Category: Natural Disasters

MIL-OSI USA: State Parks Closures Due to Hurricane Helene, Including Monarch Festival Cancellation

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: State Parks Closures Due to Hurricane Helene, Including Monarch Festival Cancellation

State Parks Closures Due to Hurricane Helene, Including Monarch Festival Cancellation
jejohnson6
Thu, 09/26/2024 – 13:20

Due to expected impacts of Hurricane Helene, Gorges State Park and Mount Mitchell State Park will be closed Thursday and Friday, Sept. 26-27.

The Mountain Monarch Festival at Gorges, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, has been cancelled.

The Blue Ridge Parkway expects to be closed for the next several days. Mount Mitchell State Park will reopen when the Parkway reopens.

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation will continue to monitor the situation over the next few days. Closures may be extended or added in western North Carolina as the storm moves through the region. Visitors should check the park pages on ncparks.gov for the most up-to-date status of facilities and parks. Parks and facilities will reopen when staff can confirm that conditions are safe to do so.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Sep 26, 2024

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Spotlighting CHIPS Workforce Training Program

Source: US State of New York

Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul attended a roundtable discussion between the U.S. Department of Commerce, American Federation of Teachers, and Micron Technology to celebrate and highlight the partnership created in Syracuse.

VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.

A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

Thank you. Thank you, Secretary Raimondo. I want to thank you for having your door wide open to us here in the State of New York. I was a brand new Governor. We had our first conversation about how do we land Micron? How do we make sure they come to New York? And we were able to work with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the local team here, led by the Mayor, Ben Walsh. I want to thank him for his engagement intensely. Our County Executive McMahon was very involved, as John Mannion, our Senator was very involved, but I had the best economic development team in the country led by Hope Knight. I want to give her a round of applause.

I’ll be brief. I want to hear the question. We are so proud of this. I brag about it everywhere I go. Everybody now knows that this is going to be the home of Micron. And more important than having a company come to a physical place here in upstate New York, it telegraphs a confidence in our economy that is contagious.

I can’t tell you the supply chain companies that are now coming even 50, 100 miles down the road as a result of this. So we’ve created a whole ecosystem with the decision to put forth a $10 billion from the State of New York for our own Green CHIPS and Science Act as well. So, this is how government working with local communities can make a difference, but it’s all about the workforce.

And when I had my first meeting with the Micron leaders, supposed to be a quick meeting during a snowstorm in Syracuse a couple of winters ago, it ended up, April, right? It went on for hours, because I wouldn’t let him leave until Sanjay said yes.

But he made me promise I would get him the workforce he needed. And of course he said, “No problem, we’re going to do it, this is New York.”

And today is about that. This is about planting the seed in young people, and getting them excited about these careers that will lift their families out of their circumstances.

And I thank Micron for going to the heart of the City of Syracuse where people do not have that chance. They do not have a family member who’s going to be able to show them the path forward. We will do that. And Micron’s local investments are making that difference. So every child has a shot at the American Dream when they get the education we’re going to be talking about here today and also replicating that all over the State of New York.

So, this is why I’m most excited about this project of anything and the Biden-Harris administration made it happen. I’m forever grateful to them as well. Thank you, Madam Secretary.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Eric Adams indictment: How campaign finance violations often grow into dramatic scandals

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Charlie Hunt, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Boise State University

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been charged with bribery and fraud following a spiraling federal investigation into his administration.

Among other accusations, federal prosecutors alleged in their September 2024 indictment that Adams received campaign donations from the Turkish government for his 2021 mayoral race and sought to conceal these illegal foreign contributions.

Adams is New York’s first mayor to be charged with a crime, but he is hardly the only politician to run afoul of rules that govern how political campaigns can raise and spend funds in U.S. elections.

And as we document in our new podcast, “Scandalized,” discovering campaign finance violations is often just the first chapter in a much wilder story.

Why campaign finance law matters

The U.S. has federal rules that govern how political campaigns can raise and spend money in U.S. elections. For example, they limit how much money individuals and groups can contribute to candidates’ campaigns. Federal rules also restrict how campaign funds may be used and require the disclosure of all campaign expenditures, ensuring candidates can’t spend campaign money on whatever they want.

Legally, candidates may use campaign donations on expenses directly related to their race for office. Allowable expenditures include advertising, travel and costs related to fundraising, such as renting an event space or buying food for guests. Candidates may use excess campaign funds after the election is over to pay down outstanding loans, or they can transfer it to other campaigns or party organizations.

Campaign funds may not, however, be spent at any time on purely personal expenses. Candidates cannot pay their mortgage or rent out of their election war chest, or purchase clothing or household supplies.

The disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos, a Republican from New York, was a particularly egregious violator of the rules related to personal expenses.

Santos pleaded guilty in August 2024 to nearly two dozen counts of campaign finance violations – a smorgasbord of crimes. According to The New York Times, he rerouted “tens of thousands of dollars of campaign money toward personal expenses, including luxury goods, Atlantic City casinos, rent payments and a website primarily known for explicit sexual content.”

Santos, who served for just under a year until he was expelled from Congress in December 2023, is a prime example of how the complicated U.S. campaign finance system can unearth other, even more scandalous actions by politicians.

Former U.S. Rep. George Santos outside court after pleading guilty to 23 felony counts on Aug. 19, 2024, in West Islip, N.Y.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

A window into bigger scandals

A key element of campaign finance law is disclosure. Candidates must publicly report donations over US$200, for example, and document everything they spend those donations on during and after their campaigns.

For former U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr., a California Republican, failure to comply with disclosure laws during his 2016 election campaign resulted in a federal investigation. The Justice Department found that Hunter used campaign donations to fund family vacations, video game purchases and hotel rooms for multiple extramarital affairs. In 2020, he was sentenced to 11 months in prison.

Former President Donald Trump’s longtime lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, also failed to disclose a contribution to his boss’s 2016 presidential campaign. But the real scandal was what that money actually went for: paying adult film actress Stormy Daniels for her silence about an alleged affair with Trump in 2006. Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to making an unlawful contribution.

Many, if not most, campaign finance violations are minor. Small mistakes such as filing a late donor disclosure report or miscategorizing an expense usually incur little more than a small fine.

When technical campaign finance violations shed light on a big scandal, however, they attract attention. Voters and the media latch onto the fact that not only are donors’ funds not going where they intended, but in many cases the money has been spent to subsidize candidates’ personal misbehavior and corrupt activity.

High-profile political scandals erode the public trust

Just about every recent survey shows Americans’ levels of faith and trust in government at historic lows. In the 1960s, three-quarters of voters said they trusted the government to do the right thing most or all of the time. Today, only one-fifth do.

Unseemly behavior by politicians, including by candidates who misspend their supporters’ donations, may contribute to this declining trust. Americans have real fears about money in politics. For example, 84% of Americans worry that wealthy lobbyists and interest groups have undue influence on elections, and 80% say campaign donations have corrupting effects on politicians.

Even when candidates aren’t technically breaking the law, they often use campaign funds in ways donors may not realize – or appreciate.

Sometimes, investigations into seemingly technical campaign violations uncover a wilder story.
Filo via Getty

In the 2024 election, for example, political campaigns, both major parties and private fundraising entities on both sides of the aisle have spent millions in campaign funds on the legal fees of candidates fighting court battles over allegations of serious criminal misconduct.

Beneficiaries include Trump, who has been indicted for suspected mishandling of classified documents, and New Jersey’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Robert Mendendez, who was recently convicted on federal corruption charges.

The bottom line: Donations made to help a candidate win their race are not always going where donors actually intended or believed they would.

Still, the U.S. political climate is so polarized that these scandals may not dramatically affect voters’ decision-making. Political scientists sometimes refer to today’s voters as “calcified” in their partisan identities, meaning they are so loyal to their own party that campaign-finance violations and other scandals cannot change their views much.

Research shows voters are also increasingly motivated not so much by their support or affection for their own party but rather by their fear and loathing of the other party. As a result, partisan voters are willing to accept or forgive scandalous behavior from their own side in the interest of beating the opposition. Hardcore partisans are also adept at finding ways to justify or rationalize these transgressions.

With record amounts of money flowing in and out of political campaigns in 2024, the coming months are bound to bring more campaign finance scandals. But our research indicates they are unlikely to have major effects at the polling station.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Eric Adams indictment: How campaign finance violations often grow into dramatic scandals – https://theconversation.com/eric-adams-indictment-how-campaign-finance-violations-often-grow-into-dramatic-scandals-238971

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine recap: Putin’s nuclear sabre-rattling becomes more ominous

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

In recent months, Vladimir Putin and his proxies have been foreshadowing a change in Russia’s nuclear doctrine. This is the set of rules that spells out when and how his country might resort to the use of its nuclear arsenal, which is currently the largest in the world. Most recently his deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said the revisions to the rulebook were “connected with the escalation course of our western adversaries”. In other words: it’s not us, it’s you.

You don’t have to read too much between the lines to discern a connection between the growing clamour by some in the west to allow Ukraine to use western long-range missiles against targets deep inside Russia and Russia’s decision to reconsider under what circumstances it would use its nuclear arsenal.

Over the past couple of years – since shortly after he initiated Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – Putin and his inner circle have regularly invoked Russia’s nuclear deterrent, writes Christoph Bluth, an expert in nuclear proliferation and international security at the University of Bradford. All it seems to take is for the west to agree another large package of funding, or change the terms of its aid to Kyiv for the Kremlin to dust off the doomsday scenario.

So it comes as little surprise that, shortly after Volodymr Zelensky gave his impassioned speech to the United Nations general assembly yesterday restating his country’s urgent need for more support and more latitude in how to use it, Putin announced his country’s new “draft” nuclear doctrine. Henceforth, he said, Russia would consider using nuclear weapons if it was attacked by any state with conventional weapons. The trigger for the launch of nuclear missiles against Ukraine or any of its allies, he said, would be “reliable information about a massive launch of aerospace attack means and their crossing of our state border”.

Read more:
Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin ups the ante on his nuclear blackmail – the big question is how the west will respond

Bluth recounts how, earlier this month, one of Putin’s proxies, Alexander Mikhailov, the director of the Bureau of Military Political Analysis, recently called for Russia to “bomb plywood mock-ups of London and Washington to simulate a nuclear attack, so that it would ‘burn so beautifully that it will horrify the world’.” Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of Russia’s lower house, said that any attacks against Russia would prompt it to respond with nuclear weapons. He is reported to have added – with what appears to have been ghastly relish – that the European parliament in Strasbourg was “only a three-minute flight for a Russian nuclear missile”.

It’s tempting to dismiss Russia’s threats as just so much sabre-rattling. And there have been plenty of voices in the west urging leaders to defy Putin’s threats. After Ukraine launched its lightning raid into Russia’s Kursk province in August, Zelensky said it was clear that Russia’s red lines were a bluff. He said: “The naive, illusory concept of so-called red lines regarding Russia, which dominated the assessment of the war by some partners, has crumbled apart these days.”

Colin Alexander, a specialist in political commnunications at Nottingham Trent University, believes that since the end of the cold war the focus of what he calls “fear propaganda” has changed. It has moved away from the prospect of nuclear annihilation to “other threats, such as extremism, pandemics and migration”.

But anyone who grew up during the cold war will remember the omnipresent fear of the “three-minute warning” regularly reinforced by government messaging, TV documentaries and dramas. These all served to remind everyone that a nuclear holocaust was only a series of wrongheaded decisions away. It’s that atmosphere of peril, writes Alexander, which makes a leader’s threats believable.

And the “madman theory” which holds that only an unstable leader would contemplate pushing the button, has helped lull people into the idea that a nuclear conflict is indeed unthinkable, because surely no leader would be mad enough. But Alexander concludes by citing the one leader who actually did drop a nuclear bomb in an enemy:

US president Harry S. Truman pushed the button in 1945. He was then given detailed reports of the death and destruction that his decision caused to Hiroshima. Then he pushed the button again to annihilate Nagasaki.

Read more:
The world isn’t taking Putin’s nuclear threats seriously – the history of propaganda suggests it should

Zelensky’s plea

Zelensky’s speech to the UN general assembly was compelling and moving in equal measure. He warned of intelligence reports that Russia was preparing to target Ukraine’s nuclear power plants as part of its campaign to wreck the country’s energy infrastructure before winter. He mourned for the children of Ukraine, who “are learning to distinguish the sounds of different types of artillery and drones because of Russia’s war”. And he restated his ten-point plan for peace, which involves Russia withdrawing from all the lands it has occupied since 2014.

But, Stefan Wolff notes, a growing number of countries are lining up behind a peace plan proposed earlier in the year by China and Brazil, which would freeze the conflict along the existing frontlines before proceeding to negotiations.

The state of the conflict in Ukraine as at September 25.
Institute for the Study of War

Wolff, an expert in international security at the University of Birmingham, believes this plan is deeply flawed. For one thing it would inevitably involve Kyiv being forced to give up territory illegally annexed by Russia. It would also give Russia time to regroup, rearm and train extra troops and would almost certainly not guarantee a lasting peace, but would simply stave off another Russian assault on Ukraine.

But Zelensky faces two key problems which make his diplomatic mission that much harder. His voice is in danger of being drowned out by the conflict in the Middle East, which appears almost inevitably bound for a ground war in Lebanon in days to come. And the prospect of Donald Trump winning a second term in about six weeks’ time, means that the days of Washington as Kyiv’s staunchest partner could well be coming to an end.

Read more:
Ukraine war: Zelensky’s pleas for help are getting drowned out in the clamour from the Middle East

As the conflict drags on – 31 months and counting – there is evidence that some Ukrainians would give up territory in return for peace and an end to the killing. Our team of political scientists, Kristin M. Bakke of UCL, Gerard Toal of Virginia Tech and John O’Loughlin of University of Colorado Boulder, have been polling Ukrainians since the invasion and have detected a definite shift in attitudes towards the conflict.

While most Ukrainians still hate the idea of having to give up territory to Russia, support for the proposition that Ukraine should “continue opposing Russian aggression until all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, is liberated” had fallen from 71% in 2022 to 51% now. And, while in 2022 just 11% of respondents agreed with “trying to reach an immediate ceasefire by both sides with conditions and starting intensive negotiations”, that number had almost tripled in the most recent polling.

Interestingly, the researchers note, while most people they spoke with professed unchanged support for their country’s war effort, a growing number said they were worried that their fellow Ukrainians were beginning to suffer from war-weariness.

Read more:
Growing number of war-weary Ukrainians would reluctantly give up territory to save lives, suggests recent survey

Land grabs

Russia is already calling for more territory in eastern Ukraine in the form of a “buffer zone” around Ukraine’s second city, Kharkiv in the north-east of the country. This, the Kremlin claims, is to protect Russian towns from shelling and missile attacks from Ukrainian territory.

Interestingly, writes Iain Farquharson, a security expert and military historian at Brunel University London, Israel has also proposed setting up a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, to protect Israelis living near the the country’s northern border from Hezbollah missile barrages.

Farquharson considers the history of buffer zones in the Middle East and beyond. Firstly, buffer zones rarely live up to their supposed function – as Afghanistan’s misfortune to be between British India and southern Russia in the 19th century and Lebanon’s bad luck to be between Syria and Israel in the 1960s and 1970s amply demonstrate.

But what Russia and Israel are proposing are not so much buffer zones as land grabs, pure and simple. There’s no sense that either country is willing to contribute any of its own territory to these so-called demilitarised areas (or that they’ll actually be demilitarised). They should, he writes, “instead primarily be seen as a way of formalising control over contested territory to protect their home bases, which would give them a military advantage”.

Read more:
When Russia and Israel talk about setting up ‘buffer zones’ what they are really talking about is a land grab

– ref. Ukraine recap: Putin’s nuclear sabre-rattling becomes more ominous – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-recap-putins-nuclear-sabre-rattling-becomes-more-ominous-239974

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Named to National Shooting Sports Foundation’s “Dean’s List,” Receives A+ Rating on Second Amendment

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a statement after being named to the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s “Dean’s List”. Cassidy is one of only 8 senators to be placed on the “Dean’s List”, which recognizes lawmakers who have gone above and beyond the A+ rating to protect Second Amendment rights.
“I am proud to receive this recognition and look forward to continuing my efforts in Congress to defend Americans’ Constitutional rights against an ever-encroaching liberal agenda,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Law-abiding citizens should never be punished for exercising their Second Amendment rights.”
“NSSF is proud to especially recognize Senator Cassidy as a member of the new NSSF Congressional Dean’s List for his exemplary leadership in supporting the firearm and ammunition industry and the nearly 400,000 hardworking Americans employed in the industry. Making the Dean’s List is special recognition that Senator Cassidy has gone above and beyond to protect and preserve the Second Amendment rights of his constituents and the industry that makes the exercise of those rights possible. We applaud Senator Cassidy for his exemplary level of support,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs and General Counsel.
Some of Cassidy’s recent efforts to defend the Second Amendment right include:
Cassidy, Cornyn, Tillis, Republican Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Block Unconstitutional Biden ATF Rule
Cassidy, Hagerty, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Block Biden Rule Restricting Americans’ Second Amendment Rights
Cassidy, Risch, Issa, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit State Excise Taxes on Firearms
Cassidy, Cramer Introduce Legislation to Allow Interstate Firearm Sale
Cassidy, Risch, Colleague Introduces Bill to Ban Handgun Rosters

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General remarks at High-level Ministerial Meeting in Support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) [as delivered]

Source: United Nations – English

xcellencies, Distinguished guests,

I thank the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Sweden for co-chairing this gathering and for their continued leadership in the support for UNRWA. I also thank all of you here today for your solidarity with Palestine Refugees.

When we met one year ago, I spoke about putting ourselves in the shoes of Palestinians in Gaza. Of imagining what life must be like.

I ended my remarks one year ago by saying “This is the most dramatic humanitarian problem associated with the riskiest explosive potential.”

This was just days before the horrors of October 7th.

Now, almost one year since that day, the situation for Palestinians in Gaza is beyond imagination.

It has been said that “The United Nations was not created to bring us to heaven, but to save us from hell.”

Unfortunately, neither the United Nations nor anyone else that might have the power to do it was able to save the people of Gaza from hell.

We have failed the people of Gaza.

They are in a living hell that somehow gets even worse by the day.

Over 41,000 people have been reported killed and more than 90,000 wounded, many with life-changing and lifelong injuries. The majority are women and children.

Two million Palestinians are now crammed into a space the size of the Shanghai International Airport. Existing – not living, but existing – among lakes of sewage, piles of rubbish and mountains of rubble.

The only certainty they have is that tomorrow will be worse.

Yet if there is any outpost of hope in this hellscape, it is UNRWA.

Even though UNRWA – as we all know – has not been spared.

On the human level – 222 UNRWA colleagues have been killed, many together with entire families, several in the line of duty. This is the highest death toll in UN history.

I ask you – all of you – to think for a moment in the different entities that you preside [over], or to which you belong, what would be the impact if 222 members would have been killed and even after that having to go with their duties to save the people of Palestine.

UNRWA personnel have been attacked repeatedly while going about their work. Women and men are displaced, shot at, and subjected to violent protests, detained by Israeli security forces, reporting mistreatment and torture.

UNRWA has not been spared on the operational level – the humanitarian response in Gaza is being strangled.

Protection and deconfliction mechanisms for humanitarian aid deliveries have failed. Attempts to evict UNRWA from its headquarters in East Jerusalem continue.

And UNRWA has not been spared on the political level. This includes systematic disinformation campaigns that discredit the agency’s lifelong work.

Meanwhile draft legislation in the Israeli parliament seeks to label the Agency a terrorist organization and to make any activity by UNRWA on Israeli territory illegal.

In the face of the catastrophic conditions, UNRWA perseveres.

This is a tribute to the resilience of the women and men of UNRWA, and a tribute to your support.

Excellencies,

I have full confidence in UNRWA’s continued commitment to upholding the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and humanity and to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review by Catherine Colonna.

Member States are showing that same confidence.

Virtually all donors have reversed their funding suspensions. 123 countries have signed up to the declaration on shared commitments to UNRWA.

This underscores the consensus that UNRWA’s role across the occupied West Bank and the region is vital.

Friends,

There is no alternative to UNRWA.

Now is the time to work on all fronts to intensify support for the agency’s vital mission.

Support with funding that is sufficient, predictable and flexible.

Of course, we all know that UNRWA is not a sustainable long-term solution to the plight of Palestine Refugees. It was never meant to be.

That is why we keep pressing for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and a long-term political solution ending the occupation and leading to 2 states living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital.

But until that moment, UNRWA remains indispensable.

I urge your full support.

Help us to save UNRWA as it works to save and serve Palestine refugees.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General remarks at High-level Ministerial Meeting in Support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) [as delivered]

Source: United Nations secretary general

Excellencies, Distinguished guests,

I thank the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Sweden for co-chairing this gathering and for their continued leadership in the support for UNRWA. I also thank all of you here today for your solidarity with Palestine Refugees.

When we met one year ago, I spoke about putting ourselves in the shoes of Palestinians in Gaza. Of imagining what life must be like.

I ended my remarks one year ago by saying “This is the most dramatic humanitarian problem associated with the riskiest explosive potential.”

This was just days before the horrors of October 7th.

Now, almost one year since that day, the situation for Palestinians in Gaza is beyond imagination.

It has been said that “The United Nations was not created to bring us to heaven, but to save us from hell.”

Unfortunately, neither the United Nations nor anyone else that might have the power to do it was able to save the people of Gaza from hell.

We have failed the people of Gaza.

They are in a living hell that somehow gets even worse by the day.

Over 41,000 people have been reported killed and more than 90,000 wounded, many with life-changing and lifelong injuries. The majority are women and children.

Two million Palestinians are now crammed into a space the size of the Shanghai International Airport. Existing – not living, but existing – among lakes of sewage, piles of rubbish and mountains of rubble.

The only certainty they have is that tomorrow will be worse.

Yet if there is any outpost of hope in this hellscape, it is UNRWA.

Even though UNRWA – as we all know – has not been spared.

On the human level – 222 UNRWA colleagues have been killed, many together with entire families, several in the line of duty. This is the highest death toll in UN history.

I ask you – all of you – to think for a moment in the different entities that you preside [over], or to which you belong, what would be the impact if 222 members would have been killed and even after that having to go with their duties to save the people of Palestine.

UNRWA personnel have been attacked repeatedly while going about their work. Women and men are displaced, shot at, and subjected to violent protests, detained by Israeli security forces, reporting mistreatment and torture.

UNRWA has not been spared on the operational level – the humanitarian response in Gaza is being strangled.

Protection and deconfliction mechanisms for humanitarian aid deliveries have failed. Attempts to evict UNRWA from its headquarters in East Jerusalem continue.

And UNRWA has not been spared on the political level. This includes systematic disinformation campaigns that discredit the agency’s lifelong work.

Meanwhile draft legislation in the Israeli parliament seeks to label the Agency a terrorist organization and to make any activity by UNRWA on Israeli territory illegal.

In the face of the catastrophic conditions, UNRWA perseveres.

This is a tribute to the resilience of the women and men of UNRWA, and a tribute to your support.

Excellencies,

I have full confidence in UNRWA’s continued commitment to upholding the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and humanity and to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review by Catherine Colonna.

Member States are showing that same confidence.

Virtually all donors have reversed their funding suspensions. 123 countries have signed up to the declaration on shared commitments to UNRWA.

This underscores the consensus that UNRWA’s role across the occupied West Bank and the region is vital.

Friends,

There is no alternative to UNRWA.

Now is the time to work on all fronts to intensify support for the agency’s vital mission.

Support with funding that is sufficient, predictable and flexible.

Of course, we all know that UNRWA is not a sustainable long-term solution to the plight of Palestine Refugees. It was never meant to be.

That is why we keep pressing for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and a long-term political solution ending the occupation and leading to 2 states living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital.

But until that moment, UNRWA remains indispensable.

I urge your full support.

Help us to save UNRWA as it works to save and serve Palestine refugees.

Thank you.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest Storm Ciaran and Storm Babet flood reports published 26 September 2024 Latest Storm Ciaran and Storm Babet flood reports published for Newport, East Cowes and Ryde

Source: Aisle of Wight

Official reports examining the severe flooding that affected Newport, East Cowes and Ryde last autumn are now available to read online.

Roads, homes and businesses were submerged on the Island as a result of Storm Babet and Storm Ciaran in October and November 2023.

At least 317 properties experienced flooding during unprecedented rainfall.

In response, the Isle of Wight Council commissioned a series of independent investigations to better understand the causes and any factors that may have influenced the severity of the flooding.

The in-depth studies, known as ‘Section 19 flood investigation reports’, involved collecting information from those directly affected by the flooding, as well as private bodies with flood management responsibilities.

Three reports have been published today (Wednesday) on the council’s website.

A further Section 19 report for Brading and an addendum for Binstead will be published next month with a report for Cowes to follow later in 2024.

The council will now consider all the recommendations, taking into account how many can be delivered and in what timescales given the resource and cost implications.

Some actions will require the council to work closely with key stakeholders and landowners, including Island Roads, the Environment Agency and Southern Water.

Developing a Community Flood Plan and investigating opportunities for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage storm water are among eight recommendations proposed for Newport.

At least 56 properties suffered internal flooding in the county town with Gunville being one of the worst affected areas.

In addition to improved flood maps and enhanced monitoring, the report recommends carrying out an investigation into the condition and capacity of the culvert under Arthur Moody Close and watercourse at Ash Lane.

Seven recommendations have been put forward for East Cowes including establishing a flood action group and developing a Community Flood Plan.

Other priorities include replacing or improving the existing tidal outfall and carrying out feasibility studies in providing extra surface water drainage capacity and increasing the capacity of the watercourse at Church Path.

Improved gully and highway drainage maintenance is also being recommended.

The latest Monktonmead report is an addendum to a previous Section 19 report published following flooding in 2021.

At least 107 properties were flooded during Storm Babet — estimated to have been a one in 144 and and one in 190 year event.

The report considers the incident response as well as the actions undertaken following the 2021 and 2023 floods and makes a number of recommendations around property flood resilience, surface water drainage, surface water management and community flood preparedness.

It also notes the detailed review currently being undertaken by the Environment Agency into the causes of the flooding last October and the operation of the Monktonmead Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for community protection, said: “It was essential that we took action to properly look into the causes and impacts of the flooding that occurred last year. Many residents were adversely affected and much distress and damage to properties resulted.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this work as their input has proved invaluable as we now look to take forward potential options to take preventative steps and to mitigate the risk of similar flooding occurring in the future.

“I would also like to thank residents for their patience while these reports have been prepared.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: As Las Vegas Breaks Own Record for Most 100-Degree Days, Rosen Bill to Ensure Extreme Heat Qualifies As A Major Disaster Passes in Committee

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
As Of Wednesday, Las Vegas Broke Its Own Record For Having The Most 100-Degree Days in a Year
Senator Rosen Introduced This Bill In July During A Record-Breaking Heat Wave
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that her Extreme Heat Emergency Act passed in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The bill would explicitly allow extreme heat and other extreme temperatures to qualify as a major disaster under the Stafford Act, which recognizes fires, floods, explosions, and natural catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes as disasters eligible for a Major Disaster Declaration from the President. This would help communities like Las Vegas and Reno, two of the fastest warming cities in the United States, access resources and funding to address the damages and losses they’re experiencing as a result of extreme heat waves.
This legislation comes in the wake of record-breaking temperatures in Nevada that have caused concerns for the health and well-being of families. As of Wednesday, Las Vegas broke its record for having the most 100-degree days in a year since 1947. This summer, Senator Rosen visited a Clark County cooling station activated in East Las Vegas, highlighting the need for federal resources to increase resilience against extreme heat.
“This year, Nevadans have been experiencing record-breaking temperatures that are putting our communities at risk,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’ve been pushing to pass my bill to ensure extreme heat can qualify for a Major Disaster Declaration, and make funding and critical resources available for communities in Nevada. I’m proud to see it pass in committee, and I’ll keep working to ensure it becomes law.”
Senator Rosen has been leading the fight to ensure that Nevadans have access to federal resources to stay safe during natural disasters. After last year’s winter storms, Senator Rosen urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to assist impacted Nevada farmers and ranchers and successfully pushed President Biden to provide more resources and heed Governor Joe Lombardo’s call to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for Nevada. Senator Rosen has also called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal assistance to address extreme heat in Nevada.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Update: RCMP NL releases photos of Da Shed robbery suspect in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

RCMP NL’s Labrador District General Investigation Section (GIS) is releasing images of a suspect involved in a recent robbery at Da Shed Pub that occurred on September 2, 2024.

Shortly before 1:00 a.m. on September 2, a masked man wearing goggles entered the bar with a firearm, pointed it at an employee and demanded money. The suspect departed prior to police arrival with a quantity of cash.

RCMP Labrador District GIS is continuing to investigate this crime and is seeking assistance from the public in identifying the suspect.

Anyone having information about this crime or the identity of the person pictured is asked to call Labrador District GIS at 709-896-1263. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit http://www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

Background:

Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP investigates armed robbery at Da Shed Pub | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Havelock — 28-year-old man dies following single-vehicle crash

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

A 28-year-old man from Sainte-Marie-de-Kent, N.B., has died following a single-vehicle crash in Havelock, N.B.

On September 25, 2024, at approximately 7:51 p.m., members of the Caledonia RCMP responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer on Highway 2 in Havelock.

The crash is believed to have occurred when the tractor-trailer, travelling Eastbound, left the roadway, crashed into trees, and caught fire. The 28-year-old man and sole occupant of the tractor-trailer died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

Members of Ambulance New Brunswick and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure also attended the scene. RCMP Collision Reconstructionist and a member of the New Brunswick Coroner’s Office are assisting with the ongoing investigation. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the man’s exact cause of death.

The investigation is ongoing.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Joint statement by President Macron and President Biden
Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development
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Published on September 26, 2024

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It is time for a settlement on the Israel-Lebanon border that ensures safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes.

The exchange of fire since October 7th, and in particular over the past two weeks, threatens a much broader conflict, and harm to civilians.

We therefore have worked together in recent days on a joint call for a temporary ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance to succeed and avoid further escalations across the border.

The statement we have negotiated is now endorsed by the United States, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar. We call for broad endorsement and for the immediate support of the Governments of Israel and Lebanon.
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Warns of Danger as Catastrophic Hurricane Helene Impacts North Carolina
Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Cooper Warns of Danger as Catastrophic Hurricane Helene Impacts North Carolina

Governor Cooper Warns of Danger as Catastrophic Hurricane Helene Impacts North Carolina
mseets
Thu, 09/26/2024 – 13:09
Governor Roy Cooper and state leaders urged North Carolinians today to prepare for life-threatening flooding as well as high winds, tornadoes and heavy rain as Hurricane Helene passes through the state.

Helene is expected to bring tropical storm force winds, damaging debris flows and river flooding through Saturday. The heaviest rainfall is expected across the North Carolina mountains and foothills, with total rainfall amounts of 9-14 inches with some areas receiving up to 20 inches of rainfall. With the increased rainfall, widespread power outages and life-threatening landslides across the mountains are also increasing concerns. Helene has the potential to cause historical and catastrophic impacts to North Carolina.

Although primary storm impacts are forecast to be concentrated in the mountains and foothills as well as the Charlotte region, impacts will likely be felt across the state. Residents in central and eastern North Carolina should prepare for heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes.

“Helene is an unusually dangerous storm that threatens to bring heavy rain and potentially catastrophic flooding tonight and tomorrow for Central and particularly Western North Carolina,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Make a plan now to stay with friends or family if you are in an area that could likely be flooded and stay informed to protect yourselves and your family.”

Governor Cooper declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday to mobilize critical state resources ahead of anticipated storm impacts. The President granted Governor Cooper’s request for a Federal Emergency Declaration, allowing more resources to the state. The State Emergency Response Team has deployed equipment, personnel and resources to support impacted communities, including North Carolina Swift Water Rescue Teams and Urban Search and Rescue Teams, as well as more than 200 North Carolina National Guardsmen.

North Carolina residents are advised to stay aware and keep a watch on local forecasts. State officials advise these tips to make sure your household is personally prepared:
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency information from reliable sources. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your mobile phone and monitor local new outlets and the National Weather Service.
- Check to see if your local emergency management office offers emergency alert services for its residents. You can visit your county government website for more information.
- Review your emergency plan. Know where to go if you need to evacuate, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.
- Gather emergency supplies or refresh your emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. If you do not need to drive, stay home. You can find information on road conditions and closings by visiting DriveNC.Gov.
- Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades. Turn around. Don’t drown.
For more information on how to ensure you are disaster ready, visit ReadyNC.gov, which features traffic, power outage and shelter information.

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Sep 26, 2024

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on Preparedness Efforts Ahead of Hurricane Helene
Source: US State of Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Major General John D. Haas, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director, and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Purdue at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates ahead of landfall of Hurricane Helene. As of 8:00 am ET, Hurricane Helene’s maximum sustained winds have increased to 100 mph with higher gusts, making it a Category 2 hurricane. Additional strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast tonight. Sixty-eight shelters are open throughout the state in preparation for severe impacts from Hurricane Helene, including 2 state-operated shelters in Tallahassee and DeFuniak Springs. These shelters have are housing over 2,500 residents from areas that may be severely affected by Hurricane Helene.

Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, updating EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. This allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.

Following Governor DeSantis’ request, FEMA approved the state’s pre-landfall disaster declaration request. This provides important federal resources and assistance, including personnel, equipment, and supplies, and makes available funding sources for emergency protective measures. The pre-landfall declaration request is for the 41 Florida counties included in Executive Order 24-208.

Voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders are in effect in multiple counties statewide. Residents need to evacuate if they are under a mandatory evacuation order. Counties under evacuation orders can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/EvacuationOrders.

Residents in the big bed area needing assistance finding or going to a shelter in the Big Bend region for Hurricane Helene can call (800) 729-3413. FDEM team members are conducting callbacks from messages received last night and accepting new calls today to facilitate shelter coordination. For additional resources and assistance, residents can call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at (800) 342-3557. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole.

Watches and warnings in effect include:
Hurricane Warning: Western Alachua, coastal Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, coastal Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, western Marion, coastal Pasco, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties
Hurricane Watch: Inland Citrus, inland Hernando, coastal Hillsborough, coastal Manatee, inland Pasco, Pinellas, coastal Sarasota
Tropical Storm Warning: Central and eastern Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, inland Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, inland Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Lee, Miami-Dade, Monroe (including Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas), Manatee, central and eastern Marion, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, inland Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Union, Volusia, Walton, Washington
Storm Surge Warning: Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Dixie, Franklin, Gulf, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties

To learn more, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

State Preparedness Efforts
- The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 on Tuesday, September 24, and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
- The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 1,150 missions to assist counties in their preparation efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging response resources, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
- There are 35,000 shelf-stable meals staged near the anticipated area of storm impact, ready to deploy for response.
- Seven Urban search and rescue task forces are ready to deploy.
- The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has mobilized nearly 3,500 Soldiers and Airmen in preparation for Hurricane Helene and can surge to 5,500 if needed.
- The FLNG is postured to provide logistics support, law enforcement support, route clearance, search and rescue, commodity distribution, flood mitigation, aviation and other support as needed by the state.
- The Florida State Guard (FSG) has prepared the following:
  - 250+ Soldiers ready to deploy.
  - 10 shallow water vessel boat teams
  - 7 flat-bottom-flood rescue skiffs
  - 2 amphibious rescue vehicles
  - 12 UTV’s
  - 15 Cut and toss crews
  - 7 search and rescue teams
  - 2 UH-60 Blackhawk for daytime aerial assessment and logistics missions
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has positioned all assets, including aircraft, and is ready to respond for reconnaissance and damage assessments, including all backup satellite and communications systems. Portable towers have been staged for emergency communications.
- FDLE is prestaging Telecommunication Emergency Response Taskforces for response to ensure continuity of service of the 911 system.
- FDLE’s Criminal Justice Information Services received permission from the FBI to allow law enforcement agencies to perform criminal history queries on behalf of emergency shelters to determine the suitability of shelter staff who may care for vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, the disabled).
- Nearly 2,000 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) team members work directly on storm response.
- FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road and bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
- FDOT issued an Emergency Order on September 23, lifting weight restrictions and allowing emergency response vehicles, including utility vehicles staging for rapid response, to bypass weigh stations.
- FDOT Statewide Preparedness Efforts Include:
- Road Ranger Service has expanded service to 24 hours in the storm impact areas.
  - 890 team members conducting pre-storm preparations.
  - 613 team members working in the field conducting pre-storm preparations.
  - 245 pieces of heavy equipment are being used for pre-storm preparations.
  - 307 team members staged for cut and toss operations
  - 120 bridge inspectors staged for deployment
  - 43 team members staged for UAV (drone) deployment
  - 40 large pumps staged
  - 688 generators staged to assist with traffic signal power
  - 4 ITS trailers are staged.
- Seaports:
  - Port Key West, Panama City, Port St. Joe, Tampa Bay, SeaPort Manatee, Port St. Pete, Port of Fernandina, JAXPORT, and Port Canaveral are closed waterside.
- Airports: Some flight cancellations or delays are being reported. Check with airlines directly on specific flight updates. The following airports have suspended service:
  - Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)
  - Tampa International Airport (TPA)
  - St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
- Railroads:
  - Amtrak: Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes (New York to Miami) will terminate in Jacksonville
  - Amtrak: Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes (Miami to New York) will originate in Jacksonville
  - SunRail service has been suspended.
- Freight Rail:
  CSX will limit operations in the Tampa area.
- Florida Gulf & Atlantic will shut down operations except the Pensacola area.
- Apalachicola Northern and BayLine have suspended operations
  - First Coast Railroad will shut down operations on 9/27 .
- The following transit providers have made the following schedule modifications.
  - Service Suspended: Lakeland Area Mass Transit (Citrus Connection), Manatee County Area Transit, Sarasota County Area (Breeze) Transit, Lee County (LeeTran), Charlotte County, Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) Skyway and St. Johns River Ferry, St. Johns County (Sunshine Line), Bay County (Bayway), StarMetro, Big Bend Transit, Wakulla County Transit, Jackson County (JTrans), Calhoun County Transit, Liberty County Transit, Gulf County ARC suspending, LYNX, Marion County Transit, Key West Lower Key Shuttle, Hillsborough County (HART), Pasco County, Hernando County (The Bus)
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care and support to Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care in Florida. 1-877-741-3400. Visit https://department.va.gov/integrated-service-networks/visn-08 for more information.
- Department of Management Services (DMS) is working to identify potential evacuation shelter sites for special needs and pet-friendly evacuees as far east as Lake City and west as Panama City.
Health and Human Services
- The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is tracking APD-licensed group homes in impacted areas to ensure client safety from Hurricane Helene. APD will provide necessary guidance for re-entry when it is appropriate to do so.
- The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) is deploying over 135 emergency response vehicles. Staging is currently in Leon, Liberty, Osceola, and Pinellas counties.
- DOH has prepared for Special Needs Shelter operations to begin in areas of Helene’s path. A press release has been sent statewide for additional information on special needs shelters. To find a shelter near you, please visit the county emergency management page here.
- DOH and the Agency for Health Care Administration have initiated Patient Movement Mission to support medical transport and evacuations of health care facilities.
- The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-002, which:
  - Waives competitive procurement requirements in order to procure commodities, goods, and services expeditiously in response to the emergency.
  - Permits emergency medical transportation services to operate across county lines.
  - Permits Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Medical Directors, as defined by Chapter 401, Florida Statutes, licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
  - Authorizes a reporting extension for the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
  - Authorizes an extension of the upcoming licensure renewal deadlines for Nursing Home Administrators, Radiological Personnel, and Athletic Trainers until October 31, 2024.
- DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-209. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers.
- The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has activated reporting in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS) and has requested that all health care providers report their census, available beds, evacuation status, and generator status information. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
- AHCA made 537 provider calls for Hurricane Helene preparation ahead of landfall.
- As of this morning, 80 health care facilities are reporting that they are evacuating.
  - 38 assisted living facilities
  - 26 nursing homes
  - 8 hospitals
  - 4 residential treatment facilities
  - 2 residential treatment centers for children and adolescents
  - 1 adult family care home, and 1 intermediate care facility for developmentally disabled
- 100% of operating long-term care facilities have a generator on-site. The Generator Status Map for long-term care facilities is available here.
- The Agency has waived all prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services until further notice.
Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures
- The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is assisting the Florida Department of Corrections with the evacuation of correctional facilities as needed.
- FHP is assisting with evacuations in Taylor County and in Cedar Key in Levy County.
- FHP is removing any abandoned or disabled vehicles left along roadways ahead of storm arrival.
- FHP cut teams, along with FDOT road clearing teams, are staged and ready for post-storm deployment to provide aid to areas impacted by the storm.
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued Emergency Order 24-05, in support of Executive Order 24-209 which: waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief; and waives the replacement fees for driver’s license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, vessel registrations and titles and temporary parking permits for impacted individuals.
- The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is working with the Community-Based Care Lead Agencies to contact foster families and group home providers to ensure preparedness. Two group homes are evacuating to safer locations.
- DCF has contacted all licensed providers in potentially impacted areas to ensure disaster preparation plans are in place and unmet needs have been addressed.
- The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) contacted all Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates on their ongoing preparation efforts and gather the status of any unmet needs.
- The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has been in contact with all school districts and state colleges and is ready to provide assistance immediately following Hurricane Helene. Currently, 68 school districts have announced closures in addition to 25 State Colleges and 11 Universities. For more information on school closures, visit fldoe.org/storminfo.
- In preparation for Hurricane Helene. Currently, 65 school districts have announced closures in addition to 22 State Colleges and 9 Universities. For more information on school closures, visit fldoe.org/storminfo.
- Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order 24-209, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm-generated solid waste and debris.
- DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.
Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers
- The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to encourage more than 71,000 Florida-licensed lodging establishments to relax pet policies and waive pet fees for evacuees.
- Through this effort, anti-price gouging information and emergency accommodations resources have also been provided.
- DBPR has proactively communicated with more than 137,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide storm preparation and food safety resources.
- The Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs.
- DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.
- FloridaCommerce has activated the private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
- Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.
- VISIT FLORIDA has activated Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
- Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has crafted special offers for Evacuees and First Responders in need of accommodations during an evacuation. Please see the linked pages below for more information.
- Rosen Hotels & Resorts activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates* for residents in the 61 counties where Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency. This initiative provides evacuees with a safe and affordable place to stay as they ride out the storm. For more information see https://www.rosenhotels.com/rosen-hotels-resorts-reduces-pricing-ahead-of-helene/
- Visit website for CareerSource openings: careersourceflorida.com
- Comcast has opened more than 52,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Florida. The free and public hotspots are open for all, including non-Xfinity customers. For more information click here.
- Walmart is working with state partners to provide needed supplies after the storm has passed.
- Publix has provided 10 pallets of water for shelters in Leon County.
- CVS Health is working with state partners to prepare pop-up pharmacies in impacted areas.
- UBER is providing Floridians free rides up to $35 each way to and from a state-approved shelter in counties under a state of emergency for Hurricane Helene. To get a ride users should use promo code HELENERELIEF.
- The Florida Department of State, Division of Elections, has contacted the United States Postal Service (USPS) about election information and vote-by-mail ballots. The Division of Elections recommended that Supervisors of Elections t contact their local district USPS to discuss a mitigation plan for ballot mailing, delivery, and return.
- The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) worked with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available, and with Florida’s agricultural partners so producers have adequate resources.
- The Florida Forest Service staged equipment, like high-water vehicles.
- The Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, has approved an Emergency Order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for animal transportation. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses, and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
- The Department of Revenue (FDOR) has issued Emergency Order 24-001: Taxing Authority Millage and Budget Hearings to assist local taxing authorities with altering their plans for annual budget hearings because of Helene. Department of Revenue bulletin PTO 20-07 provides further instructions for local taxing authorities during declared emergencies.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has high-water vehicles staged to deploy.
- 72 FWC officers and staff are ready to deploy with specialized equipment, such as:
  - 6 Airboats
  - 8 Shallow draft boats
  - ATVs/Side-by-sides
  - 71 high-water capable four-wheel drive vehicles
  - 3 aerial surveillance drones
  - 12 high-water capable swamp buggies/Fat Truck/UTVs
  - 4 SOG support trailers
  - 4 BERG self-sustainment container units
  - 4 Hygiene trailers
  - 2 Mobile command units
  - 6 Generators
  - 2 Water trailers
  - 1 Fuel trailer
- The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has evacuated 22 satellite facilities and two major facilities and relocated 4,630 inmates into hardened housing units. Inmate visitation has been suspended statewide until Monday, September 30. The FDC will be posting updates publicly and in real-time at FDC.myflorida.com/weather-updates
- The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) have finalized storm preparations to ensure the safety and security of staff and youth in our care. This includes fueling all vehicles, moving vehicles in low-lying and flood-prone areas to higher ground, testing and ensuring adequate fuel supplies for generators in the event of loss of power, and ensuring food, medicine, and emergency supplies are stocked and ready.
For previous updates see below:
9/24/2024
9/25/2024

Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Helene.

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MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s BioSentinel Studies Solar Radiation as Earth Watches Aurora

Source: NASA

In May 2024, a geomagnetic storm hit Earth, sending auroras across the planet’s skies in a once-in-a-generation light display. These dazzling sights are possible because of the interaction of coronal mass ejections – explosions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun – with Earth’s magnetic field, which protects us from the radiation the Sun spits out during turbulent storms.
But what might happen to humans beyond the safety of Earth’s protection? This question is essential as NASA plans to send humans to the Moon and on to Mars. During the May storm, the small spacecraft BioSentinel was collecting data to learn more about the impacts of radiation in deep space.
“We wanted to take advantage of the unique stage of the solar cycle we’re in – the solar maximum, when the Sun is at its most active – so that we can continue to monitor the space radiation environment,” said Sergio Santa Maria, principal investigator for BioSentinel’s spaceflight mission at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. “These data are relevant not just to the heliophysics community but also to understand the radiation environment for future crewed missions into deep space.”
BioSentinel – a small satellite about the size of a cereal box – is currently over 30 million miles from Earth, orbiting the Sun, where it weathered May’s coronal mass ejection without protection from a planetary magnetic field. Preliminary analysis of the data collected indicates that even though this was an extreme geomagnetic storm, that is, a storm that disturbs Earth’s magnetic field, it was considered just a moderate solar radiation storm, meaning it did not produce a great increase in hazardous solar particles. Therefore, such a storm did not pose any major issue to terrestrial lifeforms, even if they were unprotected as BioSentinel was. These measurements provide useful information for scientists trying to understand how solar radiation storms move through space and where their effects – and potential impacts on life beyond Earth – are most intense.

The original mission of BioSentinel was to study samples of yeast in deep space. Though these yeast samples are no longer alive, BioSentinel has adapted and continues to be a novel platform for studying the potential impacts of deep space conditions on life beyond the protection of Earth’s atmosphere and magnetosphere. The spacecraft’s biosensor instrument collects data about the radiation in deep space. Over a year and a half after its launch in Nov. 2022, BioSentinel retreats farther away from Earth, providing data of increasing value to scientists.
“Even though the biological part of the BioSentinel mission was completed a few months after launch, we believe that there is significant scientific value in continuing with the mission,” said Santa Maria. “The fact that the CubeSat continues to operate and that we can communicate with it, highlights the potential use of the spacecraft and many of its subsystems and components for future long-term missions beyond low Earth orbit.”
When we see auroras in the sky, they can serve as a stunning reminder of all the forces we cannot see that govern our cosmic neighborhood. As NASA and its partners seek to understand more about space environments, platforms like BioSentinel are essential to learn more about the risks of surviving beyond Earth’s sphere of protection.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Ahtahkakoop — UPDATE* Ahtahkakoop RCMP: Report of firearm discharged at motorist

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

September 25, 2024
Ahtahkakoop, Saskatchewan

News release

Ahtahkakoop RCMP have arrested one adult male in relation to this incident.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Further updates and information will be provided when available.

–30–

Backgrounder

Ahtahkakoop RCMP: Report of firearm discharged at motorist

2024-09-25

On Wednesday, September 25 at 6:28 p.m., Ahtahkakoop RCMP received a report of a firearm being discharged at a motorist. The incident occurred approximately 5-10 minutes before that just outside of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

It was reported that a driver was travelling on a grid road on the north boundary of Ahtahkakoop when they came across a black Chevrolet Equinox parked on the side of the road, looking in need of assistance. The individual pulled over and approached the Equinox. The driver of the Equinox pointed a firearm at the individual and reportedly discharged it in their direction multiple times. No injuries have been reported to police.

It is believed there were three individuals inside the Chevrolet Equinox at the time of the incident: an adult male (the driver) and two adult females. The male driver may have had a tattoo above his right eye. At this time, we don’t have fulsome descriptions of these individuals. The license plate of the Equinox may be: 642 HPR. If we have more information as the investigation unfolds, an update will be provided.

Police are asking anyone who sees the suspect vehicle to report it immediately by calling 310-RCMP. In an emergency, call 911. The vehicle should not be approached. The occupants are considered armed and dangerous. The public is asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.

Should an imminent risk to public safety be identified, the Saskatchewan RCMP will notify the public.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Black Lake — Black Lake RCMP investigating ATV-related fatality
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On September 23, 2024 at approximately 4:20 p.m., Black Lake RCMP received a report of an ATV-related injury on Highway #905 between Black Lake and Stony Rapids, SK.

Officers responded along with local EMS and located an injured adult male, who had been a passenger on the ATV. He was transported to hospital and later declared deceased. He has been identified as a 31-year-old from Black Lake, SK. His family has been notified.

No other injuries were reported to police. As a result of further investigation, the driver of the ATV was arrested.

30-year-old Jacy Yooya from Black Lake, SK is charged with:
- one count, dangerous operation of motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code;
- one count, criminal negligence causing death without firearm, Section 220(b), Criminal Code;
- one count, resist/obstruct peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code; and
- one count, failure to stop after accident resulting in death, Section 320.16(3), Criminal Code.
Jacy Yooya is scheduled to appear in court on September 26, 2024.

Black Lake RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

Saskatchewan RCMP’s General Investigation Section assisted in this investigation.

MIL Security OSI –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Colorado Man Sentenced to Prison on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Actions During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

WASHINGTON— A Colorado man was sentenced to prison today after he was convicted of multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

Tyler Earl Ethridge, 35, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to seven months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras.

Judge Contreras convicted Ethridge of obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder, both felony offenses, on Sept. 8, 2023. In addition to the felonies, Ethridge was convicted of several misdemeanor offenses, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

Judge Contreras sentenced Ethridge on a felony offense of civil disorder and misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

According to evidence presented during the trial, Ethridge traveled from his home in Colorado to Washington, D.C., and on Jan. 6, 2021, attend the former President’s “Stop the Steal” rally on the National Mall. Ethridge left during the rally and made his way toward the Capitol building. At approximately 12:55 p.m., while on restricted Capitol grounds near the Peace Circle, Ethridge and the crowd encountered a line of bike rack barricades, fencing, and police officers preventing their advance. Court documents say that the crowd—including Ethridge—surged forward, destroying the barricades, overwhelming police, and knocking an officer to the ground. Ethridge also helped remove the bicycle rack fencing erected on the northwest approach to the Capitol, which bore a large sign declaring “Area Closed.”

Ethridge proceeded with the crowd past the barricades to the West Plaza outside of the Capitol. There, while people in Ethridge’s earshot chanted “Stop the steal! Stop the steal!”, Ethridge was pepper-sprayed and shot with rubber bullets by police officers attempting to control and disperse the crowd. Ethridge was not deterred. He then climbed a media scaffolding and exhorted the crowd to continue fighting the police.

At approximately 2:35 p.m., Ethridge entered the Capitol building via the Upper West Terrace Door. From there, Ethridge proceeded to the Rotunda. As he walked to and then up the stairs leading to the Rotunda, Ethridge recorded video on his cell phone. In that video, loud alarms are blaring as Ethridge urges another protestor to “cover your face.” Ethridge stayed in the Rotunda for approximately three minutes. While in the Rotunda, police officers attempting to control and disperse the crowd deployed more pepper spray, and again Ethridge suffered its effects. Rather than exit the Capitol, however, Ethridge remained and filmed several videos that he posted to social media.

In one such video, Ethridge stated:

“We stormed the Capitol. [. . .] This is amazing. I hope this doesn’t get me thrown in jail. I’m officially a pastor. This is what pastors need to do. […] Christians, we need to infiltrate every area of society like this. Every area of society like this. Peacefully. But if it takes a little bit of aggression to barge through the walls that Satan separates us from the culture, it’s time for the body of Christ to infiltrate the culture.”

Minutes after leaving the Rotunda, Ethridge joined a crowd of rioters in the hallway between the Rotunda and the Senate Chamber. There, Ethridge and the other rioters forcibly resisted police efforts to clear the area, by bracing his body and attempting to physically resist the officers’ efforts to move him out of the hallway. After this physical conflict with law enforcement officers, Ethridge returned to the Rotunda, where he stayed for approximately 10 minutes. Ethridge then exited the Capitol building, having spent approximately 30 minutes inside the building.

In the aftermath of Jan. 6, Ethridge remained active on social media. In one post, dated Sept. 24, 2021, he wrote, “Don’t be afraid of what they sentence you with. I’m not. I’m ready for whatever I’ll be charged with. America is still primed and ready.”

The FBI arrested Ethridge on July 8, 2022, in Colorado.

This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Denver Field Office and its Colorado Springs Resident Agency, and the FBI’s Dallas Field Office and its Abilene Resident Agency. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

In the 44 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,504 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 560 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

###

Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Pelican Narrows — ARRESTED – Saskatchewan RCMP CRT: male wanted after pointing firearm at officers
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

September 25, 2024
Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan

News release

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

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

Details of his court appearance are pending.

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

–30–

Backgrounder

Saskatchewan RCMP CRT: male wanted after pointing firearm at officers

2024-09-18

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

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

As a result, 26-year-old Solomon Custer from Pelican Narrows is charged with:
- 1 count, pointing a firearm, section 87(1) of the Criminal Code
- 1 count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, section 88(1) of the Criminal Code
- 1 count, resist arrest, section 129(a) of the Criminal Code
- 1 count, assault on a police officer with a weapon, section 270.01(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

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

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

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

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

MIL Security OSI –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: News Briefs: July-September 2024
Source: US Geological Survey
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News
News Briefs: July-September 2024
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MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina
Source: US State of North Carolina

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

NCDHHS Livestream Fireside Chat and Tele-Town Hall: Understanding Seasonal Vaccines and Respiratory Health In North Carolina
rmbeck
Wed, 09/25/2024 – 15:35
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., to discuss how seasonal vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, help protect communities against severe illness, hospitalization and long-term health complications. The event will be moderated by Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., NCDHHS’ State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer.

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

Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:
- How to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines
- What to know about RSV protection, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines
- Ways to find a health provider near you and access care
- Steps to protect yourself and your household against seasonal illness
- How to access free vaccines for children
During the 2023-2024 respiratory season, North Carolina experienced its highest number of pediatric flu deaths (16) since public health reporting began in 2004, with 81% of the flu deaths occurring in children who did not get a flu shot last year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visite Vacunate.nc.gov para obtener información, orientación y recursos sobre las vacunas estacionales y cómo apoyan la salud respiratoria.
Sep 26, 2024

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Earns Position on Dean’s List of the National Shooting Sports Foundation Report Card

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council’s dedicated teams on high alert again as weather warning issued
Source: City of Wolverhampton

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advice and guidance can be found at Flood Warning.

Do not email in an emergency, for anything urgent ring one of the numbers below:
- 01902 55 5511 between 9am and 5pm weekdays
- 01902 44 2999 out of hours
- Forecasts are being regularly updated so please visit Met Office for the most up-to-date information on weather warnings – the Wolverhampton forecast is available here. Please also visit GOV.UK to view the latest on any Environment Agency flood alerts or warnings (there is also an option on this page to sign up directly for the free flood warning notification service).
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Situation between Lebanon and Israel: joint statement, 26 September 2024
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Joint statement by Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the UK, USA, and Qatar.
Joint statement:

The situation between Lebanon and Israel since 8 October 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.

It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.

Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.

Thus we call for an immediate 21 day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement consistent with UNSCR 1701, and the implementation of UNSCR 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza

We call on all parties, including the Governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately consistent with UNSCR 1701 during this period, and to give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement.

We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether.

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Published 26 September 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two Convicted Gang Members Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for RICO, Hobbs Act Violations

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

WACO, Texas – Two Temple men were sentenced today to life in federal prison for crimes committed in violation of the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act and the Hobbs Act. In February, a federal jury found the men guilty of all charges.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Atorius Marquis Williams aka Lil Man, 27, and Trashawn Lamar Alexander aka Mad Max, 30, were members and associates of a criminal organization referred to as Killas With Aggression (KWA), an organization engaged in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce by, among other things, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to rob persons engaged in the distribution of controlled substances.

Williams and Alexander, along with codefendant Demonta Daniels aka Tado aka Tato, conspired to commit four murders, multiple violent assaults, extortion, drug trafficking and armed robberies in furtherance of the criminal enterprise. Specifically, the indictment alleges four overt acts to include murder—one committed by Williams on Sept. 30, 2017, in Belton; the second, committed by Williams and Alexander on Dec. 10, 2017, in Temple; the third, committed by Williams and Daniels on Jan. 16, 2018, in Temple; and the fourth, committed by Williams, Daniels and Alexander on Jan. 31, 2018, in Temple.

Additionally, the defendants conspired to affect commerce by robbery, committing acts of physical violence and threatening to commit acts of physical violence to steal controlled substances and proceeds from persons engaged in illegal drug distribution. Williams, Daniels and Alexander were also convicted of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, namely robbery. Alexander was convicted of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

On Monday, Alexander and Williams were each sentenced to life in prison for three counts and a concurrent 20 years in prison for three additional counts.

“The result in this case is a testament to this office’s commitment to seek justice for our community members,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “It reflects the hard work and interagency cooperation of our federal and state law enforcement partners, whose efforts brought this case to a successful conclusion. Violence in our communities will not be tolerated and justice will be served.”

“Texas citizens have the right to feel safe from violent crime. The drug and gang activity that fuels these acts in our communities is unacceptable,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio field office. “Our agents have put in years of hard work to bring these defendants – Atorius Williams and Trashawn Alexander – to justice, and today’s sentence is evidence of their dedication. We want to thank our partners for their continued dedication to keeping our communities safe from violent crime.”

Daniels will be sentenced at a later date. Seven other codefendants in the case had been sentenced prior to todays. Dominic Johnson was sentenced in January 2023 to 70 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; Desmond Wilkerson was sentenced in September 2023 to 71 months in prison for racketeering conspiracy; James Roy Whitfield Jr was sentenced on Feb. 13 to 102 months in prison for one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of aiding and abetting; Jason Mayse was sentenced on Feb. 13 to 40 months for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; Jyaraciel Whitfield was sentenced in September 2023 to 144 months in prison for one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of aiding and abetting; Christopher Meyers was sentenced in August 2022 to 144 months in prison for racketeering conspiracy; and Reginald Williams was sentenced in September 2023 to 96 months in prison for one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of aiding and abetting.

The FBI, Temple Police Department, Belton Police Department, Bell County Organized Crime Unit, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Cameron Police Department, and Hearne Police Department investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Killeen Police Department and Bell County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Blanton prosecuted the case.

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

###

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: High-level Open Debate: “Leadership for peace: United in respect of the UN Charter in search of a secure future” Address by Jean-Noël Barrot Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs at the Security Council (25.09.24

Source: Republic of France in English
The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

President,

I would like to thank Slovenia for organizing this open debate, and the UN Secretary-General, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for their remarks.

Our Council had to meet at a time when the world was being struck and divided by major conflicts of an exceptional gravity. And unfortunately, these conflicts are growing in number. It is the responsibility of our Council to resolve them and it needs to do more.

Our first responsibility is to enforce the rules that govern the international order and to enforce the Charter of the United Nations.

This means condemning without hesitation Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, its neighbour. As I said yesterday: the Ukrainian people have been subjected to atrocities, war crimes, and indiscriminate bombardments on civilian targets on a daily basis for over 900 days. They are unjustly living in fear and suffering.

This means condemning all violations committed by Russia. This means demanding that Russia end its war of aggression on Ukraine immediately and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory. The General Assembly made this demand seven times in no uncertain terms.

We have a responsibility to support Ukraine in its right to self-defence. France and its partners will continue to support Ukrainians as long as it takes in its efforts to stop Russia’s aggression and to find a just peace. And a just peace can only be based on compliance with our common Charter. It is at the core of President Zelenskyy’s peace plan that we support.

We have a responsibility to uphold the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations in the face of an unequivocally illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression. Of this I am certain: these principles are dear to all of us, particularly the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. Without these principles, it is the strong who make the law and not the law that governs the strong. Without these principles, borders would no longer be intangible. Without these principles, States would no longer have security and everyone would fear an invasion by their neighbour. We must uphold these principles and enforce them. You all understand that compliance with international law is our compass everywhere.

We have clearly said since the barbaric terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and other terrorist groups on 7 October, which we condemn in the strongest terms, that Israel has the right to defend itself against aggression and the duty to do so in compliance with international law, particularly international humanitarian law. Everyone must respect this law, including Israel.

The war in Gaza must stop now. For civilians, for the men and women of Gaza whose suffering must end; for the hostages who must finally be released, and for stability in the region, which is currently deeply shaken.

The situation is untenable. The number of civilian victims is intolerable. In the face of this humanitarian disaster, it is vital to establish an immediate and permanent ceasefire and to enable the massive unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid as a matter of urgency. The civilian population’s needs are huge.

To ensure a lasting end to the crisis in the Middle East, it is vital to reach a political settlement of the conflict between Israel and Palestine as a matter of urgency. This settlement is a two-state solution. You can count on France to continue to take the helm, with its partners, in promoting a critical and irreversible revitalization of peace efforts.

It is also vital to now begin building the future of Gaza, the “day after”. It is up to the Palestinian Authority, which we support, to exercise its full authority over Gaza. For this to become a reality, the United Nations has and will have a central role to play.

President,

These vital demands must not be paid lip service but met with action. And I will say it again: our collective responsibility is to ensure this happens. That is why France will continue to work within this Council to sketch out this path.

I asked that a meeting be held this evening on Lebanon, as hundreds of Lebanese people, including children, have lost their lives in Israel’s strikes. At a time when this Council must call for de-escalation to avoid regional conflagration with devasting outcomes. Our Council must call for reason, which requires restraint and a ceasefire, something that it has been doing for a long time.

President,

No war, no humanitarian tragedy should be forgotten.

In Sudan, more than half the population is suffering from acute food insecurity. Famine has taken hold in the Zamzun camp in North Darfur. The situation is tragic. And we must remain mobilized. To raise awareness of the international community and to work together to address this tragic situation in Sudan, we held a conference in Paris where we raised more than €2 billion, €900 million of which from the European Union and its Member States, to support civilian populations in Sudan and its neighbouring countries. Many of our States signed a declaration of principles calling for Parties in the conflict to cease their hostilities, abide by their commitments and deliver on their obligations with respect to international humanitarian law and human rights. We have called on all States to refrain from any committing any acts that would fuel the conflict. I reiterate this appeal here today.

Many diplomatic efforts have been made in recent months to end the crisis. These initiatives have produced humanitarian advances, such as the issuance of visas for humanitarian workers and the re-opening of the Adre border post. These advances are encouraging but are still not enough given the urgency of the situation. Together, we must do more.

President,

As members of this Council, and more broadly as members of the United Nations, we must work to ensure the Security Council is capable of fully exercising its prime responsibility in upholding international peace and security.

That is the reason for France’s clear, long-standing and constant support for a comprehensive reform of the Security Council, based on the belief that expansion of both membership categories is required.

We have been tirelessly advocating greater representation of Africa on the Security Council for 20 years, including among the permanent members. That is a key aspect of the G4 model, which we support, just as we support the aspirations of Brazil, Germany, India and Japan to gain permanent membership.

In this same spirit of responsibility, France and Mexico promote an initiative that requires no amendment of the Charter. It is a commitment, an essential one, not to use a veto in the event of mass atrocities. That is a major expectation of the UN’s Member States. We owe it to them to progress on this matter.

President,

The principle of humanity must prevail. This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and I would like to recall that they are universal and apply in all circumstances in the event of armed conflict.

We need to ensure they are enforced. We will reiterate this at high level, with the ICRC which is their guarantor. We need to enforce international humanitarian law. Because respect for these rules saves lives: the lives of women, children and men who suffer in war; the lives of the humanitarian personnel who try to save them, and whose immense courage I salute; and the lives of those, too, who will otherwise live with a terrible injury in their memory.

There is only one standard: the law, made up of our Charter and our Conventions, which put humanity first.

You can count on France to enforce this standard.

Our Council, too, must enforce it in all circumstances.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: House Democrats Hold Hearing Highlighting Underwood Resolution Condemning Project 2025
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, House Democrats held a hearing on Project 2025’s impacts on American families, highlighting House Resolution 1386, Rep. Lauren Underwood’s (IL-14) resolution to officially condemn Project 2025 and the sweeping harm that it would do to our democracy.

Project 2025, otherwise known as the Presidential Transition Project, is a 900+ page “playbook” for the first 180 days of an incoming Trump administration. It is a step-by-step guide for dismantling critical agencies that serve Americans, restructuring the executive branch, and installing Trump loyalists and operatives at nearly every level of government.

If enacted, Project 2025 will radically alter the lives of every American.

The blueprint would strip away fundamental freedoms, destroy checks and balances on presidential powers, and lead to rising costs on health care, child care, housing, groceries, and gas.

Project 2025 would:
- End Social Security and Medicare as we know it, forcing hardworking Americans to work longer for less.
- Devastate working families across America, raising costs, lowering wages, destroying our environment, and dismantling access to health care.
- Remove protections for people with pre-existing health conditions, raise prescription drug prices, ban Medicare from negotiating lower drug costs, and put a new tax on health insurance for people who get coverage at work.
- Criminalize abortion nationwide, restrict access to birth control, and even ban fertility services like IVF.
- Allow government agents to monitor pregnancies to potentially prosecute parents if they miscarry.
- Cut school meals for kids, end Head Start for preschoolers, slash public school funding, and fire teachers across the country.
- Raise costs and slash investments for working families to give huge new tax breaks to billionaires, CEOs, and the biggest corporations.
- Threaten America’s national security and our ability to compete across the globe.
- Destroy fundamental checks and balances on Presidential powers.
At the hearing, Underwood said, “As one of the only nurses in Congress, to me, Project 2025’s direct attacks on our health care are some of the most alarming parts of this 920+ page document.

This plan is extreme in the truest sense of the word. It calls to eliminate protections for people with preexisting conditions like myself, proposes new taxes on people who get their health coverage from work, and would cause the cost of prescription drugs to skyrocket.

To put it simply: Donald Trump’s Project 2025 will make more Americans sick and leave them without the coverage they need to take care of themselves and their families.

Few people understand these threats better than our providers, and I am so pleased to be joined today by a fellow Registered Nurse, Vicki Gonzalez. Vicki has been an RN since 1986. For the past 20 years, she has worked as a wound and ostomy nurse at one of our nation’s largest hospitals, Jackson Memorial in Miami. Vicki has seen firsthand how the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid have brought high quality, affordable care to so many people who previously couldn’t afford to go to the doctor, and instead ended up deathly sick in the emergency room. And Vicki knows how dire it would be for these people to once again have to choose between putting food on the table and getting the care they need.”

To view Underwood’s full remarks visit this link. Full text of House Resolution 1386 can be found here.

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MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Scholten Celebrates Muskegon Heights’ Assistance to Firefighters Grant Totaling Over $65K

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) is proud to announce Muskegon Heights will receive over $65K in an Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant will help equip the department with the necessary tools, training, and personnel to maintain emergency preparedness.

“When West Michiganders are in crisis, our fire departments are often the first to respond,” said Scholten. “We are so fortunate to have our brave firefighters supporting our community through natural disasters and other emergencies. These investments will ensure the Muskegon Heights Fire Department is at peak preparedness and equipped with the most up-to-date, lifesaving technologies.”

“We express our deepest gratitude for Congresswoman Scholten’s continued support of the City of Muskegon Heights and for her assistance with securing the AFG Grant for the Muskegon Heights Fire Department,” said Muskegon Heights Fire Chief Shawn Roberson. “Her dedication to improving our community and ensuring the safety of its residents is truly commendable. We are grateful for her unwavering support.”

“I want to commend our Muskegon Heights Firefighters who took the initiative to research, prepare, and submit this grant,” said Muskegon Heights Mayor, Bonnie McGlothin. “The new exhaust system is needed and will contribute to the overall health and safety of our firefighters. In the past 18 months, the City has purchased several new fighting apparatuses and increased the staffing of its full-time professional firefighters. This is another step in our commitment to provide our firefighters with the equipment and training they need to keep our community safe.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Firearms Office Encourages Firearms Safety This Hunting Season

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on September 26, 2024

The Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO) wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable hunting season and reminds everyone that a secure firearm is a safe firearm.

“A successful hunt starts with safety,” SFO Deputy Commissioner and Chief Firearms Officer Murray Cowan said. “Respect your firearm, respect wildlife, and respect the environment. Hunting is not just about the harvest; it is about preserving the balance of nature and returning home safely.”

When transporting your firearms, ensure they are not loaded, are kept out of sight, locked securely in a case, or otherwise rendered inoperable (using a trigger lock or cable, or the bolt is removed), and that they are stored separately from live ammunition. Do not leave firearms unattended in your vehicle, and if you must, conceal them and do so briefly while the vehicle is kept within eyesight.

When hunting, ensure you have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) and Hunting and Fishing Licence (HAL) and be mindful of the training that came with those licences. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always control its muzzle, know your target and what’s beyond it, be aware of your surroundings, and always get permission to access private land.

The SFO is proud of its ongoing relationship with Métis Nation Saskatchewan (MN-S) to advance firearms safety and training for Métis citizens in the province.

“Our partnership with Métis Nation Saskatchewan is being built on trust, respect and a shared vision for the heritage of Saskatchewan,” SFO Commissioner Robert Freberg said. “Together, we are honouring traditional knowledge, while empowering meaningful, long-lasting collaboration, standing as a testament to the power of unity and mutual respect in shaping a brighter future for the province.”

The agreement signed last year outlines specific areas they will collaborate on and ensures funding for a community educator position within MN-S, who will work to educate their community members about firearms safety and storage, licensing and hunting. Thanks to this partnership, the SFO was invited to attend Back to Batoche this summer, where staff had the opportunity to provide firearms knowledge to festival attendees.

The SFO is also pleased to report that the new Saskatchewan Ballistics Laboratory is yielding positive results.

Since becoming operational, the lab has completed over 100 firearms examinations for police agencies in Saskatchewan, and it has been able to create linkages from crime scenes in Saskatchewan to others in Canada and the United States. The reduced wait times for forensic testing has also positively impacted prosecutions and court timelines, as tests that would have taken months to complete are now being completed before first court appearances occur.

The SFO is committed to its role in enhancing public safety through community outreach and education, promoting safe firearms use and ownership, and advocating for the proud and longstanding heritage of responsible firearms stewardship in Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine

Source: United Nations secretary general

The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine.

The Secretary-General and Prime Minister Mustafa discussed the war in Gaza, the urgent need for an agreement on an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages as well as the post war perspective. The Secretary-General also expressed concerns about the tense situation in the occupied West Bank.

They further spoke about the UN support to the Palestinian people, including the irreplaceable role played by UNRWA in Gaza and across the region.

They reaffirmed their shared commitment towards ending the occupation and achieving a viable two-State solution, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of Israel and Palestine, in accordance with international law, relevant UN resolutions and prior agreements.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 23, 2025