NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Honoring Artisans: PM Vishwakarma Yojana

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 5:31PM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a significant initiative aimed at empowering artisans and craftspeople across India: the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. Launched on September 17, 2023, during Vishwakarma Jayanti at the India International Convention and Expo Centre in Dwarka, New Delhi, this scheme reflects the government’s commitment to supporting traditional craftsmanship. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Modi on August 16, 2023, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana aims to uplift individuals skilled in various traditional crafts, thereby preserving India’s rich cultural heritage.

    The scheme targets a vital segment of the workforce engaged in the informal or unorganised sector, where artisans—referred to as Vishwakarma—work with their hands and tools in occupations such as blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, and sculpting. These skills are often passed down through generations, adhering to the guru-shishya model of mentorship and training, which fosters the continuity of age-old traditions. By enhancing the quality and market accessibility of artisans’ products, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana seeks to integrate these skilled individuals into both domestic and global value chains.

    Since its launch, the scheme has garnered remarkable interest, with 25.8 million applications submitted. Out of these, 2.37 million applicants have successfully

     *As of Nov 4, 2024

    registered after completing a thorough three-step verification process. Moreover, nearly 1 million registered artisans have benefited from toolkit incentives of up to Rs 15,000 through e-vouchers, enabling them to acquire modern tools that enhance their craftsmanship. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana stands as a testament to the Indian government’s dedication to revitalizing traditional crafts and supporting the artisans who embody the nation’s cultural diversity and heritage.

     

    Highlights Of the Scheme
    • PM Vishwakarma Yojana is fully funded by the Union Government with a financial outlay of ₹13,000 crore for a period of five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027- 28).

     

     The Vishwakarmas are registered free of charge through Common Services Centres using a biometric-based PM Vishwakarma Portal.

     

    • The artisans and craftspeople are provided recognition through a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and an ID Card.
    • They receive collateral-free credit support of up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5%. The interest subvention by the Government of India will be to an extent of 8% and provided upfront to the banks.

     

    • The scheme further provides craftsmen with methods of skill upgradation involving basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000 and incentives for digital transactions and marketing support.

     

     

    Key Benefits

     

    • Enhanced Access to Tooling Facilities: Improves MSMEs’ access to tooling resources, boosting their efficiency and productivity.
    • Industry-Ready Manpower: Provides training programs to equip participants with skills that meet industry standards.
    • Support for Process and Product Development: Facilitates development initiatives within relevant sectors to enhance competitiveness.
    • Consultancy and Job Work Services: Offers tailored consultancy and job work to address the specific needs of various industries.

     

    Who Can Apply

     

    • Industrial Units: Targeted specifically for the MSME sector.
    • Training Program Eligibility: Open to individuals from school dropouts to those holding an M.Tech degree.

    25 traditional trades are covered under PM Vishwakarma Yojana

    PM Vishwakarma Yojana is an endeavour to uplift the Vishwakarmas of India who work tirelessly with their hands and tools, connecting them to the mainstream of development and making them self-reliant.

    The scheme provide support to artisans and craftspeople in rural and urban areas across India and will aid the poverty-alleviation efforts of the Government.

     

    References

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=195607 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1948891

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1949410#:~:text=Under%20PM%20 Vishwakarma%20scheme%2C%20the,concessional%20interest%20rate%20of%205%25

    https://twitter.com/mygovindia/status/1692433142777315339  https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in/

    https://msme.gov.in/sites/default/files/MSMESchemebooklet2024.pdf

    https://pmvishwakarma.gov.in/Home/FAQ#:~:text=Carpenter%20(Suthar)%2C%20Boat%20Maker,Mat%20maker%2F%20Coir%20Weaver%2F%20Broom

     

    To read the guidelines click here For more information click here

    Click here to download PDF

    ****

    Santosh Kumar/Ritu Kataria/Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2070639) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McKesson Corp. subsidiary to pay $448K in back wages, interest to resolve alleged systemic racial hiring discrimination in Grapevine

    Source: US Department of Labor

    GRAPEVINE, TX – The U.S. Department of Labor’s  Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has entered into an agreement with McKesson Medical-Surgical Inc., one of the nation’s largest distributors of medical supplies, to resolve alleged systemic hiring discrimination against nearly 900 Black, Hispanic and white applicants at its Grapevine distribution facility.

    A routine compliance evaluation by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs found the employer’s hiring practices allegedly discriminated against the applicants for associate material handler positions in Grapevine from Sept. 24, 2019, to Sept. 24, 2021, in violation of Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. OFCCP determined the alleged discrimination affected 472 Black, 226 Hispanic and 186 white applicants. 

    To resolve the allegations, McKesson Medical-Surgical will pay $448,578 in back wages and interest, and make job offers to 32 eligible applicants. The federal contractor will also ensure its hiring procedures do not discriminate and they will train management who oversee hiring decisions. McKesson Medical-Surgical currently has more than $32 million in federal contracts with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

    “Federal contractors must not engage in discriminatory hiring practices, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure its selection practices comply with federal law,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ Southwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Director Ronald W. Sullivan II in Dallas.

    McKesson Medical-Surgical Inc. is a subsidiary of the Irving-based McKesson Corp., a global healthcare services provider that partners with biopharma companies, care providers, pharmacies, manufacturers, governments, and others to deliver products and services.

    OFCCP launched the Class Member Locator to identify job applicants and/or workers who have been impacted by OFCCP’s compliance evaluations and complaint investigations and who may be entitled to a portion of monetary relief and/or consideration for job placement. In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. Together, these laws prohibit employment discrimination by federal contractors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Addressing Hate Crimes | COPS OFFICE

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Hate Crime)

    Trust is foundational to public safety. When a community is impacted by distrust of law enforcement, or violence and/or hate from others in the community, it is vital to foster healing and inclusion, and empower citizens to work in collaboration with law enforcement. COPS Office resources highlight effective approaches that law enforcement can use to lead the healing of distressed communities.

    HATE CRIME RESOURCES

    Hate Crimes: Recognition and Reporting enhances law enforcement’s response and the uniform patrol officer’s ability to recognize and report a hate crime. This includes addressing victim needs, reporting incidents, and building community trust. This curriculum was developed primarily for uniformed law enforcement officers (e.g., police, sheriff deputies, troopers, agents, etc.) and first line supervisors. This training can be delivered as an 8 hour direct or a 16 hour train the trainer.

    Hate Crime Investigations provides step-by-step methods for conducting a thorough hate/bias crime investigation to ensure accurate reporting and successful prosecution. The training provides specific strategies that effectively support victims and engage communities in the aftermath of a hate crime or hate incident. The curriculum was developed primarily for law enforcement personnel with investigatory responsibility (e.g., police, sheriff deputies, troopers, agents), investigators, and local prosecutors. This training is delivered as an 8 hour direct training.

    To request this no cost training, please request via the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center at CRI-TAC.

    NOT IN OUR TOWN

    Not In Our Town works to stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities through Film, new media, and organizing tools that help local leaders build vibrant, diverse cities and towns.

    Gender, Sexuality, and 21st Century Policing: Protecting the Rights of the LGBTQ+ Community      
    LGBTQ+ forum report and recommendations based on input from police departments and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. The report includes model practices, case studies and sample policies for eliminating bias against the LGBTQ+ community.    		 Stop Hate & Build Inclusion: Resources for Law Enforcement and Community Partners      
    This USB flash drive is a compilation of films and related publications intended to aid Not In Our Town’s (NIOT) national effort to connect people working together to take action against hate and create safe, inclusive communities. Moreover, these resources – along with NIOT’s other films, new media, and organizing tools – can help local leaders build vibrant diverse cities and towns where everyone can participate.

    Not In Our Town:

    		 Lessons to Advance Community Policing: Final Report for 2014 Microgrant Sites     
    In 2013, the COPS Office launched the Microgrant Initiative for Law Enforcement under the Community Policing Development program to facilitate the implementation or advancement of nationwide community policing efforts and address existing gaps in community policing knowledge and tools.
    Community-Based Approaches to Prevention: A Report on the 2014 National Summit on Preventing Multiple Casualty Violence     
    Offers a prevention toolkit adaptable to the needs of individual communities to help prevent multiple casualty violence

    Building Relationships of Trust:
    Innovators 2013: Reducing Crime by Increasing Trust in an Immigrant Community     
    Highlights the efforts of the 2013 L. Anthony Sutin Civic Imagination Award winners    		 Uniting Communities Post-9/11: Tactics for Cultivating Community Policing Partnerships with Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian Communities     
    Aims to explore how community oriented policing strategies could support homeland security initiatives
    Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness – A Guide for Law Enforcement     
    Identifies discussion questions and community policing best practices for law enforcement representatives organizing screenings of the PBS documentary film Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness    		 Stop and Frisk: Balancing Crime Control with Community Relations      
    Discusses stop and frisk’s unintended consequences and a series of practical recommendations the lawful
    Strengthening the Relationship between Law Enforcement and Communities of Color     
    Focuses on identifying what can be done to break the cycle of mistrust and cynicism that for too long has fractured the relationships between the law enforcement and communities of color    		 Building Stronger, Safer Communities     
    Offers leadership strategies and actionable tactics to help law enforcement agencies work with community partners
    Diaster Planning & Recovery: 9-1-1 Center Survivability      
    Addresses questions about preparing 911 centers to sustain a catastrophic event and learning from past experiences    		 E-COP: Using the Web to Enhance Community Oriented Policing     
    Highlights those technologies that are changing the way police are engaging with communities and delivering services
    Engaging Police in Immigrant Communities     
    Highlights promising practices that law enforcement agencies nationwide are using to build effective police-immigrant relations    		 Racial Reconciliation, Truth-Telling, and Police Legitimacy     
    Gives police executives the chance to hear from their own colleagues why racial reconciliation is morally, functionally, and operationally critical
    Bridging the Language Divide: Promising Practices for Law Enforcement     
    Discusses a national assessment of best practices for overcoming language barriers in policing    		 Building Trust Between the Police and the Citizens They Serve     
    Focuses on the pivotal role of the Internal Affairs function in building trust between law enforcement agencies, their staff, and the communities they protect and serve
    Building Strong Police-Immigrant Community Relations: Lessons from a New York City Project     
    Assists police departments, local government officials, and community groups interested in building good relations between the police and immigrant communities    		 Racially Biased Policing: Guidance for Analyzing Race Data from Vehicle Stops Executive Summary     
    Discusses responsible analysis and interpretation of vehicle stop data
    Racially Biased Policing: A Principled Response     
    Assists agencies in meeting the challenge of eradicating racially biased policing    		  

    COPS OFFICE FUNDED RESOURCES

    Vera Institute of Justice     
    Combines research, technical assistance, and demonstration projects to help leaders in civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL, human rights and international police cooperation

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    Updated Repository of Practice provides greater insight into how INTERPOL upholds its constitutional commitments to neutrality and human rights

    LYON, France – INTERPOL has today published an updated Repository of Practice (RoP) on how the Organization assesses member countries’ requests for international police cooperation, including Notices and Diffusions.

    The RoP outlines how the INTERPOL General Secretariat headquarters determines compliance with Articles 2(1) and 3 of the Organization’s Constitution which mandate that all activities align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and are not political, military, religious, or racial in nature.

    While the previous RoP published in 2013 only covered Article 3, this comprehensive document shares for the first time how INTERPOL determines compliance on human rights grounds.

    Using specific scenarios based on real-life cases, the updated RoP provides insights into the decision-making process for offences:

    • committed by current or former politicians and high-level civil servants or in the context of a coup d’état or situations of social/civil/political unrest
    • concerning freedom of assembly or of association
    • relating to terrorism or membership of a terrorist organization
    • involving sanctions violations
    • including religious or racial elements

    INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

    “As a neutral platform for international police cooperation, it is of utmost importance that our activities transcend domestic and global politics.

    “The Repository of Practice is a valuable resource which demonstrates INTERPOL’s commitment to upholding human rights principles and the rule of law in our activities.”

    The revised RoP, which will be regularly updated, reflects the evolving nature of transnational crime and INTERPOL’s continued work to ensure that its activities comply with its Constitution and rules.

    It builds on the creation in 2016 of the Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF), a dedicated multidisciplinary team that conducts a robust quality and legal compliance review of incoming Notice and Diffusions requests from member countries.

    Comprised of lawyers, police officers and operations specialists with a wide range of experience and language skills, the NDTF will either authorize or deny each request.

    Notices approved by the NDTF are published by the General Secretariat and all INTERPOL member countries are notified.

    If a Notice or Diffusion is denied because of non-compliance with Article 2(1) or 3 of the INTERPOL Constitution, no further cooperation is allowed to take place via INTERPOL.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI New York Prioritizes Election Security in Preparation for November 5 Voting

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

    In keeping with our standard election day protocol, FBI New York has stood up an election command post in preparation for the November 5 election. The command post is staffed 24 hours a day to provide a centralized location for assessing election-related threats in our area of responsibility.

    The FBI has a duty to plan for a host of potential scenarios related to election fraud, voter suppression, foreign malign influence, malicious cyber activity against election infrastructure, and threats to election workers. We are committed to protecting the American public’s right to a fair and safe election.

    For decades, the FBI has served as the primary agency responsible for investigating allegations of federal election crimes, including campaign finance violations, ballot/voter fraud, and civil rights violations. In close partnership with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the FBI established the Election Threats Task Force to identify and address reported threats targeting election workers.

    The FBI takes our responsibility very seriously, and works closely with our federal, state, and local partners to identify and stop any potential threats to public safety. We gather and analyze intelligence to determine whether individuals might be motivated to take violent action for any reason, including due to concerns about the election.

    It is vital the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and the public work together to protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. The FBI takes all threats of violence seriously, including threats targeting those who do the critical work of administering free and fair elections throughout the U.S.

    The Justice Department has long recognized that the states—not the federal government— are responsible for administering elections, determining the validity of votes, and tabulating the results, with challenges handled by the appropriate election administrators, officials, legislatures, and courts. The Department’s role is limited to investigating and prosecuting violations of federal election laws and deterring criminal conduct.

    FBI New York encourages citizens to report allegations of election fraud and other election abuses to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fifteen Charged in Lorain County Drug Trafficking Ring That Distributed More Than 42,000 Fentanyl Pills

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

    CLEVELAND – Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials have unsealed an indictment that charged 15 members of a Drug Trafficking Operation (DTO) based in Lorain County, Ohio.

    According to court documents, the DTO was allegedly trafficking fentanyl in counterfeit pill form in the cities of Elyria and Lorain and the surrounding Northeast Ohio areas. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko, DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville Greene, FBI Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen, and Lorain Police Department Chief James P. McCann.

    The investigation that led to the indictment took place over the last year and a half. Agents apprehended individuals in a series of coordinated arrests.  They seized large quantities of fentanyl that included thousands of fentanyl pills made to look like legitimate prescription medications. Agents also discovered cash and several illegally possessed firearms during the investigation.

    “Given its extreme potency, fentanyl is extraordinarily dangerous—it has poisoned and killed over 3,500 Ohioans in 2023 alone.  Distributing it disguised as legitimate prescription medication, as the indictment alleges the defendants did here, is particularly condemnable because it heightens the overdose danger for those who ingest it,” said United States Attorney Lutzko. “I commend the incredible cooperation among our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to take thousands of these deadly pills off the streets. Their dedication and hard work led to a successful disruption of this organization, helping to make our neighborhoods safer and free from the criminals who peddle these poisons on our streets.”

    The following defendants were charged in the 19-count indictment:

    Ronald Whittaker, 31, Cleveland, Ohio

    Tyvez McCullum, 30, Elyria, Ohio

    Ivan Barrios, 45, Lorain, Ohio

    Tavon Martin, 28, Lorain, Ohio

    Jaivon Wint, 27, Lorain, Ohio

    Katlynn Caudill, 22, Lorain, Ohio

    Nicholas Thomson, 47, Elyria, Ohio 

    Max Kennedy, 19, Wellington, Ohio

    Jordan Johnson, 29, Elyria, Ohio

    Angela Shuck, 35, Lorain, Ohio

    Stacey Thomson, 48, Elyria, Ohio

    Tyrone Phillips, 25, Elyria, Ohio

    Joseph Kushner, 32, Berea, Ohio

    Nicholas Burkholder, 29, Elyria, Ohio

    Aubrey Brown, 29, Elyria, Ohio

    According to the indictment, from about May 2023 to October 2024, the defendants conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, mixtures and substances containing amounts of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

    It is alleged that McCullum and Whittaker led the conspiracy. After receiving pill supplies from Whittaker, McCullum would redistribute the fentanyl pills to the others listed in the indictment. Those individuals would, in turn, further distribute the fentanyl pills to their own networks throughout the Elyria and Lorain region. The named defendants are allegedly responsible for the distribution of at least 4,406.25 estimated grams of fentanyl and/or 42,793 blue fentanyl pills.

    “We will continue leveraging every available resource to disrupt, dismantle and defeat Drug Trafficking Organizations spreading deadly poisons in Ohio. Our collaboration with local, state and federal partners is not just about enforcement, but it’s about safeguarding the future of our communities and ensuring they remain safe and drug-free,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville Greene.

    “Illegal drugs are devastating lives and corrupting communities all across northern Ohio,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “This indictment underscores the commitment not only of the FBI, but our multi-agency partners who work collaboratively to identify local drug traffickers and disrupt and dismantle their drug trafficking networks.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, each defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

    This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the DEA, FBI Cleveland Division, HSI, City of Lorain Police Department, City of Elyria Police Department, Lorain County Drug Task Force, United States Marshals Service, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, and the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert F. Corts and Paul Hanna for the Northern District of Ohio.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties

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

    United States Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida announced today that the Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Broward County and Miami-Dade County for the Nov. 5 general election.

    The Justice Department enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country.

    The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort. Monitors will include Justice Department personnel, who will contact state and local election officials as needed throughout Election Day.

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion.

    On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports may be made through the department’s website www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-253-3931.

    Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov.

    Complaints related to any disruptions at a polling place should always be reported to local election officials (including officials based in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.

    More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Miami-Dade Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to $150,000 COVID-19 Fraud

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

    MIAMI – Yesterday, Daniel Fleureme, 56, of Miami-Dade County, a former Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCRD) Corrections Officer, pled guilty to wire fraud for defrauding a COVID-19 relief program by fraudulently obtaining an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

    The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act were Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruptions. These EIDLs were provided directly to borrowers by the SBA.

    On July 27, 2020, Fleureme, while he was employed full-time by MDCRD as a Corrections Officer, submitted to the SBA a false and fraudulent EIDL application claiming to be the 100% owner of a sole proprietorship operating under the company legal and DBA names of “Daniel Fleureme.” In this fraudulent application, Fleureme claimed that he had owned the business since its creation on Feb. 15, 2017, and stated that the business had three employees as of Jan. 31, 2020. Fleureme’s EIDL application also falsely certified that for the 12-month period prior to Jan. 31, 2020, his sole proprietorship had gross revenues of $450,000 and a cost of goods sold of only $97,000. As a result of this fraudulent EIDL application, Fleureme received approximately $150,000 in EIDL proceeds from the SBA.

    He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez in Miami. Fleureme faces up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud conviction. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, Inspector General Felix Jimenez of the Miami-Dade County Office of Inspector General (M-DC OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), Eastern Region, made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Miami Area Corruption Task Force, which includes task force officers from the M-DC OIG, working in conjunction with SBA OIG, investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward N. Stamm is prosecuting the case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    On Sept. 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud.  The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed multiple instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20407.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department to Monitor Compliance in Four South Dakota Counties

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

    SIOUX FALLS – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that the Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in Bennett, Jackson, Minnehaha, and Oglala Lakota Counties for the Nov. 5 general election.

    The Justice Department enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country.

    The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort. Monitors will include Justice Department personnel, who will contact state and local election officials as needed throughout Election Day.

    The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion.

    On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports may be made through the department’s website www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-253-3931. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be available to receive complaints on Election Day at (605) 838-9446. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (605) 334-6881.

    Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov.

    Complaints related to any disruptions at a polling place should always be reported to local election officials (including officials based in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.

    More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

    Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Ni-Vanuatu journalist Doddy Morris balances grief and duty in the aftermath of earthquake

    By Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson

    For Doddy Morris, a journalist with the Vanuatu Daily Post, the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu last month on December 17, 2024, was more than just a story — it was a personal tragedy.

    Amid the chaos, Morris learned his brother, an Anglican priest, had died.

    “My mom called me crying and asked, ‘Did your brother die?’. I wasn’t sure and told her I was heading to Vila Central Hospital right away,” he recalled.

    Morris arrived at the hospital to confirm the worst. “My heart sank when I confirmed that my brother had indeed passed away. At that moment, I forgot about my job.”

    Doddy’s brother’s coffin . . . Doddy bids him farewell before the casket is flown to their home island. Image: Doddy Morris The New Atoll

    Despite his grief, Morris joined his remaining brothers at the hospital mortuary that night, staying by their deceased sibling’s side and mourning together. “We were the only ones there. We spent the whole night drinking kava outside while he lay in the cool room,” he said.

    The quake — which claimed 14 lives, injured more than 265 people, and displaced more than 1000 — left an indelible mark on Port Vila and its residents. Infrastructure damage was extensive, with schools, homes, and water reserves destroyed, and the Central Business District (CBD) heavily impacted.

    In the days following the earthquake, Morris returned to his role as a reporter, capturing the unfolding crisis despite the emotional toll. “When the earthquake struck, I thought I was going to die myself,” he said. Yet, minutes after the tremor subsided, he grabbed his camera and rushed to the CBD.

    At the heart of the destruction, he witnessed harrowing scenes. “I was shocked to see the collapsed Billabong building. A body lay covered with a blue tarpaulin, and Pro Rescue teams were trying to save others who were trapped inside,” Morris recounted.

    The lack of a network connection frustrated his efforts to report live, but he pressed on, documenting the damage.

    A month after the disaster, Morris continues to cover the aftermath as Vanuatu transitions from emergency response to recovery. “A month has passed since the earthquake, but the memories remain fresh. We don’t know when Port Vila will return to normal,” he said.

    His photojournalism has been demonstrating the true impact of the earthquake as he continues to capture the mourning of a nation after such a tragic event.

    Doddy Morris’ photojournalism . . . demonstrating the true impact of the earthquake as he continues to capture the mourning of a nation after such a tragic event. Image: Vanuatu Daily Post/The New Atoll

    The earthquake left deep scars, not only on the nation’s infrastructure but also on its people. “Unlike cyclones, which we can predict, prepare for, and survive, earthquakes strike without warning and show no mercy,” Morris said.

    Through grief and uncertainty, Morris remains committed to his work, documenting the resilience of his community and the challenges they face as they rebuild. His reporting serves as a testament to the strength of both the people of Vanuatu and a journalist who continues to bear witness, even in the face of personal loss.

    Journalist Doddy Morris . . . reporting on the traumatic events of the earthquake meant confronting his own grief while documenting the grief of others. Image: The New Atoll

    Reporting on his own community while grappling with personal loss is a reality for many Pacific Island journalists who cover disasters. For Doddy Morris, reporting on the traumatic events of the earthquake meant confronting his own grief while documenting the grief of others.

    Dr Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson is a Pacific journalism trainer with the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. She expresses her support for Morris and his colleagues in showing “extraordinary courage and resilience”. This article was first published by The New Atoll and is republished with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: TeraWulf Announces October 2024 Production and Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Accelerating delivery of 72.5 MW high-performance computing (HPC) hosting capacity by end of Q2 2025

    8.1 EH/s of operational self-mining capacity, up 62% year-over-year

    EASTON, Md., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TeraWulf Inc. (Nasdaq: WULF) (“TeraWulf” or the “Company”), a leading owner and operator of vertically integrated, next-generation digital infrastructure powered by predominantly zero-carbon energy, today provided its unaudited monthly production and operations update for October 2024.

    October 2024 Production and Operations Highlights

    • Self-Mined Bitcoin: TeraWulf mined 150 bitcoin, with an average daily production rate of approximately 4.8 bitcoin.
    • Operating Capacity: The Company maintained 8.1 EH/s of operational self-mining capacity, reflecting a 62.0% increase year-over-year.
    • Power Cost: Achieved an average power cost of $36,789 per bitcoin mined, equivalent to approximately $0.048/kWh, excluding proceeds from demand response and ancillary services.
    • Miner Refresh Program: The miner refresh at Lake Mariner progressed with the replacement of older S19 Pro/J-Pro and M30s+ models with approximately 12,200 S19 XP miners received in connection with sale of the Company’s interest in the Nautilus Cryptomine facility.
    Key Metrics1 October 2024 September 2024
    Bitcoin Self-Mined Lake Mariner   150   140
    Bitcoin Self-Mined Nautilus2   —   36
    Value per Bitcoin Self-Mined3 $ 65,427 $ 60,168
    Power Cost per Bitcoin Self-Mined $ 36,789 $ 35,109
    Avg. Operating Hash Rate (EH/s)4   6.8   8.2
    Nameplate Miner Efficiency (J/TH)5   22.0   24.6

    Management Commentary

    “October marked another productive month, with TeraWulf mining 150 bitcoin and sustaining an average daily production of around 5 bitcoin,” said Sean Farrell, Senior Vice President of Operations at TeraWulf. “In line with our previously outlined plans, we are accelerating the transition to more efficient mining hardware by replacing older miners at Lake Mariner with S19 XP models. We are also working closely with Bitmain’s warranty department on a recovery plan to repair and replace 1.5 EH of mining equipment with a target completion by the end of the year. Furthermore, we have established a dedicated Business Development and Performance Optimization team, focused on integrating advanced IT and software solutions to improve our operational hash rate and overall efficiency. Building 5, which has been designed to handle higher heat exhaust of the latest generation miners, remains on track to be operational in Q1 2025.”

    Farrell added, “The proceeds from our recent sale of equity interest in Nautilus and successful convertible notes financing have positioned us to fast-track the expansion of our HPC and AI initiatives at Lake Mariner. We are targeting the delivery of 72.5 MW of HPC hosting capacity by the end of Q2 2025, which will allow us to meet the growing demand for high-performance computing solutions.”

    Production and Operations Update

    As of October 31, 2024, TeraWulf’s operational bitcoin mining capacity included 195 MW at the Lake Mariner facility. With the reinstallation of XP miners from Nautilus underway, the Company expects its total self-mining hash rate to increase to approximately 8.7 EH/s.

    In October, the Company’s miners operated at an average hash rate of 6.8 EH/s, with adjustments made for demand response events and performance optimization strategies to maximize profitability.

    On the WULF Compute front, TeraWulf continues its rapid progress in large-scale HPC hosting infrastructure at Lake Mariner. Notable progress includes the recent completion of a 2.5 MW HPC/AI proof-of-concept project designed to accommodate current and next-gen GPU technology. Additionally, construction of CB-1, a 20 MW HPC hosting facility with Tier 3-grade redundancy features, is on schedule for completion in Q1 2025. Preparations for CB-2, a 50 MW HPC hosting facility, are also progressing as key components have already been secured, ensuring timely delivery by the end of Q2 2025.

    About TeraWulf

    TeraWulf develops, owns, and operates environmentally sustainable, next-generation data center infrastructure in the United States, specifically designed for Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing. Led by a team of seasoned energy entrepreneurs, the Company owns and operates the Lake Mariner facility situated on the expansive site of a now retired coal plant in Western New York. Currently, TeraWulf generates revenue primarily through Bitcoin mining, leveraging predominantly zero-carbon energy sources, including nuclear and hydroelectric power. Committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles that align with its business objectives, TeraWulf aims to deliver industry-leading economics in mining and data center operations at an industrial scale.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “plan,” “believe,” “goal,” “target,” “aim,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “continue,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “would” and other similar words and expressions, although the absence of these words or expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and beliefs of TeraWulf’s management and are inherently subject to a number of factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements based on a number of factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, among others: (1) conditions in the cryptocurrency mining industry, including fluctuation in the market pricing of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and the economics of cryptocurrency mining, including as to variables or factors affecting the cost, efficiency and profitability of cryptocurrency mining; (2) competition among the various providers of cryptocurrency mining services; (3) changes in applicable laws, regulations and/or permits affecting TeraWulf’s operations or the industries in which it operates, including regulation regarding power generation, cryptocurrency usage and/or cryptocurrency mining, and/or regulation regarding safety, health, environmental and other matters, which could require significant expenditures; (4) the ability to implement certain business objectives and to timely and cost-effectively execute integrated projects; (5) failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and/or on acceptable terms with regard to growth strategies or operations; (6) loss of public confidence in bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies and the potential for cryptocurrency market manipulation; (7) adverse geopolitical or economic conditions, including a high inflationary environment; (8) the potential of cybercrime, money-laundering, malware infections and phishing and/or loss and interference as a result of equipment malfunction or break-down, physical disaster, data security breach, computer malfunction or sabotage (and the costs associated with any of the foregoing); (9) the availability, delivery schedule and cost of equipment necessary to maintain and grow the business and operations of TeraWulf, including mining equipment and infrastructure equipment meeting the technical or other specifications required to achieve its growth strategy; (10) employment workforce factors, including the loss of key employees; (11) litigation relating to TeraWulf and/or its business; and (12) other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Potential investors, stockholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. TeraWulf does not assume any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement after it was made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or regulation. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements and the discussion of risk factors contained in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov.

    Investors:
    Investors@terawulf.com

    Media:
    media@terawulf.com

    1 The Company’s share of the earnings or losses from operations at the Nautilus Cryptomine facility is reflected within “Equity in net income (loss) of investee, net of tax” in the consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, operating results of the Nautilus Cryptomine facility are not reflected in revenue, cost of revenue or cost of operations lines in TeraWulf’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company uses these metrics as indicators of operational progress and effectiveness and believes they are useful to investors for the same purposes and to provide comparisons to peer companies. All figures except Bitcoin Self-Mined are estimates and remain subject to standard month-end adjustments.
    2 The Company sold its 25% equity interest in the Nautilus Cryptomine facility effective October 2, 2024.
    3 Computed as the weighted-average opening price of bitcoin on each respective day the Bitcoin Self-Mined is earned.
    4 While nameplate mining inventory as of October 31, 2024 for Lake Mariner is estimated at 8.1 EH/s, actual monthly hash rate performance depends on a variety of factors, including (but not limited to) performance tuning to increase efficiency and maximize margin, scheduled outages (scopes to improve reliability or performance), unscheduled outages, curtailment due to participation in various cash generating demand response programs, derate of ASICS due to adverse weather and ASIC maintenance and repair. Performance in October is especially impacted by miner fleet upgrade work.
    5 Nameplate miner efficiency excludes auxiliary load.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: First Pacific Bancorp Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WHITTIER, Calif., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Pacific Bancorp (the “Company”) (OTC Pink: FPBC), the holding company for First Pacific Bank (the “Bank”), today reported consolidated results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, underscored by the sixth consecutive quarter of profitability.

    Highlights for the third quarter of 2024 include:

    • Total assets ended Q3 2024 at $434 million, up $14 million from $420 million at year end 2023.
    • Total deposits ended the third quarter of 2024 at $342 million, up $9 million since year end 2023.
    • Total loans ended the third quarter of 2024 at $268 million, down $7 million from year end 2023.
    • Asset quality remains excellent with minimal levels of classified or non-performing assets.
    • The Bank ended the third quarter with a strong capital position, with a leverage capital ratio of 8.8% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 12.8%.
    • As of September 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled $49 million, including funds invested overnight, up $27 million since year end 2023.
    • Unused borrowing capacity from credit facilities in place on September 30, 2024, totaled $143 million.

    For the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, the Company realized a pre-tax, pre-provision profit of $345 thousand, compared to a pre-tax, pre-provision profit of $272 thousand in Q2 2024. Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $249 thousand, up from $198 thousand in Q2 2024. For the nine months ending September 30, 2024, the Company reported $608 thousand in net income, up from a net loss of $219 thousand reported for the nine months ending September 30, 2023.     

    Asset quality remains excellent with minimal non-performing assets and the allowance for credit losses is 1.16% of total loans.  

    “We are encouraged by our results, as evidenced by six consecutive quarters of profitability,” said Joe Matranga, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We continue to maintain a solid capital, liquidity, and financial standing and are well-positioned to execute our strategy and deliver sustainable, long-term value for our stakeholders.”

    “Our third-quarter results reflect a strong and consistent period of profitability, driven by increased core deposit growth, stable credit quality, and a disciplined approach to expense management,” said Nathan Rogge, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased with our performance and continue to look for opportunities to expand our customer base through strategic investments in technology and innovation that aim to enhance the customer experience.”

    ABOUT FIRST PACIFIC BANK

    First Pacific Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Pacific Bancorp (OTC Pink: FPBC) and is a growing community bank catering to individuals, professionals, and small-to-medium sized businesses throughout Southern California. Since opening in 2006, the Bank has offered a personalized approach, access to decision makers, a broad range of solutions, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience. First Pacific Bank operates locations in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire. For more information, visit firstpacbank.com or call 888.BNK.AT.FPB.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and First Pacific Bancorp intends for such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Future events are difficult to predict, and the expectations described above are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely. Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, our business plan, and strategies, and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: successfully realizing the benefits of our business strategy and plans,; changes in general economic and financial market conditions, either nationally or locally, in areas in which First Pacific Bank conducts its operations; effects of inflation and changes in interest rates; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; increased competitive challenges and expanding product and pricing pressures among financial institutions; impact of any natural disasters, including earthquakes; effect of governmental supervision and regulation, including any regulatory or other enforcement actions; legislation or regulatory changes which adversely affect First Pacific Bank’s operations or business; loss of key personnel; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events, or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.  

    Contacts

    — Summary Financial Tables Follow —

    First Pacific Bancorp          
    Consolidated Balance Sheets          
    (Unaudited)          
      Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Sep 30, 2023
    ASSETS          
    Cash and due from banks $ 23,584,084   $ 4,671,483   $ 7,317,500   $ 4,308,149   $ 4,240,871  
    Fed funds sold & int-bearing balances   25,520,000     37,860,000     37,575,000     18,060,000     20,410,000  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   49,104,084     42,531,483     44,892,500     22,368,149     24,650,871  
               
    Debt securities (AFS)   3,041,852     3,077,666     5,138,340     5,257,049     5,266,653  
    Debt securities (HTM)   101,260,391     102,202,926     103,474,749     104,343,133     105,447,814  
    Total debt securities   104,302,243     105,280,592     108,613,089     109,600,182     110,714,467  
               
    Construction & land development   23,067,204     24,651,513     25,480,398     27,070,749     24,721,763  
    1-4 Family residential   58,082,570     68,588,393     68,521,663     66,567,165     64,925,441  
    Multifamily residential   28,966,811     26,800,829     26,947,419     27,128,177     28,484,194  
    Nonfarm, nonresidential real estate   99,715,860     94,643,169     97,893,840     99,627,812     99,859,450  
    Commercial & industrial   57,342,017     53,504,969     54,785,564     53,938,659     55,374,111  
    Consumer & Other   780,639     1,831,036     1,123,918     865,849     569,736  
    Total loans   267,955,101     270,019,909     274,752,802     275,198,411     273,934,695  
    Allowance for loan losses   (3,109,975 )   (3,109,975 )   (3,109,975 )   (3,109,975 )   (2,974,427 )
    Total loans, net   264,845,126     266,909,934     271,642,827     272,088,436     270,960,268  
               
    Premises, equipment, and ROU net   1,452,886     1,714,833     1,992,588     2,268,671     1,850,187  
    Goodwill, core deposit & other intangibles   1,287,129     1,298,084     1,313,367     1,328,651     1,343,934  
    Bank owned life insurance   5,257,550     5,227,763     5,198,654     5,170,521     5,142,322  
    Accrued interest and other assets   7,505,380     7,476,554     7,415,609     7,392,301     7,616,948  
               
    Total Assets $ 433,754,398   $ 430,439,243   $ 441,068,634   $ 420,216,911   $ 422,278,997  
               
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Deposits:          
    Noninterest-bearing demand $ 129,473,091   $ 144,240,187   $ 133,945,262   $ 121,348,095   $ 130,982,957  
    Interest-bearing transaction accounts   24,660,000     24,797,108     28,166,207     34,716,150     47,304,776  
    Money market and savings   143,270,628     143,497,864     148,732,230     139,011,862     131,505,430  
    Time deposits   44,388,137     41,060,590     38,662,227     38,235,413     22,504,646  
    Total deposits   341,791,856     353,595,749     349,505,926     333,311,520     332,297,809  
               
    Borrowings   50,000,000     35,000,000     50,000,000     45,000,000     50,000,000  
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   3,430,132     3,781,444     3,936,909     4,530,208     2,934,831  
    Total liabilities   395,221,988     392,377,193     403,442,835     382,841,728     385,232,640  
               
