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  • MIL-OSI USA: A Congress.gov Interview with Wade Ballou, the Legislative Counsel of the House of Representatives

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Today’s interview is with Wade Ballou, the Legislative Counsel of the House of Representatives.

    As Legislative Counsel, Wade Ballou oversees the House Office of the Legislative Counsel (HOLC). HOLC provides legislative drafting services to the committees and Members of the House of Representatives on a nonpartisan, impartial, and confidential basis.

    Recent recognition of Wade’s service to Congress includes the 2024 Democracy Award for Lifetime Achievement by Congressional Staff and exceptional leadership and contributions, including through the development of the Comparative Print Suite for the U.S. House of Representatives. 

    Describe your background.

    I am from Roanoke, Virginia. During my youth I was active in sports, Scouting, and the YMCA. I earned a B.S. in forestry (industrial forestry operations with cooperative education certificate) from Virginia Tech in 1980. At Tech, I was active in Alpha Phi Omega. APO is the coed national service fraternity affiliated with Scouting. I met my wife in APO. We’ve been married for 41 years and have two married sons and two grandchildren. I am an Eagle Scout and have served as an adult leader in Scouting, both as cubmaster and scoutmaster.

    What is your academic/professional history?

    After Virginia Tech, I went to the University of Virginia School of Law and earned a J.D. in 1983. I joined the Office of the Legislative Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives in the fall of 1983, where I am presently employed. The Office is a non-partisan, career office responsible for drafting legislation for the House, its committees, members, and leadership. After completing training, during which I drafted federal law generally, I worked with foreign affairs legislation. Due to needs of the Office, in 1986, I moved into the areas of Native American issues (including health care and land claims), federal land issues (including natural resources, water reclamation and irrigation, public lands, and forestry), and intelligence, and later picked up parts of veteran’s affairs. In 1996, I changed to the tax team, again due to the needs of the Office. As a member of the team, I drafted in all areas of federal tax law, specializing in pensions, health care, bonds, and excise taxes. Alongside of tax, I have worked in public debt, ERISA, health care, and social security.

    I earned a graduate certificate in spiritual direction studies from Washington Theological Union in 2013 and a certificate in spiritual formation from the Avila Institute in 2015.

    In 2016, I was appointed the 8th Legislative Counsel of the House of Representatives, effective August 1. During my time as the head of the Office, there has been significant change in both the House and the Office, including a 45% increase in the number of attorneys and a significant increase in demand for draft legislation. The Office now has some 90 personnel, including 68 attorneys. Some of the changes include improving the recruiting system and modifying the training methodology for new attorneys and transitioning the Office to a new Sharepoint site and digital leave management system.

    I have also been fortunate to be able to work with other institutions in the legislative branch, especially through participation in the Congressional Data Task Force. This includes:

    1. Partnering with the Clerk of the House and the Government Publishing Office to develop and update the Comparative Print Suite, a software tool that provides on-demand comparisons of how a bill changes law, how amendments change a bill, bill-to-bill differences, and a bill viewer; and

    2. Working to provide educational opportunities concerning the legislative process and drafting software applications.

    How would you describe your job to other people?

    My official job title is Legislative Counsel of the House of Representatives. The fun way to describe my job is that I am responsible for producing paper for the House. This is a throwback to my forestry days where the job of a procurement forester is to ensure that the mill never runs out of timber.

    Additionally, I meet with members and staffs of parliaments around the world to discuss and share ideas for improvements in legislative process and drafting. These opportunities include working through the House Democratic Initiative, the National Democratic Institute, and the International Republican Institute. I am an associate member of the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel and a frequent speaker and contributor to webinars on improving legislative drafting organized by Bússola Tech, an international leader in this arena.

    What is your role in the development of Congress.gov?

    I do not think of this as a role, but I brought to the attention of Congress.gov various research and document needs that are useful to drafters. They developed features to meet those needs. It is interesting to me that most of my draft files are on Congress.gov in the form of bills and resolutions.

    What is your favorite feature of Congress.gov?

    Well, there are two features that I use a lot. Whenever a drafting request requires beginning with a public version of a bill or resolution (introduced, reported, passed, etc.), we begin with the version that is posted on Congress.gov in the XML format. So, the download feature that allows me to save this version on my computer system is a big hit for me. In addition, I use the tables of public laws and appropriations a lot. I will get to these either from links on the website or from searches and filters.

    What is the most interesting fact you’ve learned about the legislative process while working for Congress?

    Ha. The legislative process happens. Sometimes it is textbook. Sometimes it is a bit convoluted. Sometimes a bill is conferenced before it is introduced. But, the formal steps are acknowledged, even if it is by discharge or unanimous consent. So, it is important to know the ideal path to how a bill becomes law so that you can place a question in the context of this ideal.

    What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

    During high school and college, I was a member of forest fire fighting teams. Today we would call these wildland fire teams.

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/LEBANON – Israeli strike on Christian-majority village in Northern Lebanon

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 15 October 2024 wars  

    Beirut (Agenzia Fides) – At least 23 people were killed yesterday, October 14, in a bomb attack on a building in the predominantly Christian village of Aitou, near Zgharta, in the far north of Lebanon, which has so far been spared by Israeli airstrikes. According to information received by Fides from local sources, the building in question was probably already known to the Israelis, as it had been rented to the Hezbollah-affiliated television station Al-Manar since 2006, at the time of the last war between Israel and Hezbollah. In recent weeks, the house had been used to house Shiite refugees from southern Lebanon who fled the Israeli offensive. First they were elderly people, then families with children. The Israeli airstrike was reportedly triggered when a Hezbollah representative arrived at the building with a large sum of money to be distributed to the displaced. The building was destroyed by bombs and, according to the latest reports, there are at least 23 dead. “The Lebanese population,” say Fides sources, “is once again wondering how Israel was able to know the exact time of the arrival of the person who was to be hit.” According to military observers, the Israeli forces tried to destroy not only weapons and ammunition depots, but also Hezbollah’s cash reserves, an essential means of payment in a country that has been in financial crisis since the end of 2019. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 15/10/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Childless cat ladies’ is a political catchphrase that doesn’t match reality − Democrats and Republicans have similar demographics and experiences when it comes to parenthood

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Laurel Elder, Professor of Political Science, Hartwick College

    Republicans and Democrats tend to have children at around the same rates and ages and to view parenthood in a similar way. iStock / Getty Images Plus

    Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance infamously said in 2021 that the Democratic Party is run by “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices they’ve made” – and do not have a “direct stake” in the future of the United States.

    Three years later, after Vance’s selection as Trump’s vice presidential pick, these comments resurfaced and quickly became a cultural touchstone.

    In July 2024, Vance clarified his controversial comments, saying that what he meant was that the Democratic Party has become anti-family and anti-child.

    At a September 2024 campaign event alongside Donald Trump, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders echoed Vance’s sentiments about Democrats being anti-family. “My kids keep me humble. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesn’t have anything keeping her humble,” she said.

    The single cat lady theme was amplified further when singer Taylor Swift used it to sign off on her Instagram endorsement of Harris.

    While the cat lady framing is new, politicians making parenthood and family a centerpiece in their appeals to the American public has a long history.

