Category: Transport

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City to stage landmark climate action concerts

Source: City of Liverpool

Liverpool is to host a landmark series of concerts in celebration of being named the world’s first ‘UN Accelerator City’ for climate action.

‘Act 1.5 presents…’ will see a weekend of live music and events, from 28th – 30th November, at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, featuring Massive Attack, IDLES and Nile Rodgers.

This unique series of shows are being staged to mark today’s announcement at UN Headquarters in New York that Liverpool is the world’s first ‘UN Accelerator City’ for climate action.

This accolade recognises the city’s commitment to technical innovation and smart regulation to rapidly decarbonise the live music and TV/Film production sectors.

Building on the methods first trialled in Bristol, and continuing their partnership with clean energy provider Ecotricity, ‘Act 1.5 presents…’ will test, operate & adapt a range of measures to dramatically reduce the level of carbon emissions & air pollution that would usually be produced at an event of this scale.

These include:

– A localised presale period for anyone living in the Liverpool City Region from 12.00 Wednesday 25th September.

– An entire event site powered entirely by 100% renewable energy.

– A public transport incentive initiative in partnership with Merseytravel, Avanti West Coast and Trans Pennine Express that will generate a vital reduction in audience travel emissions (where up to 80% of emissions for major live music events are generated)

– A meat free arena

– 100% zero to landfill waste removal

– “Plug & Play” Single Technical set Up shared by each act

– Show to end earlier than standard at 22:00 to allow audiences to use public transport to get home

Robert Del Naja of 3D – Massive Attack, said: “Our recent Bristol show demonstrated beyond question that major live music events can be Paris 1.5 compatible, and that audiences will embrace change enthusiastically.

“The vast scope of work in Liverpool and UN recognition means we can now concentrate more dynamic pilots and experiments to rapidly phase out fossil fuels. This idea and this insistence are not going back in any box. We’re delighted to see artists like Coldplay testing elements like localised ticket pre-sales as recommended in the Tyndall Centre Paris 1.5 decarbonisation road map and encourage other artists to do so freely. The talking stage is over, it’s time to act.”

Nile Rodgers said: “Some of the greatest CHIC shows have taken place in Liverpool so I’m thrilled that we are bringing our funk back to the city. We love the people and it’s always a night to remember. However, the circumstances this time are special, as we’re joining forces with our friends in Massive Attack to launch Liverpool’s UN climate action programme across music and film.

“Our We Are Family Foundation community of global youth changemakers have been sounding the alarm and working in the climate change space for years, as have Massive Attack, and now it’s time for all of the music and film communities to get onboard. Yes, we’re going to have a party at Liverpool Arena, but we’re also going to act!”

Ticketing

We know that the majority of both carbon emissions and air pollution for major live events comes from how the audience travel. To try and tackle this issue, tickets for this unique event will be released in two blocks.

The first block release will be available to those that live in the Liverpool City Region, with an exclusive 48-hour regional presale taking place between 12:00 on Wednesday 25th September and 12:00 on Friday 27 September.

For these ticket buyers, an additional small but fixed fee will be added to your gig ticket to cover your public transport to the event. This will mean that on the day of your show, you can enjoy unlimited travel on any train, any bus or any ferry on the Merseytravel network – all day – getting you to and from the show.

It’s estimated that 500 cars = 1 train so this unique TAG ticket (Travel and Gig) is a vital part of the experimental nature of these shows: participating in this experiment will keep Merseyside air cleaner for the people that live here, and significantly draw down dangerous greenhouse gases.

If you live within the Liverpool City region, then get tickets here: https://www.mandsbankarena.com/act-1-5-presents/

In the second block release of tickets, all fans will be able to purchase tickets from 12.00 on Friday 27th September. Offers and incentives on public transport from outside the region – especially rail travel – will be shared with buyers via their ticketing agent.

For general sales (opening at 12:00 on Friday 27th) please visit: https://tix.to/ACT1.5PRESENTS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Europe: Speech by President Viola Amherd at the UN General Debate

Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports

Bern, 24.09.2024 – Speech by President Viola Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), at the UN General Debate, New, York, Tuesday, 24 September 2024.

Check against delivery

Mr President
Secretary-General
Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen

On the morning of 3 March 2002, I put a card into the ballot box, on which I had written a determined ‘yes’. Our TV screens had been filled with various forecasts and figures from the early hours.

But it was only in the evening that the final result came through: after years of struggle and a fiercely contested campaign, Switzerland would join the United Nations.

Ultimately, it was a few hundred votes from the canton of Valais – my home region – that tipped the balance.

On that day, the Swiss people expressed their country’s desire to assume responsibility and take part in the world of international politics in a spirit of solidarity.

More than two decades have now passed. I am addressing you today, just a few days before Switzerland assumes the presidency of the Security Council. The world may have changed, but our principles have not.

Like many countries, we are following with concern the escalating tensions and emergence of new conflicts around the world.

Unfortunately, we are witnessing increasing levels of grave human rights violations as well as a growing, blatant disregard for internationally recognised borders. Might risks taking precedence over right, and the threshold for resorting to military force has clearly fallen significantly.

Only together can we counter the dynamic, captured so aptly by the great writer Ferdinand Ramuz a century ago: “Parce qu’un malheur ne vient jamais qu’un autre ne vienne ; les malheurs se marient entre eux, ils font des enfants.”

There are major challenges ahead: wars, disasters, the damage we are inflicting on our shared environment, technological advancements and the opportunities and risks they bring.

As the only truly global organisation, the UN has a crucial role to play in tackling these issues.

We can make a start right here, if we choose to work together better – regardless of our governmental and economic structures or our cultural differences.

We must not let our world fragment into blocs. We must show our willingness to negotiate principles with all major regions of the world, principles that are in our mutual interest and respected by all. And this must always be underpinned by international law.

Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen

The search for peace is paramount, and Switzerland is committed to playing its part.

Based on its tradition of good offices and solidarity, and because resignation and inaction should never be an option, this summer Switzerland brought together around 100 states and international organisations for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine.

Our goal was to provide an initial impetus for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on international law and the United Nations Charter. The conference at the Bürgenstock marked an important step in that direction.

The 94 signatory states of the Bürgenstock Joint Communiqué reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

We would like to renew our invitation to the international community to spare no effort in supporting concrete measures and this Joint Communiqué.

International law is the basis for our common endeavours for global peace, security and prosperity.

The Geneva Conventions, the 75th anniversary of which we are celebrating this year, govern the legal basis of war as well as the protection of the civilian population.

But the latest UN figures paint the international community in a poor light. Civilians and civilian infrastructure are not only inadequately protected, but in fact come under repeated attack.

We are witnessing violations of international humanitarian law, from Myanmar to Ukraine, from the Middle East to Sudan. My country has been strongly committed to ensuring that the Security Council adopts ceasefire resolutions, particularly for Gaza and Sudan.

It is urgent that these resolutions are now implemented and respected. Likewise, we urgently call for an immediate return to a total cessation of hostilities on both sides of the Blue Line.

The heavy toll paid by civilian populations in these current crises and conflicts strengthens Switzerland’s resolve to ensure that international humanitarian law remains an absolute priority. Pushing for greater compliance is at the heart of our work in the Security Council.

Protecting the civilian population in conflicts is neither self-evident nor guaranteed. It must be afforded higher priority in conflict situations.

Peace is and always will be the best way to protect civilian populations. To this end, Switzerland is also committed to civilian and military peacebuilding.

Even if some peace missions have been unable to meet all of their intended objectives, they nevertheless contribute to security, stability and peace in people’s everyday lives. When deciding which missions to deploy, we must overcome our disagreements. Peace is too precious a commodity to become a pawn of self-serving interests.

Together with our many international partners, Switzerland is continuing to contribute to peacebuilding as well as expanding its capacities where possible.

War and peace are not the only challenges we face. There are many others that we also need to urgently address:

Civilians not only require protection from armed conflict, but also from natural disasters, as has become increasingly clear in recent years. Climate change and loss of biodiversity are having an existential impact on ever more people.

It is crucial that we also maintain and expand our efforts in these areas, while forging ahead with pioneering developments. Many of the international environmental agreements are either not implemented at all or only inadequately. This is resulting in large-scale environmental destruction.

I am also concerned about the rise in disinformation, which undermines people’s ability to form their own opinions based on facts. Private and state actors spread disinformation at home and in other states to fuel polarisation, sow distrust and destabilise states.

Switzerland has and will always be committed to freedom of expression and media freedom.

Disinformation is toxic. We can counteract this by improving our understanding of what constitutes free speech and manipulation of the facts; by exposing illegitimate interference, by fostering open and fair debate, and, in our capacities as governments and international organisations, by providing transparent and factual information.

Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen

Switzerland has and always will be committed to strong and effective multilateralism.

All states must come together to find lasting solutions.

My country is shaped by regular democratic debate at all levels of government – local, regional and federal. We urgently need to see more of such constructive and peaceful debate if we are to address the existential challenges that face us.

Two days ago, we adopted the Pact for the Future. The pact is a strong commitment to multilateralism. One of the core elements of the pact is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – our roadmap, which we must implement together as quickly as possible.

“The idea must be born from the vision, like the spark from a flint.” That too is a quote from Ramuz – one that has lost none of its relevance. We need courage and confidence.

And we need a framework in which we can work together as partners to find solutions. That framework is the United Nations. Let us work together to make it stronger.

Thank you.

Address for enquiries

DDPS Communication
Federal Palace East
CH-3003 Bern

Publisher

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports
http://www.vbs.admin.ch

MIL OSI Europe News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: GL Automates T1, E1 and Datacom Testing with Python Scripting Support
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GL Communications Inc., a global leader in telecom test and measurement solutions, addressed the press regarding their tProbe™, an advanced tool for T1, E1 and Datacom testing. Automation has become essential for running repetitive and complex testing scenarios. The tProbe™ supports Python scripting, and GL provides sample scripts to assist the user. This allows smooth, automated workflows that save time and reduce errors.

[For illustration, refer to https://www.gl.com/images/Newsletter/tprobe-with-python-client.jpg]

Vijay Kulkarni, CEO of GL Communications, states, “GL’s tProbe™ T1 E1 Datacom analyzer is a versatile platform for generating, receiving, and monitoring traffic on legacy networks. It supports various test traffic including bit error rate testing, tones, digits and audio files. Additionally, it can emulate telecom protocols such as SS7, CAS, and ISDN. The tProbe™ connects to a host Windows^® PC via USB, and its accompanying software features an intuitive graphical user interface. Users can easily configure tests, visualize data and export reports.”

The tProbe™ Datacom Analyzer is designed for the installation, verification, and maintenance of Datacom equipment. With a software-selectable interface, it emulates both Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Communications Equipment (DCE), monitors Datacom lines, and supports both synchronous (sync) and asynchronous (async) modes of operation.

GL’s Windows Client/Server (WCS) software enables users to perform remote operations, automate tasks, and connect to multiple tProbe™ devices. The Windows Client Python Module (WCPM) provides a Python interface for WCS, allowing Python programs to connect to one or more WCS instances, execute commands, and receive responses.

The Python client connects to multiple WCS, controlling tProbe™ devices across locations via TCP/IP. This enables easy end-to-end testing with live analysis and visualization. GL offers sample Python scripts, a comprehensive Application Programming Interface manual, and provides support for debugging customer scripts via email or interactive sessions.

[For more information, refer to Python Sample Script and Bit Error Rate Test Results]

Key features of the tProbe™ T1 E1 Datacom Analyzer include:
- Python scripting support on both Windows^® and Linux^® operating systems
- Framed and unframed transmission/reception of T1 E1 signals
- Intrusive/non-intrusive T1 E1 testing
- Protocol emulation including ISDN, CAS and SS7
- Monitoring and testing of multiple site locations from a single client
- Shared use of tProbe™ devices from multiple client locations
- Integration of T1 E1 testing into more complex testing systems
- Allows full control of DTE/DCE configurations for flexible testing on Datacom networks
- Run Bit Error Rate Tests on DTE/DCE Interface
- Supports DTE/DCE emulation for comprehensive end-to-end testing and bidirectional monitoring for enhanced troubleshooting of data networks
About GL Communications Inc.,

GL Communications is a global provider of telecom test and measurement solutions. GL’s solutions are used to verify the quality and reliability of Wireless (Satcom, 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G), SONET/SDH, Ethernet/IP, TDM, and PSTN networks.

Warm Regards,

Vikram Kulkarni, PhD

Phone: 301-670-4784 x114

Email: info@gl.com

The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Announces Delta Region Maternal Care Grant

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a longtime advocate for maternal and prenatal care initiatives, today announced that Le Bonheur Community Health and Well-Being’s Delta Region Maternal Care Coordination Program will receive a $450,000 grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Our region has the unfortunate distinction of having high infant mortality and maternal mortality rates. Every effort focused on reversing that situation is welcome. I commend Le Bonheur for taking on this important initiative which will improve access to care before and after pregnancy using best practices in delivering services and will, in some cases, save lives.”

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: The Miller Group Awards Rudy R. Miller Business – Finance Scholarship to Two Arizona State University Seniors

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Miller Group (TMG) announced it has awarded its 2024 Rudy R. Miller Business – Finance Scholarship (RRM Scholarship) to Arizona State University (ASU), W. P. Carey School of Business students Maxwell Fields and Ilya Illiashenko. Mr. Fields is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, a minor in Economics, and a Certificate in Applied Business Data Analytics. Mr. Illiashenko is pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in Finance and Supply Chain Management.

