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  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity This Native American Heritage Month

    Source: USAID

    Ada Deer was just four years old when she attended the first general council meetings for her tribe, the Menominee Nation, which has been rooted in the Great Lakes region for more than 10,000 years. She was committed from her earliest years to advocating for her people, but when she was a young woman, in 1961, the Federal Government terminated the Menominee Nation’s recognition, halting all federal services to the tribe and placing all tribal property and assets in the hands of a private corporation. This resulted in a drastic decline in employment and the decimation of basic services, including health care, for the Menominee people, as the reservation hospital closed due to lack of funding. 

    Inspired by the civil rights movements happening around the country, Deer helped to form a new group demanding that the U.S. government recognize the rights of her tribe. The group mobilized in opposition to federal policies, especially those related to land sales, and argued for restoring the Menominee Nation’s legal right to exist. Their efforts ultimately resulted in President Nixon signing legislation in 1973, restoring federal recognition to the Menominee Tribe. That year, when asked about her advocacy in an interview, Deer said, “Mainly, I want to show people who say nothing can be done in this society that it just isn’t so. You don’t have to collapse just because there’s federal law in your way. Change it!” 

    Ada Deer went on to become the first woman to chair the Menominee Tribe in Wisconsin, and then the first woman to serve as the Assistant Secretary For Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior. During her confirmation hearing before Congress, Deer recounted, “At Menominee, we collectively discovered the kind of determination that human beings only find in times of impending destruction… Against all odds, we invented a new policy, restoration.” While in office, she helped set federal policy for more than 550 federally recognized tribes, guided by this policy of restoration.

    Each November at USAID, we recognize Native American Heritage Month. This month is a time to celebrate the rich culture and the vast contributions of Native American and Indigenous persons like Deer, who have helped push to make our nation’s core values of liberty and justice for all a lived reality, for their own communities, and for others in the United States and beyond. 

    These values are core to what we do at USAID as well. We are working across our teams to create more pathways for people from Indigenous communities, at home and abroad, to work with USAID. The Office of Civil Rights is continuing its work to break down barriers to employment for Indigenous Peoples. And USAID’s Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PRO-IP) promotes thoughtful and direct engagement with Indigenous Peoples throughout our programming.

    This Native American Heritage Month, USAID proudly celebrates the remarkable resilience, courage, and contributions of Native cultures, present and past, in this country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Building on long history of tech & innovation, California selected as headquarters for the National Semiconductor Technology Center

    Source: US State of California 2

    Nov 1, 2024

    What you need to know: California will be home to a first-of-its-kind research & development facility made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPS & Science Act.

    Los Angeles, California — California took a major step forward in correcting the damage from 50 years of neglect to the state’s mental health system with the passage of Proposition 1. This historic measure — a signature priority of Governor Gavin Newsom — adds rocket fuel to California’s overhaul of the state’s behavioral health systems. It provides a full range of mental health and substance abuse care, with new accountability metrics to ensure local governments deliver for their communities.

    California has long been a leader in global technology and future thinking innovation. With our state’s global talent pool, world-leading universities and research institutions, and top technology companies, it is no surprise California was selected. We often say the future happens here first, and thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement, California will continue to shape the coming decades across the most critical sectors of our economy and national security.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Why this matters

    The new headquarters facility will lower the barriers to semiconductor prototyping, experimentation, and other R&D activities that will support America’s global strength and leadership in design, materials, and process innovation while enabling a vibrant domestic industry. The DCF  is expected to drive more than $1 billion in research funding and create more than 200 direct jobs over the next 10 years, utilizing California’s global talent and world-leading research and education facilities throughout the Golden State. California’s leadership in the semiconductor industry is key to the Governor’s ‘build more, faster’ infrastructure agenda.

    “We are thrilled that the Department of Commerce and Natcast chose to locate this critically important facility in Sunnyvale, the heart of Silicon Valley, alongside the world’s largest concentration of semiconductor businesses, talent, intellectual property, and investment activity,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Economic Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). “The Newsom Administration and our partners across the industry know how important it is to shorten the time frame from R&D to commercialization. We are looking forward to a productive partnership with the Department of Commerce and Natcast to ensure that CHIPS for America will be an enduring success not only for our state but for the entire country.”

    About the new headquarters (Design and Collaboration Facility, DCF)

    The DCF will convene semiconductor industry leaders from across the U.S., offering unparalleled engagement and collaboration opportunities to a diverse array of stakeholders across the semiconductor value chain, and will administer the NSTC Design Enablement Gateway, helping drive technological advances in semiconductor design and manufacturing to transfer at scale. The facility will also oversee the NSTC Workforce Center of Excellence to build and sustain the diverse and skilled workforce necessary for the U.S. semiconductor industry to grow. With the largest public higher education system in the U.S., world-class research institutions like UC Berkeley and Stanford, and surrounding national labs, California’s unmatched talent pipeline will foster a dynamic workforce that advances the DCF mission.

    Learn more about today’s announcement here.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Oct 31, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Vickie Sakamoto, of Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant State Fire Marshal at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE.) Sakamoto has been Assistant…

    Oct 31, 2024

    News In case you missed it, new analysis from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found that “violent and property crime rates are less than half of what they were, and property crime is at pre-pandemic levels,” in addition to “savings from less…

    Oct 31, 2024

    News What you need to know: California is announcing a new state program using $16 million in federal funds to help improve public safety and reduce recidivism by creating long-term supportive housing and support for people exiting incarceration. SACRAMENTO — Governor…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 10.31.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 31, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Vickie Sakamoto, of Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant State Fire Marshal at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE.) Sakamoto has been Assistant Deputy Director at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection since 2024 and has served in several positions there since 1989, including Division Chief, Deputy State Fire Marshal – Supervisor, Deputy State Fire Marshal III – Specialist and Deputy State Fire Marshal. Sakamoto was a Fire Prevention Technician at the Florin Fire Protection District from 1986 to 1989. She is a member of Northern California Fire Prevention Officers. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $200,004. Sakamoto is a Democrat. 

    Donald Butz, of Carlsbad, has been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services. Butz has been Fire Chief at the Lakeside Fire Protection District since 2016. He was an Instructor at the San Diego County Office of Education from 2013 to 2021. Butz was a Fire Chief at the Viejas Fire Department from 2005 to 2016. He was a Deputy Fire Chief at the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District from 1999 to 2005. Butz is Vice President of the Fire Districts Association of California, an ex officio board member at the American Red Cross, a committee member of the SDG&E Wildfire Safety Community Advisory Council, and a member of the California Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Agencies Insurance Risk Authority. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Leadership: Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadership from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from the University of Phoenix. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Butz is registered without party preference. 

    Zoraida Diaz, of Hercules, has been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services. Diaz has been Fire Chief for the City of Fremont since 2023. She was a Deputy Fire Chief at the City of Fremont Fire Department from 2021 to 2023. Diaz was an Assistant Chief of Operations for the Oakland Fire Department from 2020 to 2021. She was Battalion Chief at the City of Oakland Fire Department from 2015 to 2020. Diaz is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the California Fire Chiefs Association. She earned a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Albany. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Diaz is a Democrat.

    Janet Ruiz, of Oceanside, has been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services. Ruiz has been Director of Strategic Communication at the Insurance Information Institute since 2015. She was Director of Communications at the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company from 2006 to 2014. Ruiz was a Public Affairs Specialist for State Farm Insurance from 1989 to 2006. She is a member of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society. Ruiz earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Communications from Thomas Edison State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Ruiz is registered without party preference. 

    Yvette Roland, of Los Angeles, has been reappointed to the State Bar Court of California, where she has served since 2014. Roland was a Partner at Duane Morris LLP from 2006 to 2014 and at Hancock, Rothert & Bunshoft LLP from 1990 to 2005. Roland was an Associate at Baker & Hostetler/McCutchen, Black, Verleger & Shea from 1986 to 1990. She was a Law Clerk for the Honorable Terry J. Hatter, Jr. at the U.S. District Court, Central District of California from 1985 to 1986. Roland was a Law Clerk for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in 1981. She is a member of the National Council of Lawyer Disciplinary Boards, the California Association of Black Lawyers, the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the John M. Langston Bar Association. Roland earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, a Master of Education degree from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English from the University of California, Riverside. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $222,772. Roland is a Democrat.

