Category: Politics

MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: UPDATE: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Continues Life-Saving Preparations for Hurricane Milton

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
The Biden-Harris Administration continues to mobilize a whole-of-government effort to prepare for the impacts of Hurricane Milton, including pre-positioning resources and personnel and expediting debris removal efforts in Florida. These actions supplement the ongoing response and recovery efforts to the impacts of Hurricane Helene across the Southeast and Appalachia.
Today, President Biden was briefed by members of his Administration who are driving preparations for Hurricane Milton and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene. The President directed his team to do everything possible to save lives and help communities before, during, and after these extreme weather events.
The President urges everyone to be aware of the evacuation orders that are in effect in multiple Florida counties. Shelters are open, and evacuation assistance is available. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately for your safety and that of your loved ones. If you need a safe place to go nearby, text SHELTER & your zip code to 43362 to get a list of open shelters near you.
Yesterday, President Biden had calls with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to get firsthand reports on recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene and to discuss preparations for Hurricane Milton. The President also spoke with National Weather Service Director Ken Graham, who briefed the President in detail on the forecast and expected impacts of Hurricane Milton for the State of Florida.
At the direction of President Biden, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell was on the ground in Tampa, Florida, yesterday, where she met with local leaders to coordinate preparations ahead of Milton’s landfall.
Yesterday, President Biden quickly approved the Governor of Florida’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration. Under an emergency declaration, FEMA provides direct Federal support to states for life-saving activities and other emergency protective measures, such as evacuation, sheltering, and search and rescue. Earlier today, the President also approved an emergency declaration request from the Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
The Administration has been in touch with officials from the State of Florida, as well as more than 60 local officials in cities and counties along the likely path of impact, to ensure needs are met in advance of the storm. The Administration has also been in touch with officials from the Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes. The Administration has also reached out to state officials in South Carolina and Georgia and will continue outreach efforts based on Hurricane Milton’s latest trajectory.
FEMA has sufficient funding to both support the response to Hurricane Milton and continue to support the ongoing response to and recovery from Hurricane Helene– including funding to support first responders and provide immediate assistance to disaster survivors.
Additional updates include:
Pre-Staging Personnel and Resources
FEMA is pre-staging a full slate of response capabilities in Florida and the region, including seven FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams, eight FEMA Urban Search & Rescue and swift water rescue teams, three U.S. Coast Guard Swift Water Rescue teams, four Health Care System Assessment Teams, five Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and an Incident Management Team from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Additional pre-staged capabilities include U.S Army Corps of Engineers temporary power teams, debris experts and a roofing team, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency debris removal and wastewater experts, and 300 ambulances. In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense is posturing and staging forces to support FEMA and state partners including helicopters for search-and-rescue operations and to enable movement of personnel, equipment and commodities; and High Water Vehicles.
FEMA has five incident staging bases with commodities including food and water. Right now, FEMA currently has 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water in the pipeline to deploy as needed to address ongoing Helene and Milton response efforts and can expand as needed.
Protecting Public Health and Health Care Systems
Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra declared a Public Health Emergency for Florida to address the health impacts of Hurricane Milton, the second public health emergency declaration for the state to aid in a hurricane response within the past two weeks.
The Department’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) pre-positioned approximately 100 responders in Atlanta along with medical equipment and supplies to support the delivery of health care services in Florida following the landfall of Hurricane Milton. The deployed personnel include ASPR Health Care Situational Assessment Teams who stand ready to work with state officials to assess the storm’s impacts on hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and other health care facilities and a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) from ASPR’s National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) for rapid response following health care assessments. A second DMAT is being pre-positioned in Atlanta to support additional response to either Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton, as needed.
In addition to the assessment teams and disaster medical system personnel, ASPR deployed personnel from an Incident Management Team and Regional Emergency Coordinators who integrate with FEMA, state health authorities, and emergency response officials to anticipate and assist Florida in meeting public health and medical needs in the wake of the storm. Logisticians and security personnel are also pre-positioned to provide support. ASPR is prepared to facilitate Public Health Emergencies for Hurricane Milton upon request. ASPR has also supported the HHS emPOWER program, which is available to identify the number of Medicare beneficiaries in affected zips codes who rely on electricity-dependent durable medical equipment and certain healthcare services, such as dialysis, oxygen tank, or home health, to help anticipate, plan for, and respond to the needs of at-risk citizens in potentially impacted areas.
Preparing for Impacts to Infrastructure
The Department of Transportation is deploying a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Field Incident Response (FIR) team to Florida and pre-staging operations in Jacksonville to prepare support for any impacted towers and airports. The team will work with the state and local authorities and the Department of Defense within the established Emergency Operations Center. The Department of Transportation is also deploying the FAA Communication Support Team (CST), which plays a critical role in supporting communication restoration at impacted airports. Specifically, the CST will set up Starlink and Mobile Phone Bonding kits, which increase signal stability and data throughout the region. The FAA is placing aircraft on standby to transport personnel from various agencies, mobilize resources, and support damage assessments to infrastructure.
In addition, similar to the approach on Hurricane Helene, the FAA will continue to closely coordinate with the Department of Defense, the Armed Services, including Active Duty and National Guard units, and State Emergency Operations Centers to support their use of drones to support response and recovery. Drones can play a critical role in supporting search and rescue operations and damage assessments by providing real time video, imagery, and sensor capabilities in hard-to-reach places. The Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation and monitoring the situation to be prepared to support.
The Environmental Protection Agency is working closely with Federal, state, local, and Tribal partners to support water systems, prepare for debris management, and ensure facilities, including Superfund sites, maintain critical public health and environmental protections while they recover from Hurricane Helene and prepare for Hurricane Milton. The agency has personnel on the ground in regional and national operations centers who are continuing to respond to Hurricane Helene and are preparing to offer support, guidance, and assistance to the State of Florida and everyone in the new storm’s path.
Additional Pre-Landfall Preparations
The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is deploying wave sensors at eight locations in Florida between Naples and Crystal River to measure the coastal waves caused by the storm. USGS Field crews are also installing one rapid-deployment gauge on the Sunshine Skyway bridge in St. Petersburg, Florida. This specialized piece of equipment is a fully-functional streamgage designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit real-time water level data in emergency situations. This data can be used by decision makers and emergency managers to monitor water levels as they work to save lives and property.
The Department of Energy’s Energy Response Organization remains activated to respond to storm impacts. Via the Electricity Sub-Sector Coordinating Council and Oil and Natural Gas Sub-Sector Coordinating Council, the Department of Energy has been coordinating continuously with energy sector partners on both the ongoing Hurricane Helene response and potential impacts from Hurricane Milton.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has notified local public housing authorities and owners of its assisted multifamily and heath care properties within the State of Florida to immediately implement all appropriate safety protocols for residents and workers. HUD is committed to ensuring that residents of its assisted homes and properties receive critical information that can save lives during extreme weather events. HUD is also conducting outreach and communications on the programmatic flexibilities and waivers that can be utilized to assist communities and survivors.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) announced it is extending measures to assist customers, U.S. exporters, and financial institutions impacted by Hurricane Helene and forecasted to be impacted by Hurricane Milton. EXIM is offering assistance to allow businesses and financial institutions that participate in EXIM’s programs to return to their business concerns when appropriate and without penalty due to missed deadlines or other timeliness issues.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Is sustainable development possible? Only if we take a unified approach

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Davide Elmo, Professor, Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, University of British Columbia

With this year’s annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) summit set to take place in a little over a month in Azerbaijan, the world’s attention once again turns to climate change, resource security and the goals of sustainable development.

The aims of sustainable development are to build a system that meets the needs of society without compromising the ability of future generations to fulfil their own. The UN adopted 17 sustainable development goals in 2015 and real progress has been made in advancing some of them. But can true sustainable development be achieved, and how might it work in practice?

I am an engineer with experience in mining and geotechnics. To help answer these questions, I have been researching the interplay between sustainability challenges in the natural resource sector, the evolving concept of the circular economy and the implications of economic models founded upon sustained growth.

Read more:
Mining the depths: Norway’s deep-sea exploitation could put it in environmental and legal murky waters

Striking a balance between resource extraction and environmental sustainability is essential for the continued existence of human societies and the risks of biodiversity loss must be accounted for in all resource extraction activities. At the same time, the need to protect the rights of all people — including Indigenous rights — remains paramount.

To help better understand the nuances of sustainable development, in my forthcoming research I propose a model of the impact(s) of human activities on the Earth’s planetary boundaries, which I refer to as the (un)sustainable machine.

Sustainable mining requires looking at the practices required to ensure long-term economic development remains in equilibrium with environmental and social considerations. The (un)sustainable machine model describes the delicate balancing acts at play, highlighting the intricate relationship between what drives minerals demand and consumption and how these forces impact Earth’s planetary boundary.

(Un)sustainable development

While progress may be being made in some areas of sustainable development — particularly around areas of poverty and malnutrition — as a planetary system, the report is much less positive. Take, for example, the issue of recycling.

Can recycling keep up with increased demand and counter resource extraction? Over 3.3 billion tonnes of metals are produced globally each year, and most demand predictions show rising consumption of metals in the coming decades.

Models developed by the World Bank indicate that by 2050, secondary supply (recycling) for aluminum, copper and nickel could meet about 60 per cent of the demand. Despite the enthusiasm among researchers and economists, however, these long-term projections indicate the difficulty of transitioning to a circular economy. Indeed, these predictions show that a 40 per cent unmatched demand must continue being supplied by primary sources like mining.

Read more:
Slow mining could be a solution to overconsumption in an increasingly fast-paced world

In my model, recycling is represented as a set of springs resisting the extraction of additional mineral resources. To achieve 100 per cent recycling of the entire spectrum of the mineral resources, our economy needs to solve problems that are not achievable with today’s technology. Furthermore, when developed on an industrial scale, recycling plants raise some of the same environmental challenges of large mineral processing and smelting plants.

Amidst this backdrop, the circular economy has presented itself as a transformative solution predicated on keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. It challenges the linear extract-produce-dispose approach and questions the sustainability of perpetual economic growth, especially in a world with finite resources and known environmental constraints. Analogous to the (un)sustainable machine model, I also propose the model of the (un)sustainable cone of demand and consumption.

The (un)sustainable cone model highlights the discrepancy between an economic concept based on the idea of a closed-loop system (circular economy) and the current financial framework based on the idea that infinite growth is possible. The larger the unbalanced cross-sectional area of the (un)sustainable cone of demand and consumption, the larger the stresses imposed upon Earth’s planetary boundaries.

A different path?

To remain within Earth’s planetary boundaries requires solutions beyond simple technical means. Actions by a few individuals are not sufficient. As engineers, we often believe it is possible to develop solutions to mitigate the anthropogenic impacts on Earth’s planetary boundaries. However, by doing so, we fail to realize that finite barriers to growth remain and that our engineering solutions may in time become part of the problem.

Read more:
GDP is not enough to measure a country’s development. What if we used the Sustainable Development Goals instead?

It is essential for individuals who are not economists or environmental scientists to think about the meaning of sustainability in the context of extracting mineral resources. At the same time, economists and social-environmental scientists need to recognize that when it comes to mineral resources, policies and permitting regulations should not be addressed separately from the technical and economic aspects of mining engineering problems.

To paraphrase the work of eminent American social scientist Garrett Hardin:

Therein is the tragedy. Each financial market is locked into a system that compels it to increase its value without limit – in a world with finite resources. Earth’s ruin is the destination toward which all companies rush, each pursuing its own best interest in a market that (only) believes in the benefits of the shareholders.

Simply put, while both policy and technology are necessary to achieve true sustainability, unless our efforts are unified across discipline and economies, there is little hope for staying within the finite bounds of what our planet can provide.

Davide Elmo receives funding from NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) and MITACS

– ref. Is sustainable development possible? Only if we take a unified approach – https://theconversation.com/is-sustainable-development-possible-only-if-we-take-a-unified-approach-237438

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: IMF Staff Completes 2024 Article IV Mission to Timor-Leste
Source: International Monetary Fund

October 8, 2024

End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.
- Timor-Leste’s growth is expected to rise in 2024, supported by an increase in public spending and strong credit growth. From a high level in 2023, inflation has fallen sharply and is projected to continue easing with the moderation of global food prices.
- A key policy priority is ensuring that Timor-Leste’s substantial savings are best utilized to support development while achieving fiscal sustainability. Improving the composition and quality of public spending would boost growth, while containing overall spending is needed to preserve fiscal sustainability.
- Promoting private sector development requires well-sequenced structural reforms, and the authorities are rightly prioritizing an ambitious agenda of legal reforms of the financial sector.
Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Yan Carrière-Swallow visited Dili during September 25-October 8 to conduct discussions for the 2024 Article IV consultation with Timor-Leste. At the conclusion of the discussions, Mr. Carrière-Swallow issued the following statement:

“Timor-Leste has made impressive progress since its independence. Yet, the economy remains under-diversified and highly dependent on the public sector. The IMF stands ready to continue providing capacity development to assist the government’s development and reform efforts.

“Growth is expected to rise in 2024, supported by an increase in public spending and strong credit growth, and will maintain its momentum in 2025. From a high level in 2023, inflation has fallen sharply and is projected to continue easing with the moderation of global food prices. Risks to the outlook are balanced.

“The draft 2025 budget contains an appropriate increase in spending on capital projects, health, and education, but also an excessive increase in recurrent spending. Large fiscal deficits are expected to persist as spending remains high, requiring excess withdrawals from the Petroleum Fund that will lead to its full depletion by the end of the 2030s. We recommend a 10-year reform scenario that supports economic diversification through structural reforms and gradually reduces fiscal deficits to stabilize the Petroleum Fund.

“We welcome the government’s ambitious financial sector reform agenda to address structural impediments to lending, which is essential for private sector development. We recommend accelerating the issuance of land titles, which would offer a crucial source of collateral to households and businesses seeking credit from banks.

“The team had fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Minister of Finance Santina Cardoso, Central Bank Governor Hélder Lopes, other senior officials, development partners, the private sector, and civil society. On behalf of the IMF team, I would like to thank the Timorese authorities for their hospitality and excellent cooperation.”

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

@IMFSpokesperson
MIL OSI Economics –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with Papua New Guinea on a Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement and the Third Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Extended Fund Facility
Source: International Monetary Fund

October 8, 2024

End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country or a virtual staff visit. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.
- The Papua New Guinea authorities and the IMF team reached staff-level agreement on the request for access under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) for about US$265 million to enhance resilience to climate change. The IMF Executive Board will consider the request in the coming weeks.
- The authorities and the IMF team also reached staff-level agreement on the third reviews of the authorities’ reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility and the Extended Fund Facility.
- Papua New Guinea’s outlook remains positive, with economic growth increasing to 4.5 percent in 2024, and the authorities continue to make progress in implementing their homegrown economic reform program.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Tahsin Saadi Sedik, visited Port Moresby from September 26 to October 9, 2024, to review progress under the authorities’ homegrown economic reforms supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangements of SDR684.3 million (about US$918 million), and to discuss the authorities’ request for access to the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Saadi Sedik issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce that IMF staff and the Papua New Guinea (PNG) authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on (i) the policies needed to complete the third reviews of the ECF and EFF arrangements; and (ii) a new 24-month RSF arrangement with access of SDR197.4 million (about US$265 million), which will run in parallel to the ECF-EFF arrangements, to support the authorities’ policy agenda aimed at enhancing resilience to climate change.

“To enhance PNG’s capacity to address challenges posed by climate change and reinforce its resilience, the proposed RSF arrangement, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, would help build policy buffers and contribute to enhancing the effective implementation of PNG’s climate commitments. PNG would become the first Pacific Island country to benefit from RSF support. Building on these commitments, reforms under the proposed RSF arrangement will focus on strengthening disaster risk management capacity, supporting the inclusion of climate considerations in public investment decisions, encouraging the development of green finance, and enhancing mitigation policies. These reforms, which will be supported by capacity development activities from PNG’s international partners, are expected to catalyze financing for climate and sustainable development.

“The completion of the third reviews of the ECF-EFF, upon approval by the Executive Board of the IMF, would allow for the immediate disbursement of SDR94.75 million (approximately US$127 million) in financing, bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed thus far under the ECF-EFF arrangements to SDR321.12 million (about US$430 million). Adding the new RSF support, the total IMF commitment under all these arrangements would be SDR881.72 million (about US$1.19 billion).

“Papua New Guinea’s economic outlook remains positive. Growth is expected to increase to 4.5 percent in 2024 from 2.9 percent in 2023, supported by the resumption of activities at the Porgera gold mine and improvements in access to foreign exchange. Average headline inflation is projected to remain historically low at 1.3 percent in 2024, while core inflation, which excludes volatile items such as betel nut, is projected to moderately increase to 3.9 percent in 2024, while staying below the historical average, mainly driven by food and transportation costs. Gross international reserves stood at US$3.2 billion at end-June 2024, providing space to continue implementing central banking reforms.

“Performance since the start of the ECF-EFF arrangements has been strong. The government of PNG has continued to make progress in implementing its structural reform agenda, focused on advancing budget repair, modernizing central banking, and improving governance. These reforms are bearing fruit, with notable positive outcomes including: (i) the easing of foreign exchange shortages, which contributes to improving the business environment; (ii) the reduction of excess liquidity in the banking sector, which enhances monetary policy transmission; (iii) a lower fiscal deficit, which strengthens public debt sustainability; and (iv) progress in the operationalization of the anti-corruption framework.

“The government remains committed to an ambitious fiscal consolidation strategy set out in its 13-year budget repair plan. After reducing the fiscal deficit by 0.9 percentage points of GDP in 2023, while creating space for more social spending, the authorities are on track to deliver an additional 0.4 percentage points of GDP reduction in 2024. The authorities remain committed to implementing their prudent borrowing strategy aimed at preserving debt sustainability.

“The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) has continued to actively implement its roadmap of reforms to help alleviate foreign exchange shortages, gradually return to kina convertibility, and modernize its monetary policy operations. The increased flexibility of the exchange rate under the de facto crawl-like arrangement, combined with the BPNG’s foreign exchange intervention strategy, has supported improved access to foreign exchange, particularly for essential import orders. The reduction of the structural misalignment of the kina will help enhance the competitiveness of PNG’s exports, including in the agricultural sector, and thus increase rural incomes and improve living standards. The BPNG continues monitoring developments in domestic financial markets and stands ready to calibrate its policy stance accordingly. The BPNG is also modernizing its monetary policy operations, enabling commercial banks to improve their liquidity management. Amendments to the Central Banking Act, adopted in September by Parliament, have significantly improved the mandate, governance, and autonomy of the BPNG.

“The governance and anti-corruption frameworks are being strengthened. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), benefiting from a significant increase in funding, has successfully defined its operational procedures and set up more secure information systems.

“The IMF will continue to work closely with the Papua New Guinea authorities and stands ready to help them, not only through financing and policy advice, but also through technical assistance.

“The IMF staff team is grateful to the authorities for their warm hospitality, productive collaboration, and candid policy dialogue. The IMF team held meetings with Minister for Treasury Ian Ling-Stuckey, Governor of BPNG Elizabeth Genia, Secretary of Treasury Andrew Oaeke, and other senior government officials. The team also had constructive meetings with representatives from the private sector and development partners.”

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

@IMFSpokesperson
MIL OSI Economics –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson Joins Reps. Dunn and Cammack to Survey North Florida Communities Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Neal Dunn (2nd District of Florida)

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Yesterday, Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) joined Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02) and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) to survey North Florida communities severely affected by Hurricane Helene. The members visited Steinhatchee to assess damage on the ground and conducted aerial surveys of agricultural losses in Lafayette County. The visit concluded with an agriculture roundtable at the University Air Center.

Throughout the day, Speaker Johnson, along with Reps. Dunn and Cammack, engaged with local leaders, federal officials, and community members to evaluate the damage and discuss ongoing recovery efforts.

After the tour in Steinhatchee, Speaker Johnson addressed the local media, while Reps. Dunn and Cammack issued the following statements:

“North Florida is tough, and the resilience of our communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene continues to inspire. Local leaders, residents, and federal officials have come together with strength and determination, showing the grit and dedication needed to rebuild,” Congressman Neal Dunn said. “I am honored to host Speaker Johnson as we work together, and I am committed to advocating for aid and providing the support our communities need through every step of the recovery process.”

“I think this has been an extraordinary effort by Florida, the state and local officials. It’s just really inspiring to see how well it’s been covered and how much the community is rolling up its sleeves and working together. Here in this community, it would inspire the entire country to see how they’re really banded together. They’re undeterred. This is a very resilient community of people. That’s the best of America,” Speaker Johnson said. “We have this disaster now that’s around the country. We have people in North Carolina still stranded in their homes in the mountains, and people in Georgia and a number of other states that have been terribly affected by this storm. So, Congress is on the ground, the representatives who represent all those districts are there with their constituents, with their people trying to help, and we will do what’s necessary to make sure that Americans are taken care of.”

“I’m grateful to Speaker Johnson for visiting some of Florida’s hardest-hit communities today. Seeing the damage and destruction from Hurricane Helene firsthand and hearing directly from the folks who continue to struggle with relief from the federal government was critical, especially because these same communities also endured Hurricane Idalia and Debby in the last 13 months. Some of those very same folks have yet to receive the disaster assistance they applied for,” said Rep. Cammack. “We’re going to continue our efforts to get our region back up and running and I’m grateful for the Speaker’s commitment to this work.”

The visit highlighted the ongoing recovery efforts and the commitment of federal and local officials to ensuring that North Florida communities receive the aid they need in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta shows once again it is rodeo country
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Canadian Finals Rodeo. Photo by Andy Devlin/Rogers Place.

Alberta has long been known as the home of rodeo, with the Canadian Finals Rodeo being one of the province’s flagship events. It showcases the grit, talent and dedication of athletes who embody the spirit of the West. The 50th Canadian Finals Rodeo wrapped up this past weekend in Edmonton, leaving a lasting impact on the city and province.

The annual event celebrated the talent of Canada’s rodeo stars and highlighted Alberta as the heart of rodeo culture in the country. Alberta’s government is proud to be investing $4.5 million over three years, bringing the event to Edmonton this year, in 2025 and 2026, ensuring this world-class rodeo stays in the province, now and into the future.

“I’m so impressed with the talent showcased at the 50th Canadian Finals Rodeo last week. We’re thrilled to have supported Edmonton in hosting such an iconic event, and even more proud of the significant economic boost it brings to our local businesses and tourism sector. Alberta is, and will always be, rodeo country!”

Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport

Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow presents an award at the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Photo by Andy Devlin/Rogers Place.

The economic impact of the event in Edmonton was calculated at more than $30 million and supported more than 5,500 jobs. The four-day event drew more than 42,000 spectators that filled over 12,000 hotel rooms.

“It was great to see the Canadian Finals Rodeo back in Edmonton this year. Our livestock community contributes so much to the sport of rodeo, and we wouldn’t have this level of competition without the production of great bucking horses and bulls. I am proud to witness the animal athletes from our bucking horse and bull producers in Alberta. The caliber of stock that they bring to each rodeo throughout the years is remarkable.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson presents an award at the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Photo by Andy Devlin/Rogers Place.

“CFR50 was a huge success. Edmontonians and Edmonton businesses embraced the return of professional rodeo to our city, which saw the streets of downtown teeming with cowboys, cowgirls and rodeo lovers from across the prairies and around the world. From the volunteers to the competitors to all the sponsors, partners and friends of CFR, thank you to everyone who helped bring the thrill of exciting western action to more than 42,000 spectators, and a more than $30 million economic impact to our city.”

Traci Bednard, president and CEO, Explore Edmonton

Alberta’s government remains committed to ensuring Alberta continues to host world-class events that enrich the province’s cultural and economic fabric. By continuing to invest in large-scale sporting and cultural events like the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Alberta is ensuring that it remains a premier destination for competitors, fans and guests from across the world.

Related information
- Canadian Finals Rodeo
- Explore Edmonton
MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: 10.08.2024 ICYMI: Sen. Cruz Demands Transparency on Tim Walz’s Ties to the Wuhan Institute of Virology

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, last week, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to the Hormel Institute regarding its partnership with the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and financial resources secured for the Hormel Institute by Governor Tim Walz. The WIV has been credibly implicated as the point of origin of COVID-19 and conducts its activities under the auspices of the Chinese Communist Party.
In the letter, Sen. Cruz wrote, “For over a decade, Governor Tim Walz has acted as one of the Institute’s most ardent supporters, securing millions of taxpayer dollars to fund its operations, including over $2 million in federal funding for technology acquisitions and a $5 million earmark to expand your Institute’s reach. The Governor’s support for the Hormel Institute has remained steadfast, continuing even after the FBI concluded on February 28, 2023 that COVID-19 pandemic likely originated from the WIV.
“Governor Walz’s personal connections to China—his honeymoon there, over 30 trips, and public comments downplaying the strategic threat posed by the CCP13—only raise further questions about his motivations for promoting your institution.
“Your institute’s ongoing partnership with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and by extension the People’s Liberation Army, reflects a troubling disregard for national security concerns…The American people deserve assurance that their resources and institutions are not inadvertently supporting the goals of our chief geopolitical adversary.”
Read the full letter here or below:
Dear Director Clarke:
I write to you today with growing concern regarding the Hormel Institute’s longstanding partnership with China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV).
The WIV, as you are certainly aware, has been credibly implicated as the likely point of origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even more troubling are its direct ties to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its involvement in classified military research including laboratory animal experiments under the auspices of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at least as recently as 2017. Despite these alarming connections which raise obvious national security concerns, the institute you lead has not only maintained its collaboration with WIV but it has done so with the backing of Minnesota’s top elected official.
For over a decade, Governor Tim Walz has acted as one of the Institute’s most ardent supporters, securing millions of taxpayer dollars to fund its operations, including over $2 million in federal funding for technology acquisitions and a $5 million earmark to expand your Institute’s reach. The Governor’s support for the Hormel Institute has remained steadfast, continuing even after the FBI concluded on February 28, 2023 that COVID-19 pandemic likely originated from the WIV.
In recent years, researchers at the Hormel Institute have collaborated with the Wuhan Institute of Virology on a variety of projects, including a 2020 COVID-19 study and, as more recently as of 2024, on structural biology research.
The COVID-19 study, titled “A dynamic regulatory interface on SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase,” was authored by four WIV researchers, three Hormel Institute researchers, and a Yale School of Medicine professor. Similarly, in January 2024, Hormel Institute researchers published a study on genes with the WIV’s Lina He, Wei Zhou, and Yangbo Hu. In 2023, WIV’s Yangbo Hu also worked with the Hormel Institute’s Dmytro Kompaniiets, Dong Wang, and Bin Liu on research titled “Structure and molecular mechanism of bacterial transcription activation,” among other collaborations.
Furthermore, the resignation of your predecessor, Dr. Zigang Dong, who served as Executive Director for nearly 18 years and resigned following an FBI investigation into his “possible failure to disclose foreign backing when applying for grants,” should have prompted a thorough reassessment of your institute’s engagements with foreign entities. Yet, despite this disconcerting event, Governor Walz continues to promote and direct public resources to your institute. Even after the U.S. government ceased funding to organizations working with the WIV, Governor Walz toured your facility and publicly praised its work.
Governor Walz’s personal connections to China—his honeymoon there, over 30 trips, and public comments downplaying the strategic threat posed by the CCP—only raise further questions about his motivations for promoting your institution.
Additionally, in 2020, the Hormel Institute’s disclosure in a 2020 EMBO Journal Study that it received “help from the Core Facility and Technical Support” of the WIV for “radioactive and fluorescent tests” adds to the concern. Further raising suspicions is that Bin Liu, a professor at the Hormel Institute who worked on that 2020 EMBO Journal study, attended Wuhan University. Federal records indicate that the researchers for this particular study included those affiliated with the WIV, in addition to the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and China’s Zhengzhou University.
In light of these recently-disclosed facts, it is critical to understand the full extent of your institute’s involvement in a partnership that risks benefitting our nation’s chief geopolitical adversary. Accordingly, for the purposes of oversight, I request that you respond to the following questions and requests by October 31, 2024:
1. How much public and private funding has the Hormel Institute received specifically for projects involving collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV)? Please provide an itemized accounting of all such funding.
2. When did the Hormel Institute first initiate collaboration with the WIV, and what were the specific reasons for choosing to partner with a facility known to have ties to China’s People’s Liberation Army?
3. What actions has the Hormel Institute taken to ensure that its collaborative work with the WIV does not benefit China’s military or pose a risk to U.S. national security?
a. If no such actions were taken, what was the rationale behind this decision?
4. Given the WIV’s ties to China’s military, why has the Hormel Institute not publicly disclosed the full extent of its collaborations with the WIV?
a. If this information has been withheld, please explain why.
5. Please provide all internal documentation or communications related to the Hormel Institute’s partnerships with Chinese research facilities, including but not limited to the WIV.
6. What was the Institute’s reasoning behind continuing its collaboration with the WIV, even after serious concerns about the origins of COVID-19 and the lab’s military affiliations became widely known?
7. How can the American public trust that the Hormel Institute’s partnerships with the WIV are not inadvertently advancing China’s geopolitical goals, particularly in biotechnology and biomedical research?
8. Given the U.S. government’s cessation of funding to other nonprofits with ties to the WIV, what justifications does the Hormel Institute offer for continuing its relationship with the WIV?
9. Why did the Hormel Institute continue collaborating with the WIV after your predecessor, Dr. Zigang Dong, resigned amid an FBI investigation into his failure to disclose foreign funding when applying for grants?
10. The Hormel Institute’s work with the WIV includes research on gene structures and SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase. What measures have been taken to ensure that no sensitive intellectual property or technology has been transferred to China’s military-backed labs during these studies? If no measures were taken, why not?
11. Please provide any documentation or communications between the Hormel Institute and the Office of the Minnesota Governor regarding the Institute’s partnerships with Chinese research facilities, particularly the WIV.
Your institute’s ongoing partnership with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and by extension the People’s Liberation Army, reflects a troubling disregard for national security concerns. The devastating impact of COVID-19 has highlighted the seriousness of these issues, as the pandemic has severely affected lives and economies worldwide. The American people deserve assurance that their resources and institutions are not inadvertently supporting the goals of our chief geopolitical adversary. As Executive Director, it is crucial that you address these concerns transparently. Failure to do so will only deepen public mistrust and undermine confidence in your institute’s integrity and intentions.
The American people look forward to your timely and comprehensive response.
Sincerely,
/X/

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Brown Calls on Administration to Provide Disaster Loans to Small Businesses Affected by May Explosion in Downtown Youngstown

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called on the Biden Administration to grant Ohio’s request to make Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) available to Youngstown businesses impacted by the downtown Realty Tower explosion on May 28, 2024.

In a letter to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and Associate Administrator Francisco Sánchez Jr., Brown detailed the impact of the explosion on local businesses and urged SBA to provide assistance. The letter follows an official request from the state that was submitted on Monday.

“While downtown businesses have re-opened, many were significantly impacted and have requested help. Following the May explosion, I heard directly from businesses, workers, and residents who were negatively affected by the explosion. Business owners shared the economic challenges this emergency brought, and I urge you to answer their call for support,” Brown wrote.

In July, Brown called on the Secretary of the Treasury and the IRS Commissioner to declare that relief payments Youngstown residents received from the Red Cross, the United Way, and Enbridge Gas in connection to the explosion be deemed tax exempt. Brown is pushing the IRS to declare the tragic explosion “of a catastrophic nature,” and qualify the payments as nontaxable. Earlier that week, Brown hosted a roundtable with government officials, businesses, workers and residents of downtown Youngstown who have been negatively affected by the May 28 Realty Tower Explosion. Brown and residents discussed the ongoing recovery efforts.

Full text of the letter can be found HERE or below.

Dear Administrator Casillas Guzman and Administrator Sanchez:

I write to urge you to act swiftly on the request by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) available to Youngstown businesses impacted by the downtown explosion on May 28, 2024.

The explosion resulted in one fatality, nine serious injuries, and massive property damage. In addition, the event displaced hundreds of residents from their homes, forced several businesses to close temporarily, and required the demolition of a historic building.

While downtown businesses have re-opened, many were significantly impacted and have requested help. Following the May explosion, I heard directly from businesses, workers, and residents who were negatively affected by the explosion. Business owners shared the economic challenges this emergency brought, and I urge you to answer their call for support. In his request for SBA EIDL assistance, Governor DeWine has found that the sustained losses to businesses meet the threshold for SBA disaster assistance and that businesses are in need of financial assistance not otherwise available on reasonable terms.

I fully support Governor DeWine’s request and urge your prompt consideration. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Thank you,

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Gaza – Israeli forces pushing people from north Gaza to the south will only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe – MSF

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

Jerusalem, 9 October 2024: Israeli evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza, issued on 7 October, are pushing tens of thousands of people to immediately flee south as the area is targeted by airstrikes and a ground offensive. In this latest forced mass displacement, residents of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Beit Lahia have been urged to move to the overcrowded, so-called humanitarian zone between Al-Mawasi and Deir Al-Balah, where one million people are already living in inhumane conditions. The zone also remains unsafe for civilians and aid workers, as Israeli forces continue to repeatedly strike the area.

These forced mass evacuations of homes and bombing of neighbourhoods by the Israeli forces are turning the north of Gaza into an unliveable wasteland, effectively emptying out the whole north of the Strip of Palestinian life. To make matters worse, no humanitarian supplies have been allowed to enter the area since 1 October.

MSF calls on the Israeli forces to halt evacuation orders, which are causing the forced displacement of people, and to ensure the protection of civilians. They must also allow desperately needed humanitarian supplies to enter the north as a matter of extreme urgency.

“All of a sudden, I was told that we had to move from the north,” says Mahmoud, a Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) watchman, who left Jabalia at night to find refuge at the MSF guest house in Gaza City. “We left our home in despair, under bombs, missiles and artillery. It was very, very difficult. I would prefer to die than to be displaced to the south; my home is here, and I do not want to leave.”

Israeli forces also called for the evacuation of the three main hospitals in northern Gaza, namely Indonesian, Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda hospitals. These are operating at minimal capacity and have a total of 317 patients still hospitalised, with around 80 people in intensive care and unable to move, according to the Ministry of Health. These three medical facilities, as well as those that remain partially functional across the Strip, must be protected at all costs.

The MSF clinic in Gaza City received 255 patients on Sunday and Monday alone, as options for people to access medical care shrink by the day. For some people, accessing the few existing health facilities is impossible; our teams have received reports of wounded people who have died as they were unable to seek medical care.

Among those facing evacuation orders in the north are seven MSF staff who managed to find shelter in Gaza City. Five others remain blocked in Jabalia, where the Israeli forces are on the ground carrying out attacks.

“The latest move to forcefully and violently push thousands of people from northern Gaza to the south is turning the north into a lifeless desert, while aggravating the situation in the south, where more than one million people have already been squeezed into a small portion of the Gaza Strip and live in deplorable conditions,” says Sarah Vuylsteke, MSF project coordinator in Gaza.

“Access to water, healthcare, and safety is already almost non-existent, and the thought of more people fitting into this space is impossible to imagine,” says Vuylsteke. “People have been subjected to endless displacement and relentless bombing for the past 12 months. Enough is enough, this must stop now.”

While the Israeli authorities have recently declared a minimal expansion of the so-called humanitarian zone, the area remains subject to evacuation orders and is unsafe due to regular Israeli bombardment. Many people living in the zone are suffering from skin diseases and respiratory infections because of the dire conditions. The situation is even more worrying with the approach of winter and the cold temperatures that people will be exposed to.

Israeli forces must urgently halt evacuation orders in the north of Gaza. The relentless killing of people in Gaza must stop now, and an immediate and sustained ceasefire must be implemented.

MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: COOK POLITICAL: VA-07 is a “toss up”

Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

October 8, 2024

Cook Political makes it official: VA-07 is officially a TOSS-UP race.

As polling consistently shows VA-07 to be a dead heat, it’s no wonder Cook Political is the second race ranker to move this district to a “toss up.” Inside Elections moved it to “toss up” in August.

Vindman has faced criticism for inflating his military resume, accusations of violating federal election law, blowback for not being from the district and

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Three Federal Treasury deposit auctions will take place on 10/09/2024

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

Application selection parameters
Date of the selection of applications	10/09/2024
Unique identifier of the application selection	22024514
Deposit currency	rubles
Type of funds	funds of the single treasury account
Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units	569,000
Placement period, in days	2
Date of deposit	10/09/2024
Refund date	10/11/2024
Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating)	FIXED
Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum	18.14
Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds	–
Minimum spread, % per annum	–
Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special)	Urgent
Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units	1,000
Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs.	5
Application selection form (open or closed)	Open
Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
Venue for the selection of applications	PAO Moscow Exchange
Applications accepted:	from 09:30 to 09:40
Preliminary applications:	from 09:30 to 09:35
Applications in competition mode:	from 09:35 to 09:40
Formation of a consolidated register of applications:	from 09:40 to 09:50
Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful:	from 09:40 to 10:00
Submission of an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement:	from 10:00 to 11:00
Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions:	from 10:00 to 11:00
Deposit transfer time	In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

Application selection parameters
Date of the selection of applications	10/09/2024
Unique identifier of the application selection	32024019
Deposit currency	rubles
Type of funds	funds of the Social Fund of Russia (SFRR)
Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units	46.5
Placement period, in days	75
Date of deposit	10/09/2024
Refund date	12/23/2024
Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating)	FLOATING
Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum	–
Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds	RUONmDS
Minimum spread, % per annum	0.00
Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special)	Special
Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units	1
Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs.	5
Application selection form (open or closed)	Open
Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
Venue for the selection of applications	PAO Moscow Exchange
Applications accepted:	from 12:30 to 12:40
Pre-applications:	from 12:30 to 12:35
Applications in competition mode:	from 12:35 to 12:40
Formation of a consolidated register of applications:	from 12:40 to 12:50
Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful:	from 12:40 to 13:00
Submission of an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement:	from 13:00 to 14:00
Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions:	from 13:00 to 14:00
Deposit transfer time	In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

RUONmDS = RUONIA – DS, where

RUONIA – the value of the indicative weighted rate of overnight ruble loans (deposits) RUONIA, expressed in hundredths of a percent, published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued. In the absence of a publication of the RUONIA rate value on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued, the last of the published RUONIA rate values is taken into account.

DS – discount – a value expressed in hundredths of a percent and rounded (according to the rules of mathematical rounding) to two decimal places, calculated by multiplying the value of the Key Rate of the Bank of Russia by the value of the required reserve ratio for other liabilities of credit institutions for banks with a universal license, non-bank credit institutions (except for long-term ones) in the currency of the Russian Federation, valid on the date for which interest is accrued, and published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet.

Application selection parameters
Date of the selection of applications	10/09/2024
Unique identifier of the application selection	22024515
Deposit currency	rubles
Type of funds	funds of the single treasury account
Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units	30,000
Placement period, in days	98
Date of deposit	10/10/2024
Refund date	01/16/2025
Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating)	FLOATING
Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum	–
Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds	RUONmDS
Minimum spread, % per annum	0.00
Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special)	Urgent
Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units	1,000
Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs.	5
Application selection form (open or closed)	Open
Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
Venue for the selection of applications	PAO Moscow Exchange
Applications accepted:	from 15:30 to 15:40
Pre-applications:	from 15:30 to 15:35
Applications in competition mode:	from 15:35 to 15:40
Formation of a consolidated register of applications:	from 15:40 to 15:50
Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful:	from 15:40 to 16:00
Submission of an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement:	from 16:00 to 17:00
Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions:	from 16:00 to 17:00
Deposit transfer time	In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

RUONmDS = RUONIA – DS, where

Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232PR@moex.com

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

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

https://www.moex.com/n73836

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Leads Effort Ensuring Biden-Harris Agency Stops Censorship Online

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Washington, D.C. – Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. led a letter to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) expressing concerns over the agency’s monitoring of online political speech leading up to the 2024 election cycle. In the letter, Senator Marshall and his colleagues warn that the agency’s actions risk First Amendment violations by censoring speech on popular social media and search engine platforms. The senators pointed to a similar effort by CISA during the 2020 election cycle that led to widespread censorship of American citizens.
“The First Amendment prohibits the government from ‘abridging freedom of speech’ and the Supreme Court has recognized that for ‘core political speech’ ‘the importance of First Amendment protections is at its zenith.’ In today’s world, ‘core political speech’ is often found on social media platforms. Instead of respecting these long-standing norms, CISA has in the past worked with partners to violate them, thus undermining trust in the agency for many Americans,” the senators wrote. “To quote the Supreme Court, ‘if there is a fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion.’ This is why we are writing to discourage CISA from prescribing what is favored and disfavored speech going forward. Millions of Americans expect nothing less from their government,” the senators continued.
Senator Marshall and his colleagues urged CISA to prioritize its core mission of protecting America’s critical cybersecurity infrastructure. The senators closed their letter by demanding CISA confirm it will not censor Americans’ online speech or collaborate with groups aiming to control online information or opinions.
Senator Marshall led this letter alongside Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO). You may click HERE or scroll below to read Senator Marshall’s letter to CISA.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ – ACC accounts under pressure

Source: BusinessNZ

Better claims management and more transparent levy-setting are needed to return ACC Accounts to financial health, BusinessNZ says.

BusinessNZ’s submission on ACC’s levy-setting for 2025-28 notes that some ACC Accounts are currently underfunded, a situation which will lead to unjustified pressure on future levy payers.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says ACC needs to be adequately resourced to ensure injured people receive rapid and cost-effective treatment and rehabilitation where required while at the same time being responsive to levy payers to minimise overall costs.

“While we understand why ACC is proposing levy increases across the various Accounts, many levy payers will not welcome the proposed increases – which will add further pressure on businesses, workers and motor vehicle owners during challenging economic times and cost-of-living pressures.

“The Government is responding to the economic challenge by seeking to restrain core Crown operating spending and has called on local government to focus on ‘doing the basics brilliantly.’ We believe ACC should do likewise.”

Mrs Rich says there’s concern at the fact that the Earners Account is currently only 90% funded, with a shortfall of $1.6 billion, and given proposed levy rates, will fall to only 67% funded in 10 years.

“ACC legislation requires all Accounts to be fully funded to ensure they can meet the lifetime cost of current claims. We believe this legal requirement is currently not being met.

“There is also concern at the longer-term trend of claim volumes rising faster than population growth.

“We believe ACC should proactively improve systems for accepting, managing and monitoring claims, and should manage all Accounts transparently, without cross-subsidies.

“It is important that the businesses, workers and vehicle owners contributing levies to the ACC Scheme have confidence that the Scheme is being funded and managed according to its statutory requirements,” Mrs Rich said.

The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Iraq
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 9 October 2024, 10:56 NZDT
- Still current at: 9 October 2024
Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel to Iraq including the Kurdistan region due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation, the ongoing threat of terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime (level 4 of 4).

New Zealanders currently in Iraq despite our advice who have concerns for their safety are strongly advised to depart as soon as possible.

Iraq

As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Iraq, the ability of the government to assist New Zealand citizens requiring consular assistance is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Iraq should consider.

Security Situation
The security situation in Iraq remains highly volatile and could deteriorate further, with little or no warning. The terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant remains active in parts of the country, as do other violent extremist groups engaged in sectarian, ethnic and tribal violence and organised crime. Political instability, crime and corruption, and civil unrest are also common in Iraq.

Terrorism
There is a continuing threat of violent attacks across Iraq from terrorist groups. Suicide bomb attacks, roadside bombs, car bombs, rocket attacks, drone attacks and small arms attacks occur frequently. Thousands of people have been killed and injured in these attacks throughout Iraq.

Attacks can occur without warning at anytime, anywhere in Iraq. Terrorists, violent extremists and both pro and anti-government militias continue to conduct frequent and lethal attacks on a wide range of targets in Iraq.

Targets include Iraqi Security Forces, government offices, large public gatherings, places of worship, airports, sites frequented by foreigners and residential areas to maximise casualties. While attacks can happen at any time, there is a heightened threat during religious and public holidays. There is also a heightened threat of attacks against Western interests.

While the security situation in the Kurdistan region is slightly different to the rest of Iraq, there remains a risk of attacks by terrorist groups. Terrorist groups remain active close to the Kurdish region and the security situation in the region could deteriorate quickly.

Kidnapping/Crime
Violent crime, kidnapping and corruption are widespread throughout Iraq. Organised criminal groups, militia and tribal groups pose a significant threat. Although violent crime does occur during the day, security conditions get much worse after dark.

Kidnapping for ransom and hostage taking by extremists and militant groups for ideological reasons, political gain or ransom is a significant threat throughout Iraq. Over the past decade a large number of foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Iraq, including aid workers, security contractors, journalists and soldiers. Many hostages have been killed or remain missing.

Women and girls in particular may be subject to harassment or mistreatment. Some sectors of Iraqi society and institutions have been known to overlook allegations of domestic violence against women when it is committed by close family members.

Civil Unrest
Political rallies and protests happen frequently in Baghdad and Basra and to a lesser extent Erbil. They can turn violent quickly and have led to injury and death in the past. Political rallies and protests also present viable targets for terrorists. Police may use tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition to disperse crowds.

New Zealanders in Iraq are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews or vehicle bans. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings. If unexpectedly in the vicinity of a protest or demonstration, exercise caution and leave the area quickly, find a safe location, remain indoors and follow any local advice.

Security Forces
Iraqi Security Forces and international coalition forces are engaged in an ongoing terrorist counter insurgency across central and northern Iraq. They also have a strong presence across the rest of Iraq and conduct targeted airstrikes against militants.

Security restrictions like curfews and vehicle bans can be imposed at short notice.

Security checkpoints are common place and often ad hoc, however false checkpoints have also been used to launch attacks, kidnapping, robbery and murder.

Iraq has a large number of diverse security forces. They do not all enjoy cooperative relationships with one and other.

Turkish and Iranian security forces have also been known to conduct military incursions targeting terrorist or militia groups across Iraq’s northern borders.

Local travel
Travel across Iraq can be extremely dangerous and there continue to be fatal attacks involving roadside bombs and small arms fire.

There is also an ongoing threat from armed carjacking and robbery. Attacks happen during the day, but travelling at night is more dangerous.

Domestic and international border crossings and Iraqi airports may close with little or no notice. Avoid travel to border areas as clashes, air strikes and other violent incidents are common. Sensitive border areas, especially with Syria and Turkey, are military targets.

Piracy
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, particularly in the northern Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For more information, view the International Maritime Bureaus’ piracy report.

Mosul Dam
The Government of Iraq has taken and continues to take measures to improve the structural integrity of the Mosul Dam. A dam failure could cause significant flooding and disruptions to essential services from Mosul to Baghdad, along the Tigris River as well as areas adjoining the dam. A failure of the Mosul Dam cannot be predicted. Monitor local media reports and prepare contingency plans.

General Travel Advice
Although homosexuality is not explicitly illegal under Iraqi law, people of the same sex who engage in consensual sexual acts may be prosecuted under other provisions of law, such as public indecency, and local attitudes towards LGBTQI+ people may be hostile. Violence, harassment and discrimination against LGBTQI+ people does occur, you are advised to exercise discretion.

New Zealanders who decide to travel to Iraq are strongly encouraged to:
- Consult a reputable security company (with experience in Iraq) for advice on security arrangements. Security arrangements should be reviewed on a regular basis. Such measures may mitigate the risks to your safety but cannot eliminate them entirely.
- Ensure that appropriate personal security protection measures are in place at all times including a robust contingency plan. The New Zealand government will not be arranging an evacuation for New Zealand citizens, should commercial options for departure cease.
- Avoid areas of military activity at all times including border areas, as these areas are dangerous, often the target of military operations and not always clearly defined.
- Have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel in Iraq – exclusions may well apply.
- Be highly security conscious at all times, particularly in public places when travelling by road and close to government offices.
- New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Iraq to avoid offending local sensitivities.
- Follow restrictions imposed by the local authorities and seek local advice on any changes to curfews. Exercise particular caution at checkpoints, a uniform is not a guarantee that the wearer is acting in an official capacity.
- Monitor local developments closely through media and other information sources on possible new safety and security risks. Follow instructions from local authorities. Remain vigilant and alert to your surroundings.
New Zealanders who decide to live or travel in Iraq against our advice are strongly advised to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is accredited to Iraq

Street Address Level 25, Suite 2503, International Tower, Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE Postal Address PO Box 62292, Abu Dhabi Telephone +971 2 496-3333 Fax +971-2-496-3300 Email nzembassy.abu.dhabi@mfat.govt.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/united-arab-emirates Hours Mon-Wed 0900-1600, Thu 0900-1530, Fri 0900-1130 Notarial Services: By appointment only, please email to arrange Note Facebook: @nzembassyuae Twitter: @nzinuae

See our regional advice for the Middle East

Top of page

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2024 Article IV Mission to Timor-Leste
Source: IMF – News in Russian

October 8, 2024

End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.
- Timor-Leste’s growth is expected to rise in 2024, supported by an increase in public spending and strong credit growth. From a high level in 2023, inflation has fallen sharply and is projected to continue easing with the moderation of global food prices.
- A key policy priority is ensuring that Timor-Leste’s substantial savings are best utilized to support development while achieving fiscal sustainability. Improving the composition and quality of public spending would boost growth, while containing overall spending is needed to preserve fiscal sustainability.
- Promoting private sector development requires well-sequenced structural reforms, and the authorities are rightly prioritizing an ambitious agenda of legal reforms of the financial sector.
Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Yan Carrière-Swallow visited Dili during September 25-October 8 to conduct discussions for the 2024 Article IV consultation with Timor-Leste. At the conclusion of the discussions, Mr. Carrière-Swallow issued the following statement:

“Timor-Leste has made impressive progress since its independence. Yet, the economy remains under-diversified and highly dependent on the public sector. The IMF stands ready to continue providing capacity development to assist the government’s development and reform efforts.

“Growth is expected to rise in 2024, supported by an increase in public spending and strong credit growth, and will maintain its momentum in 2025. From a high level in 2023, inflation has fallen sharply and is projected to continue easing with the moderation of global food prices. Risks to the outlook are balanced.

“The draft 2025 budget contains an appropriate increase in spending on capital projects, health, and education, but also an excessive increase in recurrent spending. Large fiscal deficits are expected to persist as spending remains high, requiring excess withdrawals from the Petroleum Fund that will lead to its full depletion by the end of the 2030s. We recommend a 10-year reform scenario that supports economic diversification through structural reforms and gradually reduces fiscal deficits to stabilize the Petroleum Fund.

“We welcome the government’s ambitious financial sector reform agenda to address structural impediments to lending, which is essential for private sector development. We recommend accelerating the issuance of land titles, which would offer a crucial source of collateral to households and businesses seeking credit from banks.

“The team had fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Minister of Finance Santina Cardoso, Central Bank Governor Hélder Lopes, other senior officials, development partners, the private sector, and civil society. On behalf of the IMF team, I would like to thank the Timorese authorities for their hospitality and excellent cooperation.”

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/08/pr24360-timor-leste-imf-staff-completes-2024-article-iv-mission

MIL OSI
MIL OSI Russia News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with Papua New Guinea on a Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement and the Third Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Extended Fund Facility
Source: IMF – News in Russian

October 8, 2024

End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country or a virtual staff visit. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.
- The Papua New Guinea authorities and the IMF team reached staff-level agreement on the request for access under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) for about US$265 million to enhance resilience to climate change. The IMF Executive Board will consider the request in the coming weeks.
- The authorities and the IMF team also reached staff-level agreement on the third reviews of the authorities’ reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility and the Extended Fund Facility.
- Papua New Guinea’s outlook remains positive, with economic growth increasing to 4.5 percent in 2024, and the authorities continue to make progress in implementing their homegrown economic reform program.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Tahsin Saadi Sedik, visited Port Moresby from September 26 to October 9, 2024, to review progress under the authorities’ homegrown economic reforms supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangements of SDR684.3 million (about US$918 million), and to discuss the authorities’ request for access to the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Saadi Sedik issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce that IMF staff and the Papua New Guinea (PNG) authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on (i) the policies needed to complete the third reviews of the ECF and EFF arrangements; and (ii) a new 24-month RSF arrangement with access of SDR197.4 million (about US$265 million), which will run in parallel to the ECF-EFF arrangements, to support the authorities’ policy agenda aimed at enhancing resilience to climate change.

“To enhance PNG’s capacity to address challenges posed by climate change and reinforce its resilience, the proposed RSF arrangement, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, would help build policy buffers and contribute to enhancing the effective implementation of PNG’s climate commitments. PNG would become the first Pacific Island country to benefit from RSF support. Building on these commitments, reforms under the proposed RSF arrangement will focus on strengthening disaster risk management capacity, supporting the inclusion of climate considerations in public investment decisions, encouraging the development of green finance, and enhancing mitigation policies. These reforms, which will be supported by capacity development activities from PNG’s international partners, are expected to catalyze financing for climate and sustainable development.

“The completion of the third reviews of the ECF-EFF, upon approval by the Executive Board of the IMF, would allow for the immediate disbursement of SDR94.75 million (approximately US$127 million) in financing, bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed thus far under the ECF-EFF arrangements to SDR321.12 million (about US$430 million). Adding the new RSF support, the total IMF commitment under all these arrangements would be SDR881.72 million (about US$1.19 billion).

“Papua New Guinea’s economic outlook remains positive. Growth is expected to increase to 4.5 percent in 2024 from 2.9 percent in 2023, supported by the resumption of activities at the Porgera gold mine and improvements in access to foreign exchange. Average headline inflation is projected to remain historically low at 1.3 percent in 2024, while core inflation, which excludes volatile items such as betel nut, is projected to moderately increase to 3.9 percent in 2024, while staying below the historical average, mainly driven by food and transportation costs. Gross international reserves stood at US$3.2 billion at end-June 2024, providing space to continue implementing central banking reforms.

“Performance since the start of the ECF-EFF arrangements has been strong. The government of PNG has continued to make progress in implementing its structural reform agenda, focused on advancing budget repair, modernizing central banking, and improving governance. These reforms are bearing fruit, with notable positive outcomes including: (i) the easing of foreign exchange shortages, which contributes to improving the business environment; (ii) the reduction of excess liquidity in the banking sector, which enhances monetary policy transmission; (iii) a lower fiscal deficit, which strengthens public debt sustainability; and (iv) progress in the operationalization of the anti-corruption framework.

“The government remains committed to an ambitious fiscal consolidation strategy set out in its 13-year budget repair plan. After reducing the fiscal deficit by 0.9 percentage points of GDP in 2023, while creating space for more social spending, the authorities are on track to deliver an additional 0.4 percentage points of GDP reduction in 2024. The authorities remain committed to implementing their prudent borrowing strategy aimed at preserving debt sustainability.

“The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) has continued to actively implement its roadmap of reforms to help alleviate foreign exchange shortages, gradually return to kina convertibility, and modernize its monetary policy operations. The increased flexibility of the exchange rate under the de facto crawl-like arrangement, combined with the BPNG’s foreign exchange intervention strategy, has supported improved access to foreign exchange, particularly for essential import orders. The reduction of the structural misalignment of the kina will help enhance the competitiveness of PNG’s exports, including in the agricultural sector, and thus increase rural incomes and improve living standards. The BPNG continues monitoring developments in domestic financial markets and stands ready to calibrate its policy stance accordingly. The BPNG is also modernizing its monetary policy operations, enabling commercial banks to improve their liquidity management. Amendments to the Central Banking Act, adopted in September by Parliament, have significantly improved the mandate, governance, and autonomy of the BPNG.

“The governance and anti-corruption frameworks are being strengthened. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), benefiting from a significant increase in funding, has successfully defined its operational procedures and set up more secure information systems.

“The IMF will continue to work closely with the Papua New Guinea authorities and stands ready to help them, not only through financing and policy advice, but also through technical assistance.

“The IMF staff team is grateful to the authorities for their warm hospitality, productive collaboration, and candid policy dialogue. The IMF team held meetings with Minister for Treasury Ian Ling-Stuckey, Governor of BPNG Elizabeth Genia, Secretary of Treasury Andrew Oaeke, and other senior government officials. The team also had constructive meetings with representatives from the private sector and development partners.”

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/08/pr24359-papua-new-guinea-imf-reaches-sla-rsf-arrangement-3rd-rev-ecf-eff

MIL OSI
MIL OSI Russia News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Hosts Second Rural Community Funding Summit

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
SHREVEPORT – This morning, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted his second Rural Community Funding Summit of 2024, together with Minden Mayor Nick Cox, the Louisiana Municipal Association, the Police Jury Association of Louisiana, and LITACorp. Cassidy encouraged local officials in attendance to take advantage of his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the opportunities it provides.
“When I was negotiating the bipartisan infrastructure bill, I was thinking of mayors, police jurors and city council members gaining access to dollars to build roads, fix water and sewage issues and extend high-speed broadband throughout Northwest Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This summit completes the connection between appropriating our federal tax dollars back to our state and these community leaders learning how to use this money.”
Webster Parish alone will benefit from over $17 million in the IIJA as of last summer, including over $9.2 million to build a new overpass over Louisiana Highway 531, along with other improvements near the overpass. Improvements will also be made to the stretch of Louisiana Highway 159 between Country Club Drive and Benson Road, and to the Minden and Springhill Airports.
Representatives from numerous federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the Delta Regional Authority, were present. Cassidy was thanked for his efforts by Mayor Cox.
“Senator Cassidy’s infrastructure bill has been enormously helpful in improving our roads and upgrading our airports, and we appreciate the chance to learn more about the opportunities in his bill to improve the services we provide to our residents,” said Mayor Cox. “This is great for Minden and great for the region.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to California Businesses and Residents Affected by the Boyles Fire

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California businesses and residents affected by the Boyles Fire that occurred Sept. 8–11, announced Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward of the California Office of Emergency Services, on Oct. 1.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma and Yolo counties.

“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help California’s small businesses and residents impacted by the Boyles Fire,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

“When disasters strike, our Disaster Loan Outreach Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet,” said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “At these centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey.”

“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” continued Sánchez. “Beginning Thursday, Oct. 10, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Sánchez added. The center will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary.

LAKE COUNTY
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Clearlake City Hall
14050 Olympic Dr.
Clearlake, CA 95422

Opens 12 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10

Closed Monday, Oct. 14 in observance of Columbus Day

Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closes 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business 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 said. “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.”

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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.

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.

The deadline to apply for property damage is Dec. 6, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 7, 2025.

###

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 http://www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Idaho Small Businesses Economically Impacted by Wildfires, including the Bench Lake and Wapiti Fires

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses economically impacted by wildfires, including the Bench Lake and Wapiti Fires that began July 11, SBA’s Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced today. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Brad Little on Oct. 4.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Blaine, Boise, Butte, Custer, Elmore, Lemhi and Valley counties in Idaho.

“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Idaho’s small businesses impacted by wildfires, including the Bench Lake and Wapiti Fires,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help these businesses.”

“When disasters strike, our virtual Business Recovery Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “At these virtual centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey.”

“Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 9, SBA customer service representatives will be available at the following virtual Business Recovery Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete their application,” Sánchez continued. The virtual center will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary.

VIRTUAL BUSINESS RECOVERY CENTER
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time
FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
(916) 735-1501

Opens at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9

“Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” Sánchez added.

“These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Sánchez said.

Eligibility is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for small businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years and are restricted to small businesses without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

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.

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.

The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 7, 2025.

###

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 http://www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media Release: Euthanasia’s ‘Safeguards’ Are Failing

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 9 October 2024

Family First is appalled, but not surprised, to read the testimony of two whistleblowers from the End of Life Review committee.

Potentially wrongful deaths; incomplete or conflicting reports; reports that won’t even include a patient’s diagnosis; and a Ministry of Health unprepared to provide information are just some of the worrying issues raised.

In a NZ Herald report today, Dr Jane Greville (a palliative care specialist) and Dr Dana Wensley (an ethicist) shared deeply worrying issues of how the review committee is operating. Both were inaugural members of the committee but having raised concerns during their tenure, they found their roles un-renewed by the Ministry of Health and the Minister responsible – David Seymour, the architect of the End of Life Choice Act.

The article noted that a patient who spoke no English was assessed and approved for death without an interpreter present. Reports given to the committee did not include such information as a patient’s diagnosis or prognosis. They also asked for information about when the lethal drugs were administered and how long after the patient died, but this was denied to the committee.

These are all aspects that opponents of the law – including Family First – have raised concerns about, and are now the very failures on full public display.

Family First’s concerns around the inequity of access to palliative care have also been highlighted by the whistleblowers. They noted a much greater demand and use of euthanasia in rural areas, where palliative care access is often more limited than in urban areas. When the reviewers asked the Ministry for more information, their request was denied.

“Why would any Ministry be reluctant to share more information when it comes to matters of life and death?” asks Simon O’Connor, spokesperson for Family First NZ and former MP.

Family First is calling on the government to take their accusations seriously and not wait for the outcome of the euthanasia review that is currently underway.

“We are talking life and death, and with these grave issues now public, it is beholden on the Ministry to address in haste and not delay any further” says Mr O’Connor.

“We also echo Dr Greville’s statement to the Herald, ‘there is no consequence greater than death’.”

Family First is calling on the Minister of Health to remove David Seymour’s delegation to oversee the End of Life Choice Act and current review.

“That he has overseen these failures and dismissed those experts is bad enough, but that he is also the person who introduced the law creates an unacceptable conflict of interest. It is very much the fox in charge of the hen house,” says Mr O’Connor.

For More Information and Media Interviews, contact Family First.
Simon O’Connor – Spokesperson / Director – External and Strategic Engagement

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MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: World first vehicles boost capability for NSW Ambulance

Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 9 October 2024

Released by: Minister for Health

NSW Ambulance will roll out eight specially designed vehicles known as Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulances (HARA), the first of their kind in the world, optimising response capabilities during natural disasters and in difficult terrain.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the community will benefit from the specialist capabilities of the HARA Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles, as part of a major $14.8 million funding package by the NSW Government to further build the state’s flood rescue capabilities.

The HARAs are designed to drive through flood waters up to 1.2 metres and are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments. The vehicles have also been made to operate around fire grounds, with the inclusion of a burn-over crew protection system, replacement of flammable components, and by wrapping critical vehicle infrastructure in fire-retardant material.

The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort.

The HARAs are equipped with the latest technology and purpose-built features, improving the organisation’s capability to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.

The vehicles have been purpose modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments with enhanced safety features including a reinforced exoskeleton to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.

HARAs will be rolled out over the coming months, with the vehicles proposed to be strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m so pleased our Ambulance service will be the first in the world to get these vehicles.

“These high-tech vehicles, will mean our world class clinicians will be even better prepared for any scenario they face – which could include floods or bushfires.

“Once they’re rolled out these vehicles will be an invaluable addition to NSW Ambulance.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart:

“I am proud to join the Minister for Health, Ryan Park MP in Heathcote today and see these innovative vehicles ahead of the rollout. They are long overdue and I’m so appreciative that a Minns Labor government has delivered on these essential vehicles.

“They will ensure communities across Heathcote with our challenging landscape and right across NSW receive world-class care and will be an invaluable resource during natural disasters.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“The HARA vehicles are the first of their kind and an essential addition to our fleet giving clinicians greater access to patients during natural disasters, such as in fire grounds and floods.

“The 4WD vehicles will be operated by our highly trained special operations paramedics and have been specifically modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments.”

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: REP. CLARKE CONDEMNS TRUMP’S FALSEHOODS AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES REGARDING FEMA’S RECOVERY AND RESPONSE EFFORTS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 8, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement regarding the falsehoods and conspiracy theories former president Donald J. Trump is spreading about the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the wake of Hurricane Helene:

“The recent surge in dis- and misinformation surrounding Hurricane Helene, largely propagated by former President Donald Trump and his allies, is endangering lives and hampering FEMA’s response and recovery operations after this natural disaster impacted six states and killed over 227 people – including within eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, where many are still unaccounted for, whole towns have been washed away, and communities remain cut off from the world.

“I am very concerned by Mr. Trump’s twisted efforts to politicize a natural disaster and benefit from the misery of communities and individuals reeling from one of the deadliest hurricanes on record. He and his far-right allies continue to engage in their ongoing disinformation campaign that is centered in asinine claims that FEMA has diverted relief funds from storm survivors to assist migrants, that Democrats can somehow control the weather, as well as a myriad of other absurdities, which are simply untrue and irresponsible distractions. Moreover, they are gravely endangering and misleading the many individuals who are still without a water supply, electricity, navigable roads, or vital supplies.

“Even more troubling, these falsehoods and conspiracy theories are circulating across social media platforms, escalating a volatile situation that stands to further worsen when the nation faces Hurricane Milton in a matter of days. As I’ve mentioned previously in my letter to top social media executives, their inability and inaction to stop the spread of dis- and misinformation across their platforms represents a serious threat to American lives and the sanctity of our elections.

“We must continue to work together to stop the continued spread of dis- and misinformation, for the consequences of our inaction are dire.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Federal Assistance for Hurricane Helene Exceeds $286 Million
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Federal Assistance for Hurricane Helene Exceeds $286 Million

Federal Assistance for Hurricane Helene Exceeds $286 Million
FEMA Maintains Focus on Recovery for Helene Survivors While Preparing for Impacts of Hurricane Milton

WASHINGTON – FEMA, under the direction of the Biden-Harris Administration, continues to lead a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Federal assistance for survivors of Helene has now surpassed $286 million with an additional $180 million in mission assignments to federal partners. FEMA continues to coordinate recovery efforts while preparing for the anticipated landfall of Hurricane Milton along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground directing FEMA’s response and recovery operations for the impacted states. The combined efforts of federal, state and local partners ensure that every available resource is mobilized to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

As FEMA maintains its focus on Helene response and recovery, the agency is also fully engaged in support of local, tribal and state response efforts ahead of Hurricane Milton. Residents in the storm’s projected path are urged to stay informed and prepare now.

Hurricane Helene Response

The agency is actively working alongside state, local and tribal partners to assess damage and support those affected by Helene. Nearly 7,000 federal personnel are deployed, including FEMA staff. To date, FEMA has shipped over 16.2 million meals, more than 13.9 million liters of water, 210 generators and more than 505,000 tarps to the region. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected states helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

Disaster survivors in designated areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in these areas should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.

Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Helene.

There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

Voluntary Organizations

Voluntary agencies are supporting all affected states by providing critical feeding operations and support for survivors with hot and prepared meals and shelf-stable meals. Organizations are also providing personnel and resources to the hardest hit areas. The American Red Cross has hundreds of trained disaster workers providing comfort and operating shelters.

People can receive free services like cutting fallen trees, tarping roofs and mitigating mold with the help of Crisis Cleanup by calling 844-965-1386. The hotline is open through Oct. 11 and can connect people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and the faith-based community who may be able to assist.

Additional support and assistance provided to each state includes:

Support for North Carolina

Financial Support: FEMA has approved more than $40 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 30,000 households.

Staffing: As response efforts continue in North Carolina, more than 1,000 FEMA staff are on the ground, with more arriving daily. Over 1,000 Urban Search and Rescue personnel remain in the field helping people. These teams have rescued or supported over 3,200 survivors to date. President Biden ordered an additional 500 active-duty troops equipped with advanced technological assets to the area to further strengthen recovery operations in Western North Carolina. This brings the total number of active-duty military personnel supporting the response to 1,500. Experienced FEMA leaders from around the country are in the field to bolster response efforts.

Sheltering: Shelter numbers continue to decline, with 18 shelters housing just under 800 occupants. Over 2,100 people who cannot return home are staying in safe and clean lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Transitional Sheltering Assistance is available for North Carolinians displaced by Helene. Residents in declared counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. People do not need to request this assistance. FEMA will notify them of their eligibility through an automated phone call, text message, and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance.

Power and Cellular Restoration: As of today, more than 86% of originally reported power outages have been restored. Cellular restoration continues to improve, with more than 85% of cellular sites operating. FEMA is boosting response coordination by providing Starlink units to ensure first responders can communicate with each other.

Commodities: Commodity distribution, mass feeding, and hydration operations are underway in areas of western North Carolina. FEMA commodity shipments are enroute to support operations. Voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. Mobile feeding operations are reaching survivors in heavily impacted areas, including three mass feeding sites in Buncombe, McDowell, and Watauga counties.

The Salvation Army has 20 mobile feeding units supporting the massive operation and has provided emotional and spiritual care to more than 2,400 people. To date, The Salvation Army has served over 34,000 meals, 14,500 drinks, and 10,200 snacks. The American Red Cross is engaging in targeted distribution of emergency supplies in low-income communities with high levels of minor or affected residential damage.

Resources:
- Residents can visit: ncdps.gov/helene to get information and additional assistance.
- Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.
Support for Florida

Recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene continue in Florida even as the federal government is supporting the state in preparing for Hurricane Milton. FEMA has approved more than $129 million for over 35,000 households. FEMA specialists are canvassing Florida communities affected by Helene to help survivors apply for assistance. Additionally, FEMA inspectors are visiting applicants’ homes to verify disaster-caused damage.

Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.

Residents can find additional resources and information at Florida Division of Emergency Management’s website, FloridaDisaster.org.

Support for South Carolina

In South Carolina, FEMA has approved over $65 million for more than 80,000 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties continuing to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

Residents with questions on Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133.

Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information.

Residents can find additional information at South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s website.

Support for Georgia

FEMA has approved over $48 million for more than 59,000 households.

Resources: Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

Support for Virginia

To date, FEMA has approved over $850,500 for over 123 households.

Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s website.

Support for Tennessee

FEMA has approved more than $3.1 million for disaster assistance for 192 households.

Residents can call 1-800-824-3463 to report a missing person. Callers should be prepared to provide as much information as possible including names, phone numbers, vehicle identification and last known whereabouts.

Counties continue to establish donation centers. For the evolving list, visit Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s website.
mashana.davis
Tue, 10/08/2024 – 20:59

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congresswomen Gwen Moore Applauds Biden-Harris Administration Continuing Work to Address Lead as a Public Health Hazard

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)

Congresswomen Gwen Moore Applauds Biden-Harris Administration Continuing Work to Address Lead as a Public Health Hazard

Today, President Biden visited Milwaukee touting $2.6 billion in bipartisan infrastructure law (BIL) funds to address water infrastructure needs, including the removal of lead pipes. This year alone, Milwaukee received $30 million in federal funds to replace 3,400 lead service lines. During his visit, President Biden announced an Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) update to the Lead and Copper rule which would call for affected entities to replace all lead pipes in 10 years. In addition, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced more than $416 million in grants to protect children from lead exposure through paint and other home hazards, including $7.5 million for Milwaukee County to address lead and other hazards in 142 housing units. In response, she released the following statement:

“Every child should have access to clean drinking water and a safe lead-free home in which to grow and thrive. Unfortunately for too many children in Milwaukee and elsewhere nationwide, that is not the case and too many remain exposed to lead which can lead to lifelong adverse impacts.

I thank the Administration for its focus since Day One on the threat lead poses to our children, including fighting to secure the first pool of funding to address lead pipes in the BIL. President Biden helped make sure that funding for state and local governments in the American Rescue Plan Act could explicitly be used for lead pipe replacement. At its current pace, it would take the city of Milwaukee an estimated 70 years to remove every lead pipe. With additional federal resources, we can accelerate these efforts.

I also applaud the Biden-Harris administration’s new Lead and Copper rule, which calls for municipalities to identify and remove every lead pipe in the next decade, a request that my Congressional colleagues and I have been pushing for. This rule includes stricter standards which will help keep babies and young children from experiencing the harmful effects of lead exposure on their health and neurological development. No baby should experience inequities before they have a chance to grow. This rule will make important federal interventions for the future of some of our most vulnerable children.

I also remain focused on removing all sources of lead from our communities, including lead paint, the primary source of lead exposure for many children. That’s why I have and continue to advocate for additional funding for HUD’s Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes program, which supports efforts to remove and remediate lead paint. I am so pleased that HUD is devoting hundreds of millions of dollars toward addressing lead paint exposure. These resources will especially help low-income and communities of color in cities like Milwaukee that have older housing stock, who face a high risk of exposure and who often lack the means to address this hazard on their own.

I have long made addressing the lead crisis a priority, and I thank the Biden-Harris for sharing the same urgency. All our children should have the chance the reach their full potential. And today’s announcements help get us closer to the day that we all dream about—where lead pipes will truly be a relic of the past rather than a public health threat to our children.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government takes next steps to reform competition at Sydney Airport
Source: Australian Ministers 1

The Albanese Government is reforming the aviation sector, introducing legislation to Parliament today to further reform the allocation of slots at Sydney Airport.

The changes introduced through this legislation were recommended by the Harris Review and will:
- improve efficiency and competition by delivering new civil penalty provisions for failing to use a slot, applying for slots with no reasonable prospects of using them, and failing to return or transfer unused slots.
- replace the current compliance and enforcement regime with one that is based on modern, international standards.
- reform the Compliance Committee to ensure it can provide independent advice to the government to effectively inform compliance action.
- deliver new transparency powers to support the strengthened compliance and enforcement regime, including giving the government power to compel airlines to produce information on slot usage and
- allow the government to make changes to get increased access for new entrants and more access for NSW regional airlines.
Community protections will be maintained, with no changes to the existing curfew arrangements or the overall daily movement cap at Sydney Airport.

This follows reform work already underway, including an independent audit of slot usage and an open, competitive tender to select the slot manager.

These reforms will increase Sydney Airport’s resilience by introducing a recovery period, which will be used following major disruptions such as severe weather events.

This will temporarily permit an extra five movements per hour for a maximum of two hours following the disruption.

Only flights already scheduled to operate on that day will be able to take off or land, and the recovery period will not extend into the curfew hours, meaning this will not increase the number of movements at Sydney Airport across the whole day.

What it will mean is the aviation network can recover and return to schedule faster, so travellers can reach their destinations on time.

These reforms are all about delivering better outcomes for the travelling public, by supporting an efficient, resilient and competitive Sydney Airport, and we look forward to the opposition’s support for the legislation.

From better monitoring airline performance and pricing to improving outcomes for travellers with disabilities and creating the first Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme – the Albanese Government is undertaking the most significant aviation reform agenda in a decade, delivering reforms that were left in the too hard basket by the previous government.

Along with the opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026, this reform package will enable a more competitive, transparent and productive aviation network for years to come.

MIL OSI News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Past meets present at Barooga’s Bullanginya Dreaming

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The Bullanginya Dreaming Luna Light Journey, blends Aboriginal insights with the elemental forces of light, water, and fire into a spectacular audio visual experience.

Located on the banks of the Bullanginya Lagoon, the immersive laser light show takes visitors on a 1.8 kilometre journey through the region’s Indigenous history, with 12 light activations telling the stories of the Bangerang People.

The 60-90-minute experience, which aims to entertain and educate visitors on the significance of local flora, fauna and Country, has been named in Tourism Australia’s July ‘Hot List’ of destinations.

More than 2,500 visitors have visited the experience so far injecting some $200,000 in direct tourism related spending.

Many visitors are staying in town and visiting other attractions, eating out and shopping, and well over a third of visitors are coming from more than 50km away.

Before starting the project, developer Barooga Sports Club, engaged with the traditional owners of the area, the Bangerang people, to ensure the experience reflects the cultural significance of the land and its stories.

Local Elder Uncle Darren (Dozer) Atkinson, founder of A.C.H.E (Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Education), has been a key partner throughout the three-year planning and development process.

As a proud Bangerang man, Uncle Darren says the finished product has exceeded his expectations and reflects the deep cultural heritage of his people.

Aboriginal Artist Rebecca Atkinson is the behind the light show, with her artwork serving as the inspiration for each of the twelve light activations.

Culturally significant discoveries were made during the project, including birthing trees which were sacred places of women’s business.

Supporting the local Aboriginal people was a key driver for the project with staff completing cultural immersion training, and 10 per cent of the sales of all merchandise going back to the Bangerang community

Bullanginya Dreaming is an accessible tourism attraction with pathways designed to accommodate visitors with disability or mobility issues.

The exhibition received funding from the NSW State Government, Federal Government and Barooga Sports Club, the creator of the project.

For more information and tickets go to: https://bullanginyadreaming.com.au/

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We know regional NSW is home to some stunning sights and the combination of the natural beauty of the Murray River region and this light and sound show is no exception.

“This project is also a great example of what can be achieved through partnership between the community and Aboriginal businesses and government.”

“The NSW Government is committed to growing a vibrant visitor economy across the state by supporting a diverse range of visitor experiences, driven by locals, who know their communities best.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The Bangerang people have taken inspiration from their Country and stories to create a dynamic, innovative installation that is putting their town on the tourist map.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal communities in their efforts to protect, revive, celebrate and sustain their cultural heritage, and Bullanginya Dreaming Luna Light Journey is a wonderful example of this.”

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director of Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Andrew Higgins said:

“This project is a community-led initiative that beautifully showcases the Bangerang people’s rich cultural heritage and ongoing spiritual connection to Country.

“It’s inspiring to see how this project not only celebrates Aboriginal culture but provides social and economic benefits to partnering Aboriginal businesses, with profits from the tours and merchandise supporting the Bangerang Corporation and local Aboriginal artists.”

Exhibit founder and Sporties CEO Bobby Brooks said:

“This exhibit offers visitors an experience like no other, through light and art, Bullanginya Dreaming cultivates unity, respect and appreciation for the rich legacy of the Bangerang people.

“This captivating spectacle transcends time and strengthens the bond between the community and its local Indigenous heritage with something for everyone to enjoy and learn from whether that’s families, the young, old, school groups, locals or visitors to the region.”

Local Elder Uncle Darren (Dozer) Atkinson said:

“It’s been amazing for the Bangerang people to have this recognition of our culture and our stories.

“Bullanginya Dreaming is about learning and understanding local culture and local history, and also increasing the knowledge of our First Nations.”

Local artist Rebecca Atkison said:

“My artwork tells a story, whether it’s about scar trees, birthing trees, or bush medicine, my artwork tells people about the First Nation’s rich history, right here in our own backyard.

“Much of my art features the land, water, sky and wildlife and the reason why those elements are so important – it tells the story of how we are all connected to the world around us.”

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Fox Business to Discuss Biden-Harris Administration’s Slow FEMA Response

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

“FEMA is worried more about diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate change than they are helping the people of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.”

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined “Kudlow” on Fox Business Network with guest host David Asman to discuss the Biden-Harris administration’s slow FEMA response to victims of Hurricane Helene, amid reports of money being allocated to house illegal immigrants and Vice President Harris touting the administration’s move to send another $157 million to Lebanon.

Excerpts from Senator Tuberville’s interview can be found below, and his full remarks can be found on YouTube or Rumble.

ON MAYORKAS CLAIMING FEMA IS OUT OF MONEY

ASMAN: “Senator, thanks so much for being here. Appreciate it. You know, there’s a big question about whether the administration is contradicting itself now based on what they’ve said before about 1.) whether FEMA has enough money to deal with all these crises, these emergencies, and 2.) whether or not they waylaid a lot of that money for spending on migrants.”

“So, it was pretty frank. He said, ‘We don’t have the funds to make it through the season.’ Now the question is, why? Senator, on the one hand, they’re saying this. On the other hand, they say exactly the opposite. I leave it to you now to try to figure out what’s going on here.”

TUBERVILLE: “Well, our country is in a mess and we are in a mess. And this administration, David, has no clue what they’re doing. I’ve been in the Senate now for going on four years, and it’s been like this the entire time. Now, when it comes to spending money, they know how to do that, but they don’t know how to prepare for anything. Let’s go back to North Carolina. First of all, it’s not about money at North Carolina in the first few days. It’s about security. People on the ground like the military, helping find people that are stranded, opening up roads, doing the things to get communication into the area in North Carolina. They heard zero from FEMA for five or six days. It was a disaster. And it’s continued to be a disaster—more people still missing, but David, this administration—Mayorkas being the leader of this pack when it comes to some kind of security, whether it’s the border, or whether it’s FEMA—he’s never prepared. He always blames somebody else. Another blaming President Trump for all this is going on. These people know how to spend money, but that’s the only thing they know how to do. They can’t do anything other than just spend the taxpayers’ money, and they usually waste it when it comes to that.”

ASMAN: “Well, and then they misappropriated. I mean, on the one hand, yes, you know, last week, [Karine] Jean-Pierre was saying that they haven’t used any money from FEMA for the migrants. But in 2022, she said very clearly funding is also available through FEMA’s emergency food and shelter program. That’s money that was going to the migrants. That’s money that the folks in Appalachia need right now.”

TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. And we’ve all known that. They’ve been spending billions of dollars on the illegals coming across the border. Once they get here, they take care of them much more than they take care of our veterans or the homeless people living in this country. David, I was coming from Bogotá, Colombia, a few weeks ago, and half the plane was filled with Venezuelans and people from South America that our government and taxpayer money—they were flying people on those planes to Houston. It was a commercial airliner, and then they were going places from there. It is a disaster. It’s getting worse every day. But this group could care less. All they want [are] votes, David. They don’t want to take care of any American citizen. They want votes to get reelected to carry this power on for another four years and Heaven help us if that happens.”

ASMAN: “And by the way, those folks that were on the plane with you haven’t been vetted. I mean, it’s quite clear that some of them—they just had to arrest, ICE just had to arrest some horrible people. They were child molesters from a bunch of different countries that were flown in and clearly, they hadn’t been vetted because if they had, they would have found out they had a horrible record from where they came from.”

TUBERVILLE: “Exactly. And it’s gonna get worse before it gets better. Our prayers are out to the people of North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina. But, David, let me tell you. I’ve lived in the South for all my life. I’ve been through hurricanes. I went through a terrible one in [Hurricane] Andrew back in ‘91 in Miami when I was coaching down there. There’s one coming named ‘Milton’ coming at Tampa. Right now, it’s a Category Five. It’s supposed to go down a little bit, but that usually never happens. The people of Tampa need to prepare to get out. Thank God, we have Governor DeSantis [who is] preparing for this because I promise you one thing, FEMA is nowhere to be found.”

ON VP HARRIS BRAGGING ABOUT SENDING MONEY TO LEBANON

ASMAN: “Well, meanwhile, while Mayorkas says we are running out of money for FEMA, Vice President Kamala Harris was bragging over the weekend about sending money to Lebanon of all places. She put out an X post saying, ‘I am concerned about the security and well-being of civilians suffering in Lebanon and will continue working to help meet the needs of all the civilians there.’ All the civilians there, what about the civilians here?”

TUBERVILLE: “Well, this is for a longer conversation, David, but that’s a war there. Our friend and ally, Israel is fighting for their livelihood over there. And we’re funding both sides. We’re giving some money, some weapons to Israel, but now we’re sending money to Lebanon who they’re fighting. We continue to do this. We’re sending money to Hamas. We’re building ports for Hamas. We’re letting Iran run rampant in terms of making money to fund all this stuff. […] It is out of control. All they’re trying to do is sell the people in Michigan and some of these areas that have people from Islamic countries that, ‘Hey, we’re taking care of your people over there. Vote for us in four or five weeks. And we promise you, we’ll help you again.’ We care nothing about the American people, and it’s out of control and [I] hope the American people see what’s going on.”

ON DEI STANDARDS IN FEMA

ASMAN: “Senator, one more on FEMA for you. The chief of FEMA—a woman named ‘Deanne Criswell’—claims it’s disinformation to essentially tell the truth of what the administration including Mayorkas, including Jean-Pierre, have been saying about money being used from FEMA for migrants, etcetera. Now she’s the one who last year signed a pledge to, and I’m quoting here, ‘instill equity in disaster relief.’ Do you know what equity in disaster relief is?”

TUBERVILLE: “Well, we probably could ask the ex-Secret Service Director who is the same way when she was all DEI—diversity, equity, and inclusion—in terms of the Secret Service. They almost got President Trump killed. Now the same thing here, people are dying because FEMA is worried more about diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate change than they are helping the people of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Again, these people have no clue about organization and taking care of the people that they are being paid to take care for. So, they need to get off their tails and go to work. But, again, we’ve got another terrible tragedy getting ready to happen here in 36 hours. I hope they get their stuff together. If they need the money, we will pass it for them. But unfortunately, they’ve wasted $20 billion on these illegals coming in for four years, and that has created more disaster than anything else.”

ASMAN: “Senator Tommy Tuberville, great to see you, sir, and we do pray for those folks in the in the line of fire from Milton. I appreciate it.”

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio, Fetterman, Casey, House Colleagues, Announce Over $43 Million in Federal Funding to Protect Pennsylvania Families from Lead Hazards
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Bob Casey (D-PA), and House colleagues announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded over $43 million to several Pennsylvania communities as part of the FY2024 Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) Grant Program. This funding will help reduce lead-based paint hazards and improve the health and safety of homes across the Commonwealth, benefiting families in Allegheny County, Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Erie.

“Any exposure to any level of lead puts all of us, especially our kids, at risk,” said Congressman Deluzio (D-PA-17). “We need to make sure that everyone can live and grow up in homes that are clean, safe, and lead-free. I’m so glad to see the federal government is delivering $7.75 million in funding to help protect Allegheny County communities from dangerous lead paint hazard.”

“This is a huge win for Pennsylvania families. No child should grow up in a home that makes them sick,” said Senator Fetterman. “These grants will help get rid of dangerous lead paint in some of our oldest housing stock and give families the safe, healthy homes they deserve. These grants will support broader efforts to address disrepair and blight across the Commonwealth, including Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs program. Fixing up our homes means healthier families, safer communities, and more affordable housing—things we desperately need.”

“No child should be forced to grow up in a home contaminated with dangerous lead paint,” said Senator Casey. “This funding will help identify and remove hazardous lead paint from homesso that Pennsylvanians have the peace of mind that their housing is not putting their families at risk. I will always fight to keep Pennsylvanian families healthy and safe.”

“Every child deserves to grow up in a home where they feel safe and healthy,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA-7). “This funding is incredible news for Allentown, where it will help improve aging homes, lower housing costs, and bolster public health. I’ll continue working across the aisle to find commonsense solutions to address housing quality, affordability, and availability, as well as ensure children in historically underserved communities can grow up free from external health risks.”

“Every family deserves to live in a safe home free of hazardous lead paints,” said Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA-16). “This funding will greatly help families, especially children, in the City of Erie. It is vital that we continue to provide resources like these so Pennsylvanians can live in quality, affordable homes.”

The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction program is critical to addressing health risks posed by lead paint in older homes, especially for children under the age of six. These awards will not only address lead-based paint hazards in homes but also enhance affordable housing options, revitalize communities, and improve public health outcomes throughout Pennsylvania.

FY2024 Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Awards for Pennsylvania:
1. Allegheny County: $7,750,000
2. City of Allentown: $5,700,000
3. City of Harrisburg: $7,750,000
4. City of Lancaster: $7,750,000
5. City of Philadelphia: $7,000,000
6. County of Delaware: $1,000,000
7. County of Montgomery: $1,800,000
8. Redevelopment Authority of the City of Erie: $4,712,858
This program’s goal of maintaining existing housing aligns with Senator Fetterman’s bipartisan Whole-Home Repairs Act, which aims to expand a wildly successful Pennsylvania program to the national level, addressing the critical need for home repairs in underserved communities. Together, these efforts are a crucial part of solving the housing crisis, preventing blight, and ensuring families can stay in their homes.

###

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Certificates recognising heartbreak of losing a baby extended
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

All parents who have experienced losing a pregnancy can apply for a certificate formally recognising their loss, the government has announced.
Baby loss certificates extended with no backdate to all parents who have experienced a loss

More than 50,000 people have already received certificates under voluntary scheme

Extension is part of government’s ambition to improve experiences and support for women and their families

All parents who have experienced losing a pregnancy can apply for a certificate formally recognising their loss, the government has announced.

Baby loss certificates were first launched in February 2024 but were only available to those who had experienced a loss since September 2018.

From today, this voluntary service will be extended with no backdate allowing all parents who have suffered an historic pregnancy loss or a future loss to apply. More than 50,000 certificates have been issued so far.

The government is committed to ensuring bereaved parents are supported during this difficult time, and that the impact and importance of their loss is recognised. Certificates are free and remain optional for parents.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

Losing a pregnancy can be deeply distressing – there is so much love and so many dreams for the future wrapped up in a tiny life. That’s why it is important for bereaved parents to have the option to officially recognise the existence of their babies and how much they matter.

I’m pleased we can now ensure all parents are able to apply for these certificates, no matter how long ago they lost their pregnancies. This government will always listen to women and families as we overhaul our health system to ensure everyone gets compassionate, safe and personalised care.

The extension of the service marks Baby Loss Awareness Week which is held every year from the 9th to 15th October.

Baroness Gillian Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health, said:

I would like to thank all of the women and campaigners for their ongoing work on raising awareness around baby loss – without your bravery, this wouldn’t be possible.

We are committed to ensuring that women are listened to during every stage of pregnancy, as we work to improve maternity and neonatal services across the country.

The government is working to improve women’s health services and improve maternity outcomes. This week, the Department for Health and Social Care announced the launch of a training pilot for staff in maternity units to help avoid brain injury in childbirth.

The government has also pledged to train thousands more midwives and ensure that NHS trusts failing on maternity care are robustly supported into rapid improvement.

Additional stakeholder quotes:

Zoe Clark-Coates MBE BCAh, founder and CEO of the Mariposa International and co-chair of the Pregnancy Loss Review, said:

Ten years ago, I had a dream, and that dream was that any baby who had been lost pre-24 weeks would be officially recognised and acknowledged by the government. Saying Goodbye (Mariposa International) launched the campaign, and Dame Floella Benjamin pledged to work with us to make it happen.

I was then asked to co-chair and author the pregnancy loss review on behalf of the government. Through that, we were able to recommend 73 national recommendations which will change the care and support of millions of bereaved families. The certificate is the first recommendation to come to pass, and I’m thrilled that from today, everyone can now apply whether their loss was yesterday or 80 years ago. I hope that having an official government-issued certificate helps the many families who have longed for their babies to be formally honoured and recognised. I also look forward to seeing my five babies’ names on their certificates in the coming weeks.

Samantha Collinge, Bereavement Lead Midwife, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and co-chair of the Pregnancy Loss Review, said:

The announcement today by the Government of the extension to the pre 24 week baby loss certification scheme for losses prior to September 2018 with no back date is a huge milestone moment not just for Zoe and myself, the co-chairs and co-authors of the ‘Independent Pregnancy Loss Review’ but for the millions of people who have experienced pre-24 weeks baby loss. Since I was appointed as a bereavement midwife in 1998 | have campaigned for a standardised care pathway that ensures that every parent experiencing baby loss (regardless of the gestation or type of loss ) receives the physical and emotional care and support they deserve. Removing the restrictions around the application process will give all bereaved parents of pre 24 week baby loss the official recognition that their babies did exist and that their babies lives, however brief really do matter.

Baroness Floella Benjamin said:

I am delighted that now, the date restriction on the ‘Certificate of Loss’ has been removed. Since 2017, when I joined with the Mariposa Trust, working together through my Private Members Bill in the House of Lords, to campaign for these certificates, my husband and I, along with millions of bereaved parents have been waiting for the opportunity to apply. I am thrilled that from today, our hard work will allow babies lost decades ago to finally be recognised.

Vicki Robinson, Chief Executive, Miscarriage Association, said:

We’ve been extremely keen to see the scheme extended to include losses before 2018, so today marks a significant milestone for those who have waited for this recognition. For many, even the earliest of losses can be deeply distressing, both emotionally and physically, but having a formal acknowledgement as a marker of their loss can be a meaningful part of the grieving process. We know from the people that we support how much the certification scheme has helped those who have experienced pregnancy loss, so this is great news that people whose losses were previously not acknowledged now can be.

Louise Bowman, Head of Family Services and Bereavement, Twins Trust said:

Families who’ve experienced baby loss understand how important it is to remember and commemorate the babies’ lives. This welcome news will mean so much to so many people in our community, giving official recognition of the experience of parents who’ve lost one or more of a set of twins and triplets.

Background information:

A certificate is available for any parent to access following a loss before 24 weeks, or 28 weeks for a loss before October 1992. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and live in England.

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Published 9 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: [User Guide] Discover the Best Fit With Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7 Bands

Source: Samsung

The smartwatch experience begins when a user fastens the band to their wrist — bands not only maximize the watch’s versatility but also add a personal touch to the user’s style.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7 can be paired with a range of interchangeable band accessories, designed to each user’s unique needs and preferences. Samsung Newsroom has curated a selection of Galaxy Watch bands that enrich every moment from navigating daily life to embarking on extreme adventures.

Galaxy Watch Ultra Bands: Made for Outdoor Experiences
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the most powerful Galaxy Watch. Optimized for extreme conditions, the Galaxy Watch Ultra takes outdoor experiences to the next level through a variety of bands — Marine Band, Trail Band and PeakForm Band — suited to different activities and environments.

Changing bands has never been easier. For the first time, Samsung has introduced the Dynamic Lug System to improve the connection between the watch body and band. This mechanism is intuitive and convenient, allowing for effortless band removal and attachment with a simple press of a button. Not to mention, the watch body and band seamlessly connect to elevate overall aesthetics.

▲ (From left) Marine Band, Trail Band and PeakForm Band for the Galaxy Watch Ultra

▲ Dynamic Lug System

Marine Band: Unmatched Durability in Water

For those looking to time their swims with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the Marine Band is an excellent choice. This band is specifically engineered to support aquatic activities with a breathable wavelike design and perforations for quick drying and a comfortable fit.

▲ The Marine Band offers improved breathability and durability for more freedom in the water.

Made to withstand intense movement, the Marine Band features a lightweight and durable titanium buckle that incorporates a “double tongue” with two teeth for a stronger hold on the band. This structure ensures that the Galaxy Watch Ultra remains secure and performs optimally whether in the water or challenging outdoor environments.

Trail Band: The Ultimate Running Mate

Recommended for running, hiking and other active sports, the Trail Band weighs around 20 grams. The comfortable, wavy design of the fabric minimizes skin contact to ensure the band feels pleasant even when sweating. Moreover, the elastic band keeps the watch body secure on the wrist for more accurate workout tracking.

▲ (From left) The Trail Band’s triangular latch and hook

The Trail Band offers a new buckle construction that combines a triangular latch and hook — allowing users to precisely adjust the fit by removing the latch, threading it through the holes on the side of the band and securing it with the hook. This design ensures that the hook does not come into direct contact with the skin for a comfortable workout free of snags.

PeakForm Band: A Hybrid of Strength and Comfort
Those seeking a stylish accessory during workouts and daily activities can look to the PeakForm Band. This versatile hybrid band combines robustness with a sleek design and accentuates the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s premium look.

Notably, the PeakForm Band uses different materials on the exterior and interior surfaces. The exterior features a tightly woven fabric, whereas the interior is made of durable Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR). This material is resistant to water and dirt for an optimal wearing experience that does not compromise style or mobility.

▲ The PeakForm Band uses different materials on both sides for optimal usability.

Galaxy Watch7: Reimaging Everyday Elegance With Detailed Bands
In addition to helping users stay on top of their health, the Galaxy Watch7 can transform into a fashion accessory when paired with a band that reflects the user’s personal style.

The Galaxy Watch7’s one-click band design supports effortless swapping to suit various lifestyles. The available bands1 — Sport Band, Fabric Band and Athleisure Band — are designed to complement different activities from working out to sleeping.

▲ (From left) Sport Band, Fabric Band and Athleisure Band for the Galaxy Watch7

Sport Band: A Workout Partner

The Sport Band is the perfect accessory for a wide range of sports and activities with the Galaxy Watch7. Crafted from durable HNBR material, the band has a wavy design for breathability and comfort — suitable for even the sweatiest of workouts.

▲ Stitching details on the Galaxy Watch7 Sport Band

Despite the focus on functionality, the band’s aesthetics have not been overlooked. The orange and light blue stitching at the end of the band adds a subtle yet stylish touch. Moreover, the band is available in a diverse palette of colors2 including cream, dark gray, green, orange and silver.

Fabric Band: Effortlessly Light Even When Asleep

The Fabric Band is perfect for users who wear their Galaxy Watch7 to sleep. Weighing about 10 grams,3 the band boasts a soft fabric texture and lightweight design for versatile wear all day and night.

▲ The Fabric Band has a Velcro strap that is simple to fasten and remove.

A standout feature of the Fabric Band is the Velcro material, offering both easy adjustment and exceptional comfort. Without the bulk of a traditional buckle, the band feels lighter and more streamlined on the wrist. Subtle accent details at the ends enhance the design and showcase the fabric’s distinctive qualities.

Athleisure Band: Style and Activity in One

The newest addition to the Galaxy Watch series, the Athleisure Band is characterized by its distinctive double-loop design. This feature ensures a secure and flattering fit by allowing the extra length of the band to be tucked away through the loops. Available in a range of five colors4 — including green, cream, pink, silver and sky blue — the band serves as both a functional accessory and stylish statement piece.

▲ The Athleisure Band boasts a double-loop design.

Utilizing the same HNBR material as the Sport Band and PeakForm Band, the Athleisure Band blends softness with durability and comfort with style to create a distinct look for any occasion.

The band is essential to fully experiencing all the capabilities of the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7. Alongside the Galaxy Watch series, the bands have evolved to offer a wider array of customization options. Now with these new bands, users can unlock their potential and maximize the advanced features of the Galaxy Watch in their daily lives.

1 Compatible with the Galaxy Watch4 series and later models, excluding the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Available colors and models may vary by country and region.2 Available colors and models may vary by country and region.3 The Galaxy Watch7 Fabric Band in Wide (M/L) weighs 10.2 grams. The Galaxy Watch7 Fabric Band in Slim (S/M) weighs 9.5 grams.4 Available colors and models may vary by country and region.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 23, 2025

Category: Politics

(Un)sustainable development

A different path?

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

IMF Communications Department

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