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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Intelligence and Security Visits NAVSCIATTS

    Source: United States Navy

    Minella, John Keast, U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) staff director; Pat Thompson, Adam Barker, and Chris Vignes, members of the senator’s staff, received updates from NAVSCIATTS Cmdr. Robert LeClerc and members of U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Command’s staff regarding the direction of the command and its continued support to combatant commanders’ theater security cooperation priorities.

    During their visit to the Stennis Space Center, Minella and the SASC staff members also received a tour and command brief from Special Boat Team 22, NSW’s only riverine capability. The tour included a Special Operations Craft-Riverine demonstration and also M134 machine gun familiarization.

    NAVSCIATTS trains and educates strategic allied and partner security force professionals across the tactical, operational, and strategic spectrums; and serves as the U.S. Navy’s premier security force assistance training asset. More than 14,000 partners from 129 partner nations have trained with this historic command since 1963.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Significant Technology Upgrades Fueling Strong Growth Opportunities for U.S. Commercial Drone Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The commercial drone industry is witnessing rapid growth and transforming various sectors such as agriculture, delivery and logistics, and energy among others. Advancements in drone technologies have led to increased demand and utilization in industries such as filming, emergency response, construction, and real estate. Additionally, drone software solution providers and manufacturers are continuously innovating and upgrading their offerings to cater to diverse market needs. As governments establish regulatory frameworks, the integration of drones into industries is expected to accelerate. This, in turn, is likely to create lucrative opportunities for market expansion over the forecast period. A report from Grand View Research projected that the U.S. commercial drone market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% through 2030. The report said: “Furthermore, favorable legislations and rising use of commercial drones by authorities in the U.S. is expected to attract various industries to utilize drones for different processes. Similarly, government authorities across the region are constantly working on framing new regulations for the commercial applications of drones. This is attributed to increased focus on the adoption of commercial drones due to their economic potential, while prioritizing the safety and security of the country. This, in turn, is anticipated to drive the U.S. commercial drone market growth over the forecast period.” Active Tech Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS).

    Grand View Research continued: “Moreover, the U.S. is expected to witness a convergence of technologies, societal acceptance as well as a favorable regulatory landscape that is further expected to increase demand for commercial drones in various industries. The continuous development in drone technological capabilities and related software, their commercial applications, as well as the associated benefits, are anticipated to experience steady expansion as it offers added features and easy control to drone operators. Such type of developments by market players are expected to drive the U.S. commercial market growth. Additionally, the introduction of updated drone regulations has optimized the procedure for legally conducting commercial drone operations. The positive regulations are expected to attract entrepreneurs to use commercial drones. For instance, in the U.S., some of the significant changes in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation’s Part 107 update includes the removal of “section 333 exception” and relaxed standards for pilots. This change in regulations that are required for commercial operations of drones, is anticipated to drive the market growth over the forecast period.”

    ZenaTech Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Completes the First Phase of an IQ Nano Inventory Management Trial for Multinational Auto Parts Customer – ZenaTech, a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone solutions and enterprise SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solutions, today announced that its subsidiary, ZenaDrone, has successfully completed the first phase of drone testing and 3D mapping, and is beginning the next phase of production of a paid trial for a multinational auto parts manufacturer. This production phase consists of flying automatic and fully autonomous flights of the IQ Nano drone in an inventory management application.

    Testing took place over several months at ZenaDrone’s production facility in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ensure the smooth operation of the inventory scanning application. The 3D mapping took place just recently at the customer’s site consisting of scanning and mapping the warehouse area to create a 3D map that automates the drone flight path and its operations while in production.

    View video showing the IQ Nano in test flight here.

    The production phase is set to begin imminently and will consist of the IQ Nano flying and reading product and component bar codes, collecting information for verification and integration with the customer’s inventory management and accounting systems.

    “We look forward to the production phase and concluding a successful trial, proving the viability of the IQ Nano and enabling us to deliver our product to our customer. A successful trial also opens the potential to win additional business with this customer and to verifiably demonstrate IQ Nano’s utility for the benefit of attracting additional market interest. The revolutionary use of an indoor drone for productivity and cost savings value can be implemented across hundreds of warehouse facilities, turning a week-long activity like counting inventory into a day,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. – Get the full details by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Additional Groundbreaking ZenaTech Inc. Developments this week include:

    ZenaTech Enters the Drone Sensor and Components Market Establishing a New Taiwan Subsidiary to Win More US Defense Contracts for Its AI Drones – ZenaTech also announced it will establish a new company in Taiwan to manufacture drone sensors and components for use in the drone products produced by its subsidiary ZenaDrone. The new company, named Spider Vision Sensors Ltd., will ensure ZenaDrone’s products are compliant with the US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an important requirement for the company to win more business with the US Military.

    Spider Vision Sensors Ltd. will manufacture drone sensors, electronics, and components such LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), thermal, infrared, multi-spectral and hyper sensors, cameras, and PBCs (Printed Circuit Boards). Having in-house manufactured sensors and components will enable ZenaDrone to have a steady supply to fulfill customer orders and drone production needs at its Sharjah, UAE, and future Arizona-based drone manufacturing facilities. Taiwan was selected due to its size and skills as an electronics hub, and the availability of low-cost alternative components versus those from China. The new company is currently at the prototype stage, and the manufacturing facility is expected to be open in November.

    “Establishing a drone sensor and components manufacturer in Taiwan will help bring our products to market faster and removes dependencies on any Chinese made electronics. This will position us to win more US military contracts via achieving Green UAS (Uncrewed Arial Systems) and Blue UAS certifications as an approved supplier,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. Read this full release at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zenatech-enters-drone-sensor-components-113000155.html

    Other recent developments in the technology industry include:

    Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, recently announced that it will publish financial results for the third quarter 2024 after the close of market on Thursday, November 7th. Management will discuss the Company’s operations and financial results in a conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pacific (5:00 p.m. Eastern).

    The call will be available at www.kratosdefense.com. Participants may register for the call using this Online Form. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN that can be used to access the call. For those who cannot access the live broadcast, a replay will be available on Kratos’ website.

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, recently announced the appointment of Kevin Lowdermilk to the Company’s board of directors effective October 25, 2024.

    Company CEO, Bill Irby, commented, “It is a privilege to have Kevin join our board. His distinguished career and leadership in some of the most challenging technology sectors speak to his ability to drive success through vision, strategy and execution. We are grateful to work alongside him and leverage his expertise to support the future expansion of our global footprint in both government and commercial verticals, as we position the Company for long-term shareholder value.”

    EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, recently announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (the “CAFUC”). Building upon the CAFUC’s extensive expertise in civil aviation education, research, and talent development, the two parties will collaborate on cultivating skilled personnel, including operators and maintenance staffs for EHang’s pilotless electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft, and their training for personnel licenses and operational supervision. This partnership aims to address the surging demand for talents in the low-altitude economy and foster the sustainable, high-quality development of the civil unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) industry.

    During a briefing of the State Council Information Office of China on October 8, 2024, Chunlin Li, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”), highlighted the booming low-altitude economy and the rising demand for UAV operators. It is estimated that China faces a talent shortage of up to 1 million in this field. The NDRC will continue enhancing job creation efforts and driving the development of strategic emerging industries such as the low-altitude economy and future industries.

    Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, recently announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Ondas Autonomous Systems Inc. (“OAS”) has entered into an investment agreement with a private investor group, including Charles & Potomac Capital, LLC (“Charles & Potomac”) and Privet Ventures LLC (“Privet Ventures”), for an investment of $3.5 million in convertible notes of OAS. The investment in OAS will support OAS’ business expansion plan and deliver on the substantial growth opportunity in the defense, security, and critical infrastructure and industrial markets targeted by OAS’ Optimus and Iron Drone autonomous drone platforms.

    “We are pleased to secure this initial investment to support the exceptional growth opportunities created by our OAS team across Airobotics and American Robotics,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings and OAS. “Indeed, we have a responsibility to now expand operations and accelerate growth at OAS to meet the urgent needs for security and intelligence for our critical military, government and industrial customers. I am personally investing $1.0 million in this transaction, via Privet Ventures, signaling my firm belief in the substantial value we are creating for all stakeholders including the investors in OAS and Ondas Holdings.”

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko held meetings with Russian teachers and youth of Uzbekistan in Tashkent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    During his working visit to Uzbekistan, Dmitry Chernyshenko talked with teachers who are participants in projects of the Russian Ministry of Education. With the Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov and the head of the Department of Social Development of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Odil Abdurakhmanov

    October 31, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko at a meeting with participants of youth projects and programs in Uzbekistan, implemented by the Russian Federation

    October 31, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko at a meeting with participants of youth projects and programs in Uzbekistan, implemented by the Russian Federation

    October 31, 2024

    greeted the participants of the international motor rally of the project “The Path of the Future Games Trophy 2.0” and gave the start to the Tashkent – Jizzakh stage

    October 31, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko greeted the participants of the international motor rally of the project “The Path of the Future Games Trophy 2.0” and gave the start to the Tashkent – Jizzakh stage

    October 31, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko, as part of a working visit to Uzbekistan, talked with teachers who are participants in projects of the Russian Ministry of Education. With the Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov and the head of the Department of Social Development of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Odil Abdurakhmanov

    During his working visit to Uzbekistan, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke with teachers participating in humanitarian projects implemented by the Russian Ministry of Education: “Russian Teacher Abroad”, “Class!” (“Zur!”) and “Baby” (“Mittivoi”).

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the work of Russian teachers, who make a significant contribution to the development of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Russia.

    “The project “Russian Teacher Abroad” is developing in almost 30 countries. Uzbekistan is one of the leaders in the number of Russian teachers, which emphasizes the importance of bilateral cooperation in the field of education between our countries and the corresponding attitude of our Presidents to this. I know that you closely interact with your Uzbek colleagues and introduce advanced educational technologies here. It is important to build a continuous educational trajectory between specialists from Uzbekistan and Russian business,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko thanked the teachers for their dedicated work and promotion of the Russian language and culture in the republic.

    “We are doing a lot of work within the framework of the “Class!” project. Teachers from the Russian Federation undergo appropriate training and advanced training at the A.I. Herzen Russian State Pedagogical University in St. Petersburg. Then they come to the Republic of Uzbekistan and teach Russian, exchanging experiences with local teachers,”– noted the Minister of Education of Russia Sergei Kravtsov.

    The head of the Russian Ministry of Education added that the Russian side is also ready to provide methodological assistance so that the training of in-demand specialists here is carried out at a high level.

    During the event, participants also discussed the Russian federal project “Professionalism” and textbooks on Russian as a foreign language.

    At a meeting with participants in youth projects and programs implemented by the Russian Federation, the Deputy Prime Minister noted the significance and legacy of the World Youth Festival and discussed strengthening international youth relations between Uzbekistan and Russia.

    The topic of projects and initiatives that are planned to be implemented within the framework of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War was separately touched upon.

    In addition, they discussed ways to increase young people’s interest in science and issues of media literacy.

    “You know that our country pays a lot of attention to the international youth agenda. Some of you personally took part in the World Youth Festival, which took place in the federal territory of Sirius. When organizing such an event, it was very important for us that young people from all over the world, including from our fraternal Republic of Uzbekistan, come, look at the created infrastructure and participate in the events,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    He also noted the importance of Uzbekistan’s support for phygital sports and the Future Games.

    “The delegation of Uzbekistan was one of the largest at the World Youth Festival. More than 300 young people from all corners of our country participated in the festival, had the opportunity to find new friends to learn about the experience of countries around the world, and also to demonstrate the unique experience of Uzbekistan in working with youth,” emphasized the moderator of the event, head of the Volunteer Association of Uzbekistan Shirin Abidova.

    During the meeting, Dmitry Chernyshenko awarded the commemorative medal “World Youth Festival 2024” to representatives of Uzbekistan and Russia who made a great contribution to the preparation and holding of this large-scale event. The medals were awarded in accordance with the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    The meeting was also attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Uzbekistan Oleg Malginov, Deputy Head of Rosmolodezh Denis Ashirov, Head of the Representative Office of Rossotrudnichestvo in the Republic of Uzbekistan Irina Staroselskaya, Head of the Department of Social Development of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Odil Abdurakhmanov, First Deputy Director of the Agency for Youth Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Dilnozahon Kattakhanova.

    “Rosmolodezh is pursuing a course to strengthen international youth relations. It is important for us to help young people from Russia and other countries find common ground in various spheres of activity. Joint projects and programs are a contribution to the development of modern society and the construction of a happy future,” emphasized State Secretary – Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) Denis Ashirov.

    The Deputy Prime Minister of Russia also greeted the participants of the international motor rally of the Future Games Trophy Route 2.0 project and gave the start to the Tashkent – Jizzakh stage.

    The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that the run started in October at the Russia – Sports Power forum in Ufa. It will pass through the territory of eight states – participants of the global phygital movement.