    Recent news

    Oct 31, 2024

    News In case you missed it, new analysis from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found that “violent and property crime rates are less than half of what they were, and property crime is at pre-pandemic levels,” in addition to “savings from less…

    Oct 31, 2024

    News What you need to know: California is announcing a new state program using $16 million in federal funds to help improve public safety and reduce recidivism by creating long-term supportive housing and support for people exiting incarceration. SACRAMENTO — Governor…

    Oct 30, 2024

    News Lo que necesita saber: A fines del 2023, California distribuyó más de $267 millones a las agencias policiales locales y a los fiscales en todo el Estado para combatir los delitos organizados contra la propiedad y el comercio minorista. En los primeros nueve…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: “Incarceration, violent crime, and property crime rates lower than they were 30 years ago”

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 31, 2024

    In case you missed it, new analysis from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found that “violent and property crime rates are less than half of what they were, and property crime is at pre-pandemic levels,” in addition to “savings from less incarceration.”

    • LESS CRIME: Property crime decreased in 13 of the 17 years between 2007 and 2023; it is now 44% lower than in 2007 and 55% lower than it was 30 years ago. California’s violent crime rate decreased in 9 of the 17 years; it is now 4% lower than it was in 2007 and slightly less than half of what it was 30 years ago.
       
    • MORE SAVINGS: The dramatic decrease in California’s incarcerated population has led to significant savings to the state and county governments. Spending on the state correctional system dropped notably, from 9.4% of the state’s General Fund in 2007 (when the federal three-judge panel was appointed) to 6.7% in 2024.

    “California’s comprehensive effort – utilizing effective and proven tools and strategies – have continually driven down crime rates and saved taxpayer money. We’ll continue to work collaboratively for real results to keep Californians safe.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Graphic attributable to PPIC

    Additionally, the California Highway Patrol just received additional funding to continue their efforts to combat sideshows. 

    Today’s PPIC analysis and CHP investment comes as Governor Newsom announced a CHP partnership with San Bernardino and more than 10,000 arrests have come from the state’s Organized Retail Theft grants.

    Keeping Californians safe

    California has invested over $1.1 billion to fund resources and personnel to fight crime, help locals hire more police, and improve public safety since 2019. In 2023, as part of California’s Real Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

    This year, the Governor signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills establish tough new penalties and  additional tools for felony prosecutions to crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars. The Governor also signed into law a bipartisan package of bills to impose stricter penalties, increase accountability, and strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat sideshows and deter illegal activities such as drifting, street racing, and blocking intersections.

    Recent news

    Oct 31, 2024

    News What you need to know: California is announcing a new state program using $16 million in federal funds to help improve public safety and reduce recidivism by creating long-term supportive housing and support for people exiting incarceration. SACRAMENTO — Governor…

    Oct 30, 2024

    News Lo que necesita saber: A fines del 2023, California distribuyó más de $267 millones a las agencias policiales locales y a los fiscales en todo el Estado para combatir los delitos organizados contra la propiedad y el comercio minorista. En los primeros nueve…

    Oct 30, 2024

    News Lo que necesita saber: El gobernador Newsom anunció 37 nuevas subvenciones por un total de más de $827 millones para ayudar a más de 100 comunidades y organizaciones locales a crear soluciones a largo plazo para abordar el problema de las personas sin hogar. Los…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Violent Sex Traffickers Sentenced to Combined 39 Years

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    RALEIGH, N.C. – D’Angelo Taborn, of Durham, was sentenced today to 27 years in prison for sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Following an FBI sting operation in Jacksonville, NC, Taborn and his co-defendant, Imani Franco, were arrested for using threats to coerce women into sex trafficking. Taborn, 31, pled guilty to the charge on July 24, 2024. Franco, 30, pled guilty on April 25, 2024, and was sentenced on September 23, 2024, to 12 years.

    “Our Human Trafficking Task Force brings agencies together to expose traffickers, rescue victims, and dismantle the illicit networks that traffic in human beings for sex or labor,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “These defendants treated their victims like animals, deprived them of food, and threatened them with violence if they did not comply.  Thankfully the FBI, NCIS, and local law enforcement acted swiftly, to hold the traffickers accountable and help put the survivors on their path of healing.”

    “It is difficult to hear these victims literally felt “caged” by these offenders. To be forced into sex trafficking, to have to ask for food, those are deplorable conditions for any human being to endure,” said Robert M. DeWitt the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. “The FBI and our local law enforcement partners will never stop working to combat human trafficking.”

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, on August 12, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Task Force conducted a proactive sting operation in Jacksonville, based on online advertisements for commercial sex. An undercover officer responded to an advertisement and was directed to a hotel in Jacksonville. The undercover officer encountered a young female depicted in the advertisement, later identified as Victim 1.

    A short time later, law enforcement observed the defendants step out of a hotel room just down the hall. When they saw law enforcement, Taborn and Franco attempted to leave, but they were detained while officers obtained search warrants for their hotel room and vehicle.  Taborn and Franco carried three phones between them, and when officers called the number listed in the commercial sex advertisement for Victim 1, one of the phones rang.

    When Taborn and Franco were arrested, Victim 1 became visibly relieved. She explained that Taborn and Franco had recruited her a month earlier and that they expected her to engage in commercial sex to make money for them. Taborn required Victim 1 to perform oral sex on him twice to ensure she was a “good product.”  Taborn and Franco controlled all aspects of the commercial sex operation and took all the money that Victim 1 earned.  They transported Victim 1 to different cities—Jacksonville, Charlotte, Durham, and Danville, Virginia—to find additional customers for commercial sex.  Investigators located numerous commercial sex advertisements and obtained hotel receipts and surveillance footage that confirmed Victim 1’s account.

    Victim 1 described how she feared Taborn and felt “like an animal in a cage.”  She was not allowed to leave her room and had to request food and water from Taborn and Franco. When officers recovered her, it had been more than 24 hours since she had last eaten—a meal that consisted of four leftover chicken wings from Taborn’s and Franco’s dinner.  On one occasion, Victim 1 witnessed Taborn and Franco recruit another female victim, Victim 2, who they picked up in South Carolina and transported back to North Carolina.  Victim 2 had not known they wanted her to engage in commercial sex in North Carolina. When Victim 2 said she did not want to participate, Taborn threatened her with his black handgun in front of Victim 1.  Officers found a firearm with an extended magazine and laser matching the description in the glovebox of Taborn’s car.

    Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) undertook this investigation as part of “Operation Cross Country,” a nationwide sex-trafficking enforcement campaign, with assistance from the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Police Department, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh prosecuted the case.

    This case was part of our Human Trafficking Task Force created to expose and prosecute anyone who exploits North Carolinians for sex or forced labor. Our victim-centric approach focuses on stabilizing victims, getting them resources, and helping them through the court process.  If you have a tip about trafficking, text 233733.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-cr-0092-D.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten-Time Convicted Felon, Who Fled From Girlfriend’s Violent Death, Sentenced To 14 Years In Federal Prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Albert Ayala (34, Orlando) to 14 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Ayala entered a guilty plea on May 21, 2024.

    According to court records, Ayala was driving a vehicle on I-4 when his girlfriend, the sole passenger in the vehicle, was ejected from the car. The woman was struck by multiple vehicles, causing her death. Ayala continued driving and crashed the vehicle at the base of an I-4 exit. Ayala then fled the scene on foot, leaving behind a pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition in the vehicle. Ayala’s DNA was located on the firearm and airbag that had deployed during the crash. Prior to possessing the firearm, Ayala had been convicted of 10 felonies. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

    “We’re proud to have helped put this heartless suspect behind bars for a long time,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard.      

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Northway Financial, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NORTH CONWAY, N.H., Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northway Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCQB: NWYF), the parent company of Northway Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 of $1.2 million, or $0.45 per basic common share, compared to $1.6 million, or $0.58 per basic common share for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $3.6 million, or $1.31 per basic common share, compared to $4.7 million, or $1.71 per basic common share for the same period in 2023.

    President and CEO William J. Woodward commented: “During the third quarter we continued to reduce our reliance on wholesale funding by putting a focus on retaining deposits and limiting our lending. Wholesale funding decreased by $122 million, significantly reducing our reliance on wholesale funding. The third quarter was marked by the announcement of our pending merger with Camden National Corporation. The closing date of the merger is still to be determined but we anticipate the merger to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. We will be holding a special shareholder meeting to approve the merger agreement. The details of the merger and the shareholder meeting will be sent to all shareholders in the coming weeks. Please look out for the information and return your proxy card as soon as possible. The Board of Directors have unanimously approved the merger, and your support, as always, is greatly appreciated.”

    Financial Highlights

    • Total Assets were $1.2 billion, Loans, Net, were $900 million, and Total Deposits were $1 billion at September 30, 2024.
    • Total Assets decreased $137 million, or 10%, compared to September 30, 2023, driven by decreases in Loans, Net of $55 million, Cash and Due from Banks and Interest-Bearing Deposits of $51 million and Securities Available-for-Sale at Fair Value of $20 million.
    • The decrease in Loans, Net was led by a decrease in Commercial Real Estate loans of $25 million, Residential Real Estate loans of $22 million, and Consumer Loans of $6 million, compared to September 30, 2023.
    • Non-Municipal Deposits (excluding brokered deposits) increased $18 million compared to September 30, 2023 led by an increase in Retail Deposits of $21 million or 4%.
    • The increase in Retail Deposits was led by an increase in Time Deposits of $69 million offset by a decrease in Non-Maturity Deposits of $48 million.
    • Non-Municipal Deposits (excluding brokered deposits) increased $18 million, or 6%, compared to December 31, 2023.
    • Wholesale Funding, which includes brokered deposits and borrowings, decreased $122 million, or 49%, compared to September 30, 2023, and $82 million, or 39%, compared to December 31, 2023.
    • Total Equity increased $21 million, or 37%, compared to September 30, 2023, primarily from an increase in the market value of Securities Available-for-Sale at Fair Value.
    • Net Income for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2024, was $3.6 million, or $1.31, per basic common share.
    • Year-to-date Net Interest Income was $2.9 million lower than the same period last year driven by an increase in interest expense of $2.2 million.
    • The year-to-date Net Interest Margin decreased from 2.67% to 2.59% as funding costs increased .44% while the yield on earning assets increased 0.25%, compared to year-to-date September 30, 2023.
    • Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans stood at 0.41% compared to 0.31% at September 30, 2023.
    • Total delinquent loans as a percentage of total loans were 0.06% compared to 0.02% at September 30, 2023.
    • The Bank’s regulatory capital ratios at September 30, 2024 exceeded all well-capitalized ratios as defined under FDIC’s prompt corrective action rules.
    • The market price of our common stock, as of October 31, 2024, was $32.35.
     
    Northway Financial, Inc.
    Selected Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)
                   
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      9/30/2024   9/30/2023   9/30/2024   9/30/2023
                   
    Interest and Dividend Income $ 12,772   $ 13,372     $ 37,576   $ 38,260  
    Interest Expense   5,046     4,572       14,223     12,002  
    Net Interest and Dividend Income   7,726     8,800       23,353     26,258  
    Provision for Credit Losses   –     –       –     –  
    All Other Noninterest Income   1,445     1,036       3,819     3,535  
    Noninterest Expense   8,041     7,720       23,837     24,030  
    Net Income Before Gain (Loss) on Securities   1,130     2,116       3,335     5,763  
    Gain (Loss) on Securities Available-for-Sale, Net   –     –       –     –  
    (Loss) Gain on Marketable Equity Securities   249     (199 )     515     (309 )
    Income before Income Tax (Benefit) Expense   1,379     1,917       3,850     5,454  
    Income Tax (Benefit) Expense   133     305       233     744  
    Net Income $ 1,246   $ 1,612     $ 3,617   $ 4,710  
    Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $ 1,246   $ 1,612     $ 3,617   $ 4,710  
    Earnings per Common Share, Basic $ 0.45   $ 0.58     $ 1.31   $ 1.71  
                   
                   
        9/30/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023  
                   
    Balance Sheet            
    Total Assets $ 1,221,077   $ 1,290,467   $ 1,357,654  
    Cash and Due from Banks and Interest-Bearing Deposits   22,584     68,887     74,139  
    Securities Available-for-Sale, at Fair Value   241,224     246,756     261,502  
    Marketable Equity Securities, at Fair Value   3,104     2,589     3,405  
    Loans Held-for-Sale   1,555     –     –  
    Loans, Net   900,517     909,781     956,053  
    Total Liabilities   1,141,363     1,217,230     1,299,301  
    Non Municipal Non-Maturity Deposits   712,708     734,741     763,784  
    Municipal Non-Maturity Deposits   113,959     133,100     138,674  
    Certificates of Deposit   183,576     127,726     143,868  
    Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase   49,722     55,353     68,728  
    Short-Term Borrowings   –     65,000     78,600  
    Long-Term Debt   45,000     60,000     60,000  
    Junior Subordinated Debentures   20,620     20,620     20,620  
    Stockholders’ Equity   79,714     73,237     58,353  
    Profitability and Efficiency            
    Net Interest Margin   2.59 %   2.63 %   2.67 %
    Yield on Earning Assets   4.11     3.90     3.86  
    Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities   1.98     1.63     1.54  
    Book Value Per Share of Common Shares Outstanding $ 28.97   $ 26.62   $ 21.21  
    Tangible Book Value Per Share of Common Shares Outstanding   25.18     22.83     17.42  
    Common Shares Outstanding   2,751,650     2,751,650     2,751,650  
    Weighted Average Number of Common Shares, Basic   2,751,650     2,751,650     2,751,650  
    Capital Ratios for the Bank            
    Tier 1 Core Capital to Average Assets   9.09 %   8.30 %   8.23 %
    Common Equity Risk-Based Capital   15.27     14.40     13.91  
    Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital   15.27     14.40     13.91  
    Total Risk-Based Capital   16.52     15.65     15.16  
     

    About Northway Financial, Inc.

    Northway Financial, Inc., headquartered in North Conway, New Hampshire, is a bank holding company. Through its subsidiary bank, Northway Bank, the Company offers a broad range of financial products and services to individuals, businesses, and the public sector from its 16 banking offices and its loan production offices located in Bedford and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

    Forward-looking Statements

    Statements included in this press release that are not historical or current fact are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those presently anticipated or projected. Northway Financial, Inc. disclaims any obligation to subsequently revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements, or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication is not a proxy statement or solicitation or a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the pending merger of Camden National Corporation (“Camden National”) and the Company (the “Merger”) and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Camden National, the Company or the combined company, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be deemed to be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Merger, Camden National has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which also includes a proxy statement of Northway and a prospectus of Camden National, and Camden National will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will also be sent to Northway stockholders seeking the required stockholder approval of the proposed transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF NORTHWAY ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE ENTIRE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The documents filed by Camden National with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by Camden National may be obtained free of charge under the “Investor Relations” section of Camden National’s website at http://www.camdennational.bank. Alternatively, these documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from Camden National upon written request to Camden National Corporation, Attn: Corporate Secretary, 2 Elm Street, Camden, Maine 04843.

    Participants in Solicitation

    Camden National, Northway, and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction under the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Information regarding Camden National’s directors and executive officers is available in its definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 5, 2024, and certain other documents filed by Camden National with the SEC. Other information regarding the participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC. Free copies of these documents, when available, may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxford Lane Capital Corp. Announces Net Asset Value and Selected Financial Results for the Second Fiscal Quarter and Declaration of Distributions on Common Stock for the Months Ending January, February, and March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (Nasdaq: OXLC) (NasdaqGS: OXLCP) (NasdaqGS: OXLCL) (NasdaqGS: OXLCO) (NasdaqGS: OXLCZ) (NasdaqGS: OXLCN) (NasdaqGS: OXLCI) (“Oxford Lane,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) announced today the following financial results and related information: 

    • On October 24, 2024, our Board of Directors declared the following distributions on our common stock:
    Month Ending Record Date Payment Date Amount Per Share
    January 31, 2025 January 17, 2025 January 31, 2025 $0.09
    February 28, 2025 February 14, 2025 February 28, 2025 $0.09
    March 31, 2025 March 17, 2025 March 31, 2025 $0.09
     
    • Net asset value (“NAV”) per share as of September 30, 2024 stood at $4.76, compared with a NAV per share on June 30, 2024 of $4.91.
    • Net investment income (“NII”), calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), was approximately $67.2 million, or $0.22 per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
    • Our core net investment income (“Core NII”) was approximately $99.4 million, or $0.32 per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
      • Core NII incorporates all applicable cash distributions received, or entitled to be received (if any, in either case), on our collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) equity investments. See additional information under “Supplemental Information Regarding Core Net Investment Income” below.
      • We emphasize that our taxable income may differ materially from our GAAP NII and/or our Core NII, and that neither GAAP NII nor Core NII should be relied upon as indicators of our taxable income.
    • Total investment income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 amounted to approximately $105.1 million, which represented an increase of approximately $15.4 million from the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
      • For the quarter ended September 30, 2024 we recorded investment income as follows:
        • Approximately $98.3 million from our CLO equity and CLO warehouse investments, and
        • Approximately $6.8 million from our CLO debt investments and other income.
    • Our total expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 were approximately $37.9 million, compared with total expenses of approximately $33.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
    • As of September 30, 2024, the following metrics applied (note that none of these metrics represented a total return to shareholders):
      • The weighted average yield of our CLO debt investments at current cost was 17.3%, down from 17.4% as of June 30, 2024.
      • The weighted average effective yield of our CLO equity investments at current cost was 16.5%, down from 16.8% as of June 30, 2024.
      • The weighted average cash distribution yield of our CLO equity investments at current cost was 24.1%, down from 26.9% as of June 30, 2024.
    • For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, we recorded a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of approximately $17.9 million, or $0.06 per share, comprised of:
      • NII of approximately $67.2 million;
      • Net realized gains of approximately $3.2 million; and
      • Net unrealized depreciation of approximately $52.5 million.
    • During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, we made additional investments of approximately $540.0 million, and received approximately $160.2 million from sales and repayments of our CLO investments.
    • For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, we issued a total of approximately 48.1 million shares of common stock pursuant to an “at-the-market” offering. After deducting the sales agent’s commissions and offering expenses, this resulted in net proceeds of approximately $252.0 million. As of September 30, 2024, we had approximately 337.3 million shares of common stock outstanding.
    • On October 24, 2024, our Board of Directors declared the required monthly dividends on our 6.25% Series 2027 Term Preferred Shares, 6.00% Series 2029 Term Preferred Shares, and 7.125% Series 2029 Term Preferred Shares as follows:
    Preferred
    Shares Type    		 Per Share Dividend Amount Declared Record Dates Payment Dates
    6.25% – Series 2027 $ 0.13020833  December 17, 2024, January 17, 2025, February 14, 2025 December 31, 2024, January 31, 2025, February 28, 2025
    6.00% – Series 2029 $ 0.12500000  December 17, 2024, January 17, 2025, February 14, 2025 December 31, 2024, January 31, 2025, February 28, 2025
    7.125% – Series 2029 $ 0.14843750  December 17, 2024, January 17, 2025, February 14, 2025 December 31, 2024, January 31, 2025, February 28, 2025
     

    In accordance with their terms, each of the 6.25% Series 2027 Term Preferred Shares, 6.00% Series 2029 Term Preferred Shares, and 7.125% Series 2029 Term Preferred Shares will pay a monthly dividend at a fixed rate of 6.25%, 6.00% and 7.125%, respectively, of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference, or $1.5625, $1.5000 and $1.78125 per share per year, respectively. This fixed annual dividend rate is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances, but will not, in any case, be lower than 6.25%, 6.00% and 7.125% per year, respectively, for each of the 6.25% Series 2027 Term Preferred Shares, 6.00% Series 2029 Term Preferred Shares and 7.125% Series 2029 Term Preferred Shares.

    Supplemental Information Regarding Core Net Investment Income 

    We provide information relating to Core NII (a non-GAAP measure) on a supplemental basis. This measure is not provided as a substitute for GAAP NII, but in addition to it. Our non-GAAP measures may differ from similar measures by other companies, even in the event of similar terms being utilized to identify such measures. Core NII represents GAAP NII adjusted for additional applicable cash distributions received, or entitled to be received (if any, in either case), on our CLO equity investments. Oxford Lane’s management uses this information in its internal analysis of results and believes that this information may be informative in assessing the quality of Oxford Lane’s financial performance, identifying trends in its results and providing meaningful period-to-period comparisons.

    Income from investments in the “equity” class securities of CLO vehicles, for GAAP purposes, is recorded using the effective interest method; this is based on an effective yield to the expected redemption utilizing estimated cash flows, at current cost, including those CLO equity investments that have not made their inaugural distribution for the relevant period end. The result is an effective yield for the investment in which the respective investment’s cost basis is adjusted quarterly based on the difference between the actual cash received, or distributions entitled to be received, and the effective yield calculation. Accordingly, investment income recognized on CLO equity securities in the GAAP statement of operations differs from the cash distributions actually received by the Company during the period (referred to below as “CLO equity adjustments”). 

    Furthermore, in order for the Company to continue qualifying as a regulated investment company for tax purposes, we are required, among other things, to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income annually. While Core NII may provide a better indication of our estimated taxable income than GAAP NII during certain periods, we can offer no assurance that will be the case, however, as the ultimate tax character of our earnings cannot be determined until after tax returns are prepared at the close of a fiscal year. We note that this non-GAAP measure may not serve as a useful indicator of taxable earnings, particularly during periods of market disruption and volatility, and, as such, our taxable income may differ materially from our Core NII.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP NII to Core NII for the three months ended September 30, 2024:

      Three Months Ended  
    September 30, 2024  
        Amount   Per Share
    Amount
    GAAP net investment income $ 67,188,478   $ 0.22  
    CLO equity adjustments   32,164,525     0.10  
    Core net investment income $ 99,353,003   $ 0.32  
     

    We will host a conference call to discuss our second quarter results today, Friday, November 1, 2024 at 9:00 AM ET. Please call 1-833-470-1428, access code number 436588 to participate. A recording of the conference call will be available for replay for approximately 30 days following the call. The replay number is 1-866-813-9403, and the replay passcode is 813197.  

    A presentation containing additional details regarding our quarterly results of operations has been posted under the Investor Relations section of our website at www.oxfordlanecapital.com. 

    About Oxford Lane Capital Corp. 

    Oxford Lane Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded registered closed-end management investment company principally investing in debt and equity tranches of CLO vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. These factors are identified from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect subsequent events, except as may be required by law.

    Contact:
    Bruce Rubin
    203-983-5280

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Mangawhai tornado update #2 from Fire and Emergency NZ

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Firefighters are continuing to check homes and properties in the area where a tornado affected an area of Mangawhai earlier this morning.

    Fire and Emergency NZ started to receive 111 calls from about 3am, Northland District Manager Wipari Henwood said.

    Reports included people needing to be rescued from damaged property, rooves lifted from buildings, trees fallen onto homes, windows blown in and fallen power lines, as well as trees blocking roads.

    Most of the calls have been from people in the Molesworth Drive and Old Waipu Road area, with a couple from Langs Beach and Ruakaka reporting wind damage.

    “Our initial response prioritised the calls that related to life safety. Firefighters extricated two patients and handed them into the care of St John,” Wipari Henwood said.

    “We are now working through all the calls for help with property damage and making systematic checks of homes in the wider area.”

    Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone team has been deployed from Auckland and will help with damage assessments.

    Crews from seven brigades have responded to about 16 calls so far.

    Cordons are in place on Moir St and Molesworth Drive and power is still out in the area. People should treat all power lines as live and stay well away from the area so emergency services can move freely.

    Fire and Emergency continues to work with Police, St John and Civil Defence Northland in the coordinated response to the tornado.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Winton Lorneville Highway

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm one person has died in hospital following a crash on the Winton Lorneville Highway on Tuesday 21 January.

    Two people were transported to hospital in a critical condition following the crash. One person passed away yesterday as a result of the injuries sustained.

    Police extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of those involved.

    The second person remains in hospital in a critical condition.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/CHILE – First National Youth Day: “Jesus calls you, do not say no”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Saturday, 25 January 2025

    La Serena (Agenzia Fides) – “Let us all open our hearts. You, especially young people, open your hearts to Jesus. Do it, do not be afraid, because the Lord needs you today, he needs all of us today”. With these words, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of La Serena, Henry Joseph Balzán, addressed the young people gathered for the first National Youth Day in Chile. The Prelate invited the young people to reflect on who the excluded of today are and to become instruments of inclusion and support, following the example of Jesus.“The Lord wants your heart to be ready to help the excluded of today, to seek them, to include them and to extend a hand to them. Jesus has called you, he wants to act through you. Do not say no to him”, said Bishop Balzán.The opening event, attended by thousands of young people, took place on January 22nd and marked the beginning of a series of almost a week of meetings, dialogues of hope, solidarity actions and artistic and cultural events that will take place in the cities of La Serena and Coquimbo until Sunday, January 26th.The opening Mass, presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of La Serena and con-celebrated by about twenty bishops and as many priests from various dioceses, was accompanied by musical performances. “The musical accompaniment is intended to make the Mass an experience that will remain etched in the hearts of thousands of young people from all over Chile who will come together from Arica to Tierra del Fuego to celebrate faith, fraternity and hope together,” the organizers said in a statement sent to Fides.Bishop Balzán, member of the National Commission for the Day, in his welcoming speech emphasized the fact that the beginning of the day was celebrated on the feast of the young Blessed Laura Vicuña, born in Santiago de Chile, a student at the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, who at the age of thirteen offered her life to God for the conversion of her mother. She was beatified by John Paul II on September 3, 1988. Bishop Balzán, a member of the Youth Day Organizing Committee, stressed in his welcoming speech that this event of the Catholic Church in Chile takes place in the context of the beginning of the Jubilee proclaimed by Pope Francis, whose motto is part of the Youth Day: “National Youth Day 2025: Young Pilgrims of Hope”.After the opening on January 22, the meetings on January 23 focused on the theme “Jesus is our hope”. Today, January 24, has the theme “Witnesses of Hope”, in reference to the solidarity missions carried out by the young people in the midst of the different realities of the parish areas that have welcomed them. Saturday, January 25, has the theme “You are the light on our path”, with the young people gathering for the last Eucharistic celebrations in their parishes before moving to the Lighthouse of La Serena, where the common Eucharistic adoration vigil will be celebrated. Finally, on Sunday 26 May, there will be a day of “celebration and thanksgiving” which will end with a solemn closing mass. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 25/1/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – Resignation and succession of metropolitan archbishop of Bombay

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Saturday, 25 January 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the metropolitan archdiocese of Bombay, India, presented by His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias.He is succeeded by Archbishop John Rodrigues, until now coadjutor archbishop of the same See.His Exc. Msgr. John Rodrigues was born on 21 August 1967 in Mumbai. He obtained a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome (2000-2002). He was ordained a priest on 18 April 1998 for the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Bombay.He has held the following positions: Deputy Parish Priest of St. Michael in Mahim (1998-1999); Secretary to the Cardinal Metropolitan Archbishop of Bombay (1999-2000); Professor of Dogmatic Theology (2002-2013) and Dean of Studies (2011-2013) at St. Pius X College in Goregaon.Appointed Titular Bishop of Deulto and Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay on 15 May 2013, he received episcopal consecration on 29 June. He was transferred to the Diocese of Poona on 25 March 2023. (Agenzia Fides 25/1/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/ALGERIA – Resignation and appointment of bishop of Laghouat

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Saturday, 25 January 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Francis has accepted the resignation from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Laghouat (Algeria) presented by His Exc. Msgr. John Gordon MacWilliam, M. Afr. At the same time the Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Diego Ramón Sarrió Cucarella, M.Afr., former dean of the Pontifical Institute of Arabian and Islamic Studies (PISAI) in Rome, as bishop of Laghouat, Algeria.Msgr. Diego Ramón Sarrió Cucarella was born on 20 July 1971 in Valencia, Spain. He studied philosophy at the Faculty of Theology of Madrid, and theology at Tangaza University, Nairobi, Kenya.He was ordained a priest on 2 June 2001.After ordination, he held the role of animator at the Cultural and Saharian Documentation Centre in Ghardaïa, diocese of Laghouat (2001-2003). He was awarded a licentiate at PISAI (2004-2006) and went on to serve as director of the diocesan library of Tunisi (2006-2009). He obtained a doctorate in Islamic studied from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. (2009-2013), and went on to serve as director (2014-2017) and president (2017-2024) of PISAI.He teaches Islamic subjects at the Pontifical Lateran University of Rome, and is a consultor of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. (Agenzia Fides, 25/1/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – Erection of the diocese of Mindat, Myanmar, and appointment of first bishop

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Saturday, 25 January 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has erected the new diocese of Mindat, Myanmar, with territory taken from the diocese of Hakha, making it a suffragan of the metropolitan archdiocese of Mandalay.The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Augustine Thang Zawm Hung, of the clergy of Hakha, until now responsible for the translation of the Bible into local languages and parish vicar of Sacred Heart in Mindat, as first bishop of Mindat.Msgr. Augustine Thang Zawm Hung was born on 4 December 1973 in Mindat. He studied philosophy at the major seminary of Pyin Oo Lwin, and theology at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Major Seminary of the archdiocese of Yangon.He was ordained a priest on 17 November 2002 for the clergy of Hakha.After ordination, he first served as parish priest of Saint Michael’s, Kanpetlet, Mindat (2003-2005). He was awarded a licentiate in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (2005-2009), and went on to serve as secretary of the diocese of Kalay (2009-2010), secretary of the diocese of Hakha (2010-2012). He obtained a doctorate in sacred scripture from the Universität Innsbruck in Austria (2013-2018) and held the role of professor at the Saint Joseph Major Seminary in Yangon (2018-2022). Since 2022 he has been parish vicar of Sacred Heart, Mindat, and head of translation of the Bible into local languages.The new diocese of Mindat [Mindatin(us)] in Myanmar is located in the district of Mindat, in the southern part of the Chin State, including the division of Magwem. The See of the diocese is the city of Mindat. The Cathedral Church of the new Ecclesiastical Circumscription is the current parish Church of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Mindat. (Agenzia Fides, 25/1/2025)

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/BURKINA FASO – Resignation and appointment of bishop of Nouna, Burkina Faso

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Saturday, 25 January 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Nouna, Burkina Faso, presented by Bishop Joseph Sama.The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Guy Mukasa Sanon, of the clergy of Bobo-Dioulasso, until now rector of the Saint Pierre-Saint Paul Seminary of Kossoghin, Ouagadougou, in Burkina Faso, as bishop of the diocese of Nouna, Burkina Faso.Msgr. Guy Mukasa Sanon was born on 14 September 1968 in Toussiana. After studying philosophy at the Saint Jean Baptiste de Wayalghin Major Seminary, Ouagadougou, he attended the theology cycle at the Saint Pierre Claver de Koumi Major Seminary in Bobo-Dioulasso.He was ordained a priest on 14 July 1996 and incardinated in the archdiocese of Bobo-Dioulasso.After ordination, he held the roles of parish vicar of Saint Vincent de Koko in Bobo-Dioulasso (1996-1998); and formator and director of studies in the Minor Seminary of Nasso, Bobo-Dioulasso (2001-2005). He was awarded a doctorate in philosophy at the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium (2005-2010), and went on to serve as parish vicar (2010-2011) and parish priest (2011-2016) of the Cathedral of Bobo-Dioulasso, visiting professor at the Saint Pierre-Saint Paul Major Seminary of Kossoghin a Ouagadougou (2011-2016); and permanent formator and professor of philosophy at the Saint Pierre-Saint Paul Major Seminary of Kossoghin a Ouagadougou (2016-2019). Since 2019 he has been rector of the same seminary. (Agenzia Fides, 25/1/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Joins Fischer, Colleagues in Reintroducing Bipartisan Legislation to Help Improve Passenger Vehicle Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    January 24, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—Deb Fischer (R-NE), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available—including a female crash test dummy. The bipartisan She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act would help enhance passenger vehicle safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. The bill is estimated to help save more than 1,300 lives, prevent and mitigate tens of thousands of serious injuries and save billions of dollars in economic impact from preventing and mitigating injuries and deaths.

    “We can be doing more to improve our roadways and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to help reintroduce this bipartisan legislation, which would help mitigate injuries and save lives on our roadways by ensuring our crash test standards better represent the safety needs of all Americans.”

    “Outdated crash testing standards make women 17 percent more likely to be killed in auto crashes than men, but that doesn’t have to be the case. By updating crash test dummy standards, our bill will save thousands of lives and prevent thousands more serious injuries each year,” said Senator Fischer.

    Last December, Duckworth announced more than $2 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve crash reporting in Illinois to help make our roads as safe as possible and reduce the number of lives lost to car crashes.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tasmania Police officer and DPFEM state service employees recognised in Australia Day Honours

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Tasmania Police officer and DPFEM state service employees recognised in Australia Day Honours

    Sunday, 26 January 2025 – 6:53 am.

    One officer from Tasmania Police and two state service employees from the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management (DPFEM) will be recognised in the Australia Day Honours today.

    Director Matthew Richman has more than 40 years’ service with Tasmania Police, including most recently as an Inspector, and currently holds the position of Director of Wellbeing Support. Today he is receiving the Australian Police Medal.

    Inspector Brenda Orr has more than 24 years’ service with Tasmania Police and currently holds the position of Inspector, Southern Regional Prosecution Services. Today she is receiving the Australian Police Medal.

    Mr Warwick Brennan has more than 25 years’ experience working as a communications practitioner in the government sector, and currently holds the position of Stakeholder Engagement Manager within DPFEM. Today he is receiving the Public Service Medal.

    Expressing her congratulations to the recipients, Commissioner Donna Adams said, “On behalf of Tasmania Police, and the broader Department of Police Fire and Emergency Management, today I congratulate Director Matthew Richman, Inspector Brenda Orr, and Mr Warwick Brennan as they receive awards in the Australia Day Honours.”
    “Within Tasmania Police, Director Richman and Inspector Orr have a combined service of more than 64 years’ and they have made a significant and enduring contribution to our policing service, and the Tasmanian community.”
    “They are highly respected within Tasmania Police, and regarded for their experience, leadership and genuine care of others.
    “Their commitment to policing and service to the community exemplify the highest standards of public service and makes them very worthy recipients of the Australian Police Medal.”
    “Within the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Mr Warwick Brennan will today be awarded the Public Service Medal.”
    “Mr Brennan has made a significant contribution to public sector communications through key leadership roles across government, with outstanding service in relation to emergency and incident management communications.”
    “He has managed public information and communications teams across a range of Tasmanian Government responses including bushfires, whale strandings, and the COVID-19 pandemic; and he currently provides high-level strategic communications advice across DPFEM.”
    “On behalf of Tasmania Police, and more broadly DPFEM, I thank Director Richman, Inspector Orr, and Mr Brennan for their ongoing service and dedication.”
    “I also thank the award recipients from Tasmania Fire Service and Tasmania State Emergency Service for their unwavering commitment to assisting our services and the community.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Second fatality following crash, Milford Clandeboye Road

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm a second person has died following a crash on Milford Clandeboye Road on Wednesday 22 January.

    The person was transported to hospital in a critical condition following the crash and passed away on Friday evening (24 January) as a result of the injuries sustained.

    Police extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of those involved.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 2 closed, Takapau

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 2 is currently closed north of Takapau following a crash.

    The two-vehicle crash was reported to Police at around 8:10am.

    Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    Detours are in place.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Enforces Overwhelmingly Popular Demand to Stop Taxpayer Funding of Abortion

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    ENFORCING THE HYDE AMENDMENT: On Friday, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to end the use of Federal taxpayer dollars to fund or promote elective abortion.
    The Order recognizes that, for nearly five decades, Congress has enacted the Hyde Amendment and a series of additional laws to protect taxpayers from being forced to pay for abortion. Contrary to this longstanding commonsense policy, the previous administration embedded federal funding of elective abortion in a wide variety of government programs.
    To restore this longstanding policy, the Order rescinds two executive orders from President Biden that violate the Hyde Amendment:
    Executive Order 14076 imposed a whole-of-government effort to promote and fund abortion and to politicize enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
    Federal statutes protecting access to emergency medical care for pregnant women under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) remain in full effect.

    Executive Order 14079 recategorized abortion as “healthcare” in order to provide taxpayer funding for elective abortions. This included using Medicaid funding to pay for travel costs for elective abortions.

    ENDING FEDERAL FUNDING OF ABORTION OVERSEAS: President Donald J. Trump also signed a Presidential Memorandum reinstating the Mexico City Policy to stop the use of federal taxpayer dollars for abortion overseas.
    The President’s policy from 2017 is reinstated to ensure that no U.S. taxpayer money supports foreign organizations that perform or actively promote abortion in other nations.
    The first Trump Administration also extended this policy to global health assistance. A 2020 report by the United States Agency for International Development found that this life-affirming policy in no way diminished women’s health around the world.
    PROTECTING TAXPAYERS FROM FUNDING ABORTION: For the first time in nearly fifty years, President Trump returned the issue of life to a vote of the people, from within the States.
    Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, 597 U.S. 215 (2022), overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the power to regulate issues of life and safety to the people. Three of the justices deciding the case were appointed by President Trump.
    Federal overreach and taxpayer dollars will no longer force violations of faith and conscience or impede the ability of states to determine life policies through a vote of the people.
    For example, under President Biden, the Department of Defense reimbursed abortion-related travel expenses, the Department of Veterans Affairs allowed hospitals to provide abortions, and the Department of Health and Human Services paid for abortions for illegal immigrants.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP PROMISED AND DELIVERED: President Trump promised to protect and defend a vote of the people, from within the states, on the issue of life. Today’s executive actions build on the long list of accomplishments from the first Trump Administration to support the sanctity of every human life and prevent taxpayer funding of abortion. Select highlights of the first Trump Administration’s work include:
    Reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, ensuring that taxpayer money is not used to fund abortion globally.
    Issued a rule preventing Title X taxpayer funding from subsiding the abortion industry.
    Cut all funding to the United Nations Population Fund, which supports coercive abortion and forced sterilization.
    Signed legislation overturning the previous administration’s regulation that prohibited states from defunding abortion facilities as part of their family planning programs.
    Fully enforced the separate payment requirement for abortion coverage in Obamacare exchange plans.
    Stopped the Federal funding of fetal tissue research.
    Worked to protect healthcare entities and individuals’ conscience rights, ensuring that no medical professional is forced to participate in an abortion in violation of their beliefs.
    Issued an executive order reinforcing the requirement that all hospitals in the United States provide medical treatment or an emergency transfer for infants who are in need of emergency medical care—regardless of prematurity or disability.
    Led a coalition of countries to sign the Geneva Consensus Declaration, declaring that there is no international right to abortion and committing to protecting women’s health.
    First president in history to attend the March for Life.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Votes Against Confirming Kristi Noem to be DHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto voted against the confirmation of Kristi Noem to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security:

    “The Trump administration’s immigration policies – from ending asylum as we know it to targeting DREAMers, TPS recipients, and U.S. citizen children of immigrants – won’t make Nevadans any safer. We need commonsense border security and real solutions to crack down on drug and human trafficking, not political games. Kristi Noem’s embrace of President Trump’s chaotic agenda will hurt Nevada communities, and I cannot support her confirmation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man who Stole Guns, Other Items from Farm and Home Store Sentenced to 77 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced a St. Francois County man who stole firearms and other items from a farm and home store in Potosi, Missouri to 77 months in prison.

    Judge Autrey also ordered Gregory Snyder, 46, to pay $11,484 in restitution for the stolen items.

    On Sept. 19, 2021, Snyder hid in the store, emerging after closing time. He stole power tools, camping gear and 13 guns, including eight rifles and five shotguns. Snyder loaded the guns and some of the other stolen goods in his car, and then took them to a river in eastern Washington County. He returned early the next morning for more, but by then, Potosi Police Department officers had spotted evidence of the burglary. They stopped and questioned Snyder, who no longer had the stolen goods in his car. They arrested Snyder later that day.

    Snyder, of Bismarck, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in August to theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and possession of body armor by a violent felon.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Potosi Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Nino Przulj prosecuted the case.

    Two of the shotguns have been recovered. Anyone with information about the rest of the stolen firearms is asked to contact the ATF at 314-768-3120 or online at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips or the Potosi Police at 573-438-5468.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council service update, January 25

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council service update, January 25

    25 January 2025

    3.30pm

    Council continues to work with local agencies in the ongoing emergency response to Storm Éowyn which has resulted in some damage to roads and property throughout the City and District.

    Staff continue to be on site carrying out health and safety inspections and providing services from early this morning. Teams from across all Council services have been meeting and co-ordinating efforts throughout the weekend and this work will continue over the coming days.

    The health and safety of both staff and the general public is our first priority and for that reason we would encourage the public to be patient and to expect some delays to services.

    As we continue to work with partner agencies work to assess and remedy damage caused by Storm Éowyn members of the public should exercise caution when close to obvious debris and damage, including power lines. The public are also advised to take note of further yellow weather warnings in place over the weekend relating to winds, snow and ice and to take the appropriate measures to keep them and their property safe. Please follow the Met Office for updates.

    Bin collections

    Refuse Collection crews are out working today servicing bins that were missed from Fridaydq. For any bins not emptied today the advice is to make contact with our Customer Services Team on 028 71 374107 on Monday morning or by email at refuse&[email protected] and arrangements will be made to have them emptied as soon as possible.

     

    Cemeteries and outdoor sites

    The City Cemetery, Ballyoan, Altnagelvin and Strabane Cemeteries are all open to the public. Users are strongly advised to take due care and attention at all facilities both for fallen trees and for slippy pathways. The public are urged not to visit historical sites. Our staff are on site to clear all main arterial routes at our facilities as a priority.

    Recycling Centres

    All of our recycling centres, with the exception of Plumbridge, are open.

     

    Leisure Centres

    All Council Leisure centres are open as normal.

    Community Assistance

    All of our Leisure Centres are open and available to the public who are without power or water and who require assistance with heat, tea/coffee and phone charging and shower facilities. We have extended the opening hours at Templemore, Melvin and Derg Valley Leisure Centre to 10pm tonight, Saturday.

    Tomorrow Sunday, Templemore, Foyle Arena and Melvin will be open from 9am – 6pm while Riversdale and Derg Valley Leisure Centres will open from 1pm – 6pm

    Council facilities

    The Guildhall, Tower Museum and the Alley Theatre are open and operating as normal.

     

    Street cleansing

    Our street cleansing teams have been out and about from this early morning servicing the city and towns and working with grounds maintenance teams to make sure Council facilities are safe to access.

    Grass pitches

    All Council grass pitches and 3g pitches will remain closed for the weekend. User groups are being contacted.

     

    Parks and play parks

    Ongoing health and safety inspections are ongoing today to get as many of our parks, play areas and greenways open to the public. There are several trees down at the Bay Road and Strathfoyle greenways and a number of other parks, we have teams out on site carrying out clearance and repair works. The public are asked to avoid areas where there are trees and to take due care and attention as there may be debris or fallen branches etc.

    Again, the public are asked to be patient and expect some delays to opening of facilities after the storm to allow these checks and possible clean-up work to be carried out.

     

    Looking ahead

    Please take note of further weather warnings in place over the weekend including a YELLOW warning for SNOW & ICE for Northern Ireland between 1800hrs on Saturday 25th and 1000hrs on Sunday 26th January 2025: MEDIUM Likelihood of LOW Impacts and a YELLOW warning for WIND for Northern Ireland between 1000hrs and 1900hrs on Sunday 26th January 2025: MEDIUM Likelihood of LOW Impacts

    Strong winds affecting Northern Ireland, potentially disrupting transport and infrastructure

    Further information:  UK weather warnings – Met Office

    Emergency Contact numbers:

    Emergency services 999 or 112

    Flooding Incident Line  – 0300 2000 100

    NI Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643

    NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001

    NI Water – 03457 440 088

    Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

    Report a blocked road – 0300 200 7891

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE kicks off year-end caring visits

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, the Government’s principal officials started travelling to all 18 districts throughout the city today to visit different families for four consecutive days and distribute blessing bags in celebration of the festival.

    The year-end caring visits in 18 districts are co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Department.

    Chief Executive John Lee and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, accompanied by representatives from the District Services & Community Care Team, visited singleton elderly households living in Oi Man Estate, Ho Man Tin to learn more about their daily lives, wishing them a healthy and happy Year of the Snake.

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan visited an elderly family and an ethnic minority family living on Oak Street in Tai Kok Tsui and Reclamation Street in Mong Kok respectively to understand their daily lives and needs.

    Additionally, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui visited grassroots families and elderly people living in Yat Tung (l) Estate, Tung Chung.

    Meanwhile, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau and Under Secretary for Health Dr Libby Lee visited singleton and doubleton elderly households living in Wah Fu Estate, Southern District.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: GameFi’s Rising Star: Monsta Mash Surpasses $1M Milestone

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Jan. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The GameFi sector, a fusion of gaming and decentralized finance (DeFi), has emerged as a groundbreaking space within blockchain technology. Among the standout projects transforming this industry is Monsta Mash, a GameFi ecosystem that has achieved an extraordinary milestone by raising over $1 million in its presale stage. With its innovative approach and ambitious roadmap, Monsta Mash is carving its place as a leader in the GameFi landscape.

    GameFi, short for “Game Finance,” merges traditional gaming elements with blockchain to offer players unique opportunities to earn real-world rewards through gameplay. Leveraging models like Play-to-Earn (P2E) and Tap-to-Earn (T2E), players can acquire cryptocurrencies or other digital assets. This combination of entertainment and financial incentives has fueled exponential growth in the sector, which is expected to reach $126.17 billion by 2032, according to market forecasts.

    The Monsta Ecosystem: A GameFi Powerhouse

    Monsta Mash distinguishes itself by combining action-packed gaming with blockchain technology. Built on the fast and scalable Solana network, the platform delivers an immersive gaming experience that overcomes the limitations of traditional GameFi projects. Its utility token, $MASH, is the core of this ecosystem, enabling players to convert in-game victories into tangible rewards.

    The app, “Cryptids – Monsta Mash,” is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, with download milestones demonstrating its growing popularity among blockchain gaming enthusiasts. With a $0.00365 token presale price, Monsta Mash has attracted significant investor interest, including cryptocurrency whales, setting the stage for its projected price surge to $8 by the end of 2025.

    The Journey Through Presale Stages

    Monsta Mash’s presale journey is a testament to its potential and strong investor confidence. The platform had already secured over $1 million in funding. As it progresses through subsequent presale stages, the $MASH token price is projected to rise, offering early investors significant returns. Analysts predict $MASH will exceed $4 by mid-2025, making it one of the most promising tokens in the blockchain gaming space.

    Monsta Mash’s rise reflects broader trends in the GameFi industry, which has seen remarkable growth in unique active wallets and user engagement. As blockchain gaming evolves, Monsta Mash is positioning itself as a leader by providing a blend of financial opportunity and engaging gameplay. Its innovative use of Solana’s capabilities ensures scalability and a seamless user experience, further solidifying its competitive edge over established ecosystems like Gala and The Sandbox.

    Why Join the GameFi Movement with Monsta Mash?

    For those eager to explore the GameFi industry, Monsta Mash offers a gateway to unparalleled opportunities. With its robust ecosystem, exciting gameplay, and the potential for financial gains, Monsta Mash invites players and investors alike to be part of the next big wave in blockchain gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto enthusiast or new to decentralized technology, Monsta Mash provides an accessible and rewarding entry point into the dynamic world of GameFi.

    Don’t miss your chance to join this revolution. Dive into the Monsta Mash ecosystem today and embrace the future of gaming and finance. Visit their official website and secure your $MASH tokens before the next big leap! Use Code “MONSTA50” for an additional 50% bonus.

    Contact Us:

    Name: Mukul Anand
    Email: support@cryptidsgame.io
    PR Manager

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by “Cryptids Game”. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1323a748-dbcf-41e1-b0a7-52acccfbf8f6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: DRC: 3 questions on the intensification of the armed conflict in North and South Kivu

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    What is the current situation in North and South Kivu with regards to this crisis?

    Since December 2024, several fronts have been opened in the two provinces to control certain key positions. In Lubero territory, in North Kivu, the conflict resumed in December with massive population displacement. It continued in Masisi territory, where intense fighting took place in January 2025, particularly for control of the town of Masisi Centre, before moving down towards South Kivu, to Minova and Numbi in Kalehe territory.

    During the hostilities, the M23/AFC managed to take control of several towns. In recent days the fighting has moved closer to the provincial capital of Goma, with intense clashes in Sake, just 20 kilometres from the city. Artillery explosions can be heard regularly from Goma. Fighting is taking place on all the roads around Goma and has led to a new influx of displaced people into the city, including from some camps on the outskirts of the city where people flee towards Goma, in a situation of panic.

    How is this situation affecting the population?

    Unsurprisingly, the humanitarian consequences for the population are very serious. Hundreds of thousands of people have once again fled the fighting. According to the United Nations, 400,000 people have already fled since January. Tens of thousands headed for displacement sites around Goma, where more than 650,000 people were already living, exhausted by almost three years of fighting. The clashes in recent weeks have led to a new influx of people into these completely unhygienic sites where – as we have been saying for far too long – families are surviving without proper shelter and lacking everything: food, water, health care, etc.

    Unfortunately, these sites are not spared from the fighting. Rockets are being fired near these camps or the health facilities where people have sought shelter. It’s appalling and unacceptable. We are also seeing a very worrying proportion of civilians among the hundreds of wounded we are helping to treat. Some are victims of stray bullets, but others are victims of the warring parties’ failure to respect certain basic rules of conflict. In Masisi, the hospital we support came under fire while more than 10,000 people were seeking shelter. Two people were hit just outside the hospital and two of our staff were injured by rocket fire. The presence of combatants or artillery positions in close proximity to health facilities and camps for internally displaced people puts lives at immediate risk. It is important for everyone to remember that even war has its rules.

    What is MSF’s current response on the ground?

    We are doing our utmost to maintain our regular and emergency activities, but in some areas we have had to limit the risks by reducing the size of our teams. Around Goma, for example, direct armed violence has reduced our ability to go to certain affected sites over the past two days, although we continue to supply medical facilities, help them prepare for an influx of wounded, and bring in fuel to run water pumps as soon as conditions allow. This allows these facilities to continue to function, even with a more limited presence of our teams.

    In Goma itself, we continue to support the Kyeshero Hospital to treat some of the wounded and to relieve the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is on the front line treating the wounded at the Ndosho hospital. It is clear that the hospitals in Goma are completely overwhelmed by the number of wounded.

    In the rest of North and South Kivu, despite the security and logistical challenges and restrictions on movement, we are maintaining our presence and continuing to treat patients, including the wounded. In three weeks, nearly 400 casualties have been treated at the Minova General Referral Hospital, the Numbi Hospital Centre and the Masisi General Referral Hospital. We are also continuing to support displaced people in more remote areas, such as Lubero, where we are also working to improve access to water in health facilities and at the Magasin site for displaced people.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Possible Rainfall Poses New Concerns for Wildfire Survivors

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Possible Rainfall Poses New Concerns for Wildfire Survivors

    Possible Rainfall Poses New Concerns for Wildfire Survivors

    LOS ANGELES – Wildfires have burned through more than 50,000 acres of Los Angeles County since January 7. Now, weather authorities are forecasting possible rain showers for the weekend. It may be a good time for residents of areas impacted by the wildfires to prepare for the hazardous by-products of fire and rain: flooding, debris flows and mudslides. Large-scale Wildfires Can Lead to Flooding and Debris Flows Where intense fires occur, soils can develop a top layer that repels water due to charred remnants of organic material. Normally, live vegetation sucks up rain, reducing runoff, but wildfires leave the ground barren. Unable to absorb the rain, the soil succumbs to flooding. The flood risk can remain elevated from two to five years. Debris flows are fast-moving slurries of material — water, rock, soil, vegetation, and even boulders and trees — that rush downhill. Mudslides flow down slopes that become saturated and collapse. Californians who live downhill or downstream from burnt areas are at the greatest risk for dangerous debris flows. Even smaller debris flows can be dangerous.What Individuals in Burn-scarred Areas Can DoPost-fire flooding can be unpredictable because surface changes from the fire are not always obvious. Wildfire survivors should learn to recognize the signs of coming flood events: soil that is crunchy to walk on; increased slope erosion; or even unusual sounds from the surrounding terrain — mudslides and debris flows can be loud.  When the rain comes:With rain in the forecast, elevate your valuables to higher points in your home, pack a “go-bag” and make an exit plan.Watch where the water goes. If you see gullies, rapid flooding, debris flows or mudslides in your area, check local media for alerts and prepare to evacuate. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) actively monitors flooding activity and issues alerts when an area is at risk. Avoid debris; it can include sharp and heavy hidden objects that can cause serious injury and worse. Heed the guidance of local authorities. With flooding events come health hazards, including broken utility lines and disrupted infrastructure. Sign up for local emergency alerts.Just one inch of floodwater can cause costly damage to your home, but most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. You may consider purchasing flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by FEMA. You can purchase flood insurance coverage at any time. However, there is a 30-day waiting period after you’ve paid the premium before the policy becomes effective. For more information about the NFIP, visit fema.gov/flood-insurance or call 877-336-2627.
    barbara.murien…
    Sat, 01/25/2025 – 13:49

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Storm Update Saturday January 25

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Dundee City Council is providing an update on its services on Saturday (Jan 25) following a day of disruption due to Storm Eowyn on Friday. 

    Families are being advised that all local authority nursery, primary and secondary schools are preparing to open as normal on Monday January 27.   

    Some damage has been reported at Grove Academy which means that the swim and sport centre operated by Leisure & Culture Dundee will remain closed on Saturday and Sunday. 

    Work will be carried out over the weekend so that Grove Academy opens on Monday as normal. 

    Saturday operating arrangements are in place for Council services and buildings, and council buildings will open as usual on Monday. 

    Any changes to the above arrangements will be shared via our social media channels. 

    Re-arranged waste collections will also be put in place from Monday after services were stood down on Friday.   

    These are:   

    Grey bin (general waste) collections that were scheduled for Friday January 24 will now be collected on Monday January 27.  

    Any bulky uplifts that were scheduled for Friday January 24 will now be uplifted on Monday January 27.    

    Blue bin (paper/cardboard) collections that were scheduled for Friday January 24 will now take place on Wednesday January 29     

    Burgundy bin (metals, plastics, cartons) and food waste collections will be uplifted at the next scheduled pick-up day. 

    Commercial waste (including recycling) collections will also be uplifted at the next scheduled date.    

    Baldovie & Riverside Household Waste Recycling centres re-opened on Saturday. 

    Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place for the city on Saturday. 

    For the latest updates on all our services, please visit our Storm Éowyn page.  

    Updates will also be posted on our social media channels, including Facebook and X.     

     
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Reinstating Expanded Global Gag Rule, Targeting Reproductive Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. — Tonight, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on President Donald Trump reinstating the expanded Global Gag Rule or “Mexico City Policy,” from his first term—which had detrimental effects on women, providers, and public health partners around the world. The Global Gag Rule prevents foreign organizations receiving U.S. global health assistance from providing information, referrals, or services for legal abortion or advocating for access to abortion services in their country—even with their own money.

    Trump also issued a second executive order tonight that rescinds President Biden’s Executive Orders 14076 and 14079, which were issued to protect reproductive health in the U.S. following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Executive Order 14076 directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Department of Justice (DOJ) to take and consider steps to protect reproductive health care services and access, including expanding access to contraceptives. Executive Order 14079, which took further steps to protect access to reproductive health care, including providing technical assistance for providers and directing the Secretary of HHS to advance access through Medicaid for patients traveling across state lines for care.  

    “It is unsurprising, but extremely telling, that some of the very first moves of Donald Trump’s second administration prioritize attacking reproductive health care and targeting vulnerable women and girls around the world.

    “When we invest in a safer and healthier world, that pays dividends for America. Make no mistake: this dangerous policy prevents NGOs from using their own resources to provide lifesaving reproductive health services, and it forces organizations to make impossible choices that restrict access to care for some of the most desperate people across the globe.

    “There is nothing ‘pro-life’ about reinstating a policy that, during Trump’s first term, undermined lifesaving public health work, caused widespread fear and confusion among health workers, and led to worse health outcomes and more unsafe abortions. And in the wake of the Dobbs decision here at home, the Trump administration is also pulling back important executive orders that directed agencies to protect access to reproductive health services.”

    “These are just some of the first of many attacks on reproductive health care we can expect to see from the Trump administration—Democrats will fight back every way we can, but we need everyone to raise their voices to prevent these blatant attacks from going unnoticed, or worse, becoming normalized.”

    Senator Murray has long pushed to repeal the Global Gag Rule, and is a longtime cosponsor of the bipartisan Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (HER) Act, which would permanently repeal the rule, put an end to the back-and-forth between administrations, and provide stability for global health NGOs and the women around the world who rely on them for critical health services. As the top Democrat on the HELP Committee from 2015-2022, Senator Murray spoke out forcefully against the expanded Global Gag Rule Trump issued at the beginning of his first administration.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “Sudan must not be forgotten” David Lammy announces political and humanitarian action to address “catastrophe” in Sudan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Foreign Secretary announces £20 million in additional funding while visiting the Adré on the Chad-Sudan border.

    • Foreign Secretary to drive new international commitment to a political process towards ending this conflict
    • On first UK Foreign Secretary visit ever, David Lammy sees impact of UK aid supporting nearly 800,000 on Chad-Sudan border town of Adré
    • UK addresses upstream drivers of migration as the FCDO continues its drive to secure borders

    Refugees fleeing war-torn Sudan will receive further UK support to increase food production and lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services, as Foreign Secretary announces £20 million in additional funding while visiting the Adré on the Chad-Sudan border.

    This builds on the doubling of UK aid in November to address the humanitarian emergency in Sudan to £226.5 million. These UK funds are providing emergency food assistance to nearly 800,000 displaced people, of whom over 88% are women and children, as well as improving access to shelter, drinking water, emergency health care and education.

    Not only is this aid vitally needed on humanitarian grounds, but it will also help people to stay within their immediate region meaning that they are better able to return when conditions allow. Since the conflict began, 3.6 million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, with a significant number travelling on to Europe and the UK.

    Unscrupulous smuggling gangs are looking to profit from the misery in Sudan. And the longer this war lasts, the greater its ripple effect. We must give credit to countries like Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan for managing this crisis alongside others nearby.

    Nearly 2,000 Sudanese nationals arrived on small boats in the year ending September 2024. As part of the Plan for Change, the Government is determined to reduce the number of people making dangerous small boat crossings across the Channel and net migration.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 

    Sudanese people are facing violence on an unimaginable scale. This is the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world.

    Millions have already fled their homes – in the face of a struggle for power that has led to abhorrent atrocities against civilians and famine on an unconscionable scale. 

    The international community must wake up and act urgently to avoid this horrific death toll escalating further in the coming months, driving instability and irregular migration into Europe and the UK. Under this government’s Plan for Change, we are addressing upstream drivers of migration to secure UK borders.

    The UK will not let Sudan be forgotten. To do so would be unforgiveable.

    Working with partners, the Foreign Secretary is determined to re-energise a political process on this issue. He plans to convene a meeting of Foreign Ministers to galvanise international efforts to work towards an end to the conflict and get aid to where it is needed the most.

    This builds on the UK and Sierra Leone’s resolution at the UN in November, which gained the support of every UN Security Council member except Russia. He will build consensus on how the international community can support region-led mediation efforts that have Sudanese voices at the centre.   

    The UK is calling for greater access so aid can get to where it is needed most and will continue to push for every border crossing and route to be open, accessible, and safe.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –