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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Research and innovation key to Primary Sector Award win for Next Generation Apples

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    Next Generation Apples – Sassy™ Apples clinched the Primary Sector Award category at the 2024 New Zealand Food Awards in Auckland last night (Thursday, 10 October 2024).

    Launched in 2023, Sassy™ Apples is a new apple variety developed by Plant and Food Research, and grown and marketed by New Zealand-based growers Next Generation Apples, comprising Golden Bay Fruit and Taylor Corp.

    “Sassy™ Apples were developed through plant-breeding techniques to create an apple with a crisp texture, high flavour, long storage and shelf life, novel skin and flesh colour, optimal harvest maturity, and pest and disease resistance,” says Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety.

    “It is exciting to see how investment in research can lead to practical advances without sacrificing on bite or flavour.

    “Sassy™ Apples are an example of excellence across the supply chain – from research to the orchards, to our supermarkets. Our judging panel for the Primary Sector Award noted the impressive research and innovation behind this product.”

    Mr Arbuckle said the high calibre of entries in the Primary Sector category this year reflected an exciting and thriving food and fibre sector.

    The other finalists were Waitoa Free Range Chicken (Waitoa Flavour Kit, Thai Green Curry), Good Guise Paneer, and Akaroa Salmon (Hot Smoked Mānuka Salmon Portion 180g).

    “All finalists demonstrated a commitment to the kind of quality and ability to overcome challenges which has always formed the foundation of New Zealand’s food production,” Mr Arbuckle said.

    The New Zealand Food Awards are held annually by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University to celebrate food and beverage excellence and innovation in Aotearoa.

    New Zealand Food Awards

    New Zealand Food Safety has been involved with the awards for more than 20 years, and has been a sponsor since 2008.

    Vutter Avo Spreadable – a dairy-free butter, produced by Feliz Wholefoods – took out the 2024 Supreme Award.

    For general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Directs State Resources to Assist with the Mollie Kathleen Mine Rescue Efforts

    Source: US State of Colorado

    TELLER COUNTY – Today, Colorado Governor Jared Polis directed state resources to assist Teller County authorities with the ongoing Mollie Kathleen Mine rescue efforts. 

    “I have spoken to the Teller County Sheriff and County Commissioners and will stay in touch through the course of this rescue effort. The state is assisting Teller County and sending resources to rescue those inside the mine. We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    The Governor has spoken with Teller County Commissioners, and local law enforcement, and is closely monitoring the situation. Additionally, the state has personnel on site and more en route to assess the situation and provide on-the-ground support to local authorities. Specifically, the state has a Field Manager from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on the scene, the State Emergency Operations Center is activated and supporting resource requests, a mine rescue team from the Department of Natural Resources is en route, and the Department of Labor and Employment has a conveyances inspector en route. 

    Additional resources have been requested from Colorado Springs and El Paso County. We will provide updates as additional information becomes available. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Jordan — IMF Staff Conclude Article IV Discussions and Reach Staff Level Agreement on the Second Review under the Extended Fund Facility

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 10, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the Jordanian authorities have reached a staff level agreement on the second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). All commitments for the second review under the program have been met, demonstrating the authorities’ steadfast commitment to sound macro-economic policies and continued progress on reforms.
    • Jordan continues to show resilience and maintain macro-economic stability, despite the headwinds caused by the intensifying conflict in the region. Jordan’s economy is expected to grow by 2.3 percent in 2024 and 2.5 percent in 2025. However, strong and timely international support remains important to help Jordan face the external headwinds, and to continue to shoulder the cost of hosting a large number of Syrian refugees.
    • Bringing the Jordanian economy onto a higher growth trajectory is essential to create more jobs and raise prosperity. This requires accelerating structural reforms, while maintaining macro-economic stability, and making significant progress in implementing the authorities’ Economic Modernization Vision.

    Amman: A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Ron van Rooden, visited Amman during September 30–October 10, 2024, for discussions on the 2024 Article IV consultation and the second review under the arrangement under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which was approved by the IMF’s Executive Board on January 10, 2024 (Press Release).

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. van Rooden issued the following statement:

    “We are pleased to announce that the IMF team and the Jordanian authorities reached a staff-level agreement on the second review of the authorities’ economic reform program supported by the EFF arrangement, approved in January of this year. Program performance continues to be strong, despite a challenging external environment. All quantitative performance criteria and structural benchmarks for the second review were met and steady progress is being made toward achieving the program’s overall objectives, including good progress toward meeting benchmarks for future reviews. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s management and the Executive Board. The completion of this review will make another SDR 97.784 million (about US$131 million) available, out of the previously approved program size of SDR 926.370 million (about US$1.2 billion).  

    “Jordan continues to show resilience and maintain macro-economic stability, despite the headwinds caused by the intensifying conflict in the region. This resilience is the result of the authorities’ continued pursuit of sound macro-economic policies and reform progress. The recent upgrades to Jordan’s credit ratings, the first in over 20 years, testify to the credibility of the authorities’ economic policies.

    “Nonetheless, as the conflict continues and widens, it is having a larger impact on Jordan’s economy than anticipated at the outset of the program. The economy is projected to grow by 2.3 percent this year, with weaker domestic demand offset by a stronger performance in net exports. Growth is projected at 2.5 percent for 2025. Inflation remains low, at 2 percent, thanks to the Central Bank of Jordan’s (CBJ) firm commitment to monetary stability and safeguarding the exchange rate peg. The financial sector remains healthy and well capitalized. The current account deficit is projected to narrow to 4.4 percent of GDP this year, helping to further build the CBJ’s reserve buffers, and to widen slightly to 4.7 percent of GDP in 2025.

    “Government revenues have been adversely affected this year by the weaker domestic demand, as well as a sharper-than-expected drop in the prices of key export commodities. The authorities have taken strong actions to offset the revenue shortfall to contain this year’s central government budget deficit. With this, the authorities are committed to limit this year’s central government primary deficit (excluding grants and transfers to public utilities) to 2.9 percent of GDP, up slightly from 2.7 percent of GDP in 2023. Together with measures taken to limit the operational losses of the utility companies and continued surpluses of the social security system, the overall general government primary deficit (excluding grants) is expected to remain broadly unchanged this year, at 1.3 percent of GDP, compared to 1.4 percent in 2023, and public debt to be contained at just over 90 percent of GDP by end-2024.

    “The authorities are firmly committed to continue to implement sound macro-economic policies to maintain stability and to advance structural reforms needed to further strengthen the resilience of Jordan’s economy and to improve people’s living standards, as envisaged also in their Economic Modernization Vision. Notably, fiscal policy aims to reduce public debt to 80 percent of GDP by 2028 to ensure fiscal sustainability, by advancing a gradual fiscal consolidation, including limiting the central government primary deficit (excluding grants and transfers to the public utilities) to 2 percent of GDP in 2025. With further efforts to improve the finances of the public utilities and continued surpluses of the social security system, the overall general government primary deficit (excluding grants) will be reduced by 1.1 percent of GDP to 0.2 percent of GDP. The CBJ’s monetary policy will continue to be underpinned by its firm commitment to the exchange rate peg to the US dollar and to maintain low inflation, and the CBJ stands ready to undertake policy adjustments as necessary to credibly safeguard monetary and financial stability.

    “The authorities are determined to step up the pace of structural reforms to achieve stronger growth and generate more jobs, which is particularly important given that unemployment remains high, particularly among the youth and women. Reforms will focus on improving the business environment, to attract more investment, by enhancing competition and labor market flexibility, while further strengthening the social safety net. Efforts will also focus on streamlining regulation and digitalization of government services, including tax and customs administration.  

    “The staff team is grateful to the authorities for the candid and constructive discussions. The team met with Prime Minister Hassan, Minister of Finance Shibli, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Toukan, Minister of Economic Affairs Shehadeh, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan Al-Sharkas; and other Ministers and senior government and CBJ officials.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/10/pr-24366-jordan-imf-staff-conclude-aiv-discussions-and-reach-sla-on-2nd-rev-under-eff

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cut + Paste creativity on show at Dudley House

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    Over 40 local and regional artists are involved in a unique exhibition opening at Dudley House on View Street on Saturday October 12.

    Cut + Paste has been curated by Jac Hartje and Annelise Henderson and includes collage, sculpture, printmaking, painting, photography, video and projection.

    Exhibition highlights include:

    • Sally Poltrock – Collage and textile artist: Sally’s work combines her skills in fashion design with collage and printmaking to create textural and intricate sculptures and patterns
    • Paul Fletcher – Animator and digital media: Paul will create an immersive sound and projection work for evening viewing in the garden space
    • Momo – Creative writer: Momo will use found text and papers to create delicate and poetic collages

    Alongside the exhibition, there will be several events by exhibiting artists, including a digital creation workshop in the Dudley House garden with Paul Fletcher, an artists’ networking evening led by Jac Hartje and Annelise Henderson, and Collage Circle events led by Molly Rule.

    Ms Hartje said the exhibition was created with connection in mind, bringing local artists together.

    “Using the title ‘Cut + Paste’ as a prompt, artists have responded through a variety of mediums,” Ms Hartje said.

    “The exhibition features the work of 40 artists, bringing excitement both inside and outside Dudley House.

    “There are nighttime projections, workshops in the gardens and events in the gallery, and we look forward to building connection with the audience and artists alike.”

    Manager Bendigo Venues & Events (BV&E) Julie Amos said it was an exciting exhibition for the community.

    “The exhibition brings together works from musicians, art therapists, educators, students, and professional visual artists,” Ms Amos said.

    “Cut + Paste features a range of vibrant artworks, with playfulness and creating a space for new ideas also central to the display.

    “This is the fifth Artists on View exhibition in 2024, all of which have highlighted our thriving local arts scene.”

    The free exhibition is on until Sunday October 20 and opening hours are as follows: 

    • Saturday October 12, 10am to 4pm
    • Sunday October 13, 10am to 4pm
    • Monday October 14, closed
    • Tuesday October 15, closed
    • Wednesday October 16, 11am to 3pm
    • Thursday October 17, 10am to 4pm
    • Friday October 18, 10am to 4pm
    • Saturday October 19, 11am to 4pm
    • Sunday October 20, 11am to 4pm

    Dudley House is located at 60 View Street, Bendigo.

    The Artists on View program is presented by BV&E to support local artists presenting new work in Dudley House. It is open to individual artists and arts groups living, working or studying primarily in the City of Greater Bendigo.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Israel-Gaza conflict: Home and away

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Vinita Srivastava, Senior Editor, Culture + Society | Host + Exec. Producer, Don’t Call Me Resilient

    This article is from our race-related newsletter, a weekly curation of stories examining how systemic racism permeates our society. Sign up for the newsletter here.

    It’s not often that events far away impact us so profoundly at home. But events in Palestine and Israel, which have been reverberating in the Global North for decades, crescendoed over the past year, directly impacting millions of people in the region and also those of us who feel deeply committed to the transnational issues the conflict raises.

    Away, in Israel, 80,000 people remain displaced from their homes and lives continue to be gutted after the horrific attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, which led to over 1,200 people killed and 250 taken captive. Across the border, more than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed, primarily by Israeli forces, and another two million have been displaced, many of whom are facing catastrophic famine conditions.

    Here in Ontario, before the start of this war, the Ford government had connected criticism of Israel to antisemitism and turned that concept into law through an executive decree. That same definition was picked up by institutions across Canada.

    That decree has ramifications for news media as well as university scholars across the country. This spring, students on Canadian campuses turned Canadian universities into massive hubs of debate as they protested the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

    In late September, those debates continued at the grade-school-level when teachers in Toronto were prevented from taking students on any field trips for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federally mandated day of memorialization. That school board decision was based on concerns that students may be exposed to rhetoric supporting Palestine. At an earlier demonstration about Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows) First Nation, some demonstrators chanted a slogan connecting Indigenous Peoples dispossessed of their land here to those in Palestine, also dispossessed of their land.

    Recently, two Canadian scholars discussed some of those connections: how famine historically was used to control Indigenous communities in Canada, and continues to be a weapon of war against Palestinians today.

    When I was in grade school, Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress were classified as terrorists. Although I remember somehow being able to attend a school-sponsored talk by a former ANC member who spoke about the 1976 Soweto uprising. I trace part of my politicization back to that day.

    Teachers who introduce their students to issues like Grassy Narrows are aware of the lasting impression first-person narratives can make.

    This week, we put together eight episodes from Don’t Call Me Resilient from the last year in which you will hear directly from scholars with deep knowledge of the regions and the issues at play. The playlist starts with: “Why the Israel-Gaza conflict is so hard to talk about,” with other episodes digging into themes of starvation, news media, student protests and asylum seekers.

    Because it’s the long weekend, I’ll also point you to a music playlist we made, with suggestions from our podcast guests over the years. I’m inviting all of you to write in with song suggestions to add to it. We will try to get at least some of them up there this long weekend.

    Just drop us an email with your suggestion at: dcmr@theconversation.com

    – ref. Israel-Gaza conflict: Home and away – https://theconversation.com/israel-gaza-conflict-home-and-away-240854

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ile-a-la-Crosse — Update: Increased police presence outside of Ile-a-la-Crosse

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    October 10, 2024
    Ile-a-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan

    News release

    The suspect is in custody. Further details will be shared when possible.

    –30–

    Contact information

    Saskatchewan RCMP advises there is an increased police presence in a rural area near Ile-a-la-Crosse.

    Officers from Ile-a-la-Crosse RCMP and Saskatchewan RCMP Police Dog Services are searching for an adult male who fled from them on foot earlier today.

    People are asked to avoid the area where officers are present and to follow any police direction provided.

    The male is described as approximately 6’1″ and 250 lbs. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black hoodie and black shoes. If you see him, do not approach him. Contact police immediately by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    We will issue an update on this investigation as soon as we are able. If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: New survey of IPCC authors reveals doubt, and hope, that world will achieve climate targets

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Seth Wynes, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, University of Waterloo

    How hot is it going to get?

    This is one of the most important and difficult remaining questions about our changing climate. The answer depends not only on how sensitive our climate is to greenhouse gases, but also on how much carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases we as a civilization choose to emit over coming decades.

    In order to help think more clearly about this question, we asked authors who have contributed to the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to share their best guesses about where the world is headed.

    The results of our recently published study show that most of the responding climate experts believe our planet will likely exceed the 1.5 C and “well-below 2 C” warming targets agreed upon by the international community.

    In fact, the median estimate was 2.7 C by 2100, which is roughly what is expected if the world’s nations fail to implement new policies consistent with their targets and pledges, and instead only maintained existing levels of action.



    Read more:
    How mainstream climate science endorsed the fantasy of a global warming time machine

    To put it plainly, this could be a catastrophic outcome for humanity. We’ve already seen devastating consequences like more flooding, hotter heatwaves and larger wildfires, and we’re only at 1.3 C above preindustrial levels — less than halfway to 2.7 C.

    But not all authors think alike and to help shed further light on the IPCC report process, and any differences of opinion between authors, we conducted a survey over email with 211 authors of past reports providing responses. Our participants represented all IPCC working groups, and every inhabited continent.

    The data they shared provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of modern climate science.

    Wide ranging beliefs

    Our survey shows that authors shared a wide range of estimates as to likely climate outcomes.

    A small number of surveyed experts believe that staying below 2 C is still likely, while others believed that we are on track for even more horrendous levels of climate warming at above 3 C. Approximately 86 per cent of participants estimated warming of more than 2 C by or before the year 2100.

    When we planned the study, we wondered whether IPCC authors who worked on climate solutions would be more optimistic than those who worked on climate vulnerability and adaptation. One reason for this is that experts who work on solutions might be more aware of recent research indicating that worst-case climate outcomes are becoming less likely. But we only found weak evidence for this hypothesis.

    In some ways this is a good sign, as it suggests that researchers are not working in isolated silos, each holding their own beliefs.

    Mixed perceptions

    A unique feature of the study is that we also asked IPCC authors what they thought others in the survey would answer in response to the same questions. We were interested to know the extent to which experts in this field believed that other experts shared similar beliefs to their own. Perceptions of peer beliefs are important because they can strongly influence a person’s own beliefs and behaviour.

    Participants in our study believed very strongly that their peers’ views on expected future warming were in line with their own beliefs. Even those who expected very high or very low amounts of future warming incorrectly believed that their peers would have similar estimates.

    This is not particularly surprising. In many domains, people tend to estimate the beliefs of their peers by examining their own beliefs, and then adjusting up or down, but often insufficiently. Researchers call this a false-consensus effect and we found that this effect was very prominent in our results.

    Because IPCC authors are trusted public figures who are often asked to share their thoughts with decision-makers and the media, this finding could be problematic if an author confidently believes that their expectations are also widely shared by their peers.

    Interdisciplinary benefits

    We see our study as an opportunity for experts to better understand the range of beliefs held by their own community, so they can communicate with more nuance and awareness as to whether their personal beliefs are part of a larger consensus or not.



    Read more:
    Eco-anxiety Q&A: how the IPCC’s vice-chair keeps her head cool on a warming planet

    Climate experts are not oracles. And even though a “wisdom of the crowd” average is often more accurate than a single expert, forecasting decades into the future is extremely difficult.

    The balance of evidence from this study reaffirms a message that climate scientists have been repeating for a long time: current efforts to tackle climate change are insufficient and more progress is needed quickly.

    While working on this project Seth Wynes received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    H. Damon Matthews receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

    – ref. New survey of IPCC authors reveals doubt, and hope, that world will achieve climate targets – https://theconversation.com/new-survey-of-ipcc-authors-reveals-doubt-and-hope-that-world-will-achieve-climate-targets-239177

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Philadelphia Emphasizes Strong Passwords for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

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

    This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office reminds the public of the importance of using strong passwords or passphrases to protect their systems and accounts.

    These days, with how our lives are intertwined in the cyberspace, from staying connected to family and friends, to working and banking, strong online security has never been more critical.

    We use passwords for everything from protecting our devices to accounts.

    Many use simple passwords from “Password” or “1234” in an attempt to make them easier to remember. Simple passwords, even those that might include special characters, are easier to crack.

    Utilizing strong passwords and passphrases is vital in protecting against data breaches. A personal data breach occurs when personal data is leaked or spilled from a secure location to an untrusted environment. It can also happen when someone’s sensitive, protected, or confidential data is copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen, or used by an unauthorized person.

    In 2023, Pennsylvania residents reported over 1,900 complaints of personal data breaches to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), totaling about $44.8 million in reported losses.

    In 2023, New Jersey residents reported over 1,300 complaints of personal data breaches to the IC3, totaling about $18 million in reported losses.

    Below are some password best practices:

    • Use strong and complex passwords or passphrases instead of simple passwords
    • Strong passwords should be long, random, unique

    Example password: aiH!ple$dAli&hp Example passphrase: City Statue Photograph Boxer Pretzel

    • Do NOT reuse passwords across multiple accounts
    • Be careful of using personally identifiable information when building a password to include birthdays, pet names, etc.
    • Use a password manager
    • Set up multi-factor authentication for your accounts

    For additional information on how you can protect yourself, your device, and your information, visit On the Internet: Be Cautious When Connected FBI

    For more strong password tips, visit: Use Strong Passwords | CISA

    To report a personal data breach or other Internet-enabled crime to the FBI, visit ic3.gov.

    FBI Philadelphia can be reached at (215) 418-4000.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlottetown, PE — PEI RCMP continue to seek tips from public to help find Élora Patoine

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    PEI RCMP continue to seek tips from public to help find Élora Patoine

    October 10, 2024, Charlottetown, PEI – Élora Patoine was reported missing in late September 2023 and was last seen in Moncton on June 19 2023. This investigation started with a call from a concerned citizen and the PEI RCMP Major Crime Unit has been investigating ever since.

    “PEI RCMP continue to ask anyone who might have a tip for police on this investigation to please contact your local RCMP detachment,” said Cpl Gavin Moore, Media Relations Officer for the Prince Edward Island RCMP.

    Previous Media releases :

    Update – Missing person: Élora Patoine

    October 6, 2023, Charlottetown – RCMP continue their investigation to locate Élora Patoine. RCMP have learned that her last known sighting was on Albert Street in Moncton on June 19. She was last seen wearing a brown faux leather jacket, black pants and had a school bag with her. RCMP have made use of the new Missing Persons Act as part of this investigation.

    If you have information concerning the location of Élora Patoine please contact Prince District RCMP at 902-436-9300. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

    Original Release:

    October 3, 2023, Borden -Carleton, Prince Edward Island…Prince District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 30-year-old Élora Patoine, who was last seen in Borden- Carleton on June 17, 2023.

    Patoine is described as 5-foot-10, 140- 150 lbs and has curly brown hair. She speaks French and English and has connections to PEI and Quebec. She was reported missing this week.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those that know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

    The RCMP Prince District and RCMP Major Crime Unit are investigating.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Élora Patoine is asked to contact Prince District RCMP at 902-436-9300. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

    Note to media: A photo of Élora Patoine is attached.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison for Attempting to Purchase Sex with Minor

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant agreed to pay undercover law enforcement officer $100 to have sex with minor

    BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for attempting to pay for sex with a 14-year-old girl.

    Dimitri Shawn McKenzie, 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 126 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In June 2024, McKenzie was convicted following a three-day jury trial of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child.

    “The sad reality is that children are being sold for sex in our communities because of people like Dimitri McKenzie. These men fuel that commercial sex industry and drive demand.  We are actively prosecuting the men and women who traffic adults and kids for profit, but in order to make a real dent in this pernicious conduct, we also have to go after demand – that is the people who are trolling the internet purchasing sex with little kids. I hope that every coward behind a keyboard who is thinking about engaging in the rape of the child under the auspices of a commercial transaction thinks twice – you may very well be talking to an undercover federal agent. Don’t do it. If you do, you are looking at a minimum of ten years behind bars,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.

    “It is deeply disturbing to know that people pay to sexually abuse children. McKenzie was ready and willing to pay to sexually assault a child. Thankfully, through our undercover operation, he instead found an HSI special agent and not a real child,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crime and our commitment to protecting children from exploitation and abuse.”

    In November 2022, McKenzie responded to an online post purportedly advertising two minor girls – ages 12 and 14 years old – available to perform sex acts in exchange for money in the Boston area. The post was a fictitious advertisement by undercover law enforcement. In subsequent text communications with undercover law enforcement, McKenzie agreed to pay $100 to have sex with the fictitious 14-year-old at a hotel. Upon arriving at the hotel, McKenzie met with undercover law enforcement posing as the purported seller in the hotel parking lot, provided cash in exchange for 20 minutes with the fictitious minor and accepted a hotel room key. McKenzie was immediately taken into custody.

    If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lexington, Waltham, Barnstable, Quincy and Cambridge Police Departments as well as the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pine Grove — Lunenburg RCMP investigating robbery involving man who was hitchhiking

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Lunenburg District RCMP is seeking information from the public about a robbery near Pine Grove.

    On October 7, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Lunenburg District RCMP responded to a report of a robbery from a man who was hitchhiking on Pinegrove Rd. Investigators learned that a white Chevrolet Malibu stopped near the man and the male driver approached him. The driver took the man’s bag, placed it in the trunk, and fled in the car.

    The last known direction of travel for the Malibu was northwest on Hwy. 10 toward New Germany.

    The man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries related to this incident.

    The male driver was described as 5’11” with a smaller build, and had short, dark messy hair and a mustache. He was wearing sneakers, jeans, and a green and black plaid short-sleeved shirt. He was also said to have a South Shore accent.

    Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information that may identify the driver is asked to contact Lunenburg District RCMP at 902-634-8674. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at http://www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Registered Sex Offender Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging He Targets & Exploits Local High School Students

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

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – Law enforcement agents arrested a Columbus man this morning on federal charges alleging he sexually exploited high school girls and coerced them into engaging in commercial sex acts.

    Terrance P. Cummings, 29, has a criminal history of unlawful sexual conduct with minors dating back to 2016. In this case, Cummings’s federal child exploitation charge carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years and up to 50 years in prison and the coercion and enticement charge pending against him is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.

    The FBI asks anyone with information related to the criminal allegations against Cummings to text 740-428-0739.

    According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, in July 2024, the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force received information about a 16-year-old victim allegedly receiving gifts and illicit substances from Cummings in exchange for sex acts.

    The court documents allege Cummings had sex with numerous minor victims in exchange for drugs in addition to requesting nude images of them. On some occasions, Cummings would allegedly provide the drug to the minor victims before engaging in sex acts with them. It is alleged that Cummings sold or provided fentanyl, marijuana, Xanax, cocaine, acid and ecstasy. 

    While executing a search warrant at Cummings’s apartment in August, agents discovered a variety of narcotics, along with two iPhones submerged in the water tank on the back of the bathroom toilet, which Cummings had allegedly attempted to destroy after learning about the warrant.

    Cummings’s electronics and other accounts contained more than 18,000 sexual images and videos including child pornography. The investigation revealed that Cummings requested sexually explicit content in exchange for money, gifts and drugs.

    Cummings is charged with sexually exploiting a minor, distributing, receiving or possessing child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, and obstruction of justice. His case was unsealed today, and he appeared in federal court at 1:15pm.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer Rausch are representing the United States in this case.

    The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force was formed under Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, and includes resources from the Columbus Division of Police, Homeland Security Investigations, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Powell Police Department, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, The Ohio State University Police Department, Marysville Division of Police, Salvation Army, Southeast Healthcare, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office.

    A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, SH32, Whakamaru Road

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    One person has died following a serious crash on State Highway 32 this morning.

    Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on Whakamaru Road at around 6.30am.

    Sadly, the person died at the scene.

    One other person received moderate injuries and was transported to hospital.

    The road has since reopened.

    Police would like to thank motorists for their cooperation and patience during the road closures as it is important for us to conduct a scene examination and gather all the information we can.

    While enquiries into the crash are ongoing, Police are seeking the public’s help and want to hear from witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage that may have captured the crash, or the events prior to the crash.

    If you have information that may assist Police in our enquiries, please contact us online at 105.online.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or 105.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Please use reference number P060245240.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: International travel: August 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    International travel: August 2024 – 11 October 2024 – International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

    Key facts
    Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors

    Overseas visitor arrivals were 214,300 in August 2024, an increase of 7,500 from August 2023. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

    • Australia (up 13,800)
    • China (up 3,200)
    • United States (down 6,500).

    The total number of overseas visitor arrivals in August 2024 was 85 percent of the 251,100 in August 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic).

    Visit our website to read this information release:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Food prices increase 1.2 percent annually – Stats NZ media and information release: Selected price indexes: September 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Food prices increase 1.2 percent annually – 11 October 2024 – Food prices increased 1.2 percent in the 12 months to September 2024, following a 0.4 percent increase in the 12 months to August 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    Higher prices for restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food and grocery food drove the annual increase in food prices, up 3.5 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively.

    The price increase in restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food was due to higher prices for lunch/brunch, takeaway coffees, and hamburgers.

    The price increase in grocery food was due to higher prices for olive oil, butter, and chocolate biscuits.

    “The price for a 1-litre bottle of olive oil has increased by about 58 percent since this time last year, with an average price of $21.56,” consumer prices manager Nicola Growden said.

    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: BusinessNZ – Energy policy a boost to business confidence

    Source: BusinessNZ

    The Government’s policy statement on electricity should provide a business confidence boost within the energy sector, the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) says.
    Executive Director Tina Schirr welcomes the Government’s approach in addressing the energy trilemma – sustainability, security and equity – as the road to affordability, and encourages everyone to take a broader view of the energy equation.
    “Beyond electrification, we must consider clean fuel solutions for our large energy users, including shipping and aviation – which connect us to the rest of the world. 
    “The fix for our energy sector won’t come solely from constructing more infrastructure at pace. It’s critical to rethink how we can manage and develop a smarter energy system. Increased generation is part of the journey, but another core area of focus will be energy efficiency going forward. We should be guided by a principal to do better – not necessarily more, in energy.
    “Achieving good energy outcomes requires collaboration across the sector and across political lines. A multi-party strategy and agreed direction of travel can provide the best stability and confidence needed for long-term investments.
    “By empowering people and businesses to adopt cleaner technologies and fostering a stable regulatory environment, we can build a resilient and sustainable energy system.”
    “Today’s announced policy statement will assist in developing an energy strategy to guide investment, which the Government plans to release by the end of this year.
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrates 150 years serving Mid-South Canterbury

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade is celebrating one-and-a-half centuries of serving its community at an event taking place at the fire station next month.
    Chief Fire Officer, Murray Blogg, says, “this major anniversary gives us a chance as a community to come together and celebrate our past and present volunteers, the local businesses who continue to support their employees to turn out and the families of our crew, who sacrifice precious family time for the benefit of our community.
    “A lot has changed in 150 years for our community, but we have always remained committed to serving Temuka and wider Mid-South Canterbury,” he says.
    Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade’s inaugural meeting was held in the lounge of the Crown Hotel on 24 November 1874, triggered by a series of serious fires and subsequent public meetings calling for a fire brigade.
    Previously the brigade mostly responded to structure fires and scrub fires, but more dairy farming in the area has reduced the number of vegetation fires.
    The town has also grown a lot, with the expansion of Fonterra’s site in Clandeboye bringing new families, more properties and thriving businesses.
    Temuka volunteers now mainly respond to medical emergencies, car crashes, search and rescues and natural disasters.
    They attend an average of 180-200 calls per year, and regularly support crews from neighbouring brigades, as well as being supported by them too.
    In the last 25 years alone, the brigade has extricated 120 people, rescued 130 people and assisted 1307 people.
    Some notable memories for the brigade over the last 25 years include the 2006 snowfall, the heaviest South Canterbury had experienced for decades, with Temuka receiving 25cm of snow. The brigade was completely isolated for a period of time with little communication and power and the crew living on station. The brigade supported the community with welfare calls, a building collapse and a house fire.
    The brigade also responded to the Port Hills fire in 2017 and the Dong Won ship fire in Timaru in 2018
    Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade has 25 operational members, and is always open to more, especially during daytime hours.
    “While we are celebrating the brigade and our community on 26 October, we are always on the look-out for new volunteers, especially for turnout during the day,” Murray Blogg says.
    “Whether you’re interested in joining us or not, come on down and help us mark this monumental achievement.”
    The open day on 26 October will include:
    • Kitchen fire display
    • Motor vehicle accident display
    • Live fire display
    • Static display of emergency vehicles
    • Colouring in competition
    • Fire safety
    • Food and drink stalls
    WHAT: 150 years of firefighting in Temuka
    WHEN: Saturday 26 October 2024, 9.30am-2pm
    WHERE: Temuka Fire Station, corner of Wood Street and Hally Terrace
    ENTRY: FREE

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Meets with Thomson Union Members, Prison Leadership to Reinforce Workforce and Facility Support

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    October 10, 2024

    [THOMSON, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today visited Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Thomson to meet with both members and leaders from AFGE Local 4070 and FCI Thomson leadership to discuss federal support for facility staffing needs and the conditions and support for current staff. Thomson recently transitioned from a Special Management Unit (SMU) security to a low-security federal prison.

    “It is critical that FCI Thomson has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission, and that includes being able to support a strong and stable workforce,” said Duckworth. “Today, we had a productive conversation with Thomson and AFGE Local 4070 leadership about ongoing staffing and retention efforts, and I’ll continue to work closely with federal leaders to support the dedicated workforce at Thomson.”

    In 2021, Duckworth, along with Judiciary Chair Senator Durbin (D-IL) and former U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), secured a retention pay bonus for law enforcement officers at Thomson. Earlier this year, Duckworth and Durbin sent a letter to Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Peters to request that BOP reinstates and maintains Thomson’s 25 percent incentive bonus.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moran: Wichita will Keep its USPS Processing Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy assured Sen. Moran that the Wichita U.S. Postal Service (USPS) processing center will not be closed or consolidated:

    “I have heard from Kansans across the state who are concerned about their mail being delayed by proposed changes to the USPS. The Wichita processing center helps move mail across south central Kansas, making certain folks receive their prescriptions, packages, paychecks and more in a timely manner. I spoke with the Postmaster General this week, and he assured me that the Wichita processing center is not going to be closed nor consolidated. Mail processing and cancellation will continue to occur in Wichita, and USPS intends to improve processing capabilities in Wichita in the future to better serve south central Kansas.”

    Sen. Moran helped introduced and pass the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 to help improve and sustain the United States Postal Service (USPS), particularly for rural communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on the margins of the ASEAN Summit.

    As the first Canadian Prime Minister to attend three ASEAN Leaders Summits, Prime Minister Trudeau discussed the growing ties between Canada and ASEAN with Secretary General Hourn, highlighting the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, launched in 2023, and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, released in 2022.

    The leaders welcomed deepening co-operation on a number of mutual priority areas, including trade and investment, climate change, food security, and the digital economy. They also discussed progress on ongoing Canada-ASEAN free trade negotiations.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Secretary General Hourn agreed to remain in close contact.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Working to Advance $1.8 Billion Safety Modification Project for Garrison Dam Spillway

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    10.10.24

    Senator Secured Funding for Project Design to Address Safety Concerns Highlighted by 2011 Flood; Construction to Start in 2029

    GARRISON, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven and officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today reviewed the $1.8 billion spillway safety project that’s being undertaken at Garrison Dam. The modifications:

    • Will ensure the integrity of the Garrison Dam, which is the largest mainstream dam on the Missouri River, with Lake Sakakawea currently being the largest reservoir operated by the Army Corps by volume.
    • Are needed to protect against multiple long-term issues that could result in uncontrolled releases from the dam, posing a significant risk to the downstream area.
      • These potential safety concerns were brought to light due to record flows that occurred during the 2011 flood.
      • A subsequent study recommended the full replacement of the spillway’s drainage system, a reinforced concrete overlay in the spillway chute and various other safety-related modifications
    • Are currently undergoing Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED), which began in 2023 utilizing funding Hoeven secured as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee.
      • The PED phase will involve six years of field investigations to inform the design, with construction expected to start in 2029.
      • Hoeven has provided nearly $13 million for the project’s design phase to date, and included $32 million in additional PED funding in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations legislation.

    “The Garrison Dam, along with the Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audubon reservoirs, are critical infrastructure for our state, helping ensure a reliable water supply for communities and agriculture, while supporting recreation and tourism. At the same time, a key function of the dam is to control Missouri River water levels, providing certainty to the region and protecting against the risk of flooding,” said Hoeven. “The historic water flows during the 2011 flood revealed that the spillway needs modifications to ensure the dam’s long-term integrity. That’s why we’ve been working to fund the pre-construction and design phase of this project to address these potential safety concerns as soon as possible.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Delivers $1.6M to Local Organizations Supporting Housing, Community Safety, and Foster Youth During Youth Justice Action Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman presented two checks totaling $1.6 million to Amity Foundation and Court-Appointed Special Advocates of Los Angeles (CASA/LA), two organizations in the district working to support youth and adults in the child welfare and justice systems. These organizations are two of fifteen that Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove secured a total of $12.4 million for through Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation. Photos and videos from the event are here.

    Amity Foundation received $1,000,000 for the Amistad de Los Angeles residential re-entry facility, a housing project that supports currently incarcerated men on the path to re-entry and recovery. This funding allows for the renovation of the existing facility to increase the capacity to serve a greater number of individuals (26 new beds) and significantly improve the standard of housing for the current 184 residents.
     
    CASA/LA received $640,000 for the Transition Age Youth Program, which serves youth 12-17 and non-minor dependents 18-21 in the child welfare system at risk of entry or re-entry into the justice system. CASA volunteers provide crucial one-on-one support and court advocacy to ensure the youth’s best interests are represented in legal proceedings. In addition to their legal advocacy, CASA volunteers help youth navigate essential services such as education, housing, job training, and employment opportunities, empowering them to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
     
    “Supporting those most at-risk in our community, including foster youth and formerly incarcerated individuals, requires comprehensive wraparound services to get our neighbors through critical turning points in their lives,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “Through the continuum of care they provide, Amity and CASA/LA unlock access to crucial resources, including housing, jobs programs, and courtroom advocacy for youth and adults in the child welfare and justice systems, setting them on a strong path toward stability and success. I was proud to secure this funding because I know expanding these organizations’ services will uplift our community members as they transition into a new phase of life and, ultimately, keep our communities safe.”
     
    “The Biden-Harris Administration is delivering avenues of opportunity for our young people. I would like to thank Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove for her leadership,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “These resources will help stabilize youth who are homeless, and there’s no better investment.”
     
    “Resources like this are vital to the transformation of the lives of our students and well-being of our entire community,” said Doug Bond, CEO of Amity Foundation. “Having safe environments creates sanctuaries for our students to heal, and our Amistad de Los Angeles campus will continue to be a space for learning and growth in our community with the continued support and leadership of Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove.”
     
    “We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove for her generous support and commitment to the young people we serve. This grant will significantly enhance our ability to provide critical court advocacy and comprehensive support services to youth in foster care, especially Transition Age Youth and those who have contact with the juvenile justice system,” said Dr. Charity Chandler-Cole, CEO of CASA of Los Angeles. “By focusing on individualized one-on-one support, education, and trauma-informed care, we can help break the cycle of re-entry into the justice system. CASA advocacy will help young people make positive life choices, which in turn strengthens families and communities, and enhances public safety.Together, we are fostering long-term change that builds a stronger, more equitable future for our children in care.” 
     
    Following the press conference, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove and representatives from Amity Foundation and CASA of Los Angeles participated in a roundtable discussion focused on understanding current gaps in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other federal partners.
     
    ABOUT AMITY FOUNDATION
    Founded in 1981 in Tucson, AZ, Amity Foundation is a California 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves individuals, families, and children. Amity began as a therapeutic community and has evolved into a teaching community. Our mission is to foster personal growth, emotional literacy and social responsibility for our students, as well as improve their physical health through nutrition and wellness. These create the fertile ground for students’ success in gaining employment, housing, furthering education, and reuniting families.
     
    ABOUT CASA OF LOS ANGELES
    CASA of Los Angeles organizes the community to take action and advocate for children and families in LA County’s overburdened child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Through an intentional, restorative, and culturally relevant lens, CASA/LA trains committed, consistent, and caring adults who provide equitable access to resources and life-affirming connections.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: International travel: August 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    International travel: August 2024 – 11 October 2024 – International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

    Key facts
    Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors

    Overseas visitor arrivals were 214,300 in August 2024, an increase of 7,500 from August 2023. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

    • Australia (up 13,800)
    • China (up 3,200)
    • United States (down 6,500).

    The total number of overseas visitor arrivals in August 2024 was 85 percent of the 251,100 in August 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic).

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Welcomes New U.S. Citizens at Naturalization Ceremony in Las Vegas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Las Vegas, Nev. – Today, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) welcomed 61 new U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Lloyd D. George U.S. Courthouse in Las Vegas.

    “I’m so glad to welcome you as Americans and to witness your commitment to this country we all love,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I know how much immigrants contribute both to Nevada and our nation. That’s part of what makes America the greatest country in the world. Congratulations to you and your families on this proud day—I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish.”

    The first and only Latina Senator, Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada. She is leading commonsense legislation to fix our broken immigration system, and she’s called on the administration to take action to protect TPS holders and other immigrants, address delays in DACA renewal applications, and make it easier for mixed status families to stay together. She has worked to pass meaningful immigration reform that balances critical border security measures with a path to citizenship for Dreamers and essential workers, and she’s pushed legislation to allow Dreamers to work in Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Food prices increase 1.2 percent annually – Stats NZ media and information release: Selected price indexes: September 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Food prices increase 1.2 percent annually – 11 October 2024 – Food prices increased 1.2 percent in the 12 months to September 2024, following a 0.4 percent increase in the 12 months to August 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    Higher prices for restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food and grocery food drove the annual increase in food prices, up 3.5 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively.

    The price increase in restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food was due to higher prices for lunch/brunch, takeaway coffees, and hamburgers.

    The price increase in grocery food was due to higher prices for olive oil, butter, and chocolate biscuits.

    “The price for a 1-litre bottle of olive oil has increased by about 58 percent since this time last year, with an average price of $21.56,” consumer prices manager Nicola Growden said.

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

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manchin Statement On Death Of Miner Colton Walls

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin
    October 10, 2024
    Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) released the following statement on the death of coal miner Colton Walls, who was fatally injured at Leer Mine in Thornton.
    “Gayle and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Colton Walls, a courageous miner we lost too soon. We are forever grateful for brave miners like Colton who put their lives on the line each day to power our nation. We ask that all West Virginians join us in keeping his family, friends and loved ones in our prayers during this devastating time. His valor will never be forgotten. Gayle and I send our deepest condolences to Colton’s wife, Jondai, their children, Carter, Mason and Hudson, and all of his loved ones as they mourn this incredible loss.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: International migration: August 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    International migration: August 2024 – information release – 11 October 2024 – Key facts. Annual migration – Provisional estimates for the August 2024 year compared with the August 2023 year were:

    • migrant arrivals: 188,100 (± 1,100), down 17 percent
    • migrant departures: 134,300 (± 1,000), up 37 percent
    • annual net migration: gain of 53,800 (± 1,500), compared with a net gain of 127,700 (± 300).

    The 134,300 migrant departures in the August 2024 year are, provisionally, the highest on record for an annual period.

    Annual migrant arrivals provisionally peaked at 236,200 in the year ended October 2023.

    Annual net migration provisionally peaked in the year ended October 2023, with a gain of 136,400.

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

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: SECNAV Del Toro As-Written Remarks at the San Francisco Fleet Week Office of Small Business Programs Event

    Source: United States Navy

    Introduction/Thank You

    Good afternoon, everyone!

    It is great to be here with you all here in San Francisco.

    Ms. Washington, thank you for your kind introduction, and for your work removing barriers to entry for our small business partners—and for your tireless efforts growing their number.

    Mr. Horton, Mr. Manalisay, thank you for helping coordinate this wonderful event and all the work you do on behalf of our small business partners.

    Most importantly, I would like to thank you all—the members of our nation’s small businesses—for being here and engaging with us. 

    From my vantage point as Secretary of the Navy, a healthy, diverse industrial base made up of companies of all sizes—founded by American entrepreneurs from all walks of life—is absolutely crucial to the success of our Navy and our Marine Corps.

    I look forward to meeting with several of you today—to hear your business stories and to learn more about your products and services. 

    I encourage all of you to engage with our DON Office of Small Business Programs team to identify ways we can work together.

    We in the Department of the Navy are laser-focused on building and maintaining relationships with the small businesses that comprise our defense ecosystem.

    DON Small Business Goals FY24/FY25

    We are committed to investing in your businesses, procuring the goods and services our Department needs to be successful in our assigned missions.

    In Fiscal Year 2024, we spent nearly $21 billion on contracts with small businesses. Breaking that number down further, we spent:

    $7.9 billion on contracts with Small Disadvantaged Businesses,

    $3 billion on contracts with Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses,

    $3 billion on contracts with Women Owned Small Businesses,

    and $2 billion on HUBZone prime contracts with small businesses.

    The overall, Small Disadvantaged Business, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and HUBZone amounts are all records for the Department of the Navy.

    We didn’t just break records—we exceeded our goals for the percentage of contract dollars awarded to small businesses across all four of the subcategories.

    Those are the facts—and we aim to set new records and exceed our goals again in Fiscal Year 2025.

    And these contracts didn’t just go to companies that already have existing contracts or relationships with the Navy either.

    In Fiscal Year 2024, we had 1,538 new small businesses join our ecosystem nationwide—and they were awarded contracts worth a total of $1.22 billion.

    Here in the Bay Area, the Office of Naval Research is working with companies like Atomic—headquartered in Pleasanton—for the design, development, and building of atomic clocks to reduce the size, weight, and power of the clocks while ensuring it still operates at peak performance at sea.

    That contract alone is worth $2.89 million.

    Or, as another example, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command is working with Arize AI—headquartered in Berkeley—for AI machine learning to develop algorithms for underwater threat detection.

    That contract is worth $451 thousand.

    While the Fiscal Year 2024 numbers aren’t finalized yet for this area, I can tell you that in Fiscal Year 2023, we partnered with Small Businesses here on contracts worth a total of $526 million.

    I don’t know how many of you remember the total nationwide number I mentioned earlier—but contracts awarded to Bay Area small businesses make up a full two percent of Department of the Navy small business contracts.

    Closing

    There are very few areas of our country as critical to the success of our Navy and Marine Corps—and the health and wellbeing of our Sailors and Marines—than this area.

    There are no shortages of engagements on the horizon between our Department and this community.

    I look forward to working with our small businesses to provide our Navy and Marine Corps team with the support, systems, and platforms we need to confront the global challenges we face today.

    I’m excited to meet with all of you today and learning about what the Department of the Navy can do to remove the barriers to entry for your businesses—and what you can do to help the Department!

    Thank you again, and may God bless our Sailors, Marines, civilians, and their families.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown Demands That Department of Defense Block Further PFAS Incineration in East Liverpool

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called on the Department of Defense to block the resumption of incineration as an approved PFAS disposal method in East Liverpool and communities across the country. PFAS – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – often referred to as “forever chemicals” – pose a threat to public health and is designated by the EPA as a hazardous substance.
    “Researchers have shown that East Liverpool has measurable soil samples of PFAS due to the years of incineration that took place between 2019 and the start of DoD’s moratorium,” said Brown.
    Brown continued, “I am concerned by recent reports that indicate the DoD is seeking approval to once again incinerate PFAS.  This would be a mistake.  PFAS do not break down easily and are linked to a variety of serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, fertility problems, and developmental problems in children. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s recent designation of PFAS as a ‘hazardous substance’ provides further validation that the disposal of [Aqueous Film Forming Foam] must be handled with extreme caution and transparency.”
    Full text of the letter can be found HERE or below.
    Dear Secretary Austin:
    The research is clear: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – often referred to as “forever chemicals” – pose a threat to public health. I request that the Department of Defense (DoD) refrain from approving PFAS incineration, including in East Liverpool, Ohio, until clear steps are taken to both ensure community safety and address community concerns.
    Wherever PFAS are found, every effort must be made to limit their spread and remove them from the environment in a manner that is safe and effective. Historically, several techniques have been used to get rid of PFAS – including incineration.  However, given concerns about the safety of PFAS incineration, the DoD issued a moratorium in July 2023 banning the incineration of PFAS[1] to protect the public health and mitigate potential environmental damage. This moratorium ended the practice of incinerating PFAS waste in East Liverpool Ohio, where DoD had contracted with a third-party company to incinerate these forever chemicals, including Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), since 2019. Researchers have shown that East Liverpool has measurable soil samples of PFAS due to the years of incineration that took place between 2019 and the start of DoD’s moratorium.[2] 
    I am concerned by recent reports that indicate the DoD is seeking approval to once again incinerate PFAS.  This would be a mistake.  PFAS do not break down easily and are linked to a variety of serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, fertility problems, and developmental problems in children. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s recent designation of PFAS as a “hazardous substance” provides further validation that the disposal of AFFF must be handled with extreme caution and transparency.
    It is my understanding that DoD is actively working to update its PFAS waste disposal guidance. As you can imagine, communities like East Liverpool are concerned about the potential health and environmental impacts of the DoD starting to incinerate PFAS in their backyards, again. Communities such as East Liverpool should not have to face additional environmental challenges from the risks associated with PFAS incineration. More must be done to engage the people of East Liverpool, and other communities like it, before the DoD resumes incineration.
    I urge the DoD to halt any plans to burn AFFF, in Ohio or elsewhere.   It is vital that the DoD act in a manner that prioritizes the health and safety of Ohioans, and all Americans, while also addressing the ongoing environmental damage caused by PFAS contamination. To that end, I request that DoD act with urgency to:
    Immediately Halt Incineration as an Option within the DoD Updated PFAS Disposal Plan: The DoD should suspend any consideration to include incineration of PFAS waste, including AFFF, within its updated PFAS Guidance plan.
    Implement Alternative Disposal Methods: I urge the DoD to explore and implement safer alternatives to incineration that have shown promise in effectively destroying PFAS without the risks associated with airborne emissions.
    Engage with Local Communities: The DoD must engage with citizens near potential disposal sites including, incineration sites, in Ohio and across the nation. Providing transparency to its plans and listening to community concerns is what the people of Ohio deserve as this affects their health and the health of their entire community.
    Communities across Ohio and our nation should not be placed at additional risk due to the improper disposal of toxic chemicals. I look forward to your response and am eager to work with you to find solutions that protect the health of Ohioans and our environment.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces TD Bank’s Guilty Plea for Bank Secrecy Act and Money Laundering Conspiracy Violations in $1.8B Resolution

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    The Justice Department announced that TD Bank N.A. (TDBNA), the 10th largest bank in the United States, and its parent company TD Bank US Holding Company (TDBUSH) has pleaded guilty and agreed to pay over $1.8 billion in penalties to resolve the Justice Department’s investigation into violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and money laundering.

    MIL Security OSI –