    As we show in our 2012 book, “The Politics of Parenthood,” and subsequent research, politicians have been using messages about parenthood as a way to appeal to voters since the 1980s. eg: link wouldn’t work for me

    Content analysis of party platforms and speeches by presidential candidates reveals that both parties have devoted more and more time and space to making the case that they are the true pro-family party. Republicans argue that lower taxes and smaller government strengthen American families, while Democrats argue that strengthening social welfare programs represents the best way to support families.

    Despite the parties’ contrasting pro-family messages and the image conjured by Vance’s childless cat lady comments, Republicans and Democrats are not really that different when it comes to their actual experiences having and raising children.

    Our analysis shows that the age at which Americans have children, how many children they have and whether parents work outside the home are surprisingly similar across partisan lines.

    A woman attends a CatCon event in Pasadena, Calif., in August 2024 and wears a ‘Childless cat ladies for Kamala’ shirt.
    Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

    Democrats and Republicans find parenting rewarding

    To explore whether there are differences between Republicans and Democrats in terms of their families, we analyzed data from the 2022 General Social Survey, which had 4,149 respondents. GSS is a nationally representative and well recognized survey of American adults that has been conducted since 1972. We also analyzed data from a 2022 Pew survey of 3,757 mothers and fathers focused on parenting in America.

    This data shows that both Republicans and Democrats deeply value their roles as parents. In the Pew survey, 87% of parents said that their role as a parent is the most important or one of the most important aspects of their identity. Our analysis shows this is true for parents in both parties – 86% of Democrats and 88% of Republicans said they value their role as parents as the most or one of the most important aspects of their identity.

    Similarly, our analysis of the Pew data reveals that Democrats and Republicans both enjoy being parents – 84% of Republicans say they find parenting enjoyable most or all of the time, compared with 81% of Democrats.

    That said, contemporary parenting is also challenging.

    The 2022 Pew survey showed that 29% of parents describe raising children as stressful most or all of the time. And 42% of parents report that raising children is tiring all or most of the time. Our analysis shows that this is equally true for Republicans and Democrats.

    Indeed, the stresses of modern parenthood led the U.S. surgeon general in August 2024 to issue a public health advisory about parents’ declining mental well-being.

    One of the reasons for this stress is that most parents today are balancing parenthood with work. The Republican Party has long embraced “traditional marriage,” meaning a marriage between a man and a woman, where the mother stays home to raise the children. Yet the reality is that most moms have jobs outside the home. In our analysis of the 2022 Pew data, we find that about the same portion of Republican moms – 67% – work outside the home as Democratic moms, who totaled 69%.

    Both Republican and Democratic moms do more parenting

    Another way that the experience of parenthood is similar across partisan lines is that moms spend more time parenting than dads. Pew asked parents with partners and spouses about the division of labor around a variety of child care tasks in 2022.

    In our analysis of the full set of this data, which Pew provided us, we found that 77% of Democratic mothers and 80% of Republican mothers report doing more than their spouse or partner when it comes to managing their children’s activities. And 60% of Democratic mothers and 58% of Republican mothers report providing more comfort and emotional support to their children than their spouses or partners do.

    This may account for why the Pew data reveals that mothers, more so than fathers, report parenting being tiring most or all of the time – 47% for moms, compared with 34% for dads. Once again, our analysis shows that mothers’ higher levels of fatigue hold true for both Republican and Democratic mothers compared with Republican and Democratic dads.

    To assess the demographics of parenthood, we analyzed the 2022 General Social Survey data and found that Republicans and Democrats start their families at a similar age, just as they did a decade ago.

    On average, male and female Democrats are 26 when they have their first kid, while Republicans are 25. Higher levels of education are associated with starting families later, but this is true for those in both parties.

    Looking at women specifically, we find that Democratic women have their first child at 25 years old, and Republican women at 24. There is no evidence that Democratic women – more so than Republican women – are delaying having children so that they can pursue their careers, as suggested by Vance and Sanders in their critiques of the Democratic Party and Harris specifically.

    It is true that Americans are having fewer children compared with a few decades ago. But this drop in having children is nearly universal in high-income democracies, even despite some government policies that seek to increase the birth rate in the U.S.

    Our analysis reveals that the gap between Republicans and Democrats on this issue is modest. On average, Democrats are having 1.53 children, compared with 1.86 for Republicans.

    And the 2022 General Social Survey data shows that Democrats do report having no children at a modestly higher rate than Republicans, but it is men – more than women – who report being childless at higher rates. Among Americans over 40, 22% of Democratic men and 16% of Republican men have no kids, compared with 17% of Democratic women and 10% of Republican women.

    Despite political rhetoric suggesting there is a deep partisan divide among Americans on issues of families and child-rearing, the data tells a different story. It paints a picture of Americans, whether Democrats or Republicans, as remarkably similar in the basic demographics of parenting, as well as in their views about the joys and challenges of parenthood.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘Childless cat ladies’ is a political catchphrase that doesn’t match reality − Democrats and Republicans have similar demographics and experiences when it comes to parenthood – https://theconversation.com/childless-cat-ladies-is-a-political-catchphrase-that-doesnt-match-reality-democrats-and-republicans-have-similar-demographics-and-experiences-when-it-comes-to-parenthood-238960

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: On crime and justice, Trump and Harris records differ widely

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Austin Sarat, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science, Amherst College

    Though crime and criminal justice policy are central issues in many elections, that’s not true in 2024. Surveys show that relatively few American voters rank crime as their most important concern.

    Yet both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris say they take those problems seriously. Trump and the Republicans have focused attention on the problem of illegal immigration and the crimes that he says immigrants commit.

    Harris, as The Economist noted, “is using her history as a prosecutor in San Francisco to burnish her tough-on-crime bona fides.” She has mentioned that background in connection with immigration, drug policy and corporate wrongdoing.

    As someone who studies crime and justice in the United States, it is clear to me that there are substantial differences between the two candidates, though each of their records contains some interesting twists and turns.

    Kamala Harris gives her first news conference as attorney general of California in November 2010.
    AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

    Kamala Harris, the prosecutor

    Harris has a long record of working in the criminal justice system. She worked in the Alameda County district attorney’s office in California, starting in 1990, where she specialized in child sexual assault cases. She then served as district attorney in San Francisco from 2004 to 2010 and as attorney general of California from 2010 to 2017, when she was elected to the U.S. Senate.

    Axios reported that during her term as district attorney, “the number of violent crimes rose steadily in the city of San Francisco during her first five years in office then fell 15% in her last two years.” And when she served as the state’s attorney general, “the violent crime rate in the state was 439.6 per 100,000 residents the year before she took office and fell to 396.4 by 2014. … However, violent crime surged to 444.8 in 2016 during her last year in office to a six-year high,” Axios reported.

    In both offices, Harris undertook a number of reforms in criminal justice policy.

    For example, in San Francisco she developed a “Back on Track” initiative“ that aimed to help nonviolent drug offenders between the ages of 18 and 30. According to The New York Times, its key promise was that ”after a full year of employment, education, community service, regular meetings with a supervising judge and crime-free behavior, the charge would be expunged from the offender’s record.“ It was generally well received, especially among progressives.

    When Harris became the state’s attorney general, she reformed California’s approach to school truancy by focusing on the parents of truant children. As The New York Times reported, she threatened them ”with fines or even imprisonment if they did not ensure that their children attended class.“ FactCheck.org found that as a result of her policy, ”district attorneys reported prosecuting 3 to 6 … cases per year,“ on average.

    Considering Harris’ record in California, The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, California) said Harris ”earned a reputation as tough on sexual abuse, human trafficking and organized crime, and did not shy away from pursuing incarceration.“

    Throughout her career, Harris has been an opponent of the death penalty. During her first campaign for San Francisco district attorney, she promised that she would never seek a death sentence no matter how heinous the crime. She stuck to that promise, but as attorney general she went to court to defend death sentences that had been imposed under prior administrations.

    The Los Angeles Times said her decision to do so was an appropriate one for the attorney general, ”putting professional responsibility over personal politics.“

    CNN summarized her record on capital punishment by saying it ”broke hearts on both sides.“

    Donald Trump speaks at a meeting about prison reform in 2018.
    AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

    Donald Trump’s record as president

    Trump, by contrast, was a strong proponent of the death penalty during his time in the Oval Office. In March 2018, he directed the Department of Justice to seek the death penalty in cases involving drug traffickers. The department also vigorously pursued new death penalty prosecutions in other areas and defended existing death sentences in court.

    After a long time without any federal executions, the Trump administration carried out 13 of them in the last seven months of his term. ProPublica said Trump’s administration ”executed more federal prisoners than any presidency since Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s” and more than the prior 10 presidents combined.

    In other areas, the Trump administration stepped in to stop some criminal justice reform initiatives. For example, according to ABC News, Trump’s first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, stopped former President Barack Obama’s effort to end prison privatization, and then began distributing contracts for new privately run detention centers.

    But during his presidency, Trump was not consistent in being tough on crime. For instance, in March 2018, he signed an executive order creating the Federal Interagency Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry Council. He charged it with identifying ways “to provide those who have engaged in criminal activity with greater opportunities to lead productive lives” and to develop “a comprehensive strategy that addresses a range of issues, including mental health, vocational training, job creation, after-school programming, substance abuse, and mentoring.”

    The Biden administration built on and extended those efforts.

    And in December 2018, Trump supported the so-called “First Step Act,” which passed Congress with bipartisan support. It funded efforts to reduce the likelihood that inmates would be convicted again after their release, including by providing addiction treatment, mental health care, education and job training.

    Trump also commuted the sentences of more than 90 people and pardoned more than 140 others. His use of clemency power was quite controversial, as some of its beneficiaries were Trump associates, such as Steve Bannon and Paul Manafort, who led Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and had committed financial fraud.

    As far as the crime rate during Trump’s presidency, the Dallas Morning News reported that “During the first three years of Trump’s presidency, the violent crime rate per 100,000 population … fell each year. But, the Morning News – citing Politifact – said that in 2020, “the violent crime rate spiked,” though it was slightly lower than it had been in Obama’s final year in office.

    Crime and criminal justice in the next administration

    The next president will have choices to make about the crime and justice policies that the federal government will pursue and about whether to emphasize reform or harsh punishment. He or she will also have to decide whether, and how, the federal government should use grants and other funding, guidelines and enforcement to further those goals.

    Their records suggest that Harris and Trump would make very different choices about those and other crime and criminal justice issues.

    Austin Sarat 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. On crime and justice, Trump and Harris records differ widely – https://theconversation.com/on-crime-and-justice-trump-and-harris-records-differ-widely-240004

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Candidate experience matters in elections, but not the way you think

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Charlie Hunt, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Boise State University

    Previously holding political office is an obvious advantage for candidates seeking votes. SDI Productions/E+/Getty Images

    Ever since he was chosen as Donald Trump’s running mate back in July, U.S. Sen. JD Vance, a Republican from Ohio, has come under a level of scrutiny typical for a vice presidential candidate, including for some of his eyebrow-raising public statements made in the past or during the campaign.

    One line of critique has persisted through the news cycles: that his lack of political experience may make Vance less qualified than others, including his opponent, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, to be vice president.

    Do more politically experienced politicians have advantages in elections? And if they enjoyed such advantages in the past, do they still in such a polarized political moment?

    The answers are complicated, but political science offers some clues.

    Why experience should matter

    Previously holding political office, and for a longer period of time, is in some ways an obvious advantage for candidates making the case to potential voters. If you were applying for a job as an attorney, previous legal experience would be favorably looked upon by an employer. The same is true in elections: If you want to run for office, experience as an officeholder could help you perform better at the job you’re asking for.

    This approach has been taken by a number of high-profile politicians over the years. For example, in Hillary Clinton’s first campaign for president in 2008, the U.S. senator from New York and future secretary of state made “strength and experience” the centerpiece of her argument to the voters.

    Experience also might matter for the same reasons as incumbency – that is, when a candidate is currently holding the office they are seeking in an election. Incumbents typically have much higher name recognition than their challenger opponents, distinct fundraising advantages and, at least in theory, a record of policy achievement on which to base their campaigns. Even for nonincumbents, these advantages are more prevalent for previous officeholders rather than someone who is a newcomer to politics.

    Barack Obama and his family on Nov. 4, 2008, the day he won the presidential election, showing that a lack of political experience can be used as a benefit.
    Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images

    Inexperienced, or an ‘outsider’?

    But Hillary Clinton was, of course, unsuccessful in her first bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008. She was beaten by a relatively inexperienced candidate named Barack Obama; like Vance, Obama had served less than a full term in the Senate before running for higher office.

    Obama’s 2008 win shows that a lack of political experience can be leveraged as a benefit.

    One of the few things Obama and Donald Trump have in common is that both benefited from an appeal to voters as a political “outsider” in elections in which Americans were frustrated with the political status quo. As outsiders, they appeared uniquely positioned to fix what voters believed was wrong with politics.

    Does experience equal ‘quality’?

    The “outsider” label isn’t always a ticket to victory.

    In 2020, for example, voters were frustrated with the chaos of having a political outsider in the White House and turned to Joe Biden – possibly the most experienced presidential candidate in modern history at that point, with eight years as vice president and several decades in the Senate under his belt. Voters were hungry for political normalcy in the White House and made that choice for Biden.

    Does U.S. Sen. JD Vance’s lack of political experience make him less qualified than his opponent, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, to be vice president?
    Scott Olson/Getty Images

    Political science has other important lessons about when experience matters and when it doesn’t. In Congress, electoral challengers – those running against incumbents – enjoy more of a boost from prior experience in places such as the state legislature. In fact, the typical indicator for challenger “quality” used in political science research is a simple marker of whether the challenger has prior political experience.

    But even this finding is more complicated than it seems: Political scientists such as Jeffrey Lazarus have found that high-quality – that is, politically experienced – challengers do better in part because they are more strategic in waiting for better opportunities to run in winnable races.

    Experience matters only sometimes – and maybe less than ever

    The usefulness of a lengthy political resume also depends on which stage of the election candidates are in.

    Research has found, for example, that a candidate’s experience matters much more in settings such as party primaries, where differences between the candidates on policy issues are typically much narrower. That leaves nonpolicy differences such as experience to play a bigger role.

    In the general election, voters supportive of one party are unlikely to factor candidate experience in that heavily, even, or especially, when the candidate they support lacks it.

    The political science phenomenon known as negative partisanship means that, more and more, voters are motivated not by positive attributes of their own party’s candidates but rather by the fear of losing to the other side. This has only been exacerbated as the two parties have polarized further.

    Voters are therefore more willing than ever to lower the standards they might have for their favored candidates’ resumes if it means beating the other side. Even if a Democrat is clearly more qualified than a Republican in terms of political experience, that advantage is unlikely to sway many Republican voters, and vice versa.

    What about 2024?

    In 2024, the experience factor is complicated. Trump, of course, has been president before – the ultimate prior experience for someone running for exactly that office.

    But he has continued to run as an outsider from the political establishment, casting Kamala Harris – who, as vice president, has little actual institutional power – as an incumbent who is responsible for the current state of the country. Since polls show consistently that a majority of Americans believe the country is not headed in the right direction, we can see why Trump might try to frame the race in this way.

    Whether Trump’s strategy ends up working will be more apparent after the election is over. For now, Trump and Harris can rest assured that most of their supporters don’t appear to care how much – or how little – experience they have.

    Charlie Hunt 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. Candidate experience matters in elections, but not the way you think – https://theconversation.com/candidate-experience-matters-in-elections-but-not-the-way-you-think-240191

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How dogs were implicated during the Salem witch trials

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bridget Marshall, Professor of English, UMass Lowell

    An illustration of a court scene during the late-17th century witch trials in Salem, Mass. Christine_Kohler/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    I teach a course on New England witchcraft trials, and students always arrive with varying degrees of knowledge of what happened in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692.

    Nineteen people accused of witchcraft were executed by hanging, another was pressed to death and at least 150 were imprisoned in conditions that caused the death of at least five more innocents.

    Each semester, a few students ask me about stories they have heard about dogs.

    In 17th century Salem, dogs were part of everyday life: People kept dogs to protect themselves, their homes and their livestock, to help with hunting, and to provide companionship.

    However, a variety of folklore traditions also associated dogs with the devil – beliefs that long predated what happened in Salem. Perhaps the most famous example of such belief is the case of a poodle named Boy who belonged to Prince Rupert, an English-German cavalry commander on the Royalist side during the English Civil War. Between 1643 and 1644, stories spread across Europe that Boy the poodle had supernatural powers, including shape-shifting and prophecy, that he used to aid his master on the battlefield.

    There is no mention in the official records of Salem’s trials of any dogs being tried or killed for witchcraft. However, dogs appear several times in the testimony, typically because an accused witch was believed to have had a dog as a “familiar” who would do her bidding, or because the devil appeared in the form of a dog.

    Numerous testimonies in the Salem trial records claim that dogs were in league with the devil, adding to the paranoia of this community that was spinning out of control.

    Associating the devil with the dog

    On May 16, 1692, a 45-year-old Amesbury, Massachusetts, man named John Kimball testified against Susanna Martin, a 71-year-old widow, saying, among other things, that she had caused a “black puppy” to appear before him when he was alone in the woods. Kimball testified that he was terrified by the dog, which he thought would tear out his throat. The dog disappeared when he began to pray.

    This, among other testimony, would contribute to Martin’s conviction for witchcraft in June 1692; she was hanged on July 19, 1692.

    In several instances recorded by the courts, accused witches confessed that the devil had appeared to them in the form of a dog. In September 1692, 19-year-old Mercy Wardwell testified that she had been conversing with the devil, and that he had appeared to her in the shape of a dog. Her confession caused her to be jailed, although she was later released when the hysteria died down.

    During the same proceedings that September, 14-year-old William Barker Jr. testified that the “shape of a black dog” appeared to him and provoked anxiety; soon after this, the devil appeared. It’s hard to know if he was suggesting that the dog was the devil himself or his companion.

    Barker confessed that he had “signed the devil’s book,” meaning that he had made a covenant with the devil and was a witch. Barker was jailed, though he would later be acquitted.

    Tituba, a woman of color enslaved in the Rev. Samuel Parris’ household, also testified about a dog. When she was examined by magistrates on March 1, 1692, Tituba recounted how the devil had appeared to her at least four times, “like a great dog” and as “a black dog.” She also said she saw cats, hogs and birds, an entire menagerie of animals working for the devil.

    An accused witch was believed to have a dog or another animal as a ‘familiar’ who would do her bidding,
    © The Trustees of the British Museum, CC BY-NC-SA

    Kimball’s, Wardwell’s, Barker’s and Tituba’s testimonies certainly may have contributed to the ongoing alarm that the residents of Salem were being led astray by a devil who might appear to them in the shape of a dog.

    Sketchy evidence

    Some popular accounts of the trials also suggest that at least two dogs were killed during the trials, but there is no evidence supporting this in the official legal testimony of the time. There is certainly some local legend that supports the claim, and many accounts of Salem have included these two dog deaths as a part of the story.

    According to local historical researcher Marilynne K. Roach’s 2002 book, “The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-by-day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege,” some of the afflicted girls claimed that a man named John Bradstreet had bewitched a dog. Although the dog was a victim, it was killed. Roach’s history also notes that another dog was shot to death when a girl claimed that the dog’s specter had afflicted her.

    Witchcraft belief at the time held that witches could send their “spectres,” or spirits, out to do their bidding.

    While these are compelling stories, neither of these events can be verified in any existing official trial documents. The source that Roach cites for the Bradstreet case is Robert Calef’s book “More Wonders of the Invisible World,” which was published in 1700. Calef, who was a Boston merchant, objected to how the trials were conducted. However, he was not present at the trials, and it is not clear what his source was for the dog stories. Such stories – and Calef’s uncited retelling of it – do not have the same authority as the legal documents in the case.

    The earliest account of a dog being shot for being a witch appears in a commentary on the Salem trials, “Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits,” published in 1693, in which the clergyman Increase Mather claims that “I am told by credible persons” that a dog was shot for bewitching a person.

    But significantly, Mather did not name the human victim or the person who told him the story. Surprisingly, Mather actually defended the dog, saying that the fact that they had successfully killed it meant that “this dog was no Devil.”

    Nearly every history of Salem recounts how when Samuel Parris’ daughters were having terrible fits that led people to believe they were bewitched, Tituba, the enslaved woman who lived in the household, baked a “witch cake” using urine from the afflicted girls and fed it to the family’s dog.

    Somehow, this was supposed to cause the dog to reveal the identity of the witch. Indeed, Reverend Parris condemned the ritual, which itself seemed to be its own kind of witchcraft.

    Fear and distrust

    All around, Salem’s witch trials seem to have been bad for dogs. Although there is no official legal evidence that dogs were killed for being witches, it’s clear that there were strong associations between dogs and the devil, and that dogs were sometimes treated poorly because of superstition.

    The Salem trials are a horrifying example of what happens when people use terrible logic and leap to indefensible conclusions with shoddy evidence. In an environment of fear and distrust, even man’s best friend could be suspected of dealings with the devil.

    Bridget Marshall 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. How dogs were implicated during the Salem witch trials – https://theconversation.com/how-dogs-were-implicated-during-the-salem-witch-trials-239802

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Color complexity in social media posts leads to more engagement, new research shows

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Vamsi Kanuri, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Notre Dame

    If you work in digital marketing, you don’t need to be told a picture’s worth a thousand words. More than half of content marketers say images are crucial for achieving their social media goals, and a staggering 70% of users prefer image-based posts over text, surveys have found.

    But which types of visuals work best? While anecdotal evidence abounds, systematic research on this topic is scarce.

    As a professor of business who knows the issues social media managers face while picking images for their posts – and who collected thousands of Facebook posts from two organizations in different industries – I saw an opportunity.

    Pigments and pixels

    Together with my colleagues Christian Hughes and Brady Hodges, I looked at what researchers call “color complexity.”

    Color complexity is similar to colorfulness, but it’s not quite the same: It’s measured as color variation across pixels in an image, and our brains process it subliminally. The more the brain has to decipher color variations across neighboring pixels, the harder it has to work.

    Fortunately, advanced computer vision technology makes it easier than ever to measure color complexity, and biometric eye-tracking makes it possible to see what images grab people’s attention in real time.

    We conducted four studies, looking at both real-world Facebook posts from two firms and experimental data using biometric eye-tracking. On the whole, we found that more complex images in social media posts tended to capture greater attention.

    However, there were some caveats.

    For instance, posts made later in the day and those with images that took up more screen space tended to benefit more from color complexity. This suggests that the timing and visual prominence of posts play a role in maximizing engagement.

    In addition, when images were paired with negative, feel-bad text, color complexity made less of a difference.

    We also found that pairing images with complex texts can actually strengthen the link between color complexity and user engagement. This surprising finding suggests that more intricate language might encourage people to pay more attention to the images.

    The complexities of color

    The importance of color in marketing, and its influence on everything from brand perception to purchase intentions, has long been well documented. Much less is known, however, about the role of color complexity in social media engagement. Our research is beginning to fill that gap.

    Overall, our findings underscore the importance of strategic image design in social media marketing. They suggest that a nuanced approach to image design, incorporating high color complexity where appropriate, can significantly enhance user engagement.

    For marketers and content creators, the implications are clear: Investing in the careful curation of social media images, especially those with high color complexity, can lead to better user engagement. Just be mindful of the timing and context, too.

    Vamsi Kanuri works for the University of Notre Dame.

    – ref. Color complexity in social media posts leads to more engagement, new research shows – https://theconversation.com/color-complexity-in-social-media-posts-leads-to-more-engagement-new-research-shows-240980

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Farms to fame: How China’s rural influencers are redefining country life

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mitchell Gallagher, Ph.D Candidate in Political Science, Wayne State University

    In the quiet backwaters of Yunnan, Dong Meihua – though her followers know her by the public alias Dianxi Xiaoge – has done something remarkable: She’s taken the pastoral simplicity of rural China and made it irresistible to millions. In her hands, a village kitchen becomes a stage, and the rhythms of farm life become a story as compelling as any novel. She is one of many rural influencers returning to their roots.

    In a digital revolution turning established narratives on their head, China’s countryside is emerging as an unlikely epicenter of viral content. Xiaoge is one of thousands of influencers redefining through social media how the countryside is perceived.

    Upending preconceptions of rural China as a hinterland of poverty and stagnation, this new breed of social media mavens is serving up a feast of bucolic bliss to millions of urbanites. It is a narrative shift encouraged by authorities; the Chinese government has given its blessing to influencers promoting picturesque rural images. Doing so helps downplay urban-rural chasms and stoke national pride. It also fits nicely with Beijing’s rural revitalization strategy.

    Hardship to revival

    To fully appreciate any phenomenon, it’s necessary to first consider the historical context. For decades, China’s countryside was synonymous with hardship and backwardness. The Great Leap Forward of the late 1950s and early 1960s – Communist China’s revered founder Mao Zedong’s disastrous attempt to industrialize a largely agrarian country – devastated rural communities and led to widespread famine that saw tens of millions die.

    The subsequent Cultural Revolution, in which Mao strengthened his grip on power through a broad purge of the nation’s intelligentsia, further disrupted customary rural life as educated youth were sent to the countryside for “reeducation.” These traumatic events inflicted deep scars on the rural psyche and economy.

    Meanwhile, the “hukou” system, which since the late 1950s has tied social benefits to a person’s birthplace and divided citizens into “agricultural ” and “nonagricultural” residency status, has created a stark divide between urban and rural citizens.

    The reform era of Mao’s successor, Deng Xiaoping, beginning in 1978, brought new challenges. As China’s cities boomed, the countryside lagged behind.

    Millions of rural Chinese have migrated to cities for better opportunities, abandoning aging populations and hollowed-out communities. In 1980, 19% of China’s population lived in urban areas. By 2023, that figure had risen to 66%.

    Government policies have since developed extensively toward rural areas. The abolition of agricultural taxes in 2006 heralded a major milestone, demonstrating a renewed commitment to rural prosperity. Most recently, President Xi Jinping’s “rural revitalization” has put countryside development at the forefront of national policy. The launch of the Internet Plus Agriculture initiative and investment in rural e-commerce platforms such as Taobao Villages allow isolated farming communities to connect to urban markets.

    Notwithstanding these efforts, China’s urban-rural income gap remains substantial, with the average annual per capita disposable income of rural households standing at 21,691 yuan (about US$3,100), approximately 40% of the amount for urban households.

    Enter the ‘new farmer’

    Digital-savvy farmers and countryside dwellers have used nostalgia and authenticity to win over Chinese social media. Stars such as Li Ziqi and Dianxi Xiaoge have racked up huge numbers of followers as they paint rural China as both an idyllic escape and a thriving cultural hub.

    The Chinese term for this social media phenomenon is “new farmer.” This encapsulates the rise of rural celebrities who use platforms such as Douyin and Weibo to document and commercialize their way of life. Take Sister Yu: With over 23 million followers, she showcases the rustic charm of northeast China as she pickles vegetables and cooks hearty meals. Or Peng Chuanming: a farmer in Fujian whose videos on crafting traditional teas and restoring his home have captivated millions.

    Since 2016, these platforms have turned rural life into digital gold. What began as simple documentation has evolved into a phenomenon commanding enormous audiences, fueled not just by nostalgia but also economic necessity. China’s post-COVID-19 economic downturn, marked by soaring youth unemployment and diminishing urban opportunities, has driven some to seek livelihoods in the countryside.

    In China’s megacities, where the air is thick with pollution and opportunity, there’s clearly a hunger for something real – something that doesn’t come shrink-wrapped or with a QR code. And rural influencers serve slices of a life many thought lost to China’s breakneck development.

    Compared with their urban counterparts, rural influencers carve out a unique niche in China’s vast social media landscape. Although fashion bloggers, gaming streamers and lifestyle gurus dominate platforms such as Weibo and Douyin, the Chinese TikTok, rural content creators tap into a different cultural romanticism and a yearning for connection to nature. In addition, their content capitalizes on the rising popularity of short video platforms such as Kuaishou and Pinduoduo, augmenting their reach across a wide demographic, from nostalgic retirees to eco-conscious millennials.

    But this is not simply digital escapism for the masses. Tourism is booming in once-forgotten villages. Traditional crafts are finding new markets. In 2020 alone, Taobao Villages reported a staggering 1.2 trillion yuan (around $169.36 billion) in sales.

    The Chinese government, never one to miss a PR opportunity, has spotted potential. Rural revitalization is now the buzzword among government officials. It’s a win-win: Villagers net economic opportunities, and the state polishes its reputation as a champion of traditional values. Government officials have leveraged platforms such as X to showcase China’s rural revitalization efforts to international audiences.

    Authenticity or illusion?

    As with all algorithms, there’s a catch to the new farmer movement. The more popular rural influencers become, the more pressure they face to perform “authenticity.” Or put another way: The more real it looks, the less real it might actually be.

    It raises another question: Who truly benefits? Are we witnessing rural empowerment or a commodification of rural life for urban consumption? With corporate sponsors and government initiatives piling in, the line between genuine representation and curated fantasy blurs.

    Local governments, recognizing the economic potential, have begun offering subsidies to rural content creators, causing skepticism about whether this content is truly grassroots or part of a bigger, state-led campaign to sanitize the countryside’s image.

    Yet, for all the conceivable pitfalls, the new farmer trend is an opportunity to challenge the urban-centric narrative that has dominated China’s development story for decades and rethink whether progress always means high-rises and highways, or if there’s value in preserving ways of life that have sustained communities for centuries.

    More importantly, it’s narrowing the cultural disconnect that has long separated China’s rural and urban populations. In a country where your hukou can determine your destiny, these viral videos foster understanding in ways that no government program ever could.

    Mitchell Gallagher 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. Farms to fame: How China’s rural influencers are redefining country life – https://theconversation.com/farms-to-fame-how-chinas-rural-influencers-are-redefining-country-life-239540

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: ITS Logistics Distribution + Fulfillment Q3 Index: Increase in the Industrial Vacancy Rate of 6.4% Suggests Temporary Supply-Demand Imbalance In Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ITS Logistics today released the Q3 ITS Logistics US Distribution and Fulfillment Index, Powered by Cresa. This quarter the index reveals that as of August 2024, the national industrial vacancy rate in the U.S. was approximately 6.4%, reflecting an upward trend from the previous months. That same month, the Logistics Manager’s Index (LMI) stood at 56.4, reflecting moderate expansion in the logistics industry, albeit a slight decrease (-0.1) from July’s reading of 56.5.

    “This trend of increasing vacancy rates suggests a temporary supply-demand imbalance as new developments outpace demand growth in certain regions,” said Ryan Martin, President of Assets for ITS Logistics. “The increasing vacancy rate is likely related to the drop in producer price index (PPI), suggesting that prices are softening for warehousing and storage services. As new supply continues to enter the market, especially in major industrial hubs, pricing pressure could persist unless demand accelerates, or development slows down.”

    A recent article from The Wall Street Journal referenced data retrieved from Cushman & Wakefield, confirming warehouse construction dropped to 309 million square feet in Q3, a 43% decrease from last year and the largest decline since 2008. In addition, the previously mentioned industrial real estate vacancy increase of 6.4% is up from 4.6% a year ago, which marks the highest level since late 2014. While the average asking rental rate for industrial space exceeded the $10 per square foot (psf) level for the first time in history at the close of Q3 at $10.08 psf, it showcases an increase of 4.3% year-over-year as some markets are continuing to experience increases in rent despite softer fundamentals than the past three years.

    “As it pertains to the LMI score, by comparison, in March 2024, the LMI was higher at 58.3,” continued Martin. “This indicated a faster rate of expansion earlier in the year. Between March and August, the slowdown in the LMI suggests that while logistics activities continued to grow, they did so at a decelerating pace. A notable factor during this period was the slight contraction in warehousing utilization and capacity, reflecting adjustments in supply chain management as the industry dealt with inventory fluctuations and cost pressures.”

    While the industry prepares for the close of the year, both UPS and FedEx have released their 2024-2025 peak season surcharges, which will significantly impact high-volume shippers. UPS and FedEx will begin applying these fees this month, including both peak and demand surcharges. Surcharges range from $0.30 to $100 per package, depending on the characteristics of the package and the data it ships. Both carriers are targeting businesses that ship over 20,000 packages per week. To manage these increased costs, ITS suggests companies review their peak season data and adjust their shipping strategies accordingly.

    ITS Logistics offers a full suite of network transportation solutions across North America and omnichannel distribution and fulfillment services to 95% of the U.S. population within two days. These services include drayage and intermodal in 22 coastal ports and 30 rail ramps, a full suite of asset and asset-lite transportation solutions, omnichannel distribution and fulfillment, and outbound small parcel.

    The ITS Logistics US Distribution and Fulfillment Index tracks the Producer Price Index (PPI) for Warehousing and Storage and offers a regional markets overview to optimize warehousing and delivery costs. All major markets in the US are highlighted each quarter via the Index. Visit here for a full, comprehensive copy of the index with expected forecasts for the US distribution and fulfillment sector of the supply chain industry.

    About ITS Logistics
    ITS Logistics is one of North America’s fastest-growing, asset-based modern 3PLs, providing solutions for the industry’s most complicated supply chain challenges. With a people-first culture committed to excellence, the company relentlessly strives to deliver unmatched value through best-in-class service, expertise, and innovation. The ITS Logistics portfolio features North America’s #19 asset-lite freight brokerage, the #12 drayage and intermodal solution, a top 50 dedicated fleet, an innovative cloud-based technology ecosystem, and a nationwide distribution and fulfillment network.

    Media Contact
    Amber Good
    LeadCoverage
    amber@leadcoverage.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c719ccdb-3861-4286-b49f-60b2258dbb0b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Paxful Modernizes P2P with Reinvented App and Brand, featuring AI-Enhanced Safety, Security, and Support

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paxful, the global payment network for people-powered money announced a major upgrade to its brand and products for 14 million total Paxful users in over 140 countries:

    1. A totally reinvented mobile and web P2P trading experience, designed for smoother trades, getting you the right information at the right time, and keeping you secure.
    2. Dozens of core product updates including the industry’s lowest fees on cryptocurrency swaps, plus the addition of nearly a hundred new payment methods.
    3. Major improvements across safety, security, and support – merging the best of expert talent and the latest in AI.

    New Brand, New App, New Team – Same Mission

    Founded in 2015, today’s announcement represents the biggest change to Paxful’s brand and core products since its founding, and a breath of fresh air for peer-to-peer markets.

    Paxful’s modern rebrand emphasizes simplicity, delivered across updated web and mobile products, and is designed from the ground up based on years of marketplace data and daily user feedback.

    This inflection point comes as the team approaches 100 members around the globe under the leadership of Paxful CEO Roshan Dharia.

    Dharia says, “We built an incredible team that works tirelessly to connect with our users, improve our marketplace, and keep everyone safe. Then we listened, built, and optimized everything about Paxful, inside and out. The result is a brand new Paxful, with the best designed app in peer-to-peer, loyal to its founding mission: building a financial system for the 100%”

    The Best of Human Ingenuity and Cutting-Edge Technology

    Paxful is modernizing key areas of its business through the integration of AI, resulting in faster trades, more intuitive support, and enhanced scam prevention. By leveraging a substantial dataset of historical information alongside expert human input, Paxful’s AI tools are enabling the company to accomplish more with better results:

    • Safety – Paxful has strengthened its compliance and identity programs by integrating crypto forensics, layered identity screening, and process automation, all supported by a dedicated compliance team. These enhancements facilitate quicker onboarding while reducing risks like identity theft and blocking high-risk transactions, ultimately protecting users from known scams and maintaining the marketplace’s integrity.
    • Security – Supported by a global 24/7 support team, Paxful’s security suite continually scans thousands of data points from its marketplace to prevent scams. Repeat offenders are barred from rejoining, fostering a safer marketplace for all users.
    • Support – By pairing AI with expert moderators, Paxful has achieved resolution times that are 2.3 times faster than the industry average. This efficiency is complemented by newly launched features such as Live Chat support and a streamlined knowledge base available for self-service, ensuring that users retain access to the human touch in support interactions.

    About Paxful

    Paxful is the world’s largest people-powered marketplace, connecting over 14 million users across 140+ countries to move, earn, save, and store money – even without a bank account. Founded in 2015 and based in the United States, Paxful offers safe, fast, and reliable access to the global economy through cryptocurrencies bought and sold on a borderless peer-to-peer payment network. With over 300 payment methods for accessing Bitcoin, USDT, and other popular digital and local currencies, Paxful is building a financial system for 100%. 

    Users can visit Paxful at https://paxful.com

    For queries, users can visit reach out to media relations at email: press@paxful.com

    Contact

    Elliot Ledley
    Elliot@EnergentMedia.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CleanChoice Energy To Double its Solar Generation Assets by Acquiring Project in Kylertown, Penn.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CleanChoice Energy (“CleanChoice”), the first company in the U.S. that both owns solar generation assets and supplies only 100% clean energy to consumers, announced the acquisition of its second fully owned and operated solar project. Located in Kylertown, Penn., the solar project will have the capacity to supply over 5,100 homes with renewable energy. This news comes one year after the company announced the development of its first solar project, which is nearing completion in Blairs Valley, Penn., and will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 4,500 homes.

    Construction of the 150-acre Kylertown solar project is expected to begin in Q4 2024, with a planned interconnection date of October 2025. It will have a capacity of 29.42 MW. When completed, the solar farm will interconnect to the PJM electric grid, which supplies energy to utilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and regions throughout other surrounding states.

    “Our project in Kylertown will double CleanChoice Energy’s solar generation assets, as well as demonstrate how responsible renewable energy generation can support the local community and wildlife,” said Zoë Gamble, President of CleanChoice. “This is part of our long-term strategy to support the growth of 100% green energy in the U.S. and make it more accessible to people – a solution that is critically needed as we all face the dire consequences of climate change.”

    CleanChoice is acquiring the project from Prospect14, which led the siting and greenfield development. “This project is an excellent example of the positive benefits that solar energy brings to Pennsylvania’s local communities, energy consumers, and landowners,” says Carl Jackson, Partner of Prospect14. “We are thrilled that this solar project will be carried forward by a partner who operates at high standards and takes care of the land and community.”

    The Kylertown solar project is the second in a number of projects in the pipeline for CleanChoice as owner-operator. CleanChoice continues to develop greenfield sites and pursue acquisition of large-scale solar projects across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

    For more information, visit http://www.cleanchoiceenergy.com.

    ABOUT CLEANCHOICE ENERGY
    CleanChoice Energy is one of the leading 100% renewable energy suppliers in the U.S., building solar farms and providing consumers with alternative ways to access clean energy. CleanChoice is defining farm-to-table clean energy, making it easy for people to live cleaner lives with pollution-free, renewable energy for their homes and businesses. With CleanChoice, every kilowatt of electricity used is replenished onto the grid with 100% clean energy from regional wind and solar projects. Founded in 2012, CleanChoice has become one of the fastest-growing businesses in America, as ranked on the Inc 5000 and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™. CleanChoice Energy is majority-owned by Funds managed by True Green Capital Management LLC. For more information or to become a clean energy customer, visit CleanChoiceEnergy.com.

    ABOUT PROSPECT14
    Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, Prospect14 focuses on the scaled origination and development of distributed solar energy projects in multiple markets in the United States. Since its inception, Prospect14 has originated more than 6.5 GWdc of solar and solar + storage projects. For more information, please visit http://www.prospect14.com.

    Media Contact:

    Debbie Ehrman
    FINN Partners
    CleanChoiceEnergy@finnpartners.com

    Kate Colarulli
    Chief Corporate Development Officer
    Mobile: +1 202 380 8936
    kate.colarulli@cleanchoice.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo: “The Church cannot remain silent in the face of the illegal exploitation of mineral resources in Africa”

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ROME, Italy, October 15, 2024/APO Group/ —Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa, DR Congo
    President of the Symposium of Episcopal
    Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)

    [1] CENCO, “NEW WINE, NEW WINESKINS” (Mk 2, 22) Do not disappoint the nation’s expectations, Message from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo on the occasion of the 43rd Plenary Assembly, Kinshasa, Edition of the General Secretariat of CENCO, n. 11. L

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Alizz Islamic Bank Partners with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation to Support the Private sector in Oman

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    MUSCAT, Oman, October 15, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Reinforcing its position as one of Oman’s most dynamic Islamic Wholesale Banking institutions, Alizz Islamic Bank has recently signed an agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org). This partnership is set to provide Shari’a compliant financing solutions, further enhancing the bank’s commitment to offering innovative and ethical financial services in alignment with Islamic principles. 

    The agreement was officially signed by Mr. Ali Al Mani, CEO of Alizz Islamic Bank and Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC in the presence of a number of senior officials from both organisations. 

    Speaking about the agreement, Mr. Ali Al Mani, CEO of Alizz Islamic Bank said: “We are delighted to be the first bank in Oman to partner with the ITFC. Partnering with innovative and leading organisations in their respective fields is an important part of our strategy and we are proud to be pioneers in providing innovative trade financing solutions. Our customers are at the forefront of everything we do and aligning with strategic partners enables Alizz Islamic Bank to enhance our trade solutions and correspondent network which in turn can enable us to offer competitive working capital financing pricing.” 

    Commenting on the  agreement, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC , and Acting CEO of  ICD stated “We are pleased with our partnership and strategic relationship with Alizz Islamic Bank. This is our first collaboration in Oman and is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing Shari’ah compliant financial services in the country.  Through this agreement, we aim to strengthen the private sector role in the economy, particularly by enhancing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Supporting SMEs is a core pillar of the ITFC mission, and we are confident that this partnership will help drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and foster sustainable development in Oman”. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson Joins Multiple Sunday Shows

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — This morning, Speaker Johnson joined CBS News’ Face the Nation and NBC News’ Meet the Press to discuss the ongoing federal response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Speaker also discussed election security and the 2024 election process. 

    Click here to watch the NBC interview, and here to watch the CBS interview

    On the ongoing federal response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton:

    Remember, the day before Hurricane Helene hit and made landfall in Florida, and then went up through the states and wound up in Senator Tillis’ state of North Carolina, Congress appropriated $20 billion additional to FEMA so that they would have the necessary resources to address immediate needs, and so we put that into the coffers. I just checked Margaret, as of this morning, less than 2% of that funding has actually been distributed, right around 2% of it, so we need FEMA to do its job. Those funds, that money, is provided so that storm victims can have the immediate necessities met. And then what happens after every storm is that the states have to assess and calculate the actual needs, and then they submit to Congress that request. As soon as that is done, Congress will meet and in bipartisan fashion, we will address those needs. We’ll provide the additional resources. 

    But it would be premature to call everyone back now, because these storms are so large in their scope and magnitude, it’s going to take a little bit of time to make those calculations. In North Carolina, I was there in the worst hit areas around Asheville with Senator Tillis and Senator Budd, Chuck Edwards, the congressman that represents that area. The devastation is broad, and people were still being rescued 13 days out from the storm. That was just a few days back. So, they still have a lot to do. It’s going to take a long time to make those calculations, but Congress is ready to act, and we will.

    On the SBA Loan program:

    Congress will not leave small business owners wanting. I am a small business owner and I’m from a hurricane prone state, Louisiana. We’re kind of experts in this disaster recovery. The SBA loan, as you indicated, is a small interest loan that helps people bridge the gap and get back on their feet. But importantly about that program, it is a supplement to private insurance and other disaster relief funding. And so, by definition and necessity, it takes a few weeks to calculate it. Now, Congress is expected to come back. We’re already scheduled to come back right after the election. We’re 23 days out from the election. That will coincide almost perfectly, I think with the time for most of these applications to even begin and many of them to be processed. Now, FEMA has received thousands of applications already, and they’re going through that laborious process of affirming and confirming it.

    But when the time is needed, we will cover the needs of small businesses. Congress is all on board. Remember, one day before Helene made landfall, we appropriated $20 billion additional dollars to FEMA so they would have the resources to address urgent needs. But I’ll say this, it’s very important to note. As of yesterday, roughly 2% of those funds had been distributed. We need the Biden-Harris administration to get about the business of distributing the funds that Congress has already set aside. That is a really important thing. People are hurting. I’ve been on the ground in the most affected disaster areas, Florida, North Carolina. They really need the help.

    On 2024 election security: 

    I’m a constitutional law attorney. I’ve dedicated my life, devoted my life and demonstrated every day that I will uphold the Constitution. We are going to do our job in Congress. A free and fair and legal election will be certified. And that is our hope and prayer across the board. Of course, I’m going to follow the constitution. I’m going to follow the law. That’s my job. It’s my duty. I took an oath to do that. And I’ll fulfill my oath.

    The point is the process works. We had the peaceful transfer of power, we did in 2020. We will in 2024. Everybody can sigh and take a deep breath. Our system is going to work. We have the greatest system in the history of the world because we live in the greatest country in the world. But that last part is in jeopardy right now. This is a decisive election, and everybody knows it. And that’s why we’re going to be given the chance to run this country again. We’re going to turn it around and I can’t wait.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hamburg Sustainability Platform – New alliances are needed to provide blended finance at scale (15 Oct. 2024)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    Public-private stakeholder coalition kicks-off joint work to scale up private SDG investment in emerging markets and developing economies: At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, a coalition of private and public institutions announced to join forces to set up the Hamburg Sustainability Platform. This platform aims at scaling sustainable investments into emerging markets and developing economies through standardization.

    The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the climate and biodiversity goals, cannot be achieved with public funds alone. More private investment is urgently needed, especially in emerging markets and development economies. To close this financing gap, it must become easier for private investors to invest. Blended finance provides efficient mechanisms to address this challenge. This is the aim of an alliance of public and private stakeholders, the Hamburg Sustainability Platform (HSP), announced at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference.

    The German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, (BMZ); the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); Global Affairs Canada; the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Treasury of the Republic of South Africa; the Secretary of State in charge of International partnerships of France; the German Development Bank KfW; British International Investment (BII); as well as Allianz and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) are partnering to jointly develop the Hamburg Sustainability Platform. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) acts as an advisory body to the platform.

    Sustainable investments in emerging markets and developing economies have so far been for the pioneers in the private sector: while promising investment opportunities exist, large institutional investors such as pension funds or insurance companies rarely invest at scale. This is because implementation takes a long time, as preparations can take several years and financial products are often very complex. To make it easier for private investors to invest at scale, it would be necessary to pool the funds of public donors and standardize financial vehicles.

    As a solution, the HSP aims at better combining public and private investments through standardized financial products as well as harmonized public strategies. The initiative thereby aims to enhance simplicity, replicability and efficiency, thus enabling considerable additional investment volume.

    Standardization is a key enabler of operational efficiency. By delivering simplicity, efficiency and speed, volume becomes possible. Standardization acts like a common language, combatting fragmentation and accelerating procedures. It could therefore be an important step to help scaling private investment. This is recognized and demanded by different institutions and initiatives such as the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA), the OECD, as well as the B20 Finance & Infrastructure Working Group. Nevertheless, standardization is currently lacking in blended finance.

    The HSP was announced at the inaugural Hamburg Sustainability Conference, held on 7-8 October. Under the motto “together we co-create development”, the Hamburg Sustainability Conference challenges barriers to SDG implementation. It establishes a new global forum to speed up progress towards achieving the SDGs and deliver result-oriented solutions. The annual conference is a joint initiative of the United Nations (UNDP), the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Michael Otto Foundation and the City of Hamburg.

    On their motivations for the HSP, the founding members have said:

    Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Development and Minister for Women and Equalities, United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: “Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals will require trillions of dollars of additional public and private investment into emerging markets and developing economies. To get private capital moving quickly and at scale, investors need to be able to compare options and make decisions with confidence. That’s why the UK is pleased to support the Hamburg Sustainability Platform, which will focus on scaling up sustainable investment into the regions that need it most, by providing standardized investment products in a clear and simple format.”

    Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development: ”The SDGs represent an unprecedented global consensus and as such, a joint mission of public and private stakeholders. We need to join forces to make this mission heard. Over the past years, numerous good examples of blended finance vehicles have been set up. It is now time to identify those success cases, standardize, and scale them. This is what the Hamburg Sustainability Platform stands for. It is a great example of how the German government enhances international partnerships and how development cooperation efficiently uses market mechanisms to co-create impact. “

    Thani Mohamed Soilihi, French Secretary of State for Francophonie and international partnerships: “We need to boost financing capacities if we collectively want to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and this requires far more private sector leveraging. This is a priority for France, that we are pursuing with 66 partners through the Paris Pact for People and Planet. In that perspective, the Hamburg Sustainability Platform plays an important role and we hope it will bolster current efforts to scale sustainable investments and deliver tangible results.”

    Lina Gandløse Hansen, State Secretary for Trade and Investments, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark: “We need to bridge the financing gap to deliver on the SDGs and the Paris agreement. The numbers tell a clear story: We are far off track. We need all hands on deck and the private sector must play a key role. We need to deliver scale and replicable models. The Hamburg Sustainability Platform can play an important role. Denmark is looking forward to bringing our strong focus on innovative financing to the table and explore synergies, not least with the work in the Investment Mobilization Collaboration Alliance (IMCA) which aims at mobilizing billions of USD in private capital in support of climate action.”

    Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, Head of Asset and Liability Management at the National Treasury of the Republic of South Africa: “We need impactful solutions and investments on a global scale. And for investments to be impactful, private and public sector need to work together. Development efforts can only be sustainable in the long run if we succeed in mobilizing private markets for our goals. The Hamburg Sustainability Platform can become a key lever on this mission.”

    Patricia Peña, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Global Affairs Canada: “Setting up the Hamburg Sustainability Platform involves learning from and working with existing solutions, ensuring what we put forward and how we work together adds value and avoids duplication. Recognising the need to cooperate more efficiently with other donors and private investors from an early stage, the Hamburg Sustainability Platform could become a key tool to enhance donor cooperation and address existing challenges in blended finance.”

    Claus Stickler, Global Co-Lead at Allianz Investment Management: “Speed and scalability are key success factors in achieving sustainable change globally, including for example accelerating the deployment of renewable energy in emerging markets. The Hamburg Sustainability Platform can help simplify the creation and management of blended finance vehicles, thereby increasing their investability. Let’s work together to create this important platform for real action.”

    Vito Dellerba, Managing Director, Sustainable Investing at CDPQ: