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  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito, Archivist of the United States Visit West Virginia University

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – At the invitation of U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Dr. Colleen Shogan, 11th Archivist of the United States, joined Senator Capito for a series of visits at West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, W.Va. to highlight the special and historical collections at WVU Libraries. Dr. Shogan’s visit to WVU comes during American Archives Month.
    Senator Capito and Dr. Shogan’s visits included a tour of the Libraries Depository and the Modern Congressional and Political Papers Collection at the WVU Libraries Depository and a roundtable discussion they hosted with WVU students to discuss the work of the Archives, as well as Dr. Shogan’s unique career path and her success as the first woman appointed to lead the National Archives and Records Administration. Additionally, Senator Capito and Dr. Shogan both separately toured the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC).
    “I appreciate Dr. Shogan for following up on her promise to me that she would come to West Virginia to see the extensive and historical efforts being done by WVU Libraries. We had a productive visit and saw firsthand how the work happening at WVU Libraries will benefit generations of historians, educators, and students for years to come,” Senator Capito said. “The National Archives is home to our nation’s most important documents and the ideas and inspirations that emanate from them. Today’s visit helped shine a light on the significant role academic institutions—like WVU—play in helping preserve our history, while informing the future.”
    “I’m thrilled to have joined Senator Capito in conversation at West Virginia University, and I loved my tour of the incredible work being accomplished at WVU Libraries,” Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan said. “It is always a privilege to speak before tomorrow’s leaders, and especially to discuss the work of the National Archives, where we preserve, protect, and share the stories of all Americans.”
    Dr. Shogan is the 11th Archivist of the United States, and is the first woman appointed to lead the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). A noted author and political scientist, Dr. Shogan is deeply committed to civic education and public engagement, and she has made it a priority to expand the reach of National Archives to a wider audience.
    Following Dr. Shogan’s nomination to serve as Archivist, Senator Capito has strongly supported her. Senator Capito personally introduced Dr. Shogan at her nomination hearing in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in September 2022. With Senator Capito’s support, Dr. Shogan was confirmed by the Senate on May 10, 2023 and sworn in to the position in September 2023, with Senator Capito in attendance at her swearing in ceremony.
    Photos from today’s visit are included below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, visit West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, visit West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States, pictured with West Virginia University (WVU) students in Morgantown, W.Va. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department and Colorado Judiciary Improve Language Access in Courts for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Note: View the release in Somali here. 

    The Justice Department announced today that the Colorado Judiciary has taken significant steps to ensure meaningful language access for people with limited English proficiency (LEP) who interact with the state court system.

    In July 2023, the department’s Civil Rights Division engaged the Colorado Judiciary after receiving complaints that the courts were not providing needed language services to individuals with LEP as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI). Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance.

    In response to the department’s inquiry, the Colorado Judiciary identified proactive steps already taken to address the concerns raised in the complaint and worked with the division to make a variety of other improvements made to its language access program.

    “Providing accurate and timely interpreter services in and outside of the courtroom is paramount to ensuring that all court users are provided equal access to justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The actions taken by the Colorado Judiciary stand as a model and show a true commitment to building a strong language access program.”

    In the year since the Justice Department began working with the Colorado Judiciary, the court has hired a new language access coordinator; revised the Office of Language Access Financial Policy; began to create a new scheduling system for interpreters; purchased new equipment to be used for court interpretation including headsets and iPads; trained court staff and interpreters; and implemented other key improvements.

    The department will continue to monitor the implementation of these changes, and it welcomes feedback from the public. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov.

    More information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Information about limited English proficiency and Title VI is available at http://www.lep.gov, and information specific to courts can be found at http://www.lep.gov/state-courts.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Winsted Municipal Airport

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Winsted Municipal Airport for new snow removal equipment. The grant provides $558,043 to acquire snow removal equipment to enhance the airport’s ability to clear the priority areas of the airfield during winter weather. 
    “Pilots and passengers who use Winsted Municipal Airport deserve a safe and efficient air travel experience,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will ensure the airport can continue running smoothly during the winter, even when it snows heavily.”
    “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Winsted Municipal Airport are vital parts of their communities and this funding will go directly towards keeping runways clear and safe in the winter.”
    This funding is from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Typhoon Krathon Nears Taiwan

    Source: NASA

    Typhoon Krathon lingered off the coast of southwestern Taiwan in early October 2024 and is forecast to batter the idland’s populated west coast with torrential rain and damaging winds.
    On its way to Taiwan, Krathon first thrashed northern parts of the Philippines, where the storm is known as Typhoon Julian. Its strong winds damaged roofs and toppled trees in the Philippine province of Batanes on September 29 and 30, according to news reports. The storm continued to strengthen as it moved northwest.
    The image above, acquired by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite, shows the typhoon at 1 p.m. local time (05:00 Universal Time) on September 30, when it was centered west of the Batanes Islands and about 155 kilometers (96 miles) southwest of Taiwan. The image below, captured at 10 a.m. local time (02:00 Universal Time) on September 30 by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8, shows a closer view of the eye of Krathon.

    The eye of a hurricane is a circular zone of fair weather at the storm’s center. It is surrounded by a towering ring of extremely powerful thunderstorms called an eyewall, the part of the hurricane with the strongest winds.
    About 19 hours after Landsat 8 acquired this image, the cyclone reached super typhoon status with sustained winds of 240 kilometers (150 miles) per hour—the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane—according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). At the time, JTWC noted that Krathon displayed a well-defined eyewall and estimated that the typhoon had likely peaked in intensity.
    Krathon’s movement slowed and its intensity weakened on October 1 and 2 as it churned toward Taiwan’s southwest coast. Between September 30 and October 2, the storm had already brought 150 to 300 millimeters (6 to 12 inches) of rain to the east coast of Taiwan.
    Typhoons in the Western Pacific often hit Taiwan’s mountainous and sparsely populated east coast, but Krathon is set to make landfall on its more populated western plain, near Kaohsiung. The typhoon season stretches across the entire year, but the majority of storms usually form between May and October.
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang and Lauren Dauphin, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) and Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Emily Cassidy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State of Missouri holds 2024 Show Me Challenge competition, winning team presents idea to expand operations to maximize print efficiencies

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, the State of Missouri announced the winners of the 2024 Show Me Challenge competition. On Monday, nine finalist teams competed in-person before a panel of state government senior leaders to present the best ideas to improve state government.

    Inspired by the hit TV show “Shark Tank,” the Show Me Challenge continues to bring together state team members from across Missouri’s 17 executive departments to pitch solutions that improve systems and processes that serve the citizens of Missouri, cut out unnecessary work, and/or save the State time and money.

    The Show Me Challenge invited all State of Missouri team members in the executive branch to submit an initial pitch outlining their solutions. Nine teams were then invited to participate in the final competition. They had the opportunity to further develop their pitch, receive coaching, and then present their ideas in front of a panel of judges, including department directors and other senior leaders with government, policy, and business expertise.

    The finalist teams represented nine of the 17 executive departments of the Missouri state government and competed in front of a live audience.

    First place went to the team Space Rangers from the Office of Administration (OA) for their request to find additional space for their printing and mailing services team (OA Document Solutions) to maximize print efficiencies by acquiring additional equipment. 

    Winning team members of Space Rangers are:

    Brandon Bailey
    Lance Clingman
    Erin Coles
    Kenneth Cummings
    Aaron Dickey
    Terry Groner
    Bradley Malone
    Maddie Meyer 

    OA Document Solutions (OADS) held a close partnership with University of Missouri Print and Mail Services (MU) for over 40 years. Throughout this collaboration, MU has consistently delivered print services that surpassed OADS capabilities in terms of size or finishing. On August 2, 2023, MU announced that they would be phasing out MU Print Services over the next calendar year. OADS began brainstorming how to acquire and put to use the MU equipment with capabilities that would expand their services, provide substantial return on investment, and minimally impact services to our State Agency customers. With the new equipment, OADS will be able to increase our efficiencies 200-800% in run time and/or finishing, depending on the project.