    “Phygital and Future Games are a new competition format that was invented in Russia on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin and became known to the entire world. We know the intention of your head of state and the people of Uzbekistan to also be nominated to host the Future Games in your country. I thank the leadership of the republic and everyone who works with young people for their caring attitude to this format, which allows new stars to develop, who show themselves well both in computer games and in real sports,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Proclamation on National Diabetes Month,  2024

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
         Over 38 million Americans, or 1 in every 10 people, have diabetes.  During National Diabetes Month, we raise awareness about this chronic condition and promote the strategies that can prevent and manage it.  We recommit to making treatment more affordable and accessible.  And we strengthen our resolve to find cures.
         Diabetes takes a physical and financial toll on Americans nationwide, and many Americans must decide between paying for treatments and putting food on the table.  Insulin — a life-saving drug for some people with diabetes — can cost Americans upwards of $300, even though it costs drug companies as little as $10 per vial to make.  Some Americans end up rationing their medication, which can have serious effects on their health and well-being.  While Big Pharma makes record profits, Americans pay exorbitant prices — higher than anywhere else in the world.  It is unacceptable.  No one should have to lie awake at night wondering if they can afford their medical bills or their insulin prescription.
         Since I came into office, I have worked to ensure that health care is a right in this country, not a privilege — and that meant lowering the cost of insulin.  That is why my Administration took on Big Pharma and won.  I signed the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped the cost of insulin at $35 for people on Medicare.  And the largest manufacturer of insulin in the United States answered my call to lower the cost to $35 per month for everyone.  My Inflation Reduction Act also empowered Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, lowering the costs of medications used to treat common diseases, including drugs that treat diabetes.  Further, that law requires drug companies that raise prices faster than inflation to pay Medicare back the difference, saving seniors up to $618 per dose of medication.  Moreover, beginning in 2025, the Inflation Reduction Act will cap total out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 per year for people on Medicare.  There is still more to do, but this will help ensure Americans — including those with diabetes — have the dignity, security, and peace of mind they deserve.
         My Administration is also working to drive new breakthroughs in preventing, detecting, and treating diabetes while ensuring that Americans have the resources they need to lead healthy lifestyles.  I secured $4 billion for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to make strides in transforming the prevention, detection, and treatment of deadly diseases like diabetes.  We have seen enormous research advances in recent years to develop promising new diabetes drugs, including the first cell therapy for adults with Type 1 diabetes and the first new oral medication for children with Type 2 diabetes in decades.  At the same time, we recognize that the impact of Type 2 diabetes can be greatly decreased through improvements in nutrition and physical activity.  My Administration announced new standards for school meals to improve their nutritional value and give schools the option to require locally produced, unprocessed menu ingredients.  We also held the first White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in over 50 years, bringing together advocates, health care providers, food companies, and officials from every level of government.  As a part of that conference, we launched the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities.  In total, we have secured more than $10 billion in bold, new commitments from the public and private sectors to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases like diabetes.
         My Administration also recognizes that tens of millions of Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes within 5 years.  Diabetes increases one’s risk of heart attack, cancer, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and the loss of toes, feet, or legs.  Many of these cases are preventable, and the risk factors are often related to poor nutrition and inadequate physical activity.  To learn more about the risks and how to address prediabetes and help prevent Type 2 diabetes, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Diabetes Prevention Program:  cdc.gov/diabetes-prevention. 
         During National Diabetes Month, we celebrate the resilience and courage of all those affected by diabetes.  We thank the dedicated medical professionals, loved ones, and advocates who support this community.  And we recommit to working around the clock to improve care for those affected and get us closer to finding cures.
         NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as National Diabetes Month.  I call upon all Americans, school systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, health care providers, research institutions, and other interested groups to join in activities that raise diabetes awareness and help prevent, treat, and manage this disease.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
                                 JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Proclamation on National Family Caregivers Month,  2024

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
         Family caregivers are the backbone of our Nation, making tremendous sacrifices to be there for the people who need and cherish them most.  This month, we honor their selfless love and courage, and we recommit to getting them the support they deserve.  They should know their country has their backs.
         For far too long, the cost of care in this country has been too high.  Today, millions of Americans are part of the so-called sandwich generation, caring for both young kids and aging parents at the same time.  Too many families struggle to afford help, spending their own retirement savings to pay for the care of their loved ones or quitting their own jobs to stay home and provide it themselves.  Most often, it is women who bear the brunt of care work.  And the pay for professional care workers is far too low.    
         In the United States of America, no one should have to choose between caring for a parent who raised them, a child who depends on them, and a paycheck that they need.  That is why I signed the American Rescue Plan, which made the biggest investment in child care ever.  It delivered historic support to over 225,000 child care programs serving as many as 10 million children across the country, helping keep their doors open for millions of working families who rely on them.  It expanded the Child Tax Credit, which helped cut the child poverty rate nearly in half.  Overall, my Administration increased funding for child care by nearly 50 percent while helping States expand and strengthen programs that enable low-income families afford child care as well.  We also required companies seeking significant Federal funding from our CHIPS and Science Act to submit a plan on how they will help employees access affordable child care.  
         We have finalized new rules that strengthen staffing standards in nursing homes to ensure residents can age with dignity.  We have made sure that home care workers get a bigger share of Medicaid payments so more Americans can keep living in their own communities and homes.  And we have worked to increase Medicare resources to promote equitable access to care and caregiver training.  
         But we have to do more to ease the load on America’s 50 million unpaid family caregivers, who too often still shoulder the burden of care all alone.  Through the American Rescue Plan, we devoted $145 million to the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which delivers counseling, training, and short-term relief to family caregivers and other informal care providers.  Furthermore, my Administration released the first-ever National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, which includes new initiatives that directly support family caregivers and strengthen existing programs.  And I signed a historic Executive Order, representing the most comprehensive set of administrative actions ever to increase access to high-quality child care and long-term care and support for caregivers, including military and veteran caregivers.  The Executive Order is working to make sure caregivers get the support they deserve while building the supply of high-quality care so families have options.  My Administration is continuing to work toward lowering the cost of care across the country and providing stronger paid family and medical leave. 
         How we treat our young children, aging parents, and loved ones and how we value those who care for them are fundamental to who we are as a Nation.  During National Family Caregivers Month, we pledge to get every family caregiver in this country the same kind of relief, respect, and support that they give so selflessly to others.
         NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as National Family Caregivers Month.  I encourage all Americans to reach out to those who provide care for our Nation’s family members, friends, and neighbors in need to recognize, honor, and thank them.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
                                 JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Proclamation on National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month,  2024

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
         Too many Americans know the pain of losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s — a leading cause of death in older adults.  During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we honor the courage and resilience of all those facing this devastating disease.  We recommit to supporting every caregiver who pours their heart into helping people with Alzheimer’s face this disease with dignity.  And we strengthen our resolve to do everything we can to prevent, treat, and eliminate Alzheimer’s as we know it.
         Currently, over six million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, which robs people of their memories, clarity, and identity — taking a difficult emotional, financial, and physical toll on people facing the disease and the loved ones standing by their side.  Alzheimer’s also disproportionately impacts African Americans and Latino Americans, who are more likely to develop dementias than people of any other race or ethnicity.  People with Down syndrome also have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
         My Administration has taken steps to drive new breakthroughs toward preventing, detecting, and treating Alzheimer’s.  I secured $4 billion for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, directing funding to researchers and innovators who are pioneering new techniques and technologies to transform the lives of people with Alzheimer’s and improve human health outcomes.  I was also proud to sign the reauthorization of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, ensuring the Federal Government is doubling down on our commitment to address Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.  The National Institutes of Health is funding new clinical trials that are doing cutting-edge work to improve the lives of people with Alzheimer’s — from pursuing new drugs that could prevent and treat dementia to improving cognition and memory for those who have it.
         My Administration is committed to supporting the caregivers who care for people with Alzheimer’s.  I signed the Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers — the most comprehensive set of executive actions any President has ever taken to improve care for hardworking families while supporting care workers and family caregivers.  In response, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the GUIDE Model, which offers a package of respite services, caregiver support and education, and care management and coordination for people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.  CMS is also continuing to increase access to cognitive care assessments so more people with Alzheimer’s get the resources and care they need.  And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working to increase access to early detection, prevention, and treatment of dementias like Alzheimer’s.
         During National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, we recommit to improving the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.  We honor all the lives we have lost and all those we can still save.  And we uplift the spirit of hope that countless medical professionals, researchers, and caregivers working to help people with Alzheimer’s carry each day.
         NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.  I call on the people of the United States of America to honor and support those living with Alzheimer’s and the many people who continue extraordinary and tireless efforts to combat this disorder and care for those affected by it.  I encourage all Americans to visit Alzheimers.gov for evidence-based resources and information.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
                                   JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Torres Celebrates Announcement of New Nonstop Destination Flight from Ontario International Airport to Baltimore Washington International

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    October 31, 2024

    Bringing California’s 35th District Closer to Our Nation’s Capital

    Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee which oversees federal aviation spending, released the following statement following the announcement of a new, non-stop flight route from Ontario International Airport (ONT) to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Fostering connections between California’s 35th district and our nation’s Capital is essential for supporting the continued growth of Southern California’s airport, ensuring it meets the rising demand for air travel to the East Coast.

    “Today’s announcement of the first non-stop flight route from Ontario International Airport (ONT) ever to Washington, D.C. at Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is a significant win for our community and the economy of the Inland Empire. Our area is one of the fastest growing population centers in the entire United States, so I am thrilled to see the Inland Empire’s primary airport expanding its reach, making travel more accessible for our residents, civic leaders, advocates, and businesses to the nation’s capital,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This achievement is a testament to the importance of regaining local control of Ontario Airport years ago and the importance of proactive and strategic transportation decisions. Together, we’ve worked hard to secure crucial funding through THUD appropriations, which supports vital projects at our airports. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this new route will have on our region.”

    Background: Since entering Congress, Congresswoman Norma Torres has been a steadfast advocate for the Ontario International Airport (ONT), facilitating its transfer from the city of Los Angeles to the Ontario International Airport Authority. Strategically located at the heart of a vital freight movement system, ONT plays a crucial role in stimulating economic activity in the region and provides local businesses with convenient access to broader markets. To advance local control of the airport, Congresswoman Torres worked with bipartisan colleagues to pass essential legislation that implements the agreement between ONT and LAX. Now that the community has local control, she is focused on enhancing accessibility through public transit initiatives and has supported substantial funding for various projects at ONT, including $15.9 million for runway and taxiway improvements, $2.52 million for low-emission equipment, and $24.82 million for airport concessions that create good-paying jobs. The Congresswoman also led the Inland Empire delegation last year in sending a letter to the House Transportation Committee advocating for more slots for Ontario to get a nonstop flight to Washington, D.C.  As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Air Cargo Caucus, she is committed to supporting ONT’s growth as a leading air cargo airport in the U.S. and has worked to secure international flights to Central America, further bolstering the region’s economic development. As Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) FAA Reauthorization Chair, the Congressman also spearheaded aviation efforts and priorities for the Caucus. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from CWA Following Studio Closures and Layoffs at Sony Interactive Entertainment

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    Sony Interactive Entertainment’s announcement that it will shut down and lay off video game workers at two of its studios, Neon Koi and Firewalk Studios, makes it clear that now more than ever, video game workers deserve a free and fair opportunity to join together to form unions. Union membership not only gives workers a seat at the table to bargain for fair compensation but also a voice on the job to have a say over how they will be impacted by job cuts.

    This devastating news comes on the heels of record layoffs across the video game industry. These decisions by highly insulated video game CEOs are creating perilous working conditions for video game workers by eliminating their job stability. Last month, former Sony Computer Entertainment Europe President Chris Deering suggested that laid-off game workers should “go to the beach for a year,” further demonstrating the lack of respect executives have for their workforce amid layoffs.

    Alongside these layoffs, Sony’s decision to dissolve studios outside their walled garden of PlayStation-exclusive content rather than making games that have to compete in the highly diverse and competitive mobile game market should be a cautionary warning sign of Sony’s interest in furthering its monopoly position in the video game industry. CWA plans to raise the anti-competitive impacts of Sony’s increasing monopoly and monopsony power with the appropriate antitrust regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders.

    We will continue to support workers across the video game industry who seek to form a union and improve their workplace.

    ###

    About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: U.S. Commercial Drone Market Size Estimated to Reach a Value of $ 31 Billion By End of 2034

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The commercial drone industry is witnessing rapid growth and transforming various sectors such as agriculture, delivery and logistics, and energy among others. Advancements in drone technologies have led to increased demand and utilization in industries such as filming, emergency response, construction, and real estate. Additionally, drone software solution providers and manufacturers are continuously innovating and upgrading their offerings to cater to diverse market needs. As governments establish regulatory frameworks, the integration of drones into industries is expected to accelerate. This, in turn, is likely to create lucrative opportunities for market expansion over the forecast period. A report from Grand View Research projected that the U.S. commercial drone market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% through 2030. The report said: “Furthermore, favorable legislations and rising use of commercial drones by authorities in the U.S. is expected to attract various industries to utilize drones for different processes. Similarly, government authorities across the region are constantly working on framing new regulations for the commercial applications of drones. This is attributed to increased focus on the adoption of commercial drones due to their economic potential, while prioritizing the safety and security of the country. This, in turn, is anticipated to drive the U.S. commercial drone market growth over the forecast period.”   Active Tech Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI).

