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  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth, Quigley, Announce More Than $300 Million In Federal Funding For Transportation Infrastructure Improvements In Chicago

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    09.20.24
    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Quigley (D-IL-05) today announced $305,467,517 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Mega Program. With this federal funding, the Illinois Department of Transportation will receive $209,877,984 for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program and $95,589,533 for the I-290/IL171 (1st Avenue) Interchange Project. These projects will aim to reduce traffic delays, increase rail junction safety, and improve mobility throughout Chicago.
    DOT’s Mega Grant Program provides federal funding for large projects of regional significance and is funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that the lawmakers worked to pass.
    “Today’s funding is a major investment in the future of our transportation infrastructure.  Chicagoans will be better connected because of these two infrastructure projects, which will improve the safety and quality of our rail system and roadways,” said Durbin. “Senator Duckworth, members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and I have long supported these investments, and I’m glad to see these federal dollars go toward improving safety and alleviating congestion in a region that desperately needs it.”
    “Investing in our transportation infrastructure is about more than just improving our roads, bridges and rail lines, it’s about growing our economy and making getting to work, school and throughout our communities faster, safer and more efficient,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to see this federal funding coming to our state today for two critically important projects Senator Durbin and I have been championing for years and with it improvements in these local communities, and an increase in good-paying jobs in our region and more.”
    “This funding announcement is critical to helping CREATE in their mission to improve rail operations in Chicago for both passengers and freight.  As the Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I have an in-depth understanding of the needs facing our freight, commuter, and intercity passenger rail,”said Quigley. “Luckily, the CREATE Program has stepped up to the task and broken ground on numerous rail improvement projects throughout the region. In May, I visited their Forest Hill Flyover site, where I witnessed firsthand the efficiency and safety improvements CREATE is making. From adjacent neighborhoods to the nation’s supply chain, I know that the benefits of this funding will extend far beyond Chicago’s city limits.”
    The CREATE Program brings together the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Metra, Amtrak, and the nation’s freight railroads in a partnership to eliminate transit bottlenecks, boost the economy, and improve overall safety of the Chicagoland area.
    Today’s announced funding will advance the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project, a three-mile elevated rail corridor on Chicago’s South Side, which approximately 90 freight trains and 30 Metra commuter trains use daily. The project will reconfigure track segments and signals at Belt Junction, add a third track to the Norfolk Southern line, replace and restore 14 aging bridge and viaduct structures, and implement mobility improvements on surface streets throughout the corridor. Durbin and Duckworth have long championed rail improvements, having helped secure $132 million in federal funding to begin this project in 2018.
    The I-290/IL 171 (1st Avenue) Interchange Project will reconstruct portions of I-290, reconstruct and upgrade the 1st Avenue interchange, and implement signalized interchanges at Van Buren Street and Maybrook Drive. It also will install a supplemental trunk sewer along I-290 and a frontage road sewer along Bataan Drive. This work aims to alleviate congestion and address flooding issues.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Devolved Ministers attend New York Climate Week

    Source: Scottish Government

    Ministers met ahead of opening of Climate Week New York City. 

    Climate Week NYC’s overall message this year is “It’s Time”: celebrating those driving climate action, challenging everyone to do more and exploring ways to increase ambition.

    Climate Week NYC inspires, amplifies and scrutinises the commitments, policies and actions of those with the power to make change happen, while pushing the transition into the mainstream of business and government, showing what can be achieved. 

    Ministers discussed the need to deliver urgent action on climate change in the three nations, the importance of ensuring a just transition to net zero, and the criticality importance of working together towards our shared UK wide goals. 

    While each nation faces different challenges and will have its their own priorities, the twin imperatives to act now and to act fairly means embracing the benefits of collective action.  

    Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to share knowledge and experience to help each other make progress on reducing emissions reductions, creating climate resilience and working together to create the conditions for real, lasting and fair change across the three nations. 

    Ministers are looking forward to working with the new UK Government Ministerial team to further drive climate action across the UK. 

    Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin said:

    “It is time to move from ambition to action and I am honoured to be here to further build influence of devolved states and regional governments within the international climate debate all whilst having a strong focus on capacity building. I believe Devolved Administrations can learn from each other as we accelerate a just transition to net zero. There was a real impetus amongst us all today to continue these conversations ahead of COP29. Scotland has a unique opportunity as Under 2 European co-chair and Regions4 president to continue championing other subnational governments.” 

    Deputy First Minister of the Welsh Government, Huw Irranca-Davies said: 

    “This needs to be the decade of action. We are showing leadership and commitment by setting our ambitious targets, but it’s time to focus on action and the wider benefits of taking action such as clean air, better homes and places to live and work. I am pleased to have the opportunity to showcase Wales’s success stories, and to connect with colleagues in Governments across the world to share solutions and work together towards this most important goal.” 

    Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for the Northern Ireland Executive, said: 

    “I am delighted to be able to join my Scottish and Welsh Ministerial colleagues this year to attend New York Climate Week as a member of the Under 2 Coalition. Climate change is one of my top priorities. Attending this key event enables us to put Northern Ireland on the global stage and engage with others about ways to both tackle and grasp the opportunities arising from climate change.”

    During their visit to New York, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers will be attending a range of events and engagements which will include meeting with Ministers, Heads of States, Governors and business leaders.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Avole Inc. Emite Aviso de Retiro del Mercado su Producto Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para Freír Bacalao por Falta de Declaración del Nombre Común Pescado (Pollock)

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Avole Inc., localizado en San Sebastián, Puerto Rico está retirando del mercado fundas de 7 onzas de Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para freír Bacalao, porque pueden contener falta de declaración del nombre común Pescado (Pollock) en la declaración de ingredientes o contenido. Las personas que tienen al

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Data Spotlight: Riparian Climate Refugia

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Working collaboratively with state agencies, CASC supported researchers sought to identify riparian areas in the central and western U.S. that are projected to be more resilient against climate change and to allow for better integration of climate adaptation strategies into SWAPs. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Celebrates Climate Week NYC, Officials Across the Agency Participate in Events, Promote FEMA’s Year of Resilience

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Celebrates Climate Week NYC, Officials Across the Agency Participate in Events, Promote FEMA’s Year of Resilience

    FEMA Celebrates Climate Week NYC, Officials Across the Agency Participate in Events, Promote FEMA’s Year of Resilience

    WASHINGTON – As extreme weather events caused by climate change continue to increase across the nation, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, FEMA Deputy Administrator for Resilience Victoria Salinas, and FEMA Regional Administrator Region 2 David Warrington will attend Climate Week NYC and lead FEMA’s largest contingent of FEMA officials to ever attend the annual gathering. During the week, FEMA officials will highlight FEMA’s Year of Resilience, host several engagements, and participate in Climate Week NYC Events. 

    FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will attend several events and address topics including extreme heat, climate risk, resilience, and how climate change is impacting the insurance market. Administrator Criswell will be a keynote speaker at the WSJ House, Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum, AON’s Resilience and Adaptation: Ensuring Economic Progress and Combating Climate Risk, and Global Citizen Addressing the Human Costs of Extreme Heat – Financing Measures to Safeguard Human Health at an International and National Level.

    As New York City hosts the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in addition to Climate Week NYC, FEMA is proudly supporting efforts to ensure a safe event each year and is dedicated to ensuring a unified coordinated effort between Local, State, and Federal agencies throughout the greater New York City area throughout the week. 

    Kicking off Climate Week NYC this year, the U.S. Fire Administration will host a Fire Chiefs Roundtable: Climate Change Driven Risks, Response and Resilience: Fire Chiefs’ Perspective  to bring together officials to discuss the current wildfire situation and what it will take to get ahead of future wildfire ignitions and the devastating impacts of intensifying storms. The roundtable will build on discussions and information exchanges that occurred during the inaugural World Fire Congress convened by FEMA/USFA in Washington, D.C. in May 2024.

    FEMA will also host a Risk Communications Webinar, where presenters will share successful strategies to communicate risk and inspire preparedness action in the face of increasingly frequent hazards—an alarming consequence of climate change. 

    FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are partnering for a full-day summit exploring resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions through discussions on the recently published National Resilience Guidance, nature-based solutions, energy efficiency, net-zero energy, and sustainable disaster debris management. 

    The following events are open to the media: 

    Monday, September 23

    10:00 AM: U.S. Fire Administration to Host a Fire Chiefs Roundtable: Climate Change Driven Risks, Response and Resilience: Fire Chiefs’ Perspective (Virtual; In-Person Registration is Closed)

    What: The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) will host an interactive roundtable discussion on climate change driven risks, response and resilience during Climate Week NYC. This interactive roundtable brings together fire chiefs and their government counterparts including U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, FEMA Associate Administrator for External Affairs Justin Ángel Knighten, FEMA Associate Deputy Administrator for Resilience Robin Keegan, FEMA Regional Administrator Region 2 David Warrington, Fire Chief Orange County Brian Fennessy, Fire Chief Los Angeles County Tony Marrone, Fire Chief Fairfax County John Butler, Fire and EMS Chief Washington, D.C. John Donnelly and acting Fire Chief New York City John Esposito. Discussion topics will include the current wildfire situation and what it will take to get ahead of future wildfire ignitions and the devastating impacts of intensifying storms. FEMA Region 2 will host the roundtable discussion including stakeholders from academia, nongovernmental organizations, U.S. and international government representatives and fire service leaders. The roundtable will build on discussions and information exchanges that occurred during the inaugural World Fire Congress convened by FEMA/USFA in Washington, D.C. in May 2024.

    2:30 PM: FEMA to Host National Webinar – Risk Communications (Virtual)

    What: Presenters will share successful strategies to communicate risk and inspire preparedness action in the face of increasingly frequent hazards—an alarming consequence of climate change. This event is a valuable opportunity for risk and crisis communicators, community leaders, emergency management professionals and stakeholders involved in disaster preparedness. Participants will learn strategies for creating awareness and activities that help communities plan for disasters and build resilience amid the climate crisis. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to support communications best practices related to developing and sharing critical preparedness messaging.

    Tuesday, September 24

    9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: FEMA and EPA to Host Event: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future (Virtual and In-Person Registration Required)

    What: FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are partnering for a full-day summit exploring resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions through discussions on the recently published National Resilience Guidance, nature-based solutions, energy efficiency, net-zero energy and sustainable disaster debris management. Attendees will get to hear from FEMA and our public, private and academic partners on several topics including nature-based solutions, net-zero energy projects, energy efficiency efforts, the use of salvaged materials and how each of these fit into nationwide resilience strategy.

    Where:  Climate Week NYC: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future.

    Register: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future Tickets, Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 9:00 AM.

    2:45 PM: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to Speak at WSJ House 

    What: FEMA Administrator Speaks at Wall Street Journal Live on resilience.

    Where: Bryant Park Grill, 25 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018. 

    To register for this event, please contact WSJ Live.

    Wednesday, September 25

    9:20-10:00 AM: FEMA Administrator to speak at AON’s Resilience and Adaptation: Ensuring Economic Progress and Combating Climate Risk

    What:  FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will join a panel discussion on how the unprecedented risk environment has upended the traditional balance where insurance was the dependable safeguard enabling the flow of capital across the economy. Severe weather and a changing climate are rendering historically safe investments uninsurable, sending shockwaves through the financial systems and threatening the livelihoods and progress of institutions and individuals alike. This high-level dialogue will touch on the major challenges a lack of insurance access creates for the public and private sectors, what needs to be done and the potential for new paradigms to bring the system back into balance. 

    Where: Aon Corporate Headquarters, One Liberty Plaza (165 Broadway), New York, NY 10006.

    To register for this event, please contact Aon. 

    11:00 AM: FEMA Administrator to speak at Global Citizen Addressing the Human Costs of Extreme Heat – Financing Measures to Safeguard Human Health at an International and National Level 

    What: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will join a panel discussion to discuss extreme heat. 

    Where: Guastavino’s located at 409 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022.

    To register for this event, please contact Global Citizen.

    Thursday, September 26

    1:30 PM-2:00 PM: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will speak at Bloomberg’s Sustainable Finance Forum

    What: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will headline the Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum at Bloomberg Headquarters for a fireside chat with Bloomberg Intelligence Director of ESG Research Eric Kane. 

    Where: 731 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022.

    To register for this event, please contact Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum.

    3:00 PM-4:00 PM: Climate Resiliency Fireside Chat with FEMA, NASA and NOAA (Virtual Registration Required)

    What: FEMA, NASA and NOAA will be discussing climate resiliency and the importance of forward-thinking programs that equip communities for the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. Panelists include FEMA Deputy Administrator for Resilience Victoria Salinas, NASA Chief Scientist Dr. Kate Calvin and NOAA Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy Administrator Jainey Bavishi. This is a unique opportunity for community leaders and members from federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, nonprofits, the private sector and academia to connect with subject matter experts, share knowledge and deepen understanding of how to build resilient communities in the face of a changing climate.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania [scroll down for French]

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    he Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The Secretary-General and the President discussed regional peace and security issues, including the Independent High Level Panel on Security and Development in the Sahel. They welcomed the Pact for the Future, including the proposed reforms in the international financial architecture. They further discussed the importance of focusing on youth and ensuring opportunities for young people. 

    ***

    Le Secrétaire général s’est entretenu avec S.E. M. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Président de la République islamique de Mauritanie. Le Secrétaire général et le Président ont discuté de questions relatives à la paix et à la sécurité régionales, y compris le Panel indépendant de haut niveau sur la sécurité et le développement au Sahel. Ils ont salué l’adoption du Pacte pour l’avenir, ainsi que les réformes proposées pour l’architecture financière internationale. Ils ont en outre discuté de l’importance de se concentrer sur la jeunesse et d’assurer des opportunités aux jeunes.

    New York, le 22 septembre 2024

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gilead Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of One Lot of Veklury (Remdesivir) for Injection 100 mg/vial Due to the Presence of a Glass Particle

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Foster City, Calif., September 20, 2024 – Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced it is issuing a voluntary recall of one lot of Veklury® (remdesivir) for Injection 100 mg/vial, to the consumer level. Gilead received a customer complaint and confirmed the presence of a glass particle in

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State Energy Portal: Updated Analyses and Quick Facts

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    Petroleum & Other Liquids

    Crude oil, gasoline, heating oil, diesel, propane, and other liquids including biofuels and natural gas liquids.

    Natural Gas

    Exploration and reserves, storage, imports and exports, production, prices, sales.

    Electricity

    Sales, revenue and prices, power plants, fuel use, stocks, generation, trade, demand & emissions.

    Coal

    Reserves, production, prices, employment and productivity, distribution, stocks, imports and exports.

    Total Energy

    Comprehensive data summaries, comparisons, analysis, and projections integrated across all energy sources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: InfraGard

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    Security is a shared responsibility between the American business community and law enforcement. InfraGard members discuss how the program strengthens the protection of critical infrastructure through partnership.

    To join, visit: https://www.infragard.org/Application/General/NewApplication

    —————————————————
    Follow us on social media:
    X: https://twitter.com/fbi
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/FBI
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fbi
    YouTube: youtube.com/user/fbi

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBrk1QR3yB8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canada Army Run: Another successful edition draws thousands to downtown Ottawa

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    September 23, 2024 – Ottawa, National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces The 17th edition of the Canada Army Run, presented by BMO, took place in Ottawa, where more than 14,000 participants took part in various runs alongside members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    September 23, 2024 – Ottawa, National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    The 17th edition of Canada Army Run, presented by BMO, took place in Ottawa, where more than 14,000 participants took part in a variety of runs alongside members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Runners, rollers and walkers took part in events including 5K and 10K runs, a half marathon, the Sergeant Major’s Challenge and the Commander’s Challenge. The runs were kicked off by Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, and Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Robin, Army Sergeant Major. Virtual participation continues until September 27.

    In addition to being an opportunity for Canadians to thank members of the Canadian Armed Forces who serve at home and abroad, Canada Army Run provides direct support to active military personnel, veterans and their families through funds raised by participants and donations to Support Our Troops and Soldier On.

    The theme of Canada Army Run 2024, “Introducing the New Canadian Multi-Terrain Camouflage Pattern (CCAMP),” highlights the latest camouflage pattern adopted by the Canadian Army. This advanced design provides exceptional performance in a wide variety of environments where Canadian soldiers may operate, improving their ability to avoid enemy detection and increasing their operational effectiveness.

    Among the winners this year, we find:

    5K

    Charlie Mortimer 15:53 Noah Mansouri 16:00 Ben Pascali 16:08

    10K

    Martin Harding 34:00 Emily Setlack 34:34 N Frost Corinaldi 35:19

    Half marathon:

    Daniel Ribi 1:14:07 Stuart Macpherson 1:15:40 D Massicotte-Azarniouch 1:16:24

    Sergeant Major’s Challenge:

    Gavin Westbrook 57:56 Mark Wanzel 59:12 Blaise Belanger 1:00:26

    Commander’s Challenge:

    Clayton Holteen 1:38:05 Jonathan Martin 1:39:42 Mikel Fortier 1:41:16

    The Canada Army Run is not just any run; it is “an extraordinary run.” It is a symbol of support for the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who defend Canada, Canadian families and our interests.

    “By participating in the Canada Army Run, you have challenged yourself and made a real difference in people’s lives. The funds raised through the Run, as well as your fundraising efforts, will greatly benefit Support Our Troops and Soldier On – two programs that provide direct support to ill and injured soldiers, Veterans and their families.”

    Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army

    Lindsay ChungCanada Army Run CommunicationsPhone: 1-250-510-5508Email: comms@armyrun.ca

    Emilie TremblayEvents, Outreach and Branding Manager – Army Public Affairs DirectorateEmail: emilie.tremblay3@forces.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 USA: Creating Jobs In A Clean, Equitable, Resilient Economy

    Source: US State of New York

    September 23, 2024

    Albany, NY

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York’s participation in the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative to grow career pathways in climate and clean energy fields, strengthen workforce diversity, and jointly train 1 million new registered apprentices across the Alliance’s states and territories by 2035. Governor Hochul made the announcement today at a Climate Week NYC event, which also featured her Alliance Co-Chair New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, founding Alliance member Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.

    “In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand,” Governor Hochul said. “As a co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, I’m proud to be collaborating with states, industry leaders, labor unions, higher education and community organizations to create the jobs of the future required to build a clean, equitable, and resilient economy. A skilled and well-prepared workforce will drive innovation, create new businesses, and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for our country.”

    “We need a climate-ready workforce — from EV technicians and heat pump installers to solar panel manufacturers — to meet our carbon reduction goals,” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “The Executive Order I’m issuing today in conjunction with the Alliance’s new Workforce Initiative will help ensure that workers from all backgrounds have access to the skills and training needed for high-quality, climate-ready jobs across New Mexico.”

    “We’re aligning our ambitious climate policies with workforce development to have 1 million more workers poised to take these good-paying, union jobs that serve our communities and strengthen our economies,” Washington Governor Jay Inslee said. “These are economy-wide jobs, not just in clean energy but building trades, land management, clean technology and more. Climate Alliance states have a track record of meeting our ambitious goals and that momentum continues today.”

    [embedded content]

    [embedded content]

    Through the initiative, Governor Hochul and the bipartisan coalition of 23 other governors, representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population, will partner to strengthen and expand pathways into a wide variety of climate-ready professions that are critical to building a clean, equitable, and resilient net-zero future.

    The initiative goals are to:

    • Advance strategies to ensure climate-ready employment pathways lead to good-paying, high-quality jobs.
    • Prioritize equity in climate-ready workforce policies and programs to expand opportunities for all workers, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
    • Foster meaningful and inclusive collaboration across government, tribal nations and communities, workforce systems, labor unions, industry, community-based organizations and educational institutions.
    • Support innovative and evidence-based approaches to help workers enter and advance in climate-ready careers through a range of supportive services.
    • Promote the development and use of stackable, portable, and industry-recognized credentials in climate-ready fields to build transferable skills, support reskilling and upskilling, and strengthen workers’ economic mobility.
    • Encourage climate-focused workforce planning that is rooted in evidence and aligns with states’ existing workforce development and education systems.

    The initiative’s launch comes as historic federal investments, combined with ambitious state climate action, have unleashed a significant expansion of good-paying and union jobs in clean energy and clean technology fields—such as wind, solar, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and batteries—with millions more anticipated in the coming years under the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand.”

    Governor Kathy Hochul

    Governor Hochul Announces $2.3 million to Support Job Training for Offshore Wind Projects

    Building on the workforce initiative, Governor Hochul announced a $2.3 million award to support training for careers in offshore wind through the State’s Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI). The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 3 has been selected to develop and deliver training for offshore wind-related skills to 100 pre-apprentices and 430 journeypersons in New York City.

    This funding award, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, will support offshore wind career awareness training as part of IBEW Local 3’s pre-apprenticeship and journeypersons training departments. Eighty of the 100 pre-apprentices will be placed in offshore wind related apprenticeship programs, and all 430 journeypersons will receive offshore wind-specific technical training, with six to be trained as instructors in offshore wind technical training.

    The training program will identify and include the knowledge and skills that are needed for electricians in all stages of offshore wind development, from preassembly through operation and maintenance.

    The funding builds on the nearly $11 million previously awarded through OWTI to other organizations supporting offshore wind related trainings. Programs supported included those at the New York City Union Iron Workers Locals 40 and 361, Capital Region BOCES, and eight different SUNY schools. The OWTI, along with NYSERDA, has built a network of academic, community, industry and labor alliances that will prepare up to 2,500 New Yorkers for careers in renewable-energy fields. OWTI is collaborating with the Renewable Energy and Sustainability Center at Farmingdale State College and the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium at Stony Brook University that is supported by NYSERDA and the U.S. Department of Energy.

    Additionally, as part of the New York Power Authority’s commitment in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget to support the efforts of the Office of Just Energy Transition in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and invest annually in workforce training efforts, the Power Authority has thus far committed more than $12 million to support clean energy industry workforce development initiatives around the state.

    In July, NYPA issued a Clean Energy Workforce Training (CEWT) RFP for qualified based training providers (such as technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, manufacturers, and others) who can collaborate to develop technical training opportunities, hands-on experience, paid internships and full-time jobs for people entering the clean energy workforce. At its upcoming Oct. 8 meeting, NYPA’s Board of Trustees will vote on awarding roughly $2 million to a number of projects that would create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive pipeline of skilled talent for the clean energy labor market with a focus on pathways for employment in the clean energy field for residents of disadvantaged communities in the vicinity of NYPA’s facilities across New York State.

    Read more information on the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative.

    White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said, “Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, we are bringing down the barriers to economic opportunity, lowering costs for American families, and catalyzing a renaissance of American-made manufacturing that is creating jobs across America. In fact, just last year, we added over 250,000 new American energy jobs — with clean energy jobs growing twice as fast as the rest of the sector. Governors across America are at the forefront of our efforts to spur growth in union jobs, expand American energy production, and invest in the economic success of our communities. Today’s announcement will help capitalize on our momentum to create a climate-ready workforce that is rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, communities, and industrial strength.”

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Building a clean energy economy is no small feat, and that is why this newly announced Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative is so critical. To succeed, our national and state workforces, need to be filled with expert technicians trained in the latest technologies. NYSERDA looks forward to continuing our support for workforce development and training programs through national partnerships like those being fostered by the U.S. Climate Alliance, and regional partnerships like the Offshore Wind Training Institute, as we grow New York’s industry in collaboration with other states.”

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “In alignment with the leadership of Governor Hochul’s and the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, the New York Power Authority’s workforce development programs are connecting New Yorkers with the skills and job training needed to power the state’s, and in turn the nation’s, clean energy future. NYPA’s investments in our own workforce, public-private workforce partnerships, and partnership with the Department of Labor are part our holistic approach to support the essential clean energy workforce and engage more New Yorkers in the clean energy economy.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State’s participation in the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative will further strengthen our efforts to train New Yorkers for high-quality jobs in green energy industries. Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change, with support from our federal and state agency partners, will grow the economy while creating a sustainable future.”

    New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Pairing registered apprenticeship opportunities with our environmental sustainability efforts is a win-win for workers and employers. By developing registered apprenticeships in line with clean energy goals, New York State continues to strengthen local economies in the on-going transition to a low-carbon economy. I applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to the U.S. Climate Alliance’s Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, allowing our combined efforts to reach beyond state borders to ensure a sustainable, enduring future for our country’s workforce.”

    BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Jason Walsh said, “We’re excited to see governors stepping up to make sure we have the workforce needed to fill the good jobs that are being created by the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and CHIPS and Science Act. There is a tremendous opportunity from those federal investments to rebuild our blue-collar middle class by creating pathways into skilled, long-term careers in sectors like construction and manufacturing. This commitment from governors across the country is good for workers, good for employers, and good for the high-road clean energy economy we’re building together.”

    National Skills Coalition Managing Director of State Strategies Melissa Johnson said, “State governments have a crucial role to play in leveraging historic federal investments to create unprecedented jobs and training opportunities for the workforce while fighting climate change. It is incredible that this coalition of governors is stepping up to prioritize the diversity and economic security of the climate workforce because our climate readiness hinges on a new generation of workers having access to the education, skills training, and economic supports they need to access good jobs and careers in this booming sector.”

    International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson said, “Today’s announcement on the “Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative” is a great step forward in continuing to prepare future members of the IBEW and unionized Building Trades for the green energy jobs of today and beyond. We welcome tomorrow’s apprentices from all walks of life into our ranks with open arms, ready to deliver world-class training and to prepare them for union careers with family-supporting wages and benefits. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the Biden-Harris administration, US Climate Alliance, and NYSERDA for addressing the climate crisis head-on and supporting the unionized green workforce.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sorensen Announces $2.6 Million for Winnebago County Law Enforcement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    ROCKFORD, IL – As we approach the start of National Crime Prevention Month, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing $2,600,000 in resources for Winnebago County law enforcement to investigate domestic violence crimes and help families impacted by domestic violence. 

    “Just last month I met with local police officers in Northern Illinois, where they told me they needed more help from Washington to solve crimes and protect our neighbors,” said Sorensen.“This important funding will do just that, by providing our law enforcement agencies in Winnebago County with tools to properly investigate domestic violence crimes and support survivors when they need it most. I will always work to bring tax dollars back home to make sure Northern Illinois communities are safe for our neighbors.”   

    “Our office is thrilled to be a part of these grants,” said State’s Attorney J. Hanley. “It will allow us to expand upon the success we have had in holding abusers accountable and earning the trust of survivors.”  

    $1,500,000 will go to the Electronic Service Protection Order Court Pilot, which supports efforts to develop programs for serving protection orders through electronic communication methods. Moving to this method allows law enforcement to modernize the service process and make the process more efficient, provide for improved safety for survivors, and make protection orders enforceable as quickly as possible.  

    $600,000 will go to the Justice for Families Program to improve the response of the civil and criminal justice system to families with a history of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, or in cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse. Projects supported by the Justice for Families Program are those that focus on keeping survivors and their children safe from further abuse and holding offenders accountable. 

    $500,000 will go to The Enhancing Investigations and Prosecution of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program, which encourages law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to expand and improve their capacity to investigate and prosecute domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and in so doing, support survivor safety and autonomy, hold offenders accountable, and promote trust within the surrounding community. 

    Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Rectify Biden-Harris Admin’s FAFSA Fiasco

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced a resolution yesterday along with 17 of their Senate GOP colleagues slamming the Biden-Harris Administration’s botched rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 school year. The resolution condemns the continued problematic rollout, calls for the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to identify and fix any issues for this year, and asks leaders to testify before congressional committees regarding the disastrous rollout.

    Text is below, and you can view the full resolution here.

    “Whereas the FAFSA Simplification Act was intended to make the Free Application for Federal Student Aid simpler and easier to complete for the 2024–2025 academic year;

    Whereas the Department of Education reported on May 24, 2024, that it had processed more than 10,000,000 FAFSA applications for the 2024–2025 academic year;

    Whereas, in previous years, the FAFSA application for an academic year opened on October 1st of the preceding year;

    Whereas the 2024–2025 FAFSA launched on December 31, 2023;

    Whereas, in previous years, the Department sent out student FAFSA data to institutions of higher education just days after the student filed their FAFSA application;

    Whereas, for the 2024–2025 school year, the Department did not start sending student FAFSA data to institutions of higher education until the beginning of March;

    Whereas many students did not receive financial aid awards until after National College Decision Day on May 1, 2024;

    Whereas Department officials were aware of implementation challenges associated with the rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act as early as December 2020;

    Whereas students in pursuit of attending institutions of higher education across the United States depend on the resources made available by FAFSA;

    Whereas the FAFSA delays have been particularly burdensome for students in foster care and youth experiencing homelessness;

    Whereas the delay in the 2024–2025 FAFSA application timeline cut down the time students had to weigh options when considering financial components for attending institutions of higher education; and

    Whereas many offices of financial aid in institutions of higher education fear that this delay will discourage students from attending a college or university in the fall of 2024: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate—

    (1) strongly condemns the delayed and problematic rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116-260);

    (2) calls for the Department of Education to take the necessary actions to identify the issues that

    led to the botched rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act and fix them for the 2025–2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid cycle; and

    (3) urges the Secretary of Education to testify before the relevant congressional committees regarding the rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act.”

    The resolution was led by Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and is cosponsored by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN.), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Tim Scott (R-SC), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Roger Wicker (R-MS). 

    Background:

    FAFSA historically has opened applications on October 1 of the year prior to the start of the academic school year. For the academic year of 2024-2025, the applications opened 3 months later in December. ED subsequently did not start sending FAFSA data to universities until March. Because of this delay, many students did not receive their financial aid awards until after May 1, 2024, the date that many institutions require students to commit to attending for the fall semester.

    For the academic year of 2025-2026, ED has already announced that the applications will again be delayed until December of this year.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During Climate Week, Markey, Badum, Merkley, Barragán Lead Over 100 International Lawmakers in Urging Biden Administration to Reject New LNG Exports

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Letter Text (PDF)

    Washington (September 23, 2024) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, today partnered with Representative Lisa Badum, group coordinator in the German Bundestag’s Climate and Energy Committee and chairwoman of the Subcommittee on International Climate and Energy Policy, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Senate and House colleagues, and leaders from around the world in sending a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, urging the administration to reject new liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports amidst the global climate crisis.

    The United States is already the world’s largest exporter of LNG and is on track to exponentially increase export capacity – a full build-out that could yield hundreds of million metric tons of additional greenhouse gases at home and abroad. Pushing back on arguments that United States’ international allies need the country’s LNG, members of the U.S. Congress and Parliaments around the world are requesting that the administration reject these applications. 

    In their letter to the administration, the lawmakers wrote, “Far from being a clean ‘bridge’ fuel, LNG causes significant environmental harm. In addition to the greenhouse gas released when LNG is burned, the potent greenhouse gas effects of pervasive methane leaks throughout the LNG supply chain — which extends from initial exploration all the way through gas production, pipeline transportation, liquefaction, vessel transportation, regasification, distribution, and end-use consumption — likely eliminate any climate advantage of reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

    The lawmakers continued, “In addition to the environmental and health benefits, limiting U.S. LNG exports will actually support global energy security, not jeopardize it. In both emerging and developed markets, overinvestment in LNG diverts resources away from cheaper, more stable, and less trade-dependent clean energy investments.”

    In Europe:

    “While Europe’s energy system was strained in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, it has since recovered. Europeans united to slash overall gas demand by 20 percent over the past two years. Gas prices are lower than before the start of the war, despite drastically lower supply from Russia.”

    In Asia:

    “China, the world’s largest LNG importer, has emerged as a major re-exporter within the region and globally, cashing in on lucrative price differentials that are facilitated by long-term agreements with the United States. Similarly, Japan, facing declining domestic demand and oversupply, is redirecting LNG trade volumes to emerging markets in South and Southeast Asia, bolstering profitable re-trading ventures.” Additionally, “South Korea, despite existing low terminal utilization and climate commitments, has invested significantly in expanding LNG infrastructure, highlighting a mismatch between capacity expansions and actual demand.”

    In Africa:

    “The expansion of LNG export infrastructure has sparked displacement, conflict, and environmental degradation, with many projects facing the risk of becoming stranded assets amid declining global demand. The African LNG export market parallels the United States in prioritizing foreign market interests over local needs amidst declining demand. U.S. participation in the LNG export market fuels this exploitative industry, undermining claims of leadership in a just global energy transition.”

    In the Americas:

    “Investments in new re-exporting infrastructure in Mexico will soon become stranded assets with poor financial viability, threatening the economic stability of the country for the benefit of short-term U.S. interests. Moreover, the export of U.S. LNG through Mexico also transfers environmental and climate justice burdens associated with LNG infrastructure, expanding the footprint of the industry’s harm to the country’s unique biodiversity and frontline communities in Mexico.”

    Cosigners in the U.S. include Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC). Cosigners internationally include 30 Members of the Thailand Parliament, 15 Members of the European Parliament, 10 Members of the German Parliament, 3 Members of the United Kingdom Parliament, 2 Members of the Flemish Parliament, 2 Members of the National Assembly of the Gambia, 2 Members of the South Sudan Parliament, 2 Members of the Tanzanian Parliament the Australian Senator for Victoria, Brazilian State Deputy for Para, Canadian Senator for Quebec, the Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, 1 former Member of the Sierra Leone Parliament, 1 former Member of the Catalan Parliament, 1 former Member of the Flemish Parliament, 1 Member of the Timor-Leste Parliament, Member of Parliament and Special Envoy on Climate Change and Environment from the Republic of Vanuatu, 1 Member of the Sierra Leone Parliament, 1 Member of Tasmania’s Legislative Council, 1 Member of the Australian Parliament, 1 Member of the Austrian Parliament, 1 Member of the Cambodian Parliament, 1 Member of the Cameroon National Assembly, 1 Member of the Colombian Congress, 1 Member of the Gambian Parliament, 1 Member of the Ghanaian Parliament, 1 Member of the Liberian House of Representatives, 1 Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, 1 Member of the Scottish Parliament, 1 Member of the Swedish Parliament, 1 Member of the Swiss Parliament (National Council), 1 Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly, 1 Member of the Ugandan Parliament, 1 Member of the UK House of Lords, and 1 Member of the Victorian Parliament in Australia on behalf of the Victorian Greens Members of Parliament.

    In July 2023, Senator Markey and several New England Senators sent a letter to the Department of Energy urging it to consider the disproportionate negative impacts of LNG on New England as the department considers updates to its underlying environmental and economic analyses to improve export authorization decisions for LNG. 

    In May 2024, Senator Markey and Representative Yvette Clarke (NY-09) announced the reintroduction of the Block All New (BAN) Fossil Fuel Exports Act, legislation that would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and ban the export of American crude oil and natural gas abroad to protect frontline communities from dangerous export infrastructure, prioritize U.S. consumers against fossil fuel profiteering, and help ensure the United States meets its climate and clean energy commitments on the world stage.

    In March 2023, Senator Markey and Representatives Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) reintroduced the Fossil Free Finance Act, legislation that would direct the Federal Reserve to require major banks and other Systemically Important Financial Institutions (SIFIs) to stop financing projects and activities linked to increased greenhouse gas emissions and submit a plan on how they would meet these requirements. In October 2022, Senator Markey reintroduced the OPEC Accountability Act, legislation to require the U.S. President to initiate consultations with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some non-OPEC countries to reduce crude oil production.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Sexually Entice a Minor

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    OCALA, Fla. — A Florida man pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity following a joint Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando investigation.

    Devin Joseph Rivera, 24, of Ocala, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, on July 24, Rivera communicated online within someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The child, however, was an undercover HSI Orlando special agent. Rivera engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the undercover agent and, ultimately, was arrested when he traveled to a predetermined meeting location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity with the child. Rivera brought a blanket and condom with him.

    This case was investigated by HSI Orlando, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Chiefland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

    To report any information about human trafficking, child sexual abuse, or the trafficking in child sexual abuse material contact the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or report it through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on the Continued Need for Disaster Recovery Funding 

    US Senate News:

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

    Welch:  This Continuing Resolution will not meet the needs of Vermont, or any state recovering from a disaster.   
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement in response to both Chambers of Congress reaching a bipartisan agreement on a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR), which would fund the government through December 20th but excludes additional disaster recovery funding for FEMA or other disaster recovery programs:  
    “For months, bipartisan members of Congress from states devastated by floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and other climate disasters have asked their colleagues to step up and help in their time of need. I have come to the Senate Floor to advocate for Vermont’s flood victims, met with my colleagues, and asked Congressional leadership and the Administration for the assistance needed.  
    “I’ll often say, ‘There but for the grace of God go I’, because climate disasters do not discriminate based on state boundaries or political preferences. Climate change-related weather disasters have hurt blue states and red states alike. All of our constituents face the same threats. 
    “Vermont’s homeowners, farms, businesses and communities need FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Fund to be fully replenished, and they need they need the additional flexible funding that only Congress can provide. We are recovering from three catastrophic floods in 14 months, and we cannot recover alone. This Continuing Resolution will not meet the needs of Vermont, or any state recovering from a disaster.   
    “Though I’m glad a deal has been reached to keep the government open, we cannot keep pushing disaster aid off. There is bipartisan need for this funding, and there is bipartisan support to get it passed.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Markey, Healey, Wu, Massachusetts Leaders Secure $472 Million in Federal Funding to Replace Draw One Bridge, Renovate North Station T Stop

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    September 23, 2024

    Largest federal award MBTA has won to date

    Funding will increase ridership, streamline operations, and improve resiliency along Amtrak’s Downeaster route and regional rail lines

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), along with Representatives Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Katherine Clark (D-MA-05), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng announced a grant of $472 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to fully replace the North Station Draw One Bridge and renovate Platform F at North Station. The grant is the largest federal award the MBTA has won to date.

    The nearly half a billion dollar grant will provide critical support for one of MBTA’s top priority projects and a vital transportation asset to MBTA’s north-side operations. It will also support more than 14,500 jobs, make the bridge more climate resilient by bringing it above projected sea-level rise, and lower emissions. In April 2024, Senator Warren led a letter of support for the MBTA’s funding request to the Department of Transportation.

    Specifically, the new funding for MBTA’s North Station Renovation and the Draw One Bridge Replacement Project will support the full replacement of the existing drawbridge, the extension and activation of a platform with two tracks at North Station, and the replacement of track, signals, and switches to modernize and improve station infrastructure.

    “This $472 million investment is a game-changer for the thousands of passengers who pass through North Station every day — and will build a safer, more reliable public transit system for the Commonwealth. Massachusetts leaders worked together to secure the largest ever federal award for the T, and I won’t stop fighting to bring home even more investment to improve transit across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Warren.

    “With $472 million to replace the North Station drawbridge, we’re drawing up a new future for rail transit north of Boston. I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris administration, Governor Healey, General Manager Eng, Senator Warren, and our whole federal delegation for securing this funding. Together, we are delivering critical federal dollars to the T and building a modern, safe, and reliable public transit system for all,” said Senator Markey.

    “We know that improving our transportation infrastructure is critical for improving quality of life and making sure Massachusetts remains the best place to live, work, raise a family and build a future,” said Governor Maura Healey. “That’s why our administration is competing so aggressively to win federal funding that can be put toward our roads, bridges and public transportation. Congratulations to General Manager Eng and the MBTA team for this award that will improve train service for millions of riders. We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation for their continued investment in Massachusetts’ transportation infrastructure.” 

    The Draw One railbridge carries the MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak trains, serving approximately 11,250,000 passengers per year. It is particularly critical for Amtrak’s Downeaster, an intercity passenger rail service that travels from Maine and New Hampshire into Boston, which is projected to have some of the highest ridership in New England. Draw One is also a vital connection for all of MBTA’s north-side regional rail lines, including Fitchburg, Lowell, Haverhill, and Newburyport/Rockport. The new federal investment will improve service reliability and operations, reduce congestion along a known bottleneck, and increase capacity across the bridge. Additionally, the funding will allow for upgraded signaling and expanded track capabilities, further improving traffic flow.

    “I am pleased to join my colleagues in government to announce the State of Massachusetts was awarded over $472 million in federal funding that will help improve MBTA and Amtrak services,” said Rep. Lynch. “This funding is the result of our hard work and partnership with the Biden-Harris administration to ensure we invest into our nation’s transportation and infrastructure. People all over the Commonwealth rely on public transportation every day, and this DOT grant is critical to make the necessary repairs and replacements that will make train service more safe and reliable.”

    “This bridge is a critical connection point for the communities north of Boston. This federal investment will improve the quality of life for commuters, reduce traffic for everyone, and bring opportunity to the Commonwealth. We will have a faster, more modern, and more user-friendly public transportation system, and that’s exactly the direction we need to move in,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark.

    “Transit justice is a racial and economic justice issue, and a matter of public safety – and this massive federal investment helps make the Commonwealth more connected and our transportation system safer and more reliable for commuters,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m glad that families in the Massachusetts 7th who depend on the commuter rail will be better able to access jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services in other parts of the state, and we won’t stop fighting to build the more just, equitable, and accessible transit system our communities deserve. I thank my delegation colleagues and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their partnership, and the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to invest in Massachusetts.”

    “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver unprecedented federal investments to make our transit systems safer and more efficient,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This massive award is proof that, thanks to the strong partnership between our federal delegation and the Healey-Driscoll administration, Massachusetts continues to punch above our weight when competing for federal funding.”

    “North Station Draw One is a connection point between Boston and Cambridge, and the many cities and towns north who rely on this train bridge to visit and work in our city. Thanks to the leadership of the MA federal delegation and the Healey-Driscoll administration in securing this funding, the Greater Boston area will see benefits from updated infrastructure and more reliable transportation. This funding for a bridge replacement represents our region’s commitment to our local economy and green transit,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

    “I’m proud of the MBTA team that worked diligently to put this project in a strong position to win this highly competitive federal award. I thank the USDOT Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg, and our partners at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, FTA Region 1 Administrator Pete Butler, and their entire team, for this incredible award allowing us to deliver the North Station Draw 1 project, freeing up state capital dollars for other essential needs,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “This award continues to demonstrate our aggressive approach to pursuing all funding opportunities under the lead of the Healey-Driscoll Administration as we pursue every available federal grant. Our Grants and North Station Drawbridge teams deserve all the credit for their exceptional work to secure this funding which allows us to ensure the efficient and reliable movement of all North Station train lines while greatly improving our ability to provide more frequent, regional rail-style service across the entire northside corridor to serve future generations to come.”

    Senator Warren has worked hard to secure federal funding for Massachusetts transportation projects, including $1.7 billion to replace the Cape Cod Bridges, $335 million to reconnect communities and increase mobility through the Allston I-90 Multimodal Project, $108 million for West-East Rail, $75 million for schools to electrify their bus fleets, $60 million for transit agencies to acquire zero- and low-emission buses, and $24 million to rehabilitate Leonard’s Wharf in New Bedford. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Ms. Ebba Busch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry of Sweden

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Ms. Ebba Busch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry of Sweden.

    The Secretary-General and the Deputy Prime Minister exchanged views on the follow-up to the Summit of the Future, including the Global Digital Compact, as well as on climate transition.  They also discussed the war in Ukraine.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Eighty-second session of the ECE Committee on Forests and the Forest Industry

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The 82nd session of the ECE Committee on Forests and the Forest Industry (COFFI) will be held from 13-15 November 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland (in-person participation only).

    More detailed information on the Deforestation-free trade dialogue can be found here

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to Enticement of a Minor, Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando man pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and production of child sexual abuse material following a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigation.

    Theron Charles Lord, 36, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years and up to life in federal prison for the production offense and a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years and up to life for the enticement offense. Lord has also agreed to forfeit the cellphone he used in the commission of the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, Lord and a 15-year-old child victim met online and began messaging on social media platforms. The messages quickly became sexual in nature and spanned from March until August 2022. In April 2022, Lord drove to meet the victim for the first time and sexually abused the victim. Between April and November 2022, the victim and Lord met in person at least six times and sexual abuse occurred at each meeting. During these meetings, Lord recorded videos of the sexual abuse. Additionally, Lord caused the victim to record and send him specific videos of child sexual abuse.

    This case was investigated by HSI Orlando and the Rockledge Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.

    To report any information about human trafficking, child sexual abuse, or the trafficking in child sexual abuse material contact the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or report it through the CyberTipline on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Solutions30 announces the strategic acquisition of Xperal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Solutions30 announces the acquisition of Xperal, a leading company specialized in end-to-end B2B solar projects in the Netherlands and Germany.

    Based in the Netherlands, Xperal is renowned for its comprehensive services in the solar energy sector, including design, engineering, procurement, commissioning, and maintenance. In 2023, the company achieved revenues of 15 million euros, demonstrating its strong market position and growth potential.

    This acquisition aligns with the Group strategic goal to expand its services into the Benelux region and increase its market share. Through this operation, the company will be able to, first, offer a broader range of services and, second, strengthen its position as a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions.

    “The acquisition of Xperal represents a significant milestone for Solutions30 by allowing us to extend our Energy Transition services in the Benelux region and Germany.” Says Luc Brusselaers, Chief Revenue Officer at Solutions30. “By integrating Xperal’s expertise in solar projects, we are now positioned to offer a complete portfolio of energy services, including smart metering, electric vehicle charging (EVC), power grid management, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and energy storage solutions.”

    More generally, this latest acquisition marks Solutions30’s ambition to accelerate the development of sustainable energy services and infrastructures for businesses and local authorities. It demonstrates its determination to offer a complete range of services across the entire value chain, as well as the latest technologies available.

    “This partnership with Solutions30 marks a new chapter for Xperal” comments Jaimie Louwers, Co-founder of Xperal. “This integration enables us to expand our geographical reach into the Benelux area, giving us access to new markets and opportunities. With Solutions30’s extensive resources and network, we are able to accelerate our growth and secure larger deals.”

    For further information please read the Xperal website: https://www.xperal.com/

    About Solutions30 SE

    The Solutions30 group is the European leader in solutions for new technologies. Its mission is to make the technological developments that are transforming our daily lives accessible to everyone, individuals and businesses alike. Yesterday, it was computers and the Internet. Today, it’s digital technology. Tomorrow, it will be technologies that make the world even more interconnected in real time. With more than 50 million call-outs carried out since it was founded and a network of more than 15,000 local technicians, Solutions30 currently covers all of France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Iberian Peninsula, the United Kingdom, and Poland. The share capital of Solutions 30 SE consists of 107,127,984 shares, equal to the number of theoretical votes that can be exercised.
    Solutions30 SE is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN FR0013379484- code S30). Indexes: CAC Mid & Small | CAC Small | CAC Technology | Euro Stoxx Total Market Technology | Euronext Tech Croissance.
    Visit our website for more information: www.solutions30.com

    About Xperal

    Xperal acquisition includes Louwers Beheer B.V. and its subsidiaries: XPERAL B.V, Astra Solar B.V., Louwers Installatie B.V., Solar Benelux B.V., and Louwers Onroerend Goed B.V. Visit the website for more information: https://www.xperal.com.

    Contact

    Individual Shareholders:
    Tel: +33 1 86 86 00 63 – shareholders@solutions30.com

    Investor relations
    Investor.relations@solutions30.com

    Press – Image 7:
    Charlotte Le Barbier – Tel: +33 6 78 37 27 60 – clebarbier@image7.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Quadient launches share buyback program for up to €30 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Quadient launches share buyback program for up to €30 million

    Paris, 23 September 2024

    Quadient S.A. (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, today announces the launch of a share buyback program for a total consideration of up to €30 million (total purchase price excluding ancillary costs) to be executed on the market.

    This operation demonstrates i) Quadient’s confidence in the value creation potential of its new Elevate to 2030 strategic plan and its ability to reach its FY 2026 leverage ratio reduction target1 , ii) aims at improving total shareholders’ return and iii) is in line with the capital allocation policy of the Company, which aims at balancing:

    • investments into the business (notably Mail rented equipment, deployment of parcel locker networks, R&D efforts),
    • potential external growth operations while maintaining a flexible approach to the management of the business portfolio,
    • maintaining a healthy and efficient balance sheet, with a target for financial leverage ratio excluding leasing of 1.5x in 2026, and
    • attractive shareholder return, with a dividend policy based on a minimum 20% payout ratio and the use of excess cash for share buybacks.

    The share buyback program will be carried out under the authorization granted by the 2024 Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on 14 June 2024, and may be renewed or extended, up to a maximum of 10% of the total number of shares comprising the share capital of the Company as set out in the 19th resolution of the 2024 Annual General Meeting. Quadient intends to cancel the shares acquired through the share buyback program apart from a portion of up to €10 million, which will be dedicated to future equity-based long term incentive plans for employees and management, as set out in the 19th resolution of the 2024 Annual General Meeting.

    Quadient will publish an updated version of the description of the share buyback program (available on the Investor Relations website under the “Regulated information” section) describing these updated objectives. The Company will also publish updates on the program via weekly press releases posted on the Investor Relations website under the “Regulated information” section.

    Barring any unforeseeable circumstances, the shares will be purchased over an 18-month2 period ending in January 2026 at the latest.

    The buybacks will be carried out subject to market conditions and in compliance with applicable rules and regulations, including the Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014 and the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052. Quadient hereby confirms the absence of any agreement with any of its existing shareholders regarding their potential participation in the share buyback program.

    About Quadient®

    Quadient is a global automation platform provider powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing.

    For more information about Quadient, visit https://invest.quadient.com/en/

    Contacts

    1   FY 2026 leverage ratio excluding leasing target of 1.5x
    2 Subject to the renewal of the share buyback authorizations at the 2025 AGM

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Amundi: Launch of the capital increase reserved for employees

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amundi: Launch of the capital increase reserved for employees

    Amundi launches a capital increase reserved for employees (under the name We Share Amundi). This capital increase was initially decided on 6 February 2024 under the terms specified below.

    This offer reflects Amundi’s desire to involve employees not only in the Company’s development but also in the creation of economic value. This will strengthen the employees’ sense of belonging.

    The discount offered to employees will be 30%, as for the five previous capital increase reserved for employees.

    Eligible employees can subscribe to the offering between 23 September and 4 October 2024 included. The capital increase is scheduled for 31 October 2024 and the newly issued Amundi shares will be listed on Euronext Paris on 4 November 2024.

    As a reminder, employees currently own 1.41 % of Amundi’s share capital.

    The impact of this offering on the net earnings per share should be negligible. The maximum number of Amundi shares to be issued will be capped at 1,000,000 shares (i.e. less than 0.5% of the Company’s share capital and voting rights).

    Terms of the capital increase

    Issuer

    Amundi, a French limited company (société anonyme) with share capital of €511.619.085 and with its offices located at 91-93, Boulevard Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France, registered with the Paris Trade and Companies Registry under number 314 222 902 (the “Company”).

    Securities offered

    The offering is a capital increase in cash reserved for employees, employees who have taken early retirement and retired employees of Amundi Group companies that are members of the UES Amundi Company Savings Plan (“PEE”) or Amundi’s International Group Savings Plan (“PEGI”). The capital increase will be carried out pursuant to Resolution 24 of the Annual General Meeting of 12 May 2023, without preferential shareholder subscription rights.

    The capital increase will be capped at 1,000,000 shares with a par value of €2.50 per share. The newly issued shares will be fully assimilated to existing ordinary shares.

    Amundi will request that the newly issued shares under the offering be admitted for trading on Euronext Paris as soon as possible after the capital increase is completed, currently scheduled for 31 October 2024. These shares will be listed on the same line as the existing shares, under ISIN code FR0004125920.

    Terms of the 2024 offering

    We Share Amundi is being made available to employees in France and Amundi Group entities in the following countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States.

    Employees of companies that are members of the PEE or PEGI, with at least three months of employment, whether consecutive or not, between 1 January 2023 and the last day of the subscription period, as well as retired employees in France that have kept assets in the PEE, are eligible to the 2023 offering.

    The subscription price is set at 47.00 euros. This subscription price is the average of the share opening price over the 20 trading days between 23 August and 19 September 2024 (included), minus a 30% discount.

    Eligible employees can subscribe to the offering between 23 September 2024 and 4 October 2024 included. Shares can be subscribed to via the FCPE (Employment Shareholding Fund) AMUNDI ACTIONNARIAT      RELAIS 2024 or FCPE AMUNDI SHARES RELAIS 2024, with the exception of certain countries where shares will be subscribed to directly. Once the capital increase is completed, and following decisions by the funds’ Supervisory Boards and the approval of the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), the FCPE AMUNDI ACTIONNARIAT RELAIS 2024 will be merged into the FCPE AMUNDI ACTIONNARIAT, and the FCPE AMUNDI SHARES RELAIS 2024 will be merged into the FCPE AMUNDI SHARES.

    The voting rights attached to the shares held via the Funds will be exercised by the Fund’s Supervisory Board. The voting rights attached to the directly-held shares will be exercised by the subscribers.

    The shares subscribed to under We Share Amundi will be subject to a five-year lock-up period, unless an early-exit event occurs as described in the PEE or PEGI plan rules. Early-exit events will be adjusted where applicable for certain countries.

    An employee can invest up to a maximum of €40,000. This cap is assessed on all the employee shareholding operations of the Crédit Agricole group in which Amundi employees could participate in 2024. Employees may finance their subscription by making voluntary contributions to the plans, up to the annual cap on investments in employee savings plans which is set at 25% of their gross annual compensation. Members of the UES Amundi PEE are also entitled to use their     assets held in another specific fund of the PEE.

    Should subscription requests exceed the maximum number of shares available under the offering, the smallest subscriptions will be fully honoured while the highest subscriptions will be subject to successive caps until all available shares are subscribed. In France, any cap on subscriptions will first be applied to portions of subscriptions financed by voluntary contributions, then on the subscriptions financed by the transfer of available assets held in another specific fund of the PEE, and finally on the subscriptions financed by the transfer of unavailable assets held in another specific fund of the PEE.

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information only and is not a solicitation to subscribe to Amundi shares.

    We Share Amundi is strictly reserved to the eligible employees mentioned in this release and shall only be available in countries where such an offer has been registered with the competent local authorities, or the latter has been notified thereof, and/or following the approval of a prospectus by the competent local authorities, or if an exemption has been granted from the obligation to publish a prospectus or to register the offering with the authorities, or to notify the latter thereof.

    More generally, We Share Amundi will only be available in countries where all required registration and/or notification procedures have been completed and the necessary authorizations obtained.

    Contact

    For any questions about We Share Amundi, eligible employees may contact their Head of Human Resources or visit the following website: www.weshare.amundi.com

    ***

    About Amundi

    Amundi, the leading European asset manager, ranking among the top 10 global players1, offers its 100 million clients – retail, institutional and corporate – a complete range of savings and investment solutions in active and passive management, in traditional or real assets. This offering is enhanced with IT tools and services to cover the entire savings value chain. A subsidiary of the Crédit Agricole group and listed on the stock exchange, Amundi currently manages more than €2.15 trillion of assets2.

    With its six international investment hubs3, financial and extra-financial research capabilities and long-standing commitment to responsible investment, Amundi is a key player in the asset management landscape.

    Amundi clients benefit from the expertise and advice of 5,500 employees in 35 countries.

    Amundi, a trusted partner, working every day in the interest of its clients and society

    www.amundi.com    

    Press contacts:        
    Natacha Andermahr 
    Tel. +33 1 76 37 86 05
    natacha.andermahr@amundi.com 

    Corentin Henry
    Tel. +33 1 76 36 26 96
    corentin.henry@amundi.com

    Investor contacts:
    Cyril Meilland, CFA
    Tel. +33 1 76 32 62 67
    cyril.meilland@amundi.com 

    Thomas Lapeyre
    Tel. +33 1 76 33 70 54
    thomas.lapeyre@amundi.com 

    Annabelle Wiriath

    Tel. + 33 1 76 32 43 92

    annabelle.wiriath@amundi.com

    1Source: IPE “Top 500 Asset Managers” published in June 2023, based on assets under management as at 31/12/2022
    2Amundi data as at 31/12/2023
    3Boston, Dublin, London, Milan, Paris and Tokyo

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CK Snacks Acquires Axium Foods, Expanding Its Presence in the Snack Food Industry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Grand Rapids, Mich., Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Cheeze Kurls, LLC dba CK Snacks, a premier manufacturer of salty snack foods sold across North America, has announced its acquisition of Axium Foods, Inc. (“Axium Foods”), a private label snack food company based in Illinois and founded in 1960. Axium Foods specializes in the production of tortilla chips, corn chips, extruded snacks, and pellet snacks. This acquisition strengthens CK Snacks’ product portfolio and positions both companies for sustained growth in the snack food market.

    Axium Foods has earned a solid reputation for manufacturing high-quality products for private label brands. The acquisition enables CK Snacks to diversify its offerings and expand its market reach, continuing to prioritize innovation and quality.

    Jamie Colbourne, CEO of CK Snacks, said:
    “We are thrilled to welcome Axium Foods into the CK Snacks family. Axium Foods’ expertise in tortilla chip and snack production will complement our existing product lines, enabling us to offer an even broader range of snacks. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in our growth strategy, and we look forward to working together to deliver innovative, high-quality products to our customers.”

    The McCleary family, founders of Axium Foods, expressed their enthusiasm about the acquisition:
    “We are excited to see Axium Foods continue alongside another long-standing, family-founded business. CK Snacks shares our dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service, and we are confident the combined company will build on our legacy.”

    The acquisition solidifies CK Snacks’ position as a leader in the snack food industry by expanding its capabilities and customer base. Both companies will continue to operate from their respective locations with a shared focus on delivering exceptional snack products.

    About CK Snacks (Cheeze Kurls)

    CK Snacks, founded in 1964 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a leading manufacturer of private label snack foods, including extruded, fried, and baked products, as well as popcorn and party mixes. The company partners with major retailers and grocery chains across North America. For more information, visit www.cksnacks.com.

    About Axium Foods

    Founded in 1960, Axium Foods is a private label snack food manufacturer specializing in tortilla chips, corn chips, extruded snacks, and pellet snacks. Based in Illinois, Axium Foods has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative products with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.axiumfoods.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 21.co Integrates Chainlink Proof of Reserve To Increase Transparency of its Wrapped Bitcoin (21BTC) on Solana and Ethereum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, 23 September 2024 – 21.co, the parent company of 21Shares – one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange traded products (ETPs), today announced the integration of the industry-standard Chainlink Proof of Reserve on both Solana and Ethereum mainnets to increase the transparency of 21.co Wrapped Bitcoin (21BTC). The firm is leveraging Chainlink Proof of Reserve within 21.co’s digital asset management platform Onyx to automate real-time reserve verification and enable secure minting of 21BTC.

    In May 2024, 21.co announced the launch of 21BTC on Solana, offering users native access to Bitcoin on Solana through a simple and secure solution that creates cross-chain compatibility, liquidity and utility. Earlier this month, the firm announced the expansion of its Wrapped Bitcoin ecosystem with the launch of 21BTC on Ethereum with one of the world’s largest market makers, Flow Traders. 21.co wrapped Bitcoin is built by institutions and for the digital asset community with institutional security and strong mechanisms to help ensure user protection.

    Chainlink has securely enabled over $15 trillion in transaction value and its infrastructure is seamless to integrate, time-tested in production, and provides ease of integration and widespread adoption – making Chainlink 21.co’s preferred decentralized computing platform and recommended service for bringing reserve data onchain.

    21BTC is a native Solana and a native Ethereum token, fully backed 1:1 by Bitcoin reserves held in cold storage and institutional custody. Timely updates on the status of those BTC reserves are delivered onchain via Chainlink Proof of Reserve, giving users greater visibility and stronger assurances that 21BTC is fully collateralized. Ultimately, this makes Bitcoin, the largest digital asset by market cap and proven store of value with deep liquidity, more easily and securely accessible across the Solana and Ethereum ecosystems.

    Key benefits of Chainlink Proof of Reserve include:

    • Programmatic Utility — By bringing reserve data onchain, protocols can build automated logic around the reserve data backing an asset thus building new use cases and features such as automated onchain risk management.
    • Confidence — With secure minting, Proof of Reserve protects against malicious minting by embedding cryptographic guarantees that new tokens minted are backed by reserves, helping to prevent infinite mint attacks.
    • Decentralized — As the industry-standard solution, Chainlink Proof of Reserve Feeds are decentralized at the data source and oracle node level, eliminating central points of failure in the sourcing and delivery of external data to Solana and Ethereum.
    • Transparent — Chainlink Proof of Reserve Feeds can be monitored by anyone in real-time, allowing any user to independently verify asset collateralization, bringing increased transparency and trust to onchain products.

    “21Shares and Chainlink have played fundamentally important roles in ensuring the adoption of a more secure blockchain infrastructure, and we’re excited to see 21Shares integrate Chainlink Proof of Reserve to support 21BTC. Proof of Reserve’s role in enabling a secure minting function is a key step to creating a reliable framework that allows for the tokenization of trillions of dollars in value.”— Johann Eid, Chief Business Officer at Chainlink Labs.

    “The industry-standard Chainlink Proof of Reserve is critical for providing transparency into the reserves backing 21BTC, helping to secure its minting function and supporting its widespread adoption across the Solana and Ethereum ecosystems. By securing the minting function and providing timely and reliable monitoring of reserves, Proof of Reserve gives users greater assurances that 21BTC is fully backed by BTC 1:1.”— Eliezer Ndinga, Head of Strategy and Business Development, Digital Assets at 21.co.

    About 21.co
    21.co is the world’s leader in providing access to crypto through traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21.co offers cryptocurrency exchange traded products (ETPs) via its 21Shares affiliate, as well as blockchain infrastructure technology. 21.co’s products are built on its proprietary operating system, Onyx, which is also distributed to third parties. The company was founded in 2018 by Hany Rashwan and Ophelia Snyder. For more information, please visit www.21.co.

    About Chainlink
    Chainlink is the industry-standard decentralized computing platform powering the verifiable web. Chainlink has enabled over $12 trillion in transaction value by providing financial institutions, startups, and developers worldwide with access to real-world data, offchain computation, and secure cross-chain interoperability across any blockchain. Chainlink powers verifiable applications and high-integrity markets for banking, DeFi, global trade, gaming, and other major sectors.

    Learn more about Chainlink by visiting chain.link or reading the developer documentation at docs.chain.link.

    Disclaimer

    21.co Wrapped Tokens are not available in certain jurisdictions, including the United States. These Tokens are not available to US Persons and US Persons will not be permitted to mint/burn.

    The information provided does not constitute a prospectus or other offering material and does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy securities or any other regulated products in any jurisdiction. Some of the information published herein may contain forward-looking statements and readers are cautioned that any such forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Additionally, there is no guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or availability of the information provided and 21.co and its affiliated entities are not responsible for any errors or omissions. The information contained herein may not be considered as economic, legal, tax or other advice and viewers are cautioned not to base investment or any other decisions on the content hereof.

    +++

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale: Capital reduction by cancellation of treasury shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAPITAL REDUCTION BY CANCELLATION OF TREASURY SHARES

    Regulated Information

    Paris, 23 September 2024

    Meeting on September 19, 2024, the Board of Directors, with the authorization of the Extraordinary General Meeting of May 22, 2024, decided to reduce, on September 23, 2024, the share capital of Societe Generale by cancellation of 11,718,771 treasury shares. These shares were repurchased from May 27 to June 17, 2024 included.

    From now on, the share capital of Societe Generale amounts to 1,000,395,971.25 euros, divided into 800,316,777 ordinary shares, each with an unchanged nominal value of 1.25 euros.

    Information regarding total amount of voting rights and shares will be updated and available in the following section “Monthly reports on total amount of voting rights and shares”:
    Regulated information and other important information.

    Press contacts:
    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com
    Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with more than 126,000 employees serving about 25 million clients in 65 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document’s legitimacy directly on the web page.

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A new wave of Venezuelan refugees would threaten a humanitarian crisis – Latin America could learn from Europe

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Omar Hammoud Gallego, Assistant Professor in Public Policy, Durham University

    Latin American countries are bracing themselves for a wave of Venezuelan migrants. Sebastian Delgado C / Shutterstock

    Venezuela’s disputed election results have thrown the country into chaos. The authoritarian leader of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, was declared the winner in a contested vote in July and, since then, has used state violence to inhibit any hint of protest.

    The crackdown has led to the deaths of more than 20 people at the hands of Venezuela’s security services and pro-government armed groups known as colectivos, while more than 2,400 people have been thrown in jail. And the opposition candidate who is widely believed to have won the vote, Edmundo González, has fled to Spain after being threatened with arrest.

    This swift escalation has sparked widespread concern throughout Latin America and beyond. Another wave of migration may be imminent, adding to the nearly 8 million people who have already left Venezuela since 2015. Countries across Latin America, especially Colombia, have expressed concern that a new surge of displaced Venezuelans might overwhelm public services and fuel political tensions.

    It is possible that governments in the region may respond by imposing stricter border controls to stem the flow of migrants. But past experience shows that this move would both be ineffective and harmful.

    Venezuela is a nation that was once known for its vast oil wealth. However, it has endured a prolonged period of economic and political instability. The country’s democratic backsliding began under former president Hugo Chávez in the early 2000s, but it worsened dramatically after he died in 2013 and Maduro came to power.

    Maduro’s rule has been marked by rampant inflation, a 75% reduction in GDP, and widespread political repression. These conditions have led to one of the largest migrations in modern history. Nearly a quarter of Venezuela’s population have fled their homes, primarily to other South American countries.



    Read more:
    Venezuelan migrants are boosting economic growth in South America, says research

    Initially, many Latin American nations coordinated their response. Governments came together in Ecuador to sign the Quito Declaration in 2018, for example, which committed them to ensuring the safe and regular migration of Venezuelan citizens.

    However, this cooperative spirit soon began to unravel. Chile, Ecuador and Peru made it much harder for ordinary Venezuelans to enter their countries legally by introducing visa restrictions by the middle of 2019. These restrictions replaced earlier policies that allowed entry to Ecuador and Peru with just an ID card.

    The effectiveness of these restrictions has been the subject of much debate. In a recent study, I compared the experiences of countries that introduced restrictions with those of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, which kept their borders open.

    My findings suggest that restricting migration in South America has not prevented it. Migration has instead been driven underground, with significant costs both for migrants and host countries.

    The introduction of visa restrictions led to a 38% increase in the number of Venezuelan migrants who crossed borders via unauthorised routes, and a 41% rise in migrants without a regular residency permit in their destination country. The number of Venezuelan migrants who lacked legal status in their host country also jumped from less than one-in-five to more than half.

    This shift towards irregularity has had consequences. For example, I found that falling into irregularity led to a shift in migrants’ priorities away from seeking employment and towards trying to regularise their migratory status.

    There is also no evidence to suggest that migrants redirected their journeys to South American countries with more open policies. In fact, the composition of migrants remained largely unchanged after the introduction of restrictions.

    Lessons from Europe

    Before the election, a poll conducted by Venezuelan firm Meganálisis indicated that around 40% of Venezuelans would consider leaving the country if Maduro remained in power. This represents a potentially staggering increase in migration, even if we account for the gap between intention and action.

    To avoid exacerbating an already critical situation, countries in the region must adopt pragmatic policies that prioritise safe and regular migration. And they should offer regular status to migrants that already reside there.

    Europe’s response to the mass displacement caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine offers lessons that Latin American governments should not ignore.

    In 2022, the EU coordinated efforts to allow Ukrainian refugees free and safe movement throughout Europe, while also guaranteeing their right to work and residency, as well as access to health and educational services.



    Read more:
    Ukraine war: a year on, here’s what life has been like for refugees in the UK

    Despite the massive scale of this displacement, at over 6 million refugees, there was no widely reported “Ukrainian refugee crisis” because of this cooperative approach.

    Ukrainian refugees entering Romania after crossing the border.
    Pazargic Liviu / Shutterstock

    While the refugee status of Ukrainians in Europe is guaranteed up to February 2026 (and can be extended if the European Council agrees), the story is quite different for displaced Venezuelans. Despite being considered refugees by the UN and the laws of most Latin American countries, governments in the region have largely decided not to recognise them as such.

    Nevertheless, Latin American governments should pursue a strategy similar to the one we have seen in Europe. This must include renewing their commitment to the principles outlined in the Quito Declaration, as well as establishing common standards across the region for the reception of Venezuelan migrants.

    These standards should include the possibility of allowing Venezuelans to cross borders using only their ID cards, as is still the case in Argentina and Brazil, given how costly passports and other travel documents are for many Venezuelans.

    Such requirements would significantly reduce the likelihood of irregular migration and, together with mass regularisation programmes, have a positive impact on the integration of Venezuelans into their host countries.

    As Venezuela continues to grapple with political and economic collapse, the international community – and particularly neighbouring Latin American nations – must be prepared for another surge of migration.

    But the response should not be to close borders or restrict access. Governments must instead coordinate to ensure safe, regular and humane migration routes.

    The future of millions of Venezuelans, as well as the stability of Latin America, depends on the region’s ability to manage this crisis effectively.

    Omar Hammoud Gallego has received funding from the UK Economic and Social Research Council to conduct this research.

    – ref. A new wave of Venezuelan refugees would threaten a humanitarian crisis – Latin America could learn from Europe – https://theconversation.com/a-new-wave-of-venezuelan-refugees-would-threaten-a-humanitarian-crisis-latin-america-could-learn-from-europe-238345

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri Delivers Remarks at the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics 23rd Annual Compliance & Ethics Institute

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri Delivers Remarks at the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics 23rd Annual Compliance & Ethics Institute

    Thank you for inviting me to speak at the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE). The work you do at SCCE supports compliance and ethics professionals across industries. I’m so pleased to be here with the practitioners virtually who work every day to establish and maintain effective corporate compliance programs that help prevent misconduct before it begins.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Over a decade of enduring and resisting statelessness in the Dominican Republic

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Uncertainty and human rights violations for Dominicans of Haitian descent

    By: Elena Lorac, co-coordinator of Movimiento Reconocido

    It was September 2013. I had managed to get accepted into university, but I still needed the identity card that would actually allow me to take classes. Then in the afternoon on Monday, 23 September 2013, at Centro Montalvo, we got news of the court’s decision in judgment 168-13 against Juliana Deguis, which stripped over 200,000 people of their nationality.

    The court had to find in our favour for me to be able to go the next day to get my identity documents and correctly enrol at the university. But it didn’t. It was a sorrowful afternoon, and the start of an 11-year road I am still on today.

    When I listened to the arguments of the lawyer and legal experts, I couldn’t wrap my mind around the court’s decision. I had no idea of the difficulties in store. The press amplified the news. We asked ourselves: why so much injustice, racism, discrimination, and segregation against a group of people who just want to make something of their lives? They say we’re foreigners, but we were born here. Why so many lies and double standards? Then the hate speech flared up, although others took a stand for our rights. I felt something similar in September 2023, when those convoys of war tanks and armoured trucks were bearing down on a people that just needs water: water is life, and so are the right papers for those who don’t have them.

    I just remember them saying: “How can they possibly take away the nationality of so many young people?” And then in the next news segment, I saw someone had been issued a card to regularize their migratory status and thought: “If they treat me as a foreigner, where would I go? What country would I go to? I have no ties to Haiti.” I thought about the Dominicans who go abroad and have children there, but they come back and they have houses, or their kids know the language. But I could barely speak Creole, and my parents no longer remember where they were born.

    23 September 2013 was a pivotal moment for me, as it was for every Dominican of Haitian descent. On that day, our last modicum of hope was snuffed out. I remember that many of the people supporting us at the time said: “Don’t worry, this will blow over. There’ll be a solution.” I never imagined that today I would look back on over a decade that has passed since the cruel decision of the Constitutional Court, a body whose main function is to ensure people’s human rights but that instead breaks its own rules to legitimize an entire oppressive system of stigmatization and systemic racism that has prevailed throughout history, a system stacked against Dominicans of Haitian descent because we are black and trace our lineage to a nation that played a major historic role in the fight against slavery.

    Today marks 11 years since this terrible decision that validated all the administrative practices of the Central Electoral Board, practices that violated the human rights of those born in the Dominican Republic with the constitutional guarantee of jus soli (right of soil), a right that was reframed to instate a system that denies children of foreign parents—especially children of Haitians who came and contributed to this country—the right to Dominican nationality.

    I wish that today the discussion could be about well-being, about progress. I wish that instead of speaking to the realities that we Dominicans of Haitian descent endure in our country, we could be talking about economic development, or about how a Dominican of Haitian descent was accepted to Harvard a won awards there, or about business ideas we plan to pitch.

    Now, 11 years on, we should be talking about what we’ve put behind us and how far we’ve come. But we’re not. Instead of advancing human rights against a backdrop of rule of law and democracy, we find ourselves in an era of backsliding, even while much is being said about a government committed to change. But what kind of change? A change that will make the reality of black Dominicans of Haitian descent even worse? A change that will continue robbing thousands of youth of their dreams of studying, attending university, working, being able to register the births of their children, get married, or even do things as simple as buy a chip for their cell phone? It should not be impossible for parents to name their children, for young athletes to be signed on to teams and represent our country abroad, or for other youth to be able to achieve their dreams of practicing medicine or law, or starting a business to contribute to our economy and nation.

    Sadly, they can do none of these things, because the very state that should stand up for their rights and bring about a change does just the opposite, and instead takes backward and illegal action to arbitrarily detain and deport young people who were born in the Dominican Republic. It instead acts out the discrimination, inequity, and inequality that have dominated all these years of struggle and resistance.

    Today I urge the Dominican state, through its government, to return to lawfulness so that we can put statelessness—which the county continues to see as up for debate even now in the 21st century—behind us. So that the Dominican youth of Haitian descent, who for decades have been awaiting a real and effective response to the hijacking of our fundamental rights, can enjoy the same rights as the rest of the population. The Dominican state has an opportunity to fulfil its obligation to make reparations, which would restore our nationality not only by giving us identity cards, but also by giving us justice and respect for our fundamental human rights.

    No more statelessness! No more driving out Dominicans of Haitian descent! And no more racism, full stop!

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secret Service is Slow-Walking Investigation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    In the week since the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, we still have far more questions than answers about both events.Two attempts in a little over 60 days is horrendous and unacceptable.
    There’s just basic information we should have right now, and we don’t have it. Regarding the July 13 assassination attempt against President Trump, the Secret Service and FBI fail to provide unredacted documents and they are slow-walking witnesses to Congress. Subpoenas must be issued to compel compliance.
    The Secret Service’s budget has increased 65% over the past decade. They don’t lack resources, they simply lack good management. 
    READ Fox News: Sen. Ron Johnson describes ‘heavily redacted’ documents provided to lawmakers
    WATCH Real America’s Voice: Sen. Johnson talks about upcoming preliminary report on July 13 assassination attempt. 
    LISTEN to Clay & Buck Show: Why we cannot trust the FBI to investigate the Trump assassination attempts.
    WATCH Jesse Waters Show: Subpoenas must be issued to compel compliance.
    SAVE Act for Election Integrity

    I’m a co-sponsor of the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) because it should be obvious to everyone — even Democrats — that we should prevent illegal immigrants from voting. 
    Unfortunately most Democrats in Congress don’t agree. This legislation aims to secure our elections by requiring proof of citizenship to vote.
    This op-ed I wrote for The Federalist outlines why the SAVE Act is important. 
    READ: Democrat-Controlled States Refuse To Clean Voter Rolls And Fix Election Problem
    Why is Social Security in Trouble? 

    During the Senate Finance Committee on September 12, I talked about why Social Security is in trouble.
    Here are the issues I raised in my questioning. Since the inception of Social Security: 
    — Life expectancy increased 16 years,— Worker-to-beneficiary ratio fell from 30+:1 to 2.7:1, and— Government spent the money instead of properly investing it.
    Only taxing the “wealthy” won’t solve the problem — it will hurt economic growth and make things worse.
    Tune in Monday!

    On Monday, September 23 at 2pm ET,  I will lead a roundtable discussion titled, “American Health and Nutrition: A Second Opinion.” A panel of experts will provide a foundational and historical understanding of the changes that have occurred over the last century within public sanitation, agriculture, food processing, and healthcare industries which impact the current state of national health.
    Watch Monday’s livestream on the Senator Ron Johnson Rumble channel.
    Angels in Adoption

    I had the honor to congratulate Scott and Dawn Ripkey from Fontana, Wisconsin for being this year’s Angels in Adoption honorees representing our state. 
    Each year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute selects individuals, families or organizations across the nation who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes. As past co-presidents of the Gift of Adoption Wisconsin chapter, the Ripkeys grew the organization in size and reach, helping make the dream of a family a reality for many more children.
    If you know someone who should be nominated for this award next year, please email my office. 

    MIL OSI USA News –