Mr. Fields has strong leadership skills and a passion for investment management. He co-founded and serves as vice president of the Financial Literacy and Market Economics Club at ASU. He is vice president of Sigma Nu, a leadership-focused non-profit fraternity and through multiple internships in the investment and financial industry, he gained valuable hands-on knowledge and he plans to enter the investment management sector upon graduation.

Mr. Illiashenko serves as an associate for the Symposium Planning Committee for Scholars of Finance at ASU. His internships have included finance, investment, and real estate finance. At Teach for America, he led an SAT bootcamp for high school juniors from an underserved community achieving a 50% improvement in student engagement and a 30% increase in academic performance through data-driven strategies. Witnessing his mother’s lifelong dedication to reforming Ukraine’s healthcare system instilled a desire to address societal challenges and uplift communities. Mr. Illiashenko’s ultimate goal is to contribute to his home country of Ukraine’s development, fostering integrity, transparency, and a robust financial and healthcare landscape. He strives to bridge the gap between academic pursuits and real-world impact in Ukraine.

Mr. Miller, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of TMG and affiliated entities, stated, “Our firm had a difficult time selecting one scholarship recipient this year due to the exceptional quality of applicants. We decided to select two superb students as co-recipients for our 2024 award. These two applicants stood out to me not only for their academic achievements, but also for their efforts outside of the university. We are honored to assist both recipients financially and with future individual mentoring and guidance by me.”

“Ilya Illiashenko and Maxwell Fields are excellent candidates for the Rudy R. Miller Business – Finance Scholarship. In addition to their outstanding academic records, both candidates are notable leaders in a number of campus and community-based initiatives. I want to thank Rudy Miller for his continued recognition and financial support of academically accomplished student leaders like Maxwell and Ilya” remarked Laura Lindsey, Department of Finance Chair and the Cutler Family Endowed Professor, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University.

About Rudy R. Miller

Mr. Rudy R. Miller, a former member of the U.S. Armed Forces, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor in numerous industries. Mr. Miller is Chairman, President, and CEO of Miller Capital Corporation, an affiliate of The Miller Group of entities; for more information, including Mr. Miller’s biography, visit www.themillergroup.net.

Mr. Miller instituted the annual Rudy R. Miller Business – Finance Scholarship Program in 2008 to support Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business. Since inception, Mr. Miller has issued three additional ASU scholarships, not included in the annual award process, totaling 23 ASU scholarships to date. Mr. Miller had the honor to serve as a member of ASU’s Dean’s Council of 100, a national group of prominent business executives invited by the Dean to play a leadership role in shaping the future of the W. P. Carey School of Business.

In 2023, Mr. Miller was selected by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to join two influential advisory boards for both the College of Aviation and the College of Business, Security and Intelligence. In addition to joining the advisory boards at Embry-Riddle, he established scholarships for students at both colleges and set up a fund to support simulator training to improve commercial pilot safety, the Rudy R. Miller Instrument Safety Currency Program (ISCP).

His philanthropic endeavors include support for the non-profit arts community, selective universities, athletic foundations, and veterans’ projects. He is a member-sponsor of the Army Historical Foundation and the National Museum of the U.S. Army located at Fort Belvoir, VA. He served as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial, Inc. (Tbird2), an organization that honors veterans, from 2018 until March 2024. Mr. Miller developed its aviation scholarship program and process in 2018 and served as the first Chairman of the Scholarship Committee until June 2023. Tbird2 offers scholarships at six colleges, for both veteran and non-veteran students, including two 4-year universities, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Arizona State University, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

About The Miller Group

MILLER, established in 1972 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is comprised of several affiliated companies including Miller Capital Corporation, Miller Investments, Inc., and Miller Management Corporation. The Miller Group offers a broad range of services including venture capital and private equity investing, debt financing, financial advisory, and management consulting to public and private middle-market companies throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. A select group of current and past clients include: America West Airlines^®, Bowlin Travel Centers, Inc.^®, Capital Title Group, Inc., DELSTAR Companies, Inc., Legal Broadcast Network, LLC, Magma^®, McMurry, Inc., Ritz Carlton Magazine^®, Sequence Media Group, ServRx, Inc., Sunshine Minting, Inc.^®, Telgian Holdings, Inc.®, and US Air Express.

Official photographer for The Miller Group and its affiliated entities – Gordon Murray, 480 205-9691 (www.flashpv.com)

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13c9e3e2-5ff6-45f6-8737-2e053c545299

The MIL Network –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Solutions30 and Connected Kerb Partner to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Charging Network Deployment in the UK
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Solutions30, a leading provider of solutions for new digital technologies, and Connected Kerb, one of the largest UK’s public charging operators, announce a strategic partnership to deploy electric vehicle charging (EVC) network in the South East of United Kingdom.

Through this multiyear, multimillion pound framework contract, Solutions30 is responsible for installing thousands of fast charging points (up to 22kW) across the region. The contract covers the survey and design works, the electrical installation of charging points and their connection to the grid, for both AC and DC charging points. It will make it possible to meet a wide range of charging needs for all vehicle types, and give access to charging at a competitive price for electric car drivers.

By leveraging Solutions30’s expertise, the partnership aims to accelerate new charging point building, optimize investments, and speed up connection times. This will help local authorities meet their network roll-out targets, particularly in underserved areas. The collaboration addresses a critical need for an extensive public infrastructure in the UK, where almost half of all homes do not have a car park to install private chargers.

David Tong, CEO at Solutions30 UK, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to join forces with Connected Kerb in this pivotal project. Our expertise in designing and delivering EVC infrastructure, combined with our power networks and grid connection capabilities, will be a decisive factor in enabling Connected Kerb to achieve its ambitious goals. On our side, this partnership aligns perfectly with our strategy to be at the forefront of delivering key technologies and services in the UK.”

Chris Matthews Chief Delivery Officer at Connected Kerb UK adds: “Our partnership with Solutions30 marks a significant step in accelerating the rollout of a network of charging stations across the UK. Their comprehensive expertise aligns perfectly with our mission to make EVC available to all. Together, we’re helping to build a cleaner, more sustainable future of transportation, while addressing the specific requirements of the UK market.”

About Solutions30 SE
The Solutions30 group is the European leader in solutions for new technologies. Its mission is to make the technological developments that are transforming our daily lives accessible to everyone, individuals and businesses alike. Yesterday, it was computers and the Internet. Today, it’s digital technology. Tomorrow, it will be technologies that make the world even more interconnected in real time. With more than 50 million call-outs carried out since it was founded and a network of more than 15,000 local technicians, Solutions30 currently covers all of France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Iberian Peninsula, the United Kingdom, and Poland. The share capital of Solutions 30 SE consists of 107,127,984 shares, equal to the number of theoretical votes that can be exercised.

Solutions30 SE is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN FR0013379484- code S30). Indexes: CAC Mid & Small | CAC Small | CAC Technology | Euro Stoxx Total Market Technology | Euronext Tech Croissance.
Visit our website for more information: https://solutions30.com/

About Connected Kerb
Connected Kerb is one of the UK’s leading electric vehicle charging companies, on a mission to change the world for good – one charger at a time.
Its aim is to make EVC inclusive, convenient, and reliable for everyone. The company delivers on-street community EVC and works with local authorities to support residents that are unable to charge at home. Connected Kerb also installs future-proof EV charging infrastructure at workplaces, retail destinations, car parks, commercial real-estate, and for residential developers.

As smart cities of the future develop, Connected Kerb’s charge points support Internet of Things (IoT) and other future technologies designed to have a positive impact on people and the planet. The company is committed to the future of sustainable mobility and aims to ensure that no one in the UK lives further than a five-minute walk from a charger.

Contact

Individual Shareholders:
Tel: +33 1 86 86 00 63 – shareholders@solutions30.com

Investor relations : investor.relations@solutions30.com

Press – Image 7:
Charlotte Le Barbier – Tel: +33 6 78 37 27 60 – clebarbier@image7.fr

Attachment
- 24092024 UK_Press Release_Connected Kerb ENG
The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Sheikh Al Maktoum NEO Technologies Explores Investment Opportunities with Panama

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sheikh Al Maktoum NEO Technologies hosted a pivotal meeting at its Dubai offices with key officials from the Republic of Panama, signaling a potential new chapter of economic cooperation and investment between the innovative technology firm and the Latin American country.

The discussions focused on unlocking strategic partnerships that could drive substantial mutual benefits in the sectors of finance, technology, and trade.

In attendance were H.E. Eduardo Arango, Vice Minister of Domestic Trade of the Republic of Panama, Mr. Mickael Mosse, CEO and Founder of Sheikh Al Maktoum NEO Technologies, and Dr. Munir Ahmad, CEO of the Royal Office of H.H. Sheikh Abdul Hakim Al Maktoum. These influential figures engaged in comprehensive talks aimed at fostering investment ties, particularly in fintech and emerging technologies, where Sheikh Al Maktoum NEO Technologies has established itself as a leading force.

“We see immense potential in collaborating with Panama, a country that serves as a gateway to the Latin American market,” said Mr. Mickael Mosse. “At Sheikh Al Maktoum NEO Technologies, we are continuously seeking strategic investment opportunities that align with our vision of driving innovation and expanding our global footprint. Panama presents a unique opportunity for us to bring our expertise in blockchain, AI, and digital banking to new markets, enhancing the technological landscape and facilitating stronger economic growth for both parties.”

H.E. Eduardo Arango echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the mutual benefits of such cooperation. He said: “Panama is eager to explore partnerships that will enhance our financial and technological sectors. Sheikh Al Maktoum NEO Technologies has a proven track record in these fields, and we are excited about the possibilities that this collaboration could bring. This meeting is the first step in creating a framework for long-term investment and economic cooperation between our two entities.”

One of the core aspects of the discussions revolved around the role of fintech in reshaping international trade and investment flows. Sheikh Al Maktoum NEO Technologies, renowned for its cutting-edge innovations in these areas, is poised to offer Panama access to technological solutions that could streamline trade, improve financial inclusion, and drive economic growth. Both parties explored joint ventures and investment vehicles that could fuel innovation, particularly in sectors like digital banking, cross-border payment systems, and sustainable technology infrastructure.

Dr. Munir Ahmad underscored the importance of building sustainable and forward-looking investment partnerships. He said: “The exchange of ideas and expertise between Sheikh Al Maktoum NEO Technologies and Panama is key to realizing impactful growth. We are not just looking at immediate gains, but how we can co-create long-term value through collaborative projects that will benefit the economies and technological advancements in both regions.”

The meeting on 23 September 2024 sets the stage for a future of heightened cooperation, with Sheikh Al Maktoum NEO Technologies eyeing Panama as a strategic partner in its broader global expansion strategy. By leveraging Panama’s unique position in Latin America and Sheikh Al Maktoum NEO Technologies’ leadership in fintech, the two sides are laying the foundation for significant investments that could transform the way trade and finance are conducted across borders.

As discussions progress, the company remains committed to advancing international partnerships that not only bolster its position as a leader in technology but also contribute to economic progress and innovation in the markets it enters.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1397f13f-7b23-479d-b3e3-8de07006080f

The MIL Network –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Economics: OEUK news OEUK: GB Energy must build on Aberdeen’s industrial strengths 24 September 2024

Source: Offshore Energy UK

Headline: OEUK news

OEUK: GB Energy must build on Aberdeen’s industrial strengths

24 September 2024

Offshore Energies UK, the leading trade body welcomes the announcement that GB Energy will be located in Aberdeen. The city has been Europe’s energy capital for the last fifty years and with the right energy policies in place to back firms and their workers, it can continue to spearhead the UK’s homegrown energy transition.

OEUK says listening to industry’s experts and building partnerships will be key to determining GB Energy’s success. The UK’s transition to cleaner energy is not only the biggest engineering project the UK has seen since the Second World War. It is also the biggest financial undertaking.

The government’s Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) says net zero will cost the UK £1.4 trillion, and that the lion’s share must come from business. 

The new government now needs partnerships with industry to put plans into action, unlock investment and kickstart economic growth.

While welcoming the announcement, OEUK reinforced its continued concerns over plans by the UK government to increase and extend the Energy Profits Levy.

OEUK and its members work closely with policymakers of all parties to champion the UK’s energy security and low carbon future.

David Whitehouse, CEO Offshore Energies UK comments:

“Aberdeen is an energy powerhouse and home to brilliant British engineering. It must and should be part of the UK’s energy future. The people of this city are rightly proud of their energy heritage and it’s imperative GB Energy helps to safeguard their jobs and build on their world class expertise to benefit the whole UK.

“Where GB Energy is located is important but what really matters is what is does. Success will be built on partnerships with industry unlocking the private sector investment needed to achieve the homegrown energy transition and economic growth we all want. This means listening to expert people across our sector, backing our supply chains and safeguarding the jobs of thousands of skilled workers across the UK.

“But I remain concerned the new government’s tax changes will have profound consequences for this sector and its people. The new government committed to safeguarding jobs in its manifesto and must listen to those working in the sector. Today’s announcement is welcomed, but it will do little to alleviate the very real concerns of the impact the government’s tax proposals will have on thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in future economic value.

“I am asking the government to choose a homegrown energy transition that makes the most of our people and businesses. The alternative is importing ever more energy, skills and infrastructure and subtracting value from our economy.”

Ends.

OEUK is campaigning for a homegrown energy transition that makes the most of the UK’s people and industrial strengths to be a secure, sustainable and skilled future. Download a copy of OEUK’s industry manifesto here.

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MIL OSI Economics –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: HP Transforms the Future of Work
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

News Highlights:
- Unleashes flexibility and style for freelancers and creators with HP’s first 2-in-1 next-gen AI PC, the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip
- Introduces the first HP EliteBook X, the world’s most powerful next-gen AI business notebook¹ for tech experts and business consultants, with up to an industry-leading 55 TOPS of NPU performance²
- Unveils innovative memory architecture that revolutionizes on-device AI, delivering lightning-fast performance for the most complex workflows
- Redefines workspaces with the industry’s broadest portfolio of AI-enabled multi-camera capable video conferencing solutions³
- Empowers on-demand performance for data scientists and AI developers with Z by HP Boost, the world’s first workstation solution for on-demand GPU compute, turning the workstation into a shareable resource⁴
PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today at HP Imagine, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) announced the company’s newest innovations, including next-gen AI PCs, AI-enabled video conferencing solutions, and a scalable GPU performance sharing solution for AI developers – all designed to transform the future of work.

“HP is deeply ambitious in its commitment to reshape the way people work, fostering growth, nurturing creativity, and unleashing limitless innovation,” said Alex Cho, President of Personal Systems at HP Inc. “We’re bringing AI to life and delivering powerful new experiences through our next-gen AI PCs, advanced audio and video solutions, and innovative AI development platform.”

Transforming the Way People Work and Play

AI is transforming the way people feel about work. According to the 2024 HP Work Relationship Index, 68% of knowledge workers believe AI creates new opportunities to enjoy work, and 73% believe AI makes their job easier. Those who use AI are 11-points happier with their relationship with work than their colleagues who don’t. The future of work requires high-performing, AI-powered PCs and solutions that push the limits of what’s possible while freeing up time to focus on what matters.

Flexible Style and Performance Without Compromise: The OmniBook Ultra Flip

Designed for freelancers and creators, the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14-inch Next-Gen AI PC is HP’s first next-gen AI PC 2-in-1 laptop, offering uncompromising style, performance, and flexibility for those seeking the perfect AI creation experience. The device delivers:
- Designed to inspire: Create, edit, and sketch on an ultra-thin form factor that easily switches between laptop, tablet, and tent modes. A stunning 3K OLED display offers an immersive visual experience to draw or review creative designs.⁵ Personalize content generation on the world’s first next-gen AI convertible PC with inking and a haptic touchpad.⁶ Collaborate with others clearly and crisply with the device’s 9 MP AI camera and Poly Audio.
- Balanced power and performance: On-the-go creators can confidently create on a device engineered to be cool and quiet – yet performant. The OmniBook Ultra Flip leverages the Intel® Core™ Ultra processor (Series 2)⁷ with a dedicated AI engine,⁸ delivering up to 20 hours of battery life (local video playback)⁹ for a seamless creation experience.
- Trusted security powered by AI: HP Wolf Security for consumers includes a unique security chip and self-healing PC core for professional-level security, keeping data secure and protecting against cyber-threats.¹⁰ McAfee Smart AI™ Deepfake Detector detects AI-generated audio to warn users of potential fraud or misinformation.¹¹
- Sustainability for today and tomorrow: HP remains committed to reducing environmental impact and optimizing energy efficiency. The OmniBook Ultra Flip is built with 90% recycled metals, 50% post-consumer recycled plastics,¹² and an EPEAT® Gold with Climate+ and ENERGY STAR® certified design.¹³
Pushing the Envelope for Tech-Forward Leaders: The HP EliteBook X

Empowering tech experts and business consultants to tackle intense workflows locally and in the cloud, the HP EliteBook X 14-inch Next-Gen AI PC delivers ultimate power, performance, and security so workers can prioritize what they love while AI takes care of the rest. As the first EliteBook X in HP’s Commercial PC lineup, this device unlocks:
- Turbocharged productivity: For power users requiring high-performance computing for content creation, data analysis, and AI-driven applications, HP developed a memory architecture with an impressive 8000 Mbps on 64 GB of LPDDR5x RAM for high-speed AI processing. The PC also harnesses a next-generation AMD Ryzen™ PRO processor¹⁴ enabling up to an industry-leading 55 TOPS of NPU performance for demanding workloads.¹ HP Smart Sense paired with 40W Thermal Design Power (TDP) and dual turbo high density fans drive fast responsiveness with cool and quiet performance. ¹⁵
- Intuitive collaboration: Conduct meetings from anywhere and show up authentically with the device’s new AI-enhanced webcam sensor for more accurate presence detection and adaptive dimming. Audio tuning by Poly Studio provides crystal-clear conferencing experiences with AI noise reduction and HP Dynamic Voice Leveling to optimize voice clarity.¹⁶
- Industry-leading protection enhanced by AI: The world’s most secure next-gen AI PC¹⁷ and the first next-gen AI PC with quantum hack protection¹⁸ protects the most sensitive data without sacrificing performance. Wolf Security offloads processor-intensive security tasks to the NPU to preserve the CPU for all-day productivity. HP’s Endpoint Security Controller¹⁹ future-proofs the device against evolving threats, and intentional features are built into the device, including onlooker detection,¹⁶ which utilizes an AI-powered webcam sensor to alert users when prying eyes are detected and automatically blur the screen if needed.
- Sustainable innovations protecting our planet: As part of the world’s most sustainable PC portfolio,²⁰ the device is responsibly crafted with a heat plate made with at least 50% recycled copper²¹ and bezels containing at least 20% recycled cooking oil.²²
Personalization Built-In: HP AI Companion & Poly Camera Pro

HP’s next-gen AI PCs are equipped with AI Companion²³ and Poly Camera Pro,²⁴ which personalize and optimize a user’s experience for greater productivity and collaboration.
- Interact intuitively: AI Companion uses generative AI to help people analyze private files and discover information to refine and create content or respond quickly and accurately to key tasks. The Perform assistant helps users optimize PC performance, customize settings, and troubleshoot HP products.
- Collaborate clearly: Poly Camera Pro utilizes the NPU to power webcam features like Spotlight and Background Blur & Replace to maintain CPU performance more efficiently while preserving battery life.
Enabling Companies to Build AI

GPU access is often a scarce resource for a company’s most valuable resource, data scientists and AI developers. As AI workloads grow exponentially, 81% of data scientists believe AI makes their job more fulfilling.²⁵Z by HP Boost solves for scarcity by maximizing GPU utilization to deliver secure, scalable, and on-demand performance to meet rising AI demands, enhance productivity, and accelerate development.

Z by HP Boost is an industry-first solution that revolutionizes GPU sharing across HP AI workstations:
- On-demand performance: Delivers instant access to GPU resources, with the flexibility needed to perform complex computations and manage large datasets.
- Enterprise optimization: Provides companies a more efficient way to allocate and fully utilize its GPU resources, reducing the reliance on costly cloud instances and increasing productivity.
Both Z by HP Boost and the Z by HP Gen AI Lab solutions further extend HP’s AI creation center as the most comprehensive workstation solution for AI development.²⁶ The Z by HP Gen AI Lab provides a built-in trust layer for large language model (LLM) development to detect and correct bias. With streamlined data management, standardized tools, and integration of trust, HP’s AI creation center maximizes the efficiency and impact of valuable AI.

Transforming Where People Work

People work in different places throughout the workday, whether in a meeting room, at the desk, or on the go. 72% of knowledge workers say having access to technology that best suits their work style is important.²⁷ HP offers a range of products and solutions that make it easier for people to be their most collaborative and productive.

Authentic Connection and Collaboration: Poly Studio Video Bars, Poly VideoOS, and Poly Lens

HP is expanding AI integration across various room sizes and collaboration setups. Whether small or large rooms, BYOD or appliance-based, Windows or Android, video bar or modular, HP provides multi-camera, AI-driven experiences for genuine connection and improved collaboration.

HP’s newest additions to the industry’s broadest portfolio of AI-enabled multi-camera capable video conferencing solutions²⁸ include the Poly Studio X32 and Poly Studio X72 all-in-one video bars and Poly Studio V32 and Poly Studio V72 premium USB video bars.

The latest Poly VideoOS 4.4 software brings new AI capabilities to devices already installed in meeting rooms. With live setup for Poly DirectorAI Perimeter, IT administrators can configure smart camera boundaries in real-time, ensuring that only participants in the meeting space are captured. Poly NoiseBlockAI v2 utilizes machine learning technology and advanced noise filtering to eliminate reverberations caused by glass walls and reflective surfaces.

Poly Labs is a new program that provides customers with early access to experimental features. For example, VoiceScoreAI is a program feature that provides an analysis of audio quality in meeting rooms and suggests ways to enhance the overall experience.

HP is enhancing its Poly Lens cloud management platform and private cloud infrastructure with more customized and secure options. Poly Lens Premium includes advanced features like Remote Room Control for IT admins to troubleshoot and resolve issues remotely, saving time and assisting users in meeting rooms. Poly CloudConnect for Zoom Rooms offers participants the flexibility to join Microsoft Teams calls from Zoom Rooms with a robust interface, dual monitor support, and content sharing. Poly PrivateConnect Meeting Control offers greater flexibility and configuration options for customers in secure and controlled video environments using the PrivateConnect cloud infrastructure.

HP is also harnessing its expertise in audio, video, and computing to take video conferencing to the next level to create more meaningful interactions. HP is partnering with Google to bring Project Starline technology to the workplace, delivering a breakthrough communications solution that uses advanced AI and 3D imaging to create an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional video calls. It makes participants feel like they are sitting across the table in the same room. Interested parties can make reservations for priority delivery for the first available units shipping in 2025.

Personalizing Audio and Visual Experiences

As AI enables more immersive experiences at home and in the office, the role audio and visual technologies play has never been more important. 70% of Work Relationship Index respondents say it’s important to have access to technology that allows everybody to be seen and heard regardless of where they are.²⁷ And HP’s broad portfolio of audio and visual solutions equip any environment to make work and play more captivating and enjoyable than ever before.

Versatility Redefined: HyperX Cloud MIX™2

The HyperX Cloud MIX™2 takes flexibility to the next level with personalized, HyperX Signature Sound. Its over-ear headset design featuring plush memory foam earcups and up to 110 hours of battery life via Bluetooth²⁹ offer all-day comfort and power that’s perfect for gaming on the go, music, or work calls. Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation blocks out distractions, and the Transparency feature keeps users aware of surroundings. Dual wireless options – 2.4GHz USB-C dongle and Bluetooth® 5.3 LE Audio ensure seamless connectivity. Enjoy ultra-low latency for gaming and fast-paced activities, with crystal-clear communication thanks to AI-enhanced microphones.

Powering Up Productivity: HP Series 5 Pro

For today’s workers to be successful, the new HP Series 5 Pro Monitors enable productivity for any work environment by providing large canvases for AI workflows and high refresh rates for AI-assisted design and content creation. Featuring eight models ranging in sizes from 23.8 inches to 34 inches, the monitors are the world’s broadest commercial mainstream monitor series with 100W USB-C power delivery.³⁰ The three-sided borderless display with a micro-edge bezel design enables users to seamlessly connect, charge, and power PCs through one USB-C cable for data and video.

The Series 5 Pro portfolio immerses individuals in their work environment and helps limit distractions with integrated AI noise reduction.¹⁷ Collaborate confidently and securely with the integrated Poly Studio 5MP pop-up tiltable webcam, which secures the device easily with the Auto Lock & Awake feature. This capability detects the user’s presence to instantly wake the system and dims or locks the PC when the user walks away.

Pricing and Availability³¹
- The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 Next-Gen AI PC is available now on HP.com starting at $1,449.99.
- The HP EliteBook X 14-inch Next-Gen AI PC is expected to be available on HP.com in December. Pricing will be announced closer to availability.
- Z by HP Boost is expected to be available in early 2025 in the US and UK. Pricing will be available to customers closer to availability.
- Poly Studio X72 is available now for $6,999.
- Poly Studio V72 is expected to be available in late 2024 for $4,999.
- Poly Studio X32 is expected to be available in January 2025. Pricing will be available to customers closer to availability.
- Poly Studio V32 is expected to be available in March 2025. Pricing will be available to customers closer to availability.
- Poly VideoOS 4.4 is expected to be available in November.
- Poly Labs is expected to be available in November.
- Poly Lens Premium is a free trial for all Poly Lens customers and will transition to a paid service in the coming months.
- Poly CloudConnect for Zoom Rooms is available now.
- Poly PrivateConnect Meeting Control is expected to be available in November.
- The HyperX Cloud MIX™2 is expected to be available in late September on HyperX.com for $199.99.
- Select HP Series 5 Pro Monitors are available now at HP.com for a starting price of $192. The full lineup is expected to be available in November.
More information on today’s news at HP Imagine can be found here.

About HP

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.hp.com.

¹ Based on HP’s internal analysis of next-gen AI business notebooks with a 40-60 TOPS NPU with pre-installed encryption, authentication, malware protection and BIOS-level protection and passing MIL-STD testing. Most powerful based on 55 TOPS NPU and up to 64GB LPDDR5x-8000MT/s memory as of September 2024.
² Features and software that require a NPU may require software purchase, subscription or enablement by a software or platform provider, and third-party software may have specific configuration or compatibility requirements. Potential NPU inferencing performance varies by use, configuration, and other factors.
³ Based on HP’s internal analysis of video conferencing solutions dedicated to the sole purpose of collaborating with in-room and remote audiences. Video conferencing solutions include modular and video bar room types defined as Bring-your-own-device (BYOD), PC-based with Zoom and Teams certifications, and all-in-one (includes built-in microphones, speakers, camera, and cloud video apps). Sizes are defined as small, medium, and large as advertised. Pending availability of pre-announced products – Poly Studio E360, Poly Studio V72, Poly Studio X32, and Poly Studio V32. Analysis done on 7/31/24.
⁴ Based on HP’s internal analysis of OEM branded workstation software that can access a networked workstation GPU directly instead of the entire workstation for processing intense data science GPU enabled workloads. Workstations defined as having a minimum 3 ISV certs, configurable professional graphics, and a dedicated workstation brand as of September 2024.
⁵ All performance specifications represent the typical specifications provided by HP’s component manufacturers; actual performance may vary either higher or lower.
⁶ HP internal analysis based on all Next Gen AI convertible PCs in the market as of September 2024.
⁷ Multi-core is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. Performance and clock frequency will vary depending on application workload and your hardware and software configurations. Intel’s numbering is not a measurement of clock speed.
⁸ Features and software that require a NPU may require software purchase, subscription or enablement by a software or platform provider, and third-party software may have specific configuration or compatibility requirements. Potential NPU inferencing performance varies by use, configuration, software and other factors.
⁹ Battery life tested by HP using continuous FHD video playback, 1080p (1920×1080) resolution, 200 nits brightness, system audio level as image default, player audio level at 100%, played full-screen from local storage, headphone attached or through speaker (if no audio jack port), wireless on but not connected. Actual battery life will vary depending on configuration and maximum capacity will naturally decrease with time and usage.
¹⁰ Based on HP Wolf Security support, which includes a hardened HP BIOS with HP Sure Start and Endpoint Security Controller (ESC). Select capabilities require BIOS configuration.
¹¹ McAfee Deepfake Detection is offered as a 30-day trial feature in addition to the McAfee pre-installed trial. Account subscription required. Must login to the McAfee app and activate the Deep Fake detection feature by consenting to install a browser extension. After trial expiration customers will have an option to add the Deepfake Detection feature with an in-app toggle at any time.
¹² Laptops manufactured with recycled ocean-bound plastic material in product speaker enclosures, recycled aluminum material in product cover and post-consumer recycled plastic in keycaps. Percentage of material contained in each component varies by product.
¹³ See www.epeat.net for registration status and tier levels by country.
¹⁴ Multicore is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. Performance and clock frequency will vary depending on application workload and your hardware and software configurations. AMD’s numbering, branding and/or naming is not a measurement of higher performance.
¹⁵ Smart Sense requires the myHP app and Windows 11 OS. Features may vary by platform.
¹⁶ Requires myHP application and Windows OS.
¹⁷ Based on HP’s unique and comprehensive security capabilities at no additional cost among next gen AI business PCs with a 40-60 TOPS NPU as of September 2024.
¹⁸ Based on HP’s internal analysis of next gen AI PCs with a 40-60 TOPS NPU with a quantum-resistant cryptographic scheme to protect the integrity of UEFI BIOS firmware as of August 2024.
¹⁹ Requires Windows 10 or higher. For supported HP PCs with the latest HP Endpoint Security Controller (Gen 5), click here.
²⁰ Applies to HP PCs, Workstations, and Displays manufactured after January 2019. Based on most Gold and Silver (including Climate+) EPEAT® registrations and according to IEEE 1680.1-2018 EPEAT®. Status varies by country. Visit www.epeat.net for more information.
²¹ Recycled metal is expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the metal according to ISO 14021 definitions for metal parts over 25 grams. Percent of recycled material varies by product.
²² HP EliteBook X bezel contains at least 20% resin that is partially derived from bio-waste such as used cooking oil. Manufactured according to the mass balance approach.
²³ HP AI Companion is available preloaded on select HP next gen AI PCs or is available for download from the Microsoft store and requires a HP next gen AI PC with a NPU supporting 40-60 TOPS and requires Windows 11. Perform requires account setup within 30 days of PC boot or enrollment through the HP AI Companion app. Some features require customer upload of local data. Five (5) library 100MB limit each, supported files may vary at launch include pdf, .txt., .docx files.
²⁴ Requires Windows OS.
²⁵AI Trends in Data Science Report. July 2024.
²⁶ Based on HP’s internal analysis of OEMs for workstations with a minimum 3 ISV certs, configurable professional graphics, and a dedicated workstation brand that designs and develops its own software for AI development, an AI team collaboration tool, data science management software with GUI and offers a workstation OEM curated data science software stack as of Feb 2024.
²⁷2024 HP Work Relationship Index.
²⁸ Based on HP’s internal analysis of video conferencing solutions dedicated to the sole purpose of collaborating with in-room and remote audiences. Video conferencing solutions include modular and vi
deo bar room types defined as Bring-your-own-device (BYOD), PC-based with Zoom and Teams certifications, and all-in-one (includes built-in microphones, speakers, camera, and cloud video apps). Sizes are defined as small, medium, and large as advertised. Pending availability of pre-announced products – Poly Studio E360, Poly Studio V72, Poly Studio X32, and Poly Studio V32. Analysis done on 7/31/24.
²⁹ On a single charge using Bluetooth mode with ANC off. Battery life is an estimate and varies depending on many factors, including number of active, idle and asleep hours of use, number of applications running, environmental conditions and features used; actual battery life will vary with usage and environmental condition. The maximum capacity of battery will naturally decrease with time and usage.
³⁰ Based on HP’s internal analysis of a commercial mainstream monitor series of two or more monitors with similar features, marketed under the same brand, from the same manufacturer in different sizes between 22″-34″ and an online list price of $150-$800 as of September 2024 with 100W USB-C Power Delivery. Broadest refers to most displays in a series. 100W USB-C power delivery refers to an integrated USB-C port on the monitor that can deliver 100W of power to a connected device and is not branded as Thunderbolt. Commercial mainstream refers to a category of business-class displays in the same size and price range that are marketed for general office or home office use as opposed to gaming, creative or specialist use.
³¹ Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/356d94b1-275b-47b6-aac7-296f17c7f856

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0510cad4-fd9a-4cd2-8eb5-b1cc253cac00

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fbcf6100-2690-4ed8-9e7b-81367d06993b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99e0fffe-88e0-49c3-ae23-bc7eb1677981

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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99db5234-b7b4-4c56-9ab9-f57f800b3cd8

The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Economics: 3 imagery updates to Google Earth and Maps
Source: Google

Our world is in constant motion. Cities expand, landscapes evolve and the climate continues to reshape our globe. To help people visualize these changes and learn more about the world around them, we’re announcing new updates to Google Earth and Street View.

Travel back in time with Earth — and plan projects more efficiently

Maybe you want to travel back in time and see what your neighborhood looked like decades ago. Or you want to understand how forests have been affected by human activity and the changing climate. All of this will soon be possible thanks to our new historical imagery in Google Earth on web and mobile, which makes it easy to explore our library of satellite and aerial imagery — some of which goes as far back as 80 years.

When exploring, you’ll see a sharp contrast in how geography has evolved in many places. Take this 2018 image of Lake Oroville, a reservoir in northern California that saw significant water reduction after multi-year droughts. Compare that with its 2023 image, which shows how a series of rains gradually filled the reservoir back to maximum capacity — providing water storage, electricity from power generation and a space for water activities, like swimming and kayaking. Historical imagery allows you to follow the lake’s evolution in striking detail.

Lake Oroville experienced dire levels of water reduction (2018). By 2023, a series of rains gradually filled the reservoir back to maximum capacity.

Historical imagery can also show dramatic changes over longer periods of time. In places like London, Berlin, Warsaw and Paris, you can even explore imagery from as far back as the 1930s. For example, below is a black-and-white photo of San Francisco in 1938, taken by Oakland Airport pilots. During this period, you can see that ports were mainly used for shipping and industry — compared to the 2022 image, where you see the piers dotted with restaurants and cruise ships docked in the harbor. Want to browse even more of the world’s changes? Check out Timelapse in Google Earth, an interactive experience built from millions of satellite images showing a stunning visualization of how our planet is changing over time.

San Francisco in 1938, compared to San Francisco in 2022. Available in Google Earth historical imagery.

In addition to helping you browse Earth’s changes, we’re also making it easier for researchers and organizations to use Google Earth for projects, like creating custom maps. Soon we’ll start showing projects right from a newly designed home screen in Google Earth, making it even easier to collaborate with your teams. You can learn more about these updates on our developer blog.

Expanding Street View imagery in nearly 80 countries

While Google Earth has a vast repository of satellite and aerial imagery, Street View displays over 280 billion images collected from our Street View cars and trekkers. With Street View, you can virtually explore every continent right from your living room — and even places like the Great Barrier Reef and the International Space Station. Now, we’re launching one of the biggest updates to Street View yet, with new imagery in almost 80 countries — some of which will have Street View imagery for the very first time.

You’ll be able to explore the picturesque countryside of Bosnia and its medieval villages, the sandy mountains surrounding the capital of Namibia, the alps and castles of Liechtenstein and the beautiful rivers of Paraguay. You can even virtually wander the streets of foreign cities to see shops and buildings up close.

Street View imagery taken from the bridge overlooking Diamond Beach in southeast Iceland, where icebergs float in the water.

Keep an eye out for updated Street View images from around the world, in countries like Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Iceland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Rwanda, Serbia, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Uruguay and many more. And our newest camera — just 15 pounds and mountable on any car — will make it easier for us to bring Street View to even more places in the future. As our planet changes, this updated imagery helps keep the map fresh for people everywhere.

Here are just a few Street View images we captured this year:
Street View image of Disappointment Bay, Tasmania

Street View image of Fukue Island, Japan

Street View image of Logstor, Denmark

Street View image of Skane county, Denmark

Street View image of Quai d’Honneur, France

Street View image of Mokau, New Zealand

Street View image of Tasman, New Zealand

Street View image of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Street View image of Oaxaca, Mexico
Sharpening imagery with new AI models

In addition to making imagery available in more places, we’re sharpening satellite imagery across Google Earth and Maps. Starting this week, you’ll see a brighter, more vibrant globe made possible thanks to our cloud-removal technology. We’ve used our Cloud Score+ AI model, trained on millions of images, to recognize and remove things like clouds, cloud shadows, haze and mist. At the same time, this model keeps real-world weather patterns — like ice, snow and mountain shadows — visible on the map. The result is a refreshed global mosaic that gives you a clearer, more accurate look at Earth.

Egypt’s Toshka Lakes, recently formed in the Sahara Desert from Lake Nasser overflow. Composite image enhanced with Cloud Score+ .

These updates help us understand our planet’s past and present, while also offering an expanded, more beautiful view of our world.

POSTED IN:
MIL OSI Economics –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Canada: Ehealth Saskatchewan and SGEU Local 1579 Ratify Memorandum of Agreement

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on September 24, 2024

A Memorandum of Agreement between eHealth Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) Local 1579 has been ratified by both parties.

The agreement provides annual wage increases of 3 per cent, 3 per cent and 1.67 per cent. The renewed collective agreement is effective from Oct. 1, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2025.

“I am pleased with the level of commitment and efficiency demonstrated by both parties to reach an agreement after only seven months of bargaining, followed by a quick ratification process,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “The end result is an agreement that is fair and beneficial to both the employees and eHealth Saskatchewan.”

SGEU Local 1579 represents about 650 employees of eHealth Saskatchewan. The majority provide IT and related support to the health system province-wide; others provide health cards and Vital Statistics services, or work in administrative and other organizational support roles.

The last agreement expired Sept. 30, 2022.

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For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Former Emergency Physician Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

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

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former medical director at an Ohio health care system pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to possessing child pornography.

Garrett Norvell, 44, of Westerville, was charged by a bill of information and appeared in federal court this morning to enter his guilty plea.

According to court documents, in June 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted an international investigation targeting offenders who used dark web sites and forums dedicated to the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

HSI Boston and the FBI obtained information from Norvell’s IP address that showed that, in April 2019, Norvell had an account username and password for a website that offered child pornography of girls 4 to 14 years old.

At the time of the investigation, Norvell served as the medical director of OhioHealth in Ashland, Ohio. He previously worked as an emergency medicine physician at OhioHealth.

In February 2022, agents with HSI and the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force executed a search warrant on Norvell’s person at the Emergency Care Center at OhioHealth in Ashland and seized his phone, laptop, tablet and a thumb drive. Less than a week later, Norvell was removed from all OhioHealth services and facilities and a State Medical Board of Ohio investigation was initiated. In March 2022, Norvell permanently surrendered his license to practice medicine in Ohio.

Forensic analysis of Norvell’s electronics revealed at least 18 files of child pornography, including “Pre-Teen Hard Core” content.

Norvell admitted had an addiction to child pornography and had been watching child pornography since he was approximately 21 years old. He said in interviews that the youngest victim he had viewed in a pornographic setting was an infant.

Norvell pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography of prepubescent minors, a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Congress sets the maximum statutory sentences, and sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.

Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Angie Salazar, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Detroit; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Cincinnati; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin; Stephanie Loucka, Executive Director of the Ohio State Medical Board; and other members of the Franklin County ICAC Task Force announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski and Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill are representing the United States in this case.

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MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Cortez Masto Announce Nearly A Million Dollars in Federal Funding for Nevada Law Enforcement

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
This Funding Will Be Used By Law Enforcement Agencies To Hire More Officers, Purchase Essential Equipment, And Invest In Officer Mental Health
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) announced nearly one million dollars in federal funding for law enforcement agencies across Nevada to help them hire more officers, purchase essential equipment, and invest in officer mental health. The funding for these awards is made through the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program, Tribal Resources Grant Program, and Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA), all of which offer various grant programs to support state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies. Earlier this year, Rosen-backed bipartisan legislation to expand the COPS Hiring Program was signed into law.
“Nevada law enforcement works around the clock to fight crime, respond to emergencies, and keep our communities safe. That’s why I’ve been working across the aisle in the Senate to support them with the federal resources they need to do their jobs effectively and maintain their well-being,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to announce this federal funding is coming to law enforcement agencies across our state to help hire more officers, purchase equipment, and improve officer mental health and wellness.”
“From hiring more police officers and purchasing new equipment to funding mental health programs, I’ll always fight to support our law enforcement,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The COPS Office has a long history of helping keep our communities safe, and I’m proud of my work to bring as many of these resources as possible into the Silver State.”
“I would like to thank Senator Rosen and our entire congressional delegation for their continued support in protecting the citizens and businesses of Sparks,” said Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawford. “This will allow the Sparks Police Department to build a team of officers to improve upon our crime reduction strategies.”
“This grant will enhance the City’s ongoing commitment to providing vital mental health and wellness services to the men and women of the Henderson Police Department. We are grateful to Senator Rosen and the other members of Nevada’s congressional delegation for their support of our grant application and for this funding which will be used to assist officers and their families as they approach retirement and prepare to successfully transition from their law enforcement careers,” said Henderson Mayor Michelle Romero. “Studies have shown that police officers may be at a greater risk of experiencing challenges related to their mental well-being as they get ready to retire and this grant will help ensure we are offering those who serve and protect our community the full assistance they and their families need.”
“The Lovelock Paiute Tribal Police Department is excited to announce that we have been selected and awarded the US DOJ COPS grant,” said Lovelock Colony Chief of Police Jeff G. Perry. “With the collaborative effort of our Tribal Police Department, Lovelock Paiute Tribal Council, Tribal Administrator, the grant award will be utilized to sufficiently staff 24-hour service to the Lovelock Indian Colony. This will increase safety efforts along with our proposed Lovelock Indian Colony Camera Program (LICCP). Our camera program will significantly reduce criminal activity and trespassing on the colony along with better staffing support towards future community policing services. These interactions will be positive and proactive in ways that build trust and cooperation among the residents and all who visit the Lovelock Indian Colony. Our proposal is to re-establish all components of the neighborhood watch program. Officers will again utilize teams, zones, area captains and area officers. In addition, this program will help to reduce the non-tribal criminal activity on the colony. Without this funding, we could not have achieved to operate at this capacity and continue our community-oriented policing efforts to greatly reduce criminal activity.”
The awards are being distributed as follows:
$500,000 from the COPS Hiring Program for the Sparks Police Department to hire more officers.
$353,063 from the Tribal Resources Grant Program for the Lovelock Paiute Tribe to hire officers and invest in equipment.
$43,308 from the LEMHWA Program for the City of Henderson’s mental health and wellness projects for law enforcement officers.
Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto have been advocating to ensure Nevada’s law enforcement community has the resources it needs. Last year, they announced more than $1 million in COPS funding for Nevada law enforcement and public safety. Last month, they also highlighted nearly $1 million in federal community project funding they secured to provide mental health training and support to thousands of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Earlier this month, bipartisan legislation that Senator Rosen co-sponsored to fund family support and mental health services for law enforcement officers passed the Senate. Senator Cortez Masto’s bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to police officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Armed Forces Veterans given social housing exemption
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

UK Armed Forces Veterans to be given better access to social housing.
Further support to house UK Armed Forces Veterans in housing need.

Domestic abuse victims and care leavers under 25 to be exempt from any ‘local connection’ requirements.

Government has pledged the biggest boost to affordable and social housing in a generation.

All UK Armed Forces Veterans will be exempt from rules which require a connection to a local area before accessing social housing. This is in line with the manifesto commitment to strengthen support for our Armed Forces communities and to ensure veterans have access to the housing support they need.

Whilst not mandatory, the vast majority of councils (89%) have a local connection or residency test in place to determine who can qualify for social housing. These changes will mean that where such requirements are in place, veterans are not unfairly penalised.

Other groups who can have difficulty demonstrating a local connection – care leavers and domestic abuse victims – will also be exempt from the rule. This delivers on the commitment in the response to the consultation on social housing allocations, published earlier this month, to support the most vulnerable to access social housing.

The government is writing today to councils to remind them they should prioritise veterans, care leavers and domestic abuse survivors for social housing. Regulations will be brought forward in due course, with Ministers hosting roundtables with the sector to explore the detail of these changes.

Already the government has given councils more flexibility to use their Right to Buy receipts to build and buy more social homes and allocated an additional £450 million for councils to secure homes for families at risk of homelessness.

Further plans will be set out at the next fiscal event to give councils and housing associations the rent stability they need to be able to borrow and invest in both new and existing homes.

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Published 24 September 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Canada: Manitoba Government Helping More Women Get Screened for Breast Cancer

Source: Government of Canada regional news

September 24, 2024

Manitoba Government Helping More Women Get Screened for Breast Cancer

The Manitoba government is helping more people get screened for breast cancer with a plan to progressively lower the age for self-referrals to 40 from 50, beginning with a commitment to get to age 45 by the end of next year, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.

“Breast cancer has touched the lives of so many people in this province,” said Asagwara. “As we lower the screening age in Manitoba, it’s critical that the system has what it needs to meet a higher demand. This will ensure that vulnerable people – especially marginalized and low-income women – are able to access the care they need. The previous government’s disregard for women’s health and cuts to health care caused limited capacity for breast cancer screening. As we rebuild this capacity, we’re taking a comprehensive and thoughtful approach so both patients and health-care staff are supported.”

CancerCare Manitoba has been working with health system partners to hire more mammography technologists and increase screening appointments for individuals aged 50 to 74. Additional breast screening clinics will be added as targets and staffing requirements are met, noted the minister. When fully expanded, the breast screening program will nearly double its capacity to over 80,000 screening mammograms per year.

“With this change, CancerCare Manitoba’s breast screening program will be providing more mammograms closer to home and with care to providing culturally sensitive and appropriate services,” said Sri Navaratnam, president and CEO, CancerCare Manitoba. “Our priority will be increasing access for people who are typically underserved by the health-care system and we are grateful for the province’s support and commitment to equitable care for Manitobans.”

“Screening for breast cancer is an important service that can be crucial to ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment for patients,” said Dr. Duncan Inglis, surgeon and medical director, Breast Health Centre. “Expanding breast screening to more Manitobans will save lives and we look forward to working with our partners at CancerCare Manitoba to deliver this service to the people who need them in a timely manner.”

“I am glad to see that increasing access to breast cancer screening is a focus,” said Mayor Frances McIvor, Wabowden, a member of Peguis First Nation. “As a breast cancer survivor I feel it is important to be able to provide increased access to mammograms to people in their communities and I am looking forward to encouraging many of the women I know to attend.”

– 30 –

MIL OSI Canada News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Video: Foreign Press Center Briefing on “Reforming the UN Security Council

Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

Washington Foreign Press Center Briefing on Reforming the UN Security Council with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, on September 18, 2024.

The mission of the Foreign Press Centers is to assist foreign media in their coverage of the United States by providing firsthand access to both government and non-government experts to gain a deeper understanding of U.S. politics, history, values, and culture. The views expressed by briefers not affiliated with the Department of State or U.S. government are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of State or the U.S. government. Participation in Foreign Press Center programming by briefers not affiliated with the Department of State or U.S. government does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation of their views.

———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ7WqiNfaL8

MIL OSI Video –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Canada: Economic growth during uncertain times

Source: Bank of Canada

Good afternoon. I want to thank the Institute of International Finance and the Canadian Bankers Association for inviting me to take part in your 2024 Forum.

Your focus on growth during uncertainty is timely. Uncertainty feels like the new reality: The uncertainty caused by war in Europe and in the Middle East. The uncertainties arising from geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation. And the related uncertainties about supply chains, trading relationships and global investment risks.

Rapid advances in new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and its new offspring, Generative-AI, are disrupting business models and creating new uncertainties for firms and workers.

Uncertainty surrounds the impacts of climate change and the policy frameworks to adapt to and mitigate it.

There is political uncertainty. And fiscal uncertainty.

As your theme implies, uncertainty and economic growth do not sit well together: uncertainty impedes growth.

But with inspired policy, good business decisions and sound risk management, we can manage uncertainty and reduce its impact on households, businesses and growth. We have recent historical evidence.

Sixteen years ago this month, Lehman Brothers failed, and the financial system froze because nobody knew which banks were safe. Today, the global financial system is much safer thanks to the implementation of sweeping global reforms to increase capital and liquidity buffers, and reduce leverage.

With the rapid development of new vaccines and with exceptional fiscal and monetary policies, uncertainty about our health and the health of our economies has decreased dramatically since the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to decisive monetary policy action and the unblocking of supply chains, uncertainty about costs and inflation are much lower today than two years ago, when inflation peaked above 8% in Canada and was even higher in many other countries.

In the past few weeks, I have given speeches on the shifting global trade landscape and the economic implications and risks of rapid advances in artificial intelligence. These are two key areas where we can reduce uncertainty through good policy and far-sighted business leadership.

At the same time, we need to recognize that new uncertainties are a new reality, and we must be ready for the inevitable shocks in a more turbulent world. That puts a priority on risk management and investments in resilience.

A key function of financial institutions is to help households and businesses manage the risks they face. Financial institutions also have a responsibility to manage their own risks prudently so that they do not themselves become a source of uncertainty and instability.

As Canada’s central bank, we have a role to play in mitigating and managing risks and uncertainty. Our primary mandate is price stability—in other words, low, stable and predictable inflation. We also have mandates to foster a stable financial system and ensure safe and efficient payments.

Let me say a few words on financial stability and payments. And then I’ll finish with some thoughts on monetary policy.

Our financial stability focus is on risks that could lead to system-wide stress. And we publish these findings in our annual Financial Stability Report (FSR).

In our most recent FSR, published in May, we reported that Canadian mortgage holders had experienced a modest increase in levels of financial stress. Since then, we’ve observed that arrears on mortgages have continued to rise, although they remain below pre-pandemic levels. It also appears that these households have not leaned on revolving credit products such as lines of credit and credit cards to a greater degree than before the pandemic.

But there is a notable increase in financial stress among borrowers without a mortgage, mainly renters. During the pandemic, for most credit products, the share of these borrowers missing payments reached historical lows. However, we’re now seeing a larger share of these borrowers lagging behind on credit card and auto loan payments. Over the past year the share of borrowers without a mortgage who carry a credit card balance of at least 90% of their credit limit has continued to climb. And this share is now above typical historical levels. This is concerning.

Our responsibilities related to payments require us to adapt to increasing digitalization. Innovation in payments continues to accelerate.

In 2021, the Bank assumed a new mandate for the supervision of retail payment service providers. Starting November 1^st of this year, more than 3,000 service providers will need to register with the Bank and follow new rules aimed at safeguarding consumers and protecting the integrity of retail payments.

We are also looking at the bigger picture of payment innovation, both in Canada and around the world. As part of this work, in the past few years we’ve built an extensive body of knowledge about the framework and technology behind a possible central bank digital currency (CBDC), including the benefits and risks.

But recognizing that there is not currently a compelling case to move forward with a CBDC in Canada, the Bank is scaling down its work on a retail central bank digital currency and shifting its focus to broader payments system research and policy development. The Bank will continue to monitor global retail CBDC developments. And the Bank will be ready to ensure Canadians always have a safe and secure supply of public money.

Now, let me circle back to monetary policy.

In June, we began lowering our policy interest rate. We cut the policy rate at our last three decisions, for a cumulative decline of 75 basis points to 4.25%.

Our most recent decision on September 4^th reflected two main considerations.

First, we noted that headline and core inflation had continued to ease as expected. Second, we said that as inflation gets closer to target, we want to see economic growth pick up to absorb the slack in the economy.

Since then, we’ve been pleased to see inflation come all the way back to the 2% target. It has been a long journey. Now we want to keep inflation close to the centre of the 1%–3% inflation-control band. We need to stick the landing.

What does this mean for interest rates? With the continued progress we’ve seen on inflation, it is reasonable to expect further cuts in our policy rate. The timing and pace will be determined by incoming data and our assessment of what those data mean for future inflation.

As always, we try to be as clear as we can about what we are watching as we chart the course for monetary policy.

Economic growth picked up in the first half of this year, and we want to see it strengthen further so that inflation stays close to the 2% target. Some recent indicators suggest growth may not be as strong as we expected. We will be closely watching consumer spending, as well as business hiring and investment.

We will also be looking for continued easing in core inflation, which is still a little above 2%. Shelter cost inflation remains elevated but has started to come down, and we are looking for it to moderate further.

Our next decision is October 23^rd. And we will have a revised economic outlook at that time.

With those introductory thoughts, let’s get the discussion started.

I would like to thank Russell Barnett, Claudia Godbout and Brian Peterson for their help in preparing these remarks.

MIL OSI Canada News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Scholten Celebrates Fully Funded Grant for Catherine’s Health

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

WASHINGTON – Following strong support from Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Catherine’s Health was awarded the full grant amount from the Health Resources and Services Administration. The funding will expand the federally qualified health center’s behavioral health services.
“West Michigan’s behavioral health system is strained due to the rising number of incoming patients coupled with the closure of clinics. This grant funding will help Catherine’s Health become part of the solution to the mental health crisis facing our community,” said Rep. Scholten. “I supported Catherine’s through this grant process because I know their primary care infrastructure, coupled with their family planning and dental services, make their practice the perfect fit for this expansion. With the ability to better treat substance abuse disorders and support individuals struggling with their mental health, Catherine’s will make a life-saving impact for West Michiganders, especially those experiencing homelessness. I am proud to have played a role in bringing these grant dollars home.”

“This funding will expand access to essential behavioral health services in our community while also transforming Catherine’s ability to provide holistic care to the unhoused,” said Megan Erskine, Catherine’s Health CEO. “Catherine’s thanks Congresswoman Scholten for her continued support of Federally Qualified Health Centers and the role they play in America’s primary care safety net.”

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Trahan Slams Extreme Project 2025 Proposals During Speech on House Floor

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Co-Chair Lori Trahan (MA-03) spoke on the House floor ripping the dangerous proposals laid out in Project 2025, the blueprint for the next Republican president to eliminate presidential checks and balances, roll back women’s reproductive freedoms, and gut the middle class.

“Project 2025 will take us backwards to a time where life was great if you were wealthy or well-connected. But that same time was hard – it was hard for workers and parents like mine who wanted nothing more than to give their kids a better life than they had,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “That’s why I’m here to tell you that we can’t and we won’t go back. House Democrats will move our country forward with a vision where people are proud to be an American again.”

Footage of Trahan’s remarks on the House floor can be accessed HERE or by clicking the image below. A transcript of her remarks as delivered is embedded.

——————————————

Congresswoman Lori Trahan

Remarks as Delivered

Floor Speech on Project 2025

September 24, 2024

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sound the alarm about the dangerous and extreme policies put forward in Project 2025, the self-described blueprint for the Republican president to take over total control of the federal government and our lives. Spanning more than 900 pages, Project 2025 lays out not a concept of a plan, but a plan, for Donald Trump or another GOP president to ignore the Constitution and unilaterally turn back the clock on working families, on women, and on our children.

For families, Project 2025 calls to eliminate overtime pay and kick people with pre-existing conditions off their health care insurance. For women and girls, Project 2025 calls for taking the Republican abortion bans that are devastating women in Georgia and Texas and jeopardizing IVF in Alabama – and doing the same nationally. And for our children, Project 2025 calls for eliminating the Department of Education and defunding our public schools.

Each and every one of these proposals would have been devastating for millions of Americans. I know that, Mr. Speaker, because every one of them would have ruined my life.

My dad was a union ironworker. He picked up overtime whenever possible so that he could keep a roof over our heads and put food on the table. Like so many families, Project 2025 taking away the chance to work overtime could have meant us losing our home or going to bed hungry.

And when my dad was diagnosed with MS at just 48 years old, he needed his health insurance to visit the doctor and afford his medications. Project 2025 allowing an insurance corporation to kick him off his health care coverage just because he was sick would have been a death sentence, just as it could be for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions.

When my husband and I decided to start our family but struggled to get pregnant, we were forced to turn to IVF, and we were so fortunate to have our two beautiful daughters. But as we saw in Alabama, Project 2025’s proposals that endanger IVF fertility treatments can be physically and mentally debilitating for couples turning to fertility treatment as their last hope.

Finally, I am the proud product of Lowell Public Schools from elementary to high school. Like any public school student, I can tell you so many stories of teachers who made the most of the little resources they had to give us every opportunity to succeed. Ripping that lifeline away from working families, as Project 2025 proposes, is a horrible idea plain and simple.

Project 2025 will take us backwards to a time where life was great if you were wealthy or well-connected. But that same time was hard – it was hard for workers and parents like mine who wanted nothing more than to give their kids a better life than they had. That’s why I’m here to tell you that we can’t and we won’t go back.

House Democrats will move our country forward with a vision where people are proud to be an American again – proud because working families aren’t just getting by or making ends meet, but getting ahead. Because women have the freedom to make their own health care decisions without the fear of politicians getting in the way. And because our children can go to class and thrive while us moms and dads don’t have to worry about their school being defunded or worse, the next target of a deranged mass shooter.

That should be something all of us can get behind. And it’s why I urge my Republican colleagues: Reject Project 2025, and work with us to build a future where people have every chance to get ahead.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Colleagues’ Bill to Strengthen Cross-Border Trade, Guard Against Terrorism Heads to President’s Desk

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Carper (D-DE), James Lankford (R-OK), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements after their legislation to create a pilot program to strengthen the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program passed the House and now heads to the President’s desk:

“In order for America to remain competitive in global markets, we must ensure our ports are open, efficient, and secure,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would allow additional trusted trading partners to expedite shipments important to Texas’ economy while protecting against illegal goods and national security threats, and I urge the President to swiftly sign it into law.”

“I am proud that the bipartisan Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Pilot Program Act passed in the House,” said Sen. Carper. “This commonsense bill will improve the reliability and efficiency of our supply chains in expediting the customs clearance process for trusted merchants. When President Biden signs this bill into law, the CTPAT Pilot Program will help reduce congestion at ports of entry and strengthen our national security.”

“America’s supply chain security is essential to keeping food on the table and businesses up and running,” said Sen. Lankford. “This bill will create a new pilot program to strengthen standards for border security while streamlining our trade with other nations, and I look forward to seeing it become law in the days ahead.”

“This bipartisan bill offers a commonsense approach that will both protect our national security and strengthen our supply chains,” said Sen. Hassan. “I’m pleased that it will now head to the President’s desk, as we continue to work together to help U.S. businesses thrive and outcompete the world.”

The legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Robert Menendez (NJ-08).

Background:

CTPAT was created as a part of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 to support secure cross-border trade through a fast-track, customs clearance process for trusted merchants who voluntarily submit themselves to enhanced security screening measures. The legislation would create a pilot program that would allow up to 20 trusted non-asset and asset based, third-party logistic providers (3PLs) to become CTPAT certified. The carrier companies would work with Customs and Border Protection to become CTPAT certified by meeting additional security requirements and participating in inspections throughout the cargo transit process.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Bipartisan Group Of Senators Urge Supreme Court To Maintain Strength Of Landmark Criminal Justice Reform Provision in HEWITT V. U.S.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
09.23.24

In an amicus brief, the Senators encourage the justices to reject a Fifth Circuit interpretation that narrows the scope of a First Step Act provision reducing the length of mandatory minimums and modifying minimum sentencing enhancements

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led fellow Senate Judiciary Committee colleagues U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mike Lee (R-UT) in submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in Hewitt v. United States. The brief deals with the Senators’ landmark 2018 bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation—the First Step Act (FSA)—and provisions reducing the length of mandatory minimums and modifying minimum sentencing enhancements.

The Supreme Court granted certiorari in Hewitt and Duffey on July 2, 2024, and consolidated the two cases, both of which arise out of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In the brief, the Senators encourage the Court to clarify Section 403 applies to defendants who were sentenced before the Act was passed but whose cases were vacated and remanded for resentencing after the Act was enacted. Federal circuit courts are split on this question, which could lead to radically different sentences for similarly-situated defendants.

The Senators said: “The answer, unequivocally, is yes.”

The Senators continued, writing: “In designing the First Step Act, Congress sought to ensure that individuals who committed an offense before the Act was enacted, but who were not yet subject to a sentence for that offense, would benefit from Section 403. That group, as Congress conceived of it, includes both individuals facing an initial sentencing proceeding as well as individuals facing resentencing following vacatur of a prior sentence.”

The Senators urged the Supreme Court to reject the Fifth Circuit’s faulty interpretation, writing: “There is no principled basis, much less a textual basis, on which to differentiate between defendants whose prior sentences were vacated and those being sentenced for the first time. The interpretation adopted by the Fifth Circuit, which the Executive Branch itself rejects, is flatly inconsistent with the concept of vacatur, finds no support in the First Step Act’s text, contradicts the purpose of the Act, and produces outcomes that undermine the fairness and legitimacy of the criminal justice system. This reading of Section 403 is inconsistent with Congress’ intent as reflected in its chosen text.”

Click here for the Senators’ full amicus brief.

Championed by Durbin, Grassley, Booker, and Lee, the First Step Act was signed into law in 2018 and serves as a beacon for “smart on crime” policies. The law makes the Fair Sentencing Act’s reforms retroactive, as well as:

Requires the Department of Justice to develop a risk and needs assessment system to assess the recidivism risk of all prisoners, place them in programs and activities to reduce risk, and permit early transition into prerelease custody based on earned time credits;

Reduces mandatory minimum sentences for some drug trafficking offenses;

Expands the safety valve to allow judges to sentence low-level, nonviolent drug offenders with minor criminal histories to less than the required mandatory minimums; and

Authorizes incarcerated individuals to file compassionate release motions in federal court.

As noted at a hearing earlier this year, these reforms have been tremendously successful. Of the 44,671 incarcerated adults released under First Step Act reforms through January 2024, only 9.7 percent have been arrested for new crimes. By comparison, the overall Bureau of Prisons recidivism rate currently stands at around 43 percent. To date, there have been 4,146 retroactive sentence reductions and 4,756 compassionate release motions granted.

-30-
MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Educational Activities in Space

Source: NASA

As students of all ages returned to school this month, crew members on the International Space Station continue to conduct a variety of educational programs and activities that support learning on the ground. These efforts are part of a wider commitment at NASA to engage, inspire, and attract future generations of explorers and to build a diverse future workforce equipped with skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

One current activity is Robo-Pro Challenge 5, an educational program hosted by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) in cooperation with NASA. For the challenge, students create software programs to control NASA’s Astrobee and JAXA’s Internal Ball Camera, using image processing to move the free-flying robots through a series of coordinates to a target point. The challenge helps support computing and coding curricula, and the hands-on experience inspires the study of STEM subjects.

Genes in Space is a national contest for students in grades 7 through 12 to design DNA analysis experiments for the space station. It is sponsored by the ISS National Lab and New England Biolabs in collaboration with Boeing and miniPCR bio. There have been more than a dozen contests to date, many producing significant results.
Genes in Space-5 provided proof of concept of simultaneously amplifying multiple DNA sequences in space, expanding the possibilities for in-flight research and health monitoring.
Genes in Space-6 used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing for the first time in space, using the technique to generate breaks in the DNA of a common yeast, direct a method to repair the breaks, and sequence the patched-up DNA to determine whether its original order was restored.

Genes in Space-9 validated technology used to synthesize proteins without needing living cells. This technique could produce proteins for research, vaccines, and development of diagnostic tests for environmental contaminants and infectious agents. Ultimately, such synthesis also could enable portable, low-cost devices for health monitoring, detection of environmental hazards on Earth and in space, and other applications.

In addition to the Robo-Pro challenge, several other programs involve student coding. AstroPi, a program from ESA (European Space Agency), uses special computers, one equipped with an infrared camera and the other with a standard visible spectrum camera. European students write programs for the computers that address specific challenges such as measurement and calibration and image processing. One project successfully identified and computed the horizontal wavelengths of atmospheric gravity waves in clouds.

Zero Robotics also is a competition where students write software to control one of the Astrobees, co-led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Innovation Learning Center, and other collaborators. Finalists have their code downloaded to the Astrobee platform and can observe its performance in space.

High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware, or HUNCH, is a learning program where high school students design and fabricate real-world products for NASA. More than 2,500 students have participated to date, flying some 3,000 products to space, including a tape dispenser that can be operated with one hand, footpads, sleeping pad liners, and orange blackberry croissants and other food products.

Through ISS Ham Radio, a collaboration with Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, students use ham radio to ask astronauts questions about life in space, career opportunities, and other space-related topics. Participating teachers report that the program has a significant and positive impact on students, increasing interest in all STEM areas. The experiences also help students make real-world connections among disciplines, learn problem-solving, and hone communication skills. To date, more than 100 crew members have communicated with over 1 million students from 49 U.S. states, 63 countries, and every continent.

Developed through NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, STEMonstrations are short educational videos demonstrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics topics in microgravity for grades K through 12. The videos are available online and every STEMonstration includes materials teachers can use to explore the topics in their classrooms. Six videos released in the past 12 months have been viewed 98,705 times to date across various social media platforms. The program provides students with a connection to NASA and scientific work conducted on the space station, inspiring the next generation of explorers and contributing to a diverse future workforce.

Melissa GaskillInternational Space Station Research Communications TeamNASA’s Johnson Space Center

Search this database of scientific experiments to learn more about those mentioned in this article.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: 2024 class of the Army Acquisition Hall of Fame announced

Source: United States Army

ARLINGTON, Va. (Month DD, 2024) – Douglas R. Bush, the U.S. Army Acquisition Executive, announced today the 2024 inductees into the Army Acquisition Hall of Fame.

The 2024 class of the Army Acquisition Hall of Fame includes Ms. Maureen Cross, Ms. Cathy Dickens, Mr. Gary Winkler, and retired Lt. Gen. Joseph Yakovac. These acquisition leaders will be inducted at a ceremony during the Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 15.

“The 2024 Army Acquisition Hall of Fame inductees epitomize exceptional leadership, marked by unwavering dedication, innovative vision and relentless commitment to service,” said Bush. “Their induction celebrates their alignment with the core values of the Army, their devoted pursuit of our mission and the profound impact they have made, leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come.”

The Army Acquisition Hall of Fame is open to former Army Acquisition Workforce professionals who served a minimum of 20 years in federal service and have been retired or separated from service at least one year. Nominees were evaluated on their significant and enduring contributions to the Army acquisition community’s historic and ongoing missions.

The Army Acquisition Workforce is currently made up of more than 33,000 Army civilians, officers and noncommissioned officers who develop, acquire and sustain operational capability. Army acquisition covers six functional areas: engineering and technical management, contracting, life cycle logistics, program management, test and evaluation, and business financial management and cost estimating.

“The legacy of the 2024 Army Acquisition Hall of Fame inductees extends far beyond their achievements, fostering the spirit that fuels our workforce – a spirit defined by perseverance, teamwork and an unyielding pursuit of excellence,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Collins, director of the Army Acquisition Corps. “These leaders personify the guiding principles that propel our Army forward and serve as an inspiration to those who follow in their footsteps.”

For more information on the Army Acquisition Hall of fame, visit https://asc.army.mil/web/hall-of-fame/.

Ms. Maureen Cross

For exceptional leadership, selfless service, and enduring contributions to Army Acquisition, Ms. Maureen Cross is hereby inducted into the 2024 Class of the United States Army Acquisition Hall of Fame. Since joining the Army Acquisition Workforce in 1993, Ms. Cross served in a number of high-profile positions and established herself as a leader and team builder. In her role as the director of the Army Systems Acquisition Review Council Secretariat within the Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management Office, Ms. Cross provided program management oversight to more than 600 programs valued in excess of $30 billion annually. Ms. Cross’ comprehensive knowledge of regulation, policy and statute made her a trusted advisor to senior Army acquisition leaders, and resulted in vastly improved program success. Mrs. Cross’ profound and enduring contributions supporting the nation reflect great credit upon the United States Army and honor the Army Acquisition Workforce.

Ms. Cathy Dickens

For exceptional leadership, selfless service and enduring contributions to Army Acquisition, Ms. Cathy Dickens is hereby inducted into the 2024 Class of the United States Army Acquisition Hall of Fame. As the deputy to the commanding general of U.S. Army Aviation Command, Ms. Dickens managed a multifaceted and diverse organization with an annual budget of over $4 billion and a global workforce of over 11,000 military and civilian employees. Throughout her career, Ms. Dickens served as a trusted acquisition authority, consultant and advisor to a number of senior leaders, including managing and directing an acquisition program valued at $25 billion annually and active contracts of $110 billion. Ms. Dickens’ efforts saved taxpayer money while improving efficiencies to get Soldiers much-needed equipment in the field. Her profound and enduring contributions supporting the nation reflect great credit upon the United States Army and honor the Army Acquisition Workforce.

Mr. Gary Winkler

For exceptional leadership, selfless service, and enduring contributions to Army Acquisition, Mr. Gary Winkler is hereby inducted into the 2024 Class of the United States Army Acquisition Hall of Fame. Mr. Winkler served as the Army’s first chief knowledge officer, and principal director for governance and acquisition, and provided oversight of Major Automated Information System programs and developed enduring Army policies, procedures and tools to prioritize and manage the Army’s IT-based capabilities. As Program Executive Officer for Enterprise Information Systems, Mr. Winkler managed a $4 billion portfolio of 40 major programs for large-scale enterprise systems supporting finance, logistics, personnel, communications infrastructure, biometrics, medical and warfighting functions. His profound and enduring contributions supporting the nation reflect great credit upon the United States Army and honor the Army Acquisition Workforce.

Retired Lt. Gen. Joseph Yakovac

For exceptional leadership, selfless service and enduring contributions to Army Acquisition, Lt. Gen Joseph Yakovac is hereby inducted into the 2024 class of the United States Army Acquisition Hall of Fame. Yakovac was instrumental in delivering capabilities to the field in his work with Program Executive Office for Ground Combat Systems and the development of the acquisition workforce at large when he served as director of the Army Acquisition Corps. Yakovac’s focus was always on people, programs and processes. He worked to instill a culture that encouraged people to work together across various domains and provided exemplary leadership and mentorship, developing future technical and acquisition leaders. His profound and enduring contributions supporting the nation reflect great credit upon the United States Army and honor the Army Acquisition Workforce.

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MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: IAM Local 709 Partners with Lockheed Martin, Technical College on State-of-the-Art Training Facility

Source: US GOIAM Union

IAM Local 709 in Marietta, Ga., has announced a new partnership with Lockheed Martin and the Chattahoochee Technical College’s Aviation Training Academy.

Local 709 leaders and representatives from Lockheed Martin attended a ceremony to celebrate the launch of a newly completed, state-of-the-art training facility. The first class of 10 students began their training on Aug. 19, 2024. Lockheed Martin has offered conditional employment to all 10 students upon successful completion of the program.

The company plans to enroll all new students specializing in aircraft structures and electrical work through this training program. Currently, Chattahoochee Tech offers programs in Aircraft Structural Technology, Avionics Technology, and Aircraft Upholstery and Trim. Programs pending FAA approval include Aviation Maintenance (Airframe), Powerplant Maintenance, and a combined Airframe and Powerplant diploma.

“The IAM is thrilled to embark on this partnership with Lockheed Martin and Chattahoochee Tech, investing in the next generation of skilled aviation professionals,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “This collaboration will not only strengthen the workforce but also provide life-changing opportunities in our communities.”

“Local 709 is proud to be a part of this new program,” said IAM Local 709 President Mark Pietrofere. “It will encourage growth in the aviation maintenance and manufacturing fields, respond to industry growth, and an aging workforce.”

To fill these positions, Lockheed Martin is collaborating with local high schools, technical schools, and county workforce boards to recruit students. Job requisitions tied to Chattahoochee Tech will be posted on the Lockheed Martin website and clearly labeled with “Chattahoochee Tech” in the job title.

It is also recommended that applicants register with local county workforce boards to help reduce tuition costs and potentially receive assistance with gas, food, and transportation expenses. The initiative represents a U.S. Department Labor apprenticeship program, which opens up more opportunities for student participants.

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MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Dissenting Statement of Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger Regarding cryptoiminerstrade.com, Expert Stocks Zone, FalconForexBot, and swiftminingexpert.com

Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Each of the four “Unregistered Entity Sweep” matters before the Commodity Futures Trading Commission[1] today seeks a cease-and-desist order and uses the Commission’s administrative process to avoid bringing these charges in the federal courts. I respectfully dissent from the Commission’s use of administrative proceedings to bring an unregistered futures commission merchant (FCM) charge without identifying any relevant facts to support that charge.

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in SEC v. Jarkesy[2] raises the level of scrutiny that any agency, including the Commission, should apply before employing the use of administrative proceedings. In each of these four matters, I am concerned that there is insufficient evidence that the proposed respondent was acting as an FCM. Specifically, while there may be sufficient evidence that the proposed respondent engaged in soliciting or in accepting orders for the relevant types of transactions, there is no evidence that the proposed respondent accepted money, securities, or property (or extended credit in lieu thereof) to margin, guarantee, or secure those trades or contracts.[3]

FCMs are vital intermediaries in our markets and serve as critical agents to their customers in facilitating the execution and clearing of derivative transactions. They are distinct from designated contract markets or swap execution facilities which execute derivative transactions, and from derivatives clearing organizations that clear derivative transactions. They are also distinct from other intermediaries, such as commodity pool operators, commodity trading advisors, introducing brokers, and swap dealers. Just because a person or entity may purport to accept money for a derivative transaction does not necessarily mean that it should be registered as an FCM or that an enforcement case should be brought against it if it did not do so. This requires a deeper analysis, and, more importantly, evidence that the person or entity actually engaged or purported to engage in activity that meets the required elements of the FCM definition.

While I support acting to stop entities from falsely claiming that they are registered with the Commission, I cannot support the unregistered FCM charges in this sweep without additional evidence. Furthermore, when our Division of Enforcement utilizes administrative avenues to bring its cases, it must do so with careful and thorough consideration of the underlying evidence to ensure that any succeeding decisions under those cases by presiding officers or other administrative judges are limited to only those appropriate under the law. Therefore, I dissent.

[1] This statement will refer to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as the “Commission” or “CFTC.”

[2] Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkesy,144 S. Ct. 21 (2024).

[3] See Commodity Exchange Act Section 1a(28), 7 U.S.C. §1a(28) (defining a futures commission merchant as “an individual, association, partnership, corporation, or trust that is engaged in soliciting or accepting orders for the purchase or sale of a commodity for future delivery; a security futures product; a swap; any agreement contract, or transaction described in section 2(c)(2)(C)i) or section 2(c)(2)(D)(i); any commodity option authorized under section 4c; or any leverage transaction authorized under section 19…and in or in connection with [those activities], accepts any money, securities, or property (or extends credit in lieu thereof) to margin, guarantee, or secure any trades or contracts that result or may result therefrom”).

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Providing Sustainable Power for 123,000 More Homes

Source: US State of New York

In celebration of Climate Week, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission has issued final siting permits for the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind LLC projects. The solar farm and the wind farm, located in St. Lawrence County and Steuben County, respectively, will bring a combined 387 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to New York’s electric grid, powering more than 123,000 average-sized homes. Both facilities will contribute significantly to the State’s ambitious climate goals while providing economic benefits to local communities.

“These two massive renewable energy projects are prime examples of our progress in transitioning to a clean energy economy,” Governor Hochul said. “With the issuance of these siting permits, we are creating good-paying jobs in the North Country and the Southern Tier, while providing clean sustainable energy for our families and businesses.”

The Rich Road Solar project developers estimate that the 240 MW solar farm—which will be supplemented with an additional 20 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) located in the Town of Canton, St. Lawrence County—will generate clean energy capable of powering more than 61,000 average-sized homes. The Prattsburgh wind farm, a 147 MW wind project spanning the Towns of Prattsburgh, Avoca, Cohocton, Howard, and Wheeler in Steuben County, will produce enough power for an estimated 62,000 homes according to its developers.

Today’s announcement marks the second and third major renewable energy facility permits issued by ORES this month. Together, the projects bring the total number of ORES-approved large-scale renewable energy projects to 18 since 2021, representing over 2.7 gigawatts of clean energy. The approvals come during New York’s Climate Week, highlighting the State’s continued leadership in advancing clean energy initiatives and reinforcing its commitment to working toward the State’s climate goals.

Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission Interim Executive Director Jessica Waldorf said, “Today’s announcement demonstrates the State’s continued commitment to a clean energy transition and the responsible siting and development of renewable energy resources. ORES’ issuance of the permits of the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind LLC projects will support the delivery of significant amounts of clean energy to the electric grid and local community benefits, while mitigating significant adverse environmental impacts.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The implementation of wind and solar developments like the projects announced today in St. Lawrence and Steuben counties is a critical part of Governor Hochul’s commitment to advancing a clean energy economy and achieving the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. DEC commends the Governor and ORES for their efforts to accelerate green energy deployment and address the challenges of climate change to ensure a greener future for all New Yorkers.”

Alliance for Clean Energy New York Executive Director Marguerite Wells said, “Every megawatt of clean energy that comes online is a win for New Yorkers in the fight against climate change, and brings lasting economic benefits to our state. We thank the state and ORES for granting these siting permits and we look forward to the day the switch is flipped and power flows from these important projects.”

New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, “With the impacts of climate change growing more dire by the day, we can no longer afford to just talk about renewable energy, we need to deliver real projects on the ground, and that’s why we’re thrilled to see Governor Hochul and the team at ORES approve the Rich Road Solar Energy Center and Prattsburgh Wind projects. Together, their promise of 387 megawatts of clean energy mark another important step on New York’s path to meeting our CLCPA obligations and transitioning to the clean energy economy we need.”

The application for the Rich Road solar farm was deemed complete on January 3 and a draft permit was issued by ORES on March 4. A thorough, timely, and transparent review process followed that included a public comment period and hearing. The facility will feature three ground-mounted solar PV arrays on single-axis tracker racking systems, a 34.5 kilovolt (kV) to 345 kV collection substation, and a point of interconnection switchyard. Construction of the facility will create more than 300 full-time jobs, with four permanent positions during operation. The project is expected to provide $24 million in direct payments to the Town of Canton, St. Lawrence County, and local school districts over the next 35 years.

The application for the Prattsburgh wind farm was deemed complete on October 30, 2023, with a draft permit issued by ORES on December 29, 2023. The project will encompass 36 wind turbines and related infrastructure across approximately 53 acres of primarily rural land. The project will generate more than $1.2 million annually in tax revenue for local municipalities and over $500,000 in direct lease and neighbor agreement payments to landowners. Additionally, it will create 81 on-site jobs during construction and eight full-time positions during operation.

Both projects are integral to New York’s broader strategy to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s targets, which mandate 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and a zero-emissions electricity sector by 2040. Additionally, both projects were approved in less than the one-year timeframe required under the law.

For more information about the Rich Road Solar and Prattsburgh Wind projects, as well as other ORES-permitted facilities, visit the ORES website.

New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State’s climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that a minimum of 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path toward a zero emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York’s unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with more than 400 registered and more than 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, over 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Helping More Children With Complex Mental Health Needs
Source: US State of New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards amounting to nearly $90 million over five years to help six providers across the state establish services that provide critical support to youth struggling with complex mental health issues. Administered by the State Office of Mental Health, the critical time transition program will serve youth between the ages of 11 and 17 to help them utilize one-on-one support, provide stability for the child and their family, and help the child avoid extended stays in emergency departments or psychiatric emergency programs.

“By investing in these programs, we can help more children with complex mental health issues get the services they need,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State is taking a new approach to this issue by providing one-on-one support options locally across the state and in some instances, in a home-like setting where they can receive the level of care they need as they recover.”

OMH awarded approximately $14.5 million over five years to each of the following six service providers, for a total of nearly $90 million across all of the providers. This includes $100,000 in start-up funding to each provider to help provide immediate support to get the program underway.
- Northeast Parent and Child in Schenectady County
- ACCESS CNY in Onondaga County
- Hillside in Monroe County
- Rehabilitation Support Services in Orange County
- Essex County ARC in Essex County
- Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference in Broome County
These six service providers will use critical time intervention, an evidence-based practice that mobilizes support for individuals during periods of transition. These supports include mental health and behavioral treatment; interpersonal and rehabilitative skills training; vocational and educational planning; intensive family or caregiver education; coordination of all stakeholders and service providers; and, as needed, a transitional home-like environment to stay and receive support.

Each transitional residential setting will have space to accommodate up to eight youth. These residences will accommodate children for up to 120 days as they adjust their support systems and prepare to return to their community.

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “It is always a priority to provide services for our youth in a community-based setting avoiding hospitals and emergency rooms. This Critical Time Transition Program will provide intensive services for youth and their families in a welcoming and healing community environment. This innovative program is a result of the forward-thinking approach Governor Hochul has demonstrated with her continued emphasis on strengthening our state’s mental health system.”

Families with youth who have complex needs and are enrolling them in outpatient programs may need additional support that is not immediately available. These families often find themselves relying on extended stays at hospitals while they are waiting for services and if they believe they cannot safely care for their children at home.

Children and teens having complex needs, including co-occurring developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, are more likely to experience discharge delays from higher levels of care waiting for the appropriate community services. Drawn out hospital stays can have a negative impact on outcomes for youth with complex behavioral needs, especially for ones that do not require this level of care.

The Healthcare Association of New York State recently highlighted these challenges in a report released in February, indicating that a survey of 52 hospitals in 2022 found that more than 500 individuals – including children – remained in hospitals for a month or more after they were ready for discharge. Among other recommendations, the report called for crisis respite transition programs for people living with intellectual or developmental disabilities, so they can readily access essential care as they wait for placement in outpatient programs.

The program model was created in close collaboration with other child-serving New York State agencies that are integral to solving this statewide issue. This includes the state Office of Children and Family Services, the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, the State Department of Education and the Council on Children and Families.

Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “Evidenced by this investment and several other initiatives, Governor Hochul has demonstrated she is listening to the families and service providers who are seeking relief for children that have specialized health care needs. The system grapples with prolonged hospitalizations involving children and youth with complex mental health needs, and there have been limited avenues post-stabilization. Yet with this new funding and the evidence-based model, the government and voluntary agencies will have additional resources to keep families together, promote well-being, and facilitate a healthy transition for children discharged from the hospital back into their communities.”

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Acting Commissioner Willow Baer said, “With this funding, Governor Hochul is addressing a gap in care that impacts too many young New Yorkers with co-occurring diagnoses, prolonging unnecessary hospitalizations and disruptions for families. OPWDD is proud to partner with the Office of Mental Health and the award recipients to build this innovative and much needed transitional approach to care.

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Students today are experiencing unprecedented levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and isolation. These challenges reflect the complex needs of young people, which demand equally complex solutions. Access to mental health services is essential for the well-being and development of our students. Together with Governor Hochul and our government partners, we are committed to taking meaningful steps to provide the vital support and resources necessary for our children to thrive.”

Council on Children and Families Executive Director Vanessa Threatte said, “This funding will help ensure that children across New York – those who have suffered abuse, neglect, and trauma or whose complex psychiatric and intellectual and developmental needs require more specialized or intensive service – receive needed services. As the executive director of the Council on Children and Families, the state agency responsible for promoting cross-agency collaboration, I am especially excited about this new program and look forward to working closely with the dedicated group of providers to connect our state’s most vulnerable youth to services.”

State Senator Samra G. Brouk said, “Our young people with unmet complex needs must receive care that seeks to minimize family trauma and prevents extended hospital stays. With Governor Hochul’s $90 million in support of critical youth mental health services, we are moving in the right direction – young people with unmet complex needs will finally receive one on one attention, critical time intervention, and competent care, but we also know that there is much more that needs to be done. I look forward to working with Governor Hochul and our community partners to ensure that our families receive the mental health and behavioral support they need to thrive.”

Assemblymember Aileen Gunther said, “Our young people are the future, and this investment will provide more comprehensive, community-based care for those who are struggling. Strengthening these local support systems will provide immediate impacts for kids, while also taking a burden off our stressed emergency rooms and psychiatric emergency programs. I commend this funding and the Governor’s dedication to supporting our youth during this pivotal time in their lives.”

MIL OSI USA News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in rural health facilities across Alberta
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Alberta’s government is committed to providing the highest quality of health care services for all Albertans, no matter where they live in the province.

To ensure Albertans can get the care they need close to home, the government is investing almost $15.5 million to improve access to health care services in rural and remote communities. This investment will support the construction of a new dialysis unit in Lloydminster, the construction of the Brian Rosche Ambulance Station in Slake Lake, and will enhance kidney care services for residents of Grande Prairie and its surrounding area.

“We are committed to supporting capital projects in every corner of the province. Rural Albertans deserve access to high-quality health care services, and this program has been designed to ensure facilities can service the needs of their communities.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

The projects in Slave Lake and Lloydminster are funded through the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program, which funds strategic capital projects at rural health facilities to help ensure Albertans can access the health care services they need as close to home as possible.

The program is supporting 44 projects in 39 communities, including construction of the new dialysis unit in Lloydminster. Alberta’s government is investing $6.2 million in the project, which is expected to be complete in late fall 2025. The new location will operate six stations initially, with the ability to add more as the demand increases. The unit will operate Monday through Saturday to accommodate the needs of hemodialysis patients, who typically receive three four-hour treatments each week.

“Our investment in rural health facilities demonstrates our strong commitment to delivering equitable health care for all Albertans. This funding will strengthen local communities by improving access to essential services, bringing quality care closer to home.”

Martin Long, parliamentary secretary for rural health

Alberta’s government has also provided $6.8 million through the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program for the recently completed Brian Rosche Ambulance Station in Slake Lake – a 990-square-metre facility designed to better accommodate local staff and ambulances. The facility, named in honour of the late Brian Rosche, a dedicated community leader and former Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124 councillor, includes accommodation for nine crew members, a training and multi-purpose room, kitchen, living spaces, and space for nine ambulances in the garage. These enhancements will help ensure staff are supported to deliver prompt, effective and high-quality emergency medical care.

“Mr. Rosche’s unwavering commitment to advancing health care in the region, including his advocacy for a new EMS facility, has been deeply valued by the community. We are grateful for his legacy and excited for the positive impact this facility will have on our community.”

Francesca Ward, mayor, Town of Slave Lake

“This facility is a crucial addition to our health care infrastructure and will enhance our ability to respond to emergencies in the Slave Lake area. It’s also a fitting tribute to Brian Rosche’s dedication to advancing health care in our region.”

Rob Barone, associate executive director, EMS, North Zone

Enhancing kidney care services in Grande Prairie

In addition to the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program, Alberta’s government is investing in major capital projects to meet the health care needs of Albertans living in rural communities.

Alberta’s government is providing $2.42 million to enhance and consolidate kidney care services for Grande Prairie and area residents. The funding will help the Queen Elizabeth II Ambulatory Care Centre expand its hemodialysis unit to provide care for up to 24 patients a day in the future.

The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation is providing $1.5 million to support the project. The space will be named the Sargent Family Kidney Care Centre, honouring the Sargent family’s significant donation to the foundation for this project.

“Improving access to kidney care services will significantly impact our community in a positive way. We are proud to support this initiative and grateful to the Sargent Family Foundation for their dedication to extended kidney care in Grande Prairie and the Peace Region.”

Keith Curtis, executive director, Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation

Quick facts
- Budget 2024 includes $65 million over two years for the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program.
- The Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program is intended to support the renovation of rural health facilities and to help purchase and install new equipment.
  - Since its inception in 2021, the program has invested $115 million across the province.
Related information
- Capital Plan
- Alberta Health Services Capital Projects
MIL OSI Canada News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Canada: More Than $3.9 Billion Invested Since 2020 Toward Improving Highways
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on September 24, 2024

Today, the Government of Saskatchewan reflects on the past four years of significant investments into our province’s infrastructure. These investments improve safety, support our export-based economy and work toward the goal of improving 10,000 km of highways by 2030.

“Our government recognizes the importance of strategic funding to build, maintain and operate a safe and reliable highway network, along with continued improvements on the road ahead to keep our great province strong,” Highways Minister Lori Carr said. “This critical infrastructure helps people get to the places and services they need, while it moves the products of our key industries that create jobs and support our strong and growing export-based economy.”

More than $3.9 billion has been invested overall since 2020-21 toward such initiatives as building passing lanes, upgrading thin membrane surface (TMS) highways, maintenance activities and other significant infrastructure. This overall investment includes a $300 million Stimulus Program; a booster shot to Saskatchewan’s economy during the global pandemic.

Highlights within the first five years of Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan include:
- More than 40 new sets of passing lanes throughout the province, which improves safety on strategic trade corridors, as the province ships to more than 160 countries around the globe.
- More than 840 km of TMS improvements.
- More than 85 bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects.
- More than 1,100 culvert replacement projects.
Major projects and other initiatives include:
- Twinning segments of Highways 6 and 39 between Regina and southeast of Corinne.
- Continuing work to improve the Highway 5 corridor between Saskatoon and Humboldt.
- The completion of the Garson Lake Road to the Alberta-Saskatchewan Border.
- Development of an ongoing passing lane strategy, which includes future projects on Highway 10 between Fort Qu’Appelle and Melville, along with Highway 17 from Lloydminster heading north.
- More than $350 million toward building, maintaining and operating the transportation system in Northern Saskatchewan.
- Completion of a five-year, $100 million investment in road safety.
This recent and ongoing work means an expected 5,900 kms of highways will be improved in the first five years of the provincial government’s Growth Plan and positions Saskatchewan to be ahead of the pace needed to meet the goal of 10,000 kms improved by 2030.

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For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: FinTech360 Launches Cross-Device Trading Solutions to Meet Growing Mobile Demand in FinTech Industry

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Hong Kong, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FinTech360, a leading B2B provider of fintech solutions for regulated forex brokers, today announced the launch of its new cross-device trading solutions, designed to meet the increasing demand for mobile-friendly platforms in the fintech industry. This innovative system enables brokers to offer seamless trading experiences across multiple devices, including Android, iOS, and web platforms, ensuring a consistent user experience and maximizing client engagement in a mobile-first world.

With mobile traffic now accounting for the majority of user interactions in the financial sector, FinTech360’s new cross-device solutions come at a critical time for brokers seeking to stay competitive. The platform provides brokers with advanced tools for customer lifecycle management, CRM, payment gateways, and trading signals, all of which are accessible from any device, offering flexibility and convenience to both brokers and traders.

“In response to the growing dominance of mobile usage in trading, we are proud to introduce our cross-device solutions, which allow brokers to offer their clients uninterrupted access to trading tools on any platform,” said Aaron Bitter, BDM of FinTech360. “We recognize that brokers need to cater to mobile-first users, and our new solutions provide the perfect balance between functionality and accessibility across all devices.”

Innovative Cross-Device Features Tailored for Forex Brokers

The new cross-device platform from FinTech360 is specifically designed for the unique needs of forex brokers, allowing them to engage with a broader client base by providing a seamless user interface across mobile apps and web-based platforms. As mobile trading continues to grow, the ability to offer a unified trading experience across different devices becomes essential for brokers looking to attract and retain clients.

With enhanced functionality and a mobile-optimized interface, the platform empowers traders to access real-time data, execute trades, and monitor market movements on-the-go, all while enjoying the same high-quality experience whether they are using a mobile phone or desktop computer.

FinTech360’s Continued Commitment to Innovation and Broker Success

As part of this new launch, FinTech360 has integrated Acuity Trading’s AI-driven market analysis tools into its cross-device platform. This combination of AI technology and mobile optimization provides brokers with deeper market insights and more comprehensive trading strategies, helping them make informed decisions and better serve their clients.

FinTech360 has long been recognized for its innovative fintech solutions tailored specifically for regulated brokers. The company’s full suite of services includes CRM systems, business intelligence tools, trading platforms, and affiliate network solutions, all designed to simplify broker operations and enhance overall efficiency. By focusing on creating flexible, scalable solutions, FinTech360 continues to empower brokers to thrive in a competitive market.

For more information about FinTech360 and its latest cross-device trading solutions, visit FinTech360.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

The MIL Network –

September 29, 2024