    Fact.MR continued: “In addition, surveyors and engineers use drones to visualize the progress made in their construction projects by taking overhead images. Having a project overview leads to simplification of decision-making, thereby streamlining building site operations. Drones are now being used for several applications, ranging from surveillance, deployment in military operations, video recording, agriculture, and film & television. With this rise in drone applications, key players in the United States market are incorporating advanced technologies in drones. Increasing drone payload capacity and introducing drones for specific applications are anticipated to promote the profits of drone manufacturers. Furthermore, leading companies are also making drones with high-power motors. Home deliveries through drones have now become a reality with the help of retail and logistics organizations such as Amazon.”

    ZenaTech Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Completes the First Phase of an IQ Nano Inventory Management Trial for Multinational Auto Parts Customer – ZenaTech, a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone solutions and enterprise SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solutions, today announced that its subsidiary, ZenaDrone, has successfully completed the first phase of drone testing and 3D mapping, and is beginning the next phase of production of a paid trial for a multinational auto parts manufacturer. This production phase consists of flying automatic and fully autonomous flights of the IQ Nano drone in an inventory management application.

    Testing took place over several months at ZenaDrone’s production facility in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to ensure the smooth operation of the inventory scanning application. The 3D mapping took place just recently at the customer’s site consisting of scanning and mapping the warehouse area to create a 3D map that automates the drone flight path and its operations while in production.

    View video showing the IQ Nano in test flight here.

    The production phase is set to begin imminently and will consist of the IQ Nano flying and reading product and component bar codes, collecting information for verification and integration with the customer’s inventory management and accounting systems.

    “We look forward to the production phase and concluding a successful trial, proving the viability of the IQ Nano and enabling us to deliver our product to our customer. A successful trial also opens the potential to win additional business with this customer and to verifiably demonstrate IQ Nano’s utility for the benefit of attracting additional market interest. The revolutionary use of an indoor drone for productivity and cost savings value can be implemented across hundreds of warehouse facilities, turning a week-long activity like counting inventory into a day,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. – Get the full details by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Additional Groundbreaking ZenaTech Inc. Developments this week include:

    ZenaTech Enters the Drone Sensor and Components Market Establishing a New Taiwan Subsidiary to Win More US Defense Contracts for Its AI Drones – ZenaTech also announced it will establish a new company in Taiwan to manufacture drone sensors and components for use in the drone products produced by its subsidiary ZenaDrone. The new company, named Spider Vision Sensors Ltd., will ensure ZenaDrone’s products are compliant with the US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an important requirement for the company to win more business with the US Military.

    Spider Vision Sensors Ltd. will manufacture drone sensors, electronics, and components such LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), thermal, infrared, multi-spectral and hyper sensors, cameras, and PBCs (Printed Circuit Boards). Having in-house manufactured sensors and components will enable ZenaDrone to have a steady supply to fulfill customer orders and drone production needs at its Sharjah, UAE, and future Arizona-based drone manufacturing facilities. Taiwan was selected due to its size and skills as an electronics hub, and the availability of low-cost alternative components versus those from China. The new company is currently at the prototype stage, and the manufacturing facility is expected to be open in November.

    “Establishing a drone sensor and components manufacturer in Taiwan will help bring our products to market faster and removes dependencies on any Chinese made electronics. This will position us to win more US military contracts via achieving Green UAS (Uncrewed Arial Systems) and Blue UAS certifications as an approved supplier,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.    Read this full release at:      https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zenatech-enters-drone-sensor-components-113000155.html

    Other recent developments in the technology industry include:

    AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) recently successfully showcased the maritime prowess of its combat-proven JUMP® 20 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) during the NATO REPMUS 2024 (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems) exercise off the coast of Portugal. This dynamic demonstration reinforced JUMP 20’s advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, autonomously launching and landing on a moving vessel in rough seas, with conditions reaching sea state level 5 and winds over 20 kts.

    The JUMP 20 also highlighted its multi-sensor mission versatility, seamlessly executing wide-area search and detection tasks. Its advanced Electro Optical and Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) turret automatically slewed to investigate identified targets without repositioning the platform, ensuring constant operational focus. Full-motion video was captured and later analyzed using AV’s cutting-edge computer vision technology, SPOTR-Edge™, enabling perception analysis using its robust library of object classifications, including persons, vehicles, and maritime vessels. Additionally, video from this event will further enhance the solution, making the JUMP 20 even more capable for future deployments by refining its object recognition and situational response capabilities.

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an award-winning, industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, recently announced its participation in the upcoming Wings of Saskatchewan event in Regina, from October 30 to October 31, 2024. Draganfly will showcase its latest drone technology advancements, contributing to discussions on industry trends, safety, and regulatory considerations alongside key stakeholders in the aviation sector.

    The Wings of Saskatchewan Conference, hosted by the Saskatchewan Aerial Applicators Association and the Saskatchewan Aviation Council, serves as a vital gathering for the aviation community. This year’s event will bring together leaders from both civil and commercial aviation sectors to discuss technological advancements, regulatory updates, and future trends within the industry.

    Draganfly will emphasize the need for synergy across the aviation industry at the conference by addressing essential topics, including airspace safety and the regulatory challenges impacting the drone sector. This presentation will spotlight the benefits of enhanced communication and collaboration between fixed-wing, helicopter, and RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) to promote safe, efficient, and integrated airspace management.

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently announced a new contract and order for 12 of its FlightWave Edge 130 Blue system from the Royal Australian Navy. The contract was secured through Criterion Solutions Pty Ltd., an Australian-based distributor of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and information technology solutions.

    FlightWave, an industry-leading provider of VTOL drone, sensor and software solutions was acquired by Red Cat in September 2024. The acquisition brought FlightWave’s flagship drone, the Edge 130 Blue into its family of low-cost, portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision lethal strike systems. FlightWave’s size, weight and vertical take off capabilities makes it ideal for maritime operations and littoral environments.

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI) recently shared a video highlighting the capabilities of the Company’s patent-pending SpotlightAI™ AI-powered demining solution presented by Amazon Web Services (AWS) at this year’s AWS Summit Washington, D.C. The video highlights AWS Partners in the AWS Partner Network (APN) featuring senior Safe Pro team members discussing how AWS’s hyper scalability and compute resources are enabling the Company to modernize demining efforts in Ukraine by utilizing AI-powered image analysis of drone-based imagery.

    “Our inclusion in this year’s AWS Summit Washington, D.C. spotlights our continued success in locating thousands of landmines and unexploded ordnance currently scattered over thousands of hectares of land in Ukraine utilizing our AI-powered image analysis technology. AWS continues to provide us invaluable support as we work to harness the power of AI and AWS’s hyper scalability to modernize real world demining operations. Working with AWS, we have greatly enhanced our ability to provide leading humanitarian mine action organizations with powerful new tools that can improve their situational awareness as they execute their land clearance operations across Ukraine, expediting the release of land for agricultural and civilian use,” said Dan Erdberg, Chairman and CEO of Safe Pro Group Inc.

    About FN Media Group:

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    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMMOND, La., Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. (“First Guaranty”) (NASDAQ: FGBI), the holding company for First Guaranty Bank, announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter and nine months ending September 30, 2024.

    Financial Highlights for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2024, are as follows:

    • Total assets increased $371.2 million and were $3.9 billion at September 30, 2024 and $3.6 billion at December 31, 2023. Total loans at September 30, 2024 were $2.8 billion, an increase of $20.9 million, or 0.8%, compared with December 31, 2023. Total deposits were $3.4 billion at September 30, 2024, an increase of $420.8 million, or 14.0%, compared with December 31, 2023. Retained earnings were $72.7 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $4.7 million compared to $68.0 million at December 31, 2023. Shareholders’ equity was $256.4 million and $249.6 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
    • Net income for the third quarter of 2024 and 2023 was $1.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, an increase of $0.2 million or 8.7%. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $11.4 million and $7.9 million, respectively, an increase of $3.5 million or 44.5%.
    • Earnings per common share were $0.11 and $0.10 for the third quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $0.78 and $0.56 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Total weighted average shares outstanding were 12,504,717 and 11,431,083 for the third quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 12,499,799 and 11,022,919 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The change in shares was due to the issuance of 44,341 and 29,293 shares of common stock under the Equity Bonus Plan during the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, respectively, and the issuance of 1,714,287 shares of common stock under private placement in 2023.
    • The allowance for credit losses was 1.20% of total loans at September 30, 2024 compared to 1.13% at December 31, 2023.
    • Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $22.7 million compared to $20.4 million for the same period in 2023. Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $65.9 million compared to $63.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
    • The provision for credit losses for the third quarter of 2024 was $4.9 million compared to $0.6 million for the same period in 2023. The provision for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $14.0 million compared to $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
    • Charge-offs were $13.7 million during the first nine months ended September 30, 2024 and $2.0 million during the same period in 2023. Recoveries totaled $0.7 million during the first nine months ended September 30, 2024 and $1.2 million during the same period in 2023.
    • Net gains on the sale of loans for the third quarter of 2024 was $1.5 million compared to $0 for the same period in 2023. Net gains on the sale of loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $1.5 million compared to $12,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
    • First Guaranty had $1.2 million of other real estate owned as of September 30, 2024 compared to $1.3 million at December 31, 2023.
    • The net interest margin for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was 2.51% which was a decrease of 3 basis points from the net interest margin of 2.54% for the same period in 2023. The net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 2.52% which was a decrease of 23 basis points from the net interest margin of 2.75% for the same period in 2023. First Guaranty attributed the decrease in the net interest margin to the increase in market interest rates that began in 2022 and continued through 2023 that increased the cost of liabilities. Loans as a percentage of average interest earning assets decreased to 80.0% at September 30, 2024 compared to 83.2% at September 30, 2023.
    • Investment securities totaled $664.0 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $259.9 million when compared to $404.1 million at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, available for sale securities, at fair value, totaled $342.6 million, an increase of $259.1 million when compared to $83.5 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in available for sale securities was primarily due to purchase of Treasury securities. At September 30, 2024, held to maturity securities, at amortized cost and net of the allowance for credit losses totaled $321.4 million, an increase of $0.8 million when compared to $320.6 million at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses for HTM securities was $0.1 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
    • Total loans net of unearned income were $2.8 billion at September 30, 2024, a net increase of $20.9 million from December 31, 2023. Total loans net of unearned income are reduced by the allowance for credit losses which totaled $33.3 million at September 30, 2024 and $30.9 million at December 31, 2023, respectively.
    • Nonaccrual loans increased $40.6 million to $65.8 million at September 30, 2024 compared to $25.2 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in total nonaccrual loans was concentrated primarily in one commercial real estate relationship that totaled $37.0 million. This relationship is comprised of five loans secured by real estate located in the Midwest. $13.9 million of this relationship was previously reported in 90 day plus but still accruing at December 31, 2023.
    • At September 30, 2024, our largest non-performing assets were comprised of the following nonaccrual loans: (1) a $37.0 million non-farm non-residential loan relationship comprised of five loans with a specific reserve of $4.1 million; (2) a $3.3 million one- to four-family loan relationship; (3) a $1.8 million commercial real estate loan; (4) a commercial lease loan that totaled $1.7 million; (5) a commercial lease loan that totaled $1.6 million; (6) a $1.3 million one- to four-family loan relationship; and (7) a $1.3 million loan relationship that is classified as purchased credit deteriorated.
    • First Guaranty charged off $2.6 million in loan balances during the third quarter of 2024. The details of the $2.6 million in charged-off loans were as follows:
    1. First Guaranty charged off $0.5 million in consumer loans during the third quarter of 2024. The consumer loan charge offs included $0.1 million in credit card loans, $0.1 million of loans secured by automobiles or equipment, and $0.3 million in unsecured loans.
    2. First Guaranty charged off $1.0 million on a loan relationship that is classified as purchased credit deteriorated during the third quarter of 2024. This relationship had remaining principal balance of $1.3 million at September 30, 2024.
    3. First Guaranty charged off $0.1 million on a commercial and industrial loan relationship during the third quarter of 2024. This relationship had a remaining principal balance of $1.0 million at September 30, 2024.
    4. First Guaranty charged off $0.1 million on a one- to four-family loan during the third quarter of 2024. This loan had no remaining principal balance at September 30, 2024.
    5. Smaller loans and overdrawn deposit accounts comprised the remaining $0.9 million of charge-offs for the third quarter of 2024.
    • Return on average assets for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was 0.21%, for each period. Return on average assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was 0.42% and 0.33%, respectively. Return on average common equity for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was 2.40% and 2.27%, respectively. Return on average common equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was 5.87% and 4.06% respectively. Return on average assets is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average assets. Return on average common equity is calculated by dividing annualized net income by average common equity.
    • Book value per common share was $17.86 as of September 30, 2024 compared to $17.36 as of December 31, 2023. The increase was due primarily to the recent issuance of new shares and changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). AOCI is comprised of unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, including unrealized losses on available for sale securities at the time of transfer to held to maturity.
    • First Guaranty’s Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.08 and $0.16 per common share in the third quarter of 2024 and 2023. First Guaranty has paid 125 consecutive quarterly dividends as of September 30, 2024.
    • First Guaranty paid preferred stock dividends of $1.7 million during the first nine months of 2024 and 2023.
    • As previously announced, on June 28, 2024, the Bank consummated a sale-leaseback transaction relating to two stand-alone branches and a portion of the headquarters building which also contains a branch (collectively, the “Properties”). The aggregate cash purchase price was $14.7 million. The sale-leaseback transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $13.2 million, or $10.4 million after tax. Aggregate first full year of rent expense under the Lease Agreements will be approximately $1.3 million pre-tax, or $1.0 million after tax.

    About First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.

    First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for First Guaranty Bank, a Louisiana state-chartered bank. Founded in 1934, First Guaranty Bank offers a wide range of financial services and focuses on building client relationships and providing exceptional customer service. First Guaranty Bank currently operates thirty-six locations throughout Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky and West Virginia. First Guaranty’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol FGBI. For more information, visit www.fgb.net.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact which represent our current judgement about possible future events. We believe these judgements are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, many of which are described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements.

    For full release click here.

    CONTACT: ERIC DOSCH, CFO

    985.375.0308

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US-Africa relations under Biden: a mismatch between talk and action

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Christopher Isike, Director, African Centre for the Study of the United States, University of Pretoria

    In his first year in office, US president Joe Biden committed to resetting US-Africa relations based on a doctrine of equal partnership.

    He sent his secretary of state, Antony Blinken, to Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. The visit was used to outline the administration’s policy outlook towards Africa. It laid the ground for the official US-Africa policy commitment that Blinken launched the following year in South Africa.

    Since then, there have been high level engagements between the US and African countries to deepen ties. They included visits by top cabinet members of the administration: vice-president Kamala Harris, secretary of defence Lloyd Austin and treasury secretary Janet Yellen. First lady Jill Biden also came.

    Biden hosted a well attended US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC in December 2022. Kenyan president William Ruto paid a state visit to the White House in May.

    Yet our view, which is based on years of studying and writing on US and Africa relations, is that the Biden administration has not fulfilled its commitment to resetting US-Africa relations based on an equal partnership. It hasn’t recognised Africa’s growing agency in international affairs.

    We argue that there has been a mismatch between the rhetoric and practice of an equal partnership. For example, African leaders or the African Union were not consulted about the agenda of the 2022 US-Africa Leaders Summit. This was also the case with the US’s Africa strategy.

    This reflects the traditional paternalistic relationship of the US with Africa.



    Read more:
    Joe Biden in Africa: US president has ignored the continent for his entire term — why he’s visiting Angola

    Biden is due to visit Angola in December – his only African visit as president. A much more encouraging message of equal partnership would have been delivered if the US-Africa Leaders Summit, for example, had been held at the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia. Biden would have then been able to engage with African leaders in the continent early in his term.

    A full diary of engagements

    There are a number of positive indicators of Biden’s commitment to reset relations with Africa.

    August 2022: The first tangible step was through the US Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa. This presented a shift in emphasis from great power politics (vis-a-vis China and Russia in Africa) and Trump’s America First diplomacy, to one of mutual respect and partnership (at least on paper) under Biden.

    Priorities included fostering open societies, delivering democratic and security dividends, advancing pandemic recovery and economic opportunity, and supporting the climate agenda.

    December 2022: The US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC was attended by 49 African leaders, three months after the release of the Africa strategy. The focus was on

    strengthening ties with African partners based on principles of mutual respect and shared interests and values.

    Biden pledged US$55 billion in investments until 2025 to advance goals that aligned with shared priorities. The US is said to have allocated 80% of said funds.

    The US used the summit to formally announce its support for the African Union’s membership of the G20. This was realised when the AU officially joined the G20 as a permanent member in 2023.

    November 2023: Biden hosted Angolan president João Lourenço at the White House on an official visit. They discussed cooperation on the economy, security, energy, transport, telecommunications, agriculture and outer space.

    May 2024: Kenyan president William Ruto’s state visit was the first by an African leader in more than 15 years.

    September 2024: US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced US support for Africa getting two permanent seats on the UN security council.

    Finally, Biden’s visit to Angola, set for the first week in December would be the first by a US president since 2015.

    What’s gone wrong

    It’s possible to see serious flaws in the US approach towards Africa set against the expectation of an equal partnership.

    Firstly, the US has attempted to undermine African agency through its bid to pressure African countries to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many African countries chose non-alignment.

    Secondly, the US championing two seats for Africa on the security council looks commendable on the surface. But the lack of veto power perpetuates power imbalances between Africa and the current permanent security council members – the US, France, the UK, Russia and China.

    The question again is how equal the partnership is if Africa will be a junior member of the security council.

    Thirdly, there has been a lack of joint agenda setting. African countries have made no input into US-Africa strategy or the US-Africa Leaders Summit.

    Failing to consult African leaders, institutions and civil society on the continent’s own priorities reflects the same old practice of imposing priorities on African states. It looks like a continuation of the usual passing off of American national interests as African interests.

    Fourthly, there have been challenges in implementing what’s set out in the US Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa. These have included inadequate resource allocation.



    Read more:
    US-Africa trade deal turns 25 next year: Agoa’s winners, losers and what should come next

    Fifth, the Biden administration has used the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) as diplomatic leverage over African countries. For example, in October 2023 it announced the removal of Uganda, Niger, Gabon and Central African Republic from the beneficiaries. Earlier, the administration removed Ethiopia, Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso. These countries were removed from Agoa for not complying with US human rights and political demands.

    Between February and March 2024, the US Congress also considered the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Bill, which risks South Africa’s exclusion from Agoa because of Pretoria’s position on the Israel/Palestine conflict.

    Lastly, the fact that Biden is only visiting Africa in the last days of his presidency suggests Africa is not a priority. The fact that only one African head of state has been afforded a state visit to Washington reinforces this thinking.

    If the US is serious about equal partnership, it mustn’t treat Africa as an afterthought. It must always consult African states in shaping policies that affect them and the continent.

    Ruth Kasanga, a postgraduate student in the Department of Political Sciences and Research Assistant at the African Centre for the Study of the United States, University of Pretoria, made contributions to this article.

    Samuel Oyewole is affiliated with Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria.

    Christopher Isike does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. US-Africa relations under Biden: a mismatch between talk and action – https://theconversation.com/us-africa-relations-under-biden-a-mismatch-between-talk-and-action-242307

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Alzheimer’s treatment donanemab is not a ‘miracle drug’ – not providing it on the NHS is the right choice

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ian Maidment, Professor in Clinical Pharmacy, Aston University

    There was frustration in some corners of the media when it was announced that a new drug to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s was not going to be made available on the NHS.

    Alzheimer’s wonder drug blocked on NHS over cost, a Telegraph headline ran. The Daily Mail went with: Alzheimer’s ‘wonder’ drug will be blocked by NHS from TODAY due to cost.

    In late August, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which provides clinical guidance for the NHS, rejected another Alzheimer’s treatment called lecanemab. The media response at that time was similar.

    One million people in the UK have dementia, and this figure is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. We have no drugs that slow the disease progression – so-called “disease-modifying drugs” – for this mind-robbing disease, only drugs to treat symptoms. It is clear that we need new drugs, so has Nice made the wrong decision?

    Let’s dig a bit more into the rationale for Nice’s decision.

    The “wonder” drug (or “miracle drug”) that some newspapers referred to is donanemab, an antibody that latches onto amyloid plaques in the brain and removes them. These plaques are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s, but it is not known if they are the cause of Alzheimer’s or a consequence of it. (Some people have an abundance of these plaques but no Alzheimer’s.)

    At the end of October, Nice declined to approve this drug for use on the NHS for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. This was despite the UK’s drugs regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA) approving donanemab.

    How can we explain the different decisions of the two public bodies? And which one was right?

    We can understand the decisions in the context of the different roles of the MHRA and Nice. Essentially, the MHRA reviews the scientific evidence and decides whether the drug is safe and effective. It aims to assess whether the benefits outweigh the risks. If they do, then the drug is approved for use in the UK.

    Nice focuses on developing guidelines to support the adoption of new treatments, while considering value for money for the taxpayer alongside safety and effectiveness.

    We don’t know how much donanemab will cost in the UK. In the US, the list price is £25,000 per patient per year. It is thought that about 70,000 people in the UK would be eligible for treatment with donanemab.

    These drugs, donanemab and lecanemab, are given by infusion every two or four weeks and there are additional costs related to this and the monitoring needed.

    To successfully treat patients in the very early stages of Alzheimer’s, these people first need to be identified. So new specialist diagnostic clinics would need to be created to test and confirm potential underlying disease. This might include genetic tests and lumbar puncture tests (to look for elevated amyloid in spinal fluid).

    The drug infusions need to be started in specialist clinics with trained staff and facilities available for routine administration. This will all potentially increase the medication management burden on the patient and any family carer, which already can be difficult.

    Nice concluded that donanemab slows the rate of decline in symptoms, but is not a cure. We don’t know enough about the long-term effects or the cost-effectiveness of this treatment. Nice consulted various expert groups on how well donanemab works, and the consensus was that it is modest at best.

    The main outcome measurement used in the clinical trial was the integrated Alzheimer’s disease rating scale at 76 weeks. The scale, which measures both cognition and daily functioning, ranges from 0 to 144. A meaningful change is considered to be five points for people with Alzheimer’s who have mild cognitive impairment and nine points for people with Alzheimer’s who have mild dementia.

    The change in the scale from the start of the trial to 76 weeks was −10.19 in patients receiving donanemab compared with −13.11 in patients receiving a placebo. This difference of 2.92 is less than what is considered to be a meaningful change for patients. Given this, donanemab is certainly not a “wonder” drug or a “miracle” drug, and describing it as such may give false hope to vulnerable people with dementia and their family carers.

    Substantial side-effects

    The side-effect burden of donanemab is substantial and like all new drugs, more side-effects may be identified when it is used in day-to-day practice. One particular concern is swelling and bleeding on the brain.

    In human trials, brain swelling and bleeds occurred in 37% of patients on donanemab compared with 15% on the placebo. Overall, 13% of patients on donanemab stopped treatment because of the side-effects compared with 4% on placebo. Although the consequences are generally mild, it can lead to serious problems, such as seizures.

    Hypersensitivity reactions, including swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat and other parts of the body and breathing difficulties, are also a risk.

    Many families in the UK have been touched by Alzheimer’s and fully understand the need for effective care. For families, one clear need is social care and support. Government after government has identified the need to invest in and reform social care. This, rather than spending money on drugs of questionable benefit, needs to be the priority.

    Ian Maidment does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Alzheimer’s treatment donanemab is not a ‘miracle drug’ – not providing it on the NHS is the right choice – https://theconversation.com/alzheimers-treatment-donanemab-is-not-a-miracle-drug-not-providing-it-on-the-nhs-is-the-right-choice-242147

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Overshooting 1.5°C is risky – that’s why we need to hedge our bets

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, Research Group Leader, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)

    Further warming hugely increases the risk we will pass climate tipping points, such as the collapse of Greenland’s ice sheet. Michal Balada / shutterstock

    The global response to climate change has gained momentum since the 2015 Paris agreement, yet it remains inadequate to meet the scale of the challenge. That agreement established the goal of holding global warming to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. To achieve this, greenhouse gas emissions should peak and decline as soon as possible.

    The latest reports of the UN Environment Programme, the International Energy Agency and others have suggested that we are on the cusp of global emissions peaking. However, halting the increase in annual emissions is only the first step. Failure to act earlier and more decisively to bring emissions down to net zero has made limiting global warming to 1.5°C an uncomfortably close call.

    The IPCC has looked at “pathways” to keeping 1.5°C in reach. In nearly all of these, temperature rises will exceed 1.5°C, after which warming is reversed by humanity removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. This temporary breach of 1.5°C for at least a few decades is referred to as “overshoot”.

    In a recent study in the journal Nature, we discuss the pitfalls of being overly optimistic about the feasibility and safety of such temperature overshoot scenarios. Excessive confidence could lead to underestimating the risks associated with going over 1.5°C – even temporarily.

    There is a need to be clear about what climate science does and does not know about overshoot, and plan accordingly. This means that, while some risks can be directly reduced by global climate action, others may require additional measures. A responsible strategy to limit near- and long-term climate risks requires both stringent near-term emission reductions and to develop a large-scale carbon removal capacity.

    What if the planet warms more than we expect?

    Even if warming goes below 1.5°C after the overshoot, the impacts of climate change will not automatically and uniformly reverse. Overshoot comes with irreversible consequences for people and ecosystems, such as species extinction, and the world we return to will be different from the one we failed to safeguard.

    We can’t be certain how much warming a given amount of greenhouse gas emissions will lead to, and overshoot projections are often based on a best estimate. The IPCC, for instance, talks about high overshoot pathways exceeding 1.5°C “by 0.1–0.3°C”.

    But those numbers are just the middle of a wide range of possible outcomes. In reality, uncertainty about how some features of the Earth system will respond to warming, such as the carbon cycle, means that peak warming could be substantially higher – by up to 1°C or more. We cannot even rule out continuous warming after reaching net zero carbon emissions. Every fraction of a degree of warming counts – exceeding 1.5°C by as much as an additional 1°C would come with grave repercussions.

    We may have to remove billions of tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.
    TR STOK

    A capacity to remove several hundred billion tonnes of CO₂ in this century might be needed to hedge against the risks of high warming outcomes, and to ensure we can bring warming back to 1.5°C once this has been exceeded.

    In fact, our results imply we might need close to 10 billion tonnes of CO₂ removal a year after 2050 (about 25% of current annual emissions). This would require a massive effort, but might just be possible with the rapid scaling up of a range of methods.

    These include well-known strategies such as restoring forests and wetlands and managing the soil better. But it also includes novel methods such as direct air capture technology, in which carbon would be sucked directly from the sky, or bioenergy and carbon capture and storage, which involves extracting CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it underground.

    Some of these methods may not work out as envisioned due to technological, economic, social or sustainability limitations. But even if they do not work at the scale envisioned, or not at all, we still need to try.

    Limiting near- and long-term climate risks

    Because we can’t be certain exactly how much the climate will warm, we’ll need to limit the risks as much as possible.

    First, we must reduce emissions as fast as possible to slow down Earth’s temperature increase, limit peak warming, and reduce how dependent we ultimately are on removing large amounts of CO₂ to achieve net zero emissions.

    The Paris agreement accommodates such temperature reversal. Even if 1.5°C is exceeded, countries are obliged to hold peak temperatures to “well below 2°C” and to aim for long-term temperature decline.

    However, every fraction of warming will disproportionately make poor and vulnerable people suffer greater hardship, so delaying stringent emissions cuts is not a resilient strategy. The urgency to reduce emissions now should guide the next round of countries’ targets for cutting emissions that are due early next year.

    Second, we should consider hedging against high-risk, high-warming outcomes by building up our capacity to remove carbon and reverse warming. Just as governments hold strategic food and water reserves to weather unexpected disruptions, the world needs to develop the ability to remove large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. But, given potential limits to how much carbon removal we can scale up in time, we also cannot afford to squander this capacity on any emissions that could be avoided in the first place.

    Investing in this kind of removal capability, on top of pursuing the most ambitious emissions cuts possible, is a no-regrets strategy. Should we have certainty that a more fortunate climate outcome will materialise, being able to remove this scale of carbon would enable us to bring temperatures down faster. And if the warmer side of our projections are realised, we will have put ourselves in a position in which we are best equipped to make temperatures decline again.

    Achieving temperature decline in the long run would limit longer-term climate impacts. For instance, in our study we showed that temperature decline could shave off about 40cm (and potentially up to 1.5 metres) of global sea level rise in 2300. This could be the difference between having a future or not for whole nations of people. It may also limit risks from triggering tipping points in the Earth system, such as the collapse of the Greenland ice sheet or currents in the Atlantic ocean.

    The high-risk outcomes of overshooting 1.5°C means we need to do more, not less, right now – and to focus on bringing temperatures back below 1.5°C in the long run.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get our award-winning weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Carl-Friedrich Schleussner received funding from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation
    programme under grant agreement No 101003687 (PROVIDE).

    Gaurav Ganti received funding from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

    Joeri Rogelj received funding from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

    – ref. Overshooting 1.5°C is risky – that’s why we need to hedge our bets – https://theconversation.com/overshooting-1-5-c-is-risky-thats-why-we-need-to-hedge-our-bets-241623

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham Cultural Compact launch and Culture Strategy refresh

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Early October saw the first official ‘coming together’ of the new Birmingham Cultural Compact Board.

    A cross-sector partnership designed to support the city’s cultural sector and enhance its contribution to development, it has a special emphasis on cross-sector engagement beyond the cultural sector itself.  

    The Cultural Compacts model was born out of the UK Cultural Cities Investment Inquiry 2019 and their implementation in towns and cities across the country has been supported by Arts Council England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

    Chaired by Professor David Mba (Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University) with Councillor Saima Suleman (Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism at the city council) as Deputy Chair, the Birmingham Cultural Compact brings together stakeholders from the local authority, culture, business, education, healthcare and allied sectors with the aim to help culture thrive and grow in the city and, in turn, increase the city’s health, wellbeing, resilience, economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. 

    Chair of the Birmingham Cultural Compact Professor David Mba said “It is an immense privilege to lead Birmingham’s Cultural Compact Board. We hope to offer the strategic vision for the future that represents the voices of all local communities.  Birmingham has a unique and diverse culture that has global impact. We saw this through the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and, more recently, the city’s successful bid to host the Serendipity Arts Festival.  Our work will put the preservation and celebration of culture at the forefront of regional decision making.” 

    Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and tourism and Deputy Chair of the Birmingham Cultural Compact, stated: “The establishment of the Birmingham Cultural Compact marks a pivotal moment for our city. By uniting diverse sectors—culture, business, education, and healthcare—we can cultivate a thriving cultural landscape that not only enriches lives but also drives economic growth and community wellbeing. Together, we will ensure that Birmingham’s cultural sector flourishes for generations to come.”

    Erica Love, Chief Executive Office of Culture Central said “We know the power Culture has on people and places and we believe in the power of working collectively. Culture Central are excited to be supporting Birmingham’s Cultural Compact and the collaborative approach to the Cultural strategy. It’s great to see the importance of Culture recognised and the vital role it plays in the City.  We look forward to working with the Compact to advocate for, develop and celebrate the vibrant and varied cultural ecology of Birmingham.”

    One of the first actions for the Birmingham Cultural Compact is to lead and oversee development of Birmingham’s new Cultural Strategy 2025 – 2035. Creative Concern, a creative and strategy agency that works on local and regional projects across the UK has been commissioned to deliver the new ten-year arts and culture strategy for Birmingham, supported by its partner consultancy Hatch. Their work will build  on the previous extensive consultation that resulted in the city’s Cultural Statement of Intent but also build on the considerable cultural successes that Birmingham has demonstrated to date. The outcome of the project will be an action-orientated framework strategy that supports culture and the arts across Birmingham for the next ten years.

    Founder and Director of Creative Concern, Steve Connor, said: “Culture is the lifeblood of any city and never was that more the case than for Birmingham. We’re delighted to be working collaboratively with a range of partners from across the city to develop this new strategy, which will re-affirm the importance of culture and the transformative role it can play in delivering civic pride, greater prosperity, wellbeing and of course, joy, happiness and entertainment.” 

    Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Culture makes life worthwhile, and we at Hatch spend a lot of time helping institutions and places make the case for it. We are very happy to be supporting partners in Birmingham to ensure that its cultural strategy is built on firm socio-economic evidence.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cammack Joins Florida Colleagues In Urging USDA To Expedite Aid For Hurting Florida Agricultural Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Kat Cammack joined Congressman Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), and Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, in a letter from the entire Florida delegation writing Secretary Vilsack to strongly urge the USDA take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    “Back-to-back hurricanes have dealt a devastating blow to Florida’s agricultural producers, many of whom are still recovering from the disastrous 2022 season,” said Congressman Franklin. “After four major storms in two years, our farmers and ranchers desperately need help now. One-size-fits-all federal disaster programs consistently fail our state’s agricultural sector, creating onerous application processes and delaying critical aid. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, when USDA administered appropriated funds to Florida through a block grant, the state quickly got help into the hands of our producers.  Putting Florida in the driver’s seat made all the difference. Forgoing a federal program in favor of a state solution is a critical, but simple fix.”

    “The devastation from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton has hit Florida’s farmers hard, and the impacts are rippling through our state. These back-to-back storms wiped out crops, destroyed infrastructure, and put countless livelihoods in jeopardy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must act swiftly to deliver the critical aid our agricultural producers need to rebuild and recover. Florida can’t do this alone, and our farmers deserve nothing less than our full support,” said Senator Rubio (R-FL).

    “I’m grateful to Congressman Franklin, Senators Rubio and Scott, and the Florida delegation for working together to provide support for our agricultural communities after the two devastating hurricanes this fall,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “When Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region, my colleagues to the south were quick to jump in and support our efforts as the recovery process began, and I’ll be here to do the same with Hurricane Milton in South and Central Florida. Agriculture is one of our state’s top industries and largest exports, and without it and all of the amazing people who work to feed, clothe, and fuel our state, we’d simply never be the same. I look forward to seeing this effort across the finish line and ensuring our producers have everything they need to recover and come back stronger.”

    Specifically, in the letter Rep. Franklin and the Florida delegation:

    1. Emphasize the necessity for the USDA to utilize block grants to distribute aid to Florida and other specialty-crop states, where high volume of disaster program applications overwhelm local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices and delay assistance for producers;
    2. Demand USDA enhance current FSA operations and improve staffing issues;
    3. Urge the USDA to provide a budgetary request to House and Senate Appropriations Committees to ensure Congress can appropriate adequate funding for disaster response;
    4. Discuss crop insurance reforms to help specialty crop producers recover in tandem with disaster aid; and
    5. Reasserts Congress’ desire to collaborate with USDA to ensure proper support for Florida agriculture.

    Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast just 13 days after Helene and brought high winds, flooding and damage across the entire state. Milton’s path impacted some of Florida’s most productive agricultural areas for fruits, vegetables, dairy, cattle, citrus and other specialty crops. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the preliminary estimate of total crop and infrastructure losses ranges from $1.5 to $2.5 billion.

    Congress appropriates relief and disaster funds for the USDA to disburse relief. Currently, it is USDA’s practice to stand up new, unique programs after disasters. These programs are administered by FSA, the USDA subagency charged with helping agricultural producers apply for aid and other USDA assistance programs.

    This practice not only makes the disaster relief process arduous, but also delays delivery of critical assistance for the producers who feed our state and nation. FSA offices across Florida are still having trouble facilitating disaster assistance programs after 2022 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, which were not in the form of a block grant.

    In contrast, block grants administered by the state expedite disbursement, free up personnel at FSA to efficiently carry out routine programs and provide needed flexibility for states. 

    After Hurricane Irma, Congress appropriated relief to help Florida agriculture and USDA delivered that aid through a block grant to the state. The State of Florida was successful in getting that aid without delay.

    You can read the text of the letter here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Interest of foreign citizens in studying at HSE is growing: results of 2024/25 admissions and the start of a new campaign

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The steady growth of interest in studying at HSE, especially among applicants from the CIS and Asia, speaks to the high quality of Russian education. This year, as part of a separate competition for foreign citizens, 2,267 students were enrolled in all HSE campuses for the 2024/25 academic year, which is 14% more than last year.

    November 1st starts Admission campaign for foreign citizens planning to enter in 2025. The results of the 2024/25 admissions campaign for foreign applicants were previously announced.

    HSE Vice-Rector Victoria Panova commented on the growing demand for Russian higher education, emphasizing the campaign’s success: “There are a number of factors that explain the interest in studying at HSE. Applicants and their parents are attracted by the opportunity to receive a high-quality, world-class education in various fields of study. HSE occupies leading positions in national and international rankings. Our graduates are in demand in most sectors of the labor market and can count on a very high level of salary already at the start of their careers, which is proven, among other things, by first place in the ranking of universities with the best reputation among employers by Forbes Education“.

    Having received a diploma from the National Research University Higher School of Economics, a graduate receives a ticket to a world of great opportunities and a wide range of modern, well-paid professions.

    Total number of applicants

    The number of applications for undergraduate and graduate programs has also increased this year: 33.3% more applications for undergraduate programs and almost twice as many for graduate programs. At the same time, the ratio of the number of enrolled students to the number of applications has decreased, which indicates that the requirements for international applicants have increased. Among the first-year undergraduate students of 2024/25, as in the previous year, the majority are from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Turkmenistan. The number of students from Moldova, Vietnam and Armenia has increased. In the graduate program, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of enrolled citizens of Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, while the number of applicants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India and Kyrgyzstan has decreased.

    What areas do foreign applicants choose?

    Among the most popular areas for international undergraduate students are still “Design”, “Business Management” And “Economy”. Master’s programs are in demand “Data Analytics for Business and Economics”, “International Relations: European and Asian Studies” And “Finance”.

    Alexander Deev, Director of Talent Abroad, notes: “The 2024/25 admissions campaign was a success, and this was made possible by the coordinated work of all HSE campuses. We are proud that HSE attracts truly talented applicants not only from Russia, but also from around the world. Thanks to the unified admissions system, international applicants do not need to take exams at each individual campus, or travel or fly in, which makes the process more convenient and creates equal opportunities for everyone.”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to modernizing the housing and utilities sector at a headquarters meeting

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin held a meeting of the presidium (headquarters) of the Government Commission on Regional Development, where they discussed key tasks in further work on modernizing the public utility infrastructure and other key areas of the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”.

    “We have large-scale plans ahead for the construction of housing, related and non-residential infrastructure, so it is extremely important to plan the work in terms of housing and communal services competently. Regional teams should already now describe in detail where we are modernizing communal facilities and where we are building new ones. We need to develop a maximally systematic approach, and for this purpose we are working on a “road map” for improving the regulatory framework for housing and communal services. I draw the attention of governors to the need to update general plans, heat, water supply and sanitation schemes, as well as control over the fulfillment of social obligations to citizens, in whose income the payment for housing and communal services takes up a significant part. I emphasize that the modernization of housing and communal services should become a priority for each region in the coming decades,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life” for 200 large and small cities, master plans will be developed on the instructions of the President. They will be designed to significantly simplify urban development procedures, which in turn will allow for the prompt updating of territorial development plans. Proposals for legislative consolidation of master plans will be presented in the near future.

    The meeting participants discussed the progress of national and federal projects in the regions. Marat Khusnullin noted the Chechen Republic, Penza, Nizhny Novgorod, Kursk regions and the Republic of Adygea, which consistently show good results and are successful in 17 or more programs.

    In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister noted the need to continue the active work of the Territorial Development Fund to monitor the activities of entities in terms of fulfilling plans for the major repairs of apartment buildings and implementing projects at the expense of infrastructure budget and special treasury loans. Thus, 289 facilities of engineering and utilities, road, transport, social infrastructure and infrastructure of the special economic zone have already been commissioned using IBC funds, more than 1.7 thousand units of public transport have been purchased and delivered. Thanks to the SCC, 18 facilities have been completed, and almost 6 thousand new buses have been delivered to the regions.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: GBA ambulance transfers set for Nov

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today conducted a second drill for the Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area, which is expected to launch next month.

    It carried out the drill in collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government to observe the simulated transfer of a patient by a cross-boundary ambulance.

    Having obtained the quota for cross-boundary ambulances of Guangdong and Hong Kong, the Shenzhen ambulance participating in the drill today is able to travel between Hong Kong and Shenzhen with dual licence plates of the Mainland and Hong Kong, further streamlining the actual operation and procedures for the direct ambulance transfer.

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, together with relevant representatives of the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government inspected the drill at the Hospital Authority’s Major Incident Control Centre.

    Prof Lo noted that the governments of the three places have finalised the mechanism and procedures for the direct cross-boundary ambulance transfer in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

    He expressed confidence that the pilot scheme could be launched next month to provide a point-to-point transfer arrangement between designated hospitals for patients with specific clinical needs, adding that by then, patients can be transferred in a safer, more timely and convenient manner.

    The direct cross-boundary ambulance transfer arrangement in the GBA concerns not only patients’ safety but also the cross-boundary travel of vehicles, healthcare personnel, medication and devices as well as dangerous goods for medical use, the health chief noted.

    He said the Hong Kong SAR Government will keep deepening collaboration with other GBA cities and harmonise rules and mechanisms among the bay area cities to ensure safety for entry or exit and quarantine.

    The pilot scheme is limited to transfers between designated hospitals with the first phase focusing on the arrangement of direct ambulance transfer of patients from designated hospitals in Shenzhen and Macau to designated public hospitals in Hong Kong.

    The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital and the Conde S. Januario Hospital of Macao are the designated hospitals.

    The cross-boundary ambulance mechanism will only be activated when a prior agreement between these two sending hospitals and designated public hospitals in Hong Kong has been reached in advance.

    They have to take the clinical needs, safety and interests of patients as the prime concerns, and have a mechanism in place to avoid abuse, while ensuring the safety of cross-boundary transfer.

    Prof Lo also thanked various national ministries, including the State Council’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, the National Health Commission and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China for the successful implementation of the transfer arrangement, and their support and guidance.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC – 30 10 2024] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 30 OCTOBER 2024
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.375p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 10,024,162 1.2654    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 10,024,162 1.2654    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.375p ORDINARY PURCHASE 1,770 90.1188p
    0.375p ORDINARY PURCHASE 220 90.12p
    0.375p ORDINARY PURCHASE 15,750 90.6p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 31 OCTOBER 2024
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Euan Hutton permanently appointed as Sellafield CEO

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Euan Hutton has been permanently appointed the Sellafield CEO, effective from  1 November 2024, having fulfilled the role on an interim basis since July 2023.

    In confirming Euan’s appointment, Sellafield Ltd’s Chairman, Chris Train, said:

    I am pleased to announce that, with support from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), UK Government and Sellafield Ltd Board, I have today appointed Euan Hutton permanently to the role of Sellafield Ltd CEO.

    Euan has been interim CEO since July last year, and has demonstrated his integrity and expertise, meeting challenges head on.  Anyone who knows Euan will know that he has the deepest respect for the people of Sellafield Ltd and the communities around us.

    I am confident that Euan is the right leader for Sellafield Ltd and that he will continue to deliver what the organisation needs.

    Euan, who lives near Cockermouth, began his career on the Sellafield Ltd graduate programme. He has held positions at Sellafield and across the UK and international nuclear industry during his 31-year career.

    He has extensive experience of Sellafield’s operations and challenges, having served in a number of senior leadership roles, including Chief Nuclear Officer.

    Welcoming Euan’s permanent appointment, NDA Chief Executive David Peattie, said:

    I want to personally thank Euan for his dedication since taking on the role of interim CEO in July last year, and to acknowledge the progress we’ve seen under his leadership.    

    Euan’s passion and commitment for the business, its nationally important mission and the people working to deliver it, is clear.

    I am pleased he will now be instrumental in leading Sellafield’s next chapter, and enabling us to deliver our collective goal, to create a clean and safe environment for future generations.

    Euan said:

    It is an honour to continue to lead Sellafield Ltd as we enter what I believe will be the company’s most exciting chapter yet.

    At Sellafield we must continue to make progress in tackling one of the biggest environmental remediation challenges in the UK. We must also continue to bring our skills to bear on supporting other national priorities – from security of energy supply through spent fuel management, or national security through world-class guardianship of special nuclear materials.

    At the heart of our complex work are the people of Sellafield Ltd and I want to thank them for their support, dedication, and flexibility over the last year. It is their skills and expertise that gives me confidence as I look to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: UK-Based HealthTech Startup Definition Health Raises £5.75 million in Pre-Seed Funding to Streamline Surgical Care with Advanced Predictive AI Technology

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Definition Health, a UK-based, clinician-led HealthTech innovator, has secured £5.75 million ($7.5 million USD) in pre-seed funding for surgical care with cutting-edge predictive AI. This funding will further fuel the enhancement of its platform, designed to seamlessly integrate into healthcare systems, transforming surgical workflows. By delivering personalized, data-driven care, Definition Health’s platform improves surgical efficiency, reduces complications, and optimizes outcomes for patients, hospitals, and insurers—positioning the company as the leader in value-based care.

    “Medicine does not stand still, nor should it. In my opinion, Definition Health is quite literally a glimpse into the future,” says Dr. David Redfern, CEO of David Redfern Surgery, Orthopedic Surgeon, and Definition Health Angel Investor. “Not only do Definition Health systems already improve patient safety in the hospital environment but they offer perhaps one of the Holy Grails of medicine – The opportunity to tailor treatments to specific patient attributes. To link a whole host of parameters to outcomes and understand how to improve those outcomes.”

    Co-founded by Dr. Sandeep Chauhan, an internationally renowned practicing orthopedic surgeon with over two decades of clinical experience, and Dr. Rosie Scott, an NHS Clinical Entrepreneur and celebrated radiologist, Definition Health was born from a vision to modernize surgical care by addressing the inefficiencies that burden both clinicians and patients. “We saw firsthand how fragmented the surgical care process was, leading to delays, cancellations, and complications,” said Dr. Chauhan. “Our platform streamlines the entire surgical journey, surfacing actionable patient data to clinicians, enabling them to intervene earlier and make more informed decisions, resulting in better outcomes for patients.”

    U.S. hospitals face increasing pressure to maximize revenue from elective surgeries, a critical income stream that accounts for 48% of hospital gross revenue. With 40% of U.S. hospitals operating at a loss, current solutions are failing to address both financial and clinical inefficiencies. Definition Health combats this by drawing on proprietary data from over 400,000 surgeries to build predictive models that optimize care and mitigate surgical risk. With U.S. healthcare under pressure from staffing shortages, rising costs, and growing surgical demands, Definition Health’s platform integrates predictive analytics and machine learning into clinical workflows to optimize pre-op planning, reduce complications, and accelerate recovery.

    Their platform has already saved the NHS the equivalent of $2.6 million per 40,000 patients by reducing surgical cancellations, and Definition Health is eager to replicate this success in the U.S., where outpatient surgeries are growing exponentially. As a participant in the UK-Florida Life Sciences Trade Corridor, the company is well-positioned to connect with key players in Florida’s healthcare market, including leading hospitals and healthcare systems, making it an ideal partner for U.S. institutions looking to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.

    “As a former NHS Hospital CEO with over two decades of experience, I immediately recognised the transformative potential of Definition Health. Sandeep and Rosie’s vision for revolutionizing end-to-end surgical pathways is not just innovative – it’s essential for the future of healthcare. Their solution is a game-changer, offering tangible benefits for both patients and front-line staff. The evaluation results are not just impressive; they’re indicative of a significant leap forward in healthcare delivery. I am truly excited to see the contribution Definition Health will make to healthcare, not only in the UK and US but on a global scale. This is the kind of innovation that investors and healthcare systems should be paying close attention to.” – Dame Jackie Daniel, former CEO of NHS Newcastle Hospitals, Healthcare Advisor to Definition Health, and Global Luminary for Accenture

    As Definition Health scales, the company is focused on expanding into key U.S. markets, starting with Florida, where the demand for surgical innovation is growing rapidly. With the success of their pre-seed round, Definition Health has opened a Series A funding round to support this growth and foster strategic partnerships in the U.S. By combining AI-powered predictive analytics with seamless clinical integration, Definition Health is transforming surgical care and providing a comprehensive solution to the challenges facing hospitals globally. The company’s success in the NHS, the largest single-payer system in the world, demonstrates its capacity to deliver value-based care at scale.

    About Definition Health
    Definition Health is a clinician-led HealthTech company transforming surgical care through advanced predictive AI technology. By streamlining the entire surgical journey, from pre-op to recovery, its AI-powered platform improves patient outcomes, enhances clinical workflows, and reduces costs for hospitals and insurers. With proven success in the NHS, Definition Health is poised to expand globally, delivering value-based care solutions that address the critical challenges facing modern healthcare systems.

    Contact:
    Sandeep Chauhan, CEO
    hello@definitionhealth.co.uk
    sandeep@lifeboxhealth.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Definition Health. This press release includes forward-looking statements about Definition Health’s future plans and growth, subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual outcomes to differ. These statements reflect current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. Definition Health assumes no obligation to update these statements. This release is for informational purposes only, not investment advice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/14572bea-f33e-4cbe-b409-d58b9e129005

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Israel’s relations with the UN hit a new low with Unrwa ban

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lisa Strömbom, Ph D, Associate Professor, Lund University

    Israel’s relationship with the United Nations has historically been strained, but over the past year, tensions have reached new levels. On October 28, the Israeli parliament (the Knesset) passed a law to prohibit operations of the UN’s relief and works agency (Unrwa) – the UN body responsible for Palestinian refugees – within the territory it controls. It’s a legal and political development which many fear will have grave humanitarian consequences for Palestinians in Gaza and beyond.

    The decision also prompts questions about what lies ahead for the increasingly divisive relationship between the government of Benjamin Netanyahu and the UN. There is even speculation that the Unrwa ban could lead to Israel being expelled from the UN general assembly.

    Israel’s relations with the UN have long been fractious. But Unrwa has come in for particular criticism from successive Israeli governments over the years.

    The agency was set up in 1949 to support Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. What was originally intended to be a temporary agency has now operated for more than seven decades, thanks to the unending hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian people. In addition to humanitarian assistance, Unrwa provides education, healthcare and a range of social services to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

    Unrwa’s schools have been a particular bugbear for Israeli critics. It has been pointed out that textbooks provided by the Palestinian Authority and used in some Unrwa schools were “pivotal in radicalising generations of Gazans”. There have also been allegations that money intended to support Unrwa relief works has been finding its way to Hamas.

    But it was the alleged involvement of Unrwa employees in the October 7 attack on Israel, spearheaded by Hamas, that brought the issue to a head earlier this year. In January, Israel presented Joe Biden’s US administration with a dossier that purported to present evidence that 12 Unrwa staff had taken an active part in the attack. The UN announced it had dismissed the surviving staff named in the dossier – but the accusations led several countries to suspend their Unrwa funding.



    Read more:
    Gaza conflict: what is UNRWA and why is Israel calling for its abolition?

    Unrwa’s commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, described the suspension of funding as a “collective punishment”. He said it would have grave consequences for Gaza’s civilians who were – and remain – at high risk of famine.

    An independent review set up by Lazzarini reported in April and found no evidence that the agency had been infiltrated by Hamas. Instead, it stressed how Unrwa’s work was an “indispensable lifeline” for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. As a result, international funding of Unrwa was resumed by all countries but the US.

    At loggerheads

    Now Israel has gone a step further and banned Unrwa operations. This appears to be the latest blow in a campaign of hostility against the UN that has been years in the making.

    In recent years, Netanyahu’s anti-UN rhetoric has escalated considerably. In 2022, the UN general assembly (UNGA) voted in favour of a resolution calling for the International Court of Justice to give its opinion on Israel’s “prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territory”. Netanyahu called the decision “despicable”. He refused to recognise the vote, saying:

    Like hundreds of the twisted decisions against Israel taken by the UNGA over the years, today’s despicable decision will not bind the Israeli government. The Jewish nation is not an occupier in its own land and its own eternal capital, Jerusalem.

    Netanyahu condemns ‘despicable’ UN vote.

    During the past year, as it has continued its assault on Gaza, Israel’s efforts to delegitimise the UN have also intensified. At the beginning of October, after Iran had launched a barrage of rockets at Israeli military installations, Israel barred the UN secretary general, António Guterres, from entering the country. Foreign minister Israel Katz commented: “Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel … does not deserve to set foot on Israeli soil.”

    Meanwhile, units of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been involved in a number of incidents which have threatened the safety of UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon (Unifil). The peacekeepers are there under a mandate to safeguard Lebanese civilians in the area, where Israel has been conducting what it calls its “military operation” since the beginning of October. Many scholars of international law believe the IDF’s actions could be interpreted as war crimes.



    Read more:
    Is targeting UN peacekeepers in Lebanon a war crime? Here’s what international law says

    This in turn led to a public spat with the French president, Emmanuel Macron. Calling on Israel to respect the neutrality of Unifil peacekeepers, Macron said Netanyahu should “not forget that his country was created by a decision of the UN” – to which Netanyahu replied:

    It was not the UN resolution that established the state of Israel, but rather the victory achieved in the war of independence with the blood of heroic fighters, many of whom were Holocaust survivors, including from the Vichy regime in France.

    The last clause was a pointed reminder that a section of the French government collaborated with the Nazi regime in the extermination of French Jews.

    International condemnation

    But it’s the decision to bar Unrwa from Israel that has drawn the harshest international criticism, and which threatens to further isolate the country diplomatically. The UN secretary general has been joined by the EU and US in urging Israel to reconsider.

    Washington has already been highly critical of what it describes as “Israeli efforts to starve Palestinians” in parts of Gaza, and the US and UK are both reported to be considering suspending arms sales to Israel.

    Amnesty International, meanwhile, said the law “amounts to the criminalisation of humanitarian aid and will worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis”. But Israel has signalled it intends to hold firm, while insisting it will “continue to do everything in its power” to ensure that aid continues to reach “ordinary Gazans”.

    But the vast majority of Gaza’s population is now displaced. Most of the built infrastructure – including hospitals – has been destroyed. And Israel’s military operations are forcing most civilians out of the north of the Gaza Strip. So, the question now is whether the effective crippling of the largest international aid agency working in Gaza will simply make matters worse for the people living there.

    Lisa Strömbom does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Israel’s relations with the UN hit a new low with Unrwa ban – https://theconversation.com/israels-relations-with-the-un-hit-a-new-low-with-unrwa-ban-242512

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Smith Statement on Biden Administration’s Taiwan Double-Tax Relief Announcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Published: October 30, 2024

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-Missouri) issued the following statement on the Biden Administration’s Taiwan double-tax relief announcement:
    “Last year, our committees worked closely together and consulted with the Administration to carefully craft a legislative package providing both expedited double-tax relief through the tax code and paving the way for future agreements on additional double-tax relief.  This legislation—which passed unanimously through the Ways and Means Committee, and the expedited double tax relief provisions of which passed unanimously through the Senate Finance Committee—remains the best path forward to address double taxation between the U.S. and Taiwan.  Unfortunately, the timing of the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement appears to be driven more by politics than an effort to provide expedited tax relief.  Pursuing an approach that does not harmonize with the Congressionally-endorsed framework could jeopardize delivering that relief, impeding the shared goal of facilitating broader investment between the U.S. and Taiwan to promote our collective prosperity, national security, and economic resilience.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet Bipartisan Colleagues Push for More Temporary Work Visas to Help Small Businesses in Colorado

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined U.S. Senators Angus King and Mike Rounds, alongside 37 of their bipartisan colleagues, to urge the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum number of additional temporary, non-agricultural (H-2B) visas for fiscal year 2025 to support local economies and fill needed roles for American small businesses.

    “Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers,” wrote the senators. “The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues.”

    In Colorado, more than 8,400 temporary H-2B visas were requested by over 250 employers in fiscal year 2021 – reflecting a strong demand for H-2B workers in the state. The H-2B program permits employers to temporarily hire noncitizens to perform nonagricultural labor or services for a limited period of time, such as a one-time occurrence, seasonal, or intermittent need.

    In the letter, the senators highlight recent data from DOL’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys that shows that the rate of job openings have increased annually for top five H-2B occupations. Landscaping, hospitality, and the ski industry – all key to Colorado’s economy – are among the industries with the highest share of certified H-2B workers

    “As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers,” continued the senators.

    Hickenlooper previously introduced the SEASONAL Act which would permit governors to petition the federal government for supplemental H-2B visas beyond the national cap of 66,000. Hickenlooper and Bennet have also pushed DHS and DOL to increase the availability of H-2B visas and worked to ensure that the visa program is efficient and effective.

    The text of the letter is available HERE and below.

    Dear Secretaries Mayorkas and Su:

    We write on behalf of seasonal businesses in our states—including employers of housekeepers in tourist destinations, landscapers with defined seasons, seafood processors with short harvesting windows, and fairs and carnivals—who are struggling to hire a sufficient number of temporary, seasonal laborers to support their operations.

    In light of these labor shortages, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to utilize the authority provided by Congress in the FY2025 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025, as you did for Fiscal Year 2024. These visas will help employers handle their labor challenges, and provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months. We urge you to promptly publish a temporary rule implementing the release of these supplemental visas.

    Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that “counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.”

    The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers. Congress has acknowledged this seasonal labor shortage by providing DHS with the authority to lift the H-2B visa cap for each of the past eight fiscal years. Given the growing demand for H-2B workers as employers continue to struggle with staffing shortages, we encourage you to promptly promulgate a temporary final rule for FY 2025 along the same lines as the FY 2024 rule.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Leader calls for tougher measures against nuisance fireworks and disorder

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Council Leader Cammy Day has today repeated his calls for a complete ban on the public sale of fireworks and tougher sentences for those misusing them and causing public disorder.

    Councillor Day said:

    We all remember vividly the shocking scenes we saw last year with emergency services being attacked while trying to do their jobs. And more recently the appalling reports of violence and antisocial behaviour with buses and cars coming under attack. Whilst this isn’t an issue unique to Edinburgh, or indeed Scotland, I’m clear that this sort of behaviour has no place in our city.

    It’s long been my view that we need to ban the public sale of fireworks, given the potential risk to health, if misused, but also the unnecessary fear and alarm they cause in our communities.  I will be writing to my colleagues in the UK Government to request a review of the legislation, as well as the Crown Office to ask for tougher sentences for those found guilty of committing these crimes.

    I’m determined to do everything within our power to prevent a repeat of last year. Earlier this week I chaired the latest multi-agency meeting with colleagues, the police and fire service as part of our ongoing preparations, and the implementation of our firework control zones, which come into effect tomorrow (1 November). In addition to FCZs, we’re also increasing patrols from our waste services to collect items that could potentially be set alight.

    Bonfire Night should be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together. I would urge everyone in the city to only attend organised displays and look out for one another. Please work with us and our fantastic emergency services to help make it a safe and enjoyable occasion this year. If you witness any criminality, please call the police on 101.

    I want to thank our emergency services once again for the professional and measured way they carry out their duties under the most difficult of circumstances. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics have a tough enough job already without being subjected to violence and abuse. Please show them the respect they deserve this Bonfire Night.

    Chief Inspector Mairi Creanor added:

    We know that certain areas of Edinburgh experienced unprecedented levels of disorder during Bonfire Night last year, and because of this a significant number of officers responding to the incidents that arose sustained a range of injuries.

    The unacceptable actions of a minority of individuals left communities in a state of alarm and put the safety of emergency service workers at serious risk of harm.

    Such offences cannot and will not be tolerated and detailed planning has been undertaken since last year to ensure we have appropriate resources in key areas and can provide additional support should they be required.

     It is an offence to use fireworks in any manner within a Fireworks Control Zone and we will take appropriate action against anyone in breach of an FCZ over the Bonfire Night period.

    This is just one of the tools at our disposal and we’ll continue to work with key partners to keep our communities safe and bring those intent on causing harm to justice.

    Further Information

    Firework Control Zones will come into effect in four areas of the city – Niddrie, Calton Hill, Seafield and Balerno – from 1 to 10 November, making it a criminal offence to use fireworks (excluding sparklers and indoor fireworks) unless part of a licensed display.

    There are a number of organised events taking place across the city. Full details are available on the council website.

    Published: October 31st 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Man sentenced for sexual assault and immigration and citizenship fraud following joint CBSA and Ottawa Police Service investigations

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    October 31, 2024
    Ottawa, Ontario

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) today announced the sentencing of Kwene Tombwe following joint investigations into immigration and citizenship fraud as well as sexual assault.

    On October 15, 2024, in Ottawa, Ontario, Mr. Tombwe pleaded guilty to:

    • three counts of sexual assault
    • one count of sexual interference involving a minor
    • one count of making a false statement in relation to a passport
    • two counts of misrepresentation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
    • one count of misrepresentation under the Citizenship Act

    As a result, Mr. Tombwe was sentenced to six years incarceration for the sexual assaults, and one year for each of the four other charges, to be served concurrently. He was also ordered to pay $26,500 restitution to his victims, and to have his DNA collected for inclusion on the sex offender registry.

    The sentencing decision is the result of investigations which began in 2016 and spanned several international borders.

    In 2017, Mr. Tombwe absconded from Canada when he became aware that the CBSA was investigating the authenticity of refugee claims made by the people he had been exploiting and abusing. When he returned to Canada to seek medical attention in 2023, he was met and arrested by the CBSA and returned to Ottawa to face criminal proceedings. 

    Quotes

    “Everyone in Canada deserves to be safe and be treated with dignity. I want to thank the Canada Border Services Agency for their years of hard work in protecting vulnerable persons and bringing those who knowingly infringe Canada’s laws and immigration system to justice. The sentencing outcome reflects the thoroughness of the investigations and is a testament to the partnerships that have been fostered within the law enforcement community.” 

    – The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs

    “Officers at the CBSA worked diligently with the Ottawa Police Service to investigate and prosecute immigration and citizenship fraud and sexual assaults against vulnerable persons. Together, we ensure that those who break the law are held accountable for their actions.” 

    – Jag Johnston, Regional Director General, CBSA Northern Ontario Region

    “The Ottawa Police Service is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served and the safety of our community is upheld. This sentencing is a direct result of the tireless efforts and collaboration between the OPS and the CBSA, demonstrating our shared commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that those who commit serious crimes are held accountable. We are proud of the joint efforts that have brought justice to the victims of these heinous acts.”

    – Superintendent Heather Lachine, OPS Criminal Investigations Directorate

    Quick facts

    • The Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit prioritizes the safety, security, and well-being of victims and survivors of Human Trafficking, regardless of whether they choose to participate in the criminal justice system or seek support to exit. We strive to treat everyone with compassion, dignity, and respect, and we aim to minimize re-traumatization by actively connecting victims and survivors with internal and community supports that best meet their needs and wishes.

    • If you or someone you know is trapped in the cycle of Human Trafficking and needs help, please contact the OPS Human Trafficking Unit at 1-800-292-1168. We are here to help.

    • Anyone with information on suspicious cross border activities, including individuals who have entered Canada based on misrepresentation, is encouraged to call the CBSA’s Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060

    Contacts

    Canada Border Services Agency

    Media Relations: media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca / 1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500

    Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
    X: @CBSANOR
    Facebook: CanBorder
    Instagram: canborder
    YouTube: CanBorder

    Ottawa Police Service

    Media Relations: media.relations@ottawapolice.ca / 613-236-1222 ext. 5366

    Website: www.ottawapolice.ca
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    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Release of the Bank of Canada’s summary of deliberations

    Source: Bank of Canada


















  • MIL-OSI USA: COVID Select Refers Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for Criminal Prosecution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02)

    Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) sent a criminal referral to the Department of Justice (DOJ) recommending former New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo be charged with making false statements to Congress. In an apparent effort to shield himself from accountability, evidence suggests Mr. Cuomo knowingly and willfully made false statements to the Select Subcommittee on numerous occasions about material aspects of New York’s COVID-19 nursing home disaster and the ensuing cover-up.

    Overwhelming evidence uncovered by the Select Subcommittee proves that Mr. Cuomo reviewed, edited, and even drafted portions of a purportedly independent and peer-reviewed New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Report that was used to combat criticism of his Administration’s pandemic-era nursing home policies. This Report low-balled nursing home fatalities and blamed nursing home staff for causing excess COVID-19 deaths. During Mr. Cuomo’s transcribed interview in June, he testified (1) he was not involved in the review or drafting of this Report, (2) he did not have any discussions about a peer-review of the Report, and (3) he did not have any knowledge of individuals outside the NYSDOH reviewing the Report. Each of these statements are demonstrably false. The Select Subcommittee recommends the DOJ review the evidence laid out in the criminal referral and immediately evaluate criminal charges against Mr. Cuomo.

    “Andrew Cuomo repeatedly lied to Congress, and he must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Both witness testimony and new documents serve as evidence that the former Governor made false statements to the Select Subcommittee during our COVID-19 nursing home investigation. This deliberate and self-serving attempt to avoid accountability for the thousands of lives lost in New York nursing homes during the pandemic will not stand. If his prior criminal activity is any reflection, Andrew Cuomo is not a man of principle, and his willingness to lie to the Select Subcommittee is unfortunately a continuance of this behavior. Plain and simple, making false statements to Congress is a federal crime. We look forward to cooperating fully with the Justice Department’s investigation into Andrew Cuomo’s wrongdoings,” said Chairman Wenstrup.

    Read the full criminal referral here and an additional supporting transcript here.

    Review former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s transcribed interview transcript here.

    Relevant Nursing Home Investigation Timeline:

    • March 25, 2020: The Cuomo Administration recklessly directed New York nursing homes and long-term care facilities to admit COVID-positive and potentially COVID-positive patients. As a result, New York’s most vulnerable population was recklessly exposed to COVID-19.
    • July 6, 2020: The NYSDOH released a Report alleging nursing home staff — not the March 25 Directive — caused excess COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. According to witness testimony and new documents revealed in the Select Subcommittee’s referral, Mr. Cuomo personally drafted and edited portions of this purportedly independent and peer-reviewed report.
    • January 28, 2021: New York State Attorney General Letitia James released an investigative report claiming, in part, that Mr. Cuomo and his team undercounted the total number of nursing home deaths by as much as 50 percent.
    • May 19, 2023: The Select Subcommittee began its investigation into New York’s pandemic response and the disastrous March 25 Directive.
    • As a part of this investigation, the Select Subcommittee conducted transcribed interviews with notable former New York State officials, such as Dr. Howard Zucker, Dr. Eleanor Adams, Dr. James Malatras, Mr. Gareth Rhodes, Ms. Linda Lacewell, Ms. Elizabeth Garvey, and Ms. Melissa DeRosa.
    • December 1, 2023: The Select Subcommittee requested Mr. Cuomo appear for a transcribed interview.
    • December 22, 2023 – March 5, 2024: The Select Subcommittee engaged in the negotiation and accommodation process with Mr. Cuomo and his legal team in an effort to secure his testimony.
    • March 5, 2024: After months of unjustified and unreasonable delays, the Select Subcommittee was forced to announce a subpoena for Mr. Cuomo’s testimony.
    • June 11, 2024: Mr. Cuomo appeared for a transcribed interview. During this interview, he testified that he was not involved in drafting the NYSDOH’s July 6 Report and that he did not review the Report prior to its public release. New evidence demonstrates these statements to be false.
    • September 9, 2024: The Select Subcommittee released a nearly 50-page memo presenting evidence that Mr. Cuomo and his team were involved in the decision to issue New York’s disastrous March 25 Directive, and then, acted repeatedly to downplay the tragic aftermath of their decision.
    • September 9, 2024: Mr. Cuomo’s attorney expressed her objections regarding the above-mentioned memo. In an effort to address those objections, the Select Subcommittee sent a series of additional questions to a former witness concerning his recent communication with Mr. Cuomo. (See September 25, 2024 for further information)
    • September 10, 2024: Mr. Cuomo appeared for a hearing, at which he was held publicly accountable for his role in New York’s pandemic-era failures.
    • September 10, 2024: The Select Subcommittee announced a subpoena for current New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Her administration has continued to withhold documents related to the Cuomo Administration’s nursing home disaster.
    • September 25, 2024: The Select Subcommittee released evidence suggesting Mr. Cuomo attempted to inappropriately influence a witness.
    • October 30, 2024: Mr. Cuomo was referred to the Justice Department for making false statements to Congress.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Why NASA’s SPHEREx Mission Will Make ‘Most Colorful’ Cosmic Map Ever

    Source: NASA

    The space telescope will detect over 100 colors from hundreds of millions of stars and galaxies. Here’s what astronomers will do with all that color.
    NASA’s SPHEREx mission won’t be the first space telescope to observe hundreds of millions of stars and galaxies when it launches no later than April 2025, but it will be the first to observe them in 102 colors. Although these colors aren’t visible to the human eye because they’re in the infrared range, scientists will use them to learn about topics that range from the physics that governed the universe less than a second after its birth to the origins of water on planets like Earth.
    “We are the first mission to look at the whole sky in so many colors,” said SPHEREx Principal Investigator Jamie Bock, who is based jointly at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech, both in Southern California. “Whenever astronomers look at the sky in a new way, we can expect discoveries.”
    Short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, SPHEREx will collect infrared light, which has wavelengths slightly longer than what the human eye can detect. The telescope will use a technique called spectroscopy to take the light from hundreds of millions of stars and galaxies and separate it into individual colors, the way a prism transforms sunlight into a rainbow. This color breakdown can reveal various properties of an object, including its composition and its distance from Earth.

    [embedded content]
    NASA’s SPHEREx mission will use spectroscopy — the splitting of light into its component wavelengths — to study the universe. Watch this video to learn more about spectroscopy. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

    Here are the three key science investigations SPHEREx will conduct with its colorful all-sky map.
    Cosmic Origins
    What human eyes perceive as colors are distinct wavelengths of light. The only difference between colors is the distance between the crests of the light wave. If a star or galaxy is moving, its light waves get stretched or compressed, changing the colors they appear to emit. (It’s the same with sound waves, which is why the pitch of an ambulance siren seems to go up as its approaches and lowers after it passes.) Astronomers can measure the degree to which light is stretched or compressed and use that to infer the distance to the object.
    SPHEREx will apply this principle to map the position of hundreds of millions of galaxies in 3D. By doing so, scientists can study the physics of inflation, the event that caused the universe to expand by a trillion-trillion fold in less than a second after the big bang. This rapid expansion amplified small differences in the distribution of matter. Because these differences remain imprinted on the distribution of galaxies today, measuring how galaxies are distributed can tell scientists more about how inflation worked.
    Galactic Origins
    SPHEREx will also measure the collective glow created by all galaxies near and far — in other words, the total amount of light emitted by galaxies over cosmic history. Scientists have tried to estimate this total light output by observing individual galaxies and extrapolating to the trillions of galaxies in the universe. But these counts may leave out some faint or hidden light sources, such as galaxies too small or too distant for telescopes to easily detect.
    With spectroscopy, SPHEREx can also show astronomers how the total light output has changed over time. For example, it may reveal that the universe’s earliest generations of galaxies produced more light than previously thought, either because they were more plentiful or bigger and brighter than current estimates suggest. Because light takes time to travel through space, we see distant objects as they were in the past. And, as light travels, the universe’s expansion stretches it, changing its wavelength and its color. Scientists can therefore use SPHEREx data to determine how far light has traveled and where in the universe’s history it was released.
    Water’s Origins
    SPHEREx will measure the abundance of frozen water, carbon dioxide, and other essential ingredients for life as we know it along more than 9 million unique directions across the Milky Way galaxy. This information will help scientists better understand how available these key molecules are to forming planets. Research indicates that most of the water in our galaxy is in the form of ice rather than gas, frozen to the surface of small dust grains. In dense clouds where stars form, these icy dust grains can become part of newly forming planets, with the potential to create oceans like the ones on Earth.
    The mission’s colorful view will enable scientists to identify these materials, because chemical elements and molecules leave a unique signature in the colors they absorb and emit.
    Big Picture
    Many space telescopes, including NASA’s Hubble and James Webb, can provide high-resolution, in-depth spectroscopy of individual objects or small sections of space. Other space telescopes, like NASA’s retired Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), were designed to take images of the whole sky. SPHEREx combines these abilities to apply spectroscopy to the entire sky.
    By combining observations from telescopes that target specific parts of the sky with SPHEREx’s big-picture view, scientists will get a more complete — and more colorful — perspective of the universe.
    More About SPHEREx
    SPHEREx is managed by JPL for NASA’s Astrophysics Division within the Science Mission Directorate in Washington. BAE Systems (formerly Ball Aerospace) built the telescope and the spacecraft bus. The science analysis of the SPHEREx data will be conducted by a team of scientists located at 10 institutions across the U.S. and in South Korea. Data will be processed and archived at IPAC at Caltech, which manages JPL for NASA. The mission principal investigator is based at Caltech with a joint JPL appointment. The SPHEREx dataset will be publicly available.
    For more information about the SPHEREx mission visit:
    https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/spherex/
    News Media Contact
    Calla CofieldJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.626-808-2469calla.e.cofield@jpl.nasa.gov
    2024-152

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tomarket Launches First FarmingPool in Telegram Ecosystem to Unlock Early Rewards For Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tomarket, a prominent mini-app in the TON ecosystem, has launched a new feature, FarmingPool, designed to enhance user engagement and facilitate community rewards. As the first FarmingPool on Telegram, this initiative aims to connect Tomarket’s users with carefully vetted projects, providing an efficient platform for earning crypto rewards.

    Through FarmingPool, users can stake Tomarket’s official token, $TOMA, or complete referral tasks to earn points and participate in airdrops from selected projects. FarmingPool creates additional earning opportunities, allowing all users to capitalize on new ventures from the outset. Additionally, Tomarket leverages its substantial traffic to support project growth by connecting users with high-quality initiatives. This approach not only enhances individual earning potential but also fosters a vibrant and thriving community.

    With a mission to build a community-focused ecosystem, Tomarket has announced that 80% of TOMA tokens will be allocated directly to the community. The Token Generation Event (TGE) for $TOMA will take place on October 31 at 23:59 (GMT+8). The TGE will use a tiered system to evaluate user activity for distribution, with users achieving L4 Bronze status or higher eligible for the airdrop—making active participation even more rewarding.

    Since its launch four months ago, Tomarket has grown exponentially, reaching over 40 million users and establishing itself as one of the top three Telegram Mini-Apps. Tomarket’s success is attributed to its tailored strategy within the Telegram and TON ecosystems, offering a unique blend of gaming and earning elements that make Web3 opportunities more accessible to Web2 users. The investments from Bitget Wallet and Foresight X have also enabled Tomarket to continually expand its offerings, leveraging its market influence to connect users with valuable digital assets.

    Looking ahead, Tomarket is soon to unveil a roadmap focused on empowering its community with richer rewards and deeper engagement.

    “Web3’s true strength lies in community-driven ecosystems,” says Miles, Tomarket’s Core Contributor. “Our roadmap will expand opportunities for users to connect, earn, and grow within the Telegram ecosystem, enhancing their experience while solidifying Tomarket as a leading force in the Telegram & TON space.”

    For more details about Tomarket’s news, users can refer to Tomarket’s Telegram announcements.

    About Tomarket

    Tomarket is your all-in-one platform for gaming, earning, and trading on Telegram & TON. No more jumping between different platforms—play games, earn tokens, and trade them all in one place. Tomarket is backed by Foresight X and Bitget Wallet. 

    For more information, users can visit：Website |  Twitter |  Telegram

    Contact

    PR team
    media@tomarket.ai

    The MIL Network –