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  • MIL-OSI: Mountain America Recognized as Best Credit Union for “Membership Perks” by Money.com

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

    SANDY, Utah, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Mountain America Credit Union is proud to announce its recognition as the “Best for Membership Perks” by Money.com in their annual review of the top banks and credit unions in the United States. This accolade highlights Mountain America’s commitment to providing exceptional benefits and services to its members.

    Money’s methodology for determining the best credit unions involved a comprehensive review of the 20 largest credit unions in the nation, ranked by assets as determined by the National Credit Union Administration. The evaluation prioritized credit unions with flexible membership requirements, making them accessible to a broader audience.

    “We are honored to be named the best credit union for ‘Membership Perks’ by Money.com,” said Sterling Nielsen, president and chief executive officer at Mountain America. “This award reflects our dedication to providing our members with the best possible financial products and services. Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to helping them achieve their financial goals.”

    The methodology focused on several key data points, including minimum opening balance; interest rates paid; monthly fees charged; and online accessibility. Additionally, the analysis included fees for ATM use, overdraft and insufficient funds, wire transfers, and overdraft protection. Emphasis was placed on checking and savings accounts that offered high interest rates, required no opening or minimum balance, and charged few or no fees. Online and mobile accessibility, additional perks or rewards, and the size of the ATM network were also considered.

    “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team,” said Nathan Anderson, chief operating officer at Mountain America. “We strive to offer innovative solutions and exceptional service to our members, and it is gratifying to see our efforts acknowledged on a national level.”

    Mountain America member benefits also include zero-cost tele-health services, mobile phone insurance and identity monitoring when members sign up for a MyStyle checking account.

    Mountain America continues to be a leader in the financial industry, offering a wide range of products and services designed to meet the diverse needs of its members. As the only Utah-based credit union recognized in this year’s review, Mountain America remains dedicated to its mission of providing financial education, guidance, and support to its community.

    For more information about Mountain America and its award-winning services, please visit http://www.macu.com.

    About Mountain America Credit Union   
    With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with various convenient, flexible products and services and sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across six states, and over 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Preferred Bank Announces 2024 Third Quarter Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Preferred Bank (NASDAQ: PFBC), one of the larger independent commercial banks in California, today announced plans to release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 before the open of market on Monday, October 21, 2024. That same day, management will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. Eastern (11:00 a.m. Pacific). The call will be simultaneously broadcast over the Internet.

    Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing 844-826-3037 (domestic) or 412-317-5182 (international) and referencing “Preferred Bank.” There will also be a live webcast of the call available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website at http://www.preferredbank.com.

    Preferred Bank’s Chairman and CEO Li Yu, President and Chief Operating Officer Wellington Chen, Chief Financial Officer Edward J. Czajka, Chief Credit Officer Nick Pi and Deputy Chief Operating Officer Johnny Hsu will discuss Preferred Bank’s financial results, business highlights and outlook. After the live webcast, a replay will be available at the Investor Relations section of Preferred Bank’s website. A replay of the call will also be available at 877-344-7529 (domestic) or 412-317-0088 (international) through November 4, 2024; the passcode is 7955778.

    About Preferred Bank

    Preferred Bank is one of the larger independent commercial banks headquartered in California. The Bank is chartered by the State of California, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Bank conducts its banking business from its main office in Los Angeles, California, and through full-service branch banking offices in California (Alhambra, Century City, City of Industry, Torrance, Arcadia, Irvine (2), Diamond Bar, Pico Rivera, Tarzana and San Francisco (2)). The Bank also operates a branch in Flushing, New York and in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, Texas in addition to a satellite office in Manhattan, New York and a Loan Production office in Silicon Valley, California. Preferred Bank offers a broad range of deposit and loan products and services to both commercial and consumer customers. The Bank provides personalized deposit services as well as real estate finance, commercial loans and trade finance to small and mid-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, professionals and high net worth individuals. Although originally founded as a Chinese-American Bank, Preferred Bank now derives most of its customers from the diversified mainstream market but does continue to benefit from the significant migration to California of ethnic Chinese from China and other areas of East Asia.

    AT THE COMPANY:   AT FINANCIAL PROFILES:
    Edward J. Czajka   Jeffrey Haas
    Executive Vice President   General Information
    Chief Financial Officer   (310) 622-8240
    (213) 891-1188   PFBC@finprofiles.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LeddarTech Announces Receipt of US$3.0 Million Following Disbursement of the Second Tranche of the Previously Announced Bridge Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech® Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology, LeddarVision™, for ADAS, AD and parking applications, announced today that the Company received the second tranche of the bridge loans (the “Bridge Loans”) in an aggregate amount of US$3.0 million, which are part of a bridge financing in an aggregate amount of up to US$9.0 million (the “Bridge Financing”) made available to the Company by certain of its principal shareholders, namely FS Investors (“FS”), Investissement Québec (“IQ”) and its senior lender, Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec (“Desjardins” and, together with FS and IQ, the “Initial Bridge Lenders”). The principal details of the Bridge Financing were announced by the Company on August 19, 2024.

    As previously announced, the Bridge Financing is comprised of two tranches, with the first tranche of US$6.0 million funded on August 19, 2024. The second tranche of the Bridge Financing, in an amount of up to US$3.0 million, was conditioned on the absence of a default under the Bridge Loans and the receipt by the Company of a commitment from a strategic investor of its intent to invest a minimum amount of US$5.0 million in a subsequent equity capital raise.

    In connection with the Bridge Financing, FS converted US$1.5 million of its existing convertible notes into common shares in the capital of the Company at an above-market conversion price of US$2.00 per share, reducing the convertible note balance by US$1.5 million. The Company also received additional Bridge Loans in an aggregate amount of approximately US$334,000 from certain members of management and the board of directors (collectively, the “Additional Bridge Lenders” and, together with the Initial Bridge Lenders, the “Bridge Lenders”) in accordance with the terms of the Bridge Financing.

    The Bridge Financing constitutes a “related-party transaction” within the meaning of Regulation 61-101 – Protections of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“Regulation 61-101”) as FS, IQ and the Additional Bridge Lenders are all “insiders” of the Company under Canadian securities laws. However, in light of the fact that the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) have determined that the Company is in serious financial difficulty, the Company is relying on the exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements contained in Regulation 61-101 on the basis of the “financial hardship” exemption therein.

    After considering and reviewing all of the circumstances currently surrounding the Company and the Bridge Financing, the Board, including all independent members of the Board who are free from interest in the Bridge Financing and unrelated to the Bridge Lenders, acting in good faith, unanimously determined that (i) the Company is in serious financial difficulty, (ii) the Bridge Financing is designed to improve the financial condition of the Company, and (iii) the terms of the Bridge Financing are reasonable in the Company’s circumstances.

    The Bridge Loans have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or applicable State securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable State securities laws.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sales of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

    About LeddarTech

    A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

    LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 160 patent applications (87 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

    Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at http://www.LeddarTech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this Press Release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which forward-looking statements also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements relating to LeddarTech’s anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the possibility that anticipated benefits of LeddarTech’s recent business combination will not be realized; (ii) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the business combination or other settlements or investigations may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (iii) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (iv) possible disruptions from the business combination that could harm LeddarTech’s business; (v) the ability of LeddarTech to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (vi) potential adverse reactions or changes to relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or other parties; (vii) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships following the business combination that could affect LeddarTech’s financial performance; (viii) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (ix) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak or escalation of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak (including COVID-19), as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; (x) access to capital and financing and LeddarTech’s ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants; (xi) LeddarTech’s ability to execute its business model, achieve design wins and generate meaningful revenue; and (xii) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in LeddarTech’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca, including the risk factors contained in LeddarTech’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Except as required by applicable law, LeddarTech does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Daniel Aitken, Vice-President, Global Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, LeddarTech Holdings Inc. Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 232 daniel.aitken@LeddarTech.com

    Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

    LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Anthem Celebrates Opening of First Phase of Cornerstone Regional Park

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anthem Properties Group, development manager of the master planned community of Cornerstone in NE Calgary, today celebrated the opening of the first phase of a multi-phase, multi-amenity regional park system that is being constructed in collaboration with The City of Calgary.

    The regional park system, which is being built for the benefit of all residents in the region, completed its first round of online and in-person engagement in Winter 2023 and has four areas of public use surrounding a central 120-acre Environmental Reserve area protecting an existing natural wetland complex. The wetland will feature sustainable and integrated amenities like boardwalks, observation decks, trails and pathways connecting visitors to the four feature parks.