    “OADS is committed to streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency by consolidating all print equipment into a single, appropriately-equipped facility. This will not only enhance productivity but also provide an opportunity for OADS to meet the printing demands of the state agencies in-house. Furthermore, it allows OADS to have better quality control of production and meeting the customer requested deadlines,” said Erin Coles, OA Document Solutions Program Manager, OA. “Our team appreciated the opportunity through the Show Me Challenge to showcase what we have been working on to senior leaders. The process improvements we continue to make will allow us to better serve our State Agencies and citizens of Missouri.”

    Second place went to Data for All from the Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Department of Revenue (DOR), Department of Economic Development (DED), and OA for their project that would create a curriculum, checklists, and other resources to educate state team members to help increase accessibility of documents published online by the State of Missouri. 

    Third place went to Team MoVest (Missouri Vital Empowerment for State Teams) from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), DESE, & OA for their idea to create a virtual learning experience that will provide a unique opportunity for all state team members to grow their professional networks, develop new skills, and enhance their abilities.

    A Fourth and Fifth place were also awarded to contestants. Fourth place went to Recovery from MoDOT for their design to help the department recoup money spent repairing MoDOT property by automatically bringing together information from a variety of sources to make it easier to recover outstanding funds. Fifth place went to Hands on Deck from the Department of Social Services (DSS) for seeking to establish in their Children’s Division a pool of experienced retired/former employees to be paid on an hourly basis as they step in to cover workforce gaps when an office or facility experience inadequate workforce numbers, extended absence, or crisis situations. 

    The judges for this year’s competition were Senator Mike Bernskoetter, Representative Dave Griffith; Anna Hui, Director, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR); Valerie Huhn, Director, DMH; Robert Knodell, Director, DSS; Valarie Moseley, Deputy Director, Department of Corrections (DOC), and Tyler Hobbs, Legislative Director, Governor’s Office. 

    The judges considered a pitch’s quality, practicality, and potential for impact.

    “It is incredibly inspiring to see the creativity and dedication of our public servants, who are committed to making state government more efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of our citizens,” said Rep. Dave Griffith. “By empowering employees to share their insights, we ensure that we are delivering the best possible services to the people of our state.”

    “The Show Me Challenge is an exciting opportunity for our team members to present their best ideas for improving government. Not only does it empower our workforce to take an active role in driving positive change but fosters a culture of innovation for the services we provide to our customers,” said Valerie Huhn, Director, DMH. “The creativity and insight from our team members is one of our greatest assets and I look forward to seeing how their ideas will enhance our operations and make a lasting impact on state government.”

    “This competition showcases the incredible talent and ingenuity of our frontline state team members, giving them a platform to present ideas that can significantly improve how we operate,” said Robert Knodell, Director, DSS. “Through tapping into the creativity of our workforce, we are uncovering innovative solutions that make government more efficient and save valuable time and taxpayer dollars. The Show Me Challenge is a powerful reminder that the best ideas often come from within.” 

    To date, over 600 team members have pitched ideas to improve production and processes across state government. The 2025 Show Me Challenge competition will begin next spring.

    For more on the Show Me Challenge, go here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Final proposal for representation arrangements for the 2025 elections open for appeals and objections

    Source: Auckland Council

    Following public consultation, Auckland Council has publicly notified its final proposal for representation arrangements across the region ahead of the 2025 local body elections. This means Aucklanders can submit an appeal or objection if they wish, from today until 3 November.

    Councillor Julie Fairey, chair of the council’s Joint Governance Working Party that has led the extensive review, says she’s pleased to have reached an outcome shaped by submissions from Aucklanders.   

    “This has been a huge piece of work for staff and elected members, and the communities most impacted, and I want to thank them for their mahi.  The submissions and feedback shaped the final proposal significantly, as in the recommendations for the Rodney subdivisions and keeping Parnell and Newmarket in the Ōrākei ward,” she says.

    Councils are required to review their elected representation arrangements at least every six years. This includes reviewing the number of councillors in the Governing Body and the number of members of local boards.

    The council must also review whether members are elected from the whole area, or by electoral areas such as wards for councillors and subdivisions for local board members. There are rules which require the council to provide effective representation of communities of interest and, where there are electoral areas, spread representation evenly.

    The final proposal amends the initial proposal in a couple of ways. It amends boundaries and names of subdivisions in the Rodney Local Board area. It also amends ward boundaries in Central Auckland. No changes have been made to proposals for Howick Local Board subdivisions or local board minor boundary changes.

    In early November, any appeals and objections that have been received will be referred to the Local Government Commission (LGC) to make an independent decision.

    Aucklanders can expect to hear an outcome on the council’s final proposal by April 2025, allowing time for changes to be introduced before next year’s council elections.

    The final proposal includes these changes to current boundaries:  

    Central Auckland wards

    The boundaries of the Waitematā and Gulf Ward, Ōrākei Ward, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward and Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward will realign with local board boundaries, except that:

    • Parnell and Newmarket to remain in Ōrākei ward

    • St Johns to remain in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward

    • Eden Terrace to remain in the Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward.

    North Shore wards

    North Shore/ Albany wards – the boundary between the wards will move to include the Bayview area and align with the proposed local board boundary along Sunset Road.

    Minor local board boundary changes

    • Upper Harbour / Devonport-Takapuna – all of Saunders Reserve to be in Upper Harbour

    • Kaipātiki / Upper Harbour:

      • boundary will run along Sunset Road

      • land near Kereru Reserve to Upper Harbour

      • area near Bayview, north of Glendhu Road

    • Kaipātikti Puketāpapa / Maungakiekie-Tāmaki – all of Taumanu Reserve to Maungakiekie-Tāmaki.

    Rodney Local Board subdivisions

    The boundary between the Northern Rodney and Southern Kaipara subdivisions has changed to include Kaukapakapa in the Southern Kaipara subdivision.

    Howick Local Board subdivisions

    • Howick, 3 members (no change)

    • Pakuranga, 3 members (no change)

    • Botany, 2 members (changed area)

    • Flat Bush, 3 members (new subdivision).

    Variances to the 10 percent rule  

    Decisions were made to prioritise communities of interest, resulting in the number of people represented by each elected member in a subdivision area not being within 10 percent of the average for the whole local board area (which is the ideal population-based ratio):

    • Hibiscus and Bays Local Board

    • Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

    • Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board

    • Franklin Local Board.

    For more detail, visit AKhaveyoursay.representation.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO New York City arrests Venezuelan noncitizen and Tren de Aragua gang member convicted of criminal possession of a firearm

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — On Sept. 28, Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City arrested Javier Jose Albornoz Marchan, 22, an unlawfully present Venezuelan citizen and member of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization, who was convicted by the Bronx County Supreme Court of criminal possession of a weapon — possession of a firearm. Albornoz was one of eight noncitizens arrested by the New York City Police Department March 27, and was charged with weapons and drug related offenses.

    ERO Fugitive Operations officers took Albornoz into custody on Staten Island, pursuant to a warrant of arrest, and transferred him to the ERO New York City office for processing. Albornoz remains in custody without bond, pending removal proceedings.

    “Sanctuary jurisdictions undermine public safety and put our communities at unnecessary risk,” said ERO New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo. “New York City and state leaders should reevaluate the policies that prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with ERO. It is unconscionable this felon was running free in New York for the last three weeks when he could have immediately been apprehended upon release from local custody. Thankfully, through the due diligence of our courageous officers and our law enforcement partners, this individual was swiftly apprehended and denied the ability to reoffend.”

    On Sept. 22, 2022, U.S Border Patrol encountered Albornoz near EL Paso, Texas. Officials released him into the United States as an alternative to detention and a condition of parole due to detention capacity at the Central Processing Center in El Paso, Texas. Albornoz never reported to ERO for processing.

    On June 18, 2023, the Moonachie Police Department arrested Albornoz for the crime of shoplifting-under-ringing. On June 21, 2023, the Municipal Court of Teterboro remanded Albornoz’s charges to the lower court and released him on his own recognizance.

    On Jan. 6, 2024, the Woodbridge Police Department in New Jersey arrested Albornoz for the crimes of shoplifting-take merchandise without paying and burglary tools-manufacture. On Jan. 8, ERO Newark lodged an immigration detainer for Albornoz with the Middlesex County Jail in North Brunswick, New Jersey. On the same date, the Middlesex County Jail ignored the detainer and released Albornoz from local custody without notifying ERO.

    On March 27, the NYPD arrested Albornoz for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree: loaded firearm; criminal possession weapon in the second degree: loaded firearm on school grounds; criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell; and acting in manner to injure child less than 17.

    On April 1, ERO New York City lodged an immigration detainer against Albornoz’s release with the New York Department of Corrections at Rikers Island.

    On Sept. 5, the Bronx County Supreme Court convicted Albornoz of criminal possession of a firearm and sentenced him to six months of imprisonment. The next day, the New York City Department of Corrections at Rikers Island released Albornoz back into the community after he served his sentence, despite an active detainer in place, without notifying ERO.

    On Sept. 27, the FBI New York’s Safe Streets Task Force notified ERO New York City of possible threats made by Albornoz to local law enforcement and requested assistance with locating and apprehending him.

    Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Because detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.

    Noncitizens placed into removal proceedings receive their legal due process from federal immigration judges in the immigration courts, which are administered by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice and is separate from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case. ERO officers carry out the removal decisions made by the federal immigration judges.

    ERO uses intelligence driven operations that target public safety threats, such as convicted criminal noncitizens and gang members, who have violated our nation’s immigration laws, including those who illegally reenter the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges. ERO officers prioritize enforcement actions in accordance with the Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law issued by DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on Sept. 30, 2021, and reinstituted on June 28 — obtaining and reviewing entire criminal and administrative records and any other investigative information available, when taking decisive law enforcement actions.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing ICE’s online tip form.

    Learn more about ERO New York City’s mission to preserve public safety on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ERONewYork.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Working together to protect Auckland’s natural environment

    Source: Auckland Council

    Aucklanders will soon be asked for their feedback on Auckland Council’s ‘Let’s protect our environment’ consultation.

    Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee encourages all Aucklanders to have their say.

    “We’re going to ask you how we can all work together to protect our environment. We can’t do this alone – we know this mahi takes a collaborative effort from so many community groups, volunteers and individuals, all working together with the council and other agencies.”

    “Let’s protect our environment will ask what we can do to continue to protect what Aucklanders value. Like our native species and ecosystems, Māori cultural values, rural primary production, and the safety and wellbeing of our communities and natural habitats.”

    Why are we asking for feedback?

    “Our current approach to protecting Auckland’s natural environment has us covered until 2030. So we’re in the early stages of planning what the updated approach will cover, which includes formal public consultation in 2027. As part of our preparation, we are going out early to ask Aucklanders for their views on select topics to inform and update our approach,” explains Dr Imogen Bassett, Auckland Council Head of Natural Environment Specialist Services.

    “This pre-consultation will give us some great early feedback on critical topics and new issues. We are also working closely with mana whenua to understand their aspirations for the taiao / environment, and we have planned an extensive programme of engagement on specific topics.”

    The public feedback, as well as engagement with mana whenua, stakeholders, and technical experts, will be used to draft a new plan for how we protect the natural environment from 2030-2040. When this draft plan is ready, you’ll be asked for your feedback on this, too.

    What has changed since our current plan was approved in 2020?

    “A lot has changed since our existing plan was drafted. Many new species have arrived from overseas, such as myrtle rust, exotic caulerpa seaweed, and freshwater gold clam. We need to consider how – and if– we should address these new risks in the future,” says Dr Bassett.

    Additionally, as our climate warms, and severe weather events become more frequent, we also need to adapt our approach. Species that originate from warmer climates may pose a greater risk to Tāmaki Makaurau in the future. Acting now can help us prevent those problems.

    Storms and floods, damage the resilience of our ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to damage from introduced species, while simultaneously spreading introduced species to new places.

    “Of course, all species are indigenous to somewhere in the world, and have value and whakapapa to those lands, regardless of the impacts they may have here in Aotearoa. We also know that there’s an economic impact to this work. Together, we need to work out where the balance lies to manage different species in different contexts,” says Cr Richard Hills.

    Auckland Council’s ‘Let’s protect our environment’ consultation opens soon (25 October to 8 December 2024). Sign up for updates on akhaveyoursay.co.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Signed Into Law: Brown’s Bipartisan Bill To Cut Red Tape For Chips Projects Like Intel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the President signed into law his bipartisan Building Chips in America Act, a law to streamline federal reviews for microchip manufacturing facilities like the one being built by Intel in New Albany. The law prevents delays in domestic manufacturing investments made possible by the CHIPS Act while maintaining bedrock environmental protections for clean air and water.
    The legislation passed the U.S. Senate in December and the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
    “This law will help prevent delays to the semiconductor manufacturing projects the CHIPS Act made possible and will encourage future investments in American manufacturing. This is critical to Intel’s project in Licking County and to ensure that we can outcompete China,” said Brown.
    Brown has been a leader in bringing new manufacturing opportunities to Ohio and worked to pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 which boosted Intel’s $20 billion investment to build a semiconductor plant in New Albany and is expected to create 10,000 jobs.
    Following its passage, companies throughout the semiconductor supply chain have announced plans to invest billions in new domestic manufacturing projects. The Building Chips in America Act would ensure federal environmental reviews are completed in a timely manner for these microchip projects supported by the CHIPS Act by streamlining approval for projects currently under construction and others that could be delayed, and by providing the Secretary of Commerce greater tools to more effectively and efficiently carry out reviews.
    This will give the administration additional authority to more effectively implement the CHIPS Act and maximize its potential to boost domestic microchip manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains, lower costs, and improve national security.
    In addition to Brown, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Todd Young (R-IN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Ted Budd (R-NC) led the legislation in the Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 10.02.2024 Sen. Cruz Celebrates Designation of “Ports-to-Plains” Corridor Portion to I-27 in Lubbock County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement after the Texas Transportation Commission designated a segment of the state highway system in Lubbock County as Interstate 27, officially bringing another portion of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor into the Interstate System. Sen. Cruz led legislation to formally name the Ports-to-Plains Corridor between Laredo, Texas, and Raton, New Mexico, as the future Interstate 27, which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year.
    Following the announcement, Sen. Cruz said, “It has been a long and hard-fought effort to improve infrastructure for I-27, but this news is another tremendous step in boosting jobs, economic development, and better transportation for Texans in communities across the Lone Star State. The integration of this stretch of I-27 is a welcome sight for leaders and business owners along the I-27 corridor, who will greatly benefit from improved supply chains and safer highways. I was proud to author the bipartisan legislation designating I-27, which will produce thousands of high-paying jobs and billions in new investments in Texas. I will continue to advocate for more stretches of the famed “Ports-to-Plains” corridor to be swiftly incorporated into I-27 pursuant to the law I authored with my colleagues in Congress.”
    BACKGROUND
    In 2022, Sen. Cruz successfully included language in the fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations legislation to designate the portion of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor from Laredo, Texas, to Raton, New Mexico, as a future Interstate route. This was an important step toward adding the route to the U.S. Interstate System. Though the language passed into law in 2022 will add key parts of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor to the Interstate System, it did not give the route an official future Interstate route number. Sen. Cruz’s legislation, which was signed into law in March, names the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as the “future Interstate 27.”
    The I-27 Numbering Act of 2023, was co-sponsored by Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), August Pfluger (R-Texas), and Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) introduced identical legislation in the House.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study of vaping trends among adults in England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in The Lancet Public Health looks at vaping trends in adults who have never regularly smoked.

    Prof Peter Hajek, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Health and Lifestyle Research Unit, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), said:

    “Some people have genes and circumstances leading them to like nicotine products. Traditionally, they ended up smoking, but some are now discovering vaping without becoming smokers first. If vaping did not exist, they would be smoking. The study authors point this out.

    “The just-released figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK smoking prevalence is under 12%, an all-time low. If much less risky alternatives are allowed to continue to compete with cigarettes, smoking (and heart disease, lung disease and cancers that it causes) will continue to decline as well. 

    “The UK and USA, which allow vaping, have seen significantly faster declines in cigarette sales and in smoking among young and low income people than Australia, which bans vaping.  Sweden, which is the only EU country that allows use of low-risk oral tobacco, has by far the lowest smoking prevalence.  Efforts are needed to limit use of nicotine products in adolescents but if more adults (as well as adolescents) are taking up vaping instead of smoking it may in fact be good news.”

    ‘Vaping among adults in England who have never regularly smoked: a population-based study, 2016-24’ by Sarah Jackson et al. was published in The Lancet Public Health at 23.30 UK time Wednesday 2 October 2024.

    Declared interests

    Peter Hajek: no COIs

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Secures Additional Provisions for Servicemembers, Veterans in Senate’s Bipartisan National Defense Bill Final Text

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she has secured additional provisions for Nevada veterans and servicemembers in the final text of the Senate’s bipartisan national defense bill. This is in addition to the Rosen-backed bills, amendments, and provisions already included in the text of the bill passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The final Senate text of the legislation includes Senator Rosen’s bipartisan bill to maintain a permanent helpline to assist veterans with all services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and a Rosen-backed bipartisan bill to better inform students about military careers.
    “As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I helped draft the Senate’s annual defense package to enhance our national security and deliver for our servicemembers, veterans, military families, and Nevada’s military and nuclear security installations,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud that two additional bipartisan bills I led are included in the final Senate bill to support our veterans and help inform young people about military careers. I’ll keep working across the aisle to ensure we have the resources to confront international threats and advance our state’s priorities.”
    Additional Rosen-led bipartisan bills in the final Senate version of the FY25 NDAA include:
    Bipartisan Veterans Assistance Helpline Act: Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain a permanent helpline for veterans to use in order to quickly obtain information and assistance with all services from the VA.
    Bipartisan Military and Educational Data Integration Act: Requires the Department of Defense to create a data-sharing program to enable state education systems to access military enlistment data, allowing high schools to track the outcomes of students who enter military service after graduation.
    The Senate’s bipartisan national defense bill already includes many Rosen-led victories for Nevada, including preventing any funding from being authorized for storing defense nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. Other provisions will directly benefit Nevada’s servicemembers and national security installations, such as funding for Nevada’s first certified small arms training range for the Nevada National Guard at Hawthorne Army Depot, which she secured; requiring a plan for providing the VA with the documentation needed to help veterans who served near nuclear testing to submit claims for the radiation exposure benefits they deserve; increasing land in Nevada for Tribal housing; expanding health care coverage for veterans’ families; and creating programs to strengthen collaboration with Israel, Taiwan, and other allies in the areas of space, artificial intelligence, and the defense industrial base.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown Pushes Administration to Maintain Funding for Stryker Vehicles, Fights for Workers at Lima’s JSMC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown called on the Biden administration to maintain funding for the Stryker Family of Vehicles, manufactured in part at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima.
    In a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shalanda Young, and Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, Brown details how critically important this combat system is to the U.S. Military and our defense industrial base. Brown lays out how the reduction in funding could threaten military readiness and hurt the JSMC’s skilled workforce, including members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2075, who support the manufacturing of the M1 Abrams tanks.
    “It’s my understanding that the Army’s Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) fiscal year (FY) 2025 through FY 2029 proposes to drastically reduce Stryker procurement funding by more than $1.6 billion, or 496 vehicles. These shortsighted cuts would impose significant costs on the U.S. Army and Stryker’s domestic industrial base, and I urge you to reconsider this proposal and replace it with one that recognizes the value of the Stryker FoV and maintains an investment in this essential technology and the manufacturing community supporting it.,” wrote Brown to the administration officials.
    Brown continued, “Cutting Stryker funding threatens both military readiness and the industrial base – both workforce and manufacturers – that ensure our continued military superiority.  Of particular concern is the impact such disinvestment could have on the JSMC’s skilled workforce – which also supports the M1 Abrams tank. Reduced funding would impose a deep workforce reduction that could only be revived with much effort and at great cost. In addition, cuts to the Stryker F0V would impact hundreds of manufacturers – and their employees – throughout the nation.  In fact, 80 suppliers in Ohio alone support the Stryker program – many of them small businesses that would likely need to shut down or shift work elsewhere if the Army maintains its plan of deep reductions.”
    Recently, Brown was able to secure $402 million for the Stryker vehicle production and $773 million for the M1 Abrams tank production in the Senate version of the bipartisan FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the country’s annual national defense bill. The bill text has been negotiated by both parties in the Senate and represents an important step forward in process of making the national defense bill law. It is expected be voted on by the Senate in the coming months.
    The full letter is HERE or below.
    Dear Secretary Austin, Director Young, and Secretary Wormuth:
    As the U.S. Army works to sustain and modernize its Stryker Family of Vehicles (FoV), I ask that you maintain funding for this critically important combat system, which is manufactured in part at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima, Ohio.  It’s my understanding that the Army’s Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) fiscal year (FY) 2025 through FY 2029 proposes to drastically reduce Stryker procurement funding by more than $1.6 billion, or 496 vehicles. These shortsighted cuts would impose significant costs on the U.S. Army and Stryker’s domestic industrial base, and I urge you to reconsider this proposal and replace it with one that recognizes the value of the Stryker FoV and maintains an investment in this essential technology and the manufacturing community supporting it.
    The Stryker FoV are the Army’s workhorse – a proven combat vehicle fleet that provides highly-mobile, versatile, and essential support for U.S. servicemembers and our allies. To date, the Stryker FoV has logged over 30 million combat miles in more than 23 deployments and is currently a key deterrent force in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Despite the Stryker FoV’s proven capabilities, the Army’s FYDP for FY 2025-29 proposes a Stryker vehicle reduction of 58 percent from previous FYDPs and sends a dangerous signal that the Army intends to phase out Stryker production with no replacement in place. 
    Cutting Stryker funding threatens both military readiness and the industrial base – both workforce and manufacturers – that ensure our continued military superiority.  Of particular concern is the impact such disinvestment could have on the JSMC’s skilled workforce – which also supports the M1 Abrams tank. Reduced funding would impose a deep workforce reduction that could only be revived with much effort and at great cost. In addition, cuts to the Stryker F0V would impact hundreds of manufacturers – and their employees – throughout the nation.  In fact, 80 suppliers in Ohio alone support the Stryker program – many of them small businesses that would likely need to shut down or shift work elsewhere if the Army maintains its plan of deep reductions.
    Even without a reduction to the Stryker FoV, I am concerned the Army currently has no plan to modernize the Stryker platform beyond its current configuration. Future planning is necessary to ensure the Stryker FoV’s operational effectiveness for the envisioned, complex battlefield of the future. 
    I urge you to invest in our national security by keeping the funding at $1.6 billion over the next 4 years and reconsider plans to shift investment away from this essential line of equipment and the talented, domestic manufacturing base behind it. Additionally, I respectfully request a briefing on the Army’s plan for the Stryker platform and the plan to address the risks inherent in its current funding position.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Response and Recovery Efforts Underway Across Multiple Affected by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Response and Recovery Efforts Underway Across Multiple Affected by Hurricane Helene

    Response and Recovery Efforts Underway Across Multiple Affected by Hurricane Helene

    WASHINGTON – First responders across local and state governments, the private sector, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and the federal family continue working to address the immediate needs of survivors and their communities.

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

    President Biden has approved federal disaster assistance that is available for survivors in designated counties in Florida, Georgia North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Survivors may apply for assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or on the FEMA App.

    Survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55506″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/857edeb73204d77dbc46b266f2c2e336.jpeg?itok=L9ZoNHwY” alt=”Caption: Asheville, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – Volunteers distribute supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Asheville, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – Volunteers distribute supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55523″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/dda6592057e439dfd4aa24c9e7690799.jpg?itok=I_98rZYb” alt=”Caption:

    Valdosta, Ga. (Sept. 30, 2024) – FEMA helps survivors of Hurricane Helene by distributing water, MREs, and tarps in Lowndes County, Georgia.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Valdosta, Ga. (Sept. 30, 2024) – FEMA helps survivors of Hurricane Helene by distributing water, MREs, and tarps in Lowndes County, Georgia.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55516″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/64ca229be08c2e8e9e6957d8554c1b59.jpg?itok=9v_5E7Gt” alt=”Caption: Steinhatchee, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help survivors of Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Steinhatchee, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help survivors of Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55497″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/ad690fcdc4cec543993db83fbbc20de4.jpg?itok=cwpj5KSr” alt=”Caption:

    Fletcher, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help Hurricane Helene survivors, including registering them for aid.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Fletcher, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams help Hurricane Helene survivors, including registering them for aid.
    SWANNANOA, North Carolina – Volunteers serve hot food to survivors in downtown Swannanoa. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55553″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/c08e18a8e81aa97721e01330817a1619.jpg?itok=TLOxdx_N” alt=”Caption: Swannanoa, N.C. – (October 1, 2024) – The town of Swannanoa in Western North Carolina reels in the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Swannanoa, N.C. – (October 1, 2024) – The town of Swannanoa in Western North Carolina reels in the wake of devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
    GREENVILLE, South Carolina – Members of the South Carolina Army National Guard distribute meals and water to disaster survivors in Greenville. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    ASHEVILE, North Carolina – Members of the North Carolina Army National Guard work alongside volunteers at William W. Estes Elementary School to load meals and water for disaster survivors. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    STEINHATCHEE, Florida. – FEMA speaks with a Hurricane Helene survivor. Agency personnel are on the ground helping survivors register for disaster assistance. (Photo Credit: FEMA)
    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina:  The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response deployed a National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) team to provide 24-hour emergency department surge support at Mission Hospital in Asheville. This is one of four sites in western North Carolina receiving NDMS medical support. (Source: HHS)

    FEMA’s Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages: Disaster Multimedia Toolkit. 

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Assumption Parish

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Assumption Parish

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Assumption Parish

    BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA and the State of Louisiana will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Napoleonville on Thursday, Oct. 3, to provide one-on-one help to Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Francine.

    Center location:

    Assumption Parish

    Assumption High School, North Building

    4880 Hwy 308

    Napoleonville, LA 70390 

    Additional DRCs are open at the following locations: 

    Ascension Parish

    Lemann Memorial Center

    1100 Clay St.

    Donaldsonville, LA 70346

    Lafourche Parish

    Lafourche Parish Emergency Operations Center

    4876 Hwy. 1

    Raceland, LA 70394

    St. Charles Parish

    Alan Arterbury Building

    14564 River Road

    New Sarpy, LA 70078

    St. John the Baptist Parish

    Reserve Library

    1482 Hwy 44

    Reserve, LA 70084

    St. James Parish

    Convent Community Center

    5775 Hwy 44

    Convent, LA 70723

    St. Mary Parish

    Morgan City Municipal Auditorium
    728 Myrtle St.
    Morgan City, LA 70380

    Terrebonne Parish

    Terrebonne Parish Library

    151 Library Drive

    Houma, LA 70360

    The centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

    Residents in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes can visit any DRC to meet with representatives of FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, along with other community partners. No appointment is needed to visit the center. 

    The centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology. If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish).

    You do not have to visit a center to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The quickest way to apply is by going online at disasterassistance.gov/.

    Additional options when applying include:

    • Download the FEMA App for mobile devices. 
    • Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
    • To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

    For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4817. Follow FEMA Region 6 social media at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6.

    alexa.brown

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Shorten interview on A Current Affair with Deborah Knight

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    SUBJECTS: NDIS Section 10 lists

    DEBORAH KNIGHT, HOST: The NDIS budget is blowing out big time. Courtesy in large part to roters, and spending on bizarre items: sex therapy and tarot card readings, just to name two. Finally, some common sense and a clear direction on what your money, taxpayer dollars, should be spent on the NDIS. Minister Bill Shorten is with me now. Minister, these changes are long overdue and a lot of it is common sense. Why has it taken so long to get to this point?

    BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNENT SERVICES: Well, they are overdue and they are common sense. You probably have to ask the seven coalition Ministers who are in charge of the portfolio before me, because I think what I’m doing is just spelling out in black and white what needs to be done, making it clear for participants what is and isn’t allowed expenditure.

    KNIGHT: Now, the banned items include tarot cards, clairvoyance and wilderness therapy, even cuddle therapy. Frankly, they should never have been funded in the first place. Why then is there a one year grace period?

    SHORTEN: Well, most of these things are not getting funded now. Let’s be clear. What this list represents is ten years of lessons. Most of this stuff is not getting funded now, but some of it is, though. Well, the reason why there is a grace period isn’t for the illegal stuff. That’s like narcotics, illicit substances, alcohol, that’s never been allowed and it shouldn’t be allowed in terms of the transition period. It’s purely, if someone makes a mistake, maybe by virtue of their disability, if the expenditure is small, under $1,500, we’ll educate them first and talk to people. The ironic thing is, you say, rightly, why is it taking so long? Other people say, I’m going too quickly, but I think this is now where we need to be.

    KNIGHT: And if people are repeat offenders, if they keep claiming the wrong things, will they potentially lose their NDIS funding altogether?

    SHORTEN: Well, it’s not going to get funded. As simple as that. Now, some of the list of what’s out is stuff which, frankly, mainstream departments of government, federal and state and hospitals should be doing. I mean, the NDIS shouldn’t be asked to pay for a child with a disability’s desk at school. That’s the obligation of the school system. If you’re on the NDIS and you go to a hospital outpatient ward, you shouldn’t be told, no, we won’t help you here because you’re on the NDIS. So, we’ll. I think this is just going to rebuild public confidence in the scheme. Most participants, by the way, nothing is going to change for them. Most participants and most service providers are doing the right thing. But it is an unfortunate fact alive that perhaps the NDIS in the past has been treated with naivety. And wherever there’s government money, opportunists will descend like flies upon a barbecue, trying to make their own profits at the expense of participants and taxpayers.

    KNIGHT: And what about the Reuters? Will you be putting a stop to all of that? Because we’ve brought you here on a current affair, story after story of people being fleeced.

    SHORTEN: Yeah, absolutely. And we’ve tripled the safeguards commission. They’re the regulator. When I came in two and a half years ago, there were 367 people trying to cover a scheme of over half a million. Now there’s over 1000 investigators and complaints officers. We’ve now got 56 people before the court, so we’re waiting for the commonwealth director of public prosecution to put them before the courts. We have over 500 active investigations. And I must always say most people are doing the right thing and this scheme is changing lives. But let’s tell the truth. And the truth is there is some proportion who’ve been having a lend to the scheme, overcharging, over servicing, ripping off, charging a fee for someone on the NDIS, which is higher than if they weren’t on the NDIS, charging for nonsense services.

    KNIGHT: And it’s because of that that the NDIS costs are skyrocketing and it’s already one of the most expensive areas of government spending. How much will these changes see taxpayers saving?

    SHORTEN: We think over the next four years through the various reforms, including these, but not just these, that we will be able to stop wasteful growth in the order of nearly $15 billion.

    KNIGHT: And can you guarantee that the money will now go to where it’s really needed?

    SHORTEN: Yeah, I actually think that we can. So, the short answer? Yes. Even last year, so financial year 23, July 23 to June 24, we’ve come in $1 billion under what we forecast, a billion dollars. That’s because we’ve got better quality staff, we’ve got. We’re investing in people and training and the whole aim of the scheme is it is changing lives. I love the idea of the NDIS giving a personal budget to a family, to a person with a disability, so that 80 year old carers drying the dishes late at night, looking over the sink into the backyard, don’t have to worry who’s going to look after their adult child. A little baby with a non standard developmental journey now has options in life, but we’ve got to eliminate expenditure, which basically is not delivering any return to participants and in some cases it’s just enriching crooks.

    KNIGHT: Yeah, well, no argument from anyone on that. But you finish up as NDIS Minister in February of next year. What do you hope your legacy will be?

    SHORTEN: That when a child has a non standard development journey and the parents work this out, they’ve got somewhere to go. That when those ageing parents in their eighties say, who’s going to love their 40 or 50 year old child, who needs quite a degree of intensive care, they know that this country will look after your child. That a person with a disability, when they finish year twelve, actually is sent somewhere other than a daycare centre. That they’re not looked at. That a person in Australia is not looked at purely through the prism of their disability, but all the things they can do, not what someone thinks they can’t do.

    KNIGHT: Well, let’s hope the money gets to where it is needed. Bill Shorten, thanks so much.

    SHORTEN: Thanks for your interest, Deb.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New powers for banks to combat fraudsters

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Banks to be given new powers to protect consumers against scams.

    • New rules extend maximum delay for suspicious payments by 72 hours
    • Gives banks more time to investigate and break the spell of fraudsters

    Banks will be given new powers to delay and investigate payments that are suspected of being fraudulent, helping to protect consumers against scammers.  

    New laws proposed by the Government today will extend the time that payments can be delayed by 72 hours where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a payment is fraudulent and more time is needed for the bank to investigate.  

    This will give banks more time to break the spell woven by fraudsters over their victims and tackle the estimated £460 million lost to fraud last year alone.

    Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq said:

    Hundreds of millions of pounds are lost to scammers each year, targeting vulnerable communities and ruining the lives of ordinary people.  

    We need to protect these people better, which is why we are giving banks more time to investigate suspicious payments and break the criminal spell that scammers weave.

    Minister of State with Responsibility for Fraud, Lord Sir David Hanson said:

    Fraud is a crime that can devastate lives, and anyone can be affected.  

    That’s why measures like this are so crucial to provide banks the investigative powers they need to better protect customers from this appalling crime.

    Fraud accounts for over a third of all crime perpetrated in England and Wales, making it the most prevalent form of crime commitment in the country. This has been driven by a growing number of purchase scams and the emergence of so-called ‘romance scams’, where victims target vulnerable people and trick them into transferring large amounts of money by pretending to be interested in a romantic relationship.  

    The new rules will help protect people against these types of scams by allowing banks up to an additional 72 hours to investigate suspicious payments. Currently banks must either process or refuse a payment by the end of the next business day.

    Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, Rocio Concha said:

    This is a positive step in the fight against fraud. While it should not affect the vast majority of everyday payments, it’s important that banks can delay a bank transfer and take action if they think a customer is being targeted by a scam. 

    These measures should be used in a careful and targeted way. Financial firms of all sizes should also ensure they share intelligence and work with the police and other authorities to shut down accounts used for fraud and pursue the criminals behind them.

    UK Finance Managing Director of Economic Crime, Ben Donaldson said:

    UK Finance has long called for firms to be allowed to delay payments in high-risk cases where fraud is suspected, and we are delighted to see proposed new laws supporting this.  

    This could allow payment service providers time to get in touch with customers and give them the advice and support they need to avoid being coerced by the criminals who want to steal their money. This could potentially limit the psychological harms that these awful crimes can cause and stop money getting into the hands of criminals.

    Banks who have reasonable grounds to suspect a payment is fraudulent will need to inform customers when a payment is being delayed. They will also need to explain what the customer needs to do in order to unblock the payment.  

    The need for evidence to trigger a delay will help protect people and businesses from unnecessary payment delays. Banks will also be required to compensate customers for any interest or late payment fees they incur as a result of delays.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charity Commission restricts international aid charity’s spending amidst a statutory inquiry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    The charity regulator for England and Wales has today (3 October 2024) opened a statutory inquiry into Barnabas Fund (also known as Barnabas Aid) after identifying several serious concerns regarding its compliance with charity law and the use of charitable funds.

    The Commission is investigating issues, including allegations of unauthorised payments to some of the current and former trustees and related parties, allegations that the charity’s founders have inappropriate control or influence over how the charity operates, and possible unmanaged conflicts of interest. The inquiry will also seek to establish if the charity’s structure and relationship with Nexcus, a US-based subsidiary, is in the best interests of the charity. Some of these issues have since been reported on in the media.

    Due to concerns that the charity’s funds may have been misused in the past, and questions as to the trustees’ oversight, the Commission has used its powers to temporarily restrict any transactions the charity intends to make which are over £4,000. This is to protect the charity’s significant income and assets – Barnabas Fund reported an income of over £21m and assets of over £2.3m in its latest accounts.

    The inquiry opened on 17 September 2024, escalating from a regulatory compliance case. It will examine whether the trustees are running their charity in line with their legal duties and charity law; particularly in relation to managing finances, conflicts of interest, and preventing unauthorised trustee and third-party benefits. The investigation will also check if spending is correctly recorded, examine relationships with other organisations, and explore the influence of non-leaders on decision-making.

    The inquiry will also consider:

    • whether the charity is operating in furtherance of its objects
    • whether there has been any misconduct and/or mismanagement by the trustees in the administration of the charity

    The scope of the inquiry may vary if additional regulatory issues emerge. The opening of an inquiry is not a finding of wrongdoing.  

    It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were. 

    Ends 

    Notes to editors  

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.
    2. On 17 September the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the charity under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011 as a result of its regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and/ or mismanagement in the administration of the Charity.
    3. The Charity Commission has issued an order under s76(3)(f) of the Act to the trustees restricting all transactions over £4,000.
    4. A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets or reputation. An inquiry will investigate and establish the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and/or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transport Secretary opens £200 million rail manufacturing factory in Goole

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    A new manufacturing plant will be home to hundreds of high-skilled jobs, delivering faster tube journeys and regional growth.

    • Transport Secretary celebrates opening of a new world class rail manufacturing plant in Goole, supporting 700 high-skilled jobs
    • the site will build new state-of-the-art Piccadilly Line trains to deliver more reliable, accessible and faster journeys across London
    • comes ahead of the government’s International Investment Summit, to drive forward its national mission for growth

    Hundreds of jobs, faster tube journeys and regional growth will be delivered thanks to a new rail manufacturing plant officially opened by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh today (3 October 2024).  

    The Secretary of State will attend Siemens’ Rail Village in Goole to celebrate the formal opening of its new £200 million site.  

    The plant will be home to hundreds of high-skilled jobs where almost 100 new state-of-the-art Piccadilly Line trains will be manufactured and assembled.  

    In a further boost to the region, Siemens Mobility is also announcing up to a further £40 million towards a new Bogie Assembly and Service Centre at the site which will create up to 200 extra jobs.

    The world class hub has been made possible by the government’s funding settlements with Transport for London (TfL), giving Siemens the confidence to invest in the site.

    It represents the scale of what can be achieved through joint public and private sector support – and underlines the government’s commitment to attracting international investment.

    The grand opening comes ahead of the government’s International Investment Summit on 14 October 2024, which will bring together some of the world’s most influential companies and major investors.  

    The summit will be an opportunity for the Prime Minister and Cabinet to outline how the government will provide the certainty and opportunities businesses need to make Britain the best place in the world to invest. 

    The government is focused on creating the conditions for businesses to invest, through trust partnership and stability. We will fix the foundations by investing in the jobs, industries and infrastructure of the future to rebuild Britain and make everyone, everywhere better off.

    As part of this drive, the Transport Secretary is working to end the ‘boom and bust’ approach to rail manufacturing by delivering a long-term industrial strategy for rolling stock. 

    Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, said:  

    This impressive, world-class facility will be transformational to Goole and its people, providing a boost to the region’s economy and supporting hundreds of skilled jobs. 

    Its opening demonstrates the importance of high quality, long-term investment to pave the way for employment and growth.

    I know how vital rail manufacturing is to our economy, which is why we will not sit on our hands when it comes to supporting it. For too long, the cycle of boom-and-bust has held back this sector.

    That’s why I am determined to put an end to the stop-start approach to investment and provide the industry with the certainty it needs to deliver a railway that is fit for the future.

    The new Piccadilly Line trains are expected to start serving the London Underground network next year, delivering a boost to reliability, extra services for passengers and increased capacity.

    They will be fully air-conditioned and more accessible, creating more comfortable journeys for the travelling public. 

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

    This train manufacturing facility in Goole is a fantastic example of the expertise we don’t have and how investment in London benefits the whole country. This factory, where the new state-of-the-art Piccadilly line trains will be built, will create up to 900 direct jobs and support another 1,700 in the supply chain, delivering great benefits to the wider UK economy, showing that where London succeeds, the whole country succeeds and vice versa.

    I’m excited to continue working together with the new government to build a better, fairer and more prosperous London, and country, for everyone.

    Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO at Siemens Mobility said:

    After more than a decade of tremendous dedication and hard work, we have officially opened our state-of-the-art Rail Village in Goole, which is testament to our commitment to the North of England.

    None of this would have been possible without the brilliance, perseverance and passion of our people and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. 

    We’ll assemble 80% of London’s new Piccadilly line trains and all future Siemens trains for the UK including our Verve battery train here in Goole and I’m pleased that we are supporting the local supply chain in the process.

    Our further investment in the Bogie Assembly and Service Centre will only add to our ability to transform rail and transport for everyone, right here in Goole.

    Today’s announcement reinforces the Transport Secretary’s commitment to rebuild the railways and deliver infrastructure fit for the future and to strengthen connectivity and grow the economy.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Mashatile’s address on South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 in SOAS University

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers a Lecture on South Africa’s Presidency of the #G20, at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyw7wlr7VDE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Councils to share $3 million to push regional housing

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 3 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western New South Wales

    The Minns Labor Government is inviting regional councils to apply for a share of $3 million in funding for projects that will support the delivery of more well-located and affordable homes.

    From today, regional councils will be able to apply for between $20,000 and $250,000 for individual projects as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

    Delivering more well-located homes near transport and services has been central to the NSW Government’s planning reforms so far and we’re not done.

    As regional NSW plans for and delivers more homes to its growing communities, the Minns Government is supporting that growth by funding strategic planning projects.

    Councils can use the funds to speed up new housing strategies, prepare infrastructure and servicing plans and make local planning amendments for the delivery of more diverse and affordable housing supply.

    These projects will support regional NSW work towards its housing target of 55,000 homes during the National Housing Accord.

    The first round of the program funded 20 projects across 19 councils to support the delivery of 40,000 homes. Among them was $107,400 for Port Stephens Council’s partnership with Homes NSW on a sub-precincts masterplan to support the delivery of affordable housing in Raymond Terrace.

    The second round allocated $2.9 million to 16 councils to support the delivery of nearly 23,800 homes across regional NSW, including $230,000 to Federation Council to undertake a stormwater-servicing plan supporting 5,600 homes across the Murray region.

    All NSW councils outside Greater Sydney are eligible for funding. Round three opens today and closes at 12pm on Friday 22 November 2024.

    To learn more about the fund visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/regional-housing/regional-housing-strategic-planning-fund

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “The housing crisis is hitting regional communities just as hard as it is hitting Sydney, and the Minns Government wants to make sure they have the resources to plan for and deliver more homes in all parts of the state.

    “As regional communities grow and evolve, this funding will help deliver the important planning work needed to boost housing supply, affordability, and diversity.

    “The NSW Government is working with regional councils on a coordinated planning approach to deal with regional housing challenges.”

    Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “We really encourage councils to apply and help us unlock the delivery of thousands of new regional homes sooner.

    “This funding will support more homes, which means more jobs and better communities in regional NSW.

    “Their submissions will then be assessed by an independent panel using a published criteria.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Libya: Reveal fate and whereabouts of 19 men forcibly disappeared a year ago

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The self-proclaimed Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) must reveal the fate and whereabouts of former Minister of Defence Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi and 18 of his relatives and supporters who were abducted in Benghazi by armed men, said Amnesty International marking a year since their enforced disappearances.

    “For a year, families of Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi and his relatives and supporters have been living in anguish, not knowing whether their loves ones are dead or alive. The injustices they suffered reveal the shocking lengths to which LAAF is prepared to go to eliminate any actual or perceived challenge to their absolute grip on power, and the near absolute impunity enjoyed by LAAF-affiliated armed groups,” said Bassam Al Kantar, Amnesty International’s Libya Researcher.

    “The Tripoli-based Government of National Unity, as well as LAAF, as the de facto authorities in eastern Libya, must ensure impartial, independent and effective investigations into crimes that took place, including revealing the fate and whereabouts of those forcibly disappeared and the causes and circumstances of deaths in custody.”

    Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi, a rival of LAAF General Commander Khalifa Haftar, returned to his hometown of Benghazi on 6 October 2023 following tribal reconciliation efforts. Following his return LAAF-affiliated armed groups raided his mother’s home in the al-Salamani neighbourhood. Ensuing armed clashes between LAAF affiliated armed groups including Tariq Ben Zeyad (TBZ) and the Internal Security Agency (ISA), on the one hand, and fighters loyal to Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi, on the other, left at least 15 dead and more injured, amid an internet shutdown by LAAF.

    For a year, families of Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi and his relatives and supporters have been living in anguish, not knowing whether their loves ones are dead or alive.

    Bassam Al Kantar, Amnesty International

    On 7 October, LAAF affiliates took hostage 36 women and 13 children from Al-Barghathi’s family. They were released after Al-Mahdi al-Barghathi and his son were taken into LAAF custody, along with 38 other Al-Barghathi family members and supporters. The fate and whereabouts of at least 19 of them remains unknown, amid fears they may have been extrajudiciallyexecuted after being captured. Six others have been confirmed dead; at least two of them in suspicious circumstances after being captured alive. The remaining 15 are believed to be held in LAAF detention centres. 

    Amnesty International interviewed the families of eight detainees, including two men who died in custody, as well as lawyers and political activists. The organization reviewed medical and forensic reports, pictures, videos and official documents. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: October 2nd, 2024 N.M. Delegation Welcomes $21 Million to Tackle Crime, Keep Communities Safe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming $20,706,897 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to help New Mexico’s law enforcement solve crimes, support survivor services, improve violence prevention, and keep communities safe.
    The grants will be distributed through the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).
    “I’m proud to announce over $20 million to better equip New Mexico’s law enforcement with the tools and resources needed to keep our communities safe. This significant investment will help tackle crime, hold dangerous criminals accountable, and deliver justice and support for survivors,” said Heinrich. “A safer New Mexico depends on solving crimes and supporting survivors, and I will continue to fight for the resources we need for both.”
    “This nearly $21 million in federal funding will deliver critical resources to help law enforcement solve crimes, support victims of violent crime, and boost violence prevention across New Mexico,” said Luján. “I’m proud to welcome this federal funding and I will keep fighting for federal resources to keep New Mexico communities safe.”
    “1 in 4 women have been beaten by an intimate partner in their lifetime. This funding from the Department of Justice focuses on providing more services to the survivors of domestic violence  survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” said Leger Fernández. “To effectively investigate and prosecute these crimes, the grants also increase the resources going to law enforcement.  I’m pleased that the funding benefits communities across my district, from the Pueblos to Santa Fe to Hobbs to our state agencies. Together we keep New Mexico safe.”
    “This almost $21 million investment into our communities is crucial in making New Mexico a safer place for everyone,” said Stansbury. “Victims of crimes deserve justice, and law enforcement needs the tools to give victims that justice. This funding is pivotal in achieving that goal.”
    “I’m proud to welcome over $20 million for law enforcement organizations across our state and Tribal communities. This funding will support law enforcement’s ability to reduce crime, make our neighborhoods safer and ensure justice for victims,” said Vasquez. “Our law enforcement officers and community organizations are working tirelessly, and this investment will help them continue to protect and serve New Mexicans. I’m committed to fighting for more federal resources to keep us safe.”
     

    Recipient

    City

    Project Title

    Grant

    Award Amount

    Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women

    Albuquerque

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Invitation to Apply

    OVW

    $414,147

    County of Bernalillo

    Albuquerque

    Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office CAST Unit Expansion Project

    OJP

    $376,078

    Enlace Comunitario

    Albuquerque

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program

    OJP

    $450,000

    New Mexico Asian Family Center

    Albuquerque

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program

    OJP

    $475,000

    New Mexico Asian Family Center

    Albuquerque

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims

    OVW

    $600,000

    New Mexico Immigrant Law Center

    Albuquerque

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims

    OVW

    $750,000

    City of Albuquerque

    Albuquerque

    BJA FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)

    OJP

    $490,190

    La Casa

    Las Cruces

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program

    OVW

    $500,000

    Mescalero Apache Tribe

    Mescalero

    SMART FY 2024 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program

    OJP

    $288,368

    New Mexico Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    New Mexico FY24 NCHIP

     

    $2,224,200

    New Mexico Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    BJA FY24 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Solicitation

    OJP

    $1,633,050

    NM Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    BJS FY24 National Criminal History Improvement Program

    OJP

    $2,224,200

    Santa Fe Dreamers Project

    Santa Fe

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Legal Assistance for Victims

    OVW

    $750,000

    New Mexico Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    BJA FY24 Project Safe Neighborhoods Formula Grant Program

    OJP

    $167,378

    New Mexico Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    BJA FY24 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)

    OJP

    $300,437

    New Mexico Department of Public Safety

    Santa Fe

    BJA FY24 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program- Formula

    OJP

    $294,696

    Pueblo of Acoma

    Pueblo of Acoma

    FY 2024 CTAS Purpose Area 6 Award: Pueblo of Acoma

    OJP

    $450,000

    Pueblo of Acoma

    Pueblo of Acoma

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $450,000

    Pueblo of Acoma

    Pueblo of Acoma

    OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply

    OJP

    $254,413

    Pueblo of Acoma

    Pueblo of Acoma

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $900,000

    Pueblo of Isleta

    Isleta

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $900,000

    Pueblo of Isleta

    Isleta

    BJA FY24 Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program

    OJP

    $300,000

    Pueblo of Jemez

    Jemez Pueblo

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $900,000

    Pueblo of San Felipe

    Algodones

    OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply

    OJP

    $229,973

    Pueblo of Taos

    Taos

    OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply

    OJP

    $229,973

    Pueblo of Zuni

    Zuni

    Empowering Tribal Resilience: Enhancing Zuni Tribal Justice Systems (Tribal Youth Programs)

    OJP

    $76,000

    Pueblo of Zuni

    Zuni

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $76,000

    Pueblo of Zuni

    Zuni

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $394,498

    Pueblo of Zuni

    Zuni

    OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply

    OJP

    $282,632

    Pueblo of Zuni

    Zuni

    FY24 U.S. Department of Justice Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation

    OJP

    $885,691

    Santo Domingo Pueblo

    Santo Domingo

    OVC FY24 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program – Invited to Apply

    OJP

    $229,973

    Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico

    Farmington

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program

    OVW

    $700,000

    Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico

    Farmington

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program

    OVW

    $610,000

    Sheris House of Hope

    Hobbs

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program

    OVW

    $400,000

    Valencia Shelter Services

    Los Lunas

    OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program

    OVW

    $500,000

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Army Best Squad: Day Two | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    Day two of the 2024 U.S. Army Best Squad competition! Day two assessed the mastery of some of the most basic Soldier skills such as land navigation, weapons familiarity, vehicle familiarity, and an expert physical fitness assessment.

    : AMVID

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #ArmyBestSquad

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5YR4WbaUjY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends North Carolina Disaster  Declaration

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. made additional disaster assistance available to the State of North Carolina by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding for emergency work undertaken in the State of North Carolina as a result of Tropical Storm Helene beginning on September 25, 2024, and continuing.
    Under the President’s order today, the Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance has been increased to 100 percent of the total eligible costs for 180 days from the start of the incident period.
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE  FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with wounding following Rokeby incident

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Man charged with wounding following Rokeby incident

    Thursday, 3 October 2024 – 8:40 am.

    A 36 year old Howrah man has been arrested and charged with wounding and Assault, following an incident at Rokeby yesterday afternoon.It is alleged the man drove his vehicle through a residential fence and at two occupants of that residence, who were standing on the front lawn.The occupants were forced to jump out of the way of the vehicle. It is also alleged that the man stabbed one of the occupants in the arm when he attempted to gain entry to the vehicle.The man was detained by the occupants until police arrived shortly afterwards.He has been charged and will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court later today.Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Keeping Australian Families Safe Online

    Source: Google

    At Google and YouTube we’re committed to creating a safer online experience for kids and teens. We know that while the internet is an incredible tool for learning, playing, and connecting, it also poses risks, especially for young people.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Daily Press Briefing – October 2, 2024

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Department Press Briefing with Spokesperson Matthew Miller, at the Department of State, on October 2, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iRn5C8jJWg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Marks One Year Since October 7, 2023, Hamas Attack

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

    “The United States continues to be in a heightened threat environment, and the FBI is fully engaged to detect and stop any potential threats to the American people. As we mark one year since the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East calls for vigilance by the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and members of the public. 

    It is essential to be watchful for threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions and to immediately contact law enforcement to report any suspicious activity. We continue to share intelligence with our law enforcement partners here and overseas and continue discussions with faith-based organizations, the private sector, and others about their concerns.

    We must remember the hostages and the innocent lives lost throughout the Mideast over the last year. At the same time, the FBI remains focused on our mission to protect the American people and prevent acts of terrorism and hate.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 10/2/2024 ICYMI: Blackburn Speaks with WJHL in Flooding Aftermath

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) spoke with WJHL News Channel 11 about the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in communities across East Tennessee and the federal government’s response to the crisis:
     
    Click here to watch Senator Blackburn’s interview with News Channel 11 about Hurricane Helene. 
    Blackburn, Hagerty, Harshbarger tour flood damage and answer questions
    Anslee Daniel
    WJHL News Channel 11
    Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Senators Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn spent the day touring damaged areas in Northeast Tennessee, speaking to those impacted and answering questions.
    Local leaders, including U.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, joined them at the destroyed I-26 bridge in Unicoi County to survey the damage and hear an update on recovery and rebuilding efforts.
    Interviews with Blackburn, Hagerty and Harshbarger can be watched below:
    LINK TO SENATOR BLACKBURN INTERVIEW

    RELATED:  

    MIL OSI USA News –