    Shareholders’ Equity:          
    Capital stock and APIC   37,117,627     36,970,386     36,788,606     36,699,786     36,508,987  
    Retained earnings   2,151,305     1,902,788     1,705,174     1,543,264     1,487,800  
    Accum other comprehensive income   (736,522 )   (811,124 )   (867,981 )   (867,867 )   (950,430 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   38,532,410     38,062,050     37,625,799     37,375,183     37,046,357  
               
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $ 433,754,398   $ 430,439,243   $ 441,068,634   $ 420,216,911   $ 422,278,997  
               
    First Pacific Bancorp          
    Consolidated Income Statements – Quarterly          
    (Unaudited)          
               
      Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Sep 30, 2023
    INTEREST INCOME          
    Loans, including fees $4,817,174 $4,655,844 $4,700,535 $4,653,303   $4,458,616  
    Debt securities 499,268 514,613 543,857 544,330   585,047  
    Fed funds & int-bearing balances 450,166 573,022 410,685 258,178   271,266  
    Total interest income 5,766,608 5,743,479 5,655,077 5,455,811   5,314,929  
               
    INTEREST EXPENSE          
    Deposits 1,790,578 1,687,121 1,746,032 1,542,541   1,408,092  
    Borrowings 444,250 524,599 507,390 705,324   567,115  
    Total interest expense 2,234,828 2,211,720 2,253,422 2,247,865   1,975,207  
               
    Net interest income 3,531,780 3,531,759 3,401,655 3,207,946   3,339,722  
               
    Provision for credit losses – – – 101,538   191,428  
               
    Net interest income after provision 3,531,780 3,531,759 3,401,655 3,106,408   3,148,294  
               
    NONINTEREST INCOME          
    Service charges, fees and other income 106,628 96,460 108,365 108,769   122,367  
    Sublease income 53,975 52,970 53,872 53,872   53,384  
    Gains (losses) on sale of assets 15,335 – – (12,982 ) 101,844  
    Gains on early payoff of debt – 144,325 – –   123,077  
    Total noninterest income 175,938 293,755 162,237 149,659   400,672  
               
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE          
    Salaries and benefits 2,154,290 2,182,674 2,178,486 1,954,029   2,311,113  
    Occupancy and equipment 374,069 363,695 368,816 384,088   377,795  
    Other expense 834,281 1,007,247 794,158 894,440   823,677  
    Total noninterest expense 3,362,640 3,553,616 3,341,460 3,232,557   3,512,585  
               
    Income before income tax expense 345,078 271,898 222,432 23,510   36,381  
               
    Income tax expense (benefit) 96,563 74,281 60,524 (31,955 ) (15,550 )
               
    Net Income (Loss) $248,515 $197,617 $161,908 $55,465   $51,931  
               
    Earnings per share basic (QTR) $0.06 $0.05 $0.04 $0.01   $0.01  
    Weighted average shares outstanding (QTR) 4,288,851 4,283,351 4,281,653 4,231,841   4,174,529  
               
    First Pacific Bancorp    
    Consolidated Income Statements – Year-to-Date    
    (Unaudited)    
         
      Sep 30, 2024 Sep 30, 2023
    INTEREST INCOME    
    Loans, including fees $14,173,553 $12,051,909  
    Investment securities 1,557,738 1,735,019  
    Fed funds & int-bearing balances 1,433,873 742,649  
    Total interest income 17,165,164 14,529,577  
         
    INTEREST EXPENSE    
    Deposits 5,223,731 3,201,945  
    Borrowings 1,476,239 1,735,403  
    Total interest expense 6,699,970 4,937,348  
         
    Net interest income 10,465,194 9,592,229  
         
    Provision for credit losses – 804,428  
         
    Net interest income after provision 10,465,194 8,787,801  
         
    NONINTEREST INCOME    
    Service charges, fees and other income 311,453 347,054  
    Sublease income 160,817 158,202  
    Gains (losses) on sale of assets 15,335 142,075  
    Gains on early payoff of debt 144,325 123,077  
    Total noninterest income 631,930 770,408  
         
    NON INTEREST EXPENSE    
    Salaries and benefits 6,515,450 6,604,574  
    Occupancy and equipment 1,106,580 1,086,189  
    Other expense 2,635,686 2,230,137  
    Total noninterest expense 10,257,716 9,920,900  
         
    Income before income tax expense 839,408 (362,691 )
         
    Income tax expense (benefit) 231,368 (143,307 )
         
    Net Income (loss) $608,040 ($219,384 )
         
    Earnings (loss) per share basic (YTD) $0.14 ($0.06 )
    Weighted average shares outstanding (YTD) 4,284,634 3,912,161  
    First Pacific Bancorp            
    Quarterly Financial Highlights            
    (Unaudited)            
        Quarterly
        2024 2024 2024 2023 2023
    ($$ in thousands except per share data)   3rd Qtr 2nd Qtr 1st Qtr 4th Qtr 3rd Qtr
    EARNINGS            
    Net interest income $ 3,532   3,532   3,402   3,208   3,340  
    Provision for loan losses $ 0   0   0   102   191  
    Noninterest income $ 176   294   162   150   401  
    Noninterest expense $ 3,363   3,554   3,341   3,233   3,513  
    Income tax expense $ 97   74   61   (32 ) (16 )
    Net income $ 249   198   162   55   52  
                 
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.06   0.05   0.04   0.01   0.01  
    Weighted average shares outstanding   4,288,851   4,283,351   4,281,653   4,231,841   4,174,529  
    Ending shares outstanding   4,291,927   4,283,351   4,283,351   4,231,841   4,231,841  
                 
    PERFORMANCE RATIOS            
    Return on average assets   0.23 % 0.18 % 0.15 % 0.05 % 0.05 %
    Return on average common equity   2.58 % 2.10 % 1.73 % 0.59 % 0.56 %
    Yield on loans   6.98 % 6.97 % 6.84 % 6.69 % 6.60 %
    Yield on earning assets   5.58 % 5.52 % 5.49 % 5.35 % 5.26 %
    Cost of deposits   2.05 % 1.96 % 2.05 % 1.89 % 1.70 %
    Cost of funding   2.32 % 2.28 % 2.35 % 2.37 % 2.09 %
    Net interest margin   3.42 % 3.40 % 3.31 % 3.15 % 3.30 %
    Efficiency ratio   90.7 % 92.9 % 93.8 % 96.3 % 93.9 %
                 
    CAPITAL            
    Tangible equity to tangible assets   8.61 % 8.57 % 8.26 % 8.61 % 8.48 %
    Book value (BV) per common share $ 8.98   8.89   8.78   8.83   8.75  
    Tangible BV per common share $ 8.68   8.58   8.48   8.52   8.44  
                 
    ASSET QUALITY            
    Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) $ 0   0   0   0   0  
    Allowance for loan losses (ALLL) $ 3,110   3,110   3,110   3,110   2,974  
    ALLL to total loans   1.16 % 1.15 % 1.13 % 1.13 % 1.09 %
    Nonperforming loans $ 991   77   160   61   0  
                 
    END OF PERIOD BALANCES            
    Total loans $ 267,955   270,020   274,753   275,198   273,935  
    Total assets $ 433,754   430,439   441,069   420,217   422,279  
    Deposits $ 341,792   353,596   349,506   333,312   332,298  
    Loans to deposits   78.4 % 76.4 % 78.6 % 82.6 % 82.4 %
    Shareholders’ equity $ 38,532   38,062   37,626   37,375   37,046  
    Full-time equivalent employees   44   44   46   45   44  
                 
    AVERAGE BALANCES (QTRLY)            
    Total loans $ 273,960   267,766   275,578   276,016   268,186  
    Earning assets $ 410,298   416,965   412,791   404,210   400,993  
    Total assets $ 424,199   430,830   426,592   417,595   414,457  
    Deposits $ 346,142   346,032   341,226   323,300   329,121  
    Shareholders’ equity $ 38,267   37,788   37,443   37,179   36,469  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Committee Adopts Report on Views Concerning Individual Communications on Colombia, Ecuador, Finland, Greece, New Zealand, Sweden, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Ukraine

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Rights Committee today adopted a follow-up progress report on individual communications, presented by the Special Rapporteur for follow-up on Views, which concerned communications on Colombia, Ecuador, Finland, Greece, New Zealand, Sweden, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Ukraine.

    José Manuel Santos Pais, Special Rapporteur for follow-up on Views, said one individual communication on Colombia concerned a case of enforced disappearance by parliamentary groups.  The State party was urged to conduct an independent, thorough and effective investigation of the disappearances of Mr. Anzola and Mr. Molina and prosecute and punish those responsible; release these people if they were still alive; if they were dead, hand-over their remains to their family; and ensure effective reparation, including adequate compensation, and medical and psychological rehabilitation for the authors for the violations suffered. The State party was also under an obligation to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future and to ensure that any forced disappearances gave rise to prompt, impartial and effective investigations.  The State party had established a search and investigative unit, but one Committee member noted that many measures had not been implemented and there seemed to be no urgency.  The Committee recommended ongoing follow-up dialogue.

    A second communication on Colombia involved the killing of a trade unionist.  The Committee recommended that the State party promptly conduct a thorough, effective, impartial, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder, to establish the truth; provide the family members who were the authors with detailed information about the results of the investigation; and provide adequate compensation to the family members, including sufficient compensation to cover the reasonable legal expenses they have incurred. The State party had reported that it would proceed with the compensation procedure and had published the Committee’s Views publicly.  However, it was reported that the State party had not conducted the criminal investigation in a way conducive to the identification of the perpetrators or to shed light on the reasons behind the murder.  The Committee therefore recommended follow-up dialogue. 

    Regarding Ecuador, the communication concerned criminal conviction and the seizure of assets. The Committee recommended making full reparation to the persons whose rights had been violated and ensuring that due process was followed in the relevant suits at law.  The State party had outlined that the Committee had not recommended restitution but called for ensuring effective remedy.  It was acknowledged that partial reparation had been granted by the courts, with an appeal still pending.  There were several conflicting interests in regards to this case.  The Committee decided to close the case with partial satisfaction of the Committee’s Views, because the Views issued did not address directly the return of assets to the author, but gave them the possibility to contest the decisions, which had occurred. 

    On Finland, the communication related to the right to vote for elections at the Sami Parliament. The Committee had requested effective remedy, including to make full reparation to individuals whose rights had been violated.  The State party was obligated to review the Act on the Sami Parliament with a view to ensuring that the criteria for eligibility to vote in Sami Parliament elections was defined and applied in a manner that respected the right of the Sami people to exercise their internal self-determination.  A detailed proposal sent to the State party had requested several measures, but the authors had not received any written responses to their proposals.  The Committee recommended ongoing follow-up dialogue. 

    The communication for Greece concerned conscientious objection to compulsory military service.  Remedies proposed by the Committee included expunging the author’s criminal record, reimbursing all sums paid as fines, providing him with adequate compensation, taking all steps necessary to prevent similar violations in the future, and reviewing the legislation with a view to ensuring the effective guarantee of the right to conscientious objection.  The Committee noted there were some positive steps taken, however, some human rights violations remained unaddressed. Contentious objectors still faced discrimination, and in some cases punishment, including fines and imprisonment.  The State was requested to continue follow-up dialogue and was encouraged to look further into the matter. 

    On New Zealand, the communication concerned compensation for wrongful arrest and detention. The Committee recommended providing the author with adequate compensation and taking all steps to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future, including by reviewing its domestic legislation, to ensure that individuals who had been unlawfully arrested or detained as a result of judicial acts could apply to receive adequate compensations.  The State party had requested a consultation process with civil society, but there was no timeline provided and no deadline for the subsequent report to be submitted to the Committee.  The absence of legislative action demonstrated a lack of willingness on behalf of the State party to fulfil its obligations.  In this regard, the Committee recommended follow-up dialogue and would request a meeting with a representative of the State party during a future session. 

    Regarding Sweden, the communication concerned deportation to Albania.  The Committee had recommended that Sweden review the authors’ claims, taking into account the State party’s obligations under the Covenant and the Committee’s present Views, and refrain from expelling the authors to Albania while their requests for asylum were under reconsideration.  The State party heeded to the Committee’s recommendations and therefore the Committee decided to close the follow-up dialogue with a note of satisfactory implementation of the Committee’s Views. 

    In the individual communication on Türkiye, which concerned conscientious objection to military service by Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Committee recommended expunging their criminal records, providing them with adequate compensation, and avoiding similar violations of the Covenant in the future.  The State party submitted that it had made amendments regarding crimes related to compulsory military services, and had also abolished the military courts, which the Committee described as a welcome development.  However, the author reported that their criminal records had not been expunged, they had not been provided with compensation, and they were still subject to military conscription.  Given this, the Committee recommended follow-up dialogue. 

    On Turkmenistan, the communication included conscientious objection to compulsory military service.  The Committee’s recommendations included expunging the author’s criminal record, providing them with adequate compensation, including by reimbursing any legal costs, and taking steps to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future, including by reviewing the legislation of the State party, for instance by providing for the possibility of alternative service of a civilian nature. The author’s counsel had stated that neither he nor the author were aware of any steps taken by the State party to implement the Committee’s Views.  One Expert noted there was no convincing evidence that the State party had contemplated compensation of any kind to the author.  The Committee decided to close the follow-up dialogue with a note of unsatisfactory implementation of the Committee’s recommendation. 

    On Ukraine, the communication concerned the impossibility of having life sentence reviewed. The Committee recommended providing the author with a meaningful review of his sentence of life imprisonment on the basis of a clear and predictable procedure, providing him with adequate compensation, and taking all steps necessary to prevent similar violations in the future.  Due to the escalating conflict in Ukraine, the author requested that his life imprisonment be replaced with a fixed term imprisonment, which did not exceed 15 years of imprisonment, however, this was rejected by the Supreme Court.  In this regard, the Committee recommended follow-up dialogue, but noted positively, that the State party had prepared legislation allowing for any convicted person to have their life sentence considered by the court. 

    In closing remarks, Mr. Santos Pais said it was his last report as Rapporteur on follow-up to Views.  The report on follow-up to Views was essential in monitoring the Committee’s Views and ensuring victims had access to effective remedies.  It also ensured accountability for States under the Optional Protocol.  He thanked all those who had contributed to the report which was very much a team effort. 

    The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-second session is being held from 14 October to 7 November 2024.  All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Thursday, 7 November to close its one hundred and forty-second session.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CCPR24.024E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting the condominium and construction sectors

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    [embedded content]

    The Service Alberta Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, proposes changes to the Condominium Property Act, the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act (PPCLA), and the Public Works Act that will make life easier for Albertans.

    If passed, the bill would make amendments to the Condominium Property Act to provide the framework for establishing the long-anticipated Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal. The tribunal will make it easier and more affordable for condominium owners and corporations to resolve common disputes outside the court system.  

    “Our work with condominium owners, board members, managers and others in the sector has reinforced the need for changes that will meet the needs of condominium owners and residents. This legislation will improve condominium governance, provide additional measures for consumer protection and establish a mechanism for easy access to dispute resolution.”

    Dale Nally, Minister for Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

    The bill would also establish that chargebacks to owners for damage they have caused will be treated as contributions (condominium fees), which will better protect the overall financial health and well-being of the condominium community.

    Other amendments include the provision of a simple form of voting for simple matters, such as approving a meeting agenda. Additionally, the bill will establish the basis for technical requirements for newly built condominiums to protect consumers against structural or other defects in the construction of condominiums.

    “CCI North Alberta is pleased to support the introduction of these legislative changes. These amendments will increase consumer protection and will improve the lives of condominium owners, boards and the industry. Our organization applauds the legislative protection for volunteer condominium board members acting in good faith, similar to protections offered to other volunteers in the non-profit community. We thank the ministry for its efforts in bringing these amendments forward.”

    Hugh Willis, co-chair Government Advocacy, CCI North Alberta

    Additional amendments would result in all construction projects following the same set of prompt payment rules, which were established in legislation in 2021. Before now, Alberta’s government always prioritized prompt payment for government contracts, but the rules in the PPCLA only applied to private sector projects.

    “On behalf of the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta, and the entire construction sector, we extend our sincere thanks to the Alberta government for listening to industry concerns and taking decisive action by subjecting itself to Alberta’s Prompt Payment Legislation. This critical step demonstrates the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency in our sector.”

    Jason Kuziw, president, Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta

    The amendments proposed in the Service Alberta Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, bring forward changes and recommendations commonly heard from Albertans in the respective sectors.    

    Quick facts

    Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act and Public Works Act amendments

    • The Public Works Act (PWA) governs projects administered by the Crown.
    • Amendments to the PWA would:
      • Extend a prompt payment and adjudication framework to Alberta government projects under the PWA.
        • This includes mandated payment timelines and invoicing provisions including a 31-day billing cycle from prime to owner unless testing or commissioning is required.
      • Utilize the nominating authority as established in Part 5 of the PPCLA and associated regulations.
      • Mirror the PPCLA amendments for adjudication, arbitration and an action in court to proceed in parallel.
      • Apply to public construction projects through legislation but exclude maintenance projects related to upkeep of capital assets and special scope contracts which are projects delivered using a public-private partnership method.
      • Not introduce statutory requirements for holdback or liens on any government project.
    • The PPCLA creates rules for the timing of payments in Alberta’s construction industry and sets out a streamlined adjudication process for disputes related to payment or work performed as an alternative to the courts. The PPCLA came into force in August 2022.
    • Amendments to the PPCLA would:
    • Clarify the adjudication process to ensure an efficient option for dispute resolution.
    • Address the act’s rigidity of including consulting professions like engineers and architects in the PPCLA, allowing them to opt out of holdback requirements and lien rights on a project-by-project basis.
    • Remove ambiguity around when a construction contract is complete. It would clarify when final payment under a contract or subcontract is considered to have been made and make adjudication available for 30 days after that date.
    • Amendments to the PPCLA will come into force upon proclamation while changes to the Public Works Act come into effect in Spring 2025.

    Related information

    • Improving the condominium and construction sectors
    • Condominium Rules Consultation
    • Bill 30: Service Alberta Statutes Amendment Act, 2024

    Multimedia

    • Listen to the news conference
    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: FEMA Responds to Hurricane Helene in Lake Lure, North Carolina

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    The mayor of Lake Lure talks about the devastation she saw in her community after Hurricane Helene and how FEMA is helping with their road to recovery.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCw-OBxSv3U

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: National Election Command Post at FBI Headquarters

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

    James Barnacle, deputy assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, talks about the role of the National Election Command Post at FBI Headquarters. The purpose of the command post, locating in the Bureau’s Strategic Information and Operations Center, is to ensure the FBI is well-positioned to respond to any election security issue that may arise.

    For more information, visit: https://www.fbi.gov/news/national-election-command-post
    —————————————————
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    More ways to follow us: https://inside-the-fbi.transistor.fm/…

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdykrUCaF1s

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Financial system remains resilient amidst economic downturn – Reserve Bank of NZ

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    5 November 2024 – Risks to New Zealand’s financial system remain contained, Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby says in releasing the November 2024 Financial Stability Report.
     
    Financial stability is critical for economic wellbeing. Trust and confidence in our financial system is essential for ensuring New Zealanders can safely save, borrow, and manage financial risk.

    Globally and in New Zealand, interest rates are declining as inflation subsides. Debt servicing costs are nearing their peak and beginning to decline, with advertised mortgage rates falling over the past six months. This shift will make mortgage costs more manageable for households.

    However, domestic economic challenges remain. Many households and businesses are feeling financial pressure and rising unemployment is posing challenges for some borrowers. Banks anticipate a slight increase in non-performing loans, albeit still below levels seen in previous recessions.

    “New Zealand banks are well positioned to continue supporting households and businesses, including effectively handling any potential loan defaults,” Mr Hawkesby says. “Our financial institutions are well prepared to ensure that credit remains available for households and businesses. The strength of our financial system means we are able to weather economic uncertainties and challenges, including increased geopolitical tensions.”

    We are supportive of efforts to improve competition in the banking sector – including the Commerce Commission market study and Parliament’s Select Committee enquiry. The Report outlines the initiatives we are undertaking to advance this work in our role as a prudential regulator and central bank.

    The implementation of the Deposit Takers Act is progressing swiftly. Our efforts this year have focused on developing standards for deposit takers, with the Depositor Compensation Scheme on track to launch by mid-2025.
     

    More information

    Read our November Financial Stability Report : https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=63022eac0b&e=f3c68946f8
    The November Financial Stability media conference starts at 1pm. See all event details. See full event details: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=d531d439c5&e=f3c68946f8
    In this media conference, we will be taking questions from the public through an online chatbox connected to the livestream. Please note that questions from media representatives in the room will be prioritised.
    Read our update on the housing market : https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=7eedfe2ad3&e=f3c68946f8
    Read our assessment of geopolitical risks: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=add80d3e93&e=f3c68946f8
    Read about the results of the 2024 Reverse Stress Test : https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=b1fce6d62c&e=f3c68946f8
    What is the Financial Stability Report: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=77bc49db11&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom sues Norwalk for unlawful homeless shelter ban

    Source: US State of California 2

    Nov 4, 2024

    What you need to know: After repeated warnings, California sued Norwalk for the city’s unlawful ban on homeless shelters and other housing. 

    LOS ANGELES — Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit against the city of Norwalk to compel the city to overturn its unlawful ordinance banning the establishment of new homeless shelters and other housing. The lawsuit alleges that the city’s ban violates numerous state laws. The lawsuit comes after multiple warnings and actions by the state, including revocation of the city’s housing element compliance.

    “The Norwalk city council’s failure to reverse this ban, despite knowing it is unlawful, is inexcusable. No community should turn its back on its residents in need.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “Today’s lawsuit should come as no surprise. Despite receiving several warnings, the City of Norwalk has refused to repeal its unlawful ban on new supportive housing for our most vulnerable residents. Enough is enough,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Every city and county in California has a legal obligation to help solve our homelessness crisis. We have not, and will not hesitate, to ensure that everyone with the power to approve or disapprove housing takes their duties seriously.”

    The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) sent Norwalk a notice of violation on September 16 after the city council adopted a 45-day urgency ordinance imposing a moratorium on emergency shelters, single-room occupancy housing, supportive housing, and transitional housing. Despite this, on September 17, the council extended that ordinance another 10 months and 15 days. The moratorium violates several state planning and fair housing laws, including the Housing Crisis Act, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, and Housing Element Law.

    In addition, Norwalk has yet to meet its housing goals as required by state law. The city has only issued permits for 175 units during this housing element cycle, a mere 3.5% of its 5,034 unit Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) – the number of units required to ensure that communities have enough housing.

    On October 3, in response to the city’s failure to repeal the ban, the state announced that it was decertifying the City of Norwalk’s housing element. The state’s action makes the city ineligible for significant housing and homelessness funding and means the city can no longer deny permits to “builder’s remedy” affordable housing projects.

    “Norwalk’s moratorium on housing for its most vulnerable residents is not only unlawful — it is a rejection of people’s basic health, safety, and humanity,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “We’re grateful for the Attorney General’s partnership to ensure all cities and counties are held accountable when they fail to comply with state housing law. I am disappointed the city did not reverse course on its own accord, choosing instead to waste time and public resources and be forced by the court to do the right thing.

    Norwalk issued the ordinance only weeks after Governor Newsom issued an executive order that, among other things, urges local governments to use the unprecedented funding provided by the state to address unsanitary and dangerous encampments within their communities and provide people experiencing homelessness in the encampments with the care, housing, and supportive services they need. Since 2019, HCD has awarded Norwalk nearly $29 million in housing and homelessness funds.

    The lawsuit was referred to the Attorney General by HCD’s Housing Accountability Unit, which was launched by Governor Newsom in 2021 to assist cities and counties in fulfilling their legal responsibilities to plan for and permit their fair share of housing, and to hold accountable those that fail to do so. This focus on accountability has in part led to a 15-year high in housing starts in California. Since its establishment, the Housing Accountability Unit has supported the development of more than 7,600 housing units, including more than 2,800 affordable units, through enforcement actions and by working with local jurisdictions to ensure compliance with housing law. In 2024 the Unit was expanded to include a focus on homelessness issues — including compliance with state laws as they relate to homeless housing.

    Recent news

    Nov 4, 2024

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on the passing of musician, producer, and composer Quincy Jones:”A titan of music, culture, and philanthropy, Quincy Jones brought the world endless joy with his optimistic spirit…

    Nov 2, 2024

    News Welcome to The California Weekly, your Saturday morning recap of top stories and announcements you might have missed. News you may have missed1. ❤️ SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA KIDSThe Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) broke ground on a new behavioral health…

    Nov 1, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have reached a settlement with La Habra Heights to bring the city into compliance with state housing law. SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the…

    Nov 4, 2024

    What you need to know: After repeated warnings, California sued Norwalk for the city’s unlawful ban on homeless shelters and other housing.

    LOS ANGELES — Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit against the city of Norwalk to compel the city to overturn its unlawful ordinance banning the establishment of new homeless shelters and other housing. The lawsuit alleges that the city’s ban violates numerous state laws. The lawsuit comes after multiple warnings and actions by the state, including revocation of the city’s housing element compliance.

    “The Norwalk city council’s failure to reverse this ban, despite knowing it is unlawful, is inexcusable. No community should turn its back on its residents in need.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “Today’s lawsuit should come as no surprise. Despite receiving several warnings, the City of Norwalk has refused to repeal its unlawful ban on new supportive housing for our most vulnerable residents. Enough is enough,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Every city and county in California has a legal obligation to help solve our homelessness crisis. We have not, and will not hesitate, to ensure that everyone with the power to approve or disapprove housing takes their duties seriously.”

    The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) sent Norwalk a notice of violation on September 16 after the city council adopted a 45-day urgency ordinance imposing a moratorium on emergency shelters, single-room occupancy housing, supportive housing, and transitional housing. Despite this, on September 17, the council extended that ordinance another 10 months and 15 days. The moratorium violates several state planning and fair housing laws, including the Housing Crisis Act, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, and Housing Element Law.

    In addition, Norwalk has yet to meet its housing goals as required by state law. The city has only issued permits for 175 units during this housing element cycle, a mere 3.5% of its 5,034 unit Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) – the number of units required to ensure that communities have enough housing.

    On October 3, in response to the city’s failure to repeal the ban, the state announced that it was decertifying the City of Norwalk’s housing element. The state’s action makes the city ineligible for significant housing and homelessness funding and means the city can no longer deny permits to “builder’s remedy” affordable housing projects.

    “Norwalk’s moratorium on housing for its most vulnerable residents is not only unlawful — it is a rejection of people’s basic health, safety, and humanity,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “We’re grateful for the Attorney General’s partnership to ensure all cities and counties are held accountable when they fail to comply with state housing law. I am disappointed the city did not reverse course on its own accord, choosing instead to waste time and public resources and be forced by the court to do the right thing.

    Norwalk issued the ordinance only weeks after Governor Newsom issued an executive order that, among other things, urges local governments to use the unprecedented funding provided by the state to address unsanitary and dangerous encampments within their communities and provide people experiencing homelessness in the encampments with the care, housing, and supportive services they need. Since 2019, HCD has awarded Norwalk nearly $29 million in housing and homelessness funds.

    The lawsuit was referred to the Attorney General by HCD’s Housing Accountability Unit, which was launched by Governor Newsom in 2021 to assist cities and counties in fulfilling their legal responsibilities to plan for and permit their fair share of housing, and to hold accountable those that fail to do so. This focus on accountability has in part led to a 15-year high in housing starts in California. Since its establishment, the Housing Accountability Unit has supported the development of more than 7,600 housing units, including more than 2,800 affordable units, through enforcement actions and by working with local jurisdictions to ensure compliance with housing law. In 2024 the Unit was expanded to include a focus on homelessness issues – including compliance with state laws as they relate to homeless housing.

    Recent news

    Nov 4, 2024

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on the passing of musician, producer, and composer Quincy Jones:”A titan of music, culture, and philanthropy, Quincy Jones brought the world endless joy with his optimistic spirit…

    Nov 2, 2024

    News Welcome to The California Weekly, your Saturday morning recap of top stories and announcements you might have missed. News you may have missed1. ❤️ SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA KIDSThe Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) broke ground on a new behavioral health…

    Nov 1, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have reached a settlement with La Habra Heights to bring the city into compliance with state housing law. SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom statement on passing of Quincy Jones

    Source: US State of California 2

    Nov 4, 2024

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on the passing of musician, producer, and composer Quincy Jones:

    “A titan of music, culture, and philanthropy, Quincy Jones brought the world endless joy with his optimistic spirit and colossal imagination. Not a day goes by without hearing a masterpiece that Quincy produced or hearing about the good he created with his generous heart. Jen and I — and all of California — mourn the loss of this great humanitarian and artist.”

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Nov 2, 2024

    News Welcome to The California Weekly, your Saturday morning recap of top stories and announcements you might have missed. News you may have missed1. ❤️ SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA KIDSThe Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) broke ground on a new behavioral health…

    Nov 1, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have reached a settlement with La Habra Heights to bring the city into compliance with state housing law. SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the…

    Nov 1, 2024

    News What you need to know: California will be home to a first-of-its-kind research & development facility made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPS & Science Act. SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Newsom celebrated California’s selection by the U.S….

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RI Department of State Issues Final Voting Reminders for November 5 General Election

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    PROVIDENCE, RI � Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State Elections Division are today issuing final reminders for eligible voters who wish to participate in the General Election taking place tomorrow, November 5, 2024.

    Early voting continues today through 4 p.m. Eligible voters can find their early voting location online at vote.ri.gov or by contacting their local board of canvassers.

    All mail ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Mail ballots can be returned in any secure elections drop box, at the Board of Elections, at your local board of canvassers’ office, or in-person at a polling place on Election Day.

    Polling places will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the exception of New Shoreham, where polls will open at 9 a.m. Voters can find their Election Day polling place by looking up their voting record online here.

    The RI Department of State does not report election results, but information about voter turnout is available on vote.ri.gov.

    To learn more about elections in Rhode Island, visit vote.ri.gov.

    ###

    El Departamento de Estado de RI Emite los �ltimos Recordatorios para las Elecciones Generales del 5 de Noviembre

    PROVIDENCE, RI – El Secretario de Estado Gregg M. Amore y la Divisi�n de Elecciones del Departamento de Estado de RI emiten hoy los �ltimos recordatorios para aquellos votantes que deseen participar en las Elecciones Generales que se realizar�n ma�ana, 5 de noviembre del 2024.

    La votaci�n por adelantado contin�a hasta las 4:00 p.m. del d�a de hoy. Los votantes eligibles para votar pueden encontrar su lugar para votaci�n por adelantado en l�nea en vota.ri.gov o comunic�ndose con la junta local de elecciones.

    Todas las papeletas de votaci�n por correo deben ser recibidas por la Junta Estatal de Elecciones antes de las 8:00 p.m. del D�a de las Elecciones. Los votos por correo pueden ser devueltos en cualquiera de los buzones electorales seguros, en la Junta Estatal de Elecciones, en su junta local de elecciones o en persona en su local de votaci�n en el D�a de las Elecciones.

    Los lugares de votaci�n estar�n abiertos ma�ana desde las 7:00 a.m. hasta las 8:00 p.m., a excepci�n de New Shoreham, donde las urnas abrir�n a las 9:00 a.m. Los votantes pueden encontrar su lugar de votaci�n del D�a de las Elecciones buscando su registro de votante en l�nea aqu�.

    El Departamento de Estado de RI no informa sobre los resultados de las elecciones, pero la informaci�n sobre la participaci�n electoral est� disponible en vota.ri.gov.

    Para obtener m�s informaci�n sobre las elecciones en Rhode Island, inscribirse para votar o comprobar el estado de su registro de votante, visite vota.ri.gov.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: California to Receive up to $122 Million in Opioid Agreement with Kroger for Its Role in Opioid Epidemic

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, November 4, 2024

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    To date, the Attorney General has secured nearly $50 billion in nationwide opioid settlements and bankruptcies

    California is expected to receive up to $4.2 billion in opioid abatement funds under these settlements and bankruptcy plans

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the completion of a $1.37 billion settlement agreement with Kroger, addressing the grocery chain’s role in the opioid crisis. California will receive up to $122 million for opioid abatement, with payments anticipated to begin early next year. The settlement will resolve allegations that the company failed to appropriately oversee the dispensing of opioids at its pharmacies.  

    “At the California Department of Justice, we are committed to holding entities, like Kroger, accountable for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s announcement builds on our commitment in our continued fight for justice and relief. The funds secured in this settlement will allow the state and eligible cities and counties to continue addressing the harms inflicted by this epidemic through comprehensive prevention, treatment and recovery programs, and other resources. I want to thank my team and our partners nationwide in making this settlement possible.”

    In the settlement, Kroger has agreed to injunctive relief that requires its pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions. Kroger operates in California through a number of subsidiaries, including principally Ralph’s. 

    To date, the Attorney General has secured nearly $50 billion in abatement funding through nationwide settlements and bankruptcies. California is expected to receive up to $4.2 billion in opioid abatement funds under these settlements, with the bulk of these funds going to our local governments. Recognizing the impact of the opioid and fentanyl crisis to both public health and public safety, the Attorney General issued guidance to provide local governments with suggestions for the permissible, effective, and strategic use of opioid settlement abatement funds. This guidance is aimed at helping local governments maximize impact, save lives, and strengthen public health infrastructures to tackle the opioid and fentanyl crisis. 

    A copy of the multistate settlement agreement, which must still be entered by a state court judge, can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Affirm needs strategic positioning amid regulatory shifts in the crowded UK BNPL market, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Following the news that the US-based buy now pay later (BNPL) startup Affirm has entered the UK market;

    Phoebe Hodgson, Associate Analyst, Banking and Payments at GlobalData, offers her view:

    “The BNPL market in the UK is becoming increasingly saturated. According to GlobalData’s 2024 Financial Services Consumer Survey*, only 21% of respondents in the UK have used an online BNPL service while buying goods and services. This limited adoption, coupled with an already concentrated market, where 75% of the UK market is held by five BNPL providers, suggests Affirm may find it challenging to position itself among the well-established competitors like Klarna, PayPal and Zilch.

    “Affirm’s unique selling points, such as extended loan periods and strategic partnerships, could help distinguish it, but it will have to overcome significant obstacles. One of the biggest hurdles is the evolving regulatory environment. The UK government seeks to regulate the BNPL product further, treating it as if it were a credit product, subjecting them to stricter consumer protections and potentially reducing the appeal for BNPL for both providers and consumers alike. Soon to be under stricter regulations, Affirm must work under pressure to assert itself among the UK customers, who are more cautious of debt amid high living costs and economic uncertainty. Furthermore, with competitors already moving towards innovative product extensions, and compliance initiatives, Affirm’s market entry may need to be more than just a product push – it must be a strategic positioning exercise to resonate with cautious UK consumers.”

    *Global survey conducted online in Q2 2024 among 67,292 consumers across 41 markets globally. The survey explores global consumer behaviors, purchasing preferences, and attitudes across the most important banking products. The UK’s sample is 5,003.

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Infrastructure Sector – Have we got it right? New Zealand Infrastructure Commission seeks feedback as it develops the National Infrastructure Plan

    Source: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

    The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission has published Testing our thinking: Developing an enduring National Infrastructure Plan to share its initial thinking and seek feedback as it develops the National Infrastructure Plan. When completed, the 30-year Plan will help inform decision-making by both central and local government, giving the infrastructure industry more confidence to invest in the people, technology and equipment they need to build more efficiently.
    “The infrastructure we depend on today was built and paid for by previous generations. We need to leave future generations with just as strong a legacy, while making sure we don’t overly burden them with the costs. This will mean making careful choices about where we spend our infrastructure dollar, understanding what our needs are, while also allowing flexibility for the needs we can’t foresee,” says Peter Nunns, Acting General Manager – Strategy.
    “In the discussion document we outline some of the ways we’re looking at addressing this through the Plan. This includes forecasting long-term infrastructure needs, looking at current investment intentions, and independently reviewing unfunded infrastructure proposals to give decision-makers a menu of high-quality vetted proposals through the Infrastructure Priorities Programme. We will also provide advice about how we can build capability to plan and build infrastructure better, how we can take better care of our existing assets, and how we can regulate and govern infrastructure better.”
    “We obviously don’t have a monopoly on good ideas so to develop the National Infrastructure Plan we need to hear from people who provide and use infrastructure. We’ve released a discussion document to help to test our thinking on our long-term infrastructure needs and how we can address them. We welcome and encourage your feedback,” says Nunns.
    Background
    Part of the role of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission is to help build a shared, long-term view of New Zealand’s infrastructure needs and priorities. The New Zealand Instructure Commission is required to produce strategic, independent advice on the long-term needs for New Zealand’s infrastructure every five years. This advice is delivered to the Minister for Infrastructure, and the Government must develop its response. In May 2022, the Commission published New Zealand’s first Infrastructure Strategy, making recommendations for improving New Zealand’s infrastructure system. The National Infrastructure Plan will build on the Strategy and include recommendations to meet New Zealand’s infrastructure challenges.
    The Minister for Infrastructure has asked the Commission to lead in the development of the Plan. To help inform our thinking for the Plan, the Commission is seeking input from Māori/iwi organisations, across central and local government, and with the private sector and the public.
    A draft of the Plan will be delivered to the Minister for Infrastructure in mid-2025. Following public consultation and feedback from the Minister, the Commission will finalise the Plan which will be delivered to the Government in late 2025.
    Notes for Editors
    The discussion document includes four key sections, summarised below:
    Section One: Why we need a National Infrastructure Plan
    This section discusses the drivers for a National Infrastructure Plan, including:
    • The need to balance greater certainty about our infrastructure needs so we can plan and prioritise, with the flexibility to allow for changing needs and unforeseen events.
    • The challenge of investment efficiency. International comparisons show New Zealand’s invests in infrastructure at a similar or even higher level than other OECD countries, but we rank near the bottom for the efficiency of that spend.
    • A need to find new ways to meet our infrastructure needs. Research has show that if we were to simply build all the public infrastructure we may think we need, it would cost 9.6% of our GDP – almost twice what we are currently spending and more than we’ve spent in the past. Instead we can look at what we can afford and get better use from what we’ve got.
    • A need to improve the way we govern infrastructure. New Zealand ranks poorly against other high-income countries on infrastructure governance practices
    • The opportunity to better coordinate infrastructure planning, delivery and operations. This enables infrastructure investment to be focused on the right things at the right times, reduced project costs, and delivery of more affordable services.
    Section Two: Our long-term Needs
    This section sets out our approach to identifying infrastructure needs through a system-wide view. This means considering the infrastructure we already have and the factors that may increase or decrease the need for investment in the future.
    We will take a realistic view on what financial resources we are likely to have for infrastructure investment, based on what we have spent in the past.
    We outline eight factors that will influence our long-term investment needs:
    • the need to renew existing infrastructure as it wears out
    • population growth and demographic change
    • economic development and changing standards
    • construction price inflation
    • resilience to natural hazards
    • decarbonising our economy
    • technology change
    • shortage of existing infrastructure.
    Section Three: What Infrastructure is Already Planned
    The Infrastructure Commission already gathers and shares data on current or planned infrastructure projects through the National Infrastructure Pipeline. This data, alongside other information gathered by the Treasury or published by infrastructure providers, helps to paint a picture of investment intentions.
    In this section, we discuss our approach to comparing the information on current investment we get from these and other sources of information, with the data we’re gathering about long-term trends from our infrastructure needs analysis. By comparing these, we can see where New Zealand may be over or under-investing in infrastructure, where there are trade-offs between different investment paths, and where we still have gaps in our knowledge.
    In taking this approach, a National Infrastructure Plan can provide decision-makers with a guide for infrastructure investment.
    Section Four: Changing the approach
    This section discusses areas where change to our infrastructure system could get us better results. These include:
    Our capability to plan and build. This means:
    • improving our approach to investment management
    • growing the infrastructure workforce and building project leadership capability
    • finding ways to reduce the cost of our projects.
    Taking care of what we have. This means
    • getting better at asset management, or looking after our existing infrastructure
    • improving our resilience, and preparing for greater disruption from shocks like natural hazards
    • ensuring our infrastructure contributes to achieving a net zero carbon economy.
    Getting the settings right. This means:
    • making sure we have the right institutional settings to get the best from our infrastructure system
    • considering the way we pay for infrastructure, including the potential for methods like congestion charging or volumetric charging which can both guide investment and help manage demand
    • making sure regulation, like our consenting system, enables efficient and timely infrastructure development. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Latest data reveals NSW’s top melanoma hotspots

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 5 November 2024

    Released by: Minister for Health

    The Cancer Institute NSW’s newly released melanoma hotspot map reveals Ballina, Lismore, Byron, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour local government areas (LGAs) have the state’s highest rates of melanoma, with almost 350 cases projected to be diagnosed in those areas in 2024.

    Sutherland Shire, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Tweed and Kempsey and Richmond Valley LGAs are also in the state’s top 10 melanoma hotspots, while Mosman, Mid-Western Regional, Shoalhaven, Cessnock and Wagga Wagga LGAs have entered the top 25.

    Melanoma is one of the most common cancers among young Australians and the third most diagnosed cancer in NSW, with more than 5000 people expected to be diagnosed in the state in 2024.

    As the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma can be deadly and is projected to take the lives of close to 500 people across NSW this year.

    Ninety-five per cent of melanoma and 99 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and can be prevented with proper sun protection.

    The Cancer Institute NSW has several initiatives in place to reduce the impact of skin cancer in NSW as part of its Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy 2023-2030. Initiatives include the If You Could See UV campaign, which is about to be relaunched in time for summer.

    The behaviour change campaign, which aims to motivate 18–24-year-olds to protect their skin from UV radiation, has recently received two prestigious Australian Effectiveness Awards (Effies) for Positive Change, and Insight and Strategic Thinking.

    Research shows more than 75 per cent of young people felt motivated to protect their skin from the sun after watching the campaign, which will deliver geo-targeted reminders on weather apps and outdoor advertising of the UV index in areas of NSW where young people are more likely to be outdoors. 

    The most effective defence against UV radiation is to follow these five key steps before leaving the house:

    1. Slip on protective clothing
    2. Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen. Sunscreen should always be applied 20 minutes before heading outdoors and re-applied every two hours.
    3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat
    4. Seek shade
    5. Slide on sunglasses.

    Top 25 NSW LGAs for melanoma incidence:

    1. Ballina
    2. Lismore
    3. Byron
    4. Clarence Valley
    5. Coffs Harbour
    6. Sutherland Shire
    7. Port Macquarie-Hastings
    8. Tweed
    9. Kempsey
    10. Richmond Valley
    11. Nambucca Valley
    12. Kiama
    13. Port Stephens
    14. Bathurst Regional
    15. Mid-Coast
    16. Lake Macquarie
    17. Mosman
    18. Mid-Western Regional
    19. Northern Beaches
    20. Shoalhaven
    21. Cessnock
    22. Wagga Wagga
    23. Central Coast
    24. Wingecarribee
    25. Newcastle

    More information on how to reduce your risk of skin cancer is available on the Cancer Institute NSW website.

    Quotes attributable to Health Minister Ryan Park

    “The release of the latest melanoma hotspot map is a timely reminder, particularly as we head into summer, to always take protective measures when outdoors.

    “Most melanoma hotspots are in regional areas but it’s important to remember that no matter where you live, the risk of skin cancer is ever present.

    “Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and as a community, it’s imperative we take the threat of skin cancer seriously and follow the simple, life-saving steps needed to reduce our risk of this deadly disease.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan:

    “Here on the Northern Beaches, we love being outdoors enjoying the natural environment or being active. This is healthy, but only if you’re being sun smart. Otherwise, it can be deadly.

    “I know this all too well, losing my dad when he was 48 to melanoma. I was just 26. We know more now than we did then. The best cure is prevention. Slip slop slap seek slide is the way to go.

    “Each of us has a role to play is creating a sun smart culture, through our own behaviours and what we encourage in others.

    “Make today the day you decide to step up your sun protection game ahead of summer.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM

    “Two out of three Australians will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime which is why protecting our skin from the sun from a very young age, and into adulthood, is key to reducing our risk of this devastating disease.

    “In NSW, UV radiation levels are high 10 months of the year and even short bursts of exposure to the sun can be deadly.

    “Whether you’re going to the beach or hanging the washing or walking to the shops or train station, I urge everyone to do the simple things like seeking shade when outdoors, wearing sunscreen, putting on a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing to safeguard themselves from harmful UV radiation from the sun.”

    Quotes attributable to Anne Gately:

    “I was diagnosed with melanoma at age 44 in 2010 and after having the mole and some lymph nodes removed, I was given the all clear. Eight years later I was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, but thankfully after receiving immunotherapy treatment I was cancer free within three months.

    “I was a tanner, so I spent a lot of time at the beach, and I also spent a lot of time playing sport, which is why I think it’s not just about personal responsibility but that we have a duty of care to others in our community when it comes to sun protection.

    “I think the campaign is spot on, in spreading the message that while you may not be able to see or feel the consequences every amount of UV exposure is adding to the damage.”

    Quotes attributable to Sonia Knight:

    “I was 43 when I noticed a mole on my arm that was changing and looked nasty and a visit to the GP confirmed it was a melanoma which had spread to some lymph nodes. I had it removed and was cancer free for five years, until July this year when I received news the melanoma had returned at stage 3c. I had surgery recently and will soon start immunotherapy.

    “I grew up on Northern Beaches and spent every weekend at the beach, I thought a tan was healthy looking but now I tell everyone, tanning is definitely not cool and how important it is to protect your skin from the sun – my daughters don’t leave the house unless they’re applied sunscreen half an hour beforehand.

    “I have lent on many services that I didn’t even know existed including Canteen, Melanoma Patients Australia and Cancer Wellness and would encourage others to seek out this sort of vital support.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Disaster Assistance Available to New Mexico Private Nonprofit Organizations

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    “As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in New Mexico following President Biden’s federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of severe storm and flooding that occurred Oct. 19-20, announced Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.

    These low-interest federal disaster loans are available in Chaves County.

    “Private nonprofit organizations should New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Recovery Bureau by calling (505) 476-9600, emailing recovery.unit@dhsem.nm.gov or visiting https://www.dhsem.nm.gov to obtain information about applicant briefings,” said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “At the briefings, private nonprofit representatives will need to provide information about their organization,” continued Sánchez. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will use that information to determine if the private nonprofit provides an “essential governmental service” and is a “critical facility” as defined by law. FEMA may provide the private nonprofit with a Public Assistance grant for their eligible costs. SBA encourages all private nonprofit organizations to apply with SBA for disaster loan assistance.

    SBA may lend private nonprofits up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    For certain private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help with meeting working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the nonprofit suffered any property damage.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez continued. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    The interest rate is 3.25 percent with terms up to 30 years. The deadline to apply for property damage is Dec. 31, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Aug. 1, 2025.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Administrator Guzman Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON– Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for more 34 million small businesses, kicked off Native American Heritage Month byhighlighting the unprecedented progress made in supporting Native small business owners across the country.

    “Native American small businesses are a vital component of the economic fabric of our nation, contributing to job creation, innovation and community development across the U.S.,” said SBA Administrator Guzman. “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the SBA has made significant strides in its work to support and uplift these businesses, delivering the resources and opportunities needed to succeed. Every month we honor and respect Tribal Nations, and during Native American Heritage Month in particular, we acknowledge the many contributions Indigenous people have made to this country. We are proud to honor their achievements and support their continued success.”

    Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the SBA has prioritized engagement with Native communities, resulting in significant advancements in federal contracting, access to capital and policy development. Currently, there are 13 Native banks or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that lend with SBA programs, representing a 30% increase since January 2021. The SBA has nearly doubled its lending dollar amount to Native entrepreneurs from FY20 to FY24, reaching $267 million for both 7(a) and 504 lending in the last fiscal year. Native American contracting, including Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), has also experienced unprecedented growth, with a remarkable 49% increase from FY20 to FY23.

    Additionally, in recognition of the importance of Tribal consultation, the SBA has updated its Tribal Consultation Policy and successfully held rounds of consultations that have directly influenced final policy outcomes. The Biden-Harris Administration has also developed two groundbreaking programs to further support Native small businesses: The Small Business Tribal College Achievement (TCSBA) grant program, which enhanced entrepreneurship education and training, and the Native Trade Export Program (NATEP), which expanded Native businesses’ access to international markets.

    Since taking office, Administrator Guzman has made it a priority to visit Native communities, lands and convenings, surpassing the record of any previous SBA Administrator. Notable visits include the Winnebago Tribe, Navajo Nation, All Pueblo Council of Governors, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, North Dakota, Chickasaw Nation, Anchorage, Nome, Juneau, Honolulu, Maui and participation in the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) hosted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Additionally, the Administrator has participated in the White House Tribal Nation Summits on three occasions, demonstrating the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to Tribal consultation.

    ###

    About SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA)

    The Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) is in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) headquarters in Washington, DC. Our goal is to promote and support Native American entrepreneurs. We engage in numerous outreach activities including tribal consultations, development and distribution of promotional materials, attendance and participation in national economic development conferences.

    ONAA facilitates full access to business growth and expansion tools for small businesses owned by Native Americans. ONAA engages in tribal consultations, produces promotional materials and participates in national economic development conferences.

    American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians can use our local assistance tool to find nearby offices and resources. There, you can get counseling on whether our 8(a) Business Development Program is right for you.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Kansans Echo Governor Kelly’s Support for Medicaid Expansion in New Survey – Governor of the State of Kansas

    Source: US State of Kansas

    KEY QUOTE: “More than 72% of respondents to the Kansas Speaks survey said they support expanding Medicaid, up slightly from last year. That includes over 63% of Republicans and nearly 90% of Democrats… These signs of growth in support for Medicaid expansion follow a significant media tour and legislative push by Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly earlier this year.”

    These two issues find strong support among Kansans, according to Docking survey
    Rose Conlon, Kansas News Service
     Oct. 30, 2024

    • Support for Medicaid expansion in Kansas remains high, according to a new survey by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University.
    • According to the Kansas Health Institute, Medicaid expansion would allow an estimated 152,000 more low-income Kansans to receive coverage under the government health care program.
    • The majority of the costs for the expansion are covered by federal funding, and Kansas is one of only ten states that has not yet implemented this expansion. Analysts say that many individuals who would benefit from the expansion are employed in jobs that don’t offer health insurance.
    • The survey also revealed that over 11% more Kansans now believe that expanding Medicaid would help rural hospitals remain in business. Several rural hospitals in the state have closed in recent years, including closures last year in Fort Scott and Herington, which have threatened timely access to emergency medical care.
    • Around half of Kansans who responded to the Kansas Speaks survey said the issue is highly or extremely important as they decide who to vote to represent them in the state legislature.
    • “We can see that a huge portion of Kansans say that (Medicaid expansion) is important to some degree,” said Alexandra Middlewood, a political science professor at Wichita State University who contributed to the survey’s development.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Mornings with Maria to Discuss Failed Economic and Foreign Policies of Biden-Harris Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    NASHVILLE, TN—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking and Foreign Relations Committees, today joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business to discuss the failed economic and foreign policies of the Biden-Harris Administration and their sharp contrast with the successful policies of the Trump Administration. 

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Partial TranscriptHagerty on the failed economic policies of the Biden-Harris Administration: “Well, the economic policies of this Administration under Kamala Harris have been an absolute disaster for America. If you look at it, 72 percent of American people think that this country is on the wrong track, and the number one issue, Maria, is the fact that real wages have gone down. Inflation has destroyed and devastated families here in America, and I think the only thing keeping the market up right now is the anticipation, and frankly, the sheer hope that President Trump gets reelected on Tuesday.”
    Hagerty on the failed foreign policies of the Biden-Harris Administration: “Well, if you look at the foreign policy of this Administration, it’s absolutely pathetic. Under President Trump, we had no wars. Under [Joe] Biden and [Kamala] Harris, this has been a complete disaster. It goes back to the failed withdrawal from Afghanistan where Kamala Harris was the quote, ‘last voice in the room.’ That was an absolute disgrace and a disaster that embarrassed our nation like nothing in our lifetimes, Maria. And that invited and precipitated, I think, and emboldened our adversaries around the world. You look at what happened with Iran: the day that this Administration came into office, they stopped enforcing sanctions against Iran. I worked very closely with President Trump and in his Administration to impose maximum sanctions on Iran, to put maximum pressures on them, to get our allies to stop buying oil from Iran. It worked. What we did was we made Iran basically broke. We stopped the funding of Hamas, stopped the funding of Hezbollah, the Houthis had no funds. We saw peace break out in the Middle East. President Trump was able to move our embassy to Jerusalem. He was able to take out Soleimani and Al-Baghdadi. He even did the Abraham Accords, which was the foundation, I think, of peace and prosperity in the Middle East. Iran could do nothing about it. As soon as [Joe] Biden comes into office, as soon as [Kamala] Harris comes into office, they start allowing the funds to flow, and we have terrible wars outbreaking in the Middle East.”
    Hagerty on Kamala Harris running conflicting advertisements on Israel stance: “Well, she wants to [have it both ways]. It’s a complete lack of integrity. And if you talk about having it both ways, we have seen her flip-flop on every major policy. It’s like an avatar, Maria. The media have helped support this. Again, the partisan media, not yourself, have helped support creation of a candidate that’s nowhere close to where Kamala Harris from San Francisco, the most liberal Senator in the United States Senate, has been for her entire political career. Now they’re trying to create something entirely different, entirely false. They send one message into Michigan. They’ll send a completely different message into Pennsylvania to try to appeal to Jewish voters. I think the American public can see right through this.”
    Hagerty on Iran changing its nuclear policy to produce nuclear weapons: “Well, I remind you, we wouldn’t be in a position for Iran to respond at all were President Trump in office because we brought Iran to its knees. That’s got to happen again. If Kamala Harris gets into office, I think Iran’s going to have free range to do whatever they want to do, because they’re going to continue to allow Iran to bring billions of dollars in. They’re going to continue to allow them to pump [oil]. They’re going to continue to allow Iran to sell weapons to Russia. Iran has had free reign under Kamala Harris, and at the same time, you see her bringing in people like Liz Cheney, others that all want to see war breakout in the Middle East. I think what we’ve got to do is look directly at what the past has shown us. We’ve got a track record with President Trump That has delivered peace and prosperity. We’ve got a track record with Kamala Harris that has delivered nothing but agony and war in the Middle East and around the world.”
    Hagerty on the top priority of a second Trump Administration: “Well, for me, Maria, our foreign policy is derived directly from the strength of our economy. We have the most amazing, the most prosperous economy in the world. Access to that economy is absolutely critical. President Trump understands that. Let’s get our economy moving again. That’s what the people of America need to see. We need to see security at our southern border. We have a national security risk like we’ve never seen before. No one’s better than you in reporting on this. But then we’ve got to turn around and deal with strength and credibility with our adversaries. No one in the world believes that Kamala Harris can deal with Vladimir Putin, can deal with Xi Jinping, can deal with the Ayatollah. She has no credibility whatsoever. President Trump has and will.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Friends like these: What a second Trump term may mean for the CDC, and how it affects Canada

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kevin Quigley, Scholarly Director of the MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance, Dalhousie University

    Should Donald Trump be re-elected on Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is likely facing a major shake-up. Many Republicans were frustrated by the CDC’s performance during the pandemic. Project 2025, authored by leading Republicans with ties to Trump, describes the CDC as incompetent and arrogant.

    In fact, no matter who wins the United States presidential election on Nov. 5, the Trump administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is a cautionary tale for Canada.

    While there is significant and justifiable criticism to be leveled at Trump about his administration’s handling of the pandemic in the early stages, as former chief medical advisor to the president, Dr. Anthony Fauci noted to Congress in 2024, the U.S. health system is not designed for an effective co-ordinated response to a health crisis.

    Trump and the CDC

    There was clearly a disconnect between Trump and the CDC during the pandemic. For weeks in early 2020, President Trump had described the threat as low risk; he said that the situation was under control in the U.S. and that only a few cases had been reported.

    While the president was on a return flight from India, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, announced that the situation in the U.S. was about to change quickly and severely. Officials say that Trump was very upset by the announcement and concerned about potential lockdowns causing panic and disruption to financial markets.

    Throughout the early stages of the pandemic, the actions of the CDC sparked a high degree of politicization. The Trump administration was criticized for interfering with the CDC’s operations and censoring internal experts. Disagreements between federal and state political leaders and public health experts led to inconsistencies in public health messaging, reporting, enforcement of directives and timing of public health restrictions.

    The CDC itself was not above criticism. The agency’s infrastructure had been neglected for decades, and years of declining funding resulted in insufficient preparations for a possible pandemic. The CDC had also been criticized for being too insular and academic.

    The CDC made key mistakes, particularly regarding surveillance and testing. It was criticized for underestimating the threat of the virus and overestimating its ability to design, manufacture and distribute a test quickly.

    Rapid responses are crucial during such events, and the early stages of the U.S.’s pandemic response provides salient lessons for Canada, both about its relationship with the U.S. and to global threats more generally.

    Pre-event planning is necessary, but audits and world rankings of emergency preparedness can be unreliable. In 2019, Johns Hopkins University ranked the U.S. as the best prepared country in the world to address a health crisis. The pandemic demonstrated that it was not.

    Canada needs to establish a strong and independent capacity to assess health threats. Trump’s early handling of the pandemic has been widely criticized, yet the Canadian government’s speaking points in the early stages were the same: the virus was low risk. It was only when the CDC and the World Health Organization increased its threat assessment that Canada followed suit.

    Lessons from the pandemic

    Borders can re-assert themselves. Despite decades of global political and economic agreements that saw a freer flow of goods, services and people, many western governments were unable or unwilling to assume the risks associated with letting those from other jurisdictions cross their borders, and as such, imposed strict rules to prevent non-citizens from entering. This aggressive stance was ironic and unforeseen, as during previous public health crises such as the H1N1 flu episode in 2009-10, many governments underscored that closing borders had little impact on disease spread.

    The weaknesses of supply chains were highlighted as the global economy shut down in March 2020. Canada’s Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland described competition for medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) as resembling the “wild west.” Shipment delays, order shortages, trade restrictions and defective or contaminated items prevented governments from effectively procuring supplies.

    Global manufacturing capabilities for vaccines were below what was needed, with only about a dozen countries able to produce COVID-19 vaccines early on, including the U.S. More than any other country, the U.S. enabled the rapid development and production of the vaccine, highlighting Canada’s considerable dependence on the U.S. Canada has since funded vaccine manufacturing initiatives, but the investments have produced little to-date.

    The adage “When the U.S. sneezes, the world catches a cold” applies nowhere more than in Canada. Should Trump be re-elected, the CDC will likely exist on a smaller budget with a reduced role internationally. This will increase Canadian vulnerabilities.

    Whatever the criticisms, the CDC has more capacity and influence than any other health agency in the world. If Canada cannot depend on strong and co-ordinated response from the U.S. administration during a health crisis, Canada has to be better prepared to adapt. Lessons from the pandemic provide a powerful to-do list.

    Kevin Quigley is the Scholarly Director of the MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance, an independent, non-partisan research institute located at Dalhousie University.

    – ref. Friends like these: What a second Trump term may mean for the CDC, and how it affects Canada – https://theconversation.com/friends-like-these-what-a-second-trump-term-may-mean-for-the-cdc-and-how-it-affects-canada-242673

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Updated fiscal statutes benefit Albertans

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    [embedded content]

    If passed, the Financial Statues Amendment Act would provide alternative financing options to help expand mortgage financing options for all Albertans. The bill also includes amendments to provide more support for parents who have lost a child, and standardizes indexing across government to help Albertans with the cost of living by creating a consistent and stable system. In addition, a new annual adjustment system would enable a more consistent and flexible approach to determining the amount that benefits and taxes will be impacted. The legislation would also introduce a new tax on electric vehicles, as was announced in Budget 2024.

    “This bill proposes a number of important changes. I’m particularly pleased that if passed, Alberta would be the first jurisdiction in Canada to make legislative changes that would permit provincial financial institutions to offer alternative financing options.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Alternative financing options would provide homebuyers with more options for mortgage financing. All Albertans who want to buy a home can apply for this financing option.

    Additional changes being proposed in the Financial Statutes Amendment Act include continuing Alberta Child and Family Benefit payments to parents of deceased children for six months after their child passes away. These amendments would align with similar federal changes under the Canada Child Benefit program.

    “Families experiencing the unimaginable loss of a child face enough challenges. The proposed changes to the Alberta Child and Family Benefit will not only help lighten the financial burden, but offer a measure of comfort during their darkest moments.”

    Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services

    Other changes in the proposed bill include:

    • Standardizing indexation rates across government. Government is also introducing a system to enable a more consistent and flexible approach for these annual enhancements. This change ensures Albertans continue to receive annual cost-of-living increases to personal income taxes and important support programs.
    • Amendments to the Fuel Tax Act to implement an electric vehicle tax of $200 annually. This is in line with what drivers of a typical internal combustion engine vehicle pay in fuel tax and is a fair way for all drivers to contribute to public services, such as keeping our roads and highways safe and smooth.
    • Technical changes to align Alberta’s taxation of multi-jurisdictional tax filers who have a split income with that of other provinces in order to meet the requirements of the federal-provincial Tax Collection Agreement.

    Related information

    • Updating financial laws
    • Bill 32: Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2024

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference
    • Listen to the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –