NASDAQ, federal and state rules and regulations. We have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

    Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, whose safe harbor for forward-looking statements does not apply to business development companies. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are highly likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under our control, and that we may or may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual developments and results are highly likely to vary materially from any forward-looking statements. Such statements speak only as of the time when made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statement now or in the future.

    For further information, contact:

    Grier Eliasek, President and Chief Operating Officer

    grier@prospectcap.com

    Telephone (212) 448-0702

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz, Salazar Sponsor Bipartisan REVOCAR Act to Defund Maduro’s Repression of Venezuelans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    “Maduro’s brutal regime refuses to honor the undeniable election results, despite clear evidence proving his loss. Rescinding these special licenses, which exclusively serve to subsidize the regime’s crony corruption, violent repression, and flagrant human rights abuses, must be part of our international effort to reject Maduro’s election theft,” said Wasserman Schultz. “If we truly intend to see through a peaceful transition of power and honor the will of the Venezuelan people, we cannot afford to indulge fossil fuel companies’ investors at the expense of democracy.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), co-chair of the Congressional Venezuela Democracy Caucus, and María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, introduced the bipartisan Revoke Exemptions for Venezuelan Oil to Curb Autocratic Repression Act, or REVOCAR Act, to prohibit new and existing licenses for companies to transact with Venezuela’s state oil company, which provides revenue for the Maduro regime’s crimes against humanity. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) previously introduced a similar bill in the Senate.

    “Maduro’s brutal regime refuses to honor the undeniable election results, despite clear evidence proving his loss. Rescinding these special licenses, which exclusively serve to subsidize the regime’s crony corruption, violent repression, and flagrant human rights abuses, must be part of our international effort to reject Maduro’s election theft,” said Wasserman Schultz. “If we truly intend to see through a peaceful transition of power and honor the will of the Venezuelan people, we cannot afford to indulge fossil fuel companies’ investors at the expense of democracy.”

    “It’s long past time to cut off the flow of money that the Maduro Dictatorship uses to oppress their people,” said Salazar. “We are sending a loud and clear message that if Maduro stays, there will be no oil money for the Venezuelan regime.”

    “Despite the sweeping and clear opposition victory in the recent Venezuelan presidential election, the Maduro regime refused to release results, announced that it had won instead, and arbitrarily arrested thousands of opposition supporters,” said Durbin. “We must put an end to the outright theft of the Venezuelan voters’ overwhelming choice for a better future.  I’m pleased that Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Salazar are introducing the House bill to terminate all U.S. petroleum cooperation and related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent election are respected. The Maduro regime clings to power using oil revenues dependent on U.S. involvement.  Under our bill, that will end, and so will Maduro’s financial strength.”

    The REVOCAR Act would prohibit U.S. persons and entities from engaging in transactions with PdVSA, Venezuela’s regime-controlled energy company, eliminating General Licenses issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that allow certain companies to do business with the Maduro regime. These prohibitions would extend for three years or until the President certifies that a democratic transfer of power to Venezuelan president-elect Edmundo González has taken place.

    On July 28, 2024, more than 10,000,000 citizens of Venezuela voted in a presidential election in which meticulously documented and publicized data from credible election monitors clearly and convincingly showed that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez received more than two-thirds of the votes against the regime of Nicolas Maduro. The Maduro regime has refused to respect the overwhelming choice of the people of Venezuela and subsequently arrested and abused thousands of innocent citizens of Venezuela, including children, for peaceful political participation.

    Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Salazar have partnered on recent efforts promoting democracy in Venezuela including the VOICE Act, which would place individual sanctions on anti-democratic officials in the Maduro regime, and the AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act, which would direct U.S. support for international investigations and reporting on the Maduro regime’s criminal repression of the Venezuelan people.

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sheaff Brock is #7 on the CNBC Financial Advisor 100 List

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ranking at #7 in the 2024 CNBC FA 100 list, Sheaff Brock announced its 5th consecutive year in being selected as one of CNBC’s top 100 advisory firms from across the United States that help clients successfully navigate their financial lives.

    Sheaff Brock ranks #7 on the 2024 CNBC FA 100 list,
    its 5th consecutive year of placing as one of CNBC’s top 100
    registered investment advisory firms in the U.S.

    Sheaff Brock Managing Directors and co-founders Dave Gilreath and Ron Brock shared their excitement with the 2024 results. “To be ranked 7th in the U.S. is an incredible achievement. We’re honored to be on this list for our straight fifth year, and even more proud of this year’s ranking,” said Brock.

    Gilreath added, “I believe being listed at #7 is a testament to the strength of our team here at Sheaff Brock. It shows the dedication of our certified financial planners, portfolio consultants, administrative coordinators—and our entire team—to supporting our clients and helping them achieve their long-term financial goals.”

    To develop the 2024 list, CNBC enlisted data provider AccuPoint Solutions to assist with the ranking of registered investment advisors for the 2024 CNBC FA 100 list. Analyzing data from 40,896 RIAs, AccuPoint screened multiple aspects such as years in business, total accounts, total assets under management, number of certified financial planners, number of employees, and the firm’s compliance record to trim the list down to 903 RIAs. From there, CNBC and AccuPoint distilled the list into the final 100 advisory firms based on additional data provided by each firm via email survey.

    In 2020, the first year Sheaff Brock made the list, the company ranked #95; in 2021, Sheaff Brock ranked #82; in 2022, #68; and the firm came in at #10 in last year’s list in 2023.

    About Sheaff Brock:
    Sheaff Brock is an SEC-registered, fee-only independent investment firm striving to enhance portfolios of growth- and income-oriented investors, managing $1.3 billion in assets nationwide as of 06/30/2024. Managing Director David Gilreath contributes investment commentary to CNBC.com, ThinkAdvisor, Medical Economics, and Financial Advisor magazine. Visit sheaffbrock.com for more information.

    Disclosure: 
    Sheaff Brock Investment Advisors, LLC (“SBIA”) is an SEC-registered investment advisor founded in 2001. Clients or prospective clients are directed to SBIA’s Form ADV Part 2A prior to deciding to participate in any portfolio or making any investment decision. The views and opinions in the preceding commentary are subject to change without notice and are as of the date of the report. There is no guarantee that any market forecast set forth in the commentary will be realized. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time, should not be relied upon as investment advice, and is not intended to predict or depict performance of any investment.

    About CNBC Financial Advisor 100
    The 2024 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (ranked 7th 10/2/24), 2023 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (ranked 10th, 9/12/23), 2022 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (ranked 68th, 10/4/22), 2021 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (ranked 82nd, 10/6/21) & the 2020 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (ranked 95th, 10/6/20) list is an independent ranking. CNBC enlisted data provider AccuPoint Solutions to assist with the ranking of registered investment advisors for the CNBC FA 100 list. The analysis started with 40,896 RIA firms for 2024, 40,646, RIA firms for 2023, 39,818 RIA firms for 2022, 38,302 for 2021 and 37,369 for 2020 from the Securities and Exchange Commission regulatory database. AccuPoint screened the list down to 903 RIAs for 2024, 812 RIAs for 2023, 904 RIAs for 2022, 749 for 2021, and 750 for 2020 who were required to complete a survey to be in consideration for the CNBC FA 100 list. Sheaff Brock does not pay for applying for the award; however, Sheaff Brock does pay for use of the CNBC Financial Advisor 100 logo.

    Data points used by AccuPoint for the ranking included regulatory/compliance record, number of years in the business, number of certified financial planners, number of employees, number of investment advisors registered with the firm, ratio of investment advisors to total number of employees, total assets under management, percentage of discretionary assets under management, total accounts under management, number of states where the RIA is registered and country of domicile.

    Third-party rankings and recognition from rating services or publications, such as the CNBC FA 100, is no guarantee of future investment success and working with a highly rated advisor does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. The ranking may not reflect a client or prospective client’s experience with the registered investment advisor. Past performance does not guarantee or indicate future results.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b7c16cee-9ec4-4c47-b365-939d99e7291c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund publishes its NAV for September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The net asset value (NAV) per unit of the Baltic Horizon Fund (the Fund) amounted to EUR 0.7099 at the end of September 2024 (0.8011 as of 31 August 2024). The month-end total net asset value of the Fund was EUR 101.9 million (EUR 95.8 million as of 31 August 2024). The EPRA NRV as of 30 September 2024 stood at EUR 0.7510 per unit.

    In September 2024, the Baltic Horizon Fund successfully completed the private placement and issued 23,927,085 new units corresponding to a gross value of EUR 6.29 million.

    In September 2024, the consolidated net rental income of the Fund remained at the level of EUR 1.0 million (EUR 1.0 million in August 2024).

    At the end of September 2024, the Fund’s consolidated cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 10.0 million (31 August 2024: EUR 3.9 million). As of 30 September 2024, the total consolidated assets of the Fund were EUR 256.8 million (31 August 2024: EUR 249.8 million).

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    http://www.baltichorizon.com

    Baltic Horizon Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. Both the Fund and the Management Company are supervised by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority.

    Distribution: Nasdaq, GlobeNewswire, http://www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on http://www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on http://www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister MacAulay announces research funding for an innovative, sustainable poultry sector

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 15, 2024 – Guelph, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    Today, the Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, toured the University of Guelph’s research facilities to meet with researchers and learn about their innovative work in support of a sustainable poultry sector. As part of his visit, Minister MacAulay highlighted that the Government of Canada is delivering an investment of $5,155,608 to the Canadian Poultry Research Council (CPRC) through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

    This funding will allow the CPRC to partner on research that will ensure poultry welfare at all levels of the production chain, meeting the consumer demand for healthy and safe poultry products, and decreasing the environmental impacts of poultry farms—including ambient air quality, emissions, and the effect on humans and birds in the surrounding area.

    Some examples of Cluster activities include upcycling Canadian fruit waste to develop novel feed ingredients, managing environmental conditions to reduce the risk of avian influenza, researching alternatives to antimicrobials, and optimizing feed to reduce particulate matter emissions.

    Research funding in the poultry sector is crucial for the continued development of sustainable practices and improved animal welfare.

    Quotes

    “Investments in research are vitally important to the future of our agricultural sector. By making sure our hardworking poultry farmers are using best practices and adopting innovative solutions, we’re not only strengthening our economy, we’re building a resilient industry that meets the needs of consumers, while protecting our environment for generations to come.”

    – The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

    “This new injection of funding from AAFC will ensure continued innovation and excellence in research that benefits the entire Canadian poultry supply chain. Research will focus on three main areas – environment and climate change, economic growth, and sector resilience – looking for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, find innovative approaches to disease management, and improve the overall strength of the poultry sector.”

    – Caroline Wilson, Executive Director of the Canadian Poultry Research Council

    Quick facts

    • The Canadian poultry industry contributed about $5.5 billion in farm cash receipts in 2021, with over 2,800 chicken producers, 1,200 egg producers, 513 turkey producers, and 232 hatching egg producers across the country.

    • The CPRC leads the industry in its national research endeavours and seeks to address national poultry and egg research priorities, driven by the National Research Strategy for Canada’s Poultry Sector.

    • The CPRC has delivered the 3 previous poultry clusters and is made up of five members: the Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, the Egg Farmers of Canada, the Turkey Farmers of Canada, the Chicken Farmers of Canada, and the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors.

    • The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (2023 to 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.

    • The AgriScience Program, under the Sustainable CAP, aims to accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector, and Canadians.

    • The AgriScience Program – Clusters Component supports projects intended to mobilize industry, government and academia through partnerships, and address priority national themes and horizontal issues.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For media:

    Annie Cullinan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
    Ottawa, Ontario
    613-773-7972
    1-866-345-7972
    aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
    Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: HYCHAIN Launches Loot Legends: Pioneering a New Dimension in Mobile Gaming

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gaming-focused Layer-2 decentralized network HYCHAIN today announced the much-anticipated global launch of Loot Legends, a free to play roguelite dungeon crawler game with hundreds of hours of rich dungeons, boss fights, and gameplay, available on both the App Store and Google Play. Ahead of its release, the game has already garnered over 101K+ pre-registrations, highlighting its eagerly awaited arrival among gamers.

    Loot Legends unfolds across an expansive universe featuring over 10 unique chapters, 200 dungeon levels, and more than 1500 pieces of gear, including armor and weapons. Players can enjoy thrilling boss fights, craft potent items, and explore intricately designed crafted levels. A standout aspect of the game is the ‘LootBoxes’, which are filled with a diverse range of items from diamonds and gold to pet fragments and runes, providing both fundamental resources and rare, game-enhancing artifacts.

    During the recent 10-day closed beta of Loot Legends, the team successfully engaged over 2,600 beta testers, who collectively spent more than 2 million Diamonds. This period saw the exploration of over 95K dungeons, and impressively, the game maintained a 7-day retention rate of over 40%. These statistics highlight the game’s strong appeal and engagement among early users, which the team believes lays a promising foundation for its upcoming public launch.

    “We are incredibly excited about the launch of Loot Legends and are delighted by the community’s strong reception,” said ArkDev, co-founder of HYCHAIN. “This enthusiasm reinforces our vision for a vibrant, permissionless L2 blockchain that not only enhances Web3 game publishing but also brings players an unmatched, frictionless gaming experience.”

    In Loot Legends, players engage with an in-game currency system designed to enhance the gaming experience. Diamonds, the most coveted currency, are obtainable through gameplay and are essential for acquiring high-value upgrades and unique items. Gold serves as the standard currency for regular transactions and upgrades, while Honor Medals, Crystals, and Contribution Coins offer specialized purchasing power within PvP, home base enhancements, and guild activities respectively. 

    The economic backbone of Loot Legends is built around the $TOPIA token, digital game-currency. This in-game currency can be earned by competing in global leaderboards, completing daily activities, and achieving game milestones. Players can use $TOPIA to gain a 30% discount on Diamonds, the premium currency, which is crucial for buying upgrades and special items.

    Loot Legends is designed to foster a strong community. Players can form or join guilds, participate in multiplayer raids, and challenge other players, promoting a collaborative and competitive environment.

    “Loot Legends is designed to be a game that appeals to all gamers, whether they’re from the Web3 or Web2 space. It’s not just about technology; it’s about crafting a fun, engaging experience where gamers can connect, compete, and enjoy every moment. We’ve built a platform that welcomes all gamers,” said Temptranquil, co-founder of HYCHAIN.

    In November, HYCHAIN will introduce The Outpost, a peer-to-peer marketplace within Loot Legends. This innovative feature allows players to trade in-game items as digital collectibles, further bridging the gap between virtual gaming and real-world value.

    Looking ahead, HYCHAIN is committed to the continuous development of Loot Legends. The roadmap includes regular updates, new chapters, and special events to keep the gameplay exciting and engaging. Loot Legends is more than just a game—it’s a new way of experiencing mobile gaming. Users can join the adventure, rise through the ranks, and possibly change the way you think about mobile games forever.

    About HYCHAIN

    HYCHAIN is a Layer-2 blockchain based on Arbitrum’s orbit technology focused on providing infrastructure, distribution, and frictionless systems for the most ambitious Web3 games. The blockchain is home to HYTOPIA (Formerly NFT Worlds) with over 1,100,000+ pre-registered players worldwide, and HYPLAY, developer-first tools.

    For more information, users can visit HYCHAIN’s: Website | Twitter | Discord

    Contact
    Ms
    Abhishek Anand
    Hychain
    abhishek@hychain.com

    The MIL Network –