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Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Textiles Minister Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurates Eri sericulture promotional project in Gujarat

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 6:23PM by PIB Delhi

    After successful introduction of Eri culture in castor growing areas of Gujarat and considering the farmers’ response, as a part of 100-day activities under the Viksit Bharat initiative, the Eri sericulture promotional project was launched on August 10, 2024, at Sardarkrushinagar, Palanpur, aiming to encourage castor-growing farmers in Gujarat’s Banaskantha, Mehsana, Patan, and Sabarkantha districts. Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, inaugurated the event, attended by Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, and Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Ms. Rachna Shah.

    Gujarat Eri promotional project launched on 10th August 2024

    The project is designed to help farmers adopt sericulture as an additional income-generating activity, expanding Eri culture in an area rich in castor plants. The event attracted over 1,200 participants, including 860 registered farmers, staff and students from SDAU, and media representatives, alongside officials from the Central Silk Board.  

    The Eri promotional project launched in Gujarat has seen significant progress so far.  An awareness campaign in the major castor-producing districts of Banaskantha, Mehsana, Patan, and Sabarkantha reached 112 villages, with 2,136 farmers showing interest. A village-level training program engaged 817 farmers, while four late-age rearing houses and an Eri Chawki Rearing Centre (CRC) are being established to support rearing operations. Additionally, four Sericulture Resource Centers (SRCs) were set up to provide hands-on training to farmers.

    Awareness campaign through LED display vehicle

    The primary goal is to evaluate, optimize, and popularize Eri culture technologies of CSB’s Research Institute “Central Muga Eri Research & Training Institute (CMER&TI), and practices in collaboration with the Kalyan Foundation. The project will focus on 100 selected farmers and aims to integrate Eri silk production with castor cultivation, enhancing farmers’ incomes. Based on the response received from the current project, the subsequent phase /project with additional 500 farmers will be introduced to Eri culture in Gujarat, expanding the initiative and establishing Gujarat as a significant Eri silk producer.

     

    Gujarat, with its extensive castor cultivation (6.52 lakh hectares), has the potential to become a key Eri silk production hub by promoting Eri sericulture, the project not only provides an additional income source for castor farmers but also contributes to the sustainable growth of the silk industry in the state. The collaboration between the Central Silk Board, the Gujarat government, and local farmers is expected to drive substantial economic and social benefits, potentially transforming Gujarat into a hub for silk production. The success of this initiative could also inspire other states, which would help to expand Eri sericulture across India and sericulture expansion in non-traditional areas.

     

    Through this project, CSB envisions Gujarat becoming a major contributor to India’s Eri silk production, boosting the state’s economy and enhancing the country’s silk industry as a whole.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 09/25/2024 Blackburn, Kelly, Cornyn, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Stop School Bus Manufacturers Tied to Chinese Communist Party from Receiving Federal Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the Secure School Buses Act to ensure school bus manufacturers tied to foreign entities and countries of concern, including the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), do not receive federal funding:

    “Under current law, federal funding for public transit is banned from going to companies tied to U.S. adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party, but the requirements do not apply to federal funding for school buses,” said Senator Blackburn. “Our Secure School Buses Act would close this dangerous loophole and safeguard national security and our nation’s students.”

    “The Clean School Bus Program has provided school districts in Arizona and throughout the country opportunities to modernize their school bus fleets, while supporting bus manufacturers based here in the United States,” said Senator Kelly. “This bill ensures companies that receive state support from the Chinese government can’t take advantage of this program to unfairly compete against American manufacturers. We’ve taken these same steps to protect public transit systems, and now it’s time we apply the same standard to the buses carrying our kids to school every day.” 

    “It is unacceptable for adversarial nations to receive any benefit at the expense of American taxpayers,” said Senator Cornyn. “This bill would prohibit federal dollars from going to subsidiaries and spin-offs of predatory entities in China and other countries of concern that don’t have our interests at heart, and I’m glad to support it.”

    “When we use taxpayer dollars, we should be investing those dollars back into American businesses, workers, and communities – not sending money overseas to adversaries like China,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to ensure taxpayer investments in our children’s school buses won’t line the pockets of bad actors like China and give them a competitive edge over our workers and businesses.”

    BACKGROUND:
    • Several years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Clean School Bus Program to replace existing school buses with electric models. According to the EPA, they have awarded almost $3 billion in taxpayer funds through this program. Troublingly, certain companies in the electric bus industry have ties to the CCP and other foreign entities of concern.
    • Localities can currently use their federal funding to purchase buses from companies with ties to these foreign entities of concern, with some of these companies marketing buses specifically for the Clean School Bus Program. In the past, Congress has made clear that no federal taxpayer dollars should go to companies with ties to our adversaries.
    • While federal funds are prohibited from going to companies with ties to the CCP and other foreign entities of concern for public transit, there are no such prohibitions for the procurement of school buses. If these products are not safe enough for public transit, they certainly are not safe enough for our nation’s children.
    • Senator Blackburn has worked extensively on the national security risks posed by Chinese-made connected cars and electric vehicles proliferating in the United States, due to many Chinese companies’ subservience to the CCP. The same holds true for these electric bus companies with ties to the CCP and other foreign entities of concern.

    SECURE SCHOOL BUSES ACT:
    • The Secure School Buses Act would prohibit the award of federal grant funding to school bus manufacturers with certain ties to a foreign entity of concern.
    • This legislation is endorsed by the Alliance for American Manufacturing and Heritage Action.

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FMQs: Scottish Greens urge First Minister to reverse rail fare hike

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Sep 2024 Transport End Peak Rail Fares

    Peak fares are an unfair tax on workers and students.

    More in Transport

    Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater has urged the First Minister to mark Climate Week by halting the return of peak rail fares.

    Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Ms Slater underlined the unfair nature of peak fares, which punish workers and students who have no choice about when they travel.

    The return of peak fares will see rail prices soaring. From the end of this week, someone travelling from the First Minister’s Perthshire constituency will pay £34.30 for a return ticket during peak hours, an increase of 58% on the current cost of £21.60.

    In her first question to the First Minister, Ms Slater said: “This week is Climate Week. The Climate Change Committee tells us that we urgently need to decarbonise transport. Getting people out of cars and planes and onto buses, trains and their own feet or wheels. 

    “The Scottish Government’s pilot to abolish peak rail fares, which was championed by the Scottish Greens in government, ends this week, hiking up the prices of train fares for many workers and students who do not have any choice about when they travel. 

    “Is this the right message for the Scottish Government to be sending in Climate Week?”

    Following a response from the First Minister, in which he did not reverse his decision, Ms Slater called for the SNP to support the introduction of a private jet tax to fund the permanent removal of peak fares.

    Ms Slater said: “The First Minister is in luck as I have a suggestion. Oxfam has reported that £21.5 million a year could be raised through a tax on Private Jets, assuming it was embedded in the Air Departure Tax, legislation that this parliament passed 7 years ago and hasn’t acted on. That’s enough to abolish peak fares for good. 

    “We all understand the need to ensure an exemption to Air Departure Tax for our island communities. Will the First Minister work with the UK Government to urgently introduce this tax so commuters can once again have fairer prices on our trains?”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fungal infections known as valley fever could spike this fall – 3 epidemiologists explain how to protect yourself

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer Head, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Michigan

    As the climate warms and landscapes become drier, researchers fear that valley fever could spread across other regions of the U.S. Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images

    As the climate warms, the southwestern U.S. is increasingly experiencing weather whiplash as the region swings from drought to flooding and back again. As a result, the public is hearing more about little-known infectious diseases, such as valley fever.

    In May 2024, about 20,000 people attended a music festival in Buena Vista Lake, California. In the months that followed, at least 19 developed valley fever, and eight were hospitalized from their infection. This outbreak follows a dramatic increase of more than 800% in valley fever infections in California between 2000 and 2018.

    In 2023, California reported the second-highest number of valley fever cases on record, with more than 9,000 cases reported statewide. And between April 2023 and March 2024, California provisionally reported 10,593 cases – 40% more than during the same period the prior year.

    The Conversation U.S. asked Jennifer Head, Simon Camponuri and Alexandra Heaney – researchers specializing in the epidemiology of valley fever – to explain what valley fever is, and what might explain its rise in recent years.

    What is valley fever, and how do you get infected?

    Valley fever is the common name for a disease called coccidioidomycosis, which is an infection caused by pathogenic fungi from the Coccidioides genus. The fungi are primarily found in arid soils of the southwestern United States, as well as parts of Central and South America.

    When the fungus has access to moisture and nutrients, it grows long, branching fungal chains throughout the soil. When the soil dries out, these chains fragment to form fungal spores, which can be stirred up into the air when the soil is disturbed, such as by wind or digging. Airborne spores can then be inhaled and cause a respiratory infection.

    Cases of valley fever are typically highest in California’s southern San Joaquin Valley and southern Arizona, but they have been increasing outside of these regions. Between 2000 and 2018, the incidence of valley fever cases increased fifteenfold in the northern San Joaquin Valley and eightfold along the Southern California coast. And between 2014 and 2018, incidence increased by more than eightfold along the central coast.

    Because of these trends and the virulence of the pathogen that causes valley fever, it is listed as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization. Historically, fungal infections have received very little attention and resources. By creating this list, the WHO is hoping to galvanize action surrounding listed pathogens, including getting more resources for research as well as the development of new treatments.

    Coccidioides immitis, one of the two species of fungus that cause valley fever.
    Smith Collection-Gado/Archive Photos via Getty Images

    What are the symptoms, and what should people be looking for?

    After inhaling fungal spores from the environment, Coccidioides initially infects the lungs, causing symptoms like mild to severe cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain and tiredness. Valley fever symptoms can resemble other common respiratory infections, so it’s important for people to get checked by a doctor if they’ve experienced prolonged symptoms, particularly if they have been given antibiotics that they are not responding to.

    In California and Arizona, an estimated one-third of community-acquired pneumonia cases – or pneumonia acquired outside of the hospital – are caused by valley fever. However, only a fraction of community-acquired pneumonia cases get tested for it, so it’s likely the number of valley fever cases is significantly higher. Among diagnosed cases, half experienced symptoms for two months or more before being diagnosed.

    In 5% to 10% of cases, the fungus can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the central nervous system, liver and bones, causing meningitis or arthritis-like symptoms. These cases can be severe and possibly fatal.

    Antifungal treatment is available, and early diagnosis and treatment is critical for better outcomes.

    Jose Epifanio Sanchez Trujeque of Lebec, Calif., spent four months in the hospital after contracting valley fever in 2023.
    The Washington Post/Getty Images

    What time of year should you be most concerned?

    Valley fever cases can occur year-round, but in California, cases reported via surveillance systems tend to increase starting in August and September, peak in November and return to background levels in January and February.

    Researchers believe that patients are likely exposed to the fungus in the summer and early fall months, typically one to three months prior to their diagnosis. This delay accounts for time between when patients are exposed, develop symptoms and are diagnosed with the disease. While cases peak in the fall on average, seasonal strength and timing varies regionally.

    Our research shows that this seasonal surge in the fall is especially strong following wetter winters and that alternation between dry and wet conditions is associated with increased incidence in fall months.

    Valley fever cases in California nearly doubled following wet winters that occurred one and two years after the 2007-2009 and 2012-2015 droughts.

    In 2023, California experienced a similar transition, with an extreme drought occurring between 2020-2022 followed by heavy precipitation in the winter of 2022-2023.

    This transition was followed by a near-record spike in cases in 2023. The state experienced another wet winter during the 2023-2024 wet season, furthering concern about continued high risk for valley fever in 2024.

    Our research team recently developed a model to forecast valley fever cases that will occur between April 2024 and March 2025 in California. We forecast that the state is likely to see another spike in cases during the fall and winter of 2024, on par with the spike in 2023.

    During high-risk periods, clinicians should consider valley fever as a potential diagnosis. This is especially true when evaluating a patient presenting with valley fever symptoms or a respiratory illness who lives in, works in or traveled to an endemic or emerging region.

    We are currently working to characterize seasonal disease patterns in Arizona as well, which are different from California’s. This is likely because Arizona has two rainy seasons.

    Are some people at greater risk than others?

    Those who spend time or work outdoors in areas where valley fever is common, especially where they may be exposed to dirt and dust, are more likely to get it.

    While healthy people are still at risk of infection, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing severe disease from valley fever. These include being an adult 60 years or older, having diabetes, HIV or another condition that weakens the immune system, or being pregnant. People who are Black or Filipino also have been noted to have a higher risk of severe disease, which may relate to more exposure to the fungal spores, underlying health conditions, inequities in accessing care or other possible predispositions.

    People who work around dry, dusty conditions are at a higher risk of contracting valley fever.
    David McNew/Getty Images News via Getty Images

    How can you protect yourself from getting valley fever?

    People who live and work in the regions where the fungus is found should avoid exposure to dust as much as possible. When it is windy outside and the air is dusty, stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.

    When driving through a dusty area, limit vehicle speed, keep car windows closed and recirculate the air, if possible. When working outdoors, use dust suppression techniques, including wetting soil before digging to prevent stirring up dust, and installing fencing, windbreaks and vegetation where possible.

    For those who must directly stir up soil or be in dusty conditions, such as while doing construction or gardening work, consider using an N95 mask to limit dust inhalation.

    Jennifer Head receives funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health.

    Alexandra K. Heaney receives funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health.

    Simon Camponuri receives funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health and from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    – ref. Fungal infections known as valley fever could spike this fall – 3 epidemiologists explain how to protect yourself – https://theconversation.com/fungal-infections-known-as-valley-fever-could-spike-this-fall-3-epidemiologists-explain-how-to-protect-yourself-238972

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Drug prices improved under Biden-Harris and Trump − but not for everyone, and not enough

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut

    Negotiations to reduce drug prices can sometimes shift costs onto consumers. rudisill/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    When it comes to drug pricing, the Trump and Biden-Harris administrations both have some very modest wins to tout.

    As director of the Health Outcomes, Policy, and Evidence Synthesis group at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, I teach and study about the ethics of prescription drug prices and the complexities of drug pricing nationally.

    Delving into the presidential candidates’ successes on a number of drug-pricing policies, you’ll see a continuation of progress across the administrations. Neither the Trump administration nor the Biden-Harris administration, however, has done anything to truly lower drug prices for the majority of Americans.

    $35 insulin

    Insulin is a necessity for patients with diabetes. But from January 2014 to April 2019, the average price per unit went from US$0.22 to $0.34 before dropping back slightly by July 2023 to $0.29 per unit. Since dosing is weight-based, insulin costs for someone weighing 154 pounds would have risen from $231 to $357 a month from 2014 to 2019 and dropped to $305 a month by 2023. Price increases have led some patients to space out their medications by taking less than the dose they need for good blood sugar control. One study estimated that over 25% of patients in an urban diabetes center were underusing their insulin.

    In July 2020, the Trump administration enacted a $35 cap on insulin copayments via executive order. In effect, it made participating Medicare Part D programs limit the price of just one of each type of insulin product to $35. For instance, if there were six short-acting insulin products on an insurance plan’s approved drug list, the insurer had to offer one vial form and one pen form at $35.

    These price changes did not go into effect during Trump’s presidency. By 2022, only about 800,000 people – or around 11% of the more than 7.4 million people in the U.S. who use insulin to regulate their blood sugar – saw their prices reduced.

    Millions of Americans need insulin to manage their diabetes.
    Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    In August 2022, the Biden-Harris administration signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. This maintained the $35 insulin cap with the same stipulations but made the program mandatory for all Medicare Part D and Medicare Part B members. This expanded the number of people who could benefit from cheaper insulin to 3.3 million.

    This still doesn’t help a majority of diabetics. If you don’t have Medicare, the $35 reduction does not apply to you. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies are not responsible for lowering insulin costs under these policies, but health plans are on the hook for lowering copayments. Costs could be passed along to beneficiaries in future Medicare premiums.

    Importing Canadian drugs

    Americans pay nearly 2.6 times more for prescription drugs than people in other high-income countries. One way regulators have tried to reduce prices is to simply import drugs at the prices pharmaceutical companies charge those countries rather than those charged to U.S. consumers.

    In July 2019, the Trump administration proposed importing drugs from Canada as a way to share Canadians’ lower drug costs with American consumers. He signed an executive order allowing the Food and Drug Administration to create the rules under which states could import the drugs. When President Joe Biden came into office, he left the executive order in place and the rulemaking process continued.

    Some Americans have traveled across borders for cheaper medications.
    Jeff Haynes/AFP via Getty Images

    No state under the Trump or Biden-Harris administrations has yet been able to successfully import a Canadian drug product. In January 2024, however, the Food and Drug Administration approved Florida’s plan to import Canadian drugs, the first state to receive the green light. Colorado, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Texas have applications pending as of September 2024.

    Unfortunately, it is unlkely that Canada would allow their prescription drugs to be shipped in large quantities to American consumers, not without imposing high tariffs as a disincentive. That is because drug manufacturers could limit supplies to Canada and cause shortages if drugs are moved to the U.S. Manufacturers could also be less willing to negotiate lower prices for Canadians if that will hurt U.S. profits.

    Negotiating with the pharmaceutical industry

    Be it prescription drugs or cars, both buyer and seller must agree on a price for a successful sale to occur. If the potential buyer is unwilling to walk away from negotiations, you will not get the seller’s best price. One reason U.S. drug prices are higher than other countries’ is because the government is not a shrewd negotiator.

    Negotiations that result in major reductions in drug prices frequently result from the drug manufacturer losing access to patients on a certain health plan or ending up in a higher drug tier that substantially raises a patient’s copay. However, if the buyer refuses the seller’s final offer, their members or citizens lose access to those drugs. While major private health plans and pharmacy benefit managers are able to directly negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers, often with substantial savings, Medicare was prevented from doing so by federal law until recently.

    In May 2018, the Trump administration released a so-called blueprint for reducing prescription drug prices that included negotiating Medicare prescription drug prices with the pharmaceutical industry. This plan wasn’t enacted during his term.

    In August 2022, under the Biden-Harris administration, the Inflation Reduction Act enabled price negotiation and specified the number of drugs that negotiations could include in a year.

    The Inflation Reduction Act allowed Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the first time.

    The first negotiation between Medicare and the pharmaceutical industry took place over the summer of 2024, lowering costs for 10 Medicare Part D drugs, which include the blood thinner Xarelto and the drugs Farxiga and Jardiance, which treat Type 2 diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease. The resulting $1.5 billion in savings will be extended in 2026 to the approximately 8.8 million Medicare Part D patients who are taking these drugs. The prices for these drugs are still twice what they are in four other developed countries.

    Prices will be negotiated for another 15 Medicare Part D drugs in 2027. Thereafter, drug negotiations could include Medicare Part D drugs, which you pick up from your pharmacy, and Medicare Part B drugs, which are administered or received from your doctor’s office.

    Another aspect of the Inflation Reduction Act is capping out-of-pocket expenses at $2,000. This won’t go into effect until 2025, however, and simply shifts costs above the cap onto taxpayers.

    Continuation of progress

    It is often challenging to attribute policy successes to one administration versus another when assessing complex issues such as drug pricing. There were ideas initiated during the Trump administration that did not come to fruition until the Biden-Harris administration implemented and expanded on them.

    For example, Medicare price negotiation, proposed in a Trump administration “blueprint,” was codified in law by President Biden, but the fruits of this policy will not be seen until the next administration. And regardless of who you attribute this success to, only a portion of people on Medicare will see any relief from high drug prices as a result.

    Truly lowering the costs of prescription drugs would require identifying the maximum price the nation is willing to pay for benefits, such as cost per quality adjusted life year at the federal, state and private payer levels, and being willing to walk away from negotiations if the price exceeds that level. This would not be a panacea, though, especially for patients with rare and ultrarare diseases, and would need to be eased in over time to avoid bankrupting the industry.

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

    – ref. Drug prices improved under Biden-Harris and Trump − but not for everyone, and not enough – https://theconversation.com/drug-prices-improved-under-biden-harris-and-trump-but-not-for-everyone-and-not-enough-238407

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Big lithium plans for Imperial Valley, one of California’s poorest regions, raise a bigger question: Who should benefit?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Manuel Pastor, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

    The edge of the Salton Sea, a heavily polluted lake with large geothermal and lithium resources beneath it. Manuel Pastor

    Imperial County consistently ranks among the most economically distressed places in California. Its Salton Sea, the state’s biggest and most toxic lake, is an environmental disaster. And the region’s politics have been dominated by a conservative white elite, despite its supermajority Latino population.

    The county also happens to be sitting on enough lithium to produce nearly 400 million batteries, sufficient to completely revamp the American auto fleet to electric propulsion. Even better, that lithium could be extracted in a way consistent with broader goals to reduce pollution.

    The traditional ways to extract lithium involve either hard rock mining, which generates lots of waste, or large evaporation ponds, which waste a lot of water. In Imperial Valley, companies are pioneering a third method. They are extracting the mineral from the underground briny water brought up during geothermal energy production and then injecting that briny water back into the ground in a closed loop. It promises to yield the cleanest, greenest lithium on the planet.