    Other options for the active public use areas of the park, pending final design work, include recreational amenities like volleyball or tennis courts, barbecue and campfire site areas, a bike park, climbing wall, spray park, playgrounds, flexible picnic space, and pavilion seating.

    Today marked the opening of the first park space at the end of 128th Avenue which boasts a completed outdoor hockey rink and basketball court, a newly installed playground, and adult fitness equipment.

    “We are thrilled about the progress made by The City in bringing the concept of Cornerstone Regional Park closer to reality, an incredible addition not for only the residents in our community, but for the region as well,” said Craig Dickie, Anthem’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. “Allocating green space for future park use is an important part of our planning and design process, as we know how valuable these amenities are for solidifying a sense of place and in building active, vibrant and productive communities.”

    Ward 5 Councillor Raj Dhaliwal added: “Promise made, promise delivered! As we celebrate the opening of Cornerstone Regional Park Phase 1, I couldn’t be more excited for the positive impact this much-needed amenity will have on the families and communities of Northeast Calgary. This marks a significant step toward enhancing our public spaces, and I am fully committed to accelerating the completion of the remaining phases. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Anthem for their visionary partnership and for leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come in Ward 5.”

    The new Cornerstone Regional Park will be in addition to existing completed and planned amenities in the Cornerstone community including playgrounds, storm ponds, a cricket pitch, and soccer field, with future plans for multiple schools and a 40-acre major Activity Centre with an adjacent LRT station.

    The City of Calgary has completed engagement for Cornerstone Regional Park; a report-back to Interested Parties was shared late this summer on engage.calgary.ca/cornerstonepark in the form of a What We Did Report. This report was also promoted in the community so that Interested Parties who shared their feedback during engagement could see the design concepts, ahead of final detailed design development. Construction is underway on other park phases with substantial completion of all park spaces expected by late 2025.

    About Cornerstone

    Located in Calgary’s Northeast, Cornerstone is the largest community in the city, with 2,500 homes and completed amenities including four park spaces, one wetland, one storm pond, three playgrounds and two commercial complexes. With effortless access to Stoney Trail and Country Hills, its location also ensures residents can easily access major amenities like CrossIron Mills, Peter Lougheed Hospital, and Cardel Rec Centre.

    About Anthem

    Founded in 1991, Anthem is a team of 800 people driven by creativity, passion and direct communication. Anthem has invested in, developed or managed – alone or in partnership – more than 385 residential, commercial and retail projects across North America. Anthem, with its respective financial partners, has a portfolio of current and past projects that includes more than 41,700 homes built, in design or under construction, more than 11.5 million sq. ft. of retail, industrial and office space, and 9,800 acres of land across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and California.

    Contact:
    Elisha McCallum, Vice President, Communications
    Mobile: 778.668.0185
    Email: emccallum@anthemproperties.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fcf883c5-5102-49b6-8bdb-6e49ebaecd4e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9bba23b0-8b08-45e6-a971-1c5c17365f3c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4462d12-2391-4ea7-a59a-51ce334ebf43

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor and First Lady Justice celebrate Babydog’s fifth birthday, support GameChanger initiative

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    CategoriesEnglish, MIL OSI, US State Governments, US State of West Virginia

    Visit Barboursville Middle School and John Marshall High School to mark the occasion
    WEST VIRGINIA — Gov. Jim Justice, First Lady Cathy Justice, and Babydog, commemorated a special milestone today as the beloved English Bulldog celebrated her fifth birthday.

    Known as a fan favorite across the state, Babydog has captured the hearts of West Virginians with her playful spirit and role as a cherished companion to the Governor.

    Babydog first gained statewide fame during West Virginia’s pandemic response, becoming a symbol of hope and positivity. Her popularity skyrocketed with the ‘Do It for Babydog’ vaccine sweepstakes, putting her front and center at major events in nearly every town across the state. 

    Since then, she’s been traveling the state with Gov. Justice, meeting countless West Virginians along the way.
    “I never thought I’d be traveling the state with an English Bulldog,” Gov. Justice said. “Babydog is a special part of my family, and sharing her with West Virginia has brought me so much joy. When she joined me during my COVID briefings, I hoped she could lift spirits during a tough time, and the response was beyond what I imagined. Now, she’s always by my side as we travel, and folks really get excited to meet her. Her presence brings so much happiness, and I’m so glad to celebrate her birthday with all of you.”

    “We have had such a great time today celebrating Babydog’s birthday with wonderful friends,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “Babydog has become a big part of our West Virginia family, always bringing smiles and joy wherever she goes. Like Jim always says— she just loves everyone, and that’s really all you could ever ask for.”
    BARBOURSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

    Gov. Justice, First Lady Justice, and Babydog kicked off the celebration at Barboursville Middle School, surrounded by 1,500 students, faculty, staff, and excited community members from Cabell County. 

    During the celebration, the Barboursville Middle School jazz band played, Gov. Justice honored the Class AAA boy’s golf team who won the 2024 state championship, and the Barboursville Elementary Choir, known as the “Pirate Crew,” performed a rendition of County Roads. 
    The Barboursville Mayor, Chris Tatum, presented a proclamation declaring October 15th as Babydog Day in Barboursville. 

    In closing, the students at Barboursville Middle School sang happy birthday to Babydog, gifted her a pirate hat to honor the school’s mascot, and presented a ‘Barkday Cake.’
    JOHN MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL 

    The day concluded with Gov. Justice, First Lady Justice, and Babydog visiting John Marshall High School for her second birthday celebration.

    The students sang happy birthday, presented gifts, and showcased their talents with student-made artwork.
    The festivities coincided with a GameChanger initiative check presentation ceremony. As GameChanger Head Coach, Gov. Justice addressed students about the substance misuse prevention program following the premier of the film, ‘You Have What It Takes.’

    Additionally, Hartley Law Group presented GameChanger with a $30,000 check to expand the education initiative in Marshall County Schools.
    About GameChanger
    GameChanger is currently in 55 schools in 18 West Virginia counties. As a youth-led positive development and community enhancement initiative, GameChanger programming, designed in conjunction with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, educates, supports, and empowers young West Virginians to live healthy, drug-free lifestyles while becoming our leaders of tomorrow.

    To learn more about the program, visit http://www.gamechangerusa.org.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Discusses Colorado’s Leadership in Workforce Development, Celebrates New Housing Units in Aurora

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER/AURORA – Today, Governor Polis discussed Colorado’s leadership in developing a more robust workforce and helping Coloradans build needed skills, and joined for the grand opening of new housing units Coloradans can afford in Aurora. Governor Polis began his day discussing Colorado’s leadership in workforce development at the Human Potential Summit in Denver, a three-day conference focused on innovative approaches to developing a strong workforce. 

    “Investing in our workforce is investing in our economy, our communities, and our future. In Colorado, we continue to lead the way when it comes to finding new and innovative efforts to connect hardworking Coloradans with the skills and training needed to get the job and earn a good wage. We know that the actions we take at the state level are a powerful signal to the private sector, and we continue to take bold steps that we hope businesses will scale and replicate,” said Governor Polis. 

    Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed legislation to create two free years of college for families making up to $90,000. He has also signed legislation to make in-demand credentials in health care, construction, law enforcement, early childhood education, and more free for all interested Coloradans. Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development (OEDIT) announced over $55 million in Opportunity Now Grants to better prepare Coloradans for in-demand, high-wage jobs and careers. This funding has helped more than 15,000 Coloradans gain skills for the innovative sectors of tomorrow that strengthen Colorado’s economy and expand opportunity. Last year, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order to make skills-based-hiring part of our state’s hiring practices, and ensure that degree requirements don’t limit the number of qualified applicants if their skills support the work. 

    Governor Polis also visited the grand opening of Eagle Meadow Homes in Aurora, which includes 93 new units, over half of which are two and three bedroom units, for households making 30-60% AMI. These units were supported by $2,6 million from the Department of Local Affairs. Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed legislation to break down barriers and expand access to housing Coloradans can afford, by giving Coloradans the freedom to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their own property, expanding housing near transit and job centers, eliminating costly parking requirements and discriminatory occupancy limits, and creating more housing supply that’s affordable to fill critical gaps in our communities. 

    “In Colorado we are focused on creating housing that Coloradans can afford, in the communities they want to live in. Initiatives like Eagle Meadows are a great example of our continued work to expand housing opportunities, and invest in our communities. Helping to maintain Colorado as the best place to work, live, and raise a family” said Governor Polis. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Station Science Top News: Oct. 11, 2024

    Source: NASA

    Researchers verified that 3D micro-computed tomography scans can map the orientation of plant roots in space and used the method to demonstrate that carrots grown in actual and simulated microgravity both had random root orientation. These findings suggest that simulated microgravity offers a reliable and more affordable tool for studying plant adaptation to spaceflight.
    MULTI-TROP evaluated the role of gravity and other factors on plant growth. Plant roots grow downward in response to gravity on Earth, but in random directions in microgravity, which is a challenge for developing plant growth facilities for space. Results from this investigation could help address this challenge, advancing efforts to grow plants for food and other uses on future space missions as well as improving plant cultivation on Earth.

    For climate model simulations, researchers developed four parameters of electrical discharges from thunderclouds that produce visual emissions known as Blue LUminous Events or BLUEs. BLUEs are thought to affect regional atmospheric chemistry and climate. The parameters reported by this study could inform models that help test the global and regional effects of thunderstorm corona discharges, including how their geographic distribution and global occurrence rate will change as the atmosphere warms.
    ASIM, an investigation from ESA (European Space Agency), studies high-altitude lightning in thunderstorms and the role it plays in Earth’s atmosphere and climate. Scientists need to understand processes occurring in Earth’s upper atmosphere to determine how lightning is connected to Earth’s climate and weather so they can develop better atmospheric models to guide weather and climate predictions.

    A technique to detect sounds generated by the inner ear could be used as a non-invasive tool for monitoring changes in fluid pressure in the head during spaceflight. Increased fluid pressure in the head that occurs in microgravity can cause visual impairment and may also affect the middle and inner ear. Insight into fluid pressure changes could help scientists develop ways to protect astronauts from these effects.
    The ESA and ASI investigation Acoustic Diagnostics monitored hearing function in astronauts on long-term missions using otoacoustic emissions (sounds generated by the inner ear in response to specific tones). Researchers compared these measurements before and during flight to indirectly detect changes in fluid pressure in the head. Different body position and fit of the ear probes affected results of the test and the authors note that these issues need to be addressed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Polis Administration Celebrates Nation-Leading Electric Vehicle Incentives and Low-Cost EV Options for Coloradans

    Source: US State of Colorado

    AURORA – Governor Polis and Electric Vehicle (EV) industry leaders gathered at Tynan’s Nissan in Aurora today to celebrate some of the lowest EV costs in the country. The Governor was joined by Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor and Director of Sales at Tynan’s Nissan Markus Kamm. Propelled by Colorado’s nation-leading electric vehicle incentive opportunities, consumers throughout the state are able to drive off a dealer’s lot at lease prices starting at as little as $19 per month for a Nissan LEAF – often with no down payment other than taxes and fees. Currently, Colorado EV buyers may qualify for up to $26,500 in savings on a new EV purchase or lease. 

    “Now more Coloradans can save money on electric vehicles. These low-cost and great-to-drive options are an incredible deal for Coloradans and we are excited to see so many people taking advantage of them. More than 22% of new cars sold in Colorado are electric and we know deals like this will continue to push that number even higher,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    Widespread EV adoption is an important strategy to achieve Colorado’s climate goals and protect our air. The state is well on its way to meeting its ambitious target of 940,000 EVs on Colorado roads by 2030, with EVs already making up more than 22% of new car sales during the most recently reported quarter. 

    “More than ever, transitioning to an EV is a win-win proposition that every Coloradan should consider,” said CEO Executive Director Will Toor. “Beyond getting incredible deals on EVs and saving even more money with lower fuel and maintenance costs, switching to an electric vehicle makes a big difference in improving air quality and cutting climate-harming greenhouse gas emissions. We are making really important progress in reaching our EV goals and are grateful to manufacturers and dealers who are helping in ensuring there are affordable opportunities for buyers across the state.” 

    All Coloradans are currently eligible for a $5,000 state tax credit for purchasing or leasing a new EV (battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric) with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) under $80,000, and an additional $2,500 for EVs with an MSRP under $35,000. The $5,000 state tax credit is available through the end of this year, before decreasing to $3,500 starting in 2025. 

    Income-qualified Coloradans exchanging an eligible old or high-emitting vehicle can also take advantage of a $6,000 rebate through the Vehicle Exchange Colorado program for a new EV purchase or lease and a $4,000 rebate for a used EV purchase or lease. 

    In addition, Coloradans may be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit for a new EV lease, and for the purchase of certain EV models that meet specific manufacturing requirements. A $4,000 federal tax credit is available for used EV purchases and leases. Xcel Energy also offers EV rebates for income-qualified customers, totaling $5,500 for new EV purchases and leases and $3,000 for used vehicles. 

    In addition to prices starting at as little as $19 per month for a Nissan LEAF, for $99 per month, Coloradans can lease a Kia Niro from Fort Collins Kia or a Hyundai Ioniq 5 from Schomp Hyundai. These are just a few more of the great deals around Colorado. 

    Coloradans can check with a local dealership to see what offers are available. Coloradans can learn more about electric vehicles and available incentives on the EV CO website. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Apology following wrongful conviction of Alan Hall

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    The Commissioner of Police, Andrew Coster, met with Alan Hall to apologise for shortcomings in the investigation that saw him wrongfully convicted of murder in 1985.

    Mr Hall spent 19 years in prison for the murder of Arthur Easton before his conviction was quashed by the Supreme Court in 2022. 

    Last month Police charged three men in relation to the wrongful conviction.

    “This week I met with Alan and his family and apologised on behalf of NZ Police for the shortcomings in our original investigation that led to his wrong conviction,” Commissioner Coster says.

    “I am grateful to Alan and his family, who have been a great support to him, for meeting with me and accepting our apology.

    “Police continue to investigate. As matters pertaining to this case are still before the court it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further.”

    Family statement – to be attributed to Geoff Hall:

    “Alan really appreciates and thanks the Commissioner and the investigation teams for meeting with him.

    “His apology marks another milestone for Alan and our family in acknowledging the injustices of the past.

    “Our family appreciates the work the Police have committed to these investigations.”

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Frederica Wilson joined City of Miami Commission Meeting to Present $1,000,000 Check for Little Haiti Youth Center at Athalie Range Park

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

    At the City of Miami Commission Meeting Tuesday, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) presented a $1,000,000 check to the City of Miami for the Little Haiti Youth Center at Athalie Range Park. It is designed to provide local youth and residents with a safe, state-of-the-art space to gather and thrive.

    Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said, “This isn’t just any building; it’ll be a 12,000 square-foot hub of creativity and activity. This will be a place where our children and families can gather, learn, and create lasting memories together. Because let’s be real—no child should have to sit in a McDonalds parking lot just to find WiFi to finish their homework. Our kids deserve better, and it’s our job to create those spaces for them. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this effort to uplift our community and invest in our future.”

    This approximately 12,000 sq. ft. ADA-compliant facility will feature a 3,000 sq. ft. multipurpose room, a computer lab with charging stations, three homework rooms, an arts and crafts room, an indoor fitness area with equipment and lockers, a kitchen, restrooms, and ample storage. Outside, a large plaza with concrete seating and shade structures will support outdoor activities. These innovative features will create a space where children and families can enrich their lives and strengthen social development.  This funding was secured as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Congressional Appropriations process.

    City of Miami Chairwoman Christine King, who represents this park in her district, said, “Thank you Congresswoman Wilson for helping the future generations of our community with this $1M fund for the Little Haiti Youth Center at Athalie Range Park. It is our responsibility to provide children of every ability a place they can play, learn, and connect. By supporting their development and providing them meaningful engagement opportunities, we are nourishing the minds and dreams of future community advocates and leaders.

    Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardeman said, “Investing in a safe, state-of-the-art space at Athalie Range Park is essential for our local youth and residents to flourish. This new space will foster new connections, empower dreams, and cultivate a thriving environment that will uplift our community for decades to come.”

    City of Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes said, “[Congresswoman Wilson] goes beyond her district, and when you talk about a real public servant, this is an example of it.”

    City of Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo said, “I just want to express my gratitude and what a pleasure it is to work with [Congresswoman Wilson], and I look forward to the work we’re doing in Little Bahamas.”

    This park is named after Athalie Range, a trailblazing Bahamian American civil rights activist and the first Black person to serve on the Miami City Commission. She also previously served as President of her children’s school PTA and Miami-Dade PTA.

    To view the full recording of the presentation, please visit the City of Miami TV to see the City of Miami Commission Meeting Archives.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Airservices Australia collaborates with Wisk for airspace of the future

    Source: Airservices Australia

    Airservices Australia has signed a memorandum of understanding with global aerospace manufacturer Wisk Aero which will help both organisations gain insights into the future airspace management needs of Advanced Air Mobility operations, such as air taxis. 

    Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is the next generation of aviation technology and is set to transform transportation with aircraft designed for urban and regional travel. Offering faster, cleaner, and more efficient ways to move people and goods, they have the potential to reduce congestion, cut emissions, and provide rapid, point-to-point journeys. 

    The arrangement will enable Wisk, which has developed all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to be operated as air taxis, and Australia’s air navigation service provider to share expertise which will pave the way for safe advanced air travel in the coming decades. 

    In Australia it’s predicted there’ll be approximately 1-million air taxi flights each year by 2043. Providers such as Wisk are planning to have air taxi services available for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. 

    As part of this MOU, we will be conducting a series of workshops and simulations aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of how Advanced Air Mobility systems will seamlessly integrate with Airservices systems into the national airspace.  

    Airservices Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer Rob Sharp said this partnership signified an important step towards fostering industry collaboration that would identify future requirements and ensure the successful incorporation of AAM into Australia’s airspace infrastructure. 

    “Airservices will share its air navigation technical engineering and air traffic management expertise to support design, development, and validation of air taxi operations concepts in Australia,” Mr Sharp said. 

    “The mutual benefit of this knowledge-sharing arrangement is it will help both organisations better understand industry needs and challenges and collaborate on strategies to ensure the safe and sustainable use of Australian airspace. 

    “This non-exclusive MOU is an example of Airservices’ commitment to working with industry to develop solutions that will enable emerging technologies to transform connectivity over short distances for a range of applications, including travel and emergency response.” 

    About Airservices
    Airservices Australia is the Federal Government-owned organisation responsible for the safety of 11 per cent of the world’s airspace and the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We work closely with our customers and industry to support the long-term growth of the aviation industry and are investing in technologies to position Australia at the forefront of innovation in the global aviation industry.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Smith Letter Urging Further West Bank Sanctions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging the United States to impose sanctions on individuals and entities destabilizing the Middle East.

    See the full letter below. 

    Dear President Biden,

    I write to express my deep concern over escalating violence in the West Bank and the continued expansion of Israeli settlements. In order to bring us closer to a path to peace in the region and the ultimate goal of a two-state solution, I urge you to impose further sanctions on individuals and entities destabilizing the West Bank.

    The only way out of the vicious cycle of regional conflict is by forming a coalition with the U.S., Israel, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Jordan, Qatar, and other Arab states as a deterrence to Iran. This coalition will never form without a future for the Palestinian people. While I understand Israel’s motivations to respond to the threat from Iran and their proxies in the region, I am adamantly opposed to Israel’s approach to the West Bank.

    Israel’s actions in the West Bank threaten peace and stability in the region and have no support under international law. Prime Minister Netanyahu, Finance Minister Smotrich, and National Security Minister Ben-Gvir have promoted rapid Israeli settlement expansion, including retroactive legalization of outposts, and tacitly have enabled settler violence.

    I support your issuance and implementation of Executive Order (E.O.) 14115, which imposes sanctions on individuals and entities undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank.1 Your administration has rightly used this Executive Order to crack down on some of the worst perpetrators of violence, both Israeli and Palestinian, including Palestinian terrorist group Lions’ Den.

    I urge your administration to more forcefully leverage E.O. 14115, especially regarding entities such as Amana, in order to discourage Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence. Amana has provided critical support for the settlement movement for decades and is responsible for the construction of 83 of the 146 settlements in the West Bank.3 Notably, Amana is also funding the proliferation of now-sanctioned outposts considered illegal under Israeli law,4 including the expansion of pastoral farms in the West Bank that facilitate the rapid seizure of large swaths of Palestinian lland.5 These outposts and farms are particularly associated with extremist settler violence.

    The U.S. imposing additional sanctions under E.O. 14115 would send a strong signal to the Israeli government that unilateral and often violent seizure of Palestinian lands, whether by the Israeli government or Israeli citizens, cannot continue with impunity. I appreciate your administration’s attention to these matters.

    10.10.2024 SMITH Letter on West Bank Sanctions[4123].pdf (415.4 KB)

    A full copy of the letter can be found at the link above. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letter to Congressional Leadership Providing an Update on Developments in the Middle East and the U.S. Government’s  Response

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Dear Mr. Speaker:   (Dear Madam President:)     (Dear Minority Leader Jeffries:)   (Dear Majority Leader Schumer:)(Dear Minority Leader McConnell:) I write to apprise you of developments in Israel and the United States Government’s response to them. On October 1, 2024, Iran launched over 200 ballistic missiles at Israel.  Consistent with our longstanding commitment to Israel’s security and our public indication of our continuing efforts to protect Israel from Iranian and Iranian-aligned threats, I am reporting to you the posture of United States military forces to aid in Israel’s defense against these attacks and any further such attacks.  The outstanding performance of our service members across the Middle East, working in strong support of Israeli forces, contributed to a historic defense of Israel against Iranian threats, much like our shared success on April 13, 2024.  Our shared success on October 1 included downing dozens of incoming Iranian weapons before they could harm civilians in Israel. In recent months, we have adjusted the United States military posture to improve United States force protection and increase support for the defense of Israel.  These adjustments include extension of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, along with its destroyer escorts and carrier air wing that is equipped with F-35C Lightning II Fifth Generation Fighters, to replace the previously extended USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.  We also have deployed additional destroyers, including some that are ballistic missile defense-capable; the guided missile submarine USS Georgia, the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit, multiple fighter and attack squadrons of Fourth and Fifth Generation Fighters including F-22, F-15E, and F-16, as well as A-10 Attack aircraft; and other forces. United States forces will remain postured in the region to serve important national interests, including the protection of United States persons and property from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias, and to continue to support the defense of Israel, to which our commitment remains ironclad.  In this context, I directed the deployment to Israel of a ballistic missile defense system and United States service members capable of operating it to defend against any further ballistic missile attacks while this defensive posture is deemed warranted. I directed this action consistent with my responsibility to protect United States persons and interests abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and to conduct United States foreign relations.                                Sincerely,                                  JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian soldier dies while off-duty in Riga, Latvia 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 15, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    It is with a heavy heart that Task Force Latvia confirms that a member of the Latvian Allied Augmentation Team, Captain Aaron Wideman, a Canadian Armed Forces member posted within the Latvian National Armed Forces, has died while off duty in Riga, Latvia. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation by the Latvian State Police. The Canadian Military Police are supporting the authorities on the matter. As the investigation is ongoing, no further information can be released.

    Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

    Quotes

    “We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of Captain Aaron Wideman, who passed away on October 13, 2024. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

    Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey, Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff

    Contacts

    Media Relations
    Department of National Defence
    Phone: 613-904-3333
    Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boston Globe: Elizabeth Warren on why we need universal child care now

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    May 04, 2021
    In an essay adapted from her new book, the senator says the pandemic made it clear: The economy depends on child care and caregivers.
    In early April 2020, just as wave after wave of coronavirus cases were hitting the United States and hospitals in hot spots were worried about being overrun with sick and dying people, I set up a conference call with a big group of Massachusetts nurses. They were working long hours, there were no known COVID-19 treatments, and they were watching their patients die alone. I’d also heard terrible stories about the shortage of face masks and other protective gear. Let’s be clear: If nurses can’t do their jobs, then the whole health care system breaks down and all of America is at risk.
    I thanked the nurses and said I agreed with everyone in our country who had been calling them “heroes.” There were some polite responses, and then I asked the obvious question: What do you need so you can do your jobs? The first answer: child care. Another chimed in, saying, Yeah, we need child care. And then the dam broke, with the nurses talking over each other. The always-tricky and always-stressful task of arranging child care had become so much harder exactly at the moment when the need for these parents to be in the workforce was at its most desperate.
    Their employers saw the problem as well. And the same was true for other employers who were trying to keep their people on the front lines so that, say, grocery stores could stay open or bus lines would run. One in five of those who couldn’t work cited child care as the reason. Without adequate child care, an economy that was already under great strain faced the very real possibility of breaking down entirely.
    …
    Read full article here.
    By:  Senator Elizabeth WarrenSource: Boston Globe

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Closure of Thio mines: the government expresses its solidarity and calls for a rapid resumption of activity

    MIL OSI Translation. French Polynesian to English –

    Source: Government of New Caledonia

    The government deeply deplores the announcement of the closure of the three mining sites in Thio by Société Le Nickel (SLN), the historic cradle of the mining industry in New Caledonia. This decision, which concerns the sites of Dothio, Plateau and Camp des Sapins, represents a hard blow for the municipality and all its inhabitants.

    With 350 jobs cut, including 230 direct jobs and 120 indirect jobs, hundreds of families are being severely impacted. Subcontracting, which represented nearly 3.7 billion francs for the municipality, will also suffer the consequences of this decision.

    The government wishes to express its solidarity with the families affected by this closure and acknowledges the historical and economic importance of the Thio mine, which has contributed to the growth of the Caledonian metallurgical industry for 140 years. As a reminder, nearly 20% of the ore processed at the Doniambo plant comes from Thio, highlighting its central role in the territory’s nickel sector.

    Furthermore, the government is asking SLN and all stakeholders to work in a concerted and responsible manner to explore all possibilities for resuming activities on the site. It is crucial to preserve local employment and ensure a sustainable future for the families of Thio and for the nickel industry, a pillar of the New Caledonian economy.

    The government finally reiterates its commitment to support any initiative aimed at restoring hope to the commune of Thio and revitalizing mining activity while respecting social, economic and environmental balances.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington Post: How to fix our rigged tax system

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    Now that the Senate has passed a budget resolution, we’re one step closer to realizing President Biden’s transformational agenda: a once-in-a-generation investment in child care and Medicare, combating climate change and other efforts that would actually make our government work for families. The other half of the package — how to pay for these investments — is equally important.

    The already huge gap between the 0.1 percent and everyone else is just getting wider. Billionaire wealth surged by $1.8 trillion from the early days of the pandemic through last month. The 400 richest Americans had more total wealth, as of 2019, than all 10 million Black American households, plus a quarter of Latino households, combined. Yet the ultrarich pay only 3.2 percent of that wealth in taxes, while 99 percent of families pay 7.2 percent. And scores of giant U.S. corporations pay zero.

    I’ve proposed measures that would raise more than $5 trillion in revenue — far more than we need to enact the Biden plan. Though not every Democrat agrees with every one of my ideas, Biden campaigned aggressively on a suite of progressive tax policies, and voters embraced these changes at the ballot box. No matter how loudly Washington lobbyists bleat otherwise, progressive tax policies are wildly popular. Americans understand that our tax system has been rigged to reward the rich and powerful at the expense of everyone else. So let’s fix it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Annual inflation at 2.2 percent – Stats NZ media and information release: Consumers price index: September 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Annual inflation at 2.2 percent – 16 October 2024 – New Zealand’s consumers price index increased 2.2 percent in the September 2024 quarter, compared with the September 2023 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    The 2.2 percent annual increase follows a 3.3 percent annual increase in the June 2024 quarter.

    “For the first time since March 2021, annual inflation is within the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s target band of 1 to 3 percent. Prices are still rising, but not as much as previously recorded,” consumer prices manager Nicola Growden said.

    Higher rent prices was the biggest contributor to the annual inflation rate, up 4.5 percent. Almost a fifth of the 2.2 percent annual increase in the CPI was due to rent prices.

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – One week until Meet the Buyer: Facilitating business deals for WA’s food and beverage sector

    Source: ProntoPR.com.au

    There’s one week to go before the Buy West Eat Best trade show, ‘Meet the Buyer,’, which will be held at Crown on 22 October.

    Now in its fourth year, ‘Meet the Buyer’ is Western Australia’s largest and most diverse showcase of WA food and beverage businesses.

    Buy West Eat Best program manager Melissa Worthington said exhibitor space sold out in record time and there are delegate tickets still available.

    “The growth of ‘Meet the Buyer’ has been driven by the state’s agrifood business community and it’s always gratifying to hear the positive outcomes for suppliers and buyers,” Ms Worthington said.

    “It’s WA’s most important food and beverage trade show, and it’s the only event of its kind that brings together buyers, importers, chefs, sommeliers, media and educators under one roof for one day,” she said.

    Almost 70 percent of respondents to the 2023 ‘Meet the Buyer’ survey said their attendance had resulted in a positive commercial outcome, whether it was finding new stockists or simply gaining more knowledge about how to improve their chances of getting their products into the market or business to business connections.

    Chef Paul Lange, from Smokey Q rubs and sauces, connected with a Woolworths buyer at the inaugural ‘Meet the Buyer’ and went on to pursue opportunities with a Coles representative.

    “It’s really exciting for a smaller business to get that recognition from the larger players,” Mr Lange says.

    More than 80 percent of respondents said the trade show had enabled them to meet buyers or business contacts they had not met previously.

    Sweeter Banana Co-operative’s Doriana Mangili said Meet the Buyer has helped build relationships, opening up opportunities outside the event.

    “Over the years with one retailer we would just have a bit of a yarn and then this year we were invited to attend one of their trade shows. This wouldn’t have happened without us attending ‘Meet the Buyer’ each year and getting to know them,” Ms Mangili said.

    The inclusive atmosphere at ‘Meet the Buyer’ enables attendees to get to know one another in an informal setting, including at the sundowner event after the show. Many attendees have commented on the positive engagement with others and the joys of meeting new people and building their networks.

    For chefs like Blair Allen, from Amelia Park Restaurant in Wilyabrup in WA’s south west, ‘Meet the Buyer’ is also a great way to catch up with suppliers who he might only otherwise deal with over the phone or email.

    “Just putting faces to names was great – it just makes the whole ordering process easier,” Mr Allen said.

    ‘Meet the Buyer’ is also an ideas incubator, with so many people in the know at hand to offer suggestions and advice.

    Almost 40 percent of respondents to the 2023 survey said they had changed their business strategy, product range or packaging as a result of ‘Meet the Buyer’.

    One said they had introduced a couple of new lines, while another said they were customising products for WA companies.

    Chef Rob Nixon, from That Plant Café, said it’s great to see producers take suggestions on board.

    “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever been to,” Mr Nixon said.

    “As chefs, we’re so busy running our own restaurant that we would have a hard time going to see one or two small-batch producers, let alone 100 or so. Here, they are all under the one roof.”

    More than 92 percent of attendees said they would be returning to ‘Meet the Buyer’ in 2024.

    ‘Meet the Buyer’ will host more than 80 food and beverage exhibitors showcasing in excess of 550 products and is set to attract local, interstate and international visitors.

    For more information about Meet the Buyer, visit meetthebuyer.com.au.

    About Buy West Eat Best

    The Buy West Eat Best program is a voluntary food labelling and marketing initiative developed by the Western Australian Government to assist local food and beverage producers to promote their products to grocery shoppers and those that dine out.

    Buy West Eat Best works with members to support and promote the buy local message, highlight the importance of seasonality and champion delicious, fresh ranges of fruits and vegetables that grocery shoppers can seek out, particularly as new seasons commence.

    The program works across the supply chain, from producers, processors, retail, and foodservice businesses; providing a critical conduit to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of businesses and identify source of origin for consumers. There is a vast and diverse range of local businesses and brands that are members of the Buy West Eat Best community.

    When you see the distinctive Buy West Eat Best bite mark logo you can be assured that you are buying premium food that has been grown, farmed, fished, processed, prepared and served right here in WA.

    The program has matured, and it is vitally important to the State from an economic and employment perspective – the food and drink industry or agrifood sector is the second largest export sector to mining and resources and critical to the diversification and sustainability of local communities across the State.

    The Buy West Eat Best logo is a registered trademark owned by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), administered by government and championed by business and industry.

    http://www.buywesteatbest.org.au

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash – Wickham Point

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Wickham Point overnight.

    Just before 5am, the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre received a report of a single vehicle rollover on Channel Island Road.

    Police and St John Ambulance responded to the scene, where they found a deceased female, aged 29, inside the vehicle. She was the sole occupant.

    Major Crash Detectives have arrived at the scene and are currently investigating. A crime scene has been established, and one lane of the road is open, although traffic delays are likely.

    The time and circumstances surrounding the crash remain under examination.

    The number of lives lost on NT roads this year has reached 51, compared to 21 at the same time last year.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Malnutrition in women and girls costs $1.6 trillion annually: World Vision urges action for World Food Day

    Source: World Vision

    • Two thirds of children under five are living in food poverty in low and middle-income countries, with one in three living in severe poverty only consuming milk and grain every day
    • Girls are 40-50% more likely to die in infancy and childhood than boys because parents prioritise nutrition and medical care for sons over daughters 
    • Anaemia in low-and middle-income countries is costing women and girls $110 billion2 in lost productivity. Without the effects of stunting and anaemia, 15.8 million more girls would complete secondary school every year 
    • In NZ, there is an estimated loss of $897m in income from malnutrition
    • Ultra-processed foods now make up 80% of diets in high-income countries and 30% in middle income countries, adding additional complexity to a global nutrition crisis 
    • Without change more than three million girls will die in the next four years due to low birthweight and Vitamin A deficiencies.

    Malnutrition in women and girls costs the global economy more than $1.6 trillion annually in lost productivity, according to a disturbing new report from aid agency, World Vision.

    The report, Breaking the Cycle: Malnutrition’s Toll on Women and Girls, is launched ahead of World Food Day (October 16th) and underscores the urgent need for action to address a global nutrition crisis.  

    The research reveals that women and adolescent girls comprise nearly two-thirds of the world’s chronically malnourished, with more than one billion suffering from various forms of malnutrition.  

    World Vision New Zealand’s Head of Fragile and Developing Countries, Belinda Robb, says girls’ malnutrition weakens their immune system, heightens disease, and leads to higher mortality rates.

    She says it is a pervasive global crisis with far-reaching implications, affecting their education, future earnings, and increasing their likelihood to experience violence and stress.  

    “This report highlights the enormous costs of malnutrition to girls and women worldwide, and the urgency needed to address it. We need to invest in essential nutrition and address systemic issues in food production so we can enhance health, expand educational opportunities, and improve economic outcomes for millions of women and girls to ensure a healthier, more equitable future for future generations.”

    Currently, two thirds of children under five in low- and middle-income countries live in food poverty, with a third of these subsisting on a diet limited to milk and grain each day.  

    Robb says without significant intervention, hundreds of thousands of infants are expected to die from low birth weight, and 2.5 million girls could die due to Vitamin A deficiencies.  

    Globally, women face a higher risk of food insecurity than men, with a widening gender gap evident in Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.  

    Undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and anaemia predominantly affect women and girls in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In some countries, the prioritization of nutrition and medical care for boys over girls reveals a tragic truth: girls are 40-50% more likely to die in infancy and childhood than boys.

    Globally, 30% of girls and women globally are suffering from anaemia, which has a wealth of negative health implications for women and girls. Maternal iron deficiency and anaemia can increase the risk of maternal death from haemorrhage, causes low birth weight in infants, and impairs child development. Anaemia also harms women’s productivity and their ability to generate income, reducing the health and quality of life for millions of women and future generations.

    Malnutrition, particularly anaemia, costs children and women $110 billion in lost productivity in low- and middle-income countries. Without the impacts of stunting and anaemia, an additional 15.8 million girls could complete secondary school each year.  

    World Vision’s Advocacy lead, Dana Buzducea, says many families turn to child labour to provide short-term economic relief, but this traps girls in a cycle of low-incomes and chronic food insecurity.

    “The number of people going to bed hungry and living with the long-term effects of malnutrition shot-up during the pandemic and have not dropped. This is after years of success in reducing hunger.  People who cannot feed their children are left with little choice but to leave their countries and seek survival elsewhere,” she says.  

    Buzducea says the nutrition crisis is not just an issue in low-income countries either.  Since the 1990s, poverty among girls has risen in more than half of OECD countries, trapping many in a cycle of poverty and malnutrition that threatens the next generation.  

    She says ultra-processed foods now make up 80% of diets in high-income countries and 30 per cent in middle income countries, causing a plethora of health issues.  

    World Vision is calling on governments, organisations, and individuals to unite in combating malnutrition and advocating for the rights and health of women and girls globally.  

    To help ensure a girl has the nutrition she needs to survive and thrive, visit: https://www.worldvision.org.nz/give-now/sponsor-a-child/#choose  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Annual inflation at 2.2 percent – Stats NZ media and information release: Consumers price index: September 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Annual inflation at 2.2 percent – 16 October 2024 – New Zealand’s consumers price index increased 2.2 percent in the September 2024 quarter, compared with the September 2023 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    The 2.2 percent annual increase follows a 3.3 percent annual increase in the June 2024 quarter.

    “For the first time since March 2021, annual inflation is within the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s target band of 1 to 3 percent. Prices are still rising, but not as much as previously recorded,” consumer prices manager Nicola Growden said.

    Higher rent prices was the biggest contributor to the annual inflation rate, up 4.5 percent. Almost a fifth of the 2.2 percent annual increase in the CPI was due to rent prices.

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Southland Police acknowledge sentencing in intimate visual recordings case

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Southland Police acknowledge the recent guilty plea and sentencing of a 54-year-old man, who was charged with making numerous intimate visual recordings of several victims over a five-year period.

    The man was sentenced on 9 October to 10.5 months home detention and ordered to pay $3000 emotional harm payment to each of the victims.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Nicholas Leigh says Police were able to hold this serious offending to account largely thanks to the help of the victims.

    “The bravery of the women who came forward to assist in the prosecution of this offender cannot be overstated.

    “While we are pleased with the guilty plea and sentencing in this instance, we are also mindful that offending around intimate visual recordings, blackmail and sextortion continues to be rife around the country.

    “We often see younger victims being coerced into sharing photos or videos of themselves, their school friends or their family. In time, these images can be used by offenders as blackmail with threats to post online, or share them with people close to the victim.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Leigh urges parents and caregivers to discuss online safety with young people, and the importance of reporting any online offending. 

    “It pays to be vigilant with people you don’t know – whether that’s meeting online or in person.

    “Save any online chat, and immediately take screenshots. This is important for making a report to the Police, we need all the evidence that you can gather.”

    To report this type of offending, please contact Police on 105, or an online report through Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz/report.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics Latin America Expands Newsroom To Include Paraguay and Uruguay

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Latin America (SELA) has today announced the expansion of its regional Newsroom to include news and updates from Paraguay and Uruguay, extending its reach to an even wider audience across Latin America. Starting this month, these two strategic markets join a regional network that already serves Central America, the Caribbean, Ecuador and Venezuela.
     
    The inclusion of Paraguay and Uruguay expands the global Samsung Newsroom network to cover a total of 60 regions around the world.
     
    Samsung Newsroom has established itself as a leading source of information on Samsung for media outlets, business partners, tech enthusiasts and product users across Latin America. The online platform offers in-depth access to product launches, technological innovations and key events shaping Samsung’s agenda in Paraguay, Uruguay and other Latin American markets. In addition to the latest updates on mobile devices, smart appliances and business solutions, Samsung Newsroom highlights the company’s sustainability efforts and social responsibility initiatives throughout the region.
     
    “We are thrilled to welcome Paraguay and Uruguay to our news platform,” said Larissa Espinal, Head of Corporate Marketing Group at Samsung Electronics Latin America. “This expansion will allow us to further strengthen our connection with local audiences and share information on how Samsung transforms lives through innovation and technology.”
     
    Visit the Samsung Electronics Latin America Newsroom to discover the latest in Samsung technology from Paraguay, Uruguay and the broader Latin American region.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – Greenpeace condemns rapid removal of freshwater protections by Government

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace is slamming the Government for proceeding with a controversial bill to strip back freshwater protections, which passed its second reading late last night.
    Greenpeace freshwater spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “New Zealanders value clean, swimmable lakes and rivers, and access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right.
    “By stripping away freshwater protections, the Government will undermine these key values that New Zealanders hold dear. Christopher Luxon’s coalition Government is positioning itself as anti-environment by putting commercial interests over the health of communities and ecosystems.”
    The Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill seeks to remove the requirement for resource consent applicants to comply with Te Mana o Te Wai, as well as removing restrictions on mud farming or intensive winter grazing.
    “Nobody wants to see cows giving birth knee-deep in mud. Nobody wants local streams choked with algal blooms or their tap water contaminated. But these are the real consequences of pushing this bill through Parliament,” says Appelbe.
    Already, many rural communities across the country, especially in Canterbury, are facing high levels of nitrate in their drinking water. A growing body of science shows that long-term exposure to levels of nitrate above 1 mg/L can lead to an increased risk of developing bowel cancer, and at levels above 5 mg/L, the New Zealand College of Midwives advises pregnant people to find an alternative water source due to an increased risk of preterm birth.
    “Greenpeace will continue to stand with communities and fight to end pollution of lakes, rivers, and drinking water at source. This means reducing the dairy herd, ending the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, and stopping new big irrigation schemes,” says Appelbe.
    Greenpeace is hosting a town hall meeting this Saturday in Rangiora to discuss the water pollution crisis in Canterbury – the hotspot of freshwater pollution in Aotearoa – and to support local communities in taking action on the issue. Additionally, more than twenty thousand people have signed a Greenpeace petition calling on the Government to leave New Zealand’s freshwater protections alone.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Roy fights against radical progressive Democrats’ judicial power grab

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chip Roy (R-TX)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) sent a letter to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (OH-4) thanking Chairman Jordan for working with him to stand against radical progressive Democrats’ efforts to hijack the federal court system, usurp Congress’ constitutional powers, and disenfranchise countless American citizens.

    The Judicial Conference, the supervisory body of the federal court system, is attempting to engage in a thinly veiled, ideological power grab intended to hamstring states’ ability to fight back against the federal government in court by prohibiting single-judge divisions from hearing certain cases. Representative Roy is encouraging the House Judiciary Committee to continue to block any legislation supported by the Judicial Conference until it reverses course.

    In a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, Representative Roy wrote, “it is critical for the House Judiciary Committee to protect against unlawful left-wing activism – whether it is packing the courts or a backdoor judicial rule-making exercise designed to stop judges from carrying out their duty according to current congressional enacted law.”


    “I have greatly appreciated working with you and Judiciary Committee staff this summer to ensure that the Committee refuses to move legislation supported by the Judicial Conference until it abandons this dangerous proposal to disenfranchise Texans and other Americans,” Roy added. “This clearly is rooted in the desire of a few progressive democrats to limit states like Texas’ ability to halt federal actions that adversely impact Texans, including the work of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.”

    More background (via The Federalist):

    • “Earlier this year, the Judicial Conference issued ‘advisory guidelines’ to all the nation’s district courts, recommending that all cases be randomly assigned throughout the district in which they are filed — regardless of the division that actually receives the filing.”

    • “Now, just weeks before a monumental election, leftists have once again ramped up their efforts to ram through a rule in the Rules Committee of the Judicial Conference that would make the previously ‘advisory’ guidance outright mandatory, thus caving to the demands of, among others, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and the Biden Justice Department.”

    Read the full letter here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Ammunition

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

    FRESNO, Calif. — Jamar Johnson, 30, of Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, on Dec. 8, 2019, a shooting occurred at the ARCO station at Fresno and C Streets in Fresno. During the incident, Johnson drove his silver Mercedes in the ARCO lot and fired a handgun at another vehicle. After the Johnson left the area, a cellphone belonging to Johnson was found in the parking lot where the Mercedes had been parked along with .45 caliber shell casings.

    The judge noted a number of factors supporting the sentence, including this being Johnson’s third firearms-related conviction, each of the firearms-related convictions involving Johnson discharging a firearm, Johnson’s history of violating the terms of his supervision, and continued risky behavior that put the community in danger. At the time of this offense, Johnson was on federal supervised release for a federal conviction for conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He violated the terms of his supervised release on that conviction within 71 days of commencing supervision.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Water Safety – New Mangawhai Water Safety Ambassador

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    Following increased water activity in recent years, a new role dedicated to keeping people safe at several popular Northland marine areas is set to start in time for summer.
    From Labour Weekend Northland Regional Council’s (NRC) new Water Safety Ambassador will be out on the water in Mangawhai and surrounds, ensuring people are kept safe and practising good maritime behaviour.
    Experienced skipper and former Naval hydrographic technician, Barry Nielson, has taken up the new part-time position, working across Mangawhai, Waipu and Kai Iwi Lakes throughout the busy summer season until mid-February.
    Nielson said many people were now using areas like Mangawhai Harbour for kayaking, jet-skiing, and paddle boarding, which was causing the small area to become increasingly congested.
    After trialling last year’s pilot programme, he said he was confident he could make a difference and looked forward to doing his bit for the community.
    “I really want to make sure people have an enjoyable time out on the water, so I’m here to help educate people on where they can do their chosen activity in a safe manner,” he said.
    “Last year we had several people operating vessels they were unfamiliar with, or who had sailed into areas they thought were safe when they weren’t.
    “There’s also a compliance element to my role, so if people are not playing the game, I can gather their details and in conjunction with the harbour master, take some form of action.”
    One of the major issues Nielson said he was seeing was people not wearing life jackets on vessels six metres or smaller.
    “It’s actually a legal requirement to wear a life jacket on boats or vessels that size,” Nielson said.
    Another big issue was the lack of an assigned observer when someone was being towed behind a vessel, including personal watercraft (PWC) or jet skis.
    “Remember it takes three to ski. The skipper, observer and the person being towed.”
    In response to community feedback, NRC last year invested in a 4.6m catamaran patrol boat, a ‘Fat Cat’ design, named ‘Mangawhai’.
    NRC Deputy Harbourmaster – Operations Peter Thomas said Nielson’s vast maritime knowledge and experience, combined with the new vessel, made them the perfect combination for the role.
    “Prior to having the water safety ambassador, our harbour wardens were the only ones able to assist people or to intercept inappropriate behaviour sighted out on the water,” Thomas said.
    “Although they’ve been doing a great job, they’ve been land-based, which has meant limited ability to affect behaviour out on the water or to interact with people when they come ashore, which can be in several different locations.
    “After last year, we were able to realise more of an on-water service, which is a more effective method of maintaining control and being able to sort out any potential issues.”
    Nielson echoed Thomas’ comments and said he’d noticed once people spotted the unique vessel, there tended to be immediate compliance.
    “The Mangawhai is the perfect vessel, as it’s really short and stocky, is well-marked and stands out, so I have definitely seen how people respond to its presence.”
    Northland Regional Council Coastal South General councillor and long-time Langs Beach resident Rick Stolwerk said he wasn’t surprised to see more people coming to visit over the summer given the beauty of the area.
    He said he was therefore pleased to see the introduction of the new Water Safety Ambassador role to accommodate the growing need for an on-water presence.
    “As someone who is passionate about keeping our community safe, both on and off the water, I think this is a great initiative,” Cr Stolwerk said.
    “Our message to the community is, just be safe out there and look out for other water users operating in the same space.
    “If one person is not abiding by rules, that makes it difficult for everyone else, so just be mindful, respectful and considerate of others.”
    Things to remember when planning on going out in the water this summer:
    • Abide by all bylaws, including 5 knot rules
    • Life jackets must be worn by all people on a 6m (or smaller) vessel
    • Take two forms of communication to call for help
    • Check marine weather forecast
    • Avoid alcohol
    • Be a responsible skipper
    • Check all systems prior to heading out on the water.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – New Zealand’s leading pre-loved fashion marketplace expands across the ditch to Australia

    Source: Designer Wardrobe

    Auckland, New Zealand – 16 October 2024 – Following significant growth, New Zealand’s leading two-way marketplace for pre-loved fashion, Designer Wardrobe, has officially launched in Australia to offer fashion-loving Aussies a more sustainable, affordable, and smarter way to shop and sell pre-loved fashion.

    With a thriving community of over 325,000 members using the marketplace, Designer Wardrobe will help Australians earn money with fashion pieces from their wardrobes that they no longer reach for and might otherwise remain unworn. Australians will also be able to enjoy more than 160,000 pre-loved fashion pieces from both Australian and New Zealand sellers, opening up the pre-loved market on both sides of the Tasman.

    With this latest move, Designer Wardrobe aims to help extend the life of thousands, if not millions, of fashion pieces and accessories, keeping them in active circulation and reducing the number of items that might otherwise end up in landfill.

    Designer Wardrobe’s launch comes at the perfect time, with industry insights revealing:

    • 300,000 tonnes of clothing in Australia either ends up in landfill or being exported each year;
    • 73 per cent of Australians already purchase pre-loved clothing;
    • Two-thirds of Australians are considering side hustles to make ends meet.

    Additional insights from Designer Wardrobe highlights:

    • Total sales traded on the marketplace increased 14 per cent year-on-year compared to the same period in 2023 (*1 January – 30 September 2024 v 1 January – 30 September 2023;
    • Over the same period of time*, Designer Wardrobe has seen 208,688 pieces sold – helping to reduce what may otherwise end up in landfill, And, almost half a million (469,320) listings have been created on Designer Wardrobe. 
    • Designer Wardrobe’s user base has reached an impressive 325,000, doubling since pre-Covid times (2020), with approximately 1 in 10 women in New Zealand now using the marketplace.  Additionally, the number of clothing items sold on the platform has increased more than fivefold during the same period, underscoring Kiwis’ growing enthusiasm for pre-loved fashion.

    Aidan Bartlett, CEO of Designer Wardrobe, says: “After 10 successful years in New Zealand, the growth we’ve experienced has been monumental, and we’re thrilled to now bring our thriving marketplace and community of fashion lovers to Australia.”

    “Global trend data highlights that there has been a significant surge in sustainable shopping trends, with consumers increasingly opting for smarter and more affordable fashion alternatives in response to rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.”

    According to GlobalData’s report for ThredUp, global sales of pre-owned clothing rose by 18 per cent last year, reaching $197 billion, and are projected to grow to $350 billion by 2028; And, second-hand clothing is projected to account for 10 per cent of global fashion sales, underscoring the rising demand for more sustainable shopping options.

    Bartlett continues: “At a time when many are seeking additional income streams and looking to make smarter fashion choices by purchasing pre-loved, Aussies can feel confident buying and selling through a trusted marketplace with thousands of active members.

    “Australians will have access to thousands of listings across both Australia and New Zealand, and Kiwis can also enjoy pieces from popular Australian brands like Aje, Shona Joy, Caitlin Crisp, Alemais, Bec + Bridge, and Sir the Label.

    “The average shopper can save up to 60 per cent off the original RRP of their favourite luxury, designer, and high-street brands. Even better, they can feel great about their smart purchasing decisions by extending the life of items they may otherwise end up in landfill.”

    “Our platform has always been about more than just buying and selling clothes; it’s about empowering our community to find value in what they own and to contribute to a more circular economy. It’s a win-win for both the wallet and the environment,” Bartlett adds.

    Just like in New Zealand, Aussies can shop with confidence using the Designer Wardrobe app or website. Every order comes with Purchase Protection, ensuring a secure experience. Sellers can list items for free and ship them to buyers via tracked courier. Once the item is received, the earnings are deposited into the seller’s DW Wallet, where they can be withdrawn at any time or used toward their next purchase.

    For more information about New Zealand’s largest community of pre-loved fashion enthusiasts, please visit http://www.designerwardrobe.co.nz

    About Designer Wardrobe

    Since its founding in 2014, Designer Wardrobe has experienced unprecedented growth, becoming a major player in the pre-loved fashion industry and forming New Zealand’s largest community of pre-loved fashion enthusiasts. The company’s purpose-built New Zealand-made marketplace platform is the go-to for 325,000 users to shop and sell pre-loved clothing and now facilitates around $1.6 million in transactions every month.

    Designer Wardrobe champions its customers’ needs, regularly launching innovative products, including seller add-ons, AI and an integrated resale widget, to create a seamless shopping and selling experience while promoting sustainability in New Zealand’s bustling fashion industry.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: West and Central Africa: About 10 million children forced out of schools by worst flooding in recent years

    Source: Save the Children

    About 10 million children across four countries in West and Central Africa are currently out of school due to massive regional flooding, which has damaged and destroyed infrastructure and displaced nearly one million people from their homes, said Save the Children.
    The unprecedented heavy rains across Nigeria, Mali, Niger and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have created a worsening education crisis with the damage or destruction of schools, the occupation of school buildings by displaced families, and the displacement of families away from schools. These kinds of extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe as a result of the climate crisis.
    While back-to-school season was expected to start at the end of September, all four countries are seeing masses of children missing out on the start of the school year. The 10 million children currently stuck at home or displaced due to floods are in addition to about 36 million children – of which over 20 million are in Nigeria – estimated to ,already be out of school in the four countries due to conflict and poverty according to the UN [1].
    At the end of September, Niger declared the postponement of the start of the school year for at least three weeks because of the floods, forcing 3.8 million learners out of school [2]. The floods have also leftover 5,520 classrooms in Niger damaged, destroyed, or occupied by displaced families [3].
    Earlier this month, Mali also declared a month’s postponement to the start of the school year. This nationwide decision is impacting some 3.8 million learners from primary and secondary schools [4].
    In Nigeria, at least 3 million children are out of school in Borno state, with 2.2 million children newly out of school due to statewide closures from flooding. [5] Heavy rains have affected 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states over the past month, killing 269 people and forcing 640,000 people from their homes [6].
    In the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the beginning of the year, flooding had resulted in the destruction of 1,325 schools and impacted over 200,000 children [7]. As of today, at least 59,000 children are out of school, with the province of Tanganyika most affected [8]. In May, at the peak of the flooding season, another 120 classrooms were destroyed in the province forcing 12,000 children to miss out on school [9].
    Before the flooding, 14,000 schools in Central and West Africa were already closed because of attacks and threats on education [10]. This catastrophic situation makes the already fragile chances of access to education for thousands of children even more dire.
    Vishna Shah-Little, Regional Director of Advocacy and Campaigns for Save the Children said, said:
    “Around the world, the start of a new school year is a time of joy and hope. For many children in West and Central Africa, the start of the school year is synonymous with sadness at the sight of their homes, schools and classrooms under water.
    “As well as seeing their families devastated and their homes destroyed, the children have to come to terms with witnessing the flooding of their education.”
    Save the Children is calling for donors to support scaling up the response to the devasting consequences of natural disasters on affected population especially children.
    Governments and partners must urgently take measure to provide alternative offers to allow children missing out on school to continue their education in this period and ensure as a way forward that schools are more resilient to extreme weather events such as flooding so that children can learn safely.
    Save the Children is responding to the situation in central and west Africa by providing emergency relief such as water, sanitation and hygiene kits, health and cash and voucher assistance support for affected families. We are also investing in strengthening national and community level early warning system for floods to better anticipate and prepare for such shocks.
    In the global response to the climate crisis, Save the Children is calling for national governments to rapidly phase out the use and subsidy of fossil fuels to limit warming temperatures to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels and to include the voices, needs and rights of children in the global response to climate change.
    Notes
    [1] UNESCO: https://education-estimates.org/out-of-school/data/. Total based on UNESCO’s middle estimate for 2023 for the four countries of DR Congo, Mali, Nigeria and Niger. Breakdown of 2023 out of school children (primary and secondary) according to the UN estimates: Nigeria: 21.4m; DRC: 6m; Niger: 5.5m; Mali: 3.3m
    [2] According to the Education cluster, 3,812,733 children were expected to go back to school at the start of the academic year in Niger.
    [3] As of 8 th October 2024, 5,520 classrooms were affected by flooding.
    [4] Based on national statistics on fundamental education from Mali’s Ministry of Education, noting that 2,972,650 children were enrolled in primary schools and 854,312 children were enrolled in secondary schools as of 2023.
    [5] In Nigeria, we estimate 2.2 million children out of school due to floods in Borno, in addition to 800,000 children already out of school in the state before the floods, according to local sources.
    [7] As of 24 February 2024, the flooding in DRC had inflicted significant damage across the DRC, resulting in the destruction of over 98,000 homes and1,325 schools. https://cerf.un.org/what-we-do/allocation/2024/summary/24-RR-COD-63589
    [8] DRC: As of July 2024, according to the Education Cluster, 10% of the 1,593 schools closed in the DRC were due to natural disaster. In total, the cluster estimates 590,000 children have been affected by school closures for all reasons in 2024.
    [9] According to the Education cluster, 117 classrooms were destroyed by flooding in Kalemi and Moba, in the province of Tanganyika, affecting 12 289 children https://reliefweb.int/map/democratic-republic-congo/republique-democratique-du-congo-alerte-sur-les-inondations-des-ecoles-dans-la-province-de-tanganyika-mai-2024
    [10] As of 9 September 2024, 14,364 schools have closed in central and West Africa because of armed violence according to the regional situation report Q2 2024 of Education in Emergencies Working Group for West and Central Africa [1]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –