NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: Eshoo Bill to Improve Pediatric Drugs Passes House Unanimously

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA)

    Washington, D.C. – Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Anna G. Eshoo (CA-16) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted unanimously for her Give Kids a Chance Act (H.R. 3433) yesterday. H.R. 3433 is the most comprehensive legislation Congress has passed in more than a decade to address childhood cancer and rare diseases.

    “This vote will save children’s lives. I am so grateful to my colleagues for the months of hard work to pass this milestone bipartisan legislation,” Rep. Eshoo said. “The legislation will ensure that children have access to the most innovative treatments and therapies for cancer and rare disease. Our laws must keep up with the rapid advances in medicine.”

    The legislation specifically:

    • Reauthorizes the FDA’s pediatric priority voucher program for five years to ensure the development of innovative drugs for children continues.
    • Directs pharmaceutical companies to conduct pediatric trials with combinations of drugs, something that is already done for adults.
    • Brings the FDA’s enforcement capabilities for children on par with that of adults with the goal to complete pediatric studies on time instead of removing a drug from the market because the study wasn’t completed.
    • Dedicates existing funds for pediatric research through NIH’s Best Pharmaceutical for Children Act Program for three years.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Houlahan Urges Postmaster General to Address Service Issues Caused by Closure of West Chester Post Office

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)

    WEST CHESTER, PA – Late last week, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) sent a letter to United States Postmaster General Louis DeJoy outlining her constituents’ concerns following a fire in July that closed the Airport Road Post Office in West Chester, PA. The letter highlighted problems resulting from the closure including a lack of clear operating hours at alternate facilities such as the Gay Street Post Office, incorrect and outdated information on the website, long wait times, and chronic understaffing at the post offices currently trying to handle the overflow of customers who had previously relied on the Airport Road Post Office before the fire. 

    Houlahan asked DeJoy to share the Postal Service’s plan to remedy the issues and to commit to rebuilding the Airport Road facility, which is owned by the U.S. Postal Service. Houlahan also expressed her concerns about how the closure of the USPS Airport Road facility will impact the distribution and collection of mail-in ballots.  

    “With only a handful of weeks until election day, and even fewer before mail-in ballots are distributed, I’m asking for a detailed plan for the distribution of ballots despite lack of access to this post office,” wrote Houlahan. “This plan should include what additional capacity will be needed at other nearby locations, and how this capacity can be provided. Every eligible American has the right to participate in our elections and that right should not be diminished due to lack of post office access.” 

    Read Houlahan’s letter here or below.  

    Dear Postmaster General Dejoy, 

    As you may be aware, on July 19th, services were indefinitely suspended at the USPS facility located at 1050 Airport Road in West Chester, PA because of a major fire. This particular post office is the primary delivery unit in Chester County, where the majority of my constituents of Pennsylvania’s Sixth District reside. As an additional point of context, West Chester University with a student enrollment of approximately 18,000 individuals, is located in West Chester, Chester County’s County Seat and population base.  

    I am thankful that no one was hurt in the blaze, and for the updates provided by your team to my office. I appreciate the work the USPS is doing to recover from this disaster and ask that you prioritize a few issues that many members of my community have shared with me.  

    First and most imminently, the hours displayed on the USPS’s website still describe the Airport Road location as being open and operating normally. This has caused confusion as postal patrons have traveled to the Airport Road location only to find a shuttered building. Please correct this right away. Additionally, because of the closure, the nearby Gay Street Post Office has extended its hours but the website has not been updated, leading to additional confusion. I appreciate the USPS’s prompt attention to these necessary updates.  

    Second, the closure of the Airport Road Post Office has meant that demand at the Gay Street Post Office is now higher than ever. My office has received reports of long wait times of up to 90 minutes for counter services, as well as hours-long closures at the Gay Street location, due to a shortage of staff. It is critical that more staff are either hired or quickly transferred to meet the increased demand of postal customers that have been forced from the Airport Road location to the Gay Street location. I ask that you regularly keep my office apprised of the actions the USPS is taking to improve staff recruitment and retention in the West Chester, PA area. It is my hope that these actions will be in addition to the efforts already underway to improve staffing at USPS locations across the nation, as described by the Delivering for America plan.  

    Third, I have deep concerns about how the closure of the USPS Airport Road facility will impact the distribution and collection of mail-in ballots. With only a handful of weeks until election day, and even fewer before mail-in ballots are distributed, I’m asking for a detailed plan for the distribution of ballots despite lack of access to this post office. This plan should include what additional capacity will be needed at other nearby locations, and how this capacity can be provided. Every eligible American has the right to participate in our elections and that right should not be diminished due to lack of post office access.  

    Fourth, I’d like you to commit that the West Chester Post office will be rebuilt and reopened, rather than closed permanently. This location is critically important to maintaining adequate services in this part of my district in the long term. While augmenting services at nearby offices can be help fill the gap in the short term, it cannot be an indefinite solution.  

    Lastly, I ask that USPS personnel continue to be in regular contact with my staff on the status of the West Chester Post Office. Specifically, I ask that monthly updates be provided to my staff on the progress of reconstruction, and the ongoing impact of the closure on nearby offices.  

    Thank you for your work to address this difficult issue.  

    Sincerely, 

    Chrissy Houlahan

    Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Porter Bill to Modernize Permitting Process Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45)

    Last night, the House of Representatives unanimously passed Rep. Katie Porter’s (D-CA) Electronic Permitting Modernization Act. The bill, co-led by Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), would streamline the Department of Interior’s permitting process by establishing a central, online location linking to each type of permit. 

    “Inefficient, outdated processes waste taxpayer dollars and decrease people’s confidence in our government,” said Rep. Porter. “My bill would make it easier for Americans to get permission to use our public lands for allowed activities, and bring transparency and accountability to the permitting process. It passed the House with unanimous support for one reason: it is good policy that would make government work better for Americans. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill without delay.”

    The bipartisan Electronic Permitting Modernization Act would push the Department of Interior into the 21st century by encouraging the development of electronic permits that are easily accessible. It would require the Department of Interior to centralize links to these permits onto one webpage and provide resources to help individuals get assistance with permitting questions. The bill establishes reporting mechanisms to help Congress hold the Department accountable for its e-permitting implementation. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. 

    Rep. Porter is committed to making government work better for the American people. She’s introduced legislation to improve and modernize the services that 14 federal agencies offer, like passport renewals, student loan payments, and tax filing. Rep. Porter has used her oversight role—and whiteboard—to hold countless Administration officials accountable for how they serve the public, including the heads of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Centers for Disease Control. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller’s Op-Ed: Raising the Corporate Tax Rate Will Hurt American Business, Investment, and Consumers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) penned an op-ed in Fortune on how a higher corporate rate would hurt Americans by driving up prices and reducing wages, as well as affecting America’s standing in the global economy.

    Fortune: Rep. Miller: Raising the corporate tax rate will hurt American business, investment, and consumers

    “For the past three years, politicians, businesses, and families have been grappling with inflation. Pundits across the political spectrum have argued that dramatically raising taxes on American corporations would be a quick fix to this burden on Americans. The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, has argued that increasing the corporate rate to 28% ‘is a fiscally responsible way to put money back in the pockets of working people and ensure billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share.’ However, the clear economic truth is the opposite: Raising taxes on corporations will raise prices for consumers—and inflation will spike yet again.

    The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that passed under President Donald Trump in 2017 changed the trajectory of tax policy in the United States. Finally, a policy was enacted that lowered taxes for all Americans and made the United States more competitive globally.

    Before the TCJA, America’s corporate tax rate was one of the highest in the world, and American businesses were at a competitive disadvantage in the global market. This hurt companies and workers alike. Lowering the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% gave every American more opportunities to succeed in business because they weren’t as burdened by unnecessary taxes. The results proved out: In 2018, 263,000 manufacturing jobs were created and wages increased by 3%, according to a National Association of Manufacturers analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Many economists have credited the TCJA for America’s continued outperformance relative to most of the world’s advanced economies.

    Reducing the corporate tax rate was the cornerstone of the TCJA. Today, some in Congress want to raise it in the name of increasing federal revenue. That would be a catastrophic mistake. Raising the corporate rate doesn’t punish companies—it punishes Americans.

    Multiple studies show that corporate tax increases are directly passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. A higher rate will also make American exports more expensive and companies less competitive in the global market. The result will be slower economic growth, fewer jobs, and less innovation.

    As the Ways and Means Committee prepares for the reauthorization of the TCJA, Chairman Jason Smith created ‘tax teams’ to evaluate which policies worked well and which could use improvement for the 2025 reauthorization. I am the Chairwoman of the Supply Chains Tax Team, which focuses on the corporate rate, energy tax credits, and capital gains tax. We’ve had many meetings with small businesses, Fortune 100 companies, and economists who have all emphasized the importance of maintaining a corporate rate that is pro-growth and pro-American.

    A lower corporate tax rate keeps costs down, leading to lower prices for consumers and more investment in their workers. The reality is that if the corporate rate goes up, the burden will fall on consumers, employees, and retirees. As a small business owner, I know firsthand how important it is to take care of your employees and produce the best possible product. If I suddenly must pay more in taxes, I either have to cut back on investments into the business that create more jobs or pass increased costs onto my customers. This would happen to businesses around the country and would slow economic growth in the U.S. to a grinding halt.

    Another key benefit of a low corporate rate is how much more attractive America becomes to investors. When the U.S. corporate tax rate was 35%, it was one of the highest corporate tax ratesamong developed countries. For any startup or subsidiary company, it made more sense to do business in China, India, or even within the famously high-tax European Union. With the lower rate, the U.S. is more inviting for nearly every industry.

    While some may argue that the federal government is leaving money on the table by maintaining or lowering the corporate rate, the opposite is true. The TCJA grew the American economy to the extent that the significantly lower corporate tax rate was offset by increased tax collections.

    The U.S. government doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. Thanks to the TCJA, the 21% corporate rate has kept business taxes low, which softened the blow from the Democrats’ ill-advised (and utterly misnamed) Inflation Reduction Act. Without the TCJA, inflation would have been much higher. This is why even Democrats refused to hike the rate or repeal the TCJA when they had full control of the House of Representatives, Senate, and White House.

    The solution to inflation isn’t to increase taxes on American business, it’s to get federal spending under control and spur economic growth. Keeping the corporate rate low—or better yet, lowering it, as former President Trump has suggested—gives financial freedom to American consumers and businesses. The one-two punch of lower taxes and a lower debt burden will bring back the strong growth we saw in the first three years of the Trump presidency.”

    This article originally appeared on Fortune.com

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller, Colleagues Introduce the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Authorization Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

    Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)  introduced the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Authorization Act with Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Ann Kuster (D-NH). The RCORP Authorization Act will establish and expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services in rural areas for opioid users.

    “Ensuring there are enough resources for those who are suffering from addiction is a top priority for me. As a representative for a rural district, I have seen firsthand how important it is for my constituents to have access to quality health care. The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program provides funding to rural communities that are in need of recovery facilities, and the program should be authorized to provide certainty for communities and providers. I thank my colleagues for partnering with me on this bipartisan issue to establish addiction prevention services in the most rural areas of the United States,” said Congresswoman Miller.

    “The opioid epidemic doesn’t discriminate. As we see in Alabama, it affects people of every background and every zip code, urban and rural. By authorizing the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, we can take critical steps toward expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery services for opioid users in rural communities. I’m grateful to be part of the bipartisan group of lawmakers working to make that happen,” said Congresswoman Sewell.

    “The opioid epidemic is a nationwide crisis that especially impacts rural communities. As a pharmacist and representative for a rural district, I understand the importance of ensuring that all Americans have access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Formally authorizing the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program will save lives in districts like mine. I am proud to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure continued access to these vital health care resources,” said Congressman Carter.

    “From health care workforce shortages to limited access to treatment and recovery services, rural communities in New Hampshire and across the country have been hit particularly hard by the addiction and overdose crisis. Ending the substance use disorder epidemic calls for an all-of-the-above government response, and the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program will help ensure that even our most rural communities have access to the resources and support they need to save lives,” said Congresswoman Kuster.

    “Substance use, including opioid use, is exacerbated in rural America by a lack of access to care and treatment. The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) is a grant program aimed at alleviating this gap by establishing and expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery services. NRHA applauds the efforts of Representatives Miller, Sewell, Carter, and Kuster for their introduction of the RCORP Authorization Act and their continual leadership on rural issues,” said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association. 

    “Rural communities have been uniquely tested by the opioid epidemic. Limited care options, transportation issues, and incomplete support systems along with barriers to reintegration into the workforce have created unique barriers on the road to recovery. The RCORP program has been critical in deploying needed resources to these communities while promoting unique collaborations that provide patient-centered care. As such, we enthusiastically support the continuation of this vital program,” said David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University.

    ​​”On behalf of the 50 State Offices of Rural Health, we are thrilled to see Reps. Carol Miller, Ann Kuster, and Buddy Carter introduce the RCORP Authorization Bill of 2024.  The RCORP grant program has been a lifeline for Rural population in West Virginia, New Hampshire, Georgia and all 50 states.  If passed into law this bill solidifies the standing of the program in the eyes of Congress – we look forward to working with our rural champions to ensure Congress passes this bipartisan bill into law,” said Tammy Norville, CEO of the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. 

    Click here for bill text.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NFL and FEMA Launch National Strategy to Build Resilience in Communities, Designate Venues as Mission Ready Locations During Disasters

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: NFL and FEMA Launch National Strategy to Build Resilience in Communities, Designate Venues as Mission Ready Locations During Disasters

    NFL and FEMA Launch National Strategy to Build Resilience in Communities, Designate Venues as Mission Ready Locations During Disasters

    WASHINGTON — Stadiums and venues provide a central and accessible location to help communities respond to extreme weather crises, providing safe storage and shelter in times of need. With these events becoming more frequent, severe and expensive, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier today announced that FEMA and the NFL are launching a new strategy to build resilience in communities through a program that will designate NFL stadiums and fields as mission capable venues that can be used during response and recovery missions. Through Mission Ready Venues, a public-private partnership, NFL stadiums are recognized for their capabilities to better sustain public safety and be a source of support for the communities they serve. The designation identifies the ways the stadium or venue could be used for response and recovery activities during declared emergencies or disasters. 

    “During large-scale emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, or tornados, we’ve seen how large music, sports and entertainment venues can serve as a safe space for communities,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “This new strategy we’re launching with the NFL is a groundbreaking opportunity to help our partners use these venues for emergency response and recovery needs, while keeping communities safe and making them more resilient. While we are starting with the NFL, all venues across sports organizations and leagues can become assets to their communities, and I encourage them to join in this collaborative effort as we grapple with the impacts of the climate crisis.”

    “Stadiums are valuable community assets that are often used in times of disasters,” said NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier. “This designation reflects the role that many stadiums play, not only on Sundays, but especially in times of need. We are proud to work with FEMA and first responders at the local and state level to ensure disaster response agencies have the information and tools they need to help a community recover when disaster strikes.”

    According to the NYU School of Professional Studies and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, stadiums and arenas can improve the public health and well-being of their communities—including pandemic response during COVID-19. The initial stadiums to receive designations include MetLife, home of the Jets and the Giants in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Lumen Field, home of the Seahawks in Seattle, Washington, Acrisure Stadium, home of the Steelers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Raymond James Stadium, home of the Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida. SoFi Stadium, home of the Rams and the Chargers in Los Angeles, California is under review. 

    Given the size, capabilities and locations of large sports venues, these existing community assets can serve the public in a variety of ways including emergency shelters, staging areas, commodity distribution sites, evacuation pick up points, disaster recovery centers, mass vaccination and testing, temporary hospitals and more. FEMA and the NFL recognized this unique opportunity for collaboration and are enlisting the support of venue owners, operators and the tenants of these facilities to work with government officials in the planning and preparation for emergency or disaster response and recovery efforts. To receive an official Mission Ready Venue designation, venues must undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine what capabilities the venue may be able to support in emergency and disaster response and recovery efforts. The designation highlights the following attributes of selected venues:

    • Provide Safety and Security: Stadiums are usually centrally located, close to major roadways and transportation hubs and critical services like hospitals. If used to respond to a disaster, the designation will save valuable time and resources and will further enhance coordination between the public and private sectors during disaster response and recovery.
    • Provide Accessibility: Stadiums are also compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act and can support persons with disabilities and others with access or functional needs. Additionally, 73% of NFL venues are accessible by mass transportation. This provides an avenue to promote equitable service to underserved populations to access potentially critical lifesaving/life-sustaining services after an event.  
    • Strengthen Community Resilience: Stadiums and arenas are a focal point of communities and help strengthen social networks by enhancing connections between residents with home team pride. These Mission Ready Venues can boost morale amidst disaster. By providing a more robust and resilient environment, these venues can enhance social networks amongst survivors while providing ample opportunities to establish connections with the venue’s main tenants.
    • Ensure Unity of Effort: Coordination of stadium resources and services can support survivors and responders and help stabilize an incident quickly. Since stadiums are fixed locations, resources and services can be deployed quickly. This promotes the community’s physical and economic recovery.

    Mission Ready Venue designations are for five-year increments with a yearly check-in to ensure continued readiness of the venue. Redesignation will be necessary every five years and designation does not supersede any agreements with state, local or private sector entities. 

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis Attend Central Florida Leadership Prayer Breakfast

    Source: US State of Florida

    PLANT CITY, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis spoke at the Central Florida Leadership Prayer Breakfast about the DeSantis administration’s commitment to faith, family, and life. They highlighted the success of Hope Florida in connecting the faith community with Floridians looking for help, including families and mothers. The prayer breakfast was organized by All Pro Pastors, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to create pastor-to-pastor support and fellowship.

    “Florida’s faith-based institutions have long served and strengthened communities across the state,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We are proud to support and partner with the faith community in Florida, and we thank them for their critical role in the Hope Florida initiative.”

    “By uniting individuals from all sectors of the community who want to help, we have created a network of support beyond what government can do alone,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “A sincere thank you to our state’s faith leaders for serving Florida families through Hope Florida’s CarePortal. The Governor and I are grateful that an increasing number of Floridians are getting help and finding success thanks to the faith community’s role in Hope Florida.”

    The Governor and the First Lady also took the opportunity to pray for Florida ahead of Tropical Storm Helene making landfall on Thursday.

    Hope Florida
    Through implementation at multiple state agencies, Hope Florida provides Hope Navigation to help Floridians get help for immediate and long-term needs and financially supports nonprofits and churches through the Hope Florida Fund. Hope Florida guides Floridians on an individualized path to prosperity and economic independence by focusing on community collaboration between the private sector, nonprofits, government entities, and faith-based communities. The Hope Florida CarePortal alerts participating churches to immediate needs in their communities and churches compete to meet Floridians’ needs.

    By calling 833-GET-HOPE, Floridians can speak with Hope Navigators who help identify their needs, develop long-term goals, map out a path forward, and work to ensure all sectors of the community are part of the lasting solution. In the three years since Hope Florida’s launch, nearly 30,000 Floridians have reduced their reliance upon or are no longer reliant on government assistance—a reduction which is estimated to save the State of Florida nearly $800 million over the next decade.

    Floridians who need support can connect with Hope Florida by calling the Hope Line (833-GET-HOPE). Organizations or individuals interested in partnering with Hope Florida to give help can visit www.HopeFlorida.com.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Higher doses of buprenorphine may improve treatment outcomes for people with opioid use disorder

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release

    Wednesday, September 25, 2024

    NIH-funded analysis suggests higher doses of buprenorphine were associated with lower rates of future behavioral health-related emergency department and inpatient care.

    Adults with opioid use disorder who receive a higher daily dose of the opioid addiction treatment medication buprenorphine may have a lower risk of subsequent emergency department visits or use of inpatient services related to behavioral health (such as for mental health and substance use disorders) than adults receiving the recommended dose, according to an analysis funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These findings suggest that higher buprenorphine doses could be more effective in managing opioid use disorder, which may be particularly relevant for improving treatment for those who use fentanyl, a major driver of the overdose crisis.

    Researchers reviewed insurance claims data from over 35,000 people who were diagnosed with opioid use disorder and began buprenorphine treatment between 2016 and 2021. They found that among all people who started treatment with buprenorphine, 12.5% experienced an emergency department or inpatient visit related to behavioral health within the study period.  After adjusting for patient demographics and medical history available in the data, researchers then analyzed how long it took for people receiving different doses of buprenorphine to use emergency care or have an inpatient stay after starting treatment.

    The recommended target dose for buprenorphine in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s approved labeling is 16 mg per day. Researchers found that those taking higher daily doses of buprenorphine (>16 to 24 mg) took 20% longer to have a subsequent emergency department or inpatient health care visit related to behavioral health within the first year after receiving treatment, compared to those receiving >8 to 16 mg a day. Those taking daily doses of more than 24 mg of buprenorphine went 50% longer before having a subsequent emergency or inpatient health care visit related to behavioral health within the first year after receiving treatment, compared to those receiving >8 to 16 mg a day.

    “As the overdose crisis evolves, particularly with the rise of fentanyl, it is crucial to investigate how to best adapt and deliver the lifesaving and evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder that we have available,” said Nora D. Volkow, M.D., director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “The findings add to the growing evidence that higher doses of buprenorphine may have meaningful health impacts for people with opioid use disorder.”

    In 2022, of the nearly 108,000 overdose deaths reported in the U.S., almost 70% were primarily due to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin. The ubiquity of fentanyl in the drug supply and associated overdose deaths have raised questions about whether existing dosing guidelines for buprenorphine should be modified to better address the unique challenges posed by such a potent opioid. Higher doses of buprenorphine may be necessary to effectively manage the more severe withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and tolerance associated with fentanyl use.

    “Preventing or delaying the need for high-intensity, urgent health care among people with opioid use disorder has tremendous benefits on health and recovery,” said Bradley D. Stein, M.D., Ph.D., a study co-author and director of the RAND-USC Schaeffer Opioid Policy Tools and Information Center. “As we continue to gather data across studies, findings suggest that higher doses of buprenorphine may have the ability to significantly improve treatment in the era of fentanyl, as both fatal and nonfatal overdoses remain unacceptably high.”

    The authors also note that addressing barriers to accessing higher doses, such as state laws and insurance policies, will be important in ensuring that all patients receive effective care. In addition, revisiting guidelines that serve as barriers to higher doses could be beneficial, as these may limit access to potentially life-saving treatment for patients at high risk of relapse or overdose.

    Notably, the data used in the study were pulled from a single commercial insurance company, which does not include uninsured people and those with Medicaid or fee-for-service Medicare coverage, and the sample of people included in the analysis was 75% non-Hispanic white. Further research is needed to explore the effects of higher buprenorphine doses in more diverse populations, including those with different insurance statuses or in different clinical settings. In addition, the authors note that future research should also investigate additional outcomes such as the long-term effects of high-dose buprenorphine on opioid use disorder treatment retention and overall health outcomes using similar data.

    These findings build upon accumulating evidence of the safety and efficacy of higher doses of buprenorphine. Studies have shown that more than 16 mg of buprenorphine is safe and well tolerated in people with opioid use disorder in emergency department and outpatient treatment settings, and that higher buprenorphine doses are associated with improved retention in treatment for opioid use disorder.

    This study was funded by the NIH’s NIDA and published in JAMA Network Open. The data analyzed in the study came from a large insurer’s database of commercial claims, including those for Medicare Advantage.

    If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol conditions, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are ready to locate a treatment facility or provider, you can go directly to FindTreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357).

    About the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): NIDA is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world’s research on the health aspects of drug use and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to inform policy, improve practice, and advance addiction science. For more information about NIDA and its programs, visit www.nida.nih.gov.

    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 28% Decline in Shootings in Communities Across New York

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that shooting incidents with injury declined 28 percent through August 2024 compared to the same eight-month period last year, as reported by police departments participating in New York State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative. This overall decline in shootings is the result of significant, sustained reductions in gun violence across communities served by the 28 police departments participating in GIVE.

    “Public safety is my number one priority, and protecting New Yorkers and their communities is the foundation of all our efforts,” Governor Hochul said. “Our strategies for tackling gun violence are proving effective, but our work is never finished – we will continue investing, innovating and partnering with law enforcement to make New York a safer place for everyone.”

    The 28 percent decline reflects 417 shooting incidents with injury from January 1 through August 31, 2024, compared to 578 incidents from January 1 through August 31, 2023.

    New York State’s GIVE initiative supports 28 police departments in 21 counties with the majority of the state’s population outside New York City.

    The following police departments reported particularly significant declines in shootings through August 2024 compared to the same seven-month period last year:

    • Nassau County: 40 percent decline
    • Rochester: 39 percent decline
    • Suffolk County: 39 percent decline
    • Syracuse: 26 percent decline
    • Utica: 47 percent decline
    • Yonkers: 56 percent decline

    August 2024 data for each of the 28 police departments participating in the GIVE initiative are available on the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) website.

    In addition to the decreases in gun violence experienced in GIVE communities, the New York City Police Department reported 12 percent (602 vs. 682) decline in shootings in New York City through August 2024 compared to the same time last year.

    The FY25 Enacted Budget included $347 million secured by Governor Hochul to fund a comprehensive plan that addresses gun violence, reduces crime and recognizes the importance of a multifaceted approach improving public safety.

    New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Governor Hochul recognizes that enforcement alone doesn’t make neighborhoods safer. Under her leadership, DCJS has received record-level funding for GIVE, our SNUG Street Outreach program, alternatives to incarceration programs, and re-entry services that allows our local partners to address not only the consequences of crime, but its causes. This significant investment in a collaborative, multifaceted approach to a complex issue is paying dividends and improving public safety in communities across the state.”

    State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “New Yorkers deserve to feel safe, that is why last year under my leadership, the New York Senate Democratic Majority invested $347 million to fund smart violence interventions that deliver meaningful results, such as the GIVE program. It is remarkable that the GIVE initiative has achieved a 28 percent reduction in gun shootings in participating localities statewide, with Yonkers leading the way with an impressive 56 percent decline. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her tireless and effective leadership with this program and other innovative initiatives to tackle gun violence. While this downward trend signifies meaningful progress in our efforts to improve public safety, we remain committed to investing in innovative approaches that reduce gun violence and create safer communities.”

    Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “Today’s announcement shows that our investment in gun violence prevention is working to make New York safer. I am incredibly proud that our efforts have led to such a significant reduction in shootings, but the Assembly Majority remains committed to working with our state partners to make our communities even safer. My colleagues and I know that we can build a future where no New Yorker has to live in fear of gun violence devastating their community and are willing to put the needed resources and investment toward accomplishing this future.”

    Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “The 28% decline in shootings across New York is a testament to the power of coordinated action and strategic investment. Governor Hochul’s commitment to public safety has brought critical resources to our communities, empowering law enforcement and grassroots organizations to tackle gun violence head-on. With $350 million invested in proven solutions like the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, we’re seeing real results in making our neighborhoods safer. This progress is a step forward in ensuring that every New Yorker, whether in Yonkers, Rochester, or right here in the Bronx, can feel secure in their community.”

    State Senator Jamaal Bailey said, “Gun violence has deeply affected many in our community, so I am overjoyed to see a significant decline in shootings, with reductions of up to 56% in some areas. This progress shows that focused investments in reducing gun violence are making a real impact. By supporting evidence-based strategies like the GIVE initiative, community outreach through SNUG, and models such as Project RISE, we are not only saving lives but also restoring safety and trust in our neighborhoods. This achievement demonstrates the power of a comprehensive approach, combining law enforcement with community-driven efforts to address gun violence at its core. I also want to thank Governor Hochul and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for the FY25 Enacted Budget, which allocated $347 million to help achieve these results.”

    The Governor’s investments include nationally recognized initiatives administered by DCJS, which provides funding, training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations in communities hardest hit by gun violence and violent crime:

    • Nearly $36 million for the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. Through GIVE, DCJS helps 28 police departments in 21 counties implement evidence-based strategies that have proven to be successful at reducing gun violence, including Problem-Oriented Policing, Hot-Spots Policing, Focused Deterrence/Group Violence Intervention, Street Outreach, and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. These strategies focus on the few people and places that are responsible for most of the violence and engage the broader community to build trust. GIVE also funds district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, and sheriffs’ offices in those counties.
    • $21 million for the SNUG Street Outreach program, which uses a public health approach to address gun violence by identifying the source, interrupting transmission, and treating individuals, families and communities affected by violence. Community-based organizations and hospitals operate the program in 14 communities and employ nearly 200 outreach workers, social workers and case managers. Outreach workers are credible messengers who have lost loved ones to violence or have prior justice system involvement. They respond to shootings to prevent retaliation, detect conflicts and resolve them peacefully before they lead to additional violence. Social workers and case managers work with individuals affected by community violence, including friends and family. DCJS also supports New York City’s violence interruption efforts, providing $5 million for its Crisis Management System (CMS) so it can bring those programs to scale.
    • $18 million for the state’s unique network of Crime Analysis Centers, which analyze, compile and distribute information, intelligence and data to local law enforcement agencies statewide. No other state has anything similar and the centers – operated in partnership with local law enforcement agencies in 10 counties and New York City – are hubs of state and local efforts to deter, investigate, and solve crimes. Last year alone, staff handled more than 90,000 requests for assistance, helping agencies solve everything from retail theft to murders.
    • Up to $20 million for Project RISE, a unique funding model that convenes community stakeholders to respond to gun violence, invest in solutions, sustain positive programming and empower communities. In its first year, the initiative supported 99 organizations, including 74 small, grassroots programs, many of which had never received state support for their work. Programs and services funded by RISE include academic support, employment services, mentoring and delinquency/violence prevention.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: New Jersey Announces ‘Fund My Future’ Grant Opportunity to Support New Jerseyans Seeking Job Training and Career Advancement

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) today announced the release of a Notice of Grant Opportunity (NGO) to provide funds to organizations that can offer career coaching and services to New Jerseyans aspiring to reach their career goals.

    The grant funding is part of “Fund My Future” (FMF), a transformative pilot program that helps qualified New Jersey residents achieve life-changing career goals by providing financial assistance for upskilling and education. Selected organizations will work with program participants to develop Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) tailored to specific career development needs. Participants will be partnered with a professional career counselor who can help navigate the evolving job market.

    “This grant creates valuable opportunities for underserved New Jersey residents,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “It will ensure that our residents can overcome barriers to meaningful employment and help make New Jersey’s economy fairer for everyone.”

    Grant applicants can include non-profit and for-profit entities, government agencies, or higher education institutions. Grantees must work with residents whose household incomes are below ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) guidelines. Awarded grantees will receive funding contingent upon meeting the grant’s performance metrics and expenditures.

    “Fund My Future allows us to help New Jersey workers who are struggling to stay competitive develop marketable skills today that will grow into their careers of tomorrow,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This initiative will serve as a launch pad for individuals who want to take the leap to redefine themselves in the workforce to change the trajectory of their profession and lives.”

    FMF is designed to facilitate financial support to participants by having grantees pay service providers directly. Participants may use FMF funds for job training, supportive services and other expenses that assist in the search for meaningful employment.

    The Fund My Future program stemmed from Governor Murphy’s Future of Work Task Force recommendations. The program was built on the idea of empowering participants to drive their own career development by helping them secure the supportive services they need to find training and a pathway to sustainable employment.

    For more information about Fund My Future and application details, please visit the NJDOL grant opportunities page or email OTWS@dol.nj.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Box Elder Man Admits Assaulting Woman with Knife on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

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

    GREAT FALLS — A Box Elder man on Monday admitted to assaulting a woman by cutting her face with a knife during an argument on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

    The defendant, Colten Tyrone Small, also known as Colton Swan, 24, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Small faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each charge.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 29, 2025. Small was detained pending further proceedings.

    In court documents, the government alleged that in the early morning hours of May 3, 2023, Small punched the victim, identified as Jane Doe, in the face while he held a butcher knife in a residence in Box Elder, on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. A witness to the assault told law enforcement that Small sliced Doe’s face in the residence. Small and Doe argued, and the fight got more aggressive. After Small cut Doe’s face, the witness beat up Small. There was some fentanyl and alcohol use occurring at the time. Doe was treated for facial injuries from the knife at Northern Montana Hospital.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rocky Boy’s Law Enforcement investigated the case.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Geography of Childhood in China: The Daily Reality of Rural Migrant Children

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Universities – Science Po in French

    The page you requested does not exist or no longer exists.

    To continue your search:

    Return to the home page ; or click the “Back” button on your browser.

    You can report the broken link by writing to webmaster@sciencespo.fr.

    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: Over 100 Defendants Federally Charged With Fraud Related To The COVID-19 Pandemic

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO-MDFL) has federally charged 109 individuals with fraud schemes designed to exploit state and federal programs implemented to alleviate the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts include complementary actions by the USAO-MDFL’s Criminal, Civil, Asset Recovery, Appellate Divisions, in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

    “The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office, in cooperation with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is committed to holding accountable those people who schemed to steal or otherwise obtain through misconduct benefits intended for Americans coping with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg.

    With respect to criminal enforcement, the USAO-MDFL and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combined resources in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force with the purpose of identifying, investigating, and federally prosecuting fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the Task Force has prosecuted 109 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”), as well as government Healthcare programs such as Medicare. Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $96 million. Of the 109 charged defendants, 74 have already been found guilty while prosecution remains pending against 35 defendants.

    The Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force continues to aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals that took advantage of COVID-19 programs. On September 20, 2024, for example, a federal grand jury convicted Angela Chew (60, Leesburg) of conspiracy to bribe a public official and commit wire fraud, three counts of bribery of a public official, and six counts of wire fraud. Chew faces up to 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count, up to 15 years in federal prison on each of the bribery counts, and up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the wire fraud counts. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2024.

    According to evidence presented at trial, Chew conspired with three others to submit applications for COVID-19 EIDLs containing false and fraudulent information in exchange for bribe payments. The evidence showed Chew used her position as a loan specialist for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to internally access those loan applications that she and a co-conspirator had submitted on behalf of others. Chew then took actions on the applications within the SBA’s internal processing system that moved the loans towards approval. For example, Chew submitted a loan on behalf of a co-conspirator’s business that she knew was not active or operating at the time she submitted the loan. The loan was flagged as a duplicate by the SBA’s internal system, which stopped the application from progressing toward approval and funding. Chew then entered the SBA’s loan processing system, accessed the loan application, reactivated it, and manipulated the loan’s status multiple times to progress the application toward approval and funding in the amount of $150,000. In exchange, Chew received thousands of dollars in bribe payments from two of her co-conspirators. The evidence showed that Chew caused the funding of at least six EIDL applications, for a total loss of over $800,000.

    In July 2024, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Jared Dean Eakes (33, Jacksonville) with five counts of wire fraud and three counts of bank fraud. According to the superseding indictment, Eakes participated in a scheme to defraud investors and fraudulently secured approximately $4,752,270 in PPP loans. Eakes caused the submission of four PPP loan applications—including applications for two of the entities involved in the scheme to defraud investors—which contained false and fraudulent supporting documentation and statements regarding the entities’ employees and payroll. Once Eakes obtained the PPP loans, he did not use the funds for qualifying expenses as required by the program. Instead, he used the funds to engage in options trading or withdrew the funds in cash.

    In addition to criminal prosecutions, the MDFL-USAO continues to investigate and pursue civil redress against individuals and entities who fraudulently obtained PPP funds. For example, in September 2024, Miles Partnership, LLC (“Miles”), a travel and tourism consulting company headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, agreed to a civil settlement of $2,281,950 to resolve allegations that Miles improperly obtained and received forgiveness for a second draw PPP loan. According to the information contained in the qui tam complaint, Miles was required to file a registration statement under FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act) due to its work with various foreign tourism boards. The United States investigated these allegations with the cooperation of Miles. The civil settlement will conclude the lawsuit.

    Further, the USAO-MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $20 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $18 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.

    The U.S. Attorney General has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.

    The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Small Business Administration—Office of Inspector General, the Small Business Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board—Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Agency for International Development, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.       

    The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.

    United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida

    COVID Fraud Criminal Cases

    Charged Cases

    Defendant(s) (Age)

    Charge(s)

    Max. Imprisonment

    Type of Fraud*

    Intended Loss Amount

    Tampa Division
    Devontaie Deravil

    Aggravated identity theft

    Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

    Access device fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

    		 UI $480k
    Jordan Ross

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Illegal monetary transactions

    Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

    		 EIDL/PPP $1.3M

    Marquett James

    Alyson Marquett

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 EIDL/PPP $96k
    Willie Murray Jr.

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Aggravated identity theft

    Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

    		 HCF $5M
    Charles Driver Jr.

    Conspiracy

    Maximum Prison Term: 5 years

    Access device fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 10 years

    		 UI $175k
    Eric Canonico

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Illegal monetary transactions

    Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

    		 PPP $2.3M
    Alexander Leszczynski

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Bank fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Illegal monetary transactions

    Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

    		 PPP $1.1M
    Capree Holmes

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 EIDL $159k
    Javarus Polite

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $20k
    Luis Morales

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $40k
    Rosson Hamilton

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $20k
    David Antonetti

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $40k
    Carlos Dones

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $14k
    Santos Cruz Rivera

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $16k
    Tevyan Hepburn

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $20k
    Jeanty Cherilus

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 EIDL/PPP $370k
    Gage Bowen

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $20k
    These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Tiffany Fields, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Jennifer Peresie, Michael Kenneth, Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, and Daniel Baeza

    Orlando Division

    Evan Edwards

    Joshua Edwards

    Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

    Bank fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

    Visa fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 10 years

    False statements

    Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

    		 PPP $8M
    Emmet Bowens

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Illegal monetary transactions

    Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

    		 PPP $740k
    Latresia Wilson

    False statements

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 HCF $2.6M

    Shawn Simmerer

    Seth Downes

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 years

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 years

    False claim

    Maximum Prison Term: 5 years

    		 PPP $344k
    Daniel Bohorquez

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 years

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 years

    		 EIDL $546k
    These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, Amanda Daniels, and DOJ Trial Attorney Keith Clouser

    Fort Myers Division
    Venera Price

    Mail fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 ERAP $82k
    Timothy Jolloff

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Money laundering

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Illegal monetary transactions

    Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

    		 PPP/EIDL $2.1M
    Lisa Jolloff

    Money laundering

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Illegal monetary transactions

    Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

    		 PPP/EIDL $2.1M
    Diop McKenzie

    Bank fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Aggravated identity theft

    Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

    		 EIDL/PPP $237k
    These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava and Trent Reichling

    Jacksonville Division
    Jared Eakes

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    Bank fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

    		 PPP $4.7M

    Natasha Hemming

    Tiffany Gonsalves

    Joshua Seedhaire

    Conspiracy

    Access device fraud

    Aggravated identity theft

    Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

    		 UI $5.6M
    These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs David Mesrobian and John Cannizzaro

    Ocala Division

    Lisa Starkes

    Ivan Starkes

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $80k
    This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk

    Adjudicated Cases

    Tampa Division
    Demarius Wilson

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $18k
    This COVID Fraud case from the Tampa Division is being handled by AUSA Michael Kenneth

    Orlando Division
    Robert Burns

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $57k

    William Barrientos

    Grisoris Barrientos

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 EIDL $693k
    Angela Chew

    Conspiracy

    Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

    Bribery of a public official

    Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 EIDL $732k
    These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by Amanda Daniels, Diane Hu, and Richard Varadan

    Jacksonville Division
    James Wigg

    Wire Fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 years

    		 PPP $476k
    Crystal Harvell

    Wire Fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 years

    		 PPP $20k

    These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA, Kevin Frein

    and Tysen Duva

    Ocala Division
    Passion Jackson

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $20k
    Nicole Harding

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 PPP $20k
    Henry Wade

    Wire fraud

    Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

    		 EIDL $500k
    These COVID Fraud cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk

    Sentenced Cases

    Tampa Division
    Louis Thornton, III

    Wire fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison

    		 EIDL/PPP $815k

    Kary Stevenson

    Corey Quinn

    Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft

    Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson)

    Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)

    		 UI $1M
    Bridgitte Keim

    Bank fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison

    		 PPP $588k
    Wayne Ganaway

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison

    		 EIDL $300k
    Rolanda Wingfield

    Access device fraud, aggravated identity theft

    Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison

    		 UI $135k
    Eriaius Bentley

    Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

    Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison

    		 UI $3M
    Tywon Spann

    Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison

    		 UI $3M
    Keaujay Hornsby

    Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 10 years and 10 months in federal prison

    		 UI $3M
    Kareem Spann

    Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 10 years and 10 months in federal prison

    		 UI $3M
    Randy Jones

    Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

    Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison

    		 EIDL/UI $250k
    Julio Lugo

    Conspiracy to commit money laundering

    Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison

    		 EIDL/PPP $4.4M
    Keith Nicoletta

    Conspiracy to commit money laundering

    Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison

    		 PPP $1.9M
    Rosenide Venant

    Conspiracy to commit money laundering

    Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

    		 EIDL/PPP $413k
    Melinda Hernandez

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud,

    wire fraud and aggravated identity theft

    Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison

    		 UI $1.5M
    Bri’antina Mills

    Wire fraud and theft of government funds

    Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison

    		 EIDL $10K
    Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria

    Wire fraud

    Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison

    		 EIDL $150k
    Omar Esquivel Bello

    Wire fraud

    Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison

    		 EIDL $242k

    Steve Moodie 

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

    Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison

    		 UI $1.5M
    Richard Simpkins

    Conspiracy to commit money laundering

    Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison

    		 PPP $1.9M
    Devaris McClain

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud

    Sentence imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison

    		 UI $85k
    Jalissa McDuffy

    Wire fraud

    Sentence imposed: 3 years supervised release with 6 months home detention

    		 PPP $41k
    Kieanna Garrett

    Wire fraud

    Sentence imposed: 60 days’ imprisonment

    		 EIDL $40k
    Marqus Willard Johnson

    Bank fraud

    Money laundering

    Sentence imposed: 18 months’ imprisonment followed by 60 moths supervised release

    		 PPP $500k
    Mehdi Tazi

    Conspiracy, Aggravated identity theft

    Sentenced imposed: 5 years imprisonment  followed by4 years supervised release

    		 UI $1.5M
    Tyree Wingfield

    Conspiracy, Aggravated identity theft

    Sentenced imposed: 5 years and 10 months imprisonment  followed by4 years supervised release

    		 UI $1.5M
    Dawn Ogundele

    Theft of government funds

    Sentence imposed: 2 years’ probation

    		 PPP $20k
    Alexander Alli

    Wire fraud conspiracy

    Sentence imposed: 13 months’ imprisonment

    		 EIDL $80k
    Charles Cunningham  

    Bank fraud

    Sentence imposed: 21 months’ imprisonment

    		 PPP $800k
    Jailyn Holmes

    Wire fraud

    Sentence imposed: 5 years’ probation

    		 PPP $20k
    Nicole Bramble-King

    Wire fraud

    Sentence imposed: 5 years’ probation

    		 PPP $40k
    Tommy Louisville

    Wire fraud

    Sentence imposed: 12 months’ imprisonment

    		 PPP $33k
    Joseph Abdo

    Wire fraud

    Illegal monetary transactions

    Sentence imposed: 5 years’ probation

    		 PPP $500k
    Barrett Purvis

    Wire fraud

    Money laundering

    Sentence imposed: 2 years and 9 months in federal prison

    		 EIDL $499k
    Bergeline Lexis

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

    Sentence imposed: 10 months in federal prison

    		 EIDL/PPP $68k
    These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, Jennifer Peresie, Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, Jay Trezevant, SAUSA Chris Poor, and DOJ Trial Attorney John Scanlon

    Orlando Division
    Daniel Johnson

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, unlawful transfer of firearm

    Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 6 months in federal prison

    		 UI $2.3M
    Jacquavius Smith

    Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft

    Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison

    		 PPP $10k
    Johnson Eustache

    Wire fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

    		 EIDL/PPP $2.2M
    Joseph Harrison

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison

    		 UI $2.1M
    Tomas Ziupsnys

    Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft

    Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

    		 PPP $2M
    Holly Urban

    Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison

    		 PPP $1.5M
    Joel Greenberg

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release

    Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison

    		 EIDL $430k

    Don Cisternino 

    Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft

    Sentence Imposed: 8 years and 6 months in federal prison

    		 PPP $7.2M
    Keith Ingersoll          

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

    Sentence imposed: 9 years, 1 month in federal prison.   

    		 EIDL $66k
    Jaheim Davis

    Access device fraud and aggravated identity theft

    Sentence imposed: 3 years, 6 months in federal prison.   

    		 UI $219k
    Teresa McIntyre

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses

    Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation

    		 EIDL $730k
    Brian Blake

    Possession of device-making equipment, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft

    Sentence Imposed: 9 years and 8 months in federal prison

    		 PPP/UI $832k
    Joseph Faubert

    Bank fraud

    Sentenced Imposed: 5 years probation

    		 PPP $778k
    These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, Shannon Laurie, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg

    Jacksonville Division
    Jacob Byrd

    Wire fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation

    		 PPP $10k
    Deconna Burke

    Wire fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation

    		 PPP $20k
    Desmond Williams

    Wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud

    Sentenced Imposed: 5 years’ probation

    		 PPP $40k
    Kenneth Landers

    Wire fraud and illegal monetary transaction

    Sentence Imposed: 1 year in federal prison followed by 1 year of supervised release

    		 PPP $1.4M
    Christopher Daragjati

    Wire fraud , Theft of government funds, and Aggravated identity theft

    Sentenced imposed: 5 years’cisternino imprisonment followed by 3 years’ supervised release.

    		 PPP $150k
    This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division was handled by AUSA Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican

    Fort Myers Division
    Casey Crowther

    Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction

    Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison

    		 PPP $2.7M

    Anthony Bruey

    Amber Bruey

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, illegal monetary transactions

    Sentence Imposed:

    Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison

    Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison

    		 PPP/EIDL $881k
    Edrica Leann Watson

    False statement to a lending institution

    Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison

    		 PPP $392k
    Daniel Joseph Tisone

    Wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person

    Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison

    		 PPP/EIDL/MSLP $10.7M
    Liliana Gonzalez

    Wire fraud

    Sentence Imposed:   5 years of probation with 18 months of home confinement

    		 PPP $169k
    Al Clint LaRoche

    Bank fraud

    Sentence Imposed: Two years in federal prison

    		 PPP $1M
    Denis Casseus

    Bank fraud and illegal monetary transaction

    Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison followed by 3 years’ supervised release

    		 PPP $298k
    Evan Graves

    Wire fraud

    Sentence Imposed: 18 months in federal prison

    		 EIDL $1.3M
    Ismaelle Manuel

    Bank fraud

    Sentence Imposed: Credit for time served followed by 5 years supervised release

    		 PPP $280k
    These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling, Michael Leeman, Jesus M. Casa, Simon Eth, and Yolande Viacava

    Ocala Division
    Lavelle Harris

    Wire fraud

    Sentence Imposed: Two years and three months in federal prison

    		 PPP $1.2M
    This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division was handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk

    Types of Fraud*

    Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

    Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

    Unemployment Insurance (UI)

    Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)

    Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

    Health Care Fraud (HCF)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Brings Innovative Tech with the Opening of a New Store at Cresta Mall

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics South Africa is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new brand store at Cresta Mall in Johannesburg on Thursday, 12 September 2024. This new store will offer an immersive shopping experience for local shoppers, showcasing the latest in Samsung’s cutting-edge technology and innovation.
     

     
    The new store will feature a comprehensive range of Samsung products, including the newest smartphones, tablets, wearables, home appliances, aircons, TVs and monitors. With a modern and engaging design, the store aims to provide customers with an interactive and hands-on experience with Samsung’s advanced technology.
     
    The new store is set to bring the full customer journey with the extensive range of Samsung product offerings. From audio-visual, cooking, and cleaning to other home appliances, customers will be able to get their hands on all the new technology the company has to offer. The recently launched Bespoke AI home appliances including fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens will be available to help customers do less and live more as they elevate the way they stay entertained and do ordinary household chores, among other
     

     
    Home entertainment will transform to bring consumers the ultimate viewing experience thanks to an array of ground-breaking AI televisions such as the Neo QLED 8K, OLED, The Serif, and The Frame, as well as gaming monitors like the highly impressive Odyssey.
     
    Customers looking to upgrade their mobile experience will have to look no further as the store will bring the latest smartphones from the accessible Galaxy A series to the AI-powered flagships, the Galaxy S24 series and Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 foldables. As the best that Galaxy has to offer, these devices take productivity, creativity, and entertainment to a whole new level with their most advanced AI features.
     

     
    With Spring ushering in the warm and hot temperatures, customers need not worry as they can visit the store to get their hands on the new WindFreeTM air-conditioner range to make their homes cool and comfortable.
     
    The store’s operating hours are 09h00 – 19h00 Monday to Saturday, and 09h00 – 17h00 on Sundays and public holidays. With its friendly and highly-trained staff always ready and willing to assist customers with their insights on the latest Samsung innovations and great deals, the new Samsung store at Cresta Mall is expected to be a hive of activity.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon is ready to keep customers connected ahead of Hurricane Helene

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon is ready to keep customers connected ahead of Hurricane Helene

    ALPHARETTA, GA – As potential Hurricane Helene approaches the Florida coast, Verizon remains committed to keeping communities and first responders connected. Verizon’s Response Team has prepared year-round to respond to extreme weather situations, like hurricanes, by taking part in emergency drills, fortifying the network infrastructure, and ensuring resources are mobilized for rapid response.

    “Verizon is committed to keeping communities connected. From consumers, to businesses, to first responders, Verizon offers the dependable service they need to face Hurricane Helene and the days to come,” said Atlantic South Market President, Leigh Anne Lanier. “Our dedicated team is working around the clock to ensure our customers stay informed, stay in touch with loved ones, and access critical services when they need them most.”

    Verizon’s networks are primed

    Verizon’s networks are primed to maintain connectivity even in the face of extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes. With redundancy built into critical paths and components, Verizon’s network is engineered to withstand severe weather. Verizon engineers have prepared by conducting thorough checks, as well as ensuring backup systems, like batteries and generators, are operational and refueled.

    In preparation for potential network recovery operations, Verizon has bolstered its arsenal with:

    • A fleet of over 550 portable network assets, including generator-powered cell sites, drones, and a fixed-wing aircraft for aerial support.
    • An industry-leading nearly 300 satellite-based portable network assets, providing crucial connectivity in scenarios where fiber connections are compromised.
    • More than 1,000 mobile generators to assist communities in maintaining or restoring connectivity, and rapid recovery efforts.

    Verizon Frontline stands at the ready, prepared to assist first responders in any capacity needed

    The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team stands ready to help ensure that public safety agencies on the front line of any potential disaster have the mission-critical communications capabilities needed to achieve their missions. This team, composed primarily of former first responders and military personnel, is solely dedicated to supporting public safety customers during emergencies at no cost to the supported agencies.

    In the first nine months of 2024, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team has responded to more than 1,000 requests for mission-critical communications support from more than 500 different agencies in 46 states.

    Being prepared is essential to support local businesses and communities

    Recognizing the critical role of connectivity in business continuity, Verizon Business provides a suite of solutions tailored for seamless operations during emergencies. Businesses and government organizations need the right game plan. Suggested actions include:

    • Mitigate customer disruption: Think about what you need to ensure continuous service to your customers, and what software and equipment your business needs to continue operations. Make a detailed list, including service contracts and warranty information, and all pertinent phone numbers for local authorities, utility companies, suppliers, and vendors.
    • The right tech makes an impact: Ensure you have the right technology to support your business connectivity needs assuming you might need to move away from your primary location.
    • Contacts and documents are key: Make sure you have contact information updated and readily available for all employees, including at-home information for remote workers and branch information for satellite offices.
    • Test, test, and test again: Stress-test primary and backup networks and shore up any weak areas.
    • Keep track of equipment: Ensure employees working from home have documented all corporate equipment being used to work from home in case of damage or loss.
    • Have a backup plan: Ensure backup plans are in place to shift work in case work-from-home employees in a storm-impacted area have to evacuate their homes or their home loses commercial power.

    Are you hurricane ready?

    Verizon’s team works year-round to ensure customers remain connected to their loved ones and the activities that provide comfort during a disaster. As residents prepare to stay connected and entertained, consider these tips:

    • Stock Up on power supplies like batteries for flashlights and radios or device chargers. Take it a step further by charging your devices that can act as chargers for other devices like laptops and party box speakers. Don’t forget to ensure you have the cables!
    • Download Movies, Books, Apps and Games or gather board games, card games and puzzles to go device-free.
    • Locate materials for hobbies like knitting or drawing, and get creative.
    • Plan activities like cooking easy-to-make meals and even no-bake treats. Keep a few non-perishable ingredients, a manual can opener and other kitchen tools on hand.
    • Grab some candles, blankets, pillows or anything that makes your space cozy.
    • Read up on the American Red Cross’ hurricane preparedness tips.

    **Editor’s Note: To access images and b-roll of past storms, Verizon equipment, recovery efforts and more, please visit Verizon’s Emergency Resource Hub at https://www.verizon.com/about/news/emergency-resource-center

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Gangs’stories: Danny’s tales of machismo in Glasgow

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Alistair Fraser, Professor of Criminology, University of Glasgow

    Glasgow – 1973, Queen Street Rail Station. Helmutt Zozmann, CC BY-NC-ND

    For the past five years, the GANGS project, a European Research Council-funded project led by Dennis Rodgers, has been studying global gang dynamics in a comparative perspective. When understood in a nuanced manner that goes beyond the usual stereotypes and Manichean representations, gangs and gangsters arguably constitute fundamental lenses through which to think about and understand the world we live in.

    _Alistair Fraser and Angela Bartie present the story of Danny, who was a Glaswegian gang member in his youth. Drawing on interviews carried out when he was 18, 59, and 70 years old, they trace his changing self-reflection about his past experiences which mirror the broader transformation of the city from a violence urban space in the 1960s to a thriving “people’s city” in 2024.

    _

    As Danny left the room, that autumn of 2022, our eyes locked together in shock. For the last three hours, this spry seventy-year-old had held us rapt. Tanned, lean, and composed in his smart coat and cap, he was someone you’d have happily bought a used car from. But in the room he had been regaling us with tales of his teenage years running with the ‘Drummy’, a street gang notorious in Glasgow’s history. How had he got from there to here?

    Danny grew up in Easterhouse, a 1950s housing scheme on the periphery of the city that quickly attracted negative publicity. Tens of thousands were rehoused from crumbling tenements in the city centre. They were sold a bright new vision of progress but found themselves deserted on the edge of town, with only fields for company. Without shops, jobs, or facilities, young people made their own entertainment, forming themselves into gangs and fighting for kicks. Membership was decided simply by which street you happened to live on, a kind of natural selection where geography would land you on one side or the other. Unlike gangs in other cities, in Glasgow it was not about control of drug markets but a more primal law of the jungle, fighting for kicks and respect.

    The violence of the Easterhouse gangs was legendary. As Danny recalled:

    “It was just out and out tribal, that’s all it was, you know. And it was a day-to-day routine… some of the things you did were ludicrous. I mean, we used to run, we had football pitches, and you would run into the football pitches, maybe 50, 60 of yous, in pitch black. You would charge each other. Now, the British Army wouldn’t do that, in pitch black, run into it, not knowing what’s there. And you ran at each other, not knowing if the guy’s got a sword, a knife, a hatchet, anything.”

    The issue didn’t stay local for long. Warfare involving Easterhouse gangs attracted national media attention, drew concerned responses from politicians, and even garnered a celebrity visit from popular entertainer Frankie Vaughan who asked the gangs to put down their knives.

    Years before series such as the Peaky Blinders, the movie Small Faces (1996) would highlight gang violence in industrial towns such as Glasgow.

    The violence also attracted the attention of radical criminologists. Gail Wilson and Mary Wilson were part of a loose association of “Anarchists, CND, young Communists and international Socialists” (Cohen 1974: 27) who were trying to rewire academic approaches to youth culture. Rather than looking at the rule-breakers, these upstarts were looking at the rule makers and asking why some groups were criminalised more than others. Gail and Mary spent years working alongside gang youth in Easterhouse, studying their daily lives and comparing this with media narratives. They applied a theory called “social constructionism”, which tries to untangle stereotypes and reality.

    Meeting Danny

    We first met Gail and Mary back in 2010, after our studies of 1960s gangs had led us to their doorsteps. During our first meeting, Gail climbed a ladder to a storage hatch and retrieved a dusty box. Our eyes widened as we saw what lay inside. Notes, news clippings, sketches, essays and – incredibly – eighteen hand-written transcripts of interviews with members of the “Drummy” gang from 1969.

    We set about trying to trace these boys, who would now be in their fifties. We wondered how their lives had gone, where they’d ended up, and what lessons they would want to tell the current generation. We weren’t always successful. Some had died, others relocated. One got in touch to say he didn’t want to talk about that period in his life. Danny was one that said yes.

    Glasgow Gangs, 1968.

    Danny’s story, in a way, was the story of Glasgow. After his teenage gang years, Danny surfed Glasgow’s wave of industrialisation into a career in sales. He worked hard and moved out of the estate, initially to an area a few miles west of Easterhouse. His manager saw his potential, and Danny reflected that his street skills had prepared him for organisational roles and promotion.

    When we first spoke in 2011, he had been bullish in his talk of days gone by. His eyes glinted at the retelling of tales of violence, like a cowboy in a Western saloon. He revelled in one about his strict father taking him to the pub for his 18th birthday, where they had been challenged to a fight by a man and his dog. “Needless to say”, he told us with a grin, “we leathered them.”

    It sealed a bond between father and son. As he told us, “I kind of walked up the road as proud as punch, me and my dad”. We interpreted this as a link between past and present – the gang was a hand-me-down masculinity, like the legend of the Glasgow hardman swaggering through the pages of history.

    Ten years later, however, he told the story differently. As we sat squeezed around a table too big for the room, the air was thick with regret not bravado. His father had recently passed away, and this former hardman was suddenly vulnerable. As he recalled in 2022 of the altercation:

    “That’s the first time I probably ever bonded, truly, with my dad, if you know what I mean, in all the years… on my 18th birthday, I’ll never forget it.”

    The macho image started to fracture

    The macho image that we had of Danny, and of the Glasgow hardman, started to fracture. Ever since, we have been re-evaluating what we thought we knew about Danny’s life – and gang lives in general – and our own part in retelling his story. The oral historian Lynn Abrams says:

    “The story that a person tells is just one of many that are possible. The script is not deterministic. Its shape, form and content is determined by the need for the narrator to construct a memory story with which he or she can feel comfortable at that moment. And a comfortable telling is often one in which the story told coheres with larger cultural understandings.”

    Danny’s perspectives on his youthful gang experiences have altered not just in response to his own changing life circumstances, but also to how the culture of Glasgow has transformed in the fifty years since he was involved in the Drummy.

    Today, Glasgow is hailed as a city that has beaten the gangs, with talk of a Glasgow miracle of violence reduction.

    As he swaggered out the door, every inch the successful businessman, a stillness descended on the room. Danny was as far from the stereotype of a gang member as you could possibly imagine. He is your grandfather, your neighbour, your friend.

    Meeting Danny reminded us that stories matter, but like a city they can change – and paying attention to when and why these stories change can often reveal more than the stories themselves.

    Les auteurs ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possèdent pas de parts, ne reçoivent pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’ont déclaré aucune autre affiliation que leur organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Gangs’stories: Danny’s tales of machismo in Glasgow – https://theconversation.com/gangsstories-dannys-tales-of-machismo-in-glasgow-224876

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, McConnell to President Biden: Weapons Delays Cost Lives and Embolden Iran

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353September 25, 2024
    Cotton, McConnell to President Biden: Weapons Delays Cost Lives and Embolden Iran
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) today sent a letter to President Joe Biden condemning his continued delay in providing critical military equipment and weapons to our ally Israel as they face a multi-front war against Iranian-terrorist proxies. Further delays will continue to escalate conflict and embolden our shared enemies. 
    In part, the senators wrote:
    “Further delays will endanger Israeli lives, increase the likelihood that the conflict will escalate further, and harm American national security interests. It’s far past time to transfer to Israel the capabilities it needs to win.”
    Full text of the letter can be found here and below. 
         September 25, 2024
    President Joseph R. BidenThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 
    Dear President Biden: 
    We write to strongly condemn your administration’s continued delay in providing critical military equipment and weapons to our ally Israel in the midst of an existential war. Delays of equipment that Israel requires to win its multi-front war against Iranian-terrorist proxies, compounded by statements by Administration officials blaming Israel for escalation, undercut Israel’s efforts to restore deterrence by emboldening the Iranian-backed terrorists. 
    We have reason to believe your administration is currently delaying three critical types of military weapons or equipment. 
    MK-84 bombs: Israel requires these bombs to hit Hamas’s deeply buried tunnels and other military infrastructure in Gaza. Hezbollah also has significant military infrastructure that Israel must destroy. 
    Apache attack helicopters: Despite ongoing discussions between the United States and Israel, your administration has failed to fast-track and approve the sale of Apache attack helicopters. Israel requested these helicopters last December, recognizing the increased need given the war in Gaza. That need has only increased with Hezbollah’s escalation in the north. 
    Caterpillar D9 tractors: We recently learned you are holding up tractors that the IDF uses to clear improvised explosive devices (IEDs) ahead of its troops. Israel puts armor on these tractors and uses them to save the lives of scores of Israel Defense force (IDF) soldiers and civilians. 
    Further delays will endanger Israeli lives, increase the likelihood that the conflict will escalate further, and harm American national security interests. It’s far past time to transfer to Israel the capabilities it needs to win. 
    Sincerely,
    Tom Cotton 
    United States Senator
    Mitch McConnell 
    United States Senator 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Leadership for Peace [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    r. President, Excellencies,

    I thank the government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace. 

    The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth: Peace is never automatic.

    Peace demands action.

    And peace demands leadership.

    Instead, we’re seeing deepening geo-political divisions and mistrust.

    Impunity is spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter.

    Conflicts are multiplying, becoming more complex and deadlier.

    All regions are affected.

    And civilians are paying the steepest price.

    From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond — wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined. 

    Mr. President, Excellencies,
    Leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas.

    First — leadership for peace means all Member States living up to their commitments in the UN Charter, in international law and in recent agreements such as the Pact for the Future.

    Among other things, the Pact calls for strengthening tools and frameworks to prevent conflict, sustain peace and advance sustainable development, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.

    It calls for updating our tools for peace operations to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges.
    It reinforces the commitment to all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural.

    It includes initiatives around disarmament, peacebuilding, and managing threats posed by lethal autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence and in new domains, including outer space and cyberspace. 

    It calls for measures to quickly address complex global shocks.

    And it contains a new push to reform key institutions of global governance, including the global financial architecture and this very Council.

    The Pact is a down-payment on these reforms.

    But we will need strong political will to implement them, and rebuild the legitimacy and effectiveness of this Council.

    Which brings me to my second point about leadership for peace.  

    Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council acts in a meaningful way to ease global tensions and help address the conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering around the world.

    Geopolitical divisions continue to block effective solutions.

    A united Council can make a tremendous difference for peace.

    A divided Council cannot.

    It is imperative that Council Members spare no effort to work together to find common ground.

    And it has proven capable of doing so in some key areas.

    From currently overseeing 11 peacekeeping operations on three continents, involving nearly 70,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel…

    To resolutions that help keep vital humanitarian aid flowing to the world’s hotspots…

    To the landmark Resolution 2719, which provides for African-Union led peace support operations authorized by the Council to have access to UN assessed contributions…

    To the groundbreaking Resolutions that recognized the clear implications of peace and security challenges on the lives of women and youth…

    To this Council’s growing ties to regional and sub-regional organizations to foster consensus and peace.
    These examples — and more — prove that forging peace is possible.

    When we consider the most difficult and intractable conflicts on this Council’s agenda, peace can seem an impossible dream.

    But I strongly believe that peace is possible if we stick to principles. 

    Peace in Ukraine is possible.

    By following the UN Charter and abiding by international law. 

    Peace in Gaza is possible.

    By sparing no effort for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.

    Peace in Sudan is possible.
    By sending a clear message to the warring parties that all Members of this Council — including the five permanent Members — will not tolerate the horrific violence and desperate humanitarian crisis being unleashed on innocent civilians.

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Les situations à l’ordre du jour de ce Conseil sont complexes et ne peuvent être résolues en un jour.

    Mais l’ampleur du défi ne doit pas nous décourager.

    Notre seul espoir d’avancer sur la voie de la paix réside dans une collaboration active et l’unité entre les membres du Conseil. 

    Aujourd’hui, j’appelle tous les États membres à se montrer à la hauteur de cette grande responsabilité – à la hauteur de la promesse de la Charte des Nations unies.

    Contribuez au succès de ce Conseil – et non à son affaiblissement.

    Faisons en sorte que le Conseil soit un forum efficace et représentatif pour la paix – aujourd’hui comme dans les années à venir.

    ****

    [all-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    I thank the government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace. 

    The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth: Peace is never automatic.

    Peace demands action.

    And peace demands leadership.

    Instead, we’re seeing deepening geo-political divisions and mistrust.

    Impunity is spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter.

    Conflicts are multiplying, becoming more complex and deadlier.

    All regions are affected.

    And civilians are paying the steepest price.

    From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond — wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined. 

    Mr. President, Excellencies,
    Leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas.

    First — leadership for peace means all Member States living up to their commitments in the UN Charter, in international law and in recent agreements such as the Pact for the Future.

    Among other things, the Pact calls for strengthening tools and frameworks to prevent conflict, sustain peace and advance sustainable development, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.

    It calls for updating our tools for peace operations to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges.

    It reinforces the commitment to all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural.

    It includes initiatives around disarmament, peacebuilding, and managing threats posed by lethal autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence and in new domains, including outer space and cyberspace. 

    It calls for measures to quickly address complex global shocks.

    And it contains a new push to reform key institutions of global governance, including the global financial architecture and this very Council.

    The Pact is a down-payment on these reforms.

    But we will need strong political will to implement them, and rebuild the legitimacy and effectiveness of this Council.

    Which brings me to my second point about leadership for peace.  

    Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council acts in a meaningful way to ease global tensions and help address the conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering around the world.

    Geopolitical divisions continue to block effective solutions.

    A united Council can make a tremendous difference for peace.

    A divided Council cannot.

    It is imperative that Council Members spare no effort to work together to find common ground.

    And it has proven capable of doing so in some key areas.

    From currently overseeing 11 peacekeeping operations on three continents, involving nearly 70,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel…

    To resolutions that help keep vital humanitarian aid flowing to the world’s hotspots…

    To the landmark Resolution 2719, which provides for African-Union led peace support operations authorized by the Council to have access to UN assessed contributions…

    To the groundbreaking Resolutions that recognized the clear implications of peace and security challenges on the lives of women and youth…

    To this Council’s growing ties to regional and sub-regional organizations to foster consensus and peace.

    These examples — and more — prove that forging peace is possible.

    When we consider the most difficult and intractable conflicts on this Council’s agenda, peace can seem an impossible dream.

    But I strongly believe that peace is possible if we stick to principles. 

    Peace in Ukraine is possible.

    By following the UN Charter and abiding by international law. 

    Peace in Gaza is possible.

    By sparing no effort for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.

    Peace in Sudan is possible.
    By sending a clear message to the warring parties that all Members of this Council — including the five permanent Members — will not tolerate the horrific violence and desperate humanitarian crisis being unleashed on innocent civilians.

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    The situations on this Council’s agenda are complex and do not have quick fixes.

    But the scale of the challenge should not deter us.

    Our only hope for progress on peace is active collaboration and unity among Council Members. 

    Today, I call on all Members to live up to this great responsibility, and to the promise of the UN Charter.

    Contribute to this Council’s success — not its diminishment.

    Let’s ensure that this Council serves as an effective and representative forum for peace — today and in the years to come.

    *******

    [all-French]

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Je remercie le Gouvernement slovène d’avoir organisé ce débat de haut niveau sur le leadership pour la paix.

    Le sujet traité repose sur une vérité fondamentale : la paix n’est jamais automatique.

    Il n’y a pas de paix sans action.

    Et il n’y a pas de paix sans leadership.

    Pourtant, les divisions géopolitiques et la méfiance ne font qu’empirer.

    L’impunité gagne du terrain, et l’on assiste à des violations répétées du droit international et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Les conflits se multiplient ; ils deviennent plus complexes et plus meurtriers.

    Toutes les régions sont touchées.

    Et ce sont les civils qui paient le plus lourd tribut.

    De Gaza à l’Ukraine en passant par le Soudan – mais pas seulement – les guerres s’éternisent, la souffrance s’amplifie, la faim s’aggrave, des vies sont bouleversées et la légitimité et l’efficacité de l’ONU et de ce Conseil sont remises en cause.

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Le leadership pour la paix exige d’agir dans au moins deux grands domaines.

    Premièrement, le leadership pour la paix suppose que tous les États Membres respectent les engagements qu’ils ont pris dans le cadre de la Charte des Nations Unies, du droit international et des accords récents, tels que le Pacte pour l’avenir.

    Ainsi, le Pacte invite notamment à renforcer les outils et les cadres de prévention des conflits, de pérennisation de la paix et d’action au service du développement durable, avec la participation pleine, égale et véritable des femmes.

    Il demande que nous renouvelions les outils à notre disposition pour les opérations de paix, afin de trouver des réponses plus souples et mieux adaptées aux défis existants, émergents et à venir.

    Il réaffirme l’importance attachée à tous les droits humains : civils, politiques, économiques, sociaux et culturels.

    Il prévoit des initiatives dans les domaines du désarmement, de la consolidation de la paix et de la gestion des menaces que représentent les armes létales autonomes et l’intelligence artificielle, ainsi que dans de nouveaux domaines, notamment l’espace extra-atmosphérique et le cyberespace.

    Il préconise de prendre des mesures afin de pouvoir agir rapidement face aux chocs mondiaux complexes.

    Et il cherche à donner un nouvel élan à la réforme des principales institutions de la gouvernance mondiale, y compris l’architecture financière mondiale et même le Conseil de sécurité.

    Le Pacte constitue un engagement concret en faveur de ces réformes.

    Mais nous aurons besoin d’une volonté politique ferme pour les mettre en œuvre et rétablir la légitimité et l’efficacité de ce Conseil.

    Ce qui m’amène à mon deuxième point sur le leadership pour la paix.

    Le leadership pour la paix suppose de donner au Conseil de sécurité les moyens d’agir véritablement pour apaiser les tensions mondiales et contribuer à régler les conflits qui causent tant de souffrances dans le monde.

    Les divisions géopolitiques demeurent un obstacle à des solutions efficaces.

    Un Conseil uni peut jouer un rôle déterminant en faveur de la paix.

    Un Conseil divisé ne le peut pas.

    Il est impératif que les membres du Conseil se concertent sans ménager leurs efforts pour trouver un terrain d’entente.

    Le Conseil a prouvé qu’il était capable de parler d’une seule voix dans certains domaines importants.

    Il supervise actuellement 11 opérations de maintien de la paix sur trois continents, où sont déployés près de 70 000 Casques bleus…

    Il adopte des résolutions qui contribuent à l’acheminement ininterrompu d’une aide humanitaire vitale vers les points chauds de la planète…

    Il a adopté une résolution historique, la résolution 2719, qui permet aux opérations d’appui à la paix dirigées par l’Union africaine et autorisées par le Conseil d’avoir accès aux contributions des États Membres de l’ONU…

    Il a adopté des résolutions pionnières par lesquelles il a pris acte des incidences manifestes des problématiques de paix et de sécurité sur la vie des femmes et des jeunes…

    Et il ne cesse de nouer des relations avec les organisations régionales et sous-régionales pour favoriser le consensus et la paix.

    Tous ces exemples – et bien d’autres – prouvent qu’on peut instaurer la paix.

    À la vue des conflits les plus complexes et les plus insolubles dont ce Conseil est saisi, on peut penser que la paix est un rêve irréalisable.

    Mais je crois fermement que la paix est possible si nous nous en tenons aux principes.

    La paix en Ukraine est possible.

    En suivant la Charte des Nations Unies et en respectant le droit international.

    La paix dans la bande de Gaza est possible.

    En travaillant d’arrache-pied pour obtenir un cessez-le-feu immédiat, la libération immédiate de tous les otages et la mise en chantier d’un processus irréversible pour qu’une solution des deux États voie le jour.

    La paix au Soudan est possible.

    En envoyant un message clair aux parties belligérantes, à savoir que tous les membres de ce Conseil – y compris les cinq membres permanents – ne toléreront pas la terrible violence et la crise humanitaire effroyable que subissent des civils innocents.

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    Les situations à l’ordre du jour de ce Conseil sont complexes et ne peuvent être résolues en un jour.

    Mais l’ampleur du défi ne doit pas nous décourager.

    Notre seul espoir d’avancer sur la voie de la paix réside dans une collaboration active et l’unité entre les membres du Conseil.

    Aujourd’hui, j’appelle tous les États membres à se montrer à la hauteur de cette grande responsabilité – à la hauteur de la promesse de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Contribuez au succès de ce Conseil – et non à son affaiblissement.

    Faisons en sorte que le Conseil soit un forum efficace et représentatif pour la paix – aujourd’hui comme dans les années à venir.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin took part in the meeting of the State Council Presidium on the issue of export development

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    President of Russia Vladimir Putin held an extended meeting of the State Council Presidium on the issue of export development. The Mayor of Moscow took part in the meeting Sergei Sobyanin.

    One of the key topics was further steps to increase the country’s export potential and the role of regions in this process. Russia continues to be an active participant in international trade, despite the difficulties that businesses face.

    “We are developing external business relations, expanding their geography, strengthening cooperation with predictable, reliable partners who, like Russia, understand their national interests and value mutually beneficial trade, production, and cooperation relations,” the Russian President noted.

    At present, world trade and the global economy as a whole are actively developing. A new system of relations is currently being built, where the leading roles are taken by the states of the so-called Global South. These are dynamically growing countries, participants in promising integration associations, such as, for example, BRICS. Already now, the contribution of the BRICS countries to the world economy exceeds the share of the “Big Seven” and continues to grow.

    Thus, in 1992, the G7 accounted for 45.5 percent of global GDP, and in 2022, it was already 30.5 percent. According to forecasts, in 2028, the share of the G7 will decrease to 27.9 percent. At the same time, the share of the BRICS countries (excluding new members) in global GDP in 1992 was 16.7 percent, in 2022 it grew to 31.4 percent, and by 2028 it may reach 33.8 percent.

    This trend will continue in the future, since the growth of the BRICS countries’ contribution to the global economy is an objective process that is not related to the current geopolitical situation.

    “This means [that] real markets of the future are being formed, based on strong strategic partnerships, principles of combining economic potentials and mutually enhancing growth. It is important not only to understand these trends, but also to take advantage of the advantages and export opportunities that are opening up for our businesses, for enterprises. We need to provide them with assistance at all levels,” Vladimir Putin emphasized.

    The Russian President recalled that this year, a six-year national project to support exports is ending. During this time, it was possible to create tools, including in the country’s regions, that allowed domestic companies to go through the pandemic stage, successfully supply products abroad, and, over the past two years, redirect commodity flows to promising, growing markets.

    “Next year, the updated national project “International Cooperation and Export” will be launched. The basis for its decisions, measures and mechanisms should be the results achieved in the export sphere, the priorities of economic development facing our country, and, of course, the objective global trends that I just spoke about,” the Russian President noted.

    For the long-term development of foreign economic relations, it is necessary to increase the efficiency of financial and information support for exports, actively create logistics and transport infrastructure, as well as platforms for industrial cooperation.

    In addition, it is important to stimulate the entry of Russian companies into markets for goods with high added value, to increase so-called non-resource, non-energy exports, including supplies of engineering goods and food products.

    “I would like to note that from 2001 to 2023, the volume of Russia’s non-resource, non-energy exports has grown more than fourfold. This is a good result: four times – not some percentage, but four times – from 36 to 148 billion dollars. This, of course, is far from the limit for us, it is still not that much. But in the first seven months of this year, non-resource, non-energy exports continued to grow and increased by another five percent – to 89.8 billion [dollars],” Vladimir Putin said.

    In some areas, particularly in food supplies, Russia has already become one of the world’s leading exporters. According to the Russian President, this result is primarily the merit of specialists and labor collectives of enterprises, as well as those who provide them with support, in particular development institutions and regional leaders.

    “In the message to the Federal Assembly, and then

    in the decree on national development goals a target was set, namely, to increase non-resource, non-energy exports by at least two-thirds by 2030 compared to 2023. This is an ambitious goal, especially given the challenges that our companies have faced recently,” Vladimir Putin noted.

    In his opinion, this task requires a comprehensive approach from the state, development institutions and regional leaders. Thus, the Russian Export Center (REC) is implementing a special program “Made in Russia”, which helps promote domestic brands in domestic and foreign markets. It is necessary to scale up this practice and expand its coverage.

    “Within the framework of interregional cooperation, partnerships are being built with friendly countries, and this, of course, contributes to strengthening Russia’s technological sovereignty, sets a higher pace of economic development for the subjects of the Federation, and therefore for the entire country,” Vladimir Putin emphasized.

    The Russian President noted that individual regions of the country are consistently and comprehensively developing non-resource exports, working with small and medium businesses. For this purpose, regional exporter support centers have been created and teams of specialized specialists are working.

    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.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11824050/

    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 USA: Rep. Dina Titus Statement on FTC Crackdown on Invitation Homes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV1) today released the following statement after the Federal Trade Commission took action against Invitation Homes for deceiving renters about lease costs, charging undisclosed junk fees, failing to inspect homes before renters moved in, and unfairly withholding tenants’ security deposits when they moved out.

    “The FTC took a major step in addressing deceptive rental practices in Southern Nevada which have contributed to skyrocketing rental costs,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Invitation Homes is the second-largest owner of single-family homes in Clark County, with some 3,500 homes. The FTC action requires Invitation Homes to make refunds to consumers and sends a strong message that rent gouging will not be tolerated.”

    Invitation Homes has agreed to a proposed settlement order that would require the company to turn over $48 million to be used to refund consumers harmed by its actions nationally. The corporate landlord will also be required to clearly disclose its leasing prices, establish policies and procedures to handle security deposit refunds fairly, and stop other unlawful behavior.

    See FTC’s news release for more background.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The CRA invites taxpayers to share ideas for service improvements

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is committed to providing a high-quality service experience for taxpayers and benefit recipients.

    September 25, 2024                                                     Ottawa, Ontario                                                        Canada Revenue Agency

    The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is committed to providing a high-quality service experience for taxpayers and benefit recipients. To deliver on these efforts, the CRA is launching public consultations to hear from individuals, non-professional representatives, and tax intermediaries about their experiences with CRA services.

    The CRA service consultations 2024 will play an important role in further understanding the experiences of those who rely on CRA services, and identifying areas where improvements are needed. As the CRA adapts to an ever-changing environment, ensuring our services remain accessible, responsive, and tailored to the evolving needs of clients is our top priority.

    How to participate

    From September 25 to December 2, 2024, individuals, non-professional representatives, and tax intermediaries have the opportunity to share feedback on their experiences interacting with CRA services through an online questionnaire. The CRA will also hold both in-person and virtual consultation sessions with members of these groups by invitation, allowing for more in-depth discussions.

    • Every voice matters: participate in the online questionnaire to share your feedback and help shape the future of CRA services.

    To ensure the privacy of participants and that a wide range of perspectives is captured, the recruitment of participants and reporting will be managed by an independent third party.

    What we hope to learn

    As the world changes with new technologies and evolving trends, your expectations of government services are also shifting. The CRA is the administrator of a complex tax system and recognizes the need to be responsive to these changes to deliver services that strive to put people first. We know taxpayers and benefit recipients deserve a better service experience and we want to focus on what matters most to them. This is why we need feedback. Through these consultations, we aim to understand the specific challenges they are facing and identify areas where our services fall short of their expectations.

    How feedback shapes improvements

    Over the past few years, there has been a growing demand for digital-first, seamless experiences, prompting the CRA to modernize its services to enhance ease of access. Previous feedback has been pivotal in driving service improvements, and these consultations are another important step in ensuring our services address the needs of our clients. Recent key improvements include:

    • Introducing a digital application for the Disability Tax Credit to streamline the process for those who rely on this essential support.
    • Enhancing the CRA’s sign-in services to ensure faster and more secure access to online accounts.
    • Implementing the Learn about your taxes online learning tool to help young people better understand and manage their tax obligations.
    • Increasing Contact Centre hours to improve access to timely support, recognizing the challenges individuals and businesses face in reaching us, we are working to ensure they can get the help they need when they need it.
    • Expanding the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), which helps vulnerable and lower-income populations access free tax-filing support.

    While we’ve made progress, the CRA recognizes that challenges remain and there is still more work to be done. Encouraging participation in these consultations will play a key role in shaping the future of CRA programs and services, making it easier for taxpayers to understand their tax obligations and receive the benefits and credits they may be eligible for.

    For more information on the consultations and to participate, visit CRA service consultations 2024. 

    Justine Lesage
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of National Revenue
    Justine.Lesage@cra-arc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten, Brownley Propose Voluntary Carbon Footprint Label for Food

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    September 25, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) introduced the Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act, legislation to revolutionize the way consumers learn about the climate impact of the food they purchase.

    Under the legislation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will work with food producers, manufacturers, and retailers to develop a voluntary food climate label to place on products that will contain EPA-verified information relating to the carbon footprint of that product.

    “A growing number of consumers are eager to know the climate impacts of the items they purchase,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “The Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act provides them with the information they need to make climate-conscious decisions–if they so choose–with their hard-earned money, empowering them to take control of their own carbon footprint.”

    “The food and agriculture sector currently contributes an estimated 10 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “While a majority of U.S. consumers say that sustainability is important to them when purchasing food, research shows that consumers struggle to identify which products are the most sustainable. This food climate label would help consumers more easily identify sustainable foods and food production, creating a simple and effective solution to address one of the significant causes of greenhouse gas emissions. Creating this label will be a real win-win for the agriculture sector, consumers, and our environment.”

    The label will include information on the greenhouse gas emissions released during the production, manufacturing, distribution, consumer use, end-of-life reuse, and recycling of a food product. This will help food producers, manufacturers, and retailers showcase the work they’ve done to reduce their carbon footprint, while empowering consumers with more information to shop more sustainably.

    Text of the legislation can be found here.

    How it Works:

    • The legislation would establish the Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Program at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in implementing the program.
    • Entities selling food products will be allowed, but not mandated, to apply to the Program to put a food climate label on the packaging of their food product.
    • The label will:
    • Provide a numerical summary of the best available information regarding the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions released during the growing of the food ingredients, manufacturing, processing, packaging, distribution, storage, presentation in the retail establishment, consumer use (including the energy involved in refrigeration and cooking), end-of-life reuse, recycling, composting, treatment, and disposal of the food and its packaging.
    • Of the above information, the food producer, manufacturer, or retailer will provide the “cradle-to-gate” information, from the growing of the food to its arrival at the retail establishment. Because the rest of the food lifecycle – including how it is stored, prepared, and disposed of – is beyond the control of these businesses, EPA will provide the information on the rest, based on the typical use case, in consultation with the producer, manufacturer, or retailer.
    • In addition, the label will:
    1. Convey the information in a manner determined to be most useful to the consumer at the point of sale;
    1. Not convey that any given food is acceptable or unacceptable – that kind of decision being left to the consumer, presumably as informed by the factual information conveyed through the label;
    1. Convey that the information has been verified by EPA;
    1. Include a logo to help the consumer identify the label;
    1. Include a QR code to provide the consumer access to the above-described in-depth information.
    1. In specifying the visual form, the information to be included, and the method for verification, the EPA shall consult with food industry stakeholders, and may do so through the establishment of a federal advisory committee or a negotiated rulemaking.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Welcomes $60 Million in Tax Credits for Community Development to Support Small Businesses and Spur Economic Growth

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today the New Hampshire delegation announced that Mascoma Community Development, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mascoma Bank of Lebanon, was awarded $60 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) to incentivize development in underserved communities.

    “Investments into our communities and small businesses are helping develop local economies, create more good-paying jobs, and strengthen our quality of life,” said Congressman Pappas. “These funds will incentivize economic development in New Hampshire’s underserved communities to ensure no city or town is left behind. I’ll continue to advocate for programs that help our state, small businesses, and communities grow and thrive.” 

    “Underserved communities and small businesses often struggle to get the capital they need to grow, which is why this investment is key to the overall economic success of our state. I’m glad to see this award going to Mascoma Community Development to help ensure small businesses and entrepreneurs working to develop these communities have the resources they need to succeed,” said Senator Shaheen. “I look forward to continuing to support programs that provide development opportunities, create jobs and grow our economy in communities across New Hampshire.” 

    “Investing in Granite State businesses and ensuring that they have access to the capital that they need is a key way to help our local economy thrive,” said Senator Hassan. “This federal funding will promote development and growth in the Upper Valley and throughout New Hampshire, and I will keep supporting programs that help create jobs and invest in our state.” 

    “Small businesses and local entrepreneurs are the backbone of New Hampshire’s economy and way of life,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “These resources heading to Mascoma Community Development will go a long way toward uplifting our Main Street businesses and the communities they serve, and I look forward to seeing the benefit the New Market Tax Credit program continues to have on New Hampshire’s economic growth.” 

    This award is provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), which promotes development in low-income urban and rural communities by investing in mission-driven financial institutions. Tax credit allocations awarded to Community Development Entities (CDE), such as Mascoma Community Development, enable CDEs to raise additional capital to invest in low income and distressed communities in return for tax credits. The total tax credit provided to investors equals 39 percent of the original investment and is spread over a seven-year period. 

    Historically, NMTC Program awards have generated $8 of private investment for every $1 invested by the federal government. Through the end of fiscal year 2023, NMTC Program award recipients deployed more than $66 billion in investments in low-income communities and businesses, supporting more than 894,000 jobs and the construction or rehabilitation of nearly 259.5 million square feet of commercial real estate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Agency invites taxpayers to share ideas for improving services

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    The Canada Revenue Agency is committed to providing a high-quality service experience to taxpayers and benefit recipients.

    September 25, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario Canada Revenue Agency

    The Canada Revenue Agency is committed to providing a high-quality service experience to taxpayers and benefit recipients. In this spirit, the Agency is launching public consultations to hear from individuals, non-professional representatives and tax intermediaries on their appreciation of the Agency’s services.

    THE Consultations on Agency 2024 services will serve, on the one hand, to better understand the experience of people who rely on the Agency’s services and, on the other hand, to identify areas where improvements are desirable. As the Agency adapts to a constantly changing environment, its top priority remains to ensure that its services remain accessible, responsive and adapted to the changing needs of clients.

    How to participate

    From September 25 to December 2, 2024, individuals, non-professional representatives, and tax intermediaries will have the opportunity to share their impressions of their interactions with the Agency’s services through an online questionnaire. The Agency will also hold in-person and online consultation sessions with members of these groups by invitation to conduct more in-depth discussions.

    Every voice counts: Answer the online questionnaire to share your thoughts and help shape the future of the Agency’s services.

    To ensure participant confidentiality and to obtain a broad range of perspectives, participant recruitment and reporting will be managed by an independent third party.

    What the Agency hopes to learn

    New technologies and emerging trends are changing the world, and so are taxpayers’ expectations of government services. The Agency, which administers a complex tax system, recognizes the need to adapt to these changes in order to provide people-centred services. It also recognizes that taxpayers and benefit recipients deserve a better service experience and want to focus on what matters most to them. That’s why it needs their feedback. The consultations will help us understand the specific challenges they face and identify specific services that are not meeting their expectations.

    How taxpayer feedback shapes the Agency’s services

    In recent years, demand for a seamless digital experience has increased, prompting the Agency to modernize its services to make them easier to access. Feedback collected in the past has played a vital role in improving services, and the upcoming consultations will be another important step in ensuring service delivery is tailored to the needs of our clients. Key improvements the Agency has made include:

    Creating a digital form for the Disability Tax Credit to simplify the process for those who rely on this critical support. Enhancing the Agency’s login services to ensure faster and more secure access to online accounts. Launching the Understanding Your Taxes e-learning tool to help youth better understand and manage their tax obligations. Extending contact centre hours to improve access to timely support. Recognizing the challenges individuals and businesses face in reaching the Agency, the Agency is working to ensure they can get the help they need when they need it. Expanding the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), which helps vulnerable and low-income individuals access free support with filing their taxes.

    While progress has been made, the Agency recognizes that challenges remain and that more work needs to be done. Encouraging participation in these consultations will play a key role in shaping the Agency’s future programs and services, making it easier for taxpayers to understand their tax obligations and access the benefits and credits to which they are entitled.

    To learn more about the consultations and to complete the questionnaire, go to ARC Services Consultations 2024.

    Justine LesageDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of National RevenueJustine.Lesage@cra-arc.gc.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: SDG Flag Day in Lugano: the important role of cities in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

    Bern, 25.09.2024 – Since 2019, the SDG Flag Day has been held every year on 25 September, at the initiative of the business community (UN Global Compact). Schools, municipalities, organisations, companies and governments raise a flag depicting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to symbolically express their support for the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. By participating in the SDG Flag Day event in Lugano, the two Federal Council delegates for the 2030 Agenda, Markus Reubi and Daniel Dubas, are emphasising the importance of cities in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

    Access to green spaces and public spaces, sustainable transport systems, waste sorting or urban planning with all stakeholders: cities are particularly confronted with the challenges of sustainability. Although they only cover 3% of the Earth’s surface, they consume three quarters of the world’s resources and are responsible for 75% of global emissions. This is why SDG 11 “Sustainable cities and communities” of the 2030 Agenda also addresses this central theme.

    Cities and municipalities must be designed to be more inclusive, resilient and green. On this year’s SDG Flag Day, the City of Lugano is illustrating with various examples how it is contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

    “With his program

    Today’s event in Lugano is the starting point for closer collaboration between the FDFA and various cities in the field of sustainability, which will be supported by a city symposium at the 2025 edition.

    Agenda 2030The 2030 Agenda is the global framework for local, national and international efforts to find common solutions to major global challenges, such as climate change, resource exploitation, biodiversity conservation and health crises. The 2030 Agenda was adopted on 25 September 2015 by 193 UN Member States, including Switzerland. It applies to all States and sets sustainable development goals until 2030. In Switzerland, too, the 2030 Agenda outlines the broad outlines of sustainable development policy. The 17 SDGs and their 169 targets are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda. They are structured around five principles that guide action: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. With these five principles, the 2030 Agenda aims to ensure human well-being, economic development and environmental protection and addresses aspects such as peace, the rule of law and governance. The SDG Flag Day event is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, a global network of businesses committed to the goals of the 2030 Agenda.

    Address for sending questions

    Communication DFAE Federal Palace WestCH-3003 BernTel. Press Service: 41 58 460 55 55E-Mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.chTwitter: @EDA_DFAE

    Author

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairshttps://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/fr/dfae.html

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul, Rogers, Turner, Cole, Calvert, Díaz-Balart Demand Biden-Harris Admin Release Unclassified Ukraine Strategy

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    Washington, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH), House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA), and House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) released a statement demanding the Biden-Harris administration release an unclassified version of the Ukraine strategy as required by law.

    “The Biden-Harris administration must immediately release an unclassified version of its strategy for how U.S. and allied assistance will hasten a Ukrainian victory in Russia’s war of aggression. After submitting the strategy months after the congressionally-mandated deadline, the decision to fully classify it is unacceptable and defies critical provisions that House Republicans fought to enact as part of the National Security Supplemental and the FY24 spending bills. Given the vital U.S. interests at stake in Ukraine defeating Putin’s invading forces, all of Congress and the American people deserve to understand how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stockton Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offense

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

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ricardo Sanchez, 32, of Stockton, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, on Aug. 20, 2023, law enforcement officers found Sanchez to be in possession of a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. Sanchez is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions, including conspiracy to commit a crime and inflicting injury on a spouse/cohabitant or fellow parent.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins is prosecuting the case.

    Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2025, by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb. Sanchez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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

    This case is the result of the ongoing collaboration between the Sacramento Police Department and its local, state, and federal partners as part of a Public Safety Partnership (PSP) to address violent crime in our community. Started in 2022, the Sacramento PSP is a multifaceted violence-reduction strategy that relies on innovative data-driven strategies to promote public and community safety. Participating PSP partners include the Sacramento County’s District Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the DEA, the ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Boebert’s Legislation to Protect Native Fish Species and Responsible Water & Power Users Passes in the House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado, 3)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) applauded final passage of her legislation H.R. 4596, “Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act:” 

    “Passage of my bill to reauthorize the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basin Recovery Programs is a major win for Colorado and the West. These important programs, which will be extended for an additional seven fiscal years, will ensure that 2,500 water and power projects continue, and provide legal certainty for water and power users throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. 

    With strong bicameral, bipartisan momentum and significant stakeholder support, I’m confident this bill will become law and this important program will be reauthorized,” said Congresswoman Boebert.

    “Congresswoman Boebert is true fighter for Colorado’s rich biodiversity, and her bill to reauthorize the endangered fish recovery programs in the San Juan and Upper Colorado River Basins will ensure these species are healthy for future generations to enjoy. I’m so glad to see this commonsense, science-based legislation pass the House today, and look forward to seeing it signed into law,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman

    Background:

    The House of Representatives voted to pass Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s bill H.R. 4596, the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act.

    Congresswoman Boebert’s bicameral bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, provides a clean, seven-year reauthorization of the Upper Colorado and San Juan Recovery Programs that protect four threatened and endangered native fish species in the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins by extending conservation programs at current funding levels for seven additional fiscal years.

    The Upper Colorado and San Juan Recovery Programs were established in 1988 to achieve full recovery of four federally listed endangered fish species including the humpback chub, bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow, and razorback sucker. Those designations led to the threat of significant water and power-use restrictions.

    The recovery programs facilitate water delivery from the Navajo, Flaming Gorge, and Aspinall Unit reservoirs which collectively can store more than 6.5 million acre-feet of water as part of the Colorado River Storage Project.

    For over three decades, states, tribes, local communities, environmental groups, energy users, and water users, have partnered to help recover four threatened and endangered fish species while continuing water and power facility development and operations in the Upper Colorado River Basin and the San Juan River Basin.

    Non-federal partners contribute $11 million per year in water contributions, plus another $750,000 in staffing and in-kind contributions. Participating states contribute $500,000 to base funding each year in cash equivalents for recovery actions, including for fish hatcheries and non-native fish removal.

    The Fish and Wildlife Service contributes $1.56 million per year in base funding. The Bureau of Reclamation provides cost-shared contributions to both base and capital funding. Reclamation’s capital funding supports major infrastructure projects at reservoirs, diversion dams, canals, and floodplains across the basin.

    Without these programs, these 2,500 water and power users would have to perform extremely burdensome Section 7 consultations for all 2,500 individual projects.

    Because of the success of these programs, the humpback chub and the razorback sucker are success stories with the chub been downlisted from endangered to threatened and the razorback being recommended for downlisting. 

    Rep. Boebert’s bill is the result of months of hard work with local stakeholders, the Bureau of Reclamation, and Senators Hickenlooper and Romney, and others to provide a long-term solution by reauthorizing these vital programs until 2031.

    Groups supporting Congresswoman Boebert’s Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act include: Aurora Water, Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Clifton Water District, Colorado River District, Colorado River Energy Distributors Association, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Water Congress, Delta County Commissioners, Denver Water, Dolores County Commissioners, Dolores Water Conservancy District, Grand Valley Water Users, Huerfano County Commissioners, LaPlata Water Conservation District, Mesa County Farm Bureau, Montezuma County, Municipal Subdistrict, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Pueblo Water, Purgatoire River Water Conservancy District, Rio Blanco Board of Commissioners, Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District, Rio Grande Water Conservation District, San Juan Water Commission, Southern Ute Tribe, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Southwestern Water Conservation District, Tri-County Water Conservancy District, Utah Waters Users Association, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Ute Water Conservancy District.

    Co-sponsors of Congresswoman Boebert’s bill include Rep. John Duarte (CA-13), Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22), and Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04). 

    Full text of Rep. Boebert’s Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act can be found HERE. Full replay of Rep. Boebert’s remarks on the House floor can be found HERE.

    ###

    For updates, subscribe to Congresswoman Boebert’s newsletter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Ernst Leverage Newly Obtained Records on ATF’s Unlawful Misclassification Scandal to Seek Answers & Accountability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Upon obtaining an unreleased report via protected whistleblower disclosures, Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are raising additional questions about the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)’s decision to reinstate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF)’s position classification authority. The Office of Special Counsel previously substantiated whistleblower claims ATF repeatedly and unlawfully labeled administrative positions as “law enforcement,” costing the taxpayer at least $20 million. 
    The new records show the Justice Department (DOJ) Justice Management Division (JMD), which is supposed to determine whether DOJ is properly classifying law enforcement positions, requested the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) assess the agency’s practices. The resulting report reveals far-reaching failures across DOJ and raises flags about findings in an ATF Human Capital Management Evaluation (HCME) audit OPM conducted but has yet to publish.
    “[OPM] must fully explain, in detail, the actions taken by ATF, the Justice Department, and JMD to come into full compliance with the law, as well as the oversight mechanisms put in place to prevent millions of taxpayer dollars from being subjected to further ‘substantial waste’ due to the ATF’s illegal misconduct,” Grassley and Ernst wrote. “Further, the Justice Department must provide answers to the taxpayers about how those who were involved in or allowed ATF’s illegal misclassification scheme to continue have been held accountable. The American public deserves transparency from the OPM.”
    Notable excerpts from the NAPA report:

    DOJ’s lack of effective oversight enabled ATF’s illegal misclassification scheme to persist; JMD only denied one ATF classification request in the past eight years, despite OPM identifying 91 misclassified positions. 

    Grassley and Ernst are requesting OPM provide the complete, unpublished ATF HCME audit. However, the NAPA report discusses the following audit contents:

    “[S]ome ATF [human resources] staff raised their concerns about the [illegal classifications] to the ATF leadership, but leaders rejected their concerns” and “ignored warnings by ATF officials.” 

    The senators’ full letters to JMD and ATF, as well as OPM, are available at the corresponding links. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Announces Over $3 Million in Awards to Advance Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for STEM, R&D-Focused Small Businesses and Startups

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced the 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) Stage Two winners. Forty-four accelerator partnerships received between $50,000 and $150,000 each to advance their work supporting small businesses and startups in STEM and research and development (R&D) across priority areas like national and economic security, domestic manufacturing and production, and sustainability and biotechnology. 

    “Innovation happens everywhere and the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to build on its commitment to promote sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems that advance research and development and commercialization in communities across the nation,” said Administrator Guzman. “The 2024 GAFC Stage Two award winners will drive forward the Investing in America agenda and strengthen America’s global competitiveness by continuing to support the expanding and increasingly diverse entrepreneurs across the nation and provide them with the opportunities that lower barriers for market and capital access.”

    GAFC Stage One prizes emphasized ecosystem network building, while Stage Two efforts focus on the enhanced support that can be provided to small businesses and startups through these Growth Accelerator Partnerships. These partnerships span public, private, nonprofit, and academic institutions, fostering collaboration across industries and geographies, with lead awardees headquartered in 34 U.S. states and territories, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and assisting innovators nationally.

    “Since its launch in 2014, the SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) has made a positive difference to local and national innovation-focused entrepreneurship organizations and the communities they support. The competition has grown to be a core component and vital source of support to our nation’s innovation ecosystem. Over the last decade, SBA has awarded 566 prizes totaling over $33 million to winners across the U.S. and U.S. territories. We are delighted to announce 31 of this year’s Stage Two winners are new to the program, and we are inspired to witness communities of ecosystem developers coming together to build new relationships and networks with GAFC funding,” said Bailey G. DeVries, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. 

    Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Stage Two Winners

    Learn more about each GAFC partnership in the public directory located at https://bit.ly/GAFC24Directory. 

    National and Economic Security

    • Ala., The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship
    • Calif., Starburst Accelerator
    • Colo., Catalyst Accelerator
    • Ind., Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
    • Ind., Indiana Center for Emerging Technologies
    • La., Maven Scouts
    • Md., Rural Autonomous Innovation Network (RAIN) Association of University Research Parks (AURP)
    • Mo., Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation
    • Mont., Early Stage Montana
    • Neb., Invest Nebraska
    • N.M., NewSpace Nexus

    Domestic Manufacturing and Production

    • Ariz., Startup Tucson
    • Ark., Endeavor NWA Entrepreneurs
    • District of Columbia, National Disability Institute
    • Fla., Florida Institute of Technology
    • Fla., International Business Innovation Association
    • Hawaii, XLR8HI
    • N.C., RIoT
    • N.D., Grand Farm Research and Education Initiative Inc.
    • N.Y., FuzeHub
    • N.Y., Southern Tier High Technology Incubator Inc.
    • Utah, Utah Advanced Materials Manufacturing Institute
    • Wash., 360 Social Impact Studios

    Sustainability and Biotechnology

    • Alaska, Spruce Root Inc.
    • Calif., Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
    • Conn., The Community Foundation-Mission Investments Company
    • Ill., University of Illinois Research Park LLC
    • Maine, Central Maine Growth Council
    • Mass., SeaAhead Inc.
    • Minn., RuralWorks Partners LLC
    • N.C., Eva Garland Consulting LLC
    • N.Y., The Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz
    • Ore., Oregon Health and Science University
    • Pa., University City Science Center
    • Puerto Rico, CARBONO3 LLC
    • Tenn., BioTN Foundation Inc.
    • Tenn., Native American Investment and Capital Alliance
    • Texas, Health Wildcatters
    • Texas, Impact Hub Houston
    • Utah, Altitude Lab
    • Va., FedTech
    • Vt., LaunchVT
    • W.Va., U.S. Research Impact Alliance Corp.
    • Washington, D.C., Women in Engineering ProActive Network 

    “Supported by SBA’s Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development (IIED) Division, the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition awards boost strategic partnerships that create a national network so entrepreneurs can tap into significant capital and resources. Our work emphasizes the value of strategic connections and relationships across a wide variety of entrepreneur support organizations and accentuates how the work they are doing can successfully impact the growth and advancement of our federal innovation ecosystem,” said Brittany Sickler, Director of Ecosystem Development, for SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation. “We are changing the trajectory for underserved communities and founders so that more startups and small businesses can scale and grow. “

    For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (americasseedfund.us). 

    ###

    About SBA Office of Investment and Innovation

    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) leads programs that provide the growth-oriented small business and startup community with access to financial capital, networks, assistance, and R&D funds to develop commercially viable innovations. Our work is underpinned by public-private partnerships that help small businesses on their trajectory from idea to IPO. 
     

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –