Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held a meeting with the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov on the sidelines of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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    Alexander Novak held a meeting with the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov on the sidelines of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak held a meeting with the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov on the sidelines of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”. The parties discussed cooperation in the oil, gas, coal and electric power sectors, in the implementation of projects in the field of renewable energy and peaceful nuclear energy.

    The meeting participants discussed issues of mutual integration of industrial projects and improvement of the investment climate, as well as opportunities for cooperation in the field of small and medium-sized businesses.

    “Trade, economic and investment relations between our countries are developing dynamically, and comprehensive work to expand them continues. Last year, mutual trade turnover increased by 11.5% and reached 823 billion rubles. Exports amounted to 564 billion rubles and increased by 8.8% year-on-year, imports – 258 billion rubles (17.9%). This year, the trend continues: over 6 months, trade turnover increased by 8.7%, exports – by 9%, imports – by 8.3%,” noted Alexander Novak.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52808/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held a panel session “World energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak held a panel session “World energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak spoke at the panel session “Global energy as the basis for economic growth and well-being: in search of balance” at the international forum “Russian Energy Week”.

    The discussion was also attended by the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Mohamed Hamel, the Executive Vice President, Minister of Oil of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez, the Minister of Energy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Aliabadi, the State Secretary for the Development of Bilateral Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations of the Republic of Hungary Illes Boglarka, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Viktor Karankevich, the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov.

    During the session, participants discussed issues of the functioning of the global energy market in the context of growing demand for global energy over the next 20 years, the role of traditional and renewable energy sources, as well as the impact of unlawful restrictions on hydrocarbon-producing countries.

    According to Alexander Novak, over the past 10 years, demand for global energy has grown by 13-14%. In the next 20 years, primary energy consumption will grow by 25%. Both its consumption and the range of industries that generate demand for it will change structurally. In particular, the Deputy Prime Minister recalled that today digital technologies already consume 8-10% of energy, and in the next three years this volume will double, primarily due to the active implementation of artificial intelligence, as well as increased consumption by electric transport. Despite the growth in the share of renewable energy sources, hydrocarbons will continue to play a key role in the global energy balance.

    “Traditional energy sources, hydrocarbons, and primarily oil and gas, will continue to provide supply on global energy markets. If today we see an annual growth in oil consumption of 1-2%, then by 2050, instead of today’s 102 mbps (million barrels per day), we will see about 120 mbps. As for gas, the rate of consumption growth will be even higher: approximately plus 35% to today’s volumes by 2050. That is, we can state that, despite a slight decrease in the share of hydrocarbons, they will still dominate in ensuring global energy consumption,” noted Alexander Novak.

    The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that Russia is a key player in the global oil market. The strategy for the development of the fuel and energy complex until 2050 envisages maintaining global leadership based on the introduction of modern technologies, achieving technological sovereignty, modernizing the oil, gas, and electric power industries, developing new logistics routes, transport and port infrastructure.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52809/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eurojust supports major operation against Albanian drug-trafficking ring in Italy: 66 arrests

    Source: Eurojust

    26 September 2024|

    A large-scale cocaine-smuggling ring was dismantled by authorities in Italy, Albania, Poland and Switzerland, coordinated by Eurojust. During an action day, a total of 45 suspects were arrested, most of them in Italy. Prior to the action day, 21 suspects involved in the sale of cocaine in and around the city of Brescia were arrested. In total, 66 arrests were made. The Albanian-led organised crime group (OCG) had been selling cocaine from Latin America for at least four years, mainly in the north of Italy.

    Eurojust set up a coordination centre this week to support and coordinate the actions of all authorities involved. During the investigations and the action day, for an estimated amount of EUR 4 million in cash was seized, as well as 360 kilograms of cocaine, luxury vehicles and watches, telecommunications equipment, arms and ammunition.

    Investigations into the drug-smuggling network started in 2020 at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) of Brescia. The OCG used five warehouses and storage centres in and around Brescia to distribute the cocaine.

    Credits: Guardia di Finanza di Brecia 

    The suspects laundered their illegal profits via an extensive network of enterprises run by an Italian-Chinese organisation set up for this purpose, which supplied fake invoices with a total value of around EUR 375 million. The OCG members will be charged with the trafficking of illicit drugs, money laundering and investment fraud.

    During this week’s action day, over 400 officers were deployed across Italy. To assist the authorities on the ground, Eurojust set up a coordination centre at its premises in The Hague and supported the execution of European Arrest Warrants and requests for Mutual Legal Assistance towards Albania and Switzerland. Europol facilitated the exchange of information between the involved countries and provided operational coordination as well as analytical support. On the action day, a Europol analyst with a mobile office was deployed to cross-check information on the spot in Italy.

    The operations were carried out at the request of the PPO of Brescia via the following authorities:

    • Italy: PPO Brescia; Anti-Mafia District Directorate of the Guardia di Finanza – Provincial Command of Brescia; Central Investigation Service for Organised Crime (SCICO), Rome; International Police Cooperation Service Liaison Bureau, Tirana
    • Poland: PPO Warsaw; Central Police Bureau of Investigations
    • Albania: Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK); Albanian State Police
    • Switzerland: Office of Attorney-General; Federal Police (Fedpol)

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pelican Narrows — ARRESTED – Saskatchewan RCMP CRT: male wanted after pointing firearm at officers

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    September 25, 2024
    Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan

    News release

    As a result of continued investigation, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) and Pelican Narrows Detachment determined Solomon Custer was in a residence in Pelican Narrows on September 24.

    They contained the area, and with the assistance of Critical Incident Response Team officers, arrested Custer without incident.

    Details of his court appearance are pending.

    Investigators thank the media and members of the public for their assistance in this investigation.

    –30–

    Backgrounder

    Saskatchewan RCMP CRT: male wanted after pointing firearm at officers

    2024-09-18

    On September 14, 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP Crime Reduction Teams (CRT) from Meadow Lake and La Ronge were attempting to arrest an adult male at a residence in- Pelican Narrows. During the execution of the arrest warrant, the adult male exited the residence and stood on a covered deck, where officers saw him holding a firearm. The adult male then pointed the firearm at officers multiple times.

    The male jumped through an opening in the deck and ran into a nearby forested area. Officers searched the area with their Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), but were unable to locate him.

    As a result, 26-year-old Solomon Custer from Pelican Narrows is charged with:

    • 1 count, pointing a firearm, section 87(1) of the Criminal Code
    • 1 count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, section 88(1) of the Criminal Code
    • 1 count, resist arrest, section 129(a) of the Criminal Code
    • 1 count, assault on a police officer with a weapon, section 270.01(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

    A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

    RCMP asks the public to report all sightings and information about Solomon Custer’s whereabouts.

    Solomon Custer is described as approximately 5’9″ tall and 155 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He may be in the Pelican Narrows area.

    If you see Solomon Custer, do not approach him. Report all sightings and information about the whereabouts of Solomon Custer to RCMP by calling 310-RCMP (7267). Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or http://www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    Saskatchewan RCMP Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team (WEST) is assisting in this investigation.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK organisations selected in first AUKUS Innovation Challenge

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Projects from 4 UK organisations will share £2m in the inaugural AUKUS Pillar 2 Electronic Warfare (EW) Innovation Challenge.

    Through AUKUS Pillar 2, Australia, the UK and the US are pooling the talents of their defence sectors to develop at pace the delivery of advanced capabilities. Four UK companies have been selected by the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to receive a share of the funding to develop solutions in electromagnetic targeting and protection. 

    The competition was run to find low cost, disposable, high volume and highly autonomous electromagnetic technology that can detect enemy actions or protect against them.

    The four successful UK organisations to receive research funding are:

    • Amiosec Ltd
    • Autonomous Devices Ltd
    • Roke Manor Research Ltd
    • University of Liverpool

    The trilateral AUKUS EW Challenge was run as 3 individual competitions by DASA in the UK; the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), in Australia; and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in the US. The EW competition was the first in what will be a series of AUKUS Innovation Challenges, setting the template for future advanced defence technology competitions run by the 3 partners.

    National winners of the 3 EW Challenge competitions were announced at the AUKUS Defence Ministers’ Meeting on 26 September in London by UK Secretary of State for Defence, the Right Honourable John Healey MP; Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Honourable Richard Marles MP; and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The three Defence Ministers together emphasised the value of the collaboration to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the potential to enhance joint defence capabilities, ensuring national, regional and global stability.

    The 3 innovation competitions called for proposals to identify electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) technology solutions to help give the AUKUS nations a strategic edge in targeting and to provide protection against adversarial electromagnetic-targeting capabilities. EMS is a heavily congested, contested, complex and competitive environment and there is an increasing need for low cost, disposable, high volume and highly autonomous capabilities to achieve advantage.

    In total, across all 3 national innovation challenges, 173 qualified suppliers applied, in a show of strength of the AUKUS nations’ defence innovation capabilities.

    The winning UK supplier organisations:

    • Amiosec Ltd: This project is seeking to create fake radio activity, masking the true location of friendly military forces to support missions. The research will focus on extending previous work on AI-generated traffic to boost realism to defeat adversary EW systems. It will be delivered by Amiosec in conjunction with its Australian defence technology partner, Penten.
    • Autonomous Devices Ltd: Is developing and flight-demonstrating the novel combination of a radar Electronic Counter Measure and a small Uncrewed Air System platform.
    • Roke Manor Research Ltd: The ability to transmit and receive on identical frequencies simultaneously has been an operational and technical challenge for decades. The Smart STAR Jammer project sets out to combine a Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (STAR) Transceiver jointly developed by Roke and the University of Bristol.
    • University of Liverpool: This project aims to improve the ability to detect multiple individual faint signals in close geometric proximity to one another. This will be achieved using a combination of machine learning and statistics.

    AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership to support a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening regional global security. A major part of the partnership, named Pillar 1, is helping Australia to acquire its first conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

    Through AUKUS Pillar 2 which includes advanced capabilities such as Artificial Intelligence, autonomy, quantum technologies and electronic warfare – the 3 national partners seek to strengthen trilateral capabilities in cutting-edge military technologies, increase interoperability, and drive knowledge-sharing and innovation. One of the aims of Pillar 2 is to “foster deeper integration of security and defence-related science, technology, industrial bases, and supply chains”.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Investments in preventing Indigenous child abuse and youth dating violence

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 2

    Information document

    September 2024

    The Government of Canada is investing more than $5 million over five years to fund five Indigenous projects aimed at preventing child abuse and youth dating violence. These projects will support more than 1,270 Indigenous children, youth and families, as well as service providers, across Canada by providing them with the tools they need to build safe and positive relationships.

    This funding will support a variety of initiatives across Canada, each focusing on cultural identity, healing and promoting healthier relationships in Indigenous communities. Projects are designed to meet the unique needs of Indigenous youth and their families, while addressing intergenerational trauma and cycles of violence caused by colonization, racism and the residential school system.

    To prevent and combat violence in youth dating:

    Infinity Women Secretariat Inc. is receiving $601,959 to explore and promote the use of Red River Métis culture in building healthy relationships among youth. This project will reach 210 Métis youth in Manitoba, helping them feel a sense of belonging and improving their self-confidence. Legacy of Hope Foundation is receiving $555,015 to develop an online toolkit to prevent dating violence. The toolkit will include Indigenous voices and perspectives and will provide online workshops to 300 Indigenous youth across Canada, creating safe spaces for conversations about healthy relationships. Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society is receiving $1.35 million to develop a dating violence prevention program for 320 Inuit youth with disabilities in Nunavut. The project will focus on teaching these youth about healthy relationships and how to prevent dating violence in a way that is culturally and developmentally appropriate.

    To prevent and combat child abuse:

    ILITAQSINIQ is receiving more than $1.6 million to deliver two family strengthening programs in six Nunavut communities. These programs will provide knowledge and skills on topics such as parenting, communication and managing family dynamics, with the goal of helping 192 children and their caregivers. The Martin Family Initiative is receiving nearly $1 million to adapt, deliver and evaluate its family health and wellness resources across Canada to better support more than 250 early childhood professionals to promote positive parenting behaviour and contribute to the reduction of child maltreatment in the Indigenous communities they serve.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Successful operation against fraudsters targeting cities and municipalities

    Source: Eurojust

    German and Italian authorities worked together with Eurojust and Europol to stop a fraudulent scheme. The suspects targeted public institutions, cities, and municipalities, and were able to cause damages of several million euros. On 24 September, an operation took place where technology and assets were seized and search warrants against five suspects were executed.

    For over a year, suspects ran a fraudulent scheme in Germany that made them millions. Several public institutions, companies, cities, and municipalities were affected by the scheme. By using phishing techniques, the suspects gained access to real invoices that were addressed to public institutions and companies. The fraudsters manipulated them with their own financial information. The manipulated invoices were then sent to victims, who paid them to the fraudsters instead of their business partners.

    Investigations into the scheme identified five suspects with Italian and German citizenship. As authorities needed to search properties in Germany and Italy, a cross-border case was opened at Eurojust. Coordination through Eurojust defined the strategy of the investigation between the German and Italian authorities. Authorities decided to execute simultaneous searches in the two countries to gather evidence of the fraud and seize assets that were gained through the fraudulent scheme. Europol provided continuous intelligence development to map out the different targets and their criminal activity.

    On 24 September, search warrants against five suspects were executed in Germany and Italy and ten propereties were searched. During the operation, Europol activated a Virtual Command Post to provide support from its headquarters to the investigators on the field as they carried out their enforcement actions. Assets were provisionally secured, and cell phones, computers, and data storage devices were seized. Special Forces will now investigate the seized technology as the investigation continues.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • Germany: Public Prosecution Office Leipzig – Central Cybercrime Office, Leipzig Criminal Investigation Department – Commissariat 33 (Cybercrime)
    • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office Naples; Economic and Financial Police Units of the Guardia di Finanza Naples, Verona, Treviso and Bolzano

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Briefs: July-September 2024

    Source: US Geological Survey

    News Briefs – featuring coastal and ocean science from across the USGS.

    Check out recent news highlights below!

     

    Connect with us on Social Media

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    These items are in the RSS feed format (Really Simple Syndication) based on categories such as topics, locations, and more. You can install and RSS reader browser extension, software, or use a third-party service to receive immediate news updates depending on the feed that you have added. If you click the feed links below, they may look strange because they are simply XML code. An RSS reader can easily read this code and push out a notification to you when something new is posted to our site.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina

    NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina
    rmbeck

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how seasonal vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, help protect communities against severe illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications. The event will be moderated by Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., NCDHHS’ State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer.

    The 2024-2025 respiratory virus season is here and everyone ages 6 months and up is due for their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Seasonal vaccines are the best to way to prevent people from experiencing severe cases of flu and COVID-19, especially for those who are at a higher risk of complications from the viruses. This includes people who are under 5, 65 and older, pregnant and/or living with chronic medical conditions. Last year, 95% of people in the United States hospitalized due to COVID-19 had not had the most recent COVID vaccine , and people who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need medical help for the flu.

    Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following: 

    • How to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines 
    • What to know about RSV protection, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines
    • Ways to find a health provider near you and access care 
    • Steps to protect yourself and your household against seasonal illness
    • How to access free vaccines for children

    During the 2023-2024 respiratory season, North Carolina experienced its highest number of pediatric flu deaths (16) since public health reporting began in 2004, with 81% of the flu deaths occurring in children who did not get a flu shot last year.

    In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, RSV vaccines are also now available for older adults and those who are pregnant. Some babies and children under two may also need to receive an immunization to help build protection against RSV. It’s important for individuals of all ages to be up to date on all recommended vaccines before enjoying seasonal activities, sporting events or celebrations with loved ones.

    Everyone should test for COVID-19 right away if they feel sick or have symptoms to help prevent the virus from spreading to others around them. Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are  available at more than 300  local organizations statewide.  To find free tests near you visit MySpot.nc.gov/tests.

    The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 111990#.

    Visit MySpot.nc.gov for information, guidance and resources on seasonal vaccines and how they support respiratory health.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS) presentará un “Fireside Chat”, una conversación virtual y telefónica en vivo el jueves 3 de octubre, de 6 a 7 p.m., para hablar sobre cómo las vacunas estacionales, incluidas las de la gripe (influenza), el COVID-19 y el virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS), ayudan a proteger a las comunidades contra enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y complicaciones de salud a largo plazo. El evento será moderado por la Dra. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, directora de Salud del Estado y jefa médica del NCDHHS.

    La temporada de virus respiratorios de 2024 a 2025 ha comenzado, y todas las personas de 6 meses en adelante deben vacunarse contra la gripe y el COVID-19. Las vacunas estacionales son la mejor manera de prevenir casos graves de gripe y COVID-19, especialmente para quienes tienen mayor riesgo de complicaciones por los virus. Esto incluye a personas menores de 5 años, mayores de 65 años, personas embarazadas y/o con condiciones médicas crónicas. El año pasado, el 95% de las personas hospitalizadas en los Estados Unidos debido al COVID-19 no habían recibido la vacuna más reciente contra el COVID-19, y las personas que no se vacunaron contra la gripe tuvieron el doble de probabilidades de necesitar atención médica por la gripe.

    Los panelistas del evento virtual y telefónico hablarán sobre los siguientes temas:

    •    Cómo recibir las vacunas estacionales contra la gripe (influenza) y el COVID-19
    •    Lo que necesitas saber sobre la protección contra el VRS, incluidas las vacunas 
    •    Maneras de encontrar un proveedor de salud cercano y acceder a atención médica
    •    Pasos para protegerse y proteger a sus familiares contra las enfermedades estacionales
    •    Cómo acceder a vacunas gratuitas para niños

    Durante la temporada de virus respiratoria de 2023-2024, Carolina del Norte experimentó el mayor número de muertes pediátricas por gripe (16) desde que se comenzó a reportar públicamente en 2004, con el 81 % de las muertes ocurridas en niños que no recibieron la vacuna contra la gripe el año pasado.

    Además de las vacunas contra la gripe y el COVID-19, las vacunas contra el VRS también están disponibles ahora para adultos mayores y personas embarazadas. Algunos bebés y niños menores de dos años también pueden necesitar recibir una inmunización para ayudar a desarrollar protección contra el VRS. Es importante que personas de todas las edades estén al día con todas las vacunas recomendadas antes de disfrutar de actividades estacionales, eventos deportivos o celebraciones con seres queridos.

    Todos deben hacerse la prueba de COVID-19 de inmediato si se sienten enfermos o tienen síntomas, para ayudar a prevenir la propagación del virus a otras personas. Pruebas caseras gratuitas de COVID-19 están disponibles en más de 300 organizaciones locales en todo el estado. Para encontrar pruebas gratuitas cerca de usted, visite Vacunate.nc.gov/pruebas.

    El evento virtual será transmitido en vivo desde las cuentas de Facebook y YouTube del NCDHHS, donde los espectadores pueden enviar preguntas. El evento incluirá una opción de telecomunicación, que invita a las personas a escuchar y enviar preguntas por teléfono. Los participantes también pueden llamar al evento al 855-756-7520 Ext. 111990#.

    Visite Vacunate.nc.gov para obtener información, orientación y recursos sobre las vacunas estacionales y cómo apoyan la salud respiratoria.

    Sep 26, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Earns Position on Dean’s List of the National Shooting Sports Foundation Report Card

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today announced that she was added to the National Shooting Sports Foundation Dean’s List for her dedication to defending the Second Amendment in the 118th Congress. 

    The NSSF Congressional Report Card evaluates how elected officials defend Second Amendment rights and support law-abiding firearm owners in the 118th Congress. Grades are determined by key factors such as voting records, co-sponsorships, committee involvement, floor speeches, and other official actions. Tenney has earned a spot on the Dean’s List, reflecting her 100% voting alignment with NSSF priorities and full co-sponsorship of all scored bills.

    “As a Constitutional Conservative, safeguarding the Second Amendment has always been one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I remain steadfast in opposing any efforts to strip law-abiding Americans of their constitutional freedoms. I am honored to receive this prestigious ranking from the NSSF, and I am committed to continuing my work to defend the Second Amendment for all law-abiding Americans.”

    “The 2024 NSSF Congressional Report Card is a comprehensive analysis of our elected representatives’ positions on firearm and ammunition industry priorities in the 118th Congress. The Report Card’s grades are based on key votes, co-sponsorships, committee activity, floor speeches, and other official actions by Senators and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of our industry are grateful to have so many strong allies in the Halls of Congress,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs and General Counsel. “NSSF is proud to especially recognize Representative Tenney as a member of the new NSSF Congressional Dean’s List for her exemplary leadership in supporting the firearm and ammunition industry and the nearly 400,000 hard working Americans employed in the industry. Making the Dean’s List is special recognition that Rep. Tenney has gone above and beyond to protect and preserve the Second Amendment rights of her constituents and the industry that makes the exercise of those rights possible. We applaud Rep. Tenney for her exemplary level of support.”

    Earlier this year, Tenney released her Second Amendment plan, highlighting her legislative accomplishments and how she plans to build upon these existing wins to safeguard our Second Amendment rights. View Tenney’s Second Amendment Plan Here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Crop Report for the Period of September 17 to 23, 2024

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 26, 2024

    Harvest was delayed across much of the province over the past week due to rainfall. Currently, producers are 79 per cent complete. This is still ahead of the five-year average of 75 per cent and the 10-year average of 69 per cent. Although moisture has helped replenish topsoil moisture conditions and green up pastures for fall grazing, it has also caused concerns for downgrading of crop quality in areas yet to be harvested. Producers in many regions are hopeful for drier conditions in the upcoming weeks to help with harvest progression. 

    The southwest region is nearing harvest completion with 96 per cent of crops harvested. The southeast region currently sits at 83 per cent, with the east-central and west-central regions sit at 75 per cent and 70 per cent completed, respectively. Both northeast and northwest regions sit at 65 per cent complete. 

    Harvest is complete for winter wheat, triticale and field peas with harvest nearly complete for fall rye and lentils. Durum leads in harvest progress for spring-seeded cereal at 95 per cent complete, followed by barley at 91 per cent and spring wheat at 85 per cent. Oats currently sit at 75 per cent and canary seed is 68 per cent. Harvest is nearing completion for chickpeas at 93 per cent. For oilseed crops, mustard is 93 per cent harvested followed by canola at 56 per cent. Flax and soybeans are the furthest behind in harvest completion at 42 per cent and 32 per cent complete, respectively.

    Rain fell throughout much of the province over the past week at varying amounts. The highest amounts were mainly recorded in the southwest region. The Gouldtown area recorded the highest amount of precipitation over the past week at 100 mm which was followed by the Richmound and Eston areas at 82 mm and 81 mm, respectively. Additionally, the Neidpath area received 78 mm and the Admiral area received 75 mm. 

    Although the recent moisture slowed harvest progress, it was welcome in areas struggling with topsoil moisture shortages. This rainfall helped alleviate some producer concerns relating to fall pasture conditions. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 64 per cent adequate, 32 per cent short and four per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 60 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short and seven per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 53 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short and 10 per cent very short. Producers are hopeful for additional moisture following harvest to assist with replenishing topsoil moisture supplies for next year. 

    As producers evaluate livestock water supplies moving into the fall, 59 per cent indicate  there are no shortages occurring or anticipated with 31 per cent indicating they have moderate shortages. Additionally, 85 per cent of producers reported no concerns about water quality for their livestock. Producers in the southwest and west-central regions of the province are expressing higher concerns about livestock water shortages and reduced water quality. 

    Crop damage over the past week was mainly due to wind, wildlife and waterfowl. As producers continue with harvest, they are also busy baling, hauling bales, fencing, cleaning corrals, harrowing combined fields and spraying for fall weed control. Additionally, some winter cereal seeding operations have commenced across the province.

    As producers continue with harvest and fall field work, they are reminded to take safety precautions in all the work they do. The public is also reminded to take extra caution, time and space when encountering machinery on the road.

    A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online: Download Crop Report.

    Follow the 2024 Crop Report on Twitter at @SKAgriculture.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Vandal to announce federal supports for revitalization and economic reconciliation in downtown Winnipeg

    Source: Government of Canada News

    September 26, 2024 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface – Saint Vital, will announce federal investments for revitalization in downtown Winnipeg.

    Date:
    September 27, 2024

    Time:
    11:00 a.m. CDT / 12:00 a.m. EDT

    Location:
    Portage Place Mall
    3rd Floor Centre Court
    393 Portage Avenue
    Winnipeg, Manitoba

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Manitoba Government Lifting the Pause on Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit Rent Subsidy Program

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Manitoba Government Lifting the Pause on Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit Rent Subsidy Program

    – – –
    Increased Funding will Help 550 Families: Smith


    The Manitoba government is adding $1.2 million in benefits to help Manitobans who need support with rent, lifting the pause on the Canada-Manitoba Housing Benefit (CMHB), Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith announced today. 

    “Our government is committed to ending chronic homelessness and we know that there is so much more to do,” said Smith. “We are providing these funds immediately to ensure this program can be accessible to those struggling and who need support with the rising cost of living.” 

    The increased funding will help bring this year’s total to $10.8 million in benefits, said Smith.  

    From October 2023 to June 2024, the Manitoba government supported 1,600 families and individuals with their rental costs, doubling the number of recipients from last year. The province approved an additional 282 recipients in August and steps to support those applicants are currently underway.    

    With this funding, the temporary pause has concluded and application intake has resumed. Applications received to date will be addressed first and additional families will benefit from this increase in funds until allocations of the new funds are exhausted, noted the minister.  

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada Announces over $5 Million for Indigenous Child Maltreatment and Youth Dating Violence Prevention Projects

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced an investment of over $5 million in funding over five years for five Indigenous focused projects aimed at promoting child development and preventing, recognizing and responding safely to child maltreatment and youth dating violence. These projects will serve over 1,270 Indigenous children, youth and their families across Canada.

    September 26, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada

    As part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and the well-being of Indigenous Peoples, the Government of Canada is investing in initiatives that promote cultural identity, values, and healing.

    Today, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced an investment of over $5 million in funding over five years for five Indigenous focused projects aimed at promoting child development and preventing, recognizing and responding safely to child maltreatment and youth dating violence. These projects will serve over 1,270 Indigenous children, youth and their families across Canada.

    Colonization, racism, and the impacts of the Indian Residential School system have devastating effects on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. As a result, Indigenous communities face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and high rates of violence. There is a need to build the evidence-base of effective, culturally appropriate resources and support systems to address these challenges, to help heal and prevent ongoing cycles of violence and trauma.

    This funding will support the development, delivery, and testing of health promotion interventions that promote resilience, healthy relationships, and cultural connection. The funded projects will provide Indigenous children, youth, and their families, as well as service providers, with the tools and knowledge to build safe, supportive relationships and reduce the prevalence of violence in their lives. This investment aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to advance reconciliation and promote the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

    Quotes

    “We are committed to supporting Indigenous Peoples to address violence and promote healing. By investing in these projects, we are helping ensure that Indigenous children, youth, and their families are empowered with culturally appropriate supports to foster healthy relationships and help prevent violence. This is part of our broader commitment to reconciliation.”

    The Honourable Ya’ara Saks
    Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

    “Projects like this saves lives. It is no secret by now that Indigenous Peoples have faced disproportionate rates of violence. When people are in crisis, they need a safe place and safe people to turn to. This funding will help support the many groups that provide these services day in and day out.”

    The Honourable Patty Hajdu
    Minister of Indigenous Services

    Quick Facts

    • As part of the federal Gender-based Violence Strategy, the Government of Canada has invested over $800 million, with $44 million per year ongoing in preventing gender-based violence (including family violence), supporting survivors, and promoting responsive legal and justice systems.
    • Specifically, the Public Health Agency of Canada is investing up to $18 million per year until 2026, and over $9 million ongoing to support projects that promote safe relationships, prevent youth dating violence, family violence and child maltreatment, and equip health professionals and service providers to recognize and respond safely to gender-based violence.
    • In addition, Budget 2022 committed $539.3 million over five years (2022 to 2027), to support provinces and territories in their efforts to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

    Yuval Daniel
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks
    Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
    819-360-6927

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Are you a Destiel stan? There’s so much more to ‘shipping’ than wanting characters to kiss

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Effie Sapuridis, PhD Candidate in Media Studies, Western University

    Castiel, played by Misha Collins, and Dean Winchester, played by Jensen Ackles, in an episode of ‘Supernatural.’ Destiel is the slash ship between the two characters. (Apple TV)

    In 1993, X-Files fans began using the term “relationshippers” to describe fans who were invested in a romantic relationship between the two leads, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.

    Although the practice of pairing two characters together had existed in fandom for a while, this is recognized as the first use of the term. By the late 1990s, “relationshipper” had been shortened to “shipper” and was being used in other major media fandoms as well.

    A ship refers to a romantic pairing between two or more characters, and is often a pairing that doesn’t actively exist in the original story. To “ship” a pairing is to support and enjoy the idea of that specific relationship.

    Top 11 Smulder moments from the X-Files YouTube channel.

    In the early 2000s, ships were often assigned nautical names, but now they are commonly portmanteaus of the two characters being paired — like Drarry, for Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, or Spuffy for Buffy Summers and Spike.

    Many people can relate to seeing two characters interact and thinking, “they’d make a great couple!” But why do we become so invested in these relationships? And what makes some characters more shippable than others?


    No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

    Read more from Quarter Life:


    Why we become invested

    Shipping has become a massive part of fan culture. Even when writers and media producers don’t explicitly pair up characters, fans will fill the gaps, creating their own versions and interpretations.

    Fans often become deeply invested in fictional couples because they empathize with and feel connected to the characters.

    Well-developed characters evoke emotional responses in audiences, similar to the connections we forge with others in real life, especially when we’ve spent a lot of time engaging with the media. The characters become like friends on the screen or page — we become invested in their relationships and growth.

    This connection grows even more when characters are placed in relatable situations, such as navigating a breakup or unrequited love. When we can put ourselves in the shoes of the character, we become more invested in their story. Fans connect with characters, and then yearn for their happiness because it feels connected to their own happiness.

    It becomes more than just a story; instead, shipping the characters becomes a way for fans to explore their own emotions.

    The slow burn effect

    In recent decades, media producers and writers have leaned heavily into “will they or won’t they” relationships. These situations, much like a cliffhanger, keep audiences emotionally invested and engaged with the relationship.

    The anticipation keeps viewers coming back for more, waiting for the romantic payoff, even in cases when they know it will never happen. The tension built between characters and the feeling of an unresolved romantic narrative — whether intentional or not — heightens fan interest and engagement in shipping.

    Shipping also allows fans to project their own desires and fantasies onto a character. We all have our ideal meet-cutes and daydreams about meeting “our person” and what that connection would be like.

    Aziraphale, played by Michael Sheen, and Crowley, played by David Tennant, in an episode of ‘Good Omens.’ Ineffable Husbands is the ship name of these two characters.
    (Amazon Prime)

    So, when we encounter a character who feels relatable, or who feels like “our person,” shipping allows us to explore those daydreams without any of the actual risks of complications involved in real life relationships. In many ways, the act of shipping is an exercise in emotional fulfillment for the fan.

    In 2019, the podcast Fansplaining found that fans had strong feelings about the emotional intensity they felt when shipping. Fan studies scholars have also turned to this question often; Brit Kelley’s recent monograph Loving Fanfiction comes to mind as a prime example of a deep dive into affect and emotion in fanfiction and, of course, shipping.

    What makes characters shippable?

    Some characters naturally have a spark that draw fans to them — whether it’s through witty banter, emotional vulnerability, opposites-attract tension or the fact that there’s only one bed. When characters have great chemistry, fans can’t help but see the potential for something deeper.

    This is especially true when a character’s arc involves personal or emotional growth, as we are eager to imagine a happy ending for characters who are evolving. Combine this growth with the tension of a “will they or won’t they” relationship — a classic of the 90s and 2000s sitcom, think Rachel and Ross from Friends, or Ted and Robin from How I Met Your Mother — and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a beloved ship.

    In fact, a common shipping trope is the slow burn where the romance builds excruciatingly slowly. These types of relationships keep fans hooked because the development is gradual, and subtle. On-screen couples like Jess and Nick from New Girl and Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago from Brooklyn Nine-Nine are prime examples of this.

    Jake Proposes to Amy on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

    Fans experience the full gamut of the emotional journey with these characters and, should then tension break and romance bloom, the pay-off is incredibly satisfying.

    If the relationships don’t come to pass, fans often turn to fanfiction — stories written by and for fans — to explore the potential of that ship more fully, with platforms like Archive of Our Own providing a space for these creative explorations.

    Pushing for diversity in media

    Fans are often drawn to relationships and characters that challenge the dominant ideologies and norms seen in media. Some of the most popular ships involve queer pairings — a trend that dates back, at least, to early days of media fandom with Spirk (Spock/Kirk) fanfiction.

    Some of today’s most popular queer ships include Aziraphale/Crowley from Good Omens, Dean Winchester/Castiel from Supernatural, Villanelle/Eve from Killing Eve and Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham from Hannibal.

    Such relationships can provide a sense of representation that’s often lacking in mainstream media, allowing fans to see themselves in the stories they love. In this way, shipping can serve as a form of advocacy, pushing for greater diversity and inclusivity in media.

    Shipping is about more than wanting characters to kiss — it’s an emotionally charged experience that culminates from empathy, narrative tension, personal fantasies and desires. For fans, these fictional relationships can feel as real as any in our own lives, and that’s why we keep coming back for more.

    Effie Sapuridis does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Are you a Destiel stan? There’s so much more to ‘shipping’ than wanting characters to kiss – https://theconversation.com/are-you-a-destiel-stan-theres-so-much-more-to-shipping-than-wanting-characters-to-kiss-238394

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investments in Indigenous Child Maltreatment and Youth Dating Violence Prevention

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    September 2024

    The Government of Canada is investing more than $5 million over five years to fund five Indigenous focused projects aimed at preventing child maltreatment and youth dating violence. These projects will help over 1,270 Indigenous children, youth, and families, as well as service providers, across Canada by providing them with the tools to build safe, supportive relationships.

    This funding will support a variety of initiatives across Canada, each focusing on cultural identity, healing, and promoting healthier relationships in Indigenous communities. The projects are designed to meet the unique needs of Indigenous youth and their families, while also addressing the intergenerational trauma and cycles of violence caused by colonization, racism, and the Residential School System.

    To prevent and address youth dating violence:

    • Infinity Women Secretariat Inc. is receiving $601,959 to explore and promote the use of Red River Métis culture in building healthy relationships among youth. This project will reach 210 Métis youth in Manitoba, helping them feel a sense of belonging and improving their confidence.
    • Legacy of Hope Foundation is receiving $555,015 to develop an online toolkit aimed at preventing dating violence. The toolkit will include Indigenous voices and perspectives and will feature online workshops for 300 Indigenous youth across Canada, creating safe spaces for conversations about healthy relationships.
    • Nunavut Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society is receiving $1.35 million to develop a dating violence prevention program for 320 Inuit youth with disabilities across Nunavut. The project will focus on teaching these youth about healthy relationships and how to prevent dating violence in a way that is culturally and developmentally appropriate.

    To prevent and address child maltreatment:

    • ILITAQSINIQ is receiving over $1.6 million to deliver two family strengthening programs in six communities across Nunavut. These programs will provide knowledge and skills on topics such as parenting, communication, and handling family dynamics, with the goal of helping 192 children and their caregivers.
    • Martin Family Initiative is receiving close to $1 million to adapt, deliver and evaluate their health and family well-being resources across Canada to better support over 250 early childhood professionals aimed at promoting positive parenting and contributing to the reduction of child maltreatment in the Indigenous communities they serve.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the ‘New Right’ in Latin America differs from other emerging far-right movements

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Juan Manuel Morales, PhD Candidate, Political Science, Université de Montréal

    Following the end of the progressive wave of the 2000s and 2010s in Latin America, the right has reinvented itself and regained political space.

    There is the self-styled libertarianism of Javier Milei in Argentina, the protests against leftist president Gustavo Petro in Colombia and the increasingly authoritarian government of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador.

    There’s also a plethora of influencers and media personalities that vociferously defend conservative positions in the region.

    “New Right” candidates are running in municipal elections in Chile and general elections in Uruguay in October.

    What is the New Right?

    Research defines the New Right as “a diverse set of individuals and organizations aiming to maintain societal hierarchies that are perceived as traditional or natural.”

    Whereas the traditional right often showed no interest in democracy and was more concerned with economic issues and fighting communism, the new right uses the tools of democracy to obtain power and govern, and focuses more on cultural issues.

    Chief among these issues is the control of sexuality and gender, which differentiates the new Latin American right from its western counterparts, which are prioritizing the issue of migration.




    Read more:
    Why the ideology of the ‘New Right’ is so dangerous


    The issues

    Researchers have observed the focus on sexuality in the new Latin American right. While conducting field work last year in Colombia with right-wing activists, it became clear to me that groups as diverse as economic libertarians, evangelical anti-abortionists and security hardliners with military backgrounds shared a desire to control the sexuality of others.

    Earlier this year, El Salvador’s Bukele ordered gender-related content removed from the public education system. Argentina’s Milei routinely attacks women’s reproductive rights, and the Peruvian government defined transgender identities as a “mental health problem.”

    These varied efforts seek to maintain heterosexual and binary gender models at the top of the social hierarchy, while people with diverse identities are marginalized. These authoritarian tendencies are aligned with another of the new right’s favourite issues: a tough-on-crime approach to security.

    Bukele has become an inspiration on this matter.




    Read more:
    ‘Bukelism,’ El Salvador’s flawed approach to gang violence, is no silver bullet for Ecuador


    The Argentine and Ecuadorian governments have expressed an interest in building Bukele-style mega-prisons to curb crime.

    Likewise, politicians in different countries market themselves as the local Bukele to win votes.

    Sexuality, crime

    Except for a few countries, migration is not a particularly relevant issue for adherents of the New Right in Latin America.

    This is not due to a lack of migration. More than six million Venezuelans have migrated to other countries in the region as of 2023; several Latin American countries are transit points for migrants trying to reach the United States; internal migration and forced displacement are an ongoing issue for some countries.

    Nevertheless, anti-migrant and nativist views are not commonplace. There is, however, an effort by the New Right to preserve white and white/mixed-race populations as well as western Christian values at the top of the social hierarchy — to the detriment of Latin America’s Indigenous and Black communities.

    The strategies

    The traditional right in Latin America resorted to coups d’état and military dictatorships as part of its repertoire of action. This happened in particular before the 1990s, but it’s also occurred in the last three decades.

    Conversely, the New Right prefers to leverage the tools of democracy to erode the democratic system from within and prolong its grip on power.

    New Right figures now become leaders by winning elections. But once in office, they often try to concentrate power in the executive branch by undermining the separation of powers.

    Bukele, for example, controls the legislative and judicial branches in El Salvador. Jair Bolsonaro took a similar path in Brazil but was ultimately thwarted by the victory of leftist Lula da Silva in 2022.

    The New Right has also become adept at using judicial activism to advance its agenda and curtail the rights of marginalized citizens.

    Grassroots organizing and social activism — tactics traditionally associated with the left — are now part of the New Right’s playbook in Latin America. Social movements were instrumental in the fall of Brazil’s Dilma Roussef and the subsequent 2018 victory of Bolsonaro.

    Right-wing social movement entities have systematically taken to the streets in Colombia to protest the leftist government.

    Evangelical churches have also taken on a more visible role within the New Right, disputing the traditional leadership of the Catholic Church among conservatives. While evangelicals have long been an important electoral force in places like Brazil, they have had more mixed results in other countries.

    Future implications

    The New Right continues to influence the public debate and society at large in Latin America through street and social media activism, as well as institutional politics.

    In 2025, the New Right could make further electoral gains in countries like Chile and Ecuador.

    Because many existing New Right governments regularly undermine democracy and the rights of marginalized communities, it’s important to better understand their strategies and priorities — particularly in a region marred by exclusion and inequality.

    Juan Manuel Morales does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. How the ‘New Right’ in Latin America differs from other emerging far-right movements – https://theconversation.com/how-the-new-right-in-latin-america-differs-from-other-emerging-far-right-movements-239267

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrating 40 years of Oxford’s Ice Rink

    Source: City of Oxford

    Published: Thursday, 26 September 2024

    This October sees Oxford’s Ice Rink hit the big 4-0, as it celebrates four decades of skating fun by hosting a Back to the 80s Gala on Saturday 5th October.

    Ice skating fans will get two chances to see this retro fun-fest, with shows at 2.30pm and 6pm, featuring the cream of the city’s skating talent from the Oxford School of Skating and Oxford Ice Academy.  

    The Back to the 80s Gala will see skaters dressed in retro fashions, dancing to songs that were big hits in the year the rink opened, 1984. People attending the show are guaranteed to feel like they’ve stepped back into the 80s! 

    The gala coincides with a Big Open Weekend at the ice rink, with free public skating sessions and taster lessons on Saturday and Sunday, and even a Saturday night disco. 

    “We are really excited to celebrate this major milestone for the Ice Rink! In August, we completed an extensive renovation, including a brand-new ice pad with updated logos and hockey lines, and a roof replacement. So, we are looking forward to showing it off.

    To book a ticket to the skating show, please visit our website. We are excited to have you celebrate the Ice Rink’s birthday with us!” “

    Jane De Lange, Skate School Co-ordinator at Oxford Ice Rink

    “For 40 years, Oxford Ice Rink has been at the heart of our community, offering fun, fitness, and a space where people of all ages can come together. With its recent upgrades, the rink is now better than ever, ensuring it continues to provide a fantastic experience for everyone from first-time skaters to seasoned pros. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Back to the 80s Gala and the Big Open Weekend to celebrate this exciting milestone.” 

    Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford, Oxford City Council 

    In partnership with Serco Leisure, More Community Leisure Trust manage five Oxford facilities, including the ice rink, Ferry Leisure Centre and Hinksey Outdoor Pool on behalf of Oxford City Council.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Next generation of teachers begin journey at ARU

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 26 September 2024 at 15:00

    Cohort of new students start England’s first new BEd course for 30 years

    Almost 100 local students have embarked on England’s first new Batchelor of Education (BEd) course in 30 years as they begin their training to become the region’s next primary school teachers.

    Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is the newest provider of Initial Teacher Training in the country, and teaching got underway for the BEd Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status course in Chelmsford, Cambridge and Peterborough this week.


    Interested in becoming a teacher?

    Find out more about our BEd Primary Education degree at an Open Day. Book your place for 5 October or 23 November 2024.


    It is estimated that around 200 people leave the region every year to seek undergraduate teacher training opportunities at universities elsewhere in the country. It is hoped that the new, innovative course delivered by ARU will increase the number of teachers who train locally and stay in the region’s schools after graduation.

    The course combines three years of academic study with three high-quality assessed placements with primary schools across the East of England and London.

    Designed and taught by primary teachers who took the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) route in to teaching, the new course is regulated by Ofsted.

    Jenny Fogarty, Director of Initial Teacher Training at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:

    “We were thrilled to welcome our first cohort onto our campuses this week and we look forward to working with them over the next three years, nurturing them and developing them into primary school teachers fit for 21st Century classrooms.
     
    “As the only new accredited provider of Initial Teacher Training in England, this is a landmark moment for education in the East of England and we hope it will put an end to people feeling they need to move away in order to become a teacher.”

    Anyone interested in finding out more, and potentially applying to be part of the 2025 cohort in Cambridge, Chelmsford, or Peterborough, is encouraged to attend one of ARU’s next undergraduate open days on Saturday, 5 October or Saturday, 23 November 2024.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council’s dedicated teams on high alert again as weather warning issued

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning affecting Wolverhampton today (Thursday) running into tomorrow morning (Friday) with an amber warning in place for nearby areas.

    It follows heavy downpours last weekend which caused disruption across the city with council teams working through the night to address them; from clearing blocked drains to removing fallen trees and dealing with collapsed walls.

    Hard-working council staff are once again braced for another busy time and are at the ready to deal with calls on a priority basis.

    Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for transport and green city, said: “With further heavy rain expected we are planning ahead with crews carrying out precautionary cleansing of drains and gullies and on standby to respond to any incidents as and when they occur.

    “Teams are monitoring the situation and working collaboratively to coordinate a response.

    “There are more than 34,000 gullies across the city. While our dedicated staff will do everything they can to respond to the hundreds of calls we receive on a priority basis, we are asking the public – wherever possible – to help prevent further flooding by sweeping any leaves that they may find blocking drains and gullies near their properties. This will enable rainwater to drain away more quickly.”

    Advice and guidance can be found at Flood Warning

    Do not email in an emergency, for anything urgent ring one of the numbers below:

    • 01902 55 5511 between 9am and 5pm weekdays
    • 01902 44 2999 out of hours
    • Forecasts are being regularly updated so please visit Met Office for the most up-to-date information on weather warnings – the Wolverhampton forecast is available here. Please also visit GOV.UK to view the latest on any Environment Agency flood alerts or warnings (there is also an option on this page to sign up directly for the free flood warning notification service).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Defence and Security Advocate reappointed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Lord Lancaster’s appointment as the HMG Defence and Security Advocate extended by the Business and Trade Secretary.

    • Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds extends Lord Lancaster’s contract as Defence and Security Advocate for a further three months.
    • Lord Lancaster will continue to engage with industry leaders, ministers and other key players both in the UK and overseas to build export relationships with the UK’s partners.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has reappointed Lord Mark Lancaster as the Government’s Defence and Security Advocate, to drive the UK’s defence and security export success for a further three months until 20 December 2024.

    Lord Lancaster will report directly to the Business and Trade Secretary and will continue his programme of visits both overseas and at home to promote UK defence and security exports.

    Lord Lancaster was initially appointed in January 2023 and has brought a wealth of specialist defence experience to the role.  Major-General, Lord Lancaster, is Director of the Army Reserves and was a Defence Minister between 2015-2019.  He was also previously a Major in the Territorial Army, having served as part of NATO peacekeeping forces in Kosovo and Bosnia.

    Background

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Non-executive chair reappointment at Government Actuary’s Department

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) announces the reappointment of Les Philpott as non-executive director and Management Board chair.

    Les is an experienced Non-Executive Director, having held a diverse range of non-executive roles in the public, private and charity sectors, including at Chair level. He has a background in public management at senior executive levels. Spanning a combined total of eleven years, Les formerly held the role of Chief Executive at the Office for Nuclear Regulation and previously held senior positions in the Health and Safety Executive.

    Commenting on the reappointment Fiona Dunsire, Government Actuary, said:

    With his business understanding, non-executive director experience at chair level, Les has been an insightful and inspirational presence in the Board of GAD. I look forward to working further with him during his second term.

    Les also commented and said:

    I am proud to have been reappointed to this role and to continue to be a part of GAD’s work and the next steps in its overall strategy.

    Notes:

    Les will continue to support GAD’s Management Board as the Non-Executive Chair, for a further three years, ending in September 2027.

    This reappointment has been made in accordance with the process and principles outlined in the Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments to the GAD are made on merit.

    He confirmed that he has not undertaken any political activity within the previous five years.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Winners of the Regional Student Competition 2024/2025 announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Falkland Islands Government and the British Embassies in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay announce the winners of the Regional Student Competition.

    The Falkland Islands Government and the British Embassies in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay are delighted to announce the winners of this year’s regional student competition. Participants from the four countries were asked to submit a short video in English, in which they answered the question: “Why would I like to meet my neighbours in the Falkland Islands?”.

    126 students entered the competition. All entries were reviewed and representatives from the Falkland Islands Government and British Embassies of the four countries selected the winners:

    • Celeste Giardinelli – Argentina
    • Shai Woldarsky – Chile
    • Valentina Brum – Uruguay
    • Elias Arce Soskin – Paraguay

    The winners will travel to the Falkland Islands in January, where they will spend a week experiencing the unique character of the Islands including its food and culture, nature and environment and meeting members of the community.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: DIAGNOS Announces Voting Results of Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROSSARD, Quebec, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DIAGNOS Inc. (“DIAGNOS” or the “Corporation”) (TSX Venture: ADK) (OTCQB: DGNOF), a pioneer in early detection of critical health issues through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, announces the voting results of its annual general and special meeting of shareholders held on September 25, 2024.

    Election of directors
    The following directors were elected to hold office until the closing of the next annual meeting of the shareholders; Mr. André Larente, Mr. Francis Bellido, Mr. Robert Dunn, Mr. Michael Braeuel and Mr. Philippe Couillard.

    Appointment of auditor
    Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP was re-appointed as auditor of the Corporation for the ensuing year.

    Amendment to the stock option plan
    The shareholders of the Corporation approved a special resolution pursuant to which the maximum number of common shares of the Corporation that may be issued under the stock option plan (the “Plan”) be set at 12,200,000, representing an increase of 2,000,000 common shares.

    Some of the provisions of the Plan were amended to comply with the current version of Policy 4.4 of the TSX Venture exchange. Please refer to the 2024 Management Information Circular of the Corporation available on Sedar+ for the updated version of the Plan.

    The amendments to the Plan remain subject to the TSX Venture acceptance.

    About DIAGNOS
    DIAGNOS is a publicly traded Canadian corporation dedicated to early detection of critical health problems based on its FLAIRE Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform. FLAIRE allows for quick modifying and developing of applications such as CARA (Computer Assisted Retina Analysis). CARA’s image enhancement algorithms provide sharper, clearer and easier-to-analyze retinal images. CARA is a cost-effective tool for real-time screening of large volumes of patients.

    Additional information is available at http://www.diagnos.ca and http://www.sedarplus.com.

    This news release contains forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these statements. DIAGNOS disclaims any intention or obligation to publically update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: PROACTIS SA – Press release 26.09.2024 ( publication date AFR)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Publication date of the results and the Annual Financial Report fiscal period ended 31 January 2024

    SURESNES, France – (26 September 2024) — PROACTIS (ISIN code : FR0004052561) announces that, the publication of its results and Annual Financial Report for the year ended January 31, 2024, originally scheduled for May 31, 2024, will take place on September 26, 2024.

    PROACTIS SA’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held on October 17, 2024, at 1:30 pm.

    PROACTIS SA had obtained authorization from the President of the Nanterre Commercial Court to postpone this meeting until October 31, 2024.

    * * * *

    About Proactis SA (https://www.proactis.com/proactis-sa), a Proactis Company

    Proactis SA connects companies by providing business spend management and collaborative business process automation solutions for both goods and services, through The Business Network. Our solutions integrate with any ERP or procurement system, providing our customers with an easy-to-use solution which drives adoption, compliance and savings.

    Proactis SA has operations in France, Germany, USA and Manila.

    Listed in Compartment C on the Euronext Paris Eurolist.

    ISIN: FR0004052561, Euronext: PROAC, Reuters: HBWO.LN, Bloomberg: HBW.FP

    Contacts
    Tel: +33 (0)1 53 25 55 00
    E-mail: investorContact@proactis.com

    * * * *

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ABC arbitrage Release of the interim financial report as of June 30, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ABC arbitrage announces that as of today its financial report for the first half of 2024 has been publicly released and filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF).

    This document includes the following parts:

    • The half-year activity report
    • The consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2024
    • The statutory auditors’ report
    • Statement by the person responsible for the financial report

    The annual financial report can be consulted on the Group website at: abc-arbitrage.com, in the “Shareholders” page, heading Financial information / Financial reports.

    Contacts : abc-arbitrage.com
    Relations actionnaires : actionnaires@abc-arbitrage.com
    Relations presse: VERBATEE / v.sabineu@verbatee.com
    EURONEXT Paris – Compartiment B
    ISIN : FR0004040608
    Reuters  BITI.PA / Bloomberg ABCA FP

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ThoughtSpot Appoints Ketan Karkhanis as new Chief Executive Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ThoughtSpot, the AI-Powered Analytics Company, today announced that the Company has appointed Ketan Karkhanis as Chief Executive Officer.

    Ketan is joining ThoughtSpot from Salesforce, where he has spent over a decade of his career. He most recently served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Salesforce Sales Cloud business, leading one of the company’s largest cloud businesses that generated more than $7 billion last fiscal year. He returned to Salesforce in March 2022 after his time as the COO of Turvo, a supply-chain collaboration platform that was acquired by Lineage Logistics in 2022. Before that, Ketan was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Salesforce Einstein Analytics, incubating the business from launch to over $300 million and a 30,000 strong user community.

    “During this time of accelerated transformation driven by the advent of generative AI, there is no better person to lead ThoughtSpot than Ketan,” said Ajeet Singh, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of ThoughtSpot. “He is a customer-obsessed, employee-focused business leader with a deep experience in analytics and has built and led world-class SaaS businesses of significant scale. The ThoughtSpot Board believes that Ketan is the right leader to help ThoughtSpot capitalize on its foundational innovation and capture the massive market opportunity that lies ahead in AI-powered analytics.”

    Singh added, “Over the last six months, ThoughtSpot has made significant progress in accelerating its product roadmap, delivering genAI-driven value to customers that are migrating away from legacy visualization platforms, and centering its focus on durable growth at scale, all setting the table for our next CEO.”

    “Ketan has the passion and experience to lead ThoughtSpot in its next chapter,” said Ravi Mhatre, Founder and Managing Director of Lightspeed Venture Partners and the founding investor on ThoughtSpot’s Board of Directors. “This appointment comes at a perfect time for the market as analytics is redefined by genAI, and ensures that ThoughtSpot is best positioned to scale rapidly.”

    “ThoughtSpot has built a fundamentally different approach to analytics since its inception, squarely focused on democratizing data and empowering everyone to make data-driven decisions with its AI and search-driven analytics platform,” said Ketan Karkhanis, CEO of ThoughtSpot. “ThoughtSpot has a significant head start in innovation that is required for truly delivering on the expectations that genAI has created, with a proven solution that is delivering value to some of the largest and most complex enterprises in the world. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to lead the company that finds itself intersecting with the genAI tailwinds at a perfect time, and is in a strong position to capitalize on this market opportunity by bringing unparalleled value to over a thousand customers across the globe.”

    Ketan has a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from PICT (Pune Institute of Computer Technology, India) and an MBA from Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business.

    About ThoughtSpot
    ThoughtSpot is the AI-Powered Analytics company. Our mission is to create a more fact-driven world with the easiest to use analytics platform. With ThoughtSpot, anyone can leverage natural language search to ask and answer data questions with confidence. ThoughtSpot enables everyone within an organization to limitlessly engage with live data in any major cloud data platform, making it easy to create and interact with granular, hyper-personalized, and actionable insights. Customers can take advantage of both ThoughtSpot’s web and mobile applications to improve decision-making for every employee, wherever and whenever decisions are made. With ThoughtSpot’s low-code developer-friendly platform, ThoughtSpot Embedded, customers can also embed AI-Powered Analytics to their products and services, monetizing their data and engaging users to keep them coming back for more. Organizations like Capital One, Daimler, Comcast, Cigna, Royal Bank of Canada, Nasdaq, and Unilever rely on ThoughtSpot to transform how their employees and customers take advantage of data. Try ThoughtSpot today and see for yourself.

    PR Contact:

    Lindsay Noonan
    Director of Communications, ThoughtSpot
    press@thoughtspot.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/88088950-4082-42c9-b99f-a944c31c28c8

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Laurie Stewart Named One of American Banker’s “Most Powerful Women to Watch”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Banker names Laurie Stewart, President and CEO of Sound Community Bank, as one of The Most Powerful Women to Watch in 2024.

    Now celebrating its 22nd anniversary, American Banker’s The Most Powerful Women in Banking™ program recognizes individuals and teams for demonstrating exceptional leadership skills, strong business performance, and a commitment to driving real outcomes for diversity, equity, and inclusion in financial services. As part of this program, the Most Powerful Women to Watch rankings highlight influential leaders from top banks and financial institutions.  

    “Keep your eyes on these women in the years ahead,” said Chana Schoenberger, Editor-in-Chief of American Banker. ”They exemplify modern leadership, with significant contributions to both their businesses and the industry at large. It hasn’t been an easy year for bank and financial institutions, but progress continues – not by chance, but through the determined efforts of these women.”

    The honorees will be recognized at THE MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN BANKING Gala, scheduled for October 24, 2024, at The Glasshouse in New York City.

    Stewart recently celebrated 34 years with Sound Community Bank. In this span, Stewart led the organization’s conversion from a $38 million dollar credit union to a $1 billion publicly traded commercial bank. Active in the industry, Stewart was one of 14 bankers selected to serve on the inaugural FDIC Community Bank Advisory Board. She is active in trade associations, having served two terms as Chair of the WBA and as Chair of the ABA’s flagship Governmental Affairs Committee. Stewart ascended to Chairperson of the American Bankers Association Board of Directors, becoming only the third woman to hold this role in nearly 150 years. She served two consecutive terms on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and is currently serving on the 12th District Head Office Board. She also served as Chair of the National Arthritis Foundation Board of Directors and is a former Chair of the Woodland Park Zoo. Ms. Stewart is the current Secretary/Treasurer of the Jamestown/S’Klallam CDFI. She is the only non-tribal member of the CDFI Board.

    About Sound Community Bank
    Established in 1953, Sound Community Bank is a full-service bank providing personal and business banking services in communities across the greater Puget Sound region. The Seattle-based company operates banking offices in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Jefferson, and Clallam Counties and on the web at http://www.soundcb.com. Sound Community Bank is a subsidiary of Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFBC). On June 30, 2024, Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. reported total assets of $1.1 billion.  

    For Media inquiries, please contact:
    Deena Rataezyk
    Vice President, Director of Marketing & Communications
    deena.rataezyk@soundcb.com
    (206) 204-8169

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Cegedim: Revenue and EBITDA both increased in the first half of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

         
     

    PRESS RELEASE

    First-half financial information at June 30, 2024
    IFRS – Regulated information – Audited

    Cegedim: Revenue and EBITDA both increased in the first half of 2024

    • Revenue grew 6.0% as reported and 4.6% LFL to €319.0 million
    • EBITDA rose 6.9% to €52.2 million
    • Recurring operating income(1) (REBIT) fell 3.4% to €10.3 million

    Boulogne-Billancourt, France, September 26, 2024, after the market close

    Cegedim generated consolidated H1 2024 revenues of €319.0 million, a 6.0% year-on-year increase as reported, and EBITDA of €52.2 million, a €3.4 million or 6.9% increase. Recurring operating income fell €0.4 million, or 3.4%, to €10.3 million.

      H1 2024 H1 2023 Change
      in €m (in %) (in €m) (in %) (in €m) in %
    Revenues 319.0 100.0% 301.0 100.00% 18.0 6.0%
    EBITDA(1) 52.2 16.4% 48.8 +16.2% 3.4 6.9%
    Depreciation & amortization -41.9   -38.1   -3.8 -9.8%
    Recurring operating income(1) 10.3 3.2% 10.7 3.6% -0.4 -3.4%
    Other non-recurring operating income and expenses(1) -2.6   -1.4   -1.2 -88.8%
    Operating income 7.7 2.4% 9.3 3.1% -1.6 -17.1%
    Financial result -5.0   -5.6   0.6 10.8%
    Total tax -2.9   -12.4   9.5 76.8%
    Share of net profit (loss) of equity method companies 0.1   -0.5   0.6 110.3%
    Consolidated net profit -0.1 0.0% -9.2 -3.1% 9.1 99.0%
    Non-controlling interests -0.7   -0.4   -0.3 -69.3%
    Group share 0.6 0.2% -8.8 -2.9% 9.4 107.2%
    Recurring earnings per share(2) (in euros) 0.0 -0.6    
    Earnings per share (in euros) 0.0 -0.6    

    Consolidated revenues rose €18.0 million, or 6.0%, to €319.0 million in H1 2024 compared with €301.0 million in 2023. The positive scope effect of €3.7 million, or 1.2%, was attributable to the first-time consolidation in Cegedim’s accounts of Visiodent starting March 1, 2024. The positive currency impact was €0.5 million, or 0.2%, chiefly owing to appreciation of the pound sterling against the euro. In like-for-like terms(2), revenues rose 4.6% in the first half, in line with the Group’s announced outlook. The performance was attributable to seasonality and the non-recurrence of Ségur public health investments in 2024.

    EBITDA(1) rose €3.4 million between the first half of 2023 and 2024, or 6.9%. The improvement is the result of good management of personnel costs and external costs, in moderate growth as a percentage of revenues even though the amount of R&D capitalization fell and the Group had an additional quarter of start-up costs for its biggest BPO contract.

    ————-
    (1)    Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.
    (2)   At constant scope and exchange rates.

    Depreciation and amortization expenses rose €3.7 million, chiefly due to a €3.1 million increase in R&D amortization (€22.7 million at June 30, 2024 compared with €19.7 million a year earlier) driven by development efforts in recent years.

    Recurring operating income(1) fell €0.4 million to €10.3 million in H1 2024 compared with €10.7 million in 2023.  It amounted to 3.2% of 2024 revenue compared with 3.6% in 2023. The fine EBITDA performance did not drop through to recurring operating income solely because of higher depreciation and amortization. Excluding the impact of Ségur subsidies and at comparable levels of amortization of capitalized R&D, Recurring operating income would have more than doubled.

    Other non-current operating costs(1) amounted to €2.6 million in H1 2024 compared with €1.4 million in the same period in 2023.  The principal items in 2024 were restructuring costs related to the Group’s decision to refocus software for doctors in the UK on Scotland and fees related to the Visiodent acquisition.

    Taking these elements into account, operating income came to €7.7 million at June 30, 2024, compared with €9.3 million a year earlier.

    Financial result was a loss of €5.0 million compared with a €5.6 million loss in H1 2023. Dividend income over the period more than offset the increase in the cost of financial debt.

    Tax was back to normal levels at €2.6 million in H1 2024 compared with €12.4 million in H1 2023. As a reminder, in 2023 the Group made a non-cash adjustment that caused it to record a deferred tax charge corresponding to the downward revision of its estimated remaining deferred tax assets.

    Analysis of business trends by division

    in millions of euros Total Software & Services Flow Data & Marketing BPO Cloud & Support
    Revenue            
    2023 reported

    2023 reclassified (*)

    301.0

    301.0

    161.5

    150.6

    48.2

    46.8

    54.9

    54.9

    32.8

    32.8

    3.5

    15.8

    2024 319.0 152.1 49.5 59.3 39.9 18.1
    Change 6.0% 1.0% 5.8% 8.0% 21.6% 14.5%
                 
    Recurring operating income            
    2023 reported

    2023 reclassified (*)

    10.7

    10.7

    -2.0

    -2.5

    5.6

    5.2

    6.6

    6.6

    1.4

    1.4

    -0.9

    0.0

    2024 10.3 -1.4 5.9 5.3 1.9 -1.3
    Change -3.4% 42.4% 12.8% -19.8% 36.0% na
                 
    Recurring operating margin (as a % of revenues)

    2023 reported

     

    3.6%

     

    -1.2%

     

    11.7%

     

    11.9%

     

    4.3%

     

    -24.7%

    2023 reclassified (*) 3.6% -1.7% 11.1% 11.9% 4.3% 0.3%
    2024 3.2% -1.0% +11.8% 8.9% 4.8% -7.0%
                 

    (*) As of January 1, 2024, our Cegedim Outsourcing and Audiprint subsidiaries—which were previously housed in the Software & Services division—as well as BSV—formerly of the Flow division—have been moved to the Cloud & Support division in order to capitalize on operating synergies between cloud activities and IT solutions integration.

    • Software & Services: H1 2024 revenues posted a €1.5 million increase, and recurring operating income (REBIT)(1) improved by €1.1 million to a loss of €1.4 million, compared with a €2.5 million loss a year earlier.

    ————-
    (1)    Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.

    Software & Services First half Change

    2024 / 2023

    in millions of euros 2024 2023
    Revenues 152.1 150.6 1.5 1.0%
    Cegedim Santé 38.9 39.8 -1.0 -2.4%
    Insurance, HR, Pharmacies, and other services 86.7 84.5 2.3 2.7%
    International businesses 26.5 26.3 0.2 0.6%
    Recurring operating income(1) -1.4 -2.5 1.1 42.4%
    Cegedim Santé -1.6 -1.4 -0.2 -11.8%
    Insurance, HR, Pharmacies, and other services 3.4 3.3 0.1 3.5%
    International businesses -3.3 -4.4 1.1 25.6%

    As expected, Cegedim Santé felt the impact of increased R&D amortization (nearly €1 million) and a demanding comparison owing to the non-recurrence of Ségur public health investments (€4.4 million in H1 2023 revenues). The consolidation of Visiodent starting March 1, 2024, only partly offset those two items. Recurring operating income was nearly stable over the first half, but EBITDA increased as expected.

    The other businesses in the division posted REBIT(1) of €1.2 million. A solid performance by HR solutions, which managed to keep costs under control during a phase of strong growth, compensated for slower pharmacy equipment sales post-Ségur. The international businesses got a boost from dynamic sales for doctors in Spain and for insurers in the UK. As we shift our operations, narrowing the focus of our UK doctor’s software business to Scotland continued to generate costs in the first half.

    • Flow: Revenues rose 5.8%, driven by Cegedim e-business (process digitalization and electronic data flows), both of whose businesses made positive contributions; by Invoicing & Procurement, which rebounded in France and is benefiting from the upcoming reform in Germany; and by Healthcare Flow Management, which has dynamic new offerings for hospitals to make their drug purchasing secure. Over the same period, Third-party payer systems posted 3.6% growth. As a result, REBIT(1) rose 12.8%, with Third-party payer systems making the biggest contribution, as Cegedim e-business recorded a large R&D amortization charge.
    • Data & Marketing: Trends differed at this division—Marketing is still going strong, with 20% growth, whereas Data revenues fell 2.8%, particularly abroad. REBIT(1) of €6.6 million was down €1.3 million over the first half owing to high fixed costs in Data and increased depreciation and amortization costs at C-Media (+€1 million) due to heavy investments in updating its digital signage equipment.
    • BPO: Revenue jumped more than 21% over the first half, buoyed notably by a full six months of the contract with Allianz, which started on April 1, 2023, and is expected to generate losses in the early years. But the division reined in those losses so well that REBIT(1) rose €0.5 million in the first half of 2024 to reach €1.9 million, also getting a boost from the HR BPO and digitalization businesses.
    • Cloud & Support: H1 2024 REBIT(1) was a loss of €1.3 million, compared with breakeven a year earlier. The drop was due to surcharges related to the launch of a new cloud offering and recruitment of new offshore teams.

    ———

    (1) Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.

    Highlights

    Apart from the items cited below, to the best of the company’s knowledge, there were no events or changes during H1 2024 that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.

    • Acquisition of Visiodent

    On February 15, 2024, Cegedim Santé acquired Visiodent, a leading French publisher of management software for dental practices and health clinics. Visiodent launched the market’s first 100% SaaS solution, Veasy, at a time when it was significantly expanding its organization. Its users now include the country’s largest nation-wide networks of health clinics, both cooperative and privately owned, as well as several thousand dental surgeons in private practice. Visiodent generated revenue of c.€10 million in 2023 and began contributing to Cegedim Group’s consolidation scope on March 1, 2024.

    Cegedim S.A. has been subject to two tax audits since 2018, which have resulted in reassessments relating to the use of tax-loss carryforwards contested by the tax authorities. Cegedim, in consultation with its lawyers, believes that the reassessments are unfounded in light of the applicable tax law and jurisprudence. The Company has therefore taken, and continues to take, all possible avenues of contestation.

    As these appeals are not suspensive, Cegedim has paid the amounts reassessed over time (a total of 23 million euros already paid, including 10.9 million euros disbursed in February 2024). The remaining risk of future disbursements in respect of this dispute thus amounts to only 5 million euros at June 30, 2024.

    However, these disbursements have never given rise to the recognition of a tax charge in the P&L, since the Company considers that these sums will be recoverable at the end of the proceedings (they are recognized as advances paid on the assets side of the balance sheet). Should the outcome be unfavorable, a charge of 28 million euros (of which 23 million has already been paid) would have to be recorded in the consolidated income statement.

    In addition, the consolidated balance sheet must show the future tax savings still realizable in respect of tax loss carryforwards. This “deferred tax asset” amounted to 6.9 million euros at June 30, 2024.
    Should the outcome be unfavorable, the probability of realizing these future savings would become nil, and an adjustment of 6.9 million euros would have to be recorded in the consolidated income statement (with no cash impact, since these gains have never yet been realized).

    Consequently, the risk associated with this dispute is not (or very little) in terms of cash, but rather in terms of a possible adjustment to the consolidated income. The maximum P&L adjustment risk is known: it amounts to 34.9 million euros and will remain unchanged. Only its breakdown varies at each closing: the amount of disputed tax savings (28 million to date) will continue to increase, and that of remaining future savings (6.9 million to date) will decrease accordingly until exhausted.

    In the last quarter of 2023, the Company referred this dispute to the administrative court, which is likely to continue for several years.

    Significant transactions and events post June 30, 2024

    Apart from the items cited below, to the best of the company’s knowledge, there were no post-closing events or changes after June 30, 2024, that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.

    • New financing arrangement

    On July 31, 2024, Cegedim announced that it had secured a new financing arrangement consisting of a €230 million syndicated loan. The arrangement is split into €180 million of lines drawn upon closing to refinance the Group’s existing debt (RCF and Euro PP, which were to mature in October 2024 and October 2025 respectively) and an additional, undrawn revolving credit facility (RCF) of €50 million. This new financing arrangement will bolster the Group’s liquidity and extend the maturity of its debt to, respectively, 5 years (€30 million, payments every six months); 6 years (€60 million, repayable upon maturity); and 7 years (€90 million, repayable upon maturity).

    Outlook

    Based on the currently available information, the Group expects 2024 like-for-like(2) revenue growth to be in the range of 5-8% relative to 2023. Recurring operating income should continue to improve, following a similar trajectory as in 2023.  

    Recurring operating income(1) is expected to grow, notably thanks to the initial returns on investments made in Cegedim Santé and refocusing international activities.

    These targets may need to be revised in the event of unexpected developments (pandemic, etc.) and/or a significant worsening of geopolitical and macroeconomic risks. The Group reiterates that it has no activities or exposed assets in Russia or Ukraine.

    —————

    The Audit Committee met on September 25, 2024. The Board of Directors, chaired by Jean-Claude Labrune, met on September 26, 2024, and approved the consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2024, of which the statutory auditors have conducted a limited review. The Interim Financial Report will be available in a few days’ time, in French and in English, on our website.

    2024 financial calendar

    2024 October 24 after the close Q3 2024 revenues

    Financial calendar: https://www.cegedim.fr/finance/agenda/Pages/default.aspx

    Disclaimer
    This press release is available in French and in English. In the event of any difference between the two versions, the original French version takes precedence. This press release may contain inside information. It was sent to Cegedim’s authorized distributor on September 26, 2024, no earlier than 5:45 pm Paris time.
    The figures cited in this press release include guidance on Cegedim’s future financial performance targets. This forward-looking information is based on the opinions and assumptions of the Group’s senior management at the time this press release is issued and naturally entails risks and uncertainty. For more information on the risks facing Cegedim, please refer to Chapter 7, “Risk management”, section 7.2, “Risk factors and insurance”, and Chapter 3, “Overview of the financial year”, section 3.6, “Outlook”, of the 2023 Universal Registration Document filled with the AMF on April 3, 2024, under number D.24-0233.

    About Cegedim:
    Founded in 1969, Cegedim is an innovative technology and services group in the field of digital data flow management for healthcare ecosystems and B2B, and a business software publisher for healthcare and insurance professionals. Cegedim employs more than 6,500 people in more than 10 countries and generated revenue of €616 million in 2023.

    Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM).
    To learn more please visit: http://www.cegedim.fr
    And follow Cegedim on X: @CegedimGroup, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

    Aude Balleydier
    Cegedim
    Media Relations
    and Communications Manager

    Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 09 68 81
    aude.balleydier@cegedim.fr

    Damien Buffet
    Cegedim
    Head of Financial Communication

    Tel.: +33 (0)7 64 63 55 73
    damien.buffet@cegedim.com

    Céline Pardo
    Becoming RP Agency
    Media Relations Consultant

    Tel.:        +33 (0)6 52 08 13 66
    cegedim@becoming-group.com

     

    ———

    (1) Alternative performance indicator See pages 112-113 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document.
    (2) At constant scope and exchange rates.

    Annexes

    Consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2024

    • Assets au 30 juin 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 12/31/2023
    Goodwill 234,955 199,787
    Development costs 29,706 1,562
    Other intangible fixed assets 177,834 192,616
    Intangible non-current assets 207,541 194,178
    Land 594 544
    Buildings 1,556 1,660
    Other property, plant, and equipment 53,006 45,829
    Advances and non-current assets in progress 901 831
    Rights of use 86,092 89,718
    Tangible fixed assets 142,149 138,582
    Equity investments 0 0
    Loans 16,332 15,332
    Other long-term investments 7,120 5,230
    Long-term investments – excluding equity shares in equity method companies 23,452 20,563
    Equity shares in equity method companies 19,086 22,065
    Deferred tax assets 18,209 19,747
    Prepaid expenses: long-term portion 0 0
    Non-current assets 645,390 594,922
    Goods 6,072 5,498
    Advances and deposits received on orders 1,396 3,703
    Accounts receivables: short-term portion 182,907 175,199
    Other receivables: short-term portion 59,070 59,563
    Current tax credits 27,262 16,495
    Cash equivalents 0 0
    Cash 35,414 46,606
    Prepaid expenses: short-term portion 26,138 22,082
    Current assets 338,260 329,146
    Total assets 983,651 924,068
    • Liabilities et shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 12/31/2023
    Share capital 13,432 13,337
    Consolidated retained earnings 276,449 282,521
    Group exchange gains/losses -11,848 -12,275
    Group earnings 630 -7,407
    Shareholders’ equity, Group share 278,663 276,175
    Minority interest 17,550 18,381
    Shareholders’ equity 296,213 294,556
    Non-current financial liabilities 187,714 188,546
    Non-current lease liabilities 76,267 78,761
    Deferred tax liabilities 5,949 5,600
    Post-employment benefit obligations 30,632 31,007
    Non-current provisions 2,147 2,521
    Non-current liabilities 302,710 306,435
    Current financial liabilities 61,570 3,006
    Current lease liabilities 14,661 14,789
    Trade payables and related accounts 57,225 61,734
    Current tax liabilities 192 235
    Tax and social security liabilities 113,884 121,371
    Non-current provisions 1,660 1,730
    Other current liabilities 135,538 120,212
    Current liabilities 384,728 323,077
    Total liabilities 983,651 924,068
    • Income statement at June 30, 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 6/30/2023
    Revenues 318,995 301,011
    Purchases used -14,045 -14,739
    External expenses -72,687 -66,371
    Taxes -3,961 -4,291
    Payroll costs -173,240 -163,623
    Impairment of trade receivables and other receivables and on contract assets -872 -2,041
    Allowances to and reversals of provisions -2,440 -1,830
    Other operating expenses -690 108
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates on the income statement 1,146 603
    EBITDA (1) 52,207 48,827
    Depreciation expenses other than right-of-use assets -33,140 -29,030
    Depreciation expenses of right-of-use assets -8,733 -9,097
    Recurring operating income(1) 10,334 10,700
    Non-recurring operating income and expenses -2,616 -1,385
    Other non-recurring operating income and expenses(1) -2,616 -1,385
    Operating income 7,718 9,315
    Income from cash and cash equivalents 326 180
    Cost of gross financial debt -7,121 -5,633
    Other financial income and expenses 1,813 -136
    Net financial income (expense) -4,983 -5,589
    Income taxes -1,226 -1,841
    Deferred income taxes -1,652 -10,588
    Tax -2,878 -12,429
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates 53 -515
    Consolidated net profit -90 -9,219
    Group share 630 -8,793
    Income from equity-accounted affiliates -721 -426
    Average number of shares excluding treasury stock 13,695,317 13,658,348
    Recurring earnings per share (in euros) 0.0 -0.6
    Earnings per share (in euros) 0.0 -0.6
    • Cash flow statement as of June 30, 2024
    In thousands of euros 6/30/2024 6/30/2023
    Consolidated net profit -90 -9,219
    Share of profit (loss) from affiliates -1,199 -88
    Depreciation and amortization expenses and provisions 40,531 37,972
    Capital gains or losses on disposals of operating assets -52 -798
    Cash flow after cost of net financial debt and taxes 39,190 27,867
    Cost of net financial debt 4,983 5,589
    Tax expenses 2,878 12,429
    Cash flow from operating activities before tax and interest 47,051 45,885
    Tax paid -11,634 -378
    Impact of change in working capital requirements -13,206 -18,032
    Cash flow generated from operating activities after tax paid and change in

    working capital requirements

    22,211 27,476
    Acquisitions of intangible fixed assets -29,879 -29,550
    Acquisitions of tangible fixed assets -15,935 -11,759
    Acquisitions of long-term investments 0 -36
    Disposals of property, plant, and equipment and of intangible assets 553 2,575
    Disposals of long-term investments 934 805
    Change in deposits received or paid -860 -156
    Impact of changes in consolidation scope -35,454 -2,172
    Dividends received from outside the Group 4,073 30
    Net cash from (used in) investing activities -76,568 -40,264
    Capital increase 985
    Dividends paid to minority shareholders of consolidated cos. 0
    Dividends paid to shareholders of the parent company -1
    Debt issuance 55,000
    Debt repayments -219 -193
    Employee profit sharing 145 129
    Repayment of lease liabilities -8,152 -11,353
    Interest paid on loans -972 -117
    Other financial income received 718 596
    Other financial expenses paid -3,612 -3,492
    Net cash flow used in financing activities 43,892 -14,430
    Change in net cash excluding currency impact -10,465 -27,218
    Impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates -728 -456
    Change in net cash -11,194 -27,674
    Opening cash 46,606 55,553
    Closing cash 35,412 27,879
    • Financial covenants

    The Group complied with all its covenants as of June 30, 2024.


    (1) Alternative performance indicator

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Check Point Software Recognized as a Visionary in Endpoint Security in 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading cyber security platform provider of AI-powered, cloud delivered solutions, today announced that it has been recognized as a Visionary in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms. Check Point Harmony Endpoint is shaping the future of workspace security with flexible deployment options and a unified security approach, offering robust endpoint protection tailored to organizations of any scale.

    Businesses today are grappling with more advanced cyber threats aimed particularly at endpoints, highlighted by Check Point Research’s report of a 30% increase in global cyber-attacks in the second quarter of 2024. Simultaneously, they must navigate the complexities of managing numerous security solutions. Check Point Harmony Endpoint mitigates these challenges by providing robust protection, with a 99.8% block rate against new malware, ransomware, and zero-day attacks. It ensures seamless security across diverse devices and networks, simplifying management and reducing operational costs.

    Gary Li, Vice President of Research Institute at Gotion High-Tech emphasized our features, stating that, “Check Point Harmony Endpoint satisfied all of our criteria and efficiently addressed our current cybersecurity risks. Its autonomous detection and response capability also enable our team to easily intercept attacks and prevent them from affecting users and endpoints.”

    “We’re thrilled that Gartner has acknowledged us for the second year in a row, as we consistently secure customer traction and provide our clients with comprehensive security solutions to safeguard them against the latest cyber-attacks,” said Ofir Israel, VP of Threat Prevention at Check Point Software Technologies. “We see endpoints being among the most vulnerable for compromise and persistently push the boundaries of innovation to ensure strong protection for businesses of all sizes.”

    Harmony Endpoint offers a robust and all-encompassing security solution for endpoints, featuring advanced EPP, EDR, and XDR functionalities, that safeguard remote workforces against the intricate threats of today’s digital environment. Harmony Endpoint is part of the Check Point Infinity Platform, a comprehensive platform that provides top-tier security across data centers, networks, cloud services, branch offices, and remote users, all managed through a unified interface.

    To download a complimentary copy of the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms visit our website and check out the blog.

    Discover how Harmony Endpoint can safeguard your workforce. Visit us for more information: https://www.checkpoint.com/solutions/endpoint-security/

    Follow Check Point via:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies
    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware
    Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal

    Gartner Disclaimer
    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. 
    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (http://www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Platform Services for collaborative security operations and services.

    The MIL Network