NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NIO Minister hails integrated education during visit to Fermanagh School

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    This follows Minister Anderson’s visit to Erne Integrated College

    NIO Minister Fleur Anderson captures a selfie during her visit to Erne Integrated College

    Northern Ireland Office Minister Fleur Anderson MP has visited Erne Integrated College in Enniskillen where she met with pupils and staff.

    As well as taking part in an interactive question and answer session, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State discussed diversity and inclusion with pupils, following a recent cultural day hosted by the Fermanagh school.

    Speaking afterwards, Minister Anderson said:

    It was fantastic to meet with the young people at Erne Integrated College, along with staff, and I would like to thank them for their warm welcome, and for their questions and insight.

    Seeing greater integration of education across Northern Ireland is a priority for the UK Government, and Erne Integrated College provides a wonderful environment for helping local children grow up in a truly shared society. This is an essential aspect of the reconciliation process.

    My hope is that integration will further become the norm and not the exception in schools across Northern Ireland.” 

    School principal, Darron McLaughlin, said:

    The College was delighted to welcome Minister Anderson. Our Student Council members have a great interest in local politics and were excited to have the opportunity to put their questions to the minister. Having recently celebrated our ‘Culture Day’, a group of our students were also keen to show how we celebrate diversity and live by our integrated ethos, where everyone is valued equally.

    Paul Caskey, chief executive of the Integrated Education Fund, and Sean Pettis, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education, said:

    The Integrated Education Fund and Council for Integrated Education are delighted Minister Anderson could take time out of her busy schedule to visit Erne Integrated College and meet with their young people, together with pupils from the adjacent Enniskillen Integrated Primary School. 

    There is no better way to learn about integrated education than by meeting the children and young people who experience it. The Northern Ireland Office has provided generous support to integrated education through both our organisations and we are extremely grateful for that. 

    It is important to remember that the UK government are custodians of the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement and that the encouragement and facilitation of integrated education is an essential part of that Agreement.

    Separately, Minister Anderson also met with representatives from the Fermanagh Trust. They discussed some of the issues facing local residents and the wider area, including transport, Lough Erne, and access to public services and healthcare.

    NIO Minister Fleur Anderson engaging in an interactive Q&A session with school pupils.

    NIO Minister Fleur Anderson engaging in an interactive Q&A session with school pupils.

    NIO Minister Fleur Anderson at Erne Integrated College in Enniskillen. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is pictured with school pupils, principal Darron McLaughlin and Paul Caskey, chief executive of the Integrated Education Fund, and Sean Pettis, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education.

    NIO Minister Fleur Anderson with Paul Caskey (left), chief executive of the Integrated Education Fund, and Sean Pettis, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: TopLine Financial Credit Union Participates in Its 8th Statewide Day of Kindness

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, was one of the 60 credit unions and partner organizations across the state of Minnesota who participated in an orchestrated day, called CU Forward Day. A state-wide initiative of over 3,000+ credit union employees, members and partners coming together to do one simple thing – spread kindness and encourage others to do the same.

    TopLine has been participating in this collaborative credit union event since 2016, referred to as “CU Forward Day,” which is coordinated by the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN), the state trade association for Minnesota’s credit unions. CU Forward Day demonstrates what credit unions do best, collaborate and give back to their communities.

    TopLine’s theme for this year was “Connected, We All Do Better!” Over 143 TopLine participants volunteered over 554 hours and impacted nearly 2,800 Minnesotans at local community partner non-profit organizations including ACBC Food Shelf, Advent Lutheran Church, Avenues for Youth, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, CROSS Services, Family Alternatives, Karen Organization of Minnesota, Keystone Community Services, Maple Grove Hospital, MORE, NACE Food Shelf & Closet, Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, YMCA Youth and Family Services and several local park clean-ups.

    Volunteers made a positive impact in the communities that TopLine serves by providing fall clean up at Advent Lutheran Church and Avenues for Youth, delivering meals to Keystone Meals on Wheels program participants, serving lunch to residents at Union Gospel Mission, a local ministry, providing aid to several local food shelves, assisting in park beautification, packing personal care kits and birthday bags at YMCA Youth & Family Services, creating inspirational signage for Maple Grove Hospital, packing and delivering 1,000 personal care kits and dental kits, creating 100 tie blankets, and knitting over 100 scarves for local foster youth at Family Alternatives. TopLine also hosted a bike drive to benefit Express Bike Shop, a nonprofit youth employment program, and collected 157 bikes to donate.

    “At TopLine, we believe that supporting our communities goes beyond financial services, and CU Forward Day is a great way to demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility efforts. By volunteering on this day, as well as throughout the year, and sharing our time and talents, we strengthen the bonds within our neighborhoods and contribute to the well-being of everyone we serve. Together, we make a real difference in lives,” says Mick Olson, TopLine President and CEO. “CU Forward Day showcases the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” and our true power of our Minnesota credit unions and partners working collectively together to make a positive impact across the state.”

    TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota’s 9th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations — in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Paul’s Como Park — as well as by phone and online at http://www.TopLinecu.com or http://www.ahcu.coop. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit union’s foundation, visit http://www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

    CONTACT:
    Vicki Roscoe Erickson
    Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
    TopLine Financial Credit Union
    verickson@toplinecu.com | 763.391.0872

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/499f20d8-0258-4ca3-8f6a-d8ed16f9d99e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornerstone of the Curriculum – UConn Medical School’s CLIC Program

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    During their first three years of medical school, UConn students are given the unique opportunity of working side by side with physician preceptors throughout the state as part of the Clinical Longitudinal Immersion in the Community (CLIC) program. This program has become a cornerstone of the curriculum – allowing students to develop and hone the patient care skills that they will utilize throughout their careers and provide one of their most influential and memorable learning experiences.

    [embedded content]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: One De Brazza’s Monkey of Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens passes away

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    One De Brazza’s Monkey of Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens passes away
    One De Brazza’s Monkey of Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens passes away
    ********************************************************************************

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced that the De Brazza’s Monkey of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG) which had been put under isolation since October 13 was found dead today (October 22). The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has conducted a necropsy on the animal body to ascertain the cause of death.     A total of 12 animals of the HKZBG have passed away since October 13. After receiving necropsy, pathological diagnosis and laboratory tests results by relevant government departments, and ruling out other possible causes of illness, it is confirmed that the cause of death of the 11 animals deceased earlier is sepsis induced by bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Similar lesions were also found in the tissues of relevant organs of the 12th monkey that died today. Pathological diagnosis and testing are in progress.     The LCSD will continue to close the Mammals Section of the HKZBG to closely monitor the health conditions of the animals. At present, the health conditions of the 78 mammals are normal. The LCSD will also continue to provide protective gear and health monitoring for staff who take care of animals. The health conditions of staff concerned are normal.      The LCSD has all along been communicating with the AFCD and the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, and has implemented appropriate protective measures and stepped up cleaning in accordance with their recommendations.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, October 22, 2024Issued at HKT 21:58

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: As a federal election campaign looms, Canadians must demand stronger ethics laws from politicians

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ian Stedman, Associate Professor, Canadian Public Law & Governance, York University, Canada

    Canadian politics is at a crossroads. When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office in 2015, his open letter to Canadians promised them accountability and transparency. As Trudeau’s time as prime minister seems to be winding down, however, his government has been subject to nearly two dozen conflict-of-interest investigations, with Trudeau himself even violating conflict laws.

    Partisan vitriol, electioneering and political brinkmanship are ramping up, with pressing issues like inflation, crime, climate action and housing set to dominate the political news cycle. What must not get lost amid these policy concerns is the urgent need to strengthen Canada’s governmental ethics and accountability laws, especially given the growing Canadian distrust in politicians.

    That includes distrust of those in the current government. A 2023 poll found that two-thirds of 1,632 respondents don’t trust the Trudeau government, with only about a third expressing confidence in the Prime Minister’s Office and less than half trusting the House of Commons.

    The prime minister’s high-profile conflict-of-interest violations highlight the inadequacy of accountability measures. They illustrate that federal ethics laws need reform, particularly the Conflict of Interest Act that applies to public office holders (the Conflict of Interest Code applies to MPs in their role as MPs while the act applies to MPs in their role as ministers or parliamentary secretaries).

    As researchers who focus on the laws of public sector ethics and accountability, we believe ethics issues must be kept in public view and political parties should be pressured to offer meaningful reform ideas in their campaign and party platforms.



    Read more:
    U.S. election results may suggest ethics no longer matter … just like in Canada

    Trudeau’s conflict violations

    Trudeau first breached conflict-of-interest laws in late 2016 and early 2017, when he vacationed with his family on the private Caribbean island of the Aga Khan, a spiritual leader whose foundation is registered to lobby and has received money from the government.

    The prime minister accepted private helicopter travel and other gifts, violating multiple sections of the Conflict of Interest Act.

    Mary Dawson, the ethics commissioner at the time, found that Trudeau had failed to avoid a conflict or to seek advice from her office before accepting the trip. Despite these conclusions, Trudeau faced no formal punishment.

    Trudeau’s second violation was revealed in 2019 amid the SNC-Lavalin affair. In a nutshell, the prime minister attempted to pressure then-Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould to intervene in a criminal prosecution against the engineering firm, which has its head offices in the same province as Trudeau’s electoral riding.



    Read more:
    SNC-Lavalin & the need for fresh thinking around independence and interference

    The ethics commissioner concluded that Trudeau used his position in an attempt to improperly serve SNC-Lavalin’s interests, breaching provisions of the Conflict of Interest Act. While this scandal rocked the Liberals, Trudeau again faced no real consequences for his actions apart from some ministerial resignations and possibly a failure to gain more Liberal seats in the October 2019 election.

    These incidents have helped foster an environment where conflict-of-interest violations have become normalized. Former ministers Bill Morneau and Yasmin Ratansi, Liberal House Speaker Greg Fergus, current ministers Mary Ng and Randy Boissonnault, along with various government appointees, have all been caught in ethics scandals.

    No consequences

    Regardless of which party holds power, a striking flaw in Canada’s political ethics framework is the lack of clear consequences for violating the Conflict of Interest Act. While ethics commissioners have the authority to investigate and report on violations, their reports are published online and submitted to the prime minister, who then decides whether any consequences will apply.

    Any penalties the commissioner can impose are laughably small, with administrative monetary penalties of no more than a paltry $500 for failing to meet reporting requirements.

    This critical gap places the responsibility for imposing consequences under the act on the person who may have been the one to violate the rules, which is sometimes the leader of the government.

    The prime minister decides on the punishment, even if the investigation concerns a cabinet member. This raises concerns about impartiality. Is there any incentive for the prime minister to actually hold colleagues accountable when they violate conflict-of-interest laws?

    And what message does it send to an already distrustful electorate when the prime minister and his inner circle can repeatedly violate conflict laws, then determine whether they should face consequences for their actions?

    Ongoing ethics concerns

    Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who was tenacious in 2020 when grilling the prime minister over conflict-of-interest concerns during the WE Charity scandal, seems determined to continue challenging the Liberals on their ethics record.

    Poilievre interrogates Trudeau over the prime minister’s third conflict investigation in five years, this one concerning the WE Charity scandal in 2020. (CTV News)

    Poilievre’s Conservatives recently raised concerns over the controversial appointment of Mark Carney as a special adviser to the Liberal Party. Being appointed to a party position instead of a government job allows Carney to avoid the ethics commissioner’s scrutiny of his private interests yet still advise government officials.

    Additionally, accusations that the Liberals mismanaged the Sustainable Development Technology Canada fund and used it as a “slush fund” for party insiders recently caused Parliament to grind to a halt. The government has refused to provide information on how the fund was managed.

    At the same time, allegations that Trudeau has avoided taking responsibility for foreign interference in Canada’s elections have provided the opposition with further ethics ethics ammunition for an election campaign looming on the horizon.

    Given Trudeau’s poor polling numbers, recent reports about Liberal MPs calling for him to step down and the imminence of yet another cabinet shuffle, government ethics and accountability must take centre stage if the country is to rebuild Canadian trust in government. Updating the Conflict of Interest Act would be a strong and necessary starting point.

    Ethics aren’t a luxury

    Since the Conflict of Interest Act cannot be updated without the involvement of legislators, a cynical observer might wonder how ethics standards can be strengthened.

    One answer is that the Conservatives’ relentless push for an election gives the public a perfect opportunity to demand that proposals to improve conflict-of-interest laws are part of the campaign platforms of all parties.

    This is exactly what happened in 2006 when Stephen Harper led the Conservatives to victory by pledging a more ethical and accountable Ottawa, although his government ultimately faced its own share of scandals.

    Ethical lapses in leadership must not be treated as secondary to pressing economic and social issues. Having a government that continuously strengthens and upholds its ethical standards should not be considered a luxury.

    Strong ethical governance is needed to restore and maintain public trust and to ensure our elected officials are working hard on behalf of Canadians — not in their own self-interest.

    Ian Stedman receives research funding from SSHRC and CIHR. He is also the 2024-25 Jocelyne Bourgon Visiting Scholar at the Canada School of Public Service.

    Matthew Cerilli 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. As a federal election campaign looms, Canadians must demand stronger ethics laws from politicians – https://theconversation.com/as-a-federal-election-campaign-looms-canadians-must-demand-stronger-ethics-laws-from-politicians-241710

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Setting the Stage for Growth: Bank of Glen Burnie Names New Director of Commercial Banking and Vice President of Cash Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GLEN BURNIE, Md., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Bank of Glen Burnie®, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glen Burnie Bancorp (NASDAQ: GLBZ), expanded its business banking team. Jonathan Shearin was named director of commercial banking and Ed Abedi was named vice president of cash management, announced Mark C. Hanna, President and CEO of Glen Burnie Bancorp and The Bank of Glen Burnie.

    Hanna commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan and Ed to the team. Growing our ability to serve the businesses of Anne Arundel County is goal number one for the Bank. As an independent, community-driven bank, we’re uniquely positioned to support small businesses—the backbone of job creation. Jonathan will champion this message in his role, ensuring that local companies know we have the products, services and people to meet their needs. Ed will play a key role in enhancing our digital services to keep pace with continually evolving demands.”

    Jonathan Shearin most recently served as a commercial relationship manager at Shore United Bank, where he worked with companies to provide banking solutions tailored to their operations and growth. Prior to this, he was a commercial relationship manager at Primis, overseeing and developing a portfolio of over $220 million. His banking career began with roles in treasury management and commercial lending at Eastern Virginia Bankshares, where he supported credit analysis and client management. He is a graduate of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in business with a concentration in finance.

    Shearin shared, “I am pleased to join the Bank of Glen Burnie. With a 75-year legacy of commitment to community and service, the Bank has deep roots in supporting local businesses. My focus will be on carrying forward that tradition, helping businesses thrive as we strengthen those connections.”

    Ed Abedi has over two decades of experience in commercial banking and treasury management. Most recently, he served as vice president of commercial banking at HTLF, a regional bank headquartered in Denver, Colorado. His previous roles include positions at First Horizon Bank, EagleBank, PNC, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch (now BofA Securities), where he specialized in treasury management and commercial banking solutions. Ed is a graduate of California’s San Francisco State University.

    Abedi shared, “The right digital banking tools enable companies to operate more efficiently and strategically. My role is to ensure businesses fully leverage these technologies to their advantage, which will enhance their overall experience with the Bank of Glen Burnie. I’m excited to join this team and to serve our valued customers as we continue to innovate.”

    About Glen Burnie Bancorp

    Glen Burnie Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Founded in 1949, The Bank of Glen Burnie® is a locally owned community bank with eight Anne Arundel County branches. The Bank is engaged in commercial and retail banking, including accepting demand and time deposits and originating loans to individuals, associations, partnerships, and corporations. The Bank’s real estate financing consists of residential first and second mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit and commercial mortgage loans. The Bank also originates automobile loans through arrangements with local automobile dealers. Additional information is available at thebankofglenburnie.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The statements contained herein that are not historical financial information may be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause the company’s actual results in the future to differ materially from its historical results and those presently anticipated or projected. These statements are evidenced by terms such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions. Although these statements reflect management’s good faith beliefs and projections, they are not guarantees of future performance and they may not prove true. For a more complete discussion of these and other risk factors, please see the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/634043fc-d456-4ff0-ab1a-e933cc748e3d

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2fe23ee6-9936-4985-ad76-c6f68b1003f0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OLAF’s Intelligence Leads to Record-Breaking Seizure of Illegal F-Gases in the Netherlands

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    Intelligence provided by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has led to the largest-ever seizure of illegal F-gases in the Netherlands. The Dutch authorities, acting on OLAF’s information, confiscated four containers filled with nearly 4,800 cylinders of F-gases at the port of Rotterdam. The illegal shipment, valued at approximately 1.5 million EUR, was intercepted before it could be delivered to unauthorized importers within the European Union.

    OLAF has been closely monitoring the international traffic of F-gases (hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs) to the EU from third countries. The intelligence shared with Dutch authorities highlighted suspicious movements of F-gases destined for three European countries, where importers lacked the proper authorization to handle these substances. Thanks to this information, the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT-IOD) launched a successful investigation, tracking and seizing the containers in Rotterdam.

    F-Gases and Environmental Concerns

    F-gases are subject to strict quotas and a phased reduction under EU environmental regulations due to their significant impact on global warming. The seized shipment originated from outside the EU, and OLAF, in partnership with national authorities, is working to disrupt illegal networks trafficking these potent greenhouse gases into Europe.

    As the EU enforces increasingly stringent rules on F-gas usage and importation, the black market for these gases has expanded. Devices such as air conditioners and industrial refrigeration systems, which rely on F-gases, are fueling this illegal trade. OLAF remains at the forefront of efforts to protect the EU’s environmental integrity by cracking down on illegal F-gas trafficking.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: De Brazza’s Monkey dies

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced that the De Brazza’s Monkey at the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens (HKZBG) that has been under isolation since October 13, was found dead today.

    The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department then conducted a necropsy on the animal to ascertain the cause of death.

    A total of 12 animals at the HKZBG have passed away since October 13.

    After receiving the necropsy, pathological diagnosis and laboratory test results by relevant government departments, it was confirmed that the cause of death of the previous 11 animals was sepsis induced by bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei.

    Similar lesions were also found in the tissues of the organs of the monkey that died today.

    The LCSD will keep the HKZBG’s Mammals Section closed to monitor the health conditions of the animals. The health conditions of the 78 mammals are normal.

    It will also continue to provide protective gear and health monitoring for staff who take care of animals. The health conditions of the staff concerned are normal.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $76 Million in Illegal E-Cigarettes Seized in Joint Federal Operation

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced the administrative seizure of approximately three million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products, with an estimated retail value of $76 million. The seizures were part of a July joint operation to examine incoming shipments and prevent illegal e-cigarettes from entering the country. 

    “The FDA is on high alert and, in coordination with our federal partners, remains committed to stopping unauthorized e-cigarettes at our nation’s borders,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “These products too often end up in kids’ hands, and the newly formed federal task force is well positioned to collectively combat this unscrupulous activity.”

    In June, the FDA and the Department of Justice announced a joint federal task force to curb the distribution and sale of illegal e-cigarettes. Operations like these are an example of ongoing law enforcement work across federal agencies, which are now increasing in frequency with the creation of the task force. 

    “CBP’s trade enforcement mission places a significant emphasis on intercepting illicit products that could harm American consumers,” said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner for CBP. “We will continue to work with our enforcement partners to identify and seize unsafe and unlawful goods.” 

    In preparation for the operation, the joint team worked for several months to review shipping invoices, identify potentially violative incoming shipments and complete other investigative work that led to this successful operation. Upon examining shipments, all of which originated in China, the team found various brands of illegal e-cigarettes, including Geek Bar and others. In an attempt to evade duties and detection, most of these unauthorized e-cigarettes were intentionally mis-declared as items with no connection to vaping products and with incorrect values. Products that are seized and forfeited to the government will be disposed of in accordance with CBP authorities. 

    “This isn’t the first joint seizure operation, and it won’t be the last – we will continue to relentlessly pursue those attempting to smuggle illegal e-cigarettes,” said Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “The $76 million these bad actors just put in the dumpster should be a sobering reminder that their time and money would be better spent complying with the law.”

    The joint federal task force will continue to focus on actions to stop the illegal importation and distribution of unauthorized e-cigarette products in the United States. This may include investigating and prosecuting new criminal, civil, seizure and forfeiture actions under the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act; the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act; and other authorities. Violations of these statutes can result in felony convictions and significant criminal fines, as well as civil monetary penalties. They can also result in seizures of unauthorized products, which can help to make illegal e-cigarettes less accessible, including to youth.

    Related Information

    Related Information

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    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten, Beatty Introduce Legislation to Financially Empower Women in Abusive Situations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    October 22, 2024

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06) and Joyce Beatty (OH-03) introduced the Financial Empowerment and Protection Act, legislation aimed at removing barriers to the financial insights often necessary for people to safely leave abusive relationships.

    “Far too often, we hear stories of victims of abuse who feel trapped in their situation due to limited or no insight into their household finances,” said Congressman Casten. “This legislation, which came out of one such story from a constituent who called in, aims to take away that lever of control from an abuser, empowering women to make their own financial decisions.”

    “Financial control is often used to trap women in abusive relationships by limiting their economic and physical independence,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “This bill provides crucial protection by ensuring equal access to and control over shared household finances, empowering women to make decisions for their wellbeing and future. I’m proud to join Congressman Casten in introducing this bill to help protect and support women, especially those in crisis, in building secure, independent lives.”

    “For too long, financial abuse has been used by abusers to hold on to power and control over women—with laws on the books that allow them to withhold financial information women need to leave abusive relationships and build security of their own,” said Christian F. Nunes, president of the National Organization for Women. “Rep. Casten’s bill will finally correct this dangerous gap in our laws, and unlock doors to financial freedom women urgently need.”

    “Survivors of domestic violence deserve safeguards that sustain their financial stability and security. Maintaining survivors’ access to shared accounts, such as cell phone, utility and mortgage accounts, is one of many policy solutions needed to better preserve their economic well-being,” said Jocelyn Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “The Financial Empowerment and Protection Act would give power back to survivors by providing them with the tools to regain or retain their independence. We are grateful to Representatives Casten and Beatty for their tremendous efforts to support survivors and their families.”

    “This legislation is important for sexual violence survivors in their efforts to regain independence from their abusers,” said Carrie Ward, CEO of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “Far too frequently, survivors are manipulated and coerced by abusers due to financial factors. If approved, this legislation would demonstrate that our society does not tolerate such manipulation and instead provides every opportunity for survivors to regain their independence.  Illinois rape crisis centers support Rep. Casten as he introduces this legislation and believe it is another step forward in supporting survivors.”

    Under the Financial Empowerment and Protection Act, mortgage lenders, landlords, utility providers, and childcare providers would be required to offer joint accounts for cohabitating or co-parenting couples. Oftentimes, abusive partners use financial limitations as a method of control to prevent a victim from leaving the situation. This means that people leaving abusive relationships may have limited access to pay their own bills; and may lose access to housing and childcare. Domestic violence shelters report that information about these accounts is commonly withheld during the dissolution of abusive relationships. This legislation aims to circumvent this, allowing victims equal insight into their household finances.

    This bill has endorsements from the National Partnership for Women & Families, National Organization for Women (NOW), the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

    Text of the legislation can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressmen Gaetz & Moulton Lead Bipartisan Legislation Holding Lockheed Martin and DoD Accountable for F-35 Aircraft Failures

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Matt Gaetz (1st District of Florida)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressmen Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) will introduce a bipartisan resolution expressing the sense of Congress that Lockheed Martin and its subcontractors are in breach of contract with respect to the F-35 deliverables and that the Department of Defense (DoD) has failed to adequately hold the program accountable.

    Last month, Rep. Gaetz spoke in the House Armed Services Committee about the federal government stifling innovation by giving Lockheed Martin “full-system performance” to fix their own failed F-35 program all while House appropriators have taken away funds service members need for child care and using those funds instead to buy more F-35s.

    “The federal government should not give ‘full-system performance’ contracts to companies responsible for their own failures. Today, I introduced a resolution to hold contractors accountable for breaching their F-35 obligations, while the Department of Defense has failed to enforce accountability.

    It’s unacceptable to leave the American taxpayer on the hook for a broken system and allow appropriators in Congress to divest funds from service members’ child care to invest in broken F-35s. We must stop rewarding failure and prioritize our military families,” said Congressman Gaetz.

    “For two decades, across multiple administrations and Congresses, Lockheed Martin has failed to deliver on the F-35. Every step in the program’s journey has been late, wildly over budget, and has produced a plane that does not perform as required. It’s time to hold Lockheed Martin publicly accountable for failing the American taxpayer,” said Congressman Moulton.

    Full text of Congressman Gaetz’s resolution can be found HERE. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the resolution by Breitbart News can be found HERE.

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    For updates, subscribe to Congressman Gaetz’s newsletter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New rules make for more efficient and greener flights

    Source: European Union 2

    On Tuesday, MEPs paved the way for improved management of European airspace, enabling more direct flights and fewer delays, and supporting climate neutrality.

    The reform of Single European Sky rules, already agreed upon in negotiations with the Council last March, strengthens national performance plans for air navigation services and will help to improve EU airspace management. These plans will have binding targets and incentives to make flights more efficient and environmentally friendly. An independent advisory Performance Review Board would be set up to help the Commission and EU member states in taking decisions on implementing these plans.

    In addition, the Commission will adopt EU performance targets on capacity, cost efficiency, climate and environmental factors for air navigation services, to be reviewed at least every three years.

    Greener air navigation charges

    MEPs secured a provision that tasks the Commission with assessing how charges levied on airspace users (airlines or private planes operators) for providing air navigation services could encourage them to become more environmentally friendly, for example by using the most fuel-efficient available routing or alternative clean propulsion technologies.

    More competition

    Another key demand of MEPs during the negotiations was to encourage competition in the air navigation services market. The new bill includes the possibility for air-traffic service providers to procure other air navigation services, such as communication, meteorological or aeronautical information services, under market conditions.

    Quotes

    “The reform is a step forward in removing bottlenecks, creating more efficient air traffic control and management, and reducing costs and emissions through shorter and safer flights, from which all European airlines, and especially European citizens, will benefit. The creation of a truly single European airspace, however, has been blocked by member states, unwilling to give up national powers for the greater good. I now call on member states to constructively implement this reform”, said EP co-rapporteur Jens Gieseke (EPP, DE).

    “Today, Europe’s airspace is like a big jigsaw puzzle where each country has its own piece, but unfortunately not all the pieces fit together. This leads to detours, waiting times and unnecessary costs. In 2023, almost three out of ten flights were delayed by more than 15 minutes. The new rules will make aviation safer, more punctual and more climate-friendly”, added EP co-rapporteur Johan Danielsson (S&D, SE) and also thanked former rapporteurs Marian-Jean Marinescu (EPP, Romania) and Bogusław Liberadzki (S&D, PL) for their work.

    Next steps

    Both co-legislators have now approved the new rules– the Council did so on 26 September. They will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. While most of the provisions will apply from that date, other provisions (e.g. penalties for infringing the new rules; national supervisory authority’s independence) will only take effect two years later.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at the Donnacona Institution

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On October 17, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at the Donnacona Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

    October 22, 2024 – Donnacona, Quebec – Correctional Service Canada

    On October 17, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at the Donnacona Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

    The contraband and unauthorized items seized included, methamphetamine, hashish, shatter (cannabis concentrate), tobacco, cell phones and metal saw blades. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $169,820.

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates, and visitors.

    CSC is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.

    CSC has also set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates, and staff members working at CSC institutions.

    The toll-free number, 1‑866‑780‑3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Breaking Financial Chains: Beatty & Casten’s New Bill Helps Women in Abusive Situations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) introduced the Financial Empowerment and Protection Act, legislation aimed at removing barriers to the financial information often necessary for women to safely leave abusive relationships.

    Under the Financial Empowerment and Protection Act, mortgage lenders, landlords, utility providers, and childcare providers would be required to offer joint accounts for cohabitating or co-parenting couples. Oftentimes, abusive partners use financial limitations as a method of control to prevent a victim from leaving the situation. This means that people leaving abusive relationships may have limited access to pay their own bills; and may lose access to housing, childcare, and transportation. Domestic violence shelters report that information about these accounts is commonly withheld during the dissolution of abusive relationships. This legislation aims to circumvent this, allowing victims equal access and visibility into their household finances.

     

    “Financial control is often used to trap women in abusive relationships by limiting their economic and physical independence,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “This bill provides crucial protection by ensuring equal access to and control over shared household finances, empowering women to make decisions for their wellbeing and future. I’m proud to join Congressman Casten in introducing this bill to help protect and support women, especially those in crisis, in building secure, independent lives.”

     

    “Far too often, we hear stories of victims of abuse who feel trapped in their situation due to limited or no insight into their household finances,” said Congressman Casten. “This legislation, which came out of one such story from a constituent who called in, aims to take away that lever of control from an abuser, empowering women to make their own financial decisions.”

     

    “For too long, financial abuse has been used by abusers to hold on to power and control over women—with laws on the books that allow them to withhold financial information women need to leave abusive relationships and build security of their own,” said Christian F. Nunes, president of the National Organization for Women. “Rep. Casten’s bill will finally correct this dangerous gap in our laws and unlock doors to financial freedom women urgently need.”

     

    “Survivors of domestic violence deserve safeguards that sustain their financial stability and security. Maintaining survivors’ access to shared accounts, such as cell phone, utility and mortgage accounts, is one of many policy solutions needed to better preserve their economic well-being,” said Jocelyn Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “The Financial Empowerment and Protection Act would give power back to survivors by providing them with the tools to regain or retain their independence. We are grateful to Representatives Casten and Beatty for their tremendous efforts to support survivors and their families.”

     

    This bill has endorsements from the National Partnership for Women & Families, National Organization for Women (NOW), the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

     

    Text of the legislation can be found here.

    October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of domestic violence and its impact on individuals, families, and communities and work together to create change.

     

    For more media inquiries, please contact Cassandra.Johnson@mail.house.gov.

    ###

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Sudanese Nationals Indicted for Alleged Role in Anonymous Sudan Cyberattacks on Hospitals, Government Facilities, and Other Critical Infrastructure in Los Angeles and Around the World

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

    LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges two Sudanese nationals with operating and controlling Anonymous Sudan, an online cybercriminal group responsible for tens of thousands of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against critical infrastructure, corporate networks, and government agencies in the United States and around the world.

    In March 2024, pursuant to court-authorized seizure warrants, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI seized and disabled Anonymous Sudan’s powerful DDoS tool, which the group allegedly used to perform DDoS attacks, and sold as a service to other criminal actors.

    Ahmed Salah Yousif Omer, 22, and Alaa Salah Yusuuf Omer, 27, were both charged with one count of conspiracy to damage protected computers. Ahmed Salah was also charged with three counts of damaging protected computers.

    “Anonymous Sudan sought to maximize havoc and destruction against governments and businesses around the world by perpetrating tens of thousands of cyberattacks,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada.  “This group’s attacks were callous and brazen—the defendants went so far as to attack hospitals providing emergency and urgent care to patients.  My office is committed to safeguarding our nation’s infrastructure and the people who use it, and we will hold cyber criminals accountable for the grave harm they cause.”

    “The FBI’s seizure of this powerful DDoS tool successfully disabled the attack platform that caused widespread damage and disruptions to critical infrastructure and networks around the world,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “With the FBI’s mix of unique authorities, capabilities, and partnerships, there is no limit to our reach when it comes to combating all forms of cybercrime and defending global cybersecurity.”

    “These charges and the results of this investigation, made possible through law enforcement and private sector partnerships, have an immeasurable impact on the security of networks in the U.S. and of its allies, and demonstrates the resolve of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) to safeguard the Department of Defense from evolving cyber threats,” said Kenneth A. DeChellis, DCIS Cyber Field Office, Special Agent in Charge. “Cybercriminals need to understand that if they target America’s warfighters, they will face consequences.”

    According to the indictment and a criminal complaint also unsealed today, since early 2023, the Anonymous Sudan actors and their customers have used the group’s Distributed Cloud Attack Tool (DCAT) to conduct destructive DDoS attacks and publicly claim credit for them. In approximately one year of operation, Anonymous Sudan’s DDoS tool was used to launch over 35,000 DDoS attacks, including at least 70 targeting computers in the greater Los Angeles area.

    Victims of the attacks include sensitive government and critical infrastructure targets within the United States and around the world, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, the FBI, the State Department, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and government websites for the state of Alabama.  Victims also included major U.S. technology platforms, including Microsoft Corp. and Riot Games Inc., and network service providers. The attacks resulted in reported network outages affecting thousands of customers.

    Anonymous Sudan’s DDoS attacks, which at times lasted several days, caused damage to the victims’ websites and networks, often rendering them inaccessible or inoperable, resulting in significant damages. For example, Anonymous Sudan’s DDoS attacks shuttered the emergency department at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, causing incoming patients to be redirected to other medical facilities for approximately eight hours. Anonymous Sudan’s attacks have caused more than $10 million in damages to U.S. victims.

    The March 2024 disruption of Anonymous Sudan’s DCAT tool, called variously “Godzilla,” “Skynet,” and “InfraShutdown,” was accomplished through the court-authorized seizure of its key components. Specifically, the warrants authorized the seizures of computer servers that launched and controlled the DDoS attacks, computer servers that relayed attack commands to a broader network of attack computers, and accounts containing the source code for the DDoS tools used by Anonymous Sudan.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    If convicted of all charges, Ahmed Salah would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison, and Alaa Salah would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

    The investigation of Anonymous Sudan was conducted by the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service Computer Investigations and Forensics Division.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Cameron L. Schroeder and Aaron Frumkin of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section are prosecuting this case, with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Greg Nicosia of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Schroeder and Frumkin, along with Assistant United States Attorney James Dochterman of the Asset Forfeiture Section, also obtained the seizure warrants for computer servers constituting Anonymous Sudan’s DCAT tool.

    The DOJ Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI’s International Operations Division and Behavioral Analysis Unit, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska aided in this investigation.

    These law enforcement actions were taken as part of Operation PowerOFF, an ongoing, coordinated effort among international law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling criminal DDoS-for-hire infrastructure worldwide, and holding accountable the administrators and users of these illegal services.  Akamai SIRT, Amazon Web Services, Cloudflare, Crowdstrike, DigitalOcean, Flashpoint, Google, Microsoft, PayPal, SpyCloud and other private sector entities provided assistance in this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Miami Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison and Ordered to Pay Over $3.8 Million for Fraudulently Billing Medicaid for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services

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

    MIAMI –Jose Davila Nunez, 51, of Miami, was sentenced on Oct. 11, to 63 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for Medicaid fraud.  Davila was also ordered to pay $3,869,703 in restitution.

    Davila pled guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud on June 14.  According to the court record, to include the agreed upon factual proffer, Davila and his co-conspirators opened a mental health clinic called New Behavior Health Direction, Incorporated (New Behavior) located in Hialeah Gardens, Fla. and installed a nominee owner. Between April 2019 and September 2020, Davila and his co-conspirators submitted $3,869,703 in false claims to Medicaid for psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) services, a type of mental health counseling designed to help people with depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.  In September 2020, the nominee owner helped to withdraw the fraud proceeds, gave some of that money to Davila, and then the nominee owner fled to Cuba.  Davila’s company Max Medical Consulting Services, Incorporated of Miami, Fla. received approximately $500,000 in fraud proceeds from New Behavior.

    At the sentencing hearing, Davila was also held accountable for an additional $2,617,992 related to Davila and his co-conspirator’s conduct in paying illegal bribes to patients between November 2018 and December 2022 in exchange for PSR services at three other Miami clinics.  Those three clinics are Davila Medical Center, Incorporated, Advanced Community Wellness Center, and Larkin Behavior Health, Incorporated. 

    The U.S. government was able to seize approximately $1.7 million in cash related to New Behavior’s bank accounts. 

    U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe; Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody for the Florida Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.

    HHS-OIG Miami, FBI Miami, and MFCU investigated this case. AUSA Timothy Abraham prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Delgado is handling asset forfeiture.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov  or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under 23-cr-20390.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Civil Disorder During January 6 Capitol Breach

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

              WASHINGTON – A New York man pleaded guilty today to felony civil disorder during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

              Christopher Douglas Finney, 32, of Hopewell Junction, New York, pleaded guilty to a single felony count of civil disorder before U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden. Judge McFadden will sentence Finney on Jan. 24, 2025.

              According to court documents, Finney traveled from his home in New York State to attend a rally in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. While waiting near the Washington Monument for the rally to begin, Finney recorded himself asking, “what’s the building where they’re doing the counting at?” and after receiving an answer, stated, “we’re going up to the Capitol, eventually. We’re gonna storm the Capitol. They’re not gonna keep us outta there. We’re gonna make sure that this is done correct and that Donald Trump is still our president.”

              When he made the recording, Finney was wearing plastic goggles with a red border and a protective plate carrier vest with pouches containing white plastic flex cuffs and a silver canister similar to a container for chemical spray. Before leaving the area near the Monument, Finney repeated, “We’re gonna storm the Capitol. We’re gonna do this correct. We’re not gonna back down, stand down, we the people will not be silent anymore.” Finney was also recorded wearing a knife in a holster on his right hip.

              Finney entered the restricted perimeter around Capitol grounds and toward the West Lawn and gestured for the crowd to follow him. Finney recorded his approach to the Capitol across the lawn and as he scaled a wall. Finney remained near the Capitol’s West Front, moving from the scaffolding at its southwest corner to covered scaffolding above the northwest steps. Finney then ascended the steps, breached a police line leading to the Upper West Terrace Northwest Courtyard, and approached the Senate Wing Doors.

              At approximately 2:14 p.m., Finney entered the Capitol building through the Senate Wing Doors. Once inside, he turned north, encountered police, and hastily retreated, climbing out of a broken window. Finney re-entered the building through the Senate Wing Doors. After re-entering, Finney made his way through the Crypt and the OAP (Office of the Attending Physician) corridor and eventually exited the Capitol through the Memorial Doors.

              Finney eventually made his way to the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace, where he joined other rioters, including several carrying makeshift weapons, outside of the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, the site of some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement that day. There, rioters were struggling to forcibly breach a police line preventing the mob from accessing the Capitol’s interior. One rioter yelled, “Push, push, push,” and Finney responded by joining a crowd in a group push against the police line. The force from the group push reached officers in and behind the first line of officers, while rioters at the front of the group push made direct physical contact with officers at the front of the police line.

              Finney remained on the Lower West Terrace, watching and recording as other rioters violently attacked officers defending the Lower West Terrace exit. He remained within the Capitol’s restricted perimeter until after dark.

              The FBI arrested Finney on Feb. 8, 2024, in New York.

              This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

              This case is being investigated by the FBI’s New York and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

              In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Competing for Student Well-Being

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    For students at UConn Health, prioritizing well-being can be challenging among the many demands of the classroom, research labs, and clinics.

    This is why the School of Medicine’s Wellness Committee hosted the first annual Husky Bowl, a weekend long Olympics-style event where dental, medical, and graduate students are invited to attend wellness centered activities to earn points for their schools.

    “Medical, dental, and graduate school is often demanding,” said lead organizer and fourth-year medical student Omonike Oyelola. “We don’t always get to know our fellow classmates beyond the academic setting. The data shows that levels of stress and burnout are often high among those in health care professions, making events like this of the utmost importance. We wanted to create the Husky Bowl in order to be able to build a foundation of community, connectedness, and self care that could progress throughout the academic year, if not longer.”

    The main goal is to promote student well-being while helping to build community.

    “The Husky Bowl more than anything presents a low-stress opportunity for students from all three programs to enjoy community and togetherness in a fun and meaningful way,” said Dr. Adam Perrin, associate professor of family medicine and director of student wellness at UConn Health. “The array of activities offered provides many opportunities for students to get to know each other better and ideally create lasting bonds. Social support, physical fitness, brain fitness and humor are all essential factors in promoting resilience, and all were in play over the course of the Husky Bowl. We hope to see this event, the creation and implementation of which was driven by MS4 Nike Oyelola and her team, become an annual fall offering.”

    The event kicked off on a Friday evening with an opening ceremony and trivia, and lasted all day on Saturday with events such as yoga, scavenger hunt, paint class, nature walk at the West Hartford Reservoir, iron chef competition, and basketball, pickleball, and ping pong tournaments. Each student could earn points for their team, three different learning communities, by participating in events. Students also received raffle tickets for each event they attended that went toward a drawing for self care items. Local companies further extended the theme of community connection by donating snacks towards the event.

    “All events were held in low-pressure, welcoming, and supportive environments so that anyone could join, whether it was their first time or if they had been doing that activity for years,” said Oyelola.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Award-Winning UConn Medical Students

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn School of Medicine students won research poster competition awards at the annual American College of Physicians (ACP) Connecticut Chapter Scientific Meeting 2024 on October 18.

    Lily Zhong (right) accepting the first place award on Oct. 18.

    The meeting, held at nearby Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, gathered together the state’s general internists, subspecialty internists, hospitalists, allied health practitioners, residents, and medical students.

    Fourth-year UConn medical student Lily Zhong won first place for her research poster presentation on Frailty, Social Deprivation, and Mortality Among Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries.

    While Adam Lamothe of the Class of 2027 won third place for his research presentation about AIRE Hartford: A three-pronged approach to indoor air quality.

    Adam Lamothe (left) won third place in the research poster competition. Here he is with fellow UConn medical student presenters on Oct. 18.

    Dr. Jaclyn Cox proudly serves as the faculty advisor for Internal Medicine.

    Other UConn medical students also presented their research posters at the meeting about their research study findings or clinical case studies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Manitoba Government Supports Workers by Restoring 1:1 Apprenticeship Ratio

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    October 22, 2024

    Manitoba Government Supports Workers by Restoring 1:1 Apprenticeship Ratio

    – – –
    Changes Promote Safety and Support Quality Hands-On Education: Moses

    Regulatory changes that restore the 1:1 apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio and modernize training programs will come into effect Oct. 30, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses announced today.

    “Restoring the 1:1 ratio supports safe and higher quality training for workers,” said Moses. “All Manitobans deserve to come home safely at the end of their workday.”

    Changes to the Apprenticeship and Certification General Regulation will also ensure apprentices receive high-quality supervision and appropriate supports throughout their training program, noted the minister.

    “Apprenticeship is the training program, Red Seal is the career,” said Tanya Palson, executive director, Manitoba Building Trades. “This change will help young Manitobans feel sure that when they enter the training program, they are supported to completion so that they can build their careers and support their families here at home.”

    The previous government removed the 1:1 ratio requirement, compromising the safety of Manitoba workers, the minister said, adding that the 1:1 ratio was established in response to the 1999 death of Michael Skanderberg, who was killed on the job while working unsupervised.

    “I applaud the Manitoba government for restoring the 1:1 apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio,” said Cindy Skanderberg, mother of Michael Skanderberg. “Every day I will fight to keep Manitoba workers safe. This will save lives.”

    Other regulatory changes will modernize the apprenticeship system to reduce administrative burdens and improve Manitoba’s competitiveness with other Canadian jurisdictions, noted the minister.

    “IBEW 2085 strongly opposed the 2:1 ratio because for someone training to be an electrician, proper supervision can be a matter of life and death,” said Dave McPhail, business manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 2085. “Restoring the ratio to 1:1 means that this government is serious about building Manitoba with highly skilled, properly trained Red Seals.”

    The minister noted existing apprenticeship agreements can continue if:

    • employers have been permitted to have journeypersons supervise more than one apprentice;
    • apprentices actively demonstrate continued progress in their apprenticeship program under pre-existing employment agreements; and
    • journeypersons do not take on additional apprentices.

    This is the first step in the Manitoba government’s improvement of the apprenticeship program, creating good jobs for Manitobans and reaching its commitment of creating 10,000 skilled labour jobs, noted the minister. The government is also fulfilling its commitment to do a review of the operations of Apprenticeship Manitoba to look for efficiencies and modernization. That work is ongoing and stakeholder consultation will begin next month, the minister added.

    “A modernized and responsive apprenticeship training and certification system is good for workers, grows industry and moves our province forward,” said Moses. “These changes will ensure Manitoba continues to provide an attractive market to meet the growing demands for skilled labour of the future.”

    For more information on Manitoba’s apprenticeship and certification system and recent regulatory updates, visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/aesi/apprenticeship/index.html.

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Piloting New Ways to Make Homes More Energy-Efficient and Affordable

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 22, 2024                                            Ottawa, Ontario           Natural Resources Canada

    Canada’s buildings sector is the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions across the country.  We must increase the scale and pace of retrofitting buildings across the country to make them more energy-efficient, increasing savings and reducing emissions.

    Today, Parliamentary Secretary Julie Dabrusin, on behalf of the honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a federal investment totalling $4.3 million for five projects , funded under the Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program (GNPP) and the Energy Innovation Program (EIP), to support and inform deep energy retrofits.  

    The announcement was hosted with EnviroCentre at Gloucester’s Carver Place neighbourhood. EnviroCentre received over $2 million from NRCan’s programs for its project, which will develop the local building sector’s capacity to perform deep retrofits faster, saving time and money for retrofits in social housing across eastern Ontario. By customizing renovations for homes in eastern Ontario, this project will help save money for the families who need it most while also increasing the energy efficiency of their homes.

    Gloucester’s Carver Place neighbourhood showcases how deep energy retrofits can deliver economic and environmental benefits for affordable housing, leading the way for future work that will create better and more affordable homes. Retrofits through the federally funded project will include:

    • replacement of traditional furnaces with electric heat pumps
    • upgrades to attic insulation and air sealing
    • installation of new heat recovery ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality

    Other projects announced today include:

    • $1 million for the ReCover Initiative to develop a practical approach to deep energy retrofits for the most common types of residential buildings in Atlantic Canada.
    • $1 million for the First Nations Power Authority of Saskatchewan to support the adoption of community-scale deep energy retrofits in Indigenous communities.
    • $602,836 for Sustainable Buildings Canada to accelerate deep energy retrofits for Ontario’s social housing.  
    • $775,897 for Retrofit Canada Society for development of a National Retrofit Repository of case studies and solutions to inform on deep energy retrofits across Canada.

    These projects will save money for building owners while reducing emissions that contribute to climate change.

    Quotes

    “By retrofitting buildings across the country, we can make communities more resilient to climate-related impacts while reducing emissions and utility bills for Canadians, increasing energy efficiency and creating good-paying jobs in construction and maintenance.”

    Julie Dabrusin

    Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Environment and Climate Change and Natural Resources

    “Energy efficiency means cost savings for Canadians. At a time when we are facing challenges with affordability and climate change, affordable energy efficiency projects like the ones announced today meet Canadians where they are at and delivers the action they need, at the pace and scale they are demanding. Programs like the GNPP help deliver on the commitments announced recently in Canada’s first-ever Green Buildings Strategy, which is a plan to save Canadians money, create jobs and seize the economic opportunities that a clean and sustainable economy presents.”

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson

    Minister of Energy and Natural Resources 

    Quick facts

    • A deep energy retrofit is an extensive overhaul of a building’s systems that can generate large savings in energy costs, improve comfort and help decarbonize buildings. Measures may include:

      o   replacing the roof

      o   adding insulation in exterior walls

      o   replacing the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system with a more efficient system like an electric heat pump

    • Deep energy retrofits typically save at least 50 percent in energy consumption, reduce emissions by 80 percent, reduce utility costs and may in some circumstances improve resiliency and adaptation to climate change.

    • Results from Carver Place neighbourhood test cases are promising, demonstrating an average annual energy reduction of 42 percent — approximately 35.5 gigajoules — and 2.4 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, an 82-percent improvement

    • EnviroCentre received $1 million in funding through GNPP, through today’s announcement, and an additional $1 million dollars in funding through the Toward Net-Zero Homes and Communities (TNZ) funding program to retrofit over 80 townhomes for low-income residents. This TNZ funding was previously announced in July during the release of the Canada Green Building Strategy. 

    • Since 2016, the federal government has dedicated more than $10 billion toward decarbonizing homes and buildings through energy-efficient retrofits. 

    • With $35.5 million in total funding over five years, GNPP is piloting the Energiesprong deep energy retrofit model in the Canadian market, which accelerates the pace and scale of retrofits by aggregating similar homes and buildings in a neighbourhood to create mass demand for deep energy retrofits. 

    • NRCan’s Energy Innovation Program advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada meet its climate change targets while supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. It funds research, development and demonstration projects and other related scientific activities.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Natural Resources Canada
    Media Relations
    343-292-6096
    media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Cindy Caturao
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    Cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Follow us on LinkedIn

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Decentraland Launches Revamped Virtual World with Enhanced Performance, Engaging Features, and Future-Ready Architecture

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Decentraland, the first decentralized virtual social world, launched a powerful new desktop client today, signaling a new era for experiencing spatial environments. This beta release enhances performance, delivers a more immersive environment, and introduces new engaging features, setting the stage for future innovations and expanded creator tools. 

    This milestone marks the shift away from a browser-based experience, replaced by a more stable, Unity-powered desktop client and the new Creator Hub, aligning with Decentraland’s vision for an interconnected metaverse. 

    “Today marks a new chapter for Decentraland. As virtual worlds take on a larger role in digital life, Decentraland is committed to creating a virtual world where people, not corporations, own their digital lives. Traditional platforms view their users as products while limiting real ownership, but Decentraland flips this script, using decentralization to empower its users,” said Yemel Jardi, Executive Director of the Decentraland Foundation. “As the internet transforms into a more immersive, spatial experience, Decentraland is leading the movement to creating a space that champions social connection, creativity, and autonomy—transcending cultures and backgrounds. This next chapter is about unlocking the true potential of the open metaverse, ensuring that as the digital world grows, it remains user-driven, community-focused, and grounded in open standards.”

    Key Features of the New Desktop Client

    • Performance Boosts & Smoother Gameplay- The new desktop client brings a highly anticipated performance upgrade. Users will enjoy faster load times, higher frame rates, and smoother multiplayer interactions, even in high-traffic areas. 
    • Immersive Environments- The new client brings Decentraland’s world to life like never before, introducing dynamic lighting with binary suns and moons, new beaches and ocean views, and procedurally generated environments, including dynamic trees, foliage, water, and sound effects. The landscape now loads up to 80 parcels away, offering users a more expansive and visually rich experience “from horizon to horizon.”
    • New Engagement Mechanics- A long incubated component of Decentraland is launching as part of the beta release, Daily Quests and mini-games, with more to be added in the near future. Daily Quests will increase active participation, engaging users to explore Decentraland and complete various tasks in exchange for rewards, such as Wearables and Emotes. The beta release also includes an all-new Badges system that motivates users to action by tracking and showcasing their achievements on the platform.
    • Simplified User Controls- Decentraland now offers expanded player profiles and a redesigned backpack where users can customize their avatars in a more intuitive manner. Navigation has also been streamlined with a quick-access bar for profile, map, and backpack features. 
    • Enhanced Avatars & Social Interactions- Avatars in Decentraland have been significantly upgraded, offering smoother movement, improved rendering, and natural interaction with the environment. New chat bubbles, name color differentiation, and emoji integration make communication more interactive and engaging.

    A Future-Ready Platform

    With this release, Decentraland is laying the groundwork for its next chapter, as the new desktop client and code base offer the capabilities needed to expand into VR and mobile experiences. The new desktop client serves as the cornerstone for this evolution, ensuring that Decentraland remains a top-tier platform for immersive, decentralized virtual experiences.

    “This upgraded desktop client transforms how people experience Decentraland,” said Kim Currier, Head of Partnerships and Marketing at Decentraland. “For our community, it’s about more than just faster load times and smoother interactions—it’s about creating a beautiful, vibrant space where people can genuinely connect and form new friendships from across the globe. With this release, we are also introducing the new Creator Hub, an all-in-one platform where creators can learn and build. It also provides businesses with opportunities to engage their audiences more effectively by using virtual spaces to create experiences that encourage active participation. It’s a big step forward, enriching how our community interacts and experiences Decentraland together.”

    New Desktop Client: Access and Details

    The future of Decentraland and virtual social worlds starts now. Experience a revitalized, interactive digital environment by downloading the new desktop client available on Mac and Windows. For more information and to download the new client, users can visit Decentraland.

    About Decentraland

    Decentraland is the first decentralized, community-driven virtual social world. It empowers users to create, explore, and connect within an open, immersive digital landscape where they fully own their digital assets. Whether hosting virtual events or designing their digital identity, individuals can shape a world that prioritizes self-expression and freedom—free from the constraints of corporate control. Governed by its community through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) and supported by a non-profit Foundation, Decentraland operates as an open-source, traversable world that encourages creativity, ownership, and innovation. By fostering collaboration and community, Decentraland is shaping the future of digital interaction, where individuals can truly own and build their digital lives.

    Contact

    Jo Hunt
    jo@serotonin.co

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Edinburgh’s ‘Smart City’ strategy to boost digital inclusion and sustainability

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Skyline of Edinburgh – image credit Getty

    A new digital strategy will push forward Edinburgh’s ambitions for becoming a sustainable and inclusive Smart City.

    The Digital and Smart City strategy 2024 – 2027 – aimed at accelerating the city’s technological transformation – was approved by members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee today (Tuesday 22 October). 

    Since the launch of Edinburgh’s previous Smart City strategy in 2020, the council has made significant progress in using digital tools to improve the city’s infrastructure and services. Achievements include:

    • Better website accessibility standards and translation tools to improve online access to Council services for all
    • Greater citywide connectivity through better digital infrastructure, including citywide fibre networks and public Wi-Fi, making internet access inclusive
    • Introduction of integrated real-time public transport information and 24/7 monitoring of busy areas, helping to keep the city moving and safe
    • A focus on improving digital literacy, equipping people with skills to participate in online activities and gain employment
    • Providing 1 to 1 electronic devices for all P6-S6 and staff, plus 1 to 5 shared devices for all other learners in P1-P5, to combat a digital learning divide
    • Installing 11,000 bin sensors around the city to help waste crews identify hot-spot areas for bin collections and plan routes efficiently, keeping the city clean and green
    • The installation of damp sensors into 500 homes to help detect early repairs and to promote health and wellbeing 
    • Mandatory cyber training for all council workers to build resilience and digital safety at a time of increased attacks on largescale organisations
    • Edinburgh cited as one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech hubs, with over 15,000 people working in software development alone.

    Council Leader Cammy Day said:

    Our biggest priorities for Edinburgh are to create good places to live and work, tackle poverty and inequality and become a net zero city. Our Smart City approach is central to all three of those aims.

    We’ve achieved a lot in the last three years to make Council services more efficient and accessible and to improve connectivity – but we have a big ambition to make sure every resident, regardless of background or ability, has access to affordable digital services and the skills they need.

    We plan to build on our use of smart technology to improve day to day council services, and we’re looking at using data monitoring to better understand how people get around and use the city. Edinburgh is a growing magnet for tech and we plan to partner with universities, companies and start-ups to further grow and attract global investment.

    By embracing innovation, we can improve the quality of life for everyone who lives and works here.

    A further report on the Council’s implementation of the Smart Cities Strategy will be brought to a future meeting of the Policy and Sustainability Committee.

    Published: October 22nd 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: San Diego Man Admits to Sexual Exploitation of 14-Year-Old Girl

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

    SAN DIEGO – Eric Jin of San Diego pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he persuaded a 14-year-old girl to send him sexually explicit photographs of herself, including an image of her leg where she had carved the defendant’s name into her skin with a knife at his direction.

    Jin was indicted on May 15, 2024. He pleaded guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in connection with his online communications with the girl. For example, according to his plea agreement, Jin demanded that she take sexually graphic pictures of herself without clothing in December 2022 and again in February 2023. The girl did as Jin directed and sent him the photos. It was on the February date that he ordered her to carve his first name into her skin and send him a photo.

    Jin also admitted to sending the victim images of other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

    “This defendant repeatedly victimized, exploited, and literally scarred a child,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “This horrific crime serves as a reminder to keep a very close eye on who kids are talking to online.”

    “While all crimes we investigate are deplorable, the sexual exploitation of children is an especially flagitious violation,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “Let Eric Jin’s guilty plea be a clear message that the FBI and its partners will aggressively pursue people who intend to exploit children in such a despicable manner.”

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Sherwood and Katie Grammenidis.

    The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on January 24, 2025.

    DEFENDANT                                   Case Number 24cr1071-JO                                    

    Eric Jin                                                Age: 30                                   San Diego, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Sexual Exploitation of a Minor – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2251(a) and (e)

    Maximum penalty: Thirty years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a $500,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Man arrested for aggravated assault following stabbing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Following a stabbing that occurred inside a home in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on the afternoon of October 21, 2024, 18-year-old Monty Edwards was arrested by Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP for aggravated assault.

    At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Monday, Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP received a report of a stabbing that occurred at a home on Mesher Drive. Two individuals inside the home, a man and a woman who are both young adults, were stabbed multiple times by an individual who is known to them. The suspect, who was identified as Monty Edwards, fled the scene prior to police arrival. Both victims were transported to the Labrador Health Centre for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. RCMP officers from Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Sheshatshiu detachments conducted extensive patrols in search of Edwards.

    A short time later, Monty Edwards presented himself at Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP Detachment and was arrested without incident. He was held in custody overnight and attends court today, charged with two counts of aggravated assault.

    The investigation, which is being assisted by RCMP Labrador District General Investigation Section, is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Help Us Elect Pro-Labor Candidates

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Election Day is approaching fast, and that means we need to rev up our efforts to get votes for the IAM-endorsed candidates! 

    Our union endorses candidates because elected officials impact our members, contracts, health care and retirement. 

    Help us engage with fellow union members about this critical election and its repercussions through a get-out-the-vote opportunity near you!

    It’s easy – just find a canvassing event in your area by clicking the link below! 

    We want to talk with fellow union members about the candidates’ positions on key issues that will affect working people and labor unions.

    There are lots of ways to help! If you’re not in the mood to knock on doors, try phone banking in-person and virtually.

    With the threat of Project 2025, it is absolutely crucial to get involved and help elect the pro-labor candidates who will work for working families and fight for their rights. 

    Early voting and mail-in voting has already started in some states. Click here to find the early voting schedule in your state. 

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maryland Delegation Announces $48.7 Million for Maryland-Based Non-Profits to Expand Workforce Development Opportunities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (2nd District of Maryland)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $48,722,721 in Department of Labor (DOL) funding to bolster workforce development opportunities for underrepresented groups in Maryland and across the country including older adults, young adults with disabilities and women.

    The funding is administered through three DOL grant programs.

    • Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) grants provide training and career services to low-income older individuals who are seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce.
    • Workforce Pathways for Youth(WPY) grants help out-of-school time organizations partner with state and local organizations that serve historically marginalized and underserved youth to provide workforce readiness programming.
    • Womenin Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations(WANTO) grants provide technical assistance to support women’s participation in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented, such as construction, advanced manufacturing, energy, technology and transportation.

    “Supporting pathways to competitive, good-paying jobs through opportunities like apprenticeships and other training initiatives helps ensure everyone can contribute to a thriving economy,” said the lawmakers. “These workforce development programs provide inclusive training options that can serve as a bridge between skilled workers and career opportunities. We’re investing in these efforts led by Maryland-based organizations so that workers here and across the country can reach their full potential and employers can tap into a diverse pipeline of talent.”

    The following projects received awards: 

    • $30,071,551 for the Center for Workforce Inclusion, Inc., Silver Spring, MD: Toprovide training for low-income, unemployed people aged 55 and older in a variety of community service activities at non-profit and public agencies, including schools, hospitals, day-care centers, senior centers in Maryland and service areas across 11 other states: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
    • $14,640,900 for Goodwill Industries International, Inc., Rockville, MD: To provide training and employment services for older workers in service areas across 10 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington.
    • $3,294,240 for Bridges from School to Work, Inc., Bethesda, MD: Toexpand workforce development services for youth with disabilities aged 16 to 21 across 10 Bridge cities: Los Angeles, CA; Oakland, CA; San Francisco, CA; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; New York City, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Dallas, TX; and Fort Worth, TX.
    • $716,030 for the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation, Parkton, MD: To use the state’s existing infrastructure to expand women’s participation in quality registered apprenticeship programs through equity-focused, pre-apprenticeship programs with a focus on the two regions with the highest rates of child poverty: Baltimore City and Somerset County. 

    “The funding we’re announcing today advances the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of promoting worker-focused training programs that incorporate industry and worker voices,” said Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su. “The grants will help enhance access to quality jobs for care workers and people in critical sectors, broaden job training and career opportunities for youth and strengthen public-private partnerships that prepare workers for high-quality infrastructure jobs.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manx National Insurance Fund – sustainability report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A new report on the Manx National Insurance Fund includes analysis from GAD. It includes options to ensure long-term funding sustainability.

    Credit: Unsplash

    The Isle of Man Treasury has published ‘The Manx National Insurance Fund – Addressing the long-term sustainability of the Island’s Social Security Benefits and National Insurance Scheme’.

    This report includes analysis carried out by the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD).

    Background

    GAD carries out a review of the Manx National Insurance Fund every 5 years for the Isle of Man Treasury. These reviews assess the financial position of the Fund and project how it is expected to change over the next 60 years.

    The most recent review was carried out in 2022 and showed that, without any additional financing, the Fund is projected to be exhausted by 2048. Following this, the Isle of Man Treasury worked with GAD exploring how potential changes to the benefits paid out of the Fund would impact its financial position.

    Credit: Shutterstock

    Sustainability report

    The Isle of Man Treasury has used GAD’s analysis to feed into its considerations around the long-term sustainability of the Fund and has now published a report summarising its position.

    The report sets out the background of the Isle of Man’s Social Security scheme. It also includes the options the Isle of Man Treasury is considering, to ensure the long-term funding is sustainable and Fund exhaustion is prevented.

    GAD actuary, Laura Young, has been leading the actuarial work and said: “It has been very interesting to work on the Manx National Insurance Fund and see our calculations being used by the Isle of Man Treasury to consider key policy decisions.

    “Knowing our analysis will be read and discussed by senior figures within the Isle of Man government is really exciting and I am proud that GAD’s work is feeding directly into such an important debate.”

    GAD showed the impact of various changes in benefit increases which have been included in the sustainability report. The Isle of Man Treasury plans to engage with Tynwald Members and provide a further report ahead of their next budget in February 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK satellites to boost maritime security on track for 2025 launch

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A satellite developed by the UK business Horizon Technologies is on schedule for launch in mid-2025.

    Credit: Horizon Technologies

    A satellite developed by the UK business Horizon Technologies has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR), and is on schedule for launch in mid-2025, the UK Space Agency announced today.  

    The Amber-2 Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Satellite will play a key role in detecting ‘dark vessels’ at sea, such as those involved in illegal immigration, illegal fishing activities, drug smuggling, ship-to-ship transfers of goods and evading sanctions. 

    The development of the satellite is supported by a £1.2 million investment from the UK Space Agency. The wider Amber Programme has been designed to meet the MDA requirements of the Royal Navy via the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) in Portsmouth.  

    The follow-on satellite Amber-3 is also progressing, with Horizon Technologies currently accepting industry-wide proposals from potential spacecraft/bus suppliers for the build, and a targeted launch date of late 2025.  

    The Amber satellites work by detecting radio frequency (RF) signals enabling the identification of satphones and navigation radars, so when vessels engaged in illegal activities turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) they can still be tracked. Over the past year, several governments have been testing the Horizon Technologies Amber’s Signal Acquisition System with impressive results.   

    A single tower-mounted variant called AmberPersistent can collect RF signals (L/S/X band emitters) up to 3 million sq/km with real-time 4/7 coverage, essential for tracking vessels carrying out illicit activities. In the past quarter, Horizon technologies has received substantial AmberPersistent orders from NATO and non-NATO governments. 

    Matt Archer, UK Space Agency Director of Launch said: 

    The successful progress of the Amber-2 satellite by Horizon Technologies demonstrates the UK’s leadership in advancing space-based solutions for global maritime security. By detecting hard-to-track vessels, Amber-2 will play a pivotal role in safeguarding international waters from illegal activities.  

    We’re looking forward to seeing the satellite launch next year, and to continuing our collaboration with industry on cutting-edge technologies that deliver real-world benefits. Supporting projects like the Amber Programme not only enhances security but also creates high-skilled jobs and fosters innovation across the UK.

    Space-based RF collection will be particularly effective for open-ocean detection, while shore-based systems can cover some signals/bands up to 1,000 km, and provide real time persistent coverage within a nation’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).   

    Horizon Technologies CEO John Beckner stated: 

    The RF Earth Observation market is developing in a path analogous to AIS tracking.  The RF signals collection market will likely be a combination of terrestrial systems and space-based data. 

    All you need is a secure coastal site, power, and an internet connection.

    Horizon Technologies is a small business headquartered in Reading, Berkshire, and is a global leader in innovative signals intelligence and space-based Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) intelligence solutions. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moolenaar, Rubio, Colleagues Call For Treasury to Retroactively Review Its Failure to Block Gotion Transaction

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Moolenaar (4th District of Michigan)

    Headline: Moolenaar, Rubio, Colleagues Call For Treasury to Retroactively Review Its Failure to Block Gotion Transaction

    Moolenaar, Rubio, Colleagues Call For Treasury to Retroactively Review Its Failure to Block Gotion Transaction

    Gotion Incorporated, a company with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party, has plans to develop a large industrial site in Mecosta County, Michigan near a U.S. military installation in the state. The failure of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to investigate and block this development poses a serious threat to U.S. national security.

    Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI), U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and their colleagues, sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging her to use CFIUS’s authority to retroactively review the transaction after CFIUS failed to review it two years ago. The transaction should have been reviewed then because “Federal regulations define the extended range of a military installation as land within a 100-mile radius of the military installation” and CFIUS’s own geographic reference tool shows the Gotion site is less than 60 miles from Camp Grayling.

    • “We write to express our deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s apparent failure to block Gotion Incorporated (Gotion)—an entity with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—from developing a large industrial site near a major U.S. military installation.”
    • “Given CFIUS’ failure to launch a review of Gotion’s site development when the project was first publicly announced two years ago, it is now imperative that CFIUS update its proposed rulemaking to clarify the Committee’s ability to conduct retroactive reviews of covered greenfield investments that it previously failed to address.”

    Joining Rubio and Moolenaar were Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), as well as Representatives Lisa McClain (R-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Jack Bergman (R-MI), John James (R-MI), and Tim Walberg (R-MI).

    Flashback… In September 2023, Rubio and Moolenaar sent a letter to Secretary Yellen urging CFIUS to review Gotion’s ownership.

    The full text of the new letter is below. 

    Dear Secretary Yellen:

    We write to express our deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s apparent failure to block Gotion Incorporated (Gotion)—an entity with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—from developing a large industrial site near a major U.S. military installation. The scope of United States warfighting capabilities is extremely sensitive knowledge. We must only share this information selectively, exclusively, and knowingly with close allies and partners. Federal agencies have a duty to prevent America’s adversaries from obtaining information concerning our national defense personnel and assets. As we are sure you will agree, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) plays a vital role in blocking foreign efforts to collect intelligence on our military via domestic investment.

    Unfortunately, CFIUS seems to have neglected a substantial foreign project constituting a major national security threat stemming from a major facility being constructed by Gotion. Gotion is the U.S. subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech, an electric vehicle (EV) battery company which is based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and has documented ties to the CCP. The House Select Committee on the CCP has routinely documented Gotion High-Tech’s notorious, widespread human rights abuses and use of forced labor in mainland China, in addition to its connection with Chinese paramilitary groups. Nonetheless, Gotion is currently constructing a $2.4 billion EV battery plant in Mecosta County, Michigan.

    In June 2023, Gotion announced that its plans for plant construction were outside of CFIUS’ jurisdiction and could therefore continue the project. But as you know, as of February 13, 2020, CFIUS’ jurisdiction applies to greenfield investments when a foreign entity purchases real estate near certain sensitive military bases. Federal regulations define the extended range of a military installation as land within a 100-mile radius of the military installation (31 C.F.R. § 802.211). Covered installations include certain Army combat training centers within the continental United States (31 C.F.R. § 802.227(h)).

    According to CFIUS’ own Part 802 geographic reference tool, Gotion’s site in Michigan is located just under 60 miles south of the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center—well within the regulation’s definition of extended range. Camp Grayling is the largest National Guard training facility in the United States and is host to both the Northern Strike joint exercises and the National Guard Exportable Combat Training Center Exercises. Yet, despite Camp Grayling’s significance, and the overwhelming evidence that this facility meets CFIUS’ conditions for a sensitive military installation, CFIUS did not include the camp under its definition of covered real estate until its July 2024 proposed rule, “Definition of Military Installation and the List of Military Installations in Regulations Pertaining to Certain Transactions by Foreign Persons Involving Real Estate in the United States.”

    Given CFIUS’ failure to launch a review of Gotion’s site development when the project was first publicly announced two years ago, it is now imperative that CFIUS update its proposed rulemaking to clarify the Committee’s ability to conduct retroactive reviews of covered greenfield investments that it previously failed to address. This step is well within CFIUS’ authority under 50 U.S.C. 4565 §(b)(1)(D)(i). This common-sense measure would not only allow CFIUS to put a stop to Gotion’s continued nefarious activity, but also the activities of many other adversarial entities that have slipped under CFIUS’ radar and acquired land near sensitive military sites. CFIUS’ failure to retroactively review these transactions would constitute a major security blunder and permit the CCP to engage in intelligence gathering that compromises our military capabilities and readiness.

    Given the severity of what seems to be a grave lapse in CFIUS’ judgement, we request answers to the following questions:

    1. Why did CFIUS fail to designate Camp Grayling as an army combat training center under covered real estate until its July 2024 proposed rule?
    2. If Camp Grayling’s exclusion from covered real estate was a failure in oversight, what steps is CFIUS taking to rectify the situation?
    3. What action is CFIUS taking to stop Gotion from continuing its plant construction given its proximity to a major military installation?
    4. Will CFIUS commit to clarify its authority to conduct retroactive reviews of covered greenfield investments that have slipped under CFIUS’ radar?

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response.

    MIL OSI USA News –