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  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Hosts Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for Community Conversation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    ALBUQUERQUE — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) was proud to welcome Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a community conversation at the New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church in Albuquerque.

    The conversation brought together community members, local leaders, and advocates to discuss pressing issues impacting New Mexicans. Leader Jeffries and Rep. Stansbury touched on a broad range of topics including how Democrats are delivering for Americans in tangible ways like lowering costs for Americans, expanding access to healthcare, protecting the environment, and ensuring our democracy stays secure.

    “I am so proud to welcome Leader Jeffries to our beautiful state and share the stage with him and to showcase all the work Democrats are doing for New Mexicans,” said Stansbury. “We have brought millions of dollars back to New Mexico through federal programs, legislation, and Community Project Funding that support education, housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. We will continue this momentum – including tackling pressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and access to quality education as we continue to work for New Mexico and our communities.”

    “House Democrats will continue to lean into lowering housing costs and growing the middle class with a particular emphasis on access to affordable homeownership,” said Leader Jeffries. “Being able to purchase a home, keeping that home and being able to pass it onto the next generation is central to the great American dream. And we will fight to maintain the principles of free and fair elections and ensure the right to vote, which John Lewis would always say to us, is sacred, is sacrosanct and is essential to the integrity of our democracy. We have to push back against the extreme right-wing efforts to take it away, so one of our top priorities in Congress will be to pass the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.”

    Find photos from the event here. 

    Since taking office, Rep. Stansbury has secured more than a billion dollars in funding for New Mexico’s First Congressional District, including more than $44.5 million for 37 community projects for public safety, economic development, and other needs. 

    Some of what Congresswoman Stansbury has delivered to New Mexico’s First Congressional District include: 

    Crime Prevention and Public Safety: 

    • Last month, the Congresswoman introduced the Stop the Opioid Pill Presser and Fentanyl Act (STOPP Fentanyl Act) to disrupt global criminal networks and suppliers of illicit drugs like fentanyl. 

    Behavioral Health Resources: 

    • In Congress, Rep. Stansbury has secured millions for NM-01 to improve community well-being through behavioral health-focused solutions. This includes leading efforts to secure funding for mental health and addiction recovery programs, such as workforce development, school-based support, crisis intervention, and veterans’ suicide prevention. 

    Gun Violence and Safety: 

    • Congresswoman Stansbury has cosponsored key bills aimed at addressing gun safety, including the Keep Americans Safe Act, the SAFES Act, the Identify Gun Stores Act, the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2023, the Break the Cycle of Violence Act), and the AMMO Act. 
    • These bills focus on universal background checks, bans on military-style rifles and untraceable weapons, and enhancing research and oversight related to gun violence and ammunition. 

    Reproductive Rights: 

    • Congresswoman Stansbury voted to defend reproductive rights against the House GOP’s systematic efforts to criminalize abortion and abortion providers. 
    • Rep. Stansbury joined other House Democrats to sponsor legislation to restore Roe vs. Wade, condemn violence and attacks on healthcare facilities, personnel, and patients, and to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act. 
    • Rep. Stansbury co-sponsored a resolution by House Democrats to condemn attacks on abortion clinics that threaten the safety of patients and health care workers. 
    • Rep. Stansbury also voted to pass the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act and the Right to Contraception Act to safeguard access to contraception and the right of pregnant individuals across the nation to travel to seek safe, legal care. 

    Economy and Jobs: 

    • Rep. Stansbury helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act and her bill the Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act, to invest in our infrastructure, tackle climate change, and build a clean energy economy. 
    • The Congresswoman led the Rail Worker and Community Safety Act to improve federal rail safety regulations, including mandates for a two-person crew, changing the ways hazardous materials can be transported, increasing funding for rail safety inspectors, and codifies mandatory sick leave for all rail workers. 
    • Rep. Stansbury co-sponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO ACT) which is a comprehensive bill aimed at strengthening labor rights by amending key labor laws to enhance protections for workers, particularly in union organizations and collective bargaining efforts. 

    Water Access and Water Rights:

    • Since her time in the New Mexico Statehouse, the Congresswoman has been a leader in fighting for access to clean water and securing water rights for communities across New Mexico. 
    • She introduced the Water Data Act to establish a framework for standardizing water data across federal agencies, so data is interoperable and easily accessible to water managers and communities.   
    • She also introduced the Rio Grande Water Security Act providing necessary operational flexibility for water managers in the Rio Grande Basin.  The bill also reauthorizes a vital lifeline to address the irrigation infrastructure needs of the Pueblo nations who have used these waters for countless generations.   

    Environmental Justice and Protection:

    • Along with her work in other areas, the Congresswoman has been a champion for climate protections and ensuring a just transition occurs during the efforts to address the climate crisis in communities in New Mexico and across the country. 
    • She co-sponsored several pieces of legislation, including House Resolution 37 – Acknowledging a Climate Emergency, the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act, the Environmental Justice For All Act, the Promoting Youth Mental Health and Well-Being in a Changing Climate, the Climate and Health Protection Act, and the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act. 

    Housing: 

    • Congresswoman Stansbury has been focused on bringing more affordable housing to New Mexicans and has championed several bills including the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023, the Expansion of Attainable Homeownership Through Manufactured Housing Act of 2023, the Eviction Protection Act of 2023, the Housing for All Act of 2023, the Ending Homelessness Act of 2023, the Affordable Housing Stability During Shutdowns Act of 2023. 
    • Some of her legislative actions include working closely with local tribal leaders to address concerns regarding a lack of funding to meet tribal housing needs in New Mexico and across the country. 

    Healthcare: 

    • The Congresswoman is focused on lowering the costs of healthcare for all New Mexicans and ensuring people who need care can find it when needed. Some of her work includes introducing the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act, the Small Practice, Underserved, and Tural Support Program Extension Act, the Public Health Nursing Act, the Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act, and co-sponsoring the Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2024 and the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Reports September 2024 Volumes and 3Q24 Statistics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today reported monthly volumes for September 2024, as well as quarterly volumes, estimated revenue capture, number of listings, and index statistics for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, on its Investor Relations website.

    A data sheet showing this information can be found at: http://ir.nasdaq.com/financials/volume-statistics.

    About Nasdaq

    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at http://www.nasdaq.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) projections relating to our future financial results, total shareholder returns, growth, trading volumes, products and services, ability to transition to new business models, taxes and achievement of synergy targets, (ii) statements about the closing or implementation dates and benefits of certain acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic, restructuring, technology, de-leveraging and capital allocation initiatives, (iii) statements about our integrations of our recent acquisitions, (iv) statements relating to any litigation or regulatory or government investigation or action to which we are or could become a party, and (v) other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Media Relations Contacts:

    Nick Jannuzzi
    +1.973.760.1741
    Nicholas.Jannuzzi@Nasdaq.com

    Nick Eghtessad
    +1.929.996.8894
    Nick.Eghtessad@Nasdaq.com

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Ato Garrett
    +1.212.401.8737
    Ato.Garrett@Nasdaq.com

    -NDAQF-

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HAGEMAN SPEAKS AT LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS FREEDOM RALLY

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

    Rapid City, SD – Today, Congresswoman Hageman spoke to livestock producers from South Dakota, Wyoming and the region to discuss the truth behind mandatory electronic identification (EID) eartags.

    During her remarks she stated: “…in their relentless drive to put pressure on independent cattle and bison producers, the USDA is again attempting to implement an EID requirement that will have a tremendous impact on livestock operations. Producers who do not comply will lose their access to interstate markets, thereby putting cattle and bison ranchers in places like Wyoming and South Dakota in grave peril of going broke.”

    “It is obvious that, while the implementation of this rule would provide an outsized benefit to large corporations, it would provide nothing but a burden to smaller producers. The consolidation of power in the hands of a few, at the expense of small and independent farmers and ranchers is a threat to our entire food supply. This rule reveals a tremendous level of cynicism towards American cattle and bison ranchers. Our livestock producers have implemented the world’s most innovative and advanced practices in relation to animal welfare and precision herd health management, while producing high quality and affordable food.”

    She concluded by encouraging attendees to engage their federal delegation on the issue, “It is critical that each and every one of you call your Congressman and Senators, and tell them to cosponsor Rep. Hageman’s H.J.Res 167 and Senator Lummis’ S.J.Res 98 – urgent action is needed before this rule goes into effect November 5th. We are in a David versus Goliath situation here where the voices of millions of grassroots ranchers are being drowned out by D.C. special interests representing corporate agriculture. It is time for Congress to listen to the People, and that starts with your calls and advocacy.”

    ###

    Contact: Chris Berardi, Sr. Advisor/Communications Director

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Child Exploitation Crimes

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

    BECKLEY, W.Va. – Alan J. Disomma Jr., 61, of Payson, Arizona, was sentenced today to life in prison for two counts of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual activity.

    A federal jury found Disomma guilty on February 23, 2024, following a two-day trial. Evidence at trial proved that on December 10, 2021, Disomma began messaging a woman located in West Virginia whom he believed to be the mother of two minor girls. Disomma stated in his messages to the individual that he wished to engage in sexual relations with both girls. Disomma also brought up possibly traveling to West Virginia to meet the girls during this online conversation.

    From December 21, 2021 to December 18, 2022, Disomma exchanged text messages with the woman and continued to express his interest in engaging in sexual relations with both girls. During this text messaging, Disomma asked about flying to West Virginia to visit them and also stated that he had previously engaged in sexual relations with a prepubescent girl and subjected her to bestiality. Disomma also expressed interest in having the woman and the girls move to Arizona to live with him.

    On December 18, 2022, Disomma flew from Arizona to Charleston, West Virginia, where he planned to meet the individual and travel with her to her residence where he intended to engage in sexual activity with both girls. Disomma flew to West Virginia with a nearly full bottle of Viagra. Upon his arrival in Charleston, Disomma was arrested by law enforcement officers.

    “This case involved horrific facts that painted a vivid picture of defendant’s intense desire to have sex with two children,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “The offense conduct in this case was reprehensible, and today’s sentence reflects their gravity. I commend the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) West Virginia Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and the West Virginia State Police for their investigation of this case. I also commend Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Lesley C. Shamblin and our trial team for their work in this case, which resulted in guilty verdicts on all three counts in the indictment.”

    Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Disomma was sentenced to life in prison for each of the two counts of attempted enticement of a minor, and to a concurrent 30-year term for traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual activity. The Court also imposed a lifetime of supervised release.

    This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-227.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. To Announce Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — USCB FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: USCB) will report financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 after the market closes on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

    A conference call to discuss quarterly results will also be held with Chairman, President, and CEO, Luis de la Aguilera, Chief Financial Officer, Robert Anderson, and Chief Credit Officer, William Turner, details which are provided below.

    Live Conference Call and Audio Webcast

    Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
    Time: 11:00am Eastern Time
    Dial-in: (833) 816-1416 (toll free in the U.S.)
    Passcode: USCB Financial Holdings Call

    A live audio webcast of the call will be available with the press release and slides on the investor relations page of the Company’s website at https://investors.uscenturybank.com/. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download the streaming media software required to listen to the internet broadcast.

    A replay of the webcast will be archived on the investor relations page shortly after the conference call has ended.

    About USCB Financial Holdings, Inc.

    USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. is the bank holding company for U.S. Century Bank. Established in 2002, U.S. Century Bank is one of the largest community banks headquartered in Miami, and one of the largest community banks in the state of Florida. U.S. Century Bank is rated 5-Stars by BauerFinancial, the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. U.S. Century Bank offers customers a wide range of financial products and services and supports numerous community organizations, including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and ChamberSouth. For more information or to find a U.S. Century Bank banking center near you, please call (305) 715-5200 or visit http://www.uscentury.com.

    Contacts:

    Investor Relations
    InvestorRelations@uscentury.com

    Media Relations
    Martha Guerra-Kattou
    MGuerra@uscentury.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Vital Energy Schedules Third-Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TULSA, OK, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE) (“Vital Energy” or the “Company”) will report third-quarter 2024 financial and operating results after the market close on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 and host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. CT.

    To participate on the call, dial 800.715.9871, using conference code 1544492 or listen to the call via the Company’s website at http://www.vitalenergy.com “Investor Relations | News & Presentations | Upcoming Events.”

    About Vital Energy

    Vital Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company with headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Vital Energy’s business strategy is focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas.

    Additional information about Vital Energy may be found on its website at http://www.vitalenergy.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Ron Hagood
    918.858.5504
    ir@vitalenergy.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Columbia Financial, Inc. Announces Completion of Merger of Freehold Bank Into Columbia Bank

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FAIR LAWN, N.J., Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Columbia Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLBK) (the “Company”), the mid-tier holding company for Columbia Bank, announced today the completion of the merger of Freehold Bank with and into Columbia Bank, effective as of October 5, 2024. Prior to the bank merger, Freehold Bank and Columbia Bank were held and operated as separate subsidiaries of the Company.

    In connection with the completion of the bank merger, James H. Wainwright, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freehold Bank, was appointed to the Board of Directors of Columbia Bank.

    About Columbia Financial, Inc.

    Columbia Financial, Inc. is a Delaware corporation organized as Columbia Bank’s mid-tier stock holding company. Columbia Financial, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of Columbia Bank, MHC. Columbia Bank is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in Fair Lawn, New Jersey that operates 68 full-service banking offices and offers traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in its market area.

    Columbia Financial, Inc.
    Investor Relations Department
    (833) 550-0717

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Globalink Investment Inc. Announces Extension of the Deadline to Complete a Business Combination to November 9, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Globalink Investment Inc. (Nasdaq: GLLI, GLLIW, GLLIR, GLLIU) (“Globalink” or the “Company”), a special purpose acquisition company, announced today that on October 3, 2024, it caused to be deposited $60,000 (the “Extension Payment”) into its trust account (the “Trust Account”) with Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company (“Continental”) to extend the deadline to complete its initial business combination from October 9, 2024 to November 9, 2024. The extension is the sixteenth extension since the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering on December 9, 2021, and the eleventh of twelve extensions permitted under the Company’s governing documents currently in effect.

    About Globalink Investment Inc.

    Globalink is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Although there is no restriction or limitation on what industry or geographic region, Globalink intends to pursue targets in North America, Europe, South East Asia, and Asia (excluding China, Hong Kong and Macau) in the medical technology and green energy industry.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbor created thereby. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “outlook,” “guidance” or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause future events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, many of which are outside of the Company’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, a variety of risk factors affecting the Company’s business and prospects, see the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on April 2, 2024 and the prospectus filed with the SEC on December 6, 2021 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC, as amended from time to time. Any forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Globalink Contact:

    Say Leong Lim
    Globalink Investment Inc.
    Telephone: +6012 405 0015
    Email: sllim@globalinkinvestment.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Visteon to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Visteon Corporation (Nasdaq: VC), a global technology company serving the mobility industry, will release its third quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, Oct. 24. The company will host a conference call for the investment community at 9 a.m. ET to discuss the results and related matters. The conference call is also available to the public via a live audio webcast.

    The dial-in numbers to participate in the call are:

    • U.S./Canada Participants Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1-888-330-2508
    • International Participants Toll Dial-In Number: 1-240-789-2735
    • Conference ID: 8897485

    (Dial-in approximately 10 minutes before the start of the conference.)

    The conference call and live audio webcast, related presentation materials, news release and other supplemental information will be accessible in the Investors section of Visteon’s website. Shortly after the call, a replay of the webcast will be available on the company’s website.

    About Visteon 
    Visteon is advancing mobility through innovative technology solutions that enable a software-defined and electric future. With next-generation digital cockpit and electrification products, Visteon leverages the strength and agility of its global network with a local footprint to deliver a cleaner, safer and more connected vehicle experience. Headquartered in Van Buren Township, Michigan, Visteon operates in 17 countries worldwide, recorded approximately $3.95 billion in annual sales and booked $7.2 billion of new business in 2023. Learn more at investors.visteon.com. 

    Follow Visteon:

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/visteon 
    https://twitter.com/visteon 
    https://www.facebook.com/VisteonCorporation 
    https://www.youtube.com/user/Visteon
    https://www.instagram.com/visteon/ 
    https://mp.weixin.qq.com/?lang=en_US 
    https://m.weibo.cn/u/6605315328 
    http://i.youku.com/u/UNDgyMjA1NjUxNg==?spm=a2h0k.8191407.0.0  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trans Mountain Announces 10-Year Monitoring Agreement with Hifi Engineering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trans Mountain has entered into an agreement with Hifi Engineering (Hifi) to deploy a High-fidelity Distributed Sensing (HDS™) fibre optic network for comprehensive monitoring and enhanced leak detection on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. The hybrid fibre optic network consists of a telecommunications cable paired with Hifi’s specialized optical sensing fibre and dual micro duct conduit.

    “Trans Mountain is committed to continuous improvement in all facets of our operation,” said Jason Balasch, Vice President, Business Development and Commercial Services. “Our pipeline system was already monitored around the clock by two leak detection systems through our control centre in Edmonton. This agreement with Hifi provides our system another layer of leak detection and comprehensive monitoring utilizing their state-of-the-art technology.”

    In addition to installing the fibre optic system for enhanced leak detection and intrusion monitoring, Trans Mountain and Hifi have signed a 10-year monitoring agreement. Under this agreement, Hifi will provide real-time monitoring support from its 24/7 operations centre.

    “We are honoured to have this agreement with Trans Mountain to include 24/7 monitoring support of this multi-product infrastructure,” said Steven Koles, President and CEO, Hifi. “It represents a great showcase of the product agnostic distributed optical sensing and artificial intelligence and machine learning technology from Hifi which can be applied to all types of pipelines including conventional oil and gas, as well as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and water.”

    State-of-the-art fibre optic system deployed on pipeline for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

    The Trans Mountain and Hifi initiative marks the world’s longest fully distributed fibre optic sensing deployment on a multi-product liquids pipeline.

    Hifi’s HDS™ system, now substantially complete, has been under a progressive baselining and commissioning process since the completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. This process leverages new automation and machine learning developed by Hifi to fully baseline normal pipeline operations.

    The deployment includes surveillance support for leak detection, ground disturbance and security integrity risks, including right-of-way intrusion, strain monitoring, pig tracking and other operational applications. The fibre optic system can measure vibrations, temperature and pipe movement, continuously and accurately and can pinpoint the location of a suspected leak or other event within metres.

    Trans Mountain’s pipeline system is also monitored by two computational systems, overseen by control centre operators and the leak detection group. Operators have the authority to shut down the pipeline in the event of a system alarm.

    Trans Mountain and Hifi were recently recognized by the Fibre Optic Sensing Association (FOSA), receiving Project of the Year for this initiative.

    State-of-the-art fibre optic system deployed on pipeline for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

    About Trans Mountain

    Trans Mountain Corporation operates Canada’s only pipeline system transporting oil products to the West Coast. We deliver approximately 890,000 barrels of petroleum products each day through a dual pipeline system of more than 1,150 kilometres of pipeline in Alberta, British Columbia and 111 kilometres of pipeline in Washington state.

    Trans Mountain also operates a state-of-the-art loading facility, Westridge Marine Terminal, with three berths providing tidewater access to global markets.

    As a federal Crown corporation, Trans Mountain continues to build on more than 70 years of experience delivering operational and safety excellence through our crude oil pipeline system.

    With our expanded pipeline system now in place, Trans Mountain provides enhanced direct access for Canadian crude oil to world markets. The expansion realizes a world-class system for oil transport, developed to Canada’s high standards within one of the most stringent regulatory regimes in the world, creating long-term economic benefits, enhanced marine protection, enhanced safety and emergency management capabilities, and enhanced skilled-worker capacity building in communities and Indigenous groups.

    About Hifi

    Hifi is a privately held Canadian company, with minority ownership from Enbridge, Cenovus and BDC, specializing in the development, supply and commercial operation of next generation fiber optic sensing technologies and machine learning software primarily used for preventative monitoring of pipelines and other critical assets. Hifi’s technology is deployed across over 3.5 million meters of pipeline assets globally. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Hifi currently has a number of commercialized service offerings based on its high fidelity distributed sensing (HDS™) technology platform, over 100 patents issued or pending, and was recently awarded 2023 Innovation award from Energy Connections Canada (ECC). Hifi was also named one of SDTC’s Sustainability Changemakers for both 2022 and 2023 in addition to winning awards from the Fiber Optic Sensing Association in 2023, 2022 and 2021 for Innovation and Project of the Year (for the 1,200 km Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline project). Hifi has ranked as one of the Fastest-Growing Companies in North America on the 2021 and 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 500.

    Media Contact

    Trans Mountain Media Relations
    (604) 908-9734 or (855) 908-9734
    media@transmountain.com

    Hifi Engineering
    (403) 264-8930
    info@hifieng.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f1c71da-554a-49b2-9a7c-53c138e89f54

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55b5ee87-bf52-4f13-8a0d-4210e18ac37b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pinehouse — Pinehouse RCMP: male arrested on multiple warrants

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 4, 2024 at approximately 5:30 p.m., Pinehouse RCMP received a report that an adult male, who was wanted on warrant, was seen walking near Hilltop Avenue in Pinehouse, SK.

    Officers responded and while conducting patrols of the area they located the adult male. The adult male observed the police vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby treed area. An officer exited the police vehicle, indicated that the male was under arrest, and followed him on foot. When the officer caught up to the adult male, he assaulted and attempted to disarm them. A second officer attended the scene and the adult male was arrested without further incident.

    During subsequent investigation, officers located and seized bear mace, a knife, and a small amount of drugs from the adult male’s backpack.

    As a result of continued investigation, 29-year-old Jerry Natomagan from Pinehouse, SK is charged with:

    • one count, disarming a police officer, Section 270.1(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, assault on police officer, Section 270(2), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, fail to comply with release order conditions, Section 145(5)(b), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, resist/obstruct peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code.

    Jerry Natomagan was also arrested on two outstanding warrants from Pinehouse RCMP for charges including sexual assault and assault with a weapon causing bodily harm.

    Jerry Natomagan appeared in court in La Ronge on October 7, 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Cities Eat: Building a Resilient Food System

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The workshop will explore the strong link between food, water, and energy, while addressing comprehensive approaches to managing food and natural resources in cities.

    The event will be an opportunity to share practical advice on inclusive resilience measures, nature-based solutions and sustainable urban-rural connections.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wealthier Canadians live longer and are less likely to be dependent as they age, new research finds

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Marie-Louise Leroux, Professeure titulaire en Sciences Economiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

    Population aging is a growing challenge for developed countries like Canada, with significant implications for health care and long-term care systems. In OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, the population of people aged 80 and above is projected to more than double by 2050, reaching 9.8 per cent of the population.

    This demographic shift highlights the increasing demand for high-quality long-term care services. Older individuals frequently experience limitations in daily living activities, such as dressing, washing and household tasks.

    By 2050, half of people aged 65 or older in OECD nations are expected to report some limitation in daily living, and dementia cases are projected to reach 42 million. Canada is not exempt from this trend.



    Read more:
    Enabling better aging: The 4 things seniors need, and the 4 things that need to change

    In Québec, for instance, around 315,000 individuals require help with daily activities — a number expected to nearly double by 2050.

    As the number of elderly people needing care grows, the demand for long-term care services will present significant financial challenges for both individuals and governments. Understanding the economic and demographic factors driving long-term care needs, as well as their implications, is crucial for building a more equitable and robust care system.

    Low-income individuals face double penalty

    Research has shown that while life expectancy has increased, it’s unevenly distributed across socioeconomic groups. Factors such as age, ethnicity, gender, income and education play a significant role in determining longevity.

    In Canada, men in the top five per cent of earners live, on average, 11 per cent longer than those in the bottom five per cent. For women, the longevity gap between those with the highest earnings and the lowest earnings is 3.6 years. These findings are consistent with research from other countries, including the United States.

    However, research on the relationship between income and loss of autonomy is still limited. Some studies suggest that lower socioeconomic status is associated with poorer health outcomes and higher disability rates among older adults.

    In the United Kingdom and the U.S., individuals in the bottom third of wealth distribution live seven to nine fewer years without disability compared to those in the top third. Similarly, in Europe, less wealthy individuals have a higher likelihood of becoming dependent and they remain dependent longer.

    Understanding these socioeconomic disparities is crucial for shaping public policy and identifying which groups are the most vulnerable. Low-income individuals face a double penalty: they are both more likely to need long-term care and they are less financially equipped to bear the associated costs.

    As a result, public long-term care policies might consider prioritizing the support of low-income individuals, since wealthier individuals can more easily afford care.

    High-income Canadians live longer

    Our research explored the relationships between longevity, dependency and income using data from a 2016 survey of 2,000 Canadians aged 50 to 69.

    The data combined both subjective self-reports with objective data about the likelihood of living to age 85, developing limitations in daily living activities or entering a nursing home. Financial resources were measured through reported income and savings.

    Our findings show that Canadians with higher incomes are more likely to live to age 85 and are less likely to become dependent. After controlling for several socioeconomic factors, we found that a one per cent increase in income was associated with the following:

    • nearly a five per cent increase in survival probability;
    • a one per cent decrease in the likelihood of having limitations in daily living activities;
    • and a two per cent decrease in the likelihood of entering a long-term care home.

    The relationship between income and dependency was particularly strong among individuals in the top third of the income distribution. This suggests that financial resources play a significant role in extending life and maintaining independence as people age.

    Interestingly, despite their lower objective likelihood of needing nursing home care, higher-income individuals perceived themselves as more likely to require it. A one per cent increase in income was associated with a four per cent increase in the self-reported probability of entering a nursing home, even though the actual probability of this happening dropped by two per cent.

    This discrepancy may be explained by wealthier individuals considering other factors, such as their financial resources and the possibility of receiving care at home from a professional caregiver.

    Targeted support is needed

    The socio-demographic relationships from our study have important implications for designing equitable long-term care policies. Wealthier individuals tend to live longer and are less often dependent, meaning they are in a better position to pay for long-term care expenses.

    On the other hand, low income individuals are more likely to become dependent and may experience greater financial strain if they need to pay for long-term care costs over an extended period, potentially driving them into poverty.

    Our findings recommend that provincial and territorial governments should adopt redistributive policies for long-term care. These policies could involve providing additional subsidies aimed at low-income older individuals, either as a preventive measure or when they first become dependent.

    This approach aligns with the proposal made by Québec Health Minister Réjean Hébert in 2015, who suggested implementing “autonomy insurance” to help retirees above a certain age manage long-term care costs.

    Redistributive policies are critical not only because low-income individuals have fewer financial resources, but also because they face a higher likelihood of dependency. Without targeted support, these individuals could be left struggling to afford the care they need. Designing policies that recognize these disparities can help ensure a more equitable and sustainable long-term care system in Canada.

    Marie-Louise Leroux receives funding from FRQSC and SSHRC-CRSH. She is affiliated with CIRANO (Montréal) and CESifo (Munich).

    Marie Connolly receives funding from FRQSC and SSHRC-CRSH. She is affiliated with CIRANO (Montréal).

    – ref. Wealthier Canadians live longer and are less likely to be dependent as they age, new research finds – https://theconversation.com/wealthier-canadians-live-longer-and-are-less-likely-to-be-dependent-as-they-age-new-research-finds-240081

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MULTIMEDIA RELEASE: Coast Guard medevacs woman from cruise ship approximately 98 miles off Cape Lookout

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    10/07/2024 04:44 PM EDT

    The Coast Guard medevaced an 85-year-old woman aboard a cruise ship Sunday, approximately 98 miles off Cape Lookout. Sector North Carolina Command Center watchstanders received a medevac request from the cruise ship Carnival Venezia after a woman aboard the ship began experiencing stroke-like symptoms.

    For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Battleford  — Battlefords RCMP: male charged with two counts of attempted murder

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 3, 2024 at approximately 4:15 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of a shooting on the 1400 block of 109th Street in North Battleford, SK.

    Officers responded immediately and located two adult males, who had gunshot injuries, at a residence in North Battleford, SK. Both males were taken to hospital by EMS with injuries described as serious in nature.

    Officers located and arrested two adult males and an adult female near the scene.

    As a result of continued investigation, 21-year-old Adrian Dreaver from North Battleford is charged with:

    • two counts, attempted murder, Section 239, Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession of a firearm while prohibited, Section 117.01, Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession of ammunition while prohibited, Section 117.01, Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession of a firearm without a license, Section 95(1), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, possession of a firearm knowing possession unauthorized, Section 92(1), Criminal Code.

    The other adult male and adult female were later released without charge.

    Adrian Dreaver appeared in court in North Battleford on October 7, 2024.

    Battlefords RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of Battlefords RCMP Municipal General Investigation Section

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Shotgun found in stolen vehicle

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have recovered a firearm after a stolen ute was stopped in rural South Auckland in the early hours of this morning.

    Information was received after midnight that a stolen commercial ute was travelling south through the Wiri area.

    Counties Manukau South Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Clive Wood, says the Police Eagle helicopter was deployed as a result.

    “Eagle quickly picked up the vehicle’s movements and relayed this information to staff on the ground,” he says.

    “The vehicle carried on south until arriving at an address in Ararimu.”

    A Police unit quickly moved in behind the ute.

    “The driver was taken into custody without incident and a further search was invoked of the stolen vehicle,” Senior Sergeant Wood says.

    Inside, Police located a 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, cannabis and methamphetamine.

    Senior Sergeant Wood says the 32-year-old male driver’s night took a turn, with additional charges being laid on top of being in possession of a stolen vehicle.

    The man has also been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition, as well as drugs offences.

    He will appear in the Pukekohe District Court today.

    Senior Sergeant Wood says: “Investigations are still ongoing into the original incident where several commercial vehicles were stolen from an Ōtara business last week and have been recovered.

    “This is another great result from our team working overnight, with a firearm taken out of circulation in our community and an offender to face up to the courts.”

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SPEECH BY MR ONG YE KUNG, MINISTER FOR HEALTH, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF REDEVELOPED PASIR RIS POLYCLINIC, 7 OCTOBER 2024, 2.30PM, AT PASIR RIS POLYCLINIC

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean

    SMS Dr Janil Puthucheary

    SMS Desmond Tan

    Advisors Ms Yeo Wan Ling and Mr Sharael Taha

    Mr Cheng Wai Keung, Chairman, SingHealth

    Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Group CEO, SingHealth

    Colleagues and friends

    1.     It is my pleasure to join you today at the official opening of the redeveloped Pasir Ris Polyclinic. A couple of years ago, we started a new practice in the Ministry of Health (MOH), which is that we will officially open a polyclinic on its first day of operations, instead of waiting months later when you are operationally ready. We thought to have a smaller event to open on the first day of operations. 

    2.     I was told we cannot roll pineapples in a Polyclinic, even if it is on the first day, but I am very happy to be able to share this day with everyone. But just for the record, at a Polyclinic, we wish for health, not wealth. 

    Primary Care in Singapore

    3.     Pasir Ris Polyclinic is one of our 26 polyclinics in Singapore. Together with the private General Practitioner (GP) clinics, they form the primary care system of our healthcare system. 

    4.     Primary care is probably the most critical part of any healthcare system. It provides universal access to healthcare for everyone. It ensures efficiency because through primary care, we can treat an illness before it becomes serious. In an ageing society like Singapore, primary care moves further upstream, to deliver preventive care and build health in our community and the population. 

    5.     Many countries recognise that. I have been visiting healthcare and primary care systems in many parts of the world. In China, for example, over the last 10 years, they have been building the equivalent of polyclinics – what they call Community Health Centres – in their cities. I have visited a few of them. In Beijing, there is one centre for every 50,000 residents. 

    6.     Indonesia is also expanding its network of community health centres, called “Pusat Kesihatan Masyarakat”, throughout the archipelago of 18,000 islands. 

    7.     The Philippines is actively building community primary care centres, called BUCAS (Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service) centres. Their Health Minister told me their system is in fact modelled on our polyclinics system. 

    8.     In Singapore, we have always placed strong emphasis and invested significantly in primary care. This includes upgrading the competencies of our family doctors, organising doctors, nurses and care coordinators into teams to deliver more holistic and effective care, and building new polyclinics, facilities and infrastructure. 

    9.     Today, our polyclinics manage almost seven million outpatient visits every year, including 40% of all chronic care patient load. Primary care accounts for about 15% to 20% of total healthcare spending. It is a reasonable and healthy level, which reflects its importance, and we should try to maintain this even as overall healthcare expenditure increases. 

    10.     We will focus on a few key areas of primary care in the coming years. The first is infrastructure, namely the expansion of the polyclinics network. The number of polyclinics will grow from 26 today to 32 by 2030. 

    11.     Second, in preventive care, through the Healthier SG strategy. This is a long journey. But we have an encouraging start, judging by the number of enrollees in the programme. More importantly, I think there is a palpable shift in health habits amongst Singaporeans. We always say Healthier SG depends on three up’s – sign up, turn up and follow up. We have achieved signing up and turning up, and now, we need to follow up. We need to continue to put resources in incentives, outreach, community programmes, new care protocols, technology and IT systems, to make Healthier SG successful in building health for the long term. 

    12.     Third, we also need to upgrade the private family doctor clinics. Excluding aesthetics clinics, we have about 1,600 private clinics. They are an integral part of the national healthcare system. They deliver subsidised primary care through the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), help manage patients with chronic diseases, and coordinate care with polyclinics, hospitals, as well as social agencies. During pandemics like COVID-19, they stepped forward and became our first line of defence, directly attending to infected patients. 

    13.     We are looking into ways to enhance the professional competencies of private family doctors, improve their premises to encourage multi-disciplinary practice, and strengthen their partnerships with community organisations and other healthcare providers. 

    Uniqueness of Pasir Ris Polyclinic

    14.     This newly redeveloped Pasir Ris Polyclinic is a good example of our commitment to improving primary care in Singapore. Our planning team had put in extra effort to create a polyclinic that is community- and patient-centric

    15.     It is an impressive polyclinic. There will be a wide range of services, including physiotherapy and dental services. In the coming months, the Grace Memory Clinic and Health Wellness Clinic will be opened to support residents with dementia and mental health needs. 

    16.     This polyclinic will be a training site for family doctors. It will also feature an Academic Family Medicine Centre, dedicated to training doctors under the Family Medicine residency programme. 

    17.     It will also enhance service delivery through the use of technology such as telemonitoring, electronic registration, appointment making and payment options for a more seamless patient experience. Teleconsultation services will not only cover traditional areas like preventive care and chronic disease management, but also dietician and physiotherapy services. 

    Closing

    18.     I thank everyone who has put in so much effort to plan, design and execute this newly redeveloped Polyclinic. I also want to thank the Grassroots Advisers who have paid a lot of attention to this redeveloped Polyclinic, and helped MOH ensure that it will serve the needs of the community and its residents. 

    19.     As an Adviser in Sembawang who is heavily involved in the development of our community hub called Bukit Canberra, I can fully appreciate what it is like for other Advisers to oversee such a major integrated development like the Pasir Ris Mall. 

    20.     It doesn’t open with a big bang, but facilities are added in phases. Each addition makes the destination even more attractive, evolving into a hub for residents. I am glad that MOH gets to contribute to this key community project in Pasir Ris town. On that note, let me now invite Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, the lead Adviser of this area, to deliver his remarks. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Better protections for telco customers experiencing domestic and family violence

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Albanese Government has taken an important step to strengthen protections for telecommunications customers experiencing domestic and family violence, by ensuring they can access timely support when they need it most.
     
    The Minister for Communications will direct the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to make an enforceable industry standard to ensure appropriate support is provided to telecommunications customers experiencing domestic and family violence.
     
    Violence against women and children is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia. One in three women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and one in five has experienced sexual violence.
     
    Telecommunication services need to be a safe, secure and reliable avenue for victim-survivors to access information, conduct critical safety planning and seek the support they need to leave a violent situation, as well as remain connected with family members, friends and important social support networks.
     
    Communications Alliance’s May 2023 Guideline, Assisting Consumers Affected by Domestic and Family Violence, has provided practical, operational-level guidance about the policies, training, and supporting materials telcos should have in place to identify and provide support in domestic and family violence situations. However, a voluntary guideline is unable to provide sufficient levels of consistent protections for victim-survivors and this needs to be developed into an enforceable industry standard.   
     
    A current review of the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code has also shown the Code to be an ineffective solution to establish necessary protections in an appropriate timeframe, and there is a need to act quickly and directly on an issue of utmost importance.
     
    Directly regulated safeguards on domestic and family violence will address the serious issues being faced by victim-survivors in accessing support from their telcos when they need it most.
     
    Examples of safeguards include: 

    • Minimum requirements for policies and staff training, with compliance reporting
    • Prohibiting alleged perpetrator involvement in discussions with a victim-survivor
    • Obligations relating to the privacy, safety and security of accounts
    • Removing requirements for victim-survivors to provide evidence or tell their story multiple times
    • Requirements for telcos to recognise domestic and family violence as a potential cause of payment difficulties and to consider the impact of any service suspension or disconnection

    The Government encourages all stakeholders to work constructively with the ACMA on the development of the Domestic and Family Violence Industry Standard to ensure that it is effective, robust and able to respond adequately to the needs of telco customers experiencing domestic and family violence.   
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
     
    “Whilst I acknowledge the best efforts of many telcos to improve their services and establish higher standards in the industry, it is clear to me that more needs to be done, and quickly.
     
    “An enforceable industry standard, developed by the ACMA in consultation with industry and other stakeholders, will provide the best opportunity to deliver effective, important and necessary protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
     
    “Victim-survivors should not be forced to contact alleged perpetrators when making necessary changes to their telco accounts and services, provide evidence of abuse or tell their often harrowing stories multiple times. We also need to ensure that frontline staff are educated and supported to provide appropriate services to victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, with a clear priority to keep them connected.”
     
    Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP:
     
    “Family, domestic and sexual violence destroys lives and one life lost is one too many – it must end.
     
    “Since the day we were elected, our Government has made the safety of women and children experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence a national priority.
     
    “We’ve invested more than $3.4 billion to support efforts under the National Plan, in addition to our recent investment of $4.4 billion to prevent violence and support legal service. This change with relation to Telecommunications will add to our efforts to keep women and children safe.” 
     
    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit http://www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
     
    If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
     
    Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit http://www.13yarn.org.au. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Allen Joins Colleagues in Calling on USDA to Provide Support for Farmers Following Hurricane Helene

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

    Rep. Allen Joins Colleagues in Calling on USDA to Provide Support for Farmers Following Hurricane Helene

    Augusta, October 7, 2024

    Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) recently joined 14 of his southeastern colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack about needed USDA actions to support farmers and rural communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. The letter requests Farm Service Agency (FSA) strike teams, the use of more accurate rainfall data, and disaster aid provided through block grants.

    In the letter, the Members write: “We write to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture take swift action to support our farmers and rural communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Specifically, we request that the USDA deploy Farm Service Agency (FSA) strike teams to the hardest-hit areas, providing much-needed personnel to assist with recovery efforts. Additionally, we urge the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to collaborate with local stakeholders and utilize regional rainfall data to ensure more accurate assessments for damage and crop insurance claims. Finally, we request that USDA disaster aid be provided to affected states through block grants. This will allow states the flexibility to administer relief tailored to the specific needs of their producers and communities. These actions will be critical to ensuring a swift and effective recovery for our agricultural communities.”

    NOTE: Congressman Allen has also called on Congressional Leadership to act swiftly in passing legislation to provide immediate disaster relief funding for farmers and growers who have experienced devastating crop losses due to Hurricane Helene.

    To read the full letter to Secretary Vilsack, CLICK HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smith Bill Supports Pregnant Mothers, Promotes Choosing Life Through Tax Code

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Smith (8th District of Missouri)

    strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Smith and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), along with Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO), introduced the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act that would make pregnant mothers eligible for the Child Tax Credit (CTC), allowing them to save up to an additional $2,000 for an unborn child.

    “From the moment a baby is conceived, a family’s priorities begin adjusting to prepare for their arrival. It’s time for our tax code to help babies who are still in the womb by making sure their parents have the resources necessary for their arrival. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act, which will allow working families to claim up to an additional $2,000 with the Child Tax Credit before the child is born, giving them a chance to get a head start to prepare, save, and invest in their future.” –  said Rep. Jason Smith

    “Expecting parents begin providing and preparing for their child the minute they learn they’re having a baby—the Child Tax Credit should reflect the fact that unborn children are children too,” Sen. Daines said. “From prenatal care to stocking up on baby supplies, this tax relief will help parents prepare for the arrival of their baby.”

    “Having a child is a financial commitment which is why I am pleased to introduce the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act with Senator Daines and Congressman Smith. This legislation will encourage childbirth by allowing pregnant mothers to collect the child tax credit and get the necessary resources they need for their unborn children. Despite attempts by the left to dehumanize the unborn, we must continue working to recognize the inherent value and dignity of our unborn babies.”- said Rep. Doug Lamborn

    From stocking up on diapers, to setting up a new crib the work, care, and costs associated with motherhood begin long before a child is born. Recognizing unborn children for the CTC would give expecting parents and their families an opportunity for a better start.

    In order to ensure equal access, parents of miscarried and stillborn children also have the opportunity to qualify for the tax credit. Parents who lose a child to miscarriage or stillbirth often have significant financial burdens such as medical bills and funeral expenses. Allowing grieving parents to receive the CTC is a small but meaningful step to help provide them with support.

    Read the full text HERE.

    Organizations that support this legislation include: Susan B. Anthony List, Family Research Council, March for Life, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Student for Life, Feminists for Life, Americans United for Life, National Right to Life, American Principles Project, Catholic Vote

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on the U.S. Postal Service Reopening Montpelier Post Office

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    MONTPELIER, VT—Today, 65 weeks after the July 2023 floods displaced the downtown Montpelier Post Office and following the advocacy of Vermont’s postal customers, local postal workers, community and State leaders, and the Vermont Congressional Delegation, the U.S. Postal Service announced the opening of a fully-functional retail location at 89 Main Street in Montpelier, which will officially reopen to the public with a ‘Grand Reopening Celebration’ on October 12, 2024. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement:
    “For over 450 days, Montpelier’s families, seniors, and businesses have waited for the U.S. Postal Service to stop stalling and restore service. After being pushed for months to act—by the Montpelier community, postal workers, local and State leaders, and the Vermont Congressional Delegation—Vermonters will finally have access to this essential service in their own community once again.
    “There is no justifiable reason for Postmaster General Louis Dejoy’s failures in Montpelier, which for 15 months was the only capital city without a fully-functional post office. Clearly, the internal benchmarks of the U.S. Postal Service to restore service after a disaster were entirely dismissed and the national management of the USPS has failed to respond to the needs of Vermont. Our state’s confidence in this essential service has been badly eroded, and we need to see concrete actions by the USPS Board of Governors and the national management to prove they can, indeed, deliver for small and rural communities. If opening a post office—a task this agency has done more than a thousand times in their 250-year history—is too challenging, they should consider a change in leadership.”
    Four months after Vermont’s 2023 floods the USPS temporarily relocated the post office to inoperable mail trucks with no power, bathrooms, or shelter from the elements. Then, PO box and retail postal services were relocated out of Montpelier altogether. Following advocacy by impacted Vermonters, community organizers, concerned workers, the press, and the Vermont Congressional Delegation, the Postal Service announced it had signed a lease for a new retail Post Office. Even after signing a lease, it took USPS an additional 22 weeks to open this new space.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview, Triple M Hobart

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    ANDY ‘TUBES’ TAYLOR, HOST: The Federal Communications Minister is Michelle Rowland, and she joins us live on the show right now. Good morning to you, Minister.
    ​
    MICHELLE ROWLAND, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS: Good morning, Kaz and Tubes.

    Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom, including Vodafone, are switching off their 3G mobile networks at the end of this month. What does that mean for Tasmanians, Michelle?

    ROWLAND: Well that’s right. There’s three weeks to go. So it means a couple of things for the good people of Tasmania. The first is it’s important to check that your mobile device is compatible when the switchover happens. Your listeners can do that by texting the numeral ‘3’ to the number ‘3498’. That’s just the number ‘3’ to ‘3498’, and immediately they will be told whether their device is compatible after the switchover. So that’s really important.

    The second thing is, this is the first switchover of mobile technology that’s been done in the era of the Internet of Things. We’ve got medical devices, smartwatches, so many things that rely on mobile connectivity. My key message to all your listeners is to check your tech. There’s a national public awareness campaign that’s being run right now. Your listeners can go to http://www.3Gclosure.com.au.

    Please make sure that you check the compatibility of all these devices after the switchover, especially with medical alarms, and especially if you’ve got family, friends and loved ones who rely on them.

    And, I should say, it is a good thing that this is happening in three weeks. It does need to be done in a safer way, and the operators have put off the switchover and deferred that so that we could get this public education campaign done. They’ve been working closely with the Government and with industry overall.

    What it will mean is better quality mobile in the regions, because it’s using the radio communications spectrum in a better way, better performance, better signals and less interference. But we need to make sure that it’s done in the safest way possible.

    KAZ MCMULLEN, HOST: So, Minister, can you tell me what 3G actually is?

    ROWLAND: So, the 3G network is really a generation. It started off obviously with 1G. We had 2G networks that utilised spectrum in a certain way. 3G gets a little bit better. G just refers to the evolution of the different generations of technology.

    TUBES: Technology, yeah.

    ROWLAND: Now, what they go to, it’s things like- how people actually notice it in real life- better data capacity, better speeds, more reliability. So these are actually good things to be developing, and Australians have always been early adopters. I don’t know if you’ve seen in the media today, smartphone sales are really increasing, both because of the switchover but because people want better AI-enable devices. Australians have always been interested in getting the best handsets, the best underlying tech.

    And of course governments need to support that as well by having the best quality underlying networks. And of course, the mobile operators need to do that too. So, we’re looking for a better experience overall.

    But with three weeks to go, my key message is for everyone to check their tech, make sure that they’ve got devices that are compatible when 3G gets switched over to 4G and 5G.

    TUBES: Now, this question comes through on our text line from Annie in Murdunna: ‘For decades now we’ve had average, at best, mobile service in Murdunna. What’s the Government doing for our community here to improve the services? We are literally 50 kilometres as the crow flies from Hobart.

    ROWLAND: Well, it’s a really good question. And Annie, I think, is asking what a lot of Tasmanians are asking, and that’s why aren’t mobile operators investing more in these areas, and what can governments do to support that? One of the key things we’re doing here is our National Audit of Mobile Coverage that’s happening right now. It’s happening in Tasmania, and it’s the first time that this has actually been done, because we don’t have a good sense and a really overall experience of how people are consuming mobile coverage. We’ve got maps and the carriers put out their maps, but, as I’m sure Annie and your listeners will tell you, they’re not based on real life. You’ll be in areas where your mobile operator will say, yes, you’ve got a signal here, but in real life, it’s not sufficient to be able to use data to upload and do sometimes even just basic voice and text. So this is happening right now.

    We’re also utilising Australia Post. We’ve got Australia Post long-haul vehicles, their delivery vans, and also Australia Post retail outlets right around Tasmania in places from Bicheno to Port Arthur, Queenstown, Strahan, that are measuring, in real time, what that coverage is. So this is really going to be a step change. It’s going to be able to inform the carriers about where they need to invest. And importantly, for governments where we need to target investments as well, because governments have a role to play here, but also the mobile carriers.

    We need to ensure that we get that really good map of coverage, that’s something that- you know, is living, this is running until 2027. And your listeners can actually go right now and check it out. If you just search up the mobile audit visualisation tool, it’s pretty cool. You can actually search by carrier, by different roads, by areas, and you can see how that coverage is right now. This is going to be a really important tool going forward to fix exactly what’s been a long-standing problem.

    And I’ll just end by saying, Annie, I totally hear you. So many Australians rely on mobile connectivity not just for their day-to-day usage, but how they transact with government, how they conduct their businesses. So, we understand how important it is, including in natural disasters and emergencies.

    TUBES: Absolutely. And I know this technology advances so quickly. Michelle Rowland, it’s been a pleasure to talk to you. The Federal Communications Minister, thank you so much for taking the time to chat to us. For those that need more information, as the Minister said, you can text the numeral ‘3’ to the number ‘3498’ to find out whether your device is ready for the 3G network to be switched off.

    Michelle Rowland, the Federal Communications Minister, we really appreciate your time on Triple M.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Op-Ed: America’s Next Commander in Chief Must Unapologetically Support Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – To mark the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ unprovoked attack on Israel, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) authored the following op-ed in the Dallas Morning News highlighting the pressing need for America’s leaders to support Israel and stand up to terrorism around the world:

    America’s next commander in chief must unapologetically support Israel

    Senator John Cornyn

    Dallas Morning News

    October 3, 2024

    https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2024/10/05/cornyn-americas-next-commander-in-chief-must-unapologetically-support-israel/

    One year ago, Hamas launched an unprovoked attack on our closest ally in the Middle East: Israel.

    Hamas terrorist fighters entered Israel by land, air and sea. They brutally murdered, abused and kidnapped innocent civilians. They paraded hostages and dead bodies through the streets of Gaza like trophies. They killed nearly 1,200 people, making it the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. More than 200 people were kidnapped by Hamas, and sadly, more than 40 of our fellow Americans also lost their lives in the attack.

    On Oct. 7, the world saw evil in its purest form. In the days that have followed, we’ve seen heart-wrenching videos and heard firsthand accounts of the terror Hamas continues to unleash in the Middle East. These images and stories are painful to see and listen to, but it is imperative that we share them. People in the United States and around the world need to understand the magnitude of what happened and what continues to unfold in the Middle East.

    Texas is home to a vibrant Jewish community, and for them, the war in Israel is far more than a terrifying headline — it’s a deeply personal attack on their faith, family and heritage. I visited Temple Emanu-El in Dallas shortly after the attack to hear from members of the Jewish community impacted by the attacks. An elementary school teacher who had just moved to North Texas from a small kibbutz near Gaza cried as she told me about students who were slaughtered, and a mother of two young men in the Israel Defense Forces reserves told me about her beloved sons. It was difficult for them to share their stories, but they showed such courage in doing so to help all of us understand the personal and profound impact of a war happening on the other side of an ocean.

    Support for Israel ought to transcend party lines, religion, race and ethnicity. This is not an issue of opinion; this is a battle of right and wrong, of good and evil. Israel is our most steadfast ally in the Middle East, and it deserves our full support, both in words and action.

    I was honored to visit Israel earlier this year, and I was also extremely proud to have voted for widely-supported legislation that sent critical aid and military resources to Israel.

    However, not everyone has made good on their rhetoric about backing Israel. The Biden-Harris administration has tried to have it both ways after facing blowback from progressives and antisemitic protests on college campuses. Vice President Kamala Harris skipped out on attending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress. This administration delayed the sale of critical F-15s to Israel despite Congress’ approval. And it has withheld aid passed by Congress over disagreements on how Israel, a sovereign nation, should defend itself from terrorists.

    From the beginning of this war, I’ve said that Israel’s decisions on how to respond to this deadly attack must not be dictated by anyone but Israel. In the wake of 9/11, America’s allies didn’t attempt to micromanage our response. Instead, they stood in solidarity with the American people and pledged their support. Israel deserves the same, but the Biden-Harris administration continues to treat it like an untrustworthy antagonist.

    A year after Hamas’ horrific attack, the world has never been more dangerous. There is war in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and tensions are escalating in the Indo-Pacific. This is a direct reflection of the Biden-Harris administration’s utter lack of leadership on the global stage, complete abandonment of deterrence and tepid support of our most critical allies.

    Our friends and enemies alike are watching how we respond. Iran’s missile attacks on Israel last week are a reminder that there is no daylight between Iran, its terrorist proxies and authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, who want nothing more than for America to abandon its allies.

    If Oct. 7 wasn’t a wake-up call for this administration, I don’t know what will be. We face a modern-day axis of evil, and we cannot be naive to the fact that our reaction to terrorism around the world can and will affect our national security here at home. We ignore this grim reality at our own peril. It is vital our nation’s next commander in chief understands the importance of being a strong, trustworthy ally.

    As we reflect upon this tragic day, may we mourn the innocent lives that were lost one year ago, vow to free those still held hostage and offer our unfaltering support to Israel as it continues its efforts to eradicate the evil that is Hamas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Leads Colleagues in Urging Restoration of NADBank’s Water Infrastructure Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), along with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representatives Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Vincente Gonzalez (TX-34), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), and Henry Cuellar (TX-28), today sent a letter to the North American Development Bank (NADBank) expressing strong support for the re-establishment of NADBank’s Water Infrastructure Fund and urging the board to take swift action in restoring this critical program to improve water security for border communities. 

    “The need for sustainable water management in the U.S.-Mexico border region is greater than ever. Re-establishing the fund would be a significant step in ensuring long-term water security for both municipal and agricultural communities,” they wrote.

    “As it did in previous years, NADBank should use funding from retained earnings to provide concessional financing such as grants or subsidized loans for water conservation and diversification projects. This investment is essential to the well-being of our American municipalities and agricultural projects, and we fully support the Bank’s role in overseeing and implementing the fund to ensure these resources are allocated effectively.”

    “We are confident that the re-establishment of the Water Infrastructure Fund will greatly benefit both sides of the border, ensuring that our communities have the water resources they need for the future,” the lawmakers concluded.

    Full text of the letter is here and below.

    October 7, 2024

    United States Board Members

    North American Development Bank

    203 S. St. Mary’s St., Ste 300

    San Antonio, Texas 78205

    Dear Members of the Board,

    We are writing to express our strong support for the re-establishment of NADBank’s Water Infrastructure Fund and to urge the Board to take swift action in restoring this critical program. The need for sustainable water management in the U.S.-Mexico border region is greater than ever. Re-establishing the fund would be a significant step in ensuring long-term water security for both municipal and agricultural communities.

    As it did in previous years, NADBank should use funding from retained earnings to provide concessional financing such as grants or subsidized loans for water conservation and diversification projects. This investment is essential to the well-being of our American municipalities and agricultural projects, and we fully support the Bank’s role in overseeing and implementing the fund to ensure these resources are allocated effectively.

    Any grant funding re-established through this program must be directed to both municipal and agricultural projects. These projects should not only conserve water, but also explore new ways to create additional water sources in the border region. In doing so, NADBank can address the urgent need for water security on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

    The flexibility of the grant program is critical. NADBank must be permitted to fund partial project costs in coordination with loans to enable solutions for a wide variety of projects. Additionally, NADBank should not be prohibited from providing loan financing to cover any remaining costs so as to ensure the fund remains adaptable and accessible.

    Leveraging resources from other federal and state agencies such as the USDA-Rural Development, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Texas Water Development Board, will be critical in closing the funding gap for these water projects. We urge the Board to coordinate efforts with these entities to maximize the impact of NADBank’s investments.

    Lastly, we request that U.S. Board members encourage Mexico to meet its capital commitments in a timely manner, and that the U.S. Board use its voice and vote to expedite the release of the remaining U.S. capital in line with Mexico’s payments.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter. We are confident that the re-establishment of the Water Infrastructure Fund will greatly benefit both sides of the border, ensuring that our communities have the water resources they need for the future.

    Sincerely,

    /s/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Led by Peters to Honor James Earl Jones

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) that honors the late actor James Earl Jones, who passed away in early September 2024. Jones was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi then moved to Manistee, Michigan, and later attended the University of Michigan. He was widely known for his roles in The Lion King, Star Wars, Field of Dreams, and more.

    Peters led the resolution with U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).

    See the full text of the resolution here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters’ Statement on One-Year Anniversary of October 7th Attack on Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    DETROIT, MI –?U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel: 

    “One year ago, the world witnessed the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas terrorists slaughtered innocent Israeli mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and grandparents who were visiting family, attending a music festival, or simply going about their daily lives. We will never forget the horrors of October 7 and the more than 1,200 lives lost that day. One year later, we are still working to secure the release of the 101 hostages who have yet to return home safely. The United States will always stand with Israel and support its right to defend itself against such heinous attacks. 

    “This past year has been difficult for many Michiganders, who have been faced with rising antisemitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab hate, ongoing fears about potential violence and their families’ safety at home and in the region, and who have seen little progress made towards ending the conflict sparked by Hamas’ actions. 

    “As we remember and honor the victims of that tragic day, as well as the hostages and civilians who remain in harm’s way, we must also come together to forge a path forward, to condemn the hate that has become so pervasive since that day, and to continue our pursuit of enduring peace, security, and stability in the region.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks by Vice President Harris Marking One Year Since Hamas’ October 7th Terrorist  Attacks

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Vice President’s ResidenceU.S. Naval ObservatoryWashington, D.C.
    4:02 P.M. EDT
    THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon.  In a few moments, Doug and I will plant a tree here on the grounds of the Residence of the Vice President of the United States, and we dedicate this tree to the 1,200 innocent souls, in an act of pure evil on October 7, 2023, who were massacred by Hamas terrorists. 
    Forty-six of our fellow Americans were killed in this brutal terrorist attack, including a singer from Missouri who died shielding her son from bullets, an academic and peace activist who studied in Seattle and who was the grandson of Holocaust survivors, and a dancer from California who was killed alongside her fiancé while attending the Nova Music Festival. 
    I am devastated by the pain and loss that occurred on October 7, and Doug and I pray for the family and loved ones of all of those who were lost, and may their memories be a blessing. 
    Today, I know many Jews will be reciting and reflecting on the Jewish prayer for mourning, the Kaddish.  The words of the prayer are not about death; it is a prayer about our enduring belief in God, even in our darkest moments.  So, as we reflect on the horrors of October 7, let us please be reminded that we cannot lose faith. 
    The Jewish philosopher Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, and I quote, “Religion begins with a consciousness that something is asked of us.”  So, in this moment, on the one-year commemoration of October 7, what it — what is asked of us?  What is asked of us?
    First and foremost, I believe that we must never forget.  I will never forget October 7, and the world must never forget. 
    What is asked of us: We must work to ensure nothing like the horrors of October 7 can ever happen again.  And on this solemn day, I will restate my pledge to always ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and that I will always work to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people here and around the world.
    What is asked of us: We must reunite the hostages held in Gaza with their families, and I will never stop fighting for the release of all the hostages, including the American citizens, living and deceased: Omer, Edan, Sagui, Keith, Judi, Gadi, and Itay.
    What is asked of us: We must uphold the commitment to repair the world, an idea that has been passed on throughout generations of the Jewish people and across many faiths.  And to that end, we must work to relieve the immense suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza who have experienced so much pain and loss over the year. 
    What is asked of us: We must continue to see light amidst the darkness.  As the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks said, “A people that can walk through the valley of the shadow of death and still rejoice is a people that cannot be defeated by any force or fear.” 
    That is why today we plant a pomegranate tree, which, in Judaism, is a symbol of hope and righteousness.  So, for years to come, this pomegranate tree will stand here, spreading its roots and growing stronger, to remind future vice presidents of the United States, their families, and all who pass through these grounds not only of the horror of October 7th but the strength and the endurance of the Jewish people. 
    It will remind us all not to abandon the goal of peace, dignity, and security for all.  And it will remind us all to always have faith. 
    Thank you.  And I will now turn it over to the second gentleman, my husband, Doug.
                            END                     4:08 P.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: New path to home ownership on Māori land: BNZ expands innovative funding framework

    Source: BNZ statements

    More Māori and whānau across Aotearoa will benefit from home ownership opportunities, thanks to an expanded funding framework that enables lending for housing on Māori freehold land.

    Under the expanded model, individuals and whānau who meet BNZ’s standard home lending criteria can secure a home loan for housing on Māori land managed by land trusts or incorporations, at standard home loan interest rates.

    This is an extension to Bank of New Zealand’s (BNZ) innovative funding model, initially developed in collaboration with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, to support more Māori to achieve home ownership on their whenua (land).

    Whetu Rangi, BNZ Head of Māori Business, says the initiative is step forward in addressing the unique challenges Māori face when seeking finance to build homes on their whenua.

    “It’s about more than just providing loans; it’s about empowering our people to create sustainable, thriving communities on their whenua.”

    About Māori land trusts and incorporations

    Māori land trusts and incorporations play a crucial role in the management of Māori freehold land, which covers approximately 1.4 million hectares—about 5% of New Zealand’s land area. This differs from iwi-owned land, which is typically held by an iwi post settlement entity as a result of Treaty of Waitangi settlements.

    A significant portion of Māori freehold land is held in trusts and incorporations, which manage the land on behalf of multiple owners. These owners are generally connected through whakapapa (genealogy) and can number in the hundreds or even thousands for a single land block.

    The collective ownership structure of Māori land has historically posed challenges for lending. This, combined with restrictions on land transferability, including those in Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, has created barriers to using Māori land as security for loans. As a result, whānau have faced significant obstacles in obtaining individual home loans on collectively owned land, impeding housing development on ancestral lands for generations.

    Overcoming barriers to lending

    To address this, the BNZ framework uses leasehold mortgage lending practices that align with Māori land ownership legislation and enshrines agreements that ensure property is controlled by the Māori land trust, incorporations and owners, which would take over in the event of a distressed mortgage.

    This approach balances the bank’s security requirements with the land rights of shareholders and beneficiaries of Māori land.

    BNZ CEO Dan Huggins says extending the framework is about supporting Māori aspirations.

    “Developing this framework has taken several years, requiring a significant amount of legal work, and a full understanding of the unique aspects of Māori land ownership. This model respects the collective ownership structures of Māori land and ensures that the land remains a taonga tuku iho—a treasure passed down through generations,” he says.

    “We’re proud that we’ve managed to develop a solution that not only can facilitate home ownership on whenua Māori but also acknowledges and protects the deep connection Māori have with their whenua. We hope this approach is the first of many innovative solutions enabling Māori home ownership.”

    The post New path to home ownership on Māori land: BNZ expands innovative funding framework appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: Launch Two Acquisition Corp. Announces the Pricing of $200,000,000 Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Launch Two Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) announced today the pricing of its initial public offering of 20,000,000 units. The units are expected to be listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) and begin trading tomorrow, October 8, 2024, under the ticker symbol “LPBBU.” Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant, each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. Once the securities constituting the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and warrants are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “LPBB” and “LPBBW,” respectively. The offering is expected to close on October 9, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,000,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

    The Company is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business or industry or at any stage of its corporate evolution. The Company’s primary focus, however, will be on technology and software infrastructure companies whose products and services target financial services, real estate and asset management companies. The Company will pursue completing a business combination with an established business of scale poised for continued growth, led by a highly regarded management team.

    The Company’s management team is led by James J. McEntee III, its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”), and Jurgen van de Vyver, its Chief Financial Officer. The Board also includes Lynn Eisenhart, Jeffrey M. Shanahan, and Alfred J. Pierce III.

    Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering.

    The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the prospectus may be obtained from Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Attention: Capital Markets, 499 Park Avenue, 5th Floor New York, New York 10022, or by email at prospectus@cantor.com.

    A registration statement relating to the securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and became effective on October 7, 2024. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and search for an initial business combination. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. Copies of these documents are available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Investor Contacts

    Launch Two Acquisition Corp.
    Jurgen van de Vyver
    jurgen@launchpad.vc
    (510) 692-9600

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: VCNO Visits Hawaii, Focus on Readiness and Warfighters

    Source: United States Navy

    The U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet with approximately 200 ships, 1,500 aircraft, and 150,000 military and civilian personnel operating across 100 million square miles of land, air and sea.

    Kilby began the visit discussing Pacific Fleet’s essential role deterring conflict, upholding international law and assuring access to the seas with Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Steve Koehler.

    “The United States is a Pacific nation and the Sailors and civilians serving in the Pacific Fleet have an immense responsibility,” said Kilby. “The Chairman of the People’s Republic of China has charged PRC forces to be ready for war by 2027 and it is critical we remain postured to deter, defend and if necessary, defeat provocative actions and unsafe behavior across the Indo-Pacific.”

    Kilby also observed how the Navy executes fleet-level warfare and facilitates lower-echelon mission command at Pacific Fleet’s Maritime Operations Center. Pacific Fleet’s MOC has the lead for achieving certified and proficient teams in command and control, information, intelligence, fires, movement and maneuver, protection, and sustainment functions in accordance with the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024.

    Kilby also met with Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Sam Paparo, responsible for joint U.S. military operations throughout the DoD’s priority theater, which encompasses more than 380,000 U.S. troops across all services, as well as 38 nations, 14 time zones, more than 50% of the world’s population, seven of the ten world’s largest militaries, and five nations allied with the U.S. through mutual defense treaties.

    “I cannot overstate the importance of this theater at this critical time in our nation’s history,” said Kilby. “The partnerships, presence and military readiness these warfighters provide is vital to our global economy, deter aggression, and when necessary, enables us to fight to win.”

    The USINDOPACOM AOR shares borders with each of the other five geographic combatant commands and covers the largest amount of the globe.

    Additionally, Kilby met with Commander, Navy Region Hawaii / Navy Closure Task Force – Red Hill Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett and discussed the Navy’s long-term commitment to closing the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF) and protecting the environment, the aquifer and the entire Hawaii. Kilby also toured RHBFSF during his visit.

    Navy Region Hawaii is a fleet concentration area for more than 25,000 Sailors and 10,000 civilian employees, including more than 60 commands.

    In September, NCTF-RH launched two new communication features to provide the public more options to stay informed on closure activities. One feature is a decommissioning dashboard function on the NCTF-RH mobile app that provides a visual depiction of the RHBFSF tank cleaning progress. The second is the “Let’s Talk Red Hill” podcast series featuring NCTF-RH Deputy Commander Rear Adm. Marc Williams with guest co-hosts and subject matter experts.

    Kilby also toured shore infrastructure during his visit, including the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Airfield, West Loch Annex, Wastewater Treatment Plant and unaccompanied housing.

    “Shore readiness is Navy readiness,” said Kilby. “The CNO has directed by 2027, we will assess, prioritize and program resources to repair infrastructure directly supporting Navy Task Critical Assets to improve operational readiness in the Pacific.”

    Kilby also stressed the importance on stable and predictable funding for continued support of the Navy investments.

    “The Navy must continue our momentum of our efforts to invest in our infrastructure and the quality of service of our people,” said Kilby. “Passing legislation on time and avoiding a continued resolution ensures we can continue to support our Nation’s security interests, ready our platforms and weapons, and take care of our Sailors and civilians.”

    Kilby also met with Navy leadership to discuss NAVPLAN 2024. This strategic guidance focuses on two strategic ends: readiness for conflict with the PRC by 2027 and enhancing long-term advantage. It aims to achieve these ends through two central ways: implementing seven “Project 33 Targets” and expanding the warfighting ecosystem.

    “CNO’s NAVPLAN gives strategic guidance to our Navy regarding where we are now and where we need to go faster to achieve our goals. It’s about thinking, acting and operating differently in a dynamic and changing security environment,” said Kilby. “It’s about raising our baseline level of readiness, putting more players on the field and taking care of our people. We must move forward with purpose and urgency to ensure we remain ready to fight and win should deterrence fail.”

    Continuing Kilby’s emphasis on readiness, he spent time at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility talking with leadership, Sailors and civilians assigned to the shipyard about the vital role the shipyard provides for our national security and our fleet.

    “CNO has given her guidance – by 2027, we will achieve and sustain an 80 percent combat surge ready posture for ships, submarines, and aircraft,” said Kilby. “The team at PHNSY & IMF are essential to achieving that goal for our ships and submarines. Achieving this is an all-hands efforts and I am incredibly proud of what this shipyard is able to accomplish to keep our Fleet fit to fight.”

    Kilby saw the progress made on Dry Dock 5, the first dry dock built in Pearl Harbor since 1943. It’s designed for a projected service life of 150 years and to accommodate the maintenance needs of Virginia-class submarines.

    The U.S. Navy operates four public shipyards; PHNSY & IMF is located in the heart of the Pacific and hosts the only U.S.-owned dry docks located outside the continental United States. The upgrades at PHNSY & IMF are in line with upgrades happening across all four public shipyards as part of the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program.

    For more information on CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024 visit: https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Chief-of-Naval-Operations/CNO-NAVPLAN-2024/

    This was Kilby’s first visit to Hawaii as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

    MIL Security OSI –