    The hope of a clean energy future has excited investors and public officials so much that the area is being rechristened as “Lithium Valley.”

    In a region desperate for jobs and income, the prospect of a “white gold rush” is appealing. Public officials have been working to roll out the red carpet for big investors, including trying to create a clear plan for infrastructure and a quicker permitting process. To get community groups’ support, they are playing up the potential for jobs, including company commitments to hire local workers.

    But Imperial Valley residents who have been on the butt end of get-rich schemes around water and real estate in the past are worried that their political leaders may be giving away the store. As we explore in our new book, “Charging Forward: Lithium Valley, Electric Vehicles and a Just Future,” the U.S. has an opportunity to ensure that these residents directly benefit from the lithium extraction boom, which is an important part of the global shift to clean energy.

    Possibilities and perils in ‘Lithium Valley’

    Imperial Valley is emblematic of the potential and the risks that have long faced impoverished communities in resource-rich regions.

    To understand the possibilities and perils in Imperial Valley, it’s useful to remember that the world is not just moving away from fossil fuel extraction but toward more mineral extraction. Today’s battery technology – necessary for electric vehicles and energy storage – relies on minerals including cobalt, magnesium, nickel and graphite. And mineral extraction is often accompanied by obscured environmental risks.

    A prototype for CTR’s lithium-producing geothermal facility, in the Hell’s Kitchen area of Imperial Valley.
    Manuel Pastor

    In Imperial Valley, environmental and community organizations are worried about lithium extraction’s water use, waste and air pollution as production steps up and truck traffic increases. When your region’s childhood asthma rate is already more than twice the national average, and dust from the drying lake is toxic, kicking up a “little extra dust” is a big deal.

    Comite Civico del Valle, a long-established environmental justice organization in Imperial Valley, has sued to slow down a streamlined permitting process for Controlled Thermal Resources, a company planning lithium extraction there. The group’s concern is that inadequate environmental reviews could result in harm to residents’ health. Both the company and public officials are warning that the lawsuit could stop the lithium boom before it begins.

    Local communities are also concerned about how much benefit they will see while the industry profits. They note that the electric vehicle boom driving lithium demand occurred precisely because of public policy. Tesla, for example, has benefited from multiple rounds of state and federal zero-emissions vehicle incentives, including the sale of emissions credits that accounted for 85% of Tesla’s gross margin in 2009 and rose to US$1.8 billion a year by 2023.

    Behind these policies and financial incentives have been public will and taxpayer money.

    Young advocates with the Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition have been spreading their concerns through the community.
    Chris Benner

    We believe that local residents, not just companies, deserve a return. Rather than promising to just pay for community “benefits,” such as environmental mitigation, contributions to municipal coffers or jobs, the companies could pay “dividends” directly to local residents and communities.

    There are models of this dividend approach. For example, the Alaska Permanent Fund gives an annual amount to all residents of that state from revenues obtained from the oil beneath the ground.

    In Imperial Valley, the actual ownership of the lithium is complex, involving a mix of privately owned subsurface rights, public lease rights obtained by companies and public rights held by the regional water district to whom companies will pay royalties.

    Given the ownership complexities and the desire to benefit as development takes place, local authorities and community organizations persuaded the state in 2022 to pass a per-metric-ton lithium tax to address local needs.

    Controlled Thermal Resources CEO Rod Colwell, right, walks near the Salton Sea with a colleague.
    AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

    That “flat tax” was bitterly resisted by some in the emerging industry on the grounds that it could make Imperial Valley’s less-polluting extraction method too costly to compete with environmentally damaging imports; after the vote, CTR’s CEO called the legislators “clowns.” Meanwhile, CTR has also agreed to hire union workers in the construction phase. Everyone – companies, communities and government officials – is struggling to balance economic viability with accountability.

    Lessons for a just transition

    The hesitance of low-income Imperial Valley residents to immediately buy into the lithium vision is deeply rooted in history.

    Decades of racial exclusion, patronizing practices and broken promises have led to deep distrust of outsiders who assert that things will be better this time.

    Irrigation at the turn of the last century was supposed to bring an agriculture boom, but the early result was a broken canal that released enough water over nearly two years of disrepair to create what is now the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea was then supposed to fuel recreational tourism, but the failure to replenish it with anything but agricultural runoff helped to kill fish, birds and recreation. A more recent scheme to attract solar farms in recent decades delivered little employment and more worries about agricultural displacement.

    You can still find old billboards promising a resort life on the Salton Sea, which today is one of the state’s most polluted lakes. Wind kicks up toxic dust when the water is low.
    Manuel Pastor

    Building the supply chain here, too

    In recent years, some people have pinned their hopes on lithium. The main site so far in Imperial Valley has been CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen. It’s a fitting moniker on summer days when temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees.

    Ensuring that the surrounding communities benefit from this new lithium boom will require thinking about how to attract not just companies extracting the lithium but also those that will use it. So far, Imperial County has had limited success in attracting related industries. In 2023, a company named Statevolt said it would build a “gigafactory” there to assemble batteries. However, the company’s previous efforts – Britishvolt in the United Kingdom and Italvot in Italy – have stalled without any volts being produced. Imperial County will need serious suitors to make a go of it.

    A potentially promising future for modern transportation and energy storage may be brewing in Imperial Valley. But getting to a brighter future for everyone will require remembering a lesson from the past: that community investments tend to be hard-won. We believe that ensuring everyone benefits long term is essential for achieving a more inclusive and sustainable future.

    Research for the book from which this article draws was supported by the James Irvine Foundation, New Energy Nexus, the California Wellness Foundation, and Open Society Foundations. Manuel Pastor was also supported by a Residency at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center.

    Research for the book from which this article draws was supported by the James Irvine Foundation, New Energy Nexus, the California Wellness Foundation, and Open Society Foundations. Chris Benner was also supported by a Residency at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center.

    – ref. Big lithium plans for Imperial Valley, one of California’s poorest regions, raise a bigger question: Who should benefit? – https://theconversation.com/big-lithium-plans-for-imperial-valley-one-of-californias-poorest-regions-raise-a-bigger-question-who-should-benefit-238397

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP investigates hit and run collision involving pedestrian

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP is investigating a hit and run collision that occurred on September 24, 2024. A pedestrian was transported to the Labrador Health Centre with non-life-threatening injuries.

    The collision occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday on Hamilton River Road near the baseball field. A number of other pedestrians were nearby. The vehicle departed after the collision occurred and did not stop to render assistance to injured individual.

    The vehicle is described as possibly a dark-colored SUV. The investigation is continuing.

    Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP asks the public to check all available surveillance footage and to report any information that could assist police with this investigation.

    Anyone having information about this incident or the involved vehicle or the identity of the driver is asked to contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP at 709-896-3383. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit http://www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs inter-departmental working group meeting on festival arrangements (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         As directed by the Chief Executive, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired the inter-departmental working group meeting on festival arrangements today (September 26) to holistically review and steer the overall co-ordination work of various government departments in welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; and representatives of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, and other relevant Government departments attended the meeting.     At the meeting, Mr Chan instructed various departments to better prepare for receiving visitors during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, actively coordinate and consolidate supporting services of boundary control points (BCPs), traffic and public transport, promptly respond to various emergency situations, and strengthen information dissemination, with a view to providing quality experience to residents and visitors in celebration of the National Day.Estimated visitor flow and preparatory work     According to the Immigration Department (ImmD)’s estimate, around 7.01 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week (October 1 to October 7) this year, among which 5.98 million passengers will pass through land control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will peak on October 1 (Tuesday).     In terms of Mainland inbound visitors, it is estimated that about 1.23 million passengers will visit Hong Kong via various sea, land and air control points during the seven-day Mainland’s National Day Golden Week.     The Travel Industry Authority has reminded travel agents receiving Mainland inbound tour groups to stagger arrival time as far as possible, and will coordinate with agencies such as tourist spots to adopt appropriate diversion measures to enable proper management of the flow of visitors and tour buses, with a view to offering a pleasant travel experience to visitors.     There will be a rich array of celebratory activities before, during and after the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week. Major mega events include the “Celebration of National Day – The Next Generation Chorus Performance” at the West Kowloon Cultural District on September 30 night (Monday) and the 2024 National Day Fireworks Display at the Victoria Harbour on October 1 night (Tuesday). The Hong Kong Police Force (Police) will arrange sufficient police manpower to implement corresponding crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements as necessary to ensure that all celebrations will be conducted in a safe and orderly manner. Various district offices will also closely monitor the flow of visitors within their corresponding districts during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week and strengthen management of the relevant spots having regard to the actual circumstances.Coordinate control points, traffic and public transport facilities     The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre set up by Hong Kong Customs, the Police, the ImmD and other departments will be activated from September 28 (Saturday) to October 7 (Monday) to monitor the real-time situation at various control points, maintain close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanism, and take timely contingency actions to flexibly deploy manpower at the BCPs to ensure smooth operation of the land control points. The Security Bureau will also activate the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre in a timely manner to closely monitor and co-ordinate the public order situation at various BCPs and facilitate interdepartmental follow-up actions where necessary to respond promptly to various kinds of emergencies.     For transport arrangements, the Transport Department (TD) has worked with relevant Mainland authorities and relevant operators to formulate plans to strengthen services at various ports, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus), as well as arranging dedicated public transport lanes at the HZMB Port, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and Shenzhen Bay Port as necessary, with a view to ensuring smooth public transport services. Regarding local public transport services, the TD has approached various public transport operators proactively to enhance the capacity, and reserve vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors. Amongst them, the MTR Corporation Limited will enhance train service of railway lines during September 28 to October 13, with a total of about 950 extra trips, so as to facilitate the travelling of local residents and visitors. The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate 24 hours to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services of different districts including various BCPs and major stations. The TD will adopt various measures including increasing the frequency of public transport services as appropriate so as to cope with the service demand and passenger flow, and will disseminate the latest traffic information through various channels.     As regards the two homeporting calls of a mega cruise ship at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, while the cruise terminal operator will continue to coordinate with the cruise company, transport service operators and travel agents etc. to make proper transport planning, the Tourism Commission (TC) has also liaised with the bus companies and the taxi trade through the TD to provide additional support. Shuttle bus services will also be strengthened subject to demand. As it is anticipated that many Mainland visitors will come to Hong Kong to join cruise itineraries via the land BCPs, the TC has also assisted the trade in coordinating with BCPs to ensure smooth immigration clearance. Direct coach services will be provided to take visitors from the BCPs to the cruise terminal.Weather forecast     The weather in Hong Kong is expected to be generally fine during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, with low chances of being affected by heavy rain and tropical cyclones. A fresh to strong northeasterly monsoon is expected to arrive in Guangdong on the National Day, followed by a couple of days of slightly cooler and drier weather, with a minimum temperature of around 22 degrees Celsius in the urban areas. The above forecast is a preliminary assessment, and the Observatory will update the forecast depending on the latest weather changes.Information dissemination     To facilitate visitors in planning their itineraries, the inter-departmental working group will strengthen information dissemination including the latest inbound visitor arrivals, the situation at various BCPs, information on celebratory events, transport arrangements and the latest weather information, etc, to facilitate residents and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.     The Tourism Board (TB) has also launched a dedicated webpage to consolidate various useful information during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, including the operating arrangements of major tourist attractions in Hong Kong, details of various unique celebratory events, special discount and promotional activities around the National Day, so as to facilitate residents and visitors to plan their itineraries more conveniently. The TB has also stepped up promotion in the Mainland, including launching special offers with major online integrated tourism platforms in the Mainland, in order to promote large-scale events with characteristics, explore the unique cultural and tourism experiences in Hong Kong through the promotional channel of the platforms and boost spending of more Mainland visitors in Hong Kong as well as enhance visitors’ experience.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hanwell, Oromocto, St. Stephen — RCMP issue 160 tickets during traffic enforcement operation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A recent RCMP traffic enforcement operation in the Southwestern region of the province has resulted in 160 tickets being issues, and eight vehicles being towed.

    On September 19, 20 and 21, 2024, members of the New Brunswick RCMP’s Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit (TTEU) conducted a traffic enforcement operation in the Hanwell, Oromocto and St. Stephen, N.B., areas.

    In total, police issued 160 tickets and eight vehicles were towed under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act. These included 83 tickets for speeding, 26 of which for speeding over 25 km/hr over the posted speed limit.

    Furthermore, 77 tickets for various infractions were issued, including 19 vehicles with no current inspection certificate and 16 tickets for an expired vehicle registration, 17 tickets for not wearing a seatbelt, and eight tickets for using a hand-operated electronic device while driving.

    Police also arrested one individual on outstanding warrants, two individuals for driving while impaired, and one prohibited driver. A number of warnings were also issued.

    “We all have a role to play when it comes to making our roads and communities safer,” says Sgt. Ghislain David with the Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit.

    The RCMP’s TTEU conducts regular, targeted traffic enforcement on roadways throughout the province with the goals of improving road safety, educating motorists about traffic laws, and to reduce serious injury and fatal collisions.

    The public can also assist in keeping dangerous drivers off the road by reporting them to police. If you see a dangerous or a suspected impaired driver, call 911. Your description of the driver, vehicle, licence plate number and direction of travel can assist police in making New Brunswick roads safer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A two-section house with underground parking is being built under the renovation program in Kuzminki

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On Yunyh Lenintsev Street (land plot No. 97/4) in the Kuzminki district, construction of a residential complex under the renovation program continues. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    “Work is underway in the new building to install monolithic structures at the seventh floor level. It will consist of two sections of variable number of storeys. The building also includes underground parking for 57 cars,” Vladislav Ovchinsky specified.

    The sections will contain 188 apartments with improved finishing, fully in line with renovation standards, approved by the decree of the Moscow Government. In order for the house to fit harmoniously into the architectural ensemble of the area, its facades will be made of suspended three-layer wall panels faced with sawn bricks of beige shades. In addition, metal baskets for air conditioners will be installed on the facades, and the entrance groups will be decorated with stained glass.

    The area around the house will be improved and landscaped: trees and bushes will be planted, lawns will be laid and flower beds will be laid out, a children’s playground with a safe rubber surface, a sports ground, as well as an area for quiet recreation for adults will be built.

    The construction of residential buildings under the renovation program is monitored throughout all stages by the Committee for State Construction Supervision of the City of Moscow (Mosgosstroynadzor). As its head noted Anton Slobodchikov, the construction of the house has been underway since May 2023. During this time, inspectors carried out five on-site inspections, during which they assessed the quality of the work and materials used.

    “In addition to concreting, the site is performing waterproofing of the underground parking floor slab and installation of internal utility lines,” added Anton Slobodchikov.

    All information about the renovation program is presented on the mos.ru portal. You can find out more about apartments and houses under the program by link.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It covers about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement, which allowed the resettlement of over 47 thousand people. Sergei Sobyanin instructed speed up the implementation of the renovation program by two times.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. Over the past five years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of housing has doubled: from three million to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found Here.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144475073/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Applauds Senate’s Unanimous Consent Decision to Hold Dr. Ralph de la Torre in Contempt of Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Senate’s first passage of criminal contempt resolution in more than 50 years
    Washington (September 25, 2024) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate agreed to hold Steward Health Care CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre in criminal contempt of Congress. The HELP Committee voted unanimously on September 19 to hold de la Torre in civil and criminal contempt of Congress – a first in modern history.
    “Over the past decade, Steward, led by its founder and CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre, and its corporate enablers, looted hospitals across the country for profit, and got rich through their greedy schemes. Hospital systems collapsed, workers struggled to provide care, and patients suffered and died. Dr. de la Torre and his corporate cronies abdicated their responsibility to these communities that they had promised to serve. Extracting hundreds of millions in profit, de la Torre used the suffering of people under Steward’s care to finance his luxury lifestyle, filling his garages and hangars with fancy cars and private planes, and becoming the posterchild of callous corporate greed.
    “I’ve requested Dr. de la Torre’s appearance multiple times in front of members of the HELP Committee to answer for his corporate greed, but time and time again, he has refused and hid behind excuses. I applaud the Senate’s actions today to hold Dr. de la Torre in criminal contempt of Congress. It is long past time that he be held accountable.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer Delivers Remarks at the 2024 Hate Crimes Grantee Conference

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Thank you, Liz Ryan, for that introduction and thank you also to Director Karhlton Moore and the Bureau of Justice Assistance for putting together this week’s conference. This inaugural conference has brought together grantees of the Justice Department’s hate crime grants, which includes law enforcement agencies, states, community-based organizations, and national civil rights organizations, for important discussions on best practices for investigating and prosecuting hate crimes, supporting victims of hate, and preventing hate crimes and hate incidents.

    I also want to take a moment to thank Houston Police Department Senior Officer Jamie Byrd-Grant, daughter of James Byrd Jr., and Judy and Dennis Shepard, the parents of Matthew Shepard, for being part of this week’s conference and for their strength and advocacy for so many years after the murder of their loved ones.

    I remember vividly when both of those heinous crimes were committed in 1998. I was almost exactly the same age as Matthew and, like him, was a young gay man living in a small college town. So Matthew’s murder in particular struck a fearful chord in me.

    But thanks to the Byrd and Shepard families’ commitment, and the advocacy of many people in this room, Congress passed, and President Obama signed, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act 15 years ago. That law gave the Justice Department some of the most important tools it has today.

    So we can both acknowledge how far we have come in the last 26 years but also recognize how much more needs to be done to make sure everyone feels safe in this country.

    The latest FBI hate crime statistics released on Monday demonstrate just how much work remains to do. There were a record number of hate crimes in 2023, and we know that hate crimes are underreported. Nearly 30% of all reported hate crimes were anti-Black or African American. Anti-Latino hate crimes increased from 2022, and there was a record number of hate crimes because of the victim’s sexual orientation. There were also a record number of anti-Arab and anti-Jewish hate crimes, with increases of 34% and 63% respectively, and anti-Muslim hate crimes increased by 49%. Yet the numbers alone do not tell the full story. Behind each of the 11,862 hate crimes is a tragic or traumatic story of intimidation and bigotry.

    Hate crimes instill fear in communities and undermine our democracy. The Justice Department has and will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to combat hate in this country.

    That includes prosecuting those who perpetrate these terrible crimes. Earlier this month, for example, the Justice Department charged two leaders of the Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group that operates on the digital messaging platform Telegram, where they promote a white supremacist ideology. Among other charges, the defendants are charged with soliciting users to commit hate crimes against those in the United States and abroad that they deemed to be enemies of the white race, with the goal of igniting a race war.

    But prosecutions are not the only tool available to us to help promote public safety. We also provide financial support to communities through grants to combat hate. Those grants go to a range of recipients, including state and local law enforcement and prosecution agencies, community-based organizations, and civil rights groups.

    I am thrilled to announce that this year, the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs is awarding close to $30 million to law enforcement agencies, states, community-based organizations, and national civil rights organizations to fight the rise in hate and bias crimes and incidents. Over the last four fiscal years, the Department has given over $100 million in anti-hate crime grants, a number that demonstrates our strong commitment to this work.

    Through the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Program, we are awarding nearly $12 million to local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices to investigate and prosecute hate crimes, as well as to collaborate with community partners on outreach and education to targeted communities.

    For example, the University of Colorado Boulder’s Police Department and Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence will launch a project across the University of Colorado system. That project will educate students, faculty, and community members about hate crime prevention and intervention and train campus officials on strategies for addressing hate crimes and hate-based incidents on campus.

    The 9th Circuit State Attorney’s Office in Orlando, Florida, will use its grant funds to establish an online complaint system for hate crimes to be reported, vetted, and referred to the proper law enforcement agency. It will also provide mediation where appropriate for non-violent hate crimes and provide trauma-informed mental health services to victims of hate crimes.

    Through the Community-based Approaches to Prevent and Address Hate Crime Program, the Department is also awarding more than $7.6 million to 11 different community-based and civil rights organizations. That money will fund projects dedicated to developing and implementing comprehensive hate crimes prevention and response strategies.

    For example, the Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization will implement a hate crimes preparedness program for approximately 350,000 religious congregations to better prepare for and mitigate the threat from hate crimes and incidents. The No al Odio (or “No to Hate”) project will work with Hispanic communities in California to understand and report hate crimes through a comprehensive education and outreach strategy. And the Global Peace Foundation will use funds to work with Black and African immigrant populations in Maryland to train participants in conflict resolution and to build trust between diverse community members.

    To improve hate crime reporting and access to services for victims, the Department is awarding $1.1 million under the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act State-Run Hate Crime Reporting Hotlines. That funding, awarded to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, will support the launch of its statewide hate crimes and bias incidents hotline by investing in partnerships with LGBTQI+, Latino, Black, immigrant, and refugee organizations.

    Both California and Illinois received hate crime reporting hotline grants in FY2022, and both states now have active hotlines for victims to report incidents in multiple languages, speak to trained professionals, and seek support and trauma-informed services.

    Also through Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act funding, the Department is providing $2.5 million to its research and analysis project that evaluates FBI crime data and hate crime reporting patterns within and across states, as well the variation among state laws on hate crimes. The Department is also providing $650,000 to its project on NIBRS data and police service calls, with a focus on identifying hate crimes.

    And through the Emmett Till Cold Case Investigation and Prosecution Program, we are awarding $1 million to the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (D.A.’s Office) to continue its work identifying, researching, and cataloguing Jim Crow cold case homicides, as well as unsolved homicides of LGBTQI+ victims, particularly those killed during the late 1970s.

    Through a previous grant under this program, the D.A.’s Office is investigating nearly 175 racial terror homicides in New Orleans and over 300 cases statewide.

    In addition to these grants, the Department is also combating hate by supporting resource centers. This includes the launch of a new Coordinated Hate Crimes Resource Center through a $2.7 million award to RTI and its subrecipients, the Eradicate Hate Global Summit and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The Resource Center will serve as a hub for resources, training, and education, and it will support practitioners who are countering hate crimes and supporting victims in local, state, federal, and Tribal jurisdictions across the nation.

    Additionally, in June, through funding by the Department, the Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Training and Technical Assistance Program announced the launch of a website that provides resources for law enforcement, prosecutors, community groups, and the public on how to identify, investigate, prosecute, and prevent hate crimes, as well as on how to address the needs of victims and communities.

    We know that a key tool to combat hate and support victims of hate crimes and incidents is research. To that end, the Department is providing over $2.5 million in funding for three research projects to advance the understanding of law enforcement responses to hate crimes and the needs of survivors and survivor communities. The studies will generate new information to improve specialized law enforcement bias crime units, the use of LGTBQI+ liaison units to respond to anti-transgender hate crimes, and outcomes for survivors of hate crimes and their communities.

    This research will also lead to the development of recommendations and guidance to help practitioners and policymakers improve responses to hate crimes.

    In addition to these new grant awards, I am pleased to announce two new trainings. First, the Justice Department’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is releasing a new Youth Hate Crimes and Identity-Based Bullying Prevention Curriculum, designed for middle and high school-aged youth and the teachers, counselors, and others who work with them.

    The curriculum was informed by 19 roundtable discussions with youth across seven states, along with pilot testing in many communities. It is designed to empower young people to change attitudes and behaviors and make them less likely to engage in or be victimized by hate crimes or bullying.

    The curriculum is also designed to educate adults who work with youth about the potential use of online technologies to break down cultural barriers and bias. The Department is dedicated to continuing to provide more resources to address hate crimes, bias incidents, and bullying among youth. You are going to hear more about the training from Director Ryan momentarily.

    Second, the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (or the COPS Office) is launching a new training on investigating hate crimes. That training was developed in conjunction with the International Association of Chiefs of Police and other subject matter experts. It builds on the training the COPS Office released in 2022 on recognizing and reporting hate crimes aimed at line-level officers. Both trainings can be requested at no cost by state and local agencies.

    I have touched on the importance of the Justice Department’s prosecutions, grants, and trainings to combat hate. Another critical pillar to our work is our engagement with the communities we serve. The Department’s Community Relations Service (or CRS) is working with communities across the country who are victimized by hate crimes and hate incidents. Using facilitated dialogues and programs, CRS is in communities responding to threats of violence against community members because of who they are and where they are from.

    CRS is also involved in many of the United Against Hate Programs that the Justice Department launched in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. Those programs connect federal, state, and local law enforcement with communities to increase community understanding and reporting of hate crimes, build trust between communities and law enforcement, and create stronger alliances to prevent and combat hate crimes.

    Over the past two years, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, in close partnership with FBI, CRS, and the Civil Rights Division, have held over 550 United Against Hate events nationwide with over 18,500 participants. Just yesterday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama and the FBI Office here in Birmingham hosted a United Against Hate symposium at Alabama A&M University for students and faculty.

    As the many programs and tools I have mentioned today underscore, the Justice Department remains committed to combating and preventing hate crimes and incidents. The partnerships that we have built across the country and continue to build with everyone here this week are indispensable to that work. I am grateful to stand with you as we work together to reject bigotry used to justify hate-fueled threats and violence and attempts to divide us. We are stronger together. Every person deserves to feel safe in their communities, and we will continue to fight back against hate in all its forms.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Taumaranui

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died following a crash in Taumaranui this afternoon.

    Police were alerted to the single vehicle crash on Kururau Road just before 3pm.

    The car had gone down a bank and the driver was located deceased.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.
     

    ENDS
     

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Wodonga West hosts Fijian locals

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Last Thursday night, 19 September, Wodonga West Fire Brigade members and members from other brigades in the Wodonga Group hosted a community engagement event for the local Fijian community.

    As part of our roles as volunteers and the Community Safety team, we have experienced many magic moments and this event reinforced to us why it is such a pleasure to be part of community engagement.

    After a community safety session facilitated by AWECC (Albury Wodonga Ethnic Community Council) several months ago, a number of Fijian community members living and working in Wodonga expressed interest in volunteering with CFA.

    As a result, on 19 September 2024, we arranged for them to visit Wodonga West Fire Station, where brigade Captain Gary Lockhart and five brigade volunteers hosted the AWECC Fijian community’s introduction to CFA volunteering.

    More than 20 Fijian men and women attended the information session, discussed the benefits of volunteering, then moved into the engine bay to be shown all the vehicles and equipment.

    There was lots of laughter, a lot of water sprayed around, warning lights activated and some went for a ride in the Wodonga West tanker. There were many questions about how it all works and what it is used for.

    The brigade volunteers also demonstrated the difference between ‘structure’ and ‘wildfire’ personal protection equipment, with the outfits being tried on and paraded around the station.

    The camaraderie that was born at this event bertween the Fijians and Wodonga West members was palpable, and as brigade Captain Gary Lockhart said, “We have an open-door policy for all to join the Brigade and CFA”.  

    After eating, a pastor with the Fijian community began to sing and all the Fijians joined in. The station reverberated with song, and it bought a tear to my eye, as with most of the CFA volunteers. What a joy to listen to them sharing their culture.

    Gary thought it was a wonderful evening.

    “After sharing some pizza, the magic happened and the meeting room erupted into song with the Fijians sharing some of their culture with us,” Ross Coyle said.

    “It was fantastic to be involved, especially as members from other brigades in the group joined in to make it a group event.

    “Events such as this make me a very proud CFA member.”

    Not all the Fijians are interested in becoming firefighters, though some of them will become part of the CFA family as a way for them engage and give back to the wider community.

    The event reinforced to us that CFA needs to keep encouraging and welcoming the multicultural members of our community to join us as we would all benefit.

    Submitted by Maureen Piera and Will Vale

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Driver before the courts after he fails to stop for Police, Gisborne

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

     A man has been taken into custody after failing to stop for Police in Gisborne.

    At around 2:10pm Police sighted a person of interest driving on Ormond Road. Police activated lights and sirens signalling for the driver to stop, however they continued, and Police elected not to pursue.

    Police conducted areas for the vehicle and located the driver and vehicle on Queens Road shortly after.

    Police followed keeping the vehicle in view and coordinated multiple units to deploy Tyre Deflation Devices to stop the vehicle safely.

    Spikes were successfully deployed on Tyndall Road and Police continued to follow the vehicle through the Gisborne CBD until the driver abandoned the vehicle in an alleyway.

    The driver ran through a store and attempted to get away in a second vehicle on Gladstone Road, leaving the CBD.

    At around 2:45pm Police stopped the second vehicle on Cobden Street and the fleeing driver was taken into custody without further incident.

    A 25-year-old man is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on a charge of failing to stop, and dangerous driving.

    During the incident the driver was driving at lower speeds but crossed the centre line several times, went blindly through intersections and was causing a risk to public safety.

    Due to Police’s efforts, the driver was arrested swiftly and will be held to account for his actions. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Intensifies Emergency Response to Severe Flooding across West and Central Africa

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva/ Dakar, 25 September – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up its emergency operations to assist millions impacted by the severe flooding across West and Central Africa.  IOM is working to deliver a comprehensive and integrated regional response, collaborating closely with sister UN agencies, including OCHA, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP.   

    Since the onset of the rainy season, heavy downpours have ravaged vast regions, claiming more than 1,500 lives, affecting 4 million people and displacing more than 1.2 million individuals across Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger.  

    “This year’s floods are unprecedented, a stark reminder of the growing impacts of climate change in our region,” said Sylvia Ekra, IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa. “Our teams are working tirelessly on the ground to support affected communities and local authorities. While we continue to strengthen emergency preparedness year-round, the scale of the situation at hand demands urgent additional funding to address immediate and longer-term needs” .

    In Chad, one of the hardest-hit countries, over 1.5 million people have been affected, and over 164,000 homes destroyed. Displacement is widespread, particularly in N’Djamena and southern regions along the Chari River. The floods have devastated more than 400,000 hectares of arable land, severely impacting food security and livelihoods. IOM is leveraging its experience in helping the government’s emergency response, drawing on lessons learnt from the 2022 flood.   

    Rapid response teams are helping local authorities assess immediate needs through IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). IOM has also reopened previously used displacement sites to provide temporary shelter and essential services to those affected, actively coordinating within the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) framework.   

    In the Lake region and N’Djamena, IOM Chad is preparing to provide immediate multisectoral assistant to 7,000 direct beneficiaries through the provision of 700 shelters, water trucking, and repairing of 21 water pumps and 350 latrines.   

    In Nigeria, the floods have displaced nearly 650,000 people. Torrential rains have destroyed homes, farmlands, and vital infrastructure across 31 states, with the most severe impact reported in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Benue. IOM has allocated $3 million through its Rapid Response Fund (RRF) to provide critical relief, while working with local partners to assess additional needs. 

    Meanwhile, between July and September, Mali has experienced the most significant rainfall since 1967, affecting nearly all regions and impacting over 180,000 people. IOM has been helping the government to assist those impacted in the hardest-hit regions of Gao, Ségou, and Mopti.  The Organization’s support includes emergency tents and shelter materials, as well as technical assistance for the construction of 635 shelters.  As of 19 September, 20,389 flood-affected individuals had been registered by the DTM team.   

    Across West and Central Africa, the floods have exacerbated health concerns. Stagnant water and poor sanitation has increased the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera while damaged infrastructure such as roads have limited access to affected areas further complicating humanitarian response efforts.   

    Despite the ongoing effort, the scale of the disaster has revealed critical gaps in the resources available to respond to the emergency. With the rainy season expected to continue until November, IOM urgently calls on the international community for increased support to meet the growing needs.    

    IOM’s ongoing efforts on the ground are made possible thanks to the generous support of the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB). 

      

    For more information, please contact:   

    Dakar : Joëlle Furrer, jfurrer@iom.int    

    Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int   

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Daniel Legler

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Daniel Legler, who died on August 6, 2023 after an encounter with a member of the New York State Police (NYSP) in Monroe County. Following a thorough investigation, which included review of body-worn camera footage, interviews with the involved trooper and a witness, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the trooper’s actions were justified under New York law.

    At approximately 9:24 p.m. on August 6, a NYSP trooper was pursuing a vehicle traveling westbound on Interstate 490 in Rochester after the driver of the vehicle, Mr. Legler, refused to comply with an attempted traffic stop. Mr. Legler was driving on the left shoulder of the highway to pass other cars, and at some points, his speed appeared to reach up to or over 100 MPH, almost 50 MPH over the speed limit.

    Later in the pursuit, Mr. Legler exited the highway at the exit for the Rochester Tech Park in Gates, which involves a sharp turn. Mr. Legler’s vehicle struck a guardrail and then hit a curb on the median near the intersection of Harek Road and Les Harrison Drive West, becoming airborne before landing in a nearby field. The trooper exited his vehicle and commanded Mr. Legler remain in his vehicle, but Mr. Legler did not comply. Once out of the car, Mr. Legler began reaching around his waistband and moved to the other side of the car, prompting the trooper to command him to show his hands. Mr. Legler again refused to comply. 

    The trooper asked Mr. Legler to turn around to be placed under arrest. Mr. Legler then stumbled backward to the ground and a physical struggle ensued as the trooper attempted to place Mr. Legler in handcuffs. During the struggle, the trooper heard a shot fired and backed away from Mr. Legler. The trooper then saw a gun in Mr. Legler’s hand and discharged his service weapon in response. The trooper commanded Mr. Legler to remain on the ground, but Mr. Legler attempted to stand up and the trooper discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Legler. Mr. Legler was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a gun at the scene.

    Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, the trooper heard a shot ring out and saw a gun in Mr. Legler’s hand. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the trooper’s use of deadly physical force against Mr. Legler was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges should not be pursued in this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grab a bargain as Revive open third Leeds reuse shop in Hunslet

    Source: City of Leeds

    New store offering recycled goods opens

    PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY REVIVE LEEDS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEEDS CITY COUNCIL 

    Almost 14 years after establishing its first shop reuse in Seacroft, Revive had its grand opening this week of its newest retail outlet in Hunslet.

    The Hunslet store provides everything from quality furniture and electrical items to clothes, music and books, at a fraction of the price of something new, to help local people pass on their pre-loved things.

    Revive’s five retail outlets across West Yorkshire are run by a team of 67 staff, with over 30 volunteers with people on work-based training providing practical retail and warehousing experience to give them a step-up into paid employment.

    Revive carries out electrical testing on all donated items and money from the sales go back into their two member Charities, SLATE’s The Feel Good Furniture Stores who provide work opportunities for people with learning disabilities and The St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) who are working to alleviate poverty in Leeds.

    Residents can either buy or drop-off donations at the Hunslet store which is open 10am to 5:30pm, seven days a week.

    Revive work in partnership with Leeds City Council to help collect reusable donations deposited at household waste recycling centres. These items including furniture, bric-a-brac and clothing are sold at low prices at their reuse shops including sites at Kirkstall and Seacroft.

    Leeds City Council executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, Councillor Mohammed Rafique said:

    “It’s great to see a third Revive shop being opened in Leeds that helps to build on our successful partnership together. It can only be a good thing that more and more of the fantastic reuseable items we receive at council recycling centres can find a new home whilst benefitting our local communities and the environment.”

    Louise Megson, Director at Revive, said:

    “Revive are proud to yet again open another retail outlet which not only aids in our objective to convert as much, designated waste, into reuse but also brings employment to the local communities where we are based.  Last year we saved 1,650 tonnes from the waste stream providing local people with affordable and quality goods.”

    Editor’s notes

    The Hunslet shop has just under 3,000 square feet of floor space and is open seven days a week with accessible parking for two cars at the front of the store.

    Common items for sale include:

    • House and garden furniture
    • Clothing and footwear
    • kitchen items like cutlery and crockery
    • books, DVDs, CDs, records, board games and toys
    • electrical items like lamps and food mixers

    Last year, Revive helped reuse 1,150 bicycles and sold 40,968 books.

    Find out more about Revive at www.revivereuse.org.uk

    Revive Reuse Community Interest Company was established in November 2010 as a partnership between local organisations which continues today with St Vincent de Paul and SLATE.  Any year-end financial surplus is divided between their member charities to assist in continuing to provide quality services to their own specific client groups. 

    In a joint venture with Leeds City Council, Revive Leeds set up its first re-use shop in August 2011 on the Seacroft household waste and recycling centre designed to catch and divert waste back into valuable reuse. To date, Revive have expanded and now has five stores across Leeds and Kirklees including in Seacroft, Kirkstall, Hunslet, Huddersfield and Batley.

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please email louise.megson@revivereuse.org.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sun Dong attends automotive summit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong attended automotive supply chain meetings in Wuhan, Hubei Province today.

    In the morning, Prof Sun attended the 2024 China Automotive Supply Chain Conference & the Third China Intelligent Networked New Energy Vehicle Ecological Conference organised by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Dongfeng Motor Corporation, as well as the launch ceremony of the International Automotive & Supply Chain (Hong Kong) Summit and the 2025 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong).

    Speaking at the conference, Prof Sun said that the automobile industry has entered the new energy era, making it an emerging industry under new industrialisation. In the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint, new energy vehicles is one of the significant industries advocated for development under new industrialisation.

    He added that over the past two years or so, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attracted over 100 strategic innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises to set up their businesses in Hong Kong, including BeyonCa, a joint enterprise established earlier in the city by today’s event co-organiser Dongfeng Motor Corporation and France’s Renault Group.

    The tech chief also expressed confidence that Hong Kong can make new contributions to the innovative development of the national supply chain of the new energy vehicle industry, thereby augmenting the new advantages of Chinese vehicle brands.

    At the Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Prof Sun learnt about its latest developments, product planning and corporate culture. He also had in-depth exchanges with the corporation’s Chairman Yang Qing on its development of new quality productive forces in the future and potential co-operation opportunities between the two parties in aspects such as new industrialisation.

    He particularly hoped that both sides’ collaboration on BeyonCa setting up in Hong Kong would serve to demonstrate their co-operation with each other.

    During a tour of the assembly final workshop at the corporation’s Mengshi Tech Intelligent Park, Prof Sun experienced the functionality and performance of the latest domestic high-end off-road electric vehicles.

    In the afternoon, he visited Wuhan FineMEMS to gain an understanding of the national high technology enterprise’s research and development, and products in providing Microelectromechanical Systems sensors, and metallic thick film pressure sensors and system.

    Prof Sun then proceeded to the Wuhan University to exchange views with its leaders and experts, as well as other local higher education institutions, the Hubei Provincial Government’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, Hubei Province’s Department of Science & Technology and high-tech enterprises.

    The tech chief expressed his support for deepening I&T co-operation among higher education institutions between the two places.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Moncton — 67-year-old man dies following single-vehicle collision involving pedestrian

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 67-year-old man from Moncton, N.B., has died following a single-vehicle collision with a pedestrian in Moncton, N.B.

    On September 23, 2024, at approximately 3:28 p.m., members of the Codiac Regional RCMP detachment responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on Wheeler Boulevard near the intersection of Mapleton Road, in Moncton.

    The collision is believed to have occurred when the vehicle, travelling Eastbound on Wheeler Boulevard, collided with the pedestrian who was attempting to cross the road.

    The pedestrian died at the scene as a result of his injuries. The driver of the vehicle sustained what were believed to be minor injuries.

    Members of the Moncton Fire Department and Ambulance New Brunswick also attended the scene. A member of the New Brunswick Coroner’s office and an RCMP Collision Reconstructionist are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dartmouth — Nova Scotia RCMP release quarterly provincial impaired statistics for April to June 2024

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    As Nova Scotia’s provincial police, road safety is a top priority for the RCMP. In an effort to keep citizens informed about enforcement on our roadways, Nova Scotia RCMP is releasing statistics for all RCMP detachments in Nova Scotia from April to June 2024 on drivers charged for driving impaired by drugs or alcohol.

    For the months of April, May and June, the Nova Scotia RCMP charged 222 drivers with impaired-related offences.

    • 188 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Alcohol
    • 10 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Drug
    • 24 charged with Refusal of a Demand Made by a Peace Officer

    In addition to investigations that resulted in charges, a further 148 people were issued administrative driving suspensions for Operating a Conveyance While Having Consumed Alcohol.

    Impaired driving investigations can be complex, especially when they involve both alcohol and drugs. This is why Nova Scotia RCMP officers receive a variety of training, and have several tools at their disposal. In Nova Scotia, there are approximately 419 RCMP members with training related to drug-impaired driving, thirty-two of whom are Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). Nova Scotia RCMP also has 427 trained breath technicians who are qualified to operate instruments that determine a driver’s blood alcohol concentration.

    Failure or refusal to comply with a demand made by a peace officer for a sample for testing sobriety can result in criminal charges that have the same penalties as impaired driving. There are range of fines and periods of driving prohibition for those convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

    Citizens are asked to call 911 immediately if you see a driver who is driving erratically or unsafely. Here are some signs of an impaired driver to watch for:

    • Driving unreasonably fast, slow or at an inconsistent speed
    • Drifting in and out of lanes
    • Tailgating and changing lanes frequently
    • Making exceptionally wide turns
    • Changing lanes or passing without sufficient clearance
    • Overshooting or stopping well before stop signs or stop lights
    • Disregarding signals and lights
    • Approaching signals or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly
    • Driving without headlights, failing to lower high beams or leaving turn signals on
    • Driving with windows open in cold or inclement weather

    Once you call 911, you will be asked to provide the following:

    • Your location
    • A description of the vehicle, including the license plate number, colour, make and model
    • The direction of travel for the vehicle
    • A description of the driver if visible.

    We would like to remind Nova Scotians to plan ahead and drive sober.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Manitoba Government to Extend Gas Tax Holiday to December 31

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    September 25, 2024

    Manitoba Government to Extend Gas Tax Holiday to December 31

    – – –
    Manitobans Will Continue to Save at the Pump Until the End of the Year: Kinew

    The Manitoba government intends to extend the gas tax holiday until the end of the calendar year, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. 

    “Since we cut the gas tax in January, inflation has gone down in Manitoba,” said Kinew. “This is what governments are for. We know Manitobans are still struggling with the impact of interest rates and grocery prices so we’re going to continue to step up and save you 14 cents at the pump.” 

    The current gas tax holiday on gasoline and diesel used to operate motor vehicles will be extended until Dec. 31, noted the premier. 

    The premier noted the people who drive the most popular type of vehicle in the province, a pickup truck, will save around $14 every time they fuel up. The Manitoba Bureau of Statistics estimates the gas tax holiday has directly contributed to a decrease of 0.4 percentage points to inflation. 

    Since the introduction of the gas tax holiday, Manitoba has had the lowest average retail price on gasoline in Canada and inflation has dropped to within the Bank of Canada’s target inflation range of one to three per cent. 

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Launching Into Action: White Sands Firefighters on the Frontlines of New Mexico’s Wildfire Crisis

    Source: NASA

    Ruidoso, New Mexico lay in an unusual hush on June 20, 2024. During any normal summer day, the village in the southern part of the state lives up to the Spanish translation of its name — noisy. 
    But the bustle of this vacation hotspot, which attracts nearly 2 million visitors each year, was stifled by a mandatory evacuation order issued as wildfires raged unchecked across Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation.  After four days of fires, news of the disaster began spreading to surrounding communities.

    At NASA’s White Sands Test Facility (WSTF), Fire Department Deputy Chief James Herrera and his team were on high alert from the moment the blaze began.  
    “There were so many rumors, so many things going on,” Herrera said. “People were saying the town was completely burning down. We were expecting the worst before we even got there.” 
    Herrera’s expectations were realistic.  
    Tinderbox conditions, rough terrain, and winds reaching more than 70 miles per hour fueled the flames raging at the South Fork area west of Ruidoso, devouring nearly 5,000 acres just hours after the fire started. 
    As first responders expended every resource available to them both on the ground and in the air, a second fire — the Salt Fire — broke out on tribal land south of the village. 
    Now the twin infernos closed in on Ruidoso like a set of jaws poised to snap shut.  
    Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham quickly declared a state of emergency and the early whispers crescendoed into an urgent plea for aid from anyone who would listen. 
    There was no doubt in Herrera’s mind: WSTF, based 150 miles from Ruidoso in Las Cruces, New Mexico, would answer the call.  
    “Never once did [WSTF leadership] say ‘Sorry, we can’t help,’” he said. “They asked, ‘What can we do to help? How can we get there as soon as possible?’”  
    Shift changes made for an earliest possible departure at dawn on June 20. The WSTF Fire Department spent the night preparing their truck, gathering their belongings, and bracing for the uncertain. 
    “We didn’t know where we were going to sleep, there were no hotels, everything was closed,” Herrera said. “More than likely, we were going to end up sleeping in our engine.”
    For the moment, rest was off the table.  
    “I’m not going to lie, we probably didn’t even sleep. I know I didn’t,” Herrera said. “I closed my eyes, and it was two o’clock in the morning. Time to get going.” 
    After checking in at the Incident Command Post, Herrera and the WSTF team — Lieutenant Gary Sida, firefighters Steven Olsson and Gabriel Rodriguez, and driver and engineer Tommy Montoya — were deployed to Ruidoso’s Casino Apache Travel Center off Highway 70.

    When Herrera and his four-man crew reached the edge of the deserted mountain town, the silence was more than unusual. It was unsettling, as heavy as the smoke suffocating the Sierra Blanca Peak. 
    “You could not see more than 100 feet,” Herrera said. “The only sign of life was all the fire agencies that were there. It was an eerie feeling.” 
    NASA’s arrival on scene brought a shift from anxiety to optimism and relief. 
    “There were tears in some of their eyes because we were showing up to help,” he said. “I could hear people saying, ‘What’s NASA doing here?’” He added, “One gentleman asked us how we got there. I joked that we drove the whole line from Kennedy Space Center.” 
    By the afternoon, the light-heartedness among comrades was extinguished as escalating winds charged the situation to a fever pitch. The fire, once perched atop the mountains, began hurling down in a landslide of embers, leaping across Highway 70, and forming a nearly complete ring of danger.  
    Breathing grew difficult as ground crews, with aerial units roaring overhead, battled a relentless assault of heat. WSTF Fire Department’s assignment evolved into an effort to protect anything and everything within reach.  “It makes you realize how fast something can be taken away from you,” Herrera said.

    Though disaster descended in an instant, the day itself had been long. Herrera and his team were released from duty after a grueling 12 hours spent providing critical support to wildland units and successfully protecting nearby buildings.  
    “Once it starts to calm down, you can feel your hands start to shake a little bit because this thing was getting out of control really fast,” Herrera said.  
    By the weekend, containment efforts were gaining ground thanks to the efforts of a combined 780-strong emergency response force. Eager to rebuild, Ruidoso residents trickled back in, but the village soon encountered another challenge: rain.
    Following the South Fork and Salt fires — which claimed an estimated 25,000 acres, 1,400 structures, and two lives — monsoons battered Ruidoso. Throughout July, deluges washed over the region’s burn scars in an ironic insult to injury leaving people trapped in vehicles and homes underwater. As recently as Aug. 7, evacuations continued as the Ruidoso Police Department worked to preemptively clear the Cherokee Mobile Village due to past flash flooding in the area.  
    In this harsh landscape of crisis and aftermath, Herrera views mutual aid as more than a tactical response, but a vital investment. 
    “Building goodwill with the community is akin to cultivating fertile ground for growth and success,” he said. “I strongly feel it strengthens the bond between us and our community.”  
    With the wet season expected to continue through the end of September, Ruidoso’s forecast remains uncertain. Even as storm clouds gather, one thing is clear: if the call comes again, the WSTF Fire Department will always be ready to answer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: RM of Stanley — Pembina Valley RCMP respond to vehicle-pedestrian collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On September 24, 2024, at 9:40 pm, Pembina Valley RCMP responded to a report of a male walking in the middle of Highway 3, near Road 25 W, located three kilometres east of Morden, in the RM of Stanley.

    As the officers were responding to the scene, an update was received that the male had been struck by an eastbound vehicle.

    Officers arrived on scene and located a 32-year-old male, from Somerset, who was pronounced deceased on scene.

    The driver of the vehicle, a 17-year-old male from Winkler, was not physically injured.

    Pembina Valley RCMP, along with an RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Polis Administration Announces Solid Power Planned Expansion in Colorado: 40 New Jobs in the Renewable Energy Sector

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that Colorado-based Solid Power, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDP), an industry-leading developer of next-generation all-solid-state battery technology, plans to expand its presence in the state. 

    “We are thrilled that Solid Power will continue to grow in Colorado, creating new jobs in the renewable energy industry. Companies like Solid Power are helping drive innovation in our state and will play a key role in helping us reach our clean energy goals and achieve 100% renewable energy by 2040,” said Governor Polis. 

    A uniquely Colorado success story, Solid Power was founded in 2011 and grew out of research at the University of Colorado Boulder. In 2021, the company went public and listed on NASDAQ. Solid Power is known for its work with BMW, Ford, and SK On. Most recently it was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to begin award negotiations for up to $50 million in federal funding to install the first globally-known continuous manufacturing process of sulfide-based solid electrolyte materials for advanced all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) and expand its electrolyte production capabilities at its Thornton, Colorado facility. These materials help create batteries needed for electric vehicles. Colorado is among the top states for EV adoption in the nation, with more than 22% of new cars sold being electric. 

    Solid Power is committed to supporting the transition to renewable energy by developing ASSBs that are expected to have longer life, be safer, and cost less than current lithium-ion batteries. The company chose Colorado for expansion of up to 40 new jobs because of the state’s talent pipeline and the collaborative network of higher education and research institutions. 

    “We are excited to continue expanding our technology development in Colorado,” said John Van Scoter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Power. “As part of the DOE, State of Colorado, and City of Thornton funding, Solid Power will prioritize employee welfare and safety, community engagement, and benefits to local communities, and we look forward to partnering with various groups in Thornton to add talent and advance our goals.” 

    With this expansion, Solid Power expects to create up to 40 net new jobs at an average annual wage of $77,823.90, which is 111% of the average annual wage in Adams County. The positions will include production operators, chemists, and engineers. Solid Power is also partnering with local institutions such as Northglenn High School, Front Range Community College, and Metropolitan State University of Denver for internship programs, as well as a partnership with the local Adams 12 school district. 

    “Solid Power is a true Colorado success story, who’s next chapter will advance the technologies of tomorrow and create new good jobs for Coloradans. That’s a win for our state and the nation, as we look forward toward a more renewable future,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman. 

    The State of Colorado supported Solid Power’s early growth with an Advanced Industries Accelerator grant in 2014, offered through OEDIT’s Global Business Development division to support the development of early-stage technologies. 

    To support the company’s upcoming expansion, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved up to $160,000 in a performance-based Strategic Fund incentive over an eight-year period, at $4,000 per net new job. These incentives are contingent upon Solid Power, referred to as Project Maverick 2024 throughout the OEDIT review process, meeting net new job creation and salary requirements. 

    “The City Council and I are always delighted to hear that a company in our city is thriving so much that they need to expand their operations here,” says Thornton Mayor Jan Kulmann. “We look forward to the continued growth of Solid Power here in our community. This exciting opportunity for new job development and advanced technologies in the solid-state battery industry further shows Thornton is an attractive destination for business.” 

    “The creation of up to 40 new STEM jobs paying above the annual average wage is wonderful news for the Adams County business community and our residents,” says Board Chair for Adams County Commissioners, Emma Pinter. “Adams County continues to focus on innovative and inclusive initiatives to bring smart growth and opportunities to the area.” 

    In addition to Colorado, Solid Power considered Columbia, South Carolina, for exemption. 

    About Solid Power, Inc. 

    Solid Power is developing solid-state battery technology to enable the next generation of batteries for the fast-growing EV and other markets. Solid Power’s core technology is its electrolyte material, which Solid Power believes can enable extended driving range, longer battery life, improved safety, and lower cost compared to traditional lithium-ion. Solid Power’s business model – selling its electrolyte to cell manufacturers and licensing its cell designs and manufacturing processes – distinguishes the company from many of its competitors who plan to be commercial battery manufacturers. Ultimately, Solid Power endeavors to be a leading producer and distributor of sulfide-based solid electrolyte material for powering both EVs and other applications. For more information, visit http://www.solidpowerbattery.com/. 

    About OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division 

    Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state’s national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development. 

    About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade 

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grants Support Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleets

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $5.5 million available in grants for municipalities to support the installation of electric vehicle chargers, including hydrogen fuel filling station components and Level 2 and direct current fast chargers, as part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grants program. These projects support New York’s ongoing efforts to advance clean transportation and help the State achieve the greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

    “New York is committed to advancing and energizing the transition to a cleaner, healthier, and more efficient transportation future,” Governor Hochul said. “Our sustained investments in electric vehicle infrastructure across the State will help encourage more drivers to make the switch to EVs, promote greener alternatives for transportation, and combat climate change.”

    The 2024 round of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Infrastructure program opened on Sept. 25 with $5.5 million available. Additional information can be found in the request for applications (RFA) document. The deadline for applications is 4 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2025.

    The program includes a variable local match requirement based on the municipality’s median household income (MHI) and whether the ZEV infrastructure is located in a disadvantaged community, based on the disadvantaged communities criteria developed by the Climate Justice Working Group.

    Eligible expenses incurred between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 20, 2026, are eligible for reimbursement.

    Applications are available through the Consolidated Funding Application under the title “2024 Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grants.”

    To be eligible for an award, applicants must be registered in the NYS Statewide Financial System Grant Management System (SFS GM). Information regarding registration in SFS GM can be found on the Grants Management website. More information about the DEC Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grant program, as well as the DEC Municipal ZEV Rebate program, is available on DEC’s website. For questions about the Municipal ZEV program, email [email protected] or call DEC’s Office of Climate Change at 518-402-8448.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “With Governor Hochul’s sustained commitment to ensuring a cleaner, greener future, New York continues to be a leader advancing the State’s transition to clean transportation to help achieve our climate targets. The Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grant program makes it even easier, more accessible, and more affordable to make the switch to greener vehicles and is expanding New York’s EV charging station network. DEC looks forward to continuing to support municipalities statewide that are taking climate action, investing in electric transportation, and helping facilitate the clean energy economy of the future.”

    State Senator Peter Harckham said, “Our transportation sector is a major source of climate and air pollution in New York. The DEC’s Municipal Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure grants program will accelerate the transition to an emissions free future, where we all can breathe easier. This is a good example of how the state and local governments, working together, can create a cleaner, greener New York.”

    Assemblymember Deborah Glick said, “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by shifting to vehicles that do not rely on fossil fuels is essential for New York to achieve our climate goals. One major obstacle to the public’s adoption of electric vehicles is the lack of publicly available charging stations. Making it easier for municipalities to step up and expand this critical piece of the green infrastructure puzzle is welcome news. Thank you to Governor Hochul for this important $5.5 million investment in NYDEC’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grants program to help expand this green infrastructure throughout New York, helping us to further achieve our climate goals.”

    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 420 registered and more than 150 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 –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Highway Hotline Introduces New Highway Condition Terminology

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 25, 2024

    Saskatchewan’s Highway Hotline has updated the terminology it uses to describe winter driving conditions. 

    The new terminology offers more clear and concise messaging that will help drivers make decisions about winter travel. The updated language is also more consistent with neighbouring provinces, which will make using the Hotline easier for people traveling across western Canada. 

    “The Highway Hotline is used millions of times throughout the year to help travelers plan ahead,” Highways Minister Lori Carr said. “These changes will help drivers make an informed decision while having better consistency with our neighbouring provinces and national standards.”

    The new primary conditions include:

    • Bare – Road appears black, means all wheels of a passenger vehicle are on a bare surface. 
    • Partly Covered – Road appears yellow, means two wheels of a passenger vehicle are on a snow or ice-covered surface. 
    • Covered – Road appears pink, means all wheels of the vehicle are on snow or ice. 
    • Travel Not Recommended – Road appears blue, means that visibility is less than 250 metres and could become impassable. 
    • Closed – Road appears red, means the highway is impassable. 

    The colour white was removed because it did not show up well on the digital maps. The maps will continue to indicate poor visibility using a dotted line.

    During winter driving season, road conditions are updated a minimum of four times daily or whenever there are known changes that affect drivers.

    The Highway Hotline has existed for more than 50 years. It provides information on highway conditions, road closures, construction zones, ferries and border crossings. As of February 2024, it now allows users to track the progress of plows involved in snow removal and ice treatment. This real-time information helps drivers make informed decisions to protect their safety. 

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Bringing mobile lung screening to rural Alberta

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

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    Alberta’s government is committed to providing high-quality 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, Alberta’s government and the Alberta Cancer Foundation are partnering with the not-for-profit 19 to Zero to support mobile lung health units that will bring screening services to underserved communities across the province.

    Investing in mobile services available in rural and remote communities will increase the likelihood of early detection and treatment, improving health outcomes and bridging gaps in the health care system. The mobile screening program will receive $1.5 million from Alberta’s government, which will be matched by the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

    “We are committed to ensuring every Albertan has access to the health care services they need when and where they need them. These mobile units will help bridge existing gaps in the health care system and improve outcomes for Albertans in rural and remote areas.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    “Living outside of a big city shouldn’t mean less access to vital testing and screening services. Early detection is key to successful cancer treatment, and these specialized mobile clinics will bring essential diagnostics to thousands of Albertans in rural, Indigenous and underserved communities each year.”

    Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation

    The mobile lung health units will travel to and service underserved, high-priority communities across the province. Patients in these communities often experience lengthy travel times to reach their closest diagnostic centres, which can lead to delayed diagnoses and the suboptimal management of lung conditions.

    “19 to Zero is excited to be partnering to provide mobile health services for lung cancer and lung health testing. Many Albertans face health care access challenges, particularly in rural and remote areas, and this mobile unit will help improve equitable access across the province.”

    Theresa Tang, co-founder and CEO, 19 to Zero

    The mobile units include a converted medical sprinter van for pulmonary function testing (PFT) and a custom-built diagnostic imaging truck. The units will be designed and operated by Aceso Medical, and they will use mobile internet and Starlink to integrate with Connect Care, ensuring instant access to test results for radiologists and pulmonologists.

    The mobile lung health units will provide PFT and computed technology (CT) scans, which are critical diagnostic tools for identifying and managing lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. Across Canada, these services are predominantly available in urban centres, leaving rural and remote communities without access close to home.

    Alberta’s government will work with health care partners and local leadership to help determine areas of need for mobile visits. A website will be developed where the location and schedule of the units will be available.

    The pulmonary function testing van is expected to be operational and on the road in spring 2025, with the CT truck following in late summer. Once operational, these mobile units will be able to complete more than 4,000 PFTs and up to 6,000 CT scans per year.

    Alberta’s government is committed to improving outcomes for Albertans diagnosed with cancer and will continue to engage in partnerships to leverage the growing life sciences sector.

    Quick facts

    • Alberta’s government is providing $1.5 million to support the mobile units. These funds will be matched by the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
      • $1 million in 2024-25
      • $500,000 in 2025-26
    • PFTs are non-invasive tests that measure lung volume, lung capacity, rates of flow and gas exchange in patients. These tests help health care providers diagnose and develop treatment plans for various lung conditions.
    • Low-dose CT scans provide detailed images to identify small nodules and other abnormalities that might be missed by standard X-rays. They are vital tools in the early detection of lung cancer and other life-critical diseases.
    • Units will be staffed by qualified nurses, CT technicians and respiratory therapists.
    • The 41-foot mobile CT truck will be the first of its kind focused on lung health in Canada.
    • One in 13 Albertans will develop lung cancer in their lifetime and more than 1,500 lives are lost each year due to this disease.

    Related information

    • Cancer Care Alberta
    • Alberta Cancer Foundation
    • 19 to Zero

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Qu’Appelle — Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP: two arrested after robbery

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On September 23, 2024 at approximately 4:05 p.m., Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP received a report of a robbery at a business in Balcarres, SK.

    Investigation determined two adult females entered the business, assaulted an employee with a golf club and stole two bottles of liquor. The victim reported non-life-threatening injuries to police.

    The suspects fled in a vehicle.

    Officers immediately responded and located the vehicle travelling near Balcarres. They activated their emergency lights and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop and turned into a field. Officers boxed the vehicle in, then arrested the females without further incident.

    One of them threatened a police officer while being transported to the detachment.

    As a result of continued investigation, 19-year-old Serenity Fink from Balcarres and 38-year-old Isabelle Starr from Fort Qu’Appelle are each charged with:

    • one count, robbery, Section 344(1)(b), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, flight from police, Section 320.17, Criminal Code.

    Fink is also charged with:

    • one count, operation of a conveyance while impaired, Section 320.14(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, operation while impaired over 80 mg, Section 320.14(1)(b), Criminal Code.

    Starr is also charged with one count, uttering threats, Section 264.1(1)(a), Criminal Code.

    They were remanded into custody to appear via video in Fort Qu’Appelle Provincial Court on September 26, 2024.

    Indian Head RCMP, White Butte RCMP and the File Hills Police Service assisted with this investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Cooper Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Cooper Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Helene

    Governor Cooper Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Helene
    mseets

    Today, Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene as North Carolina prepares for severe weather impacts that could threaten life and property across North Carolina through Saturday morning.

    Helene is forecast to cause significant impacts including flash flooding, numerous landslides, damaging debris flows, slope failures across steep terrain, and riverine flooding across portions of western North Carolina and portions of central North Carolina. Flooding may occur in areas that do not typically flood. All North Carolinians should be weather aware and prepared. Tropical storm force winds are possible across western North Carolina late Thursday into Friday. With already saturated soils, trees could fall causing widespread power outages. There is a potential for tornadoes with this storm system. Tornadoes from tropical systems can quickly spin up with little warning.

    “Helene threatens heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides, and damaging winds to the mountains and Piedmont areas of our state,” said Governor Cooper. “Now is the time for North Carolinians to prepare, make sure emergency kits are up-to-date and pay attention to the weather alerts in your area.”

    The State Emergency Response Team is deploying equipment, personnel, and resources to support impacted communities, including, North Carolina Swift Water Rescue Teams and Urban Search and Rescue Teams, resources from the North Carolina National Guard, and specialized personnel for communications and incident management support.

    North Carolina residents are advised to stay aware and keep a watch on the forecast. State officials advise these tips to make sure your family is personally prepared:

    • Have multiple ways to receive emergency information, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone and monitor local new outlets and the National Weather Service.
    • Ensure that you have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially with the potential for severe storms to be moving through during nighttime hours.
    • Have an emergency plan. Know where you would go if you need to evacuate, especially if you live in a flood prone area.
    • Gather emergency supplies or refresh your emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit.
    • Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades. Turn around. Don’t drown.
    • Make sure you know where to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area.
    • Check to see if your local emergency management office offers emergency alert services for its residents. You can visit your county government website for more information.
    • Avoid unnecessary travel. If you do not need to drive, stay home. You can find current roadway conditions by visiting DriveNC.Gov.

    The State of Emergency facilitates state emergency operations and allows for the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety to take action to ensure the quick movement of utility vehicles to eliminate power outages, vehicles carrying essential supplies such as food, medicine and fuel or transporting livestock, poultry and crops.

    Read the State of Emergency.

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    Sep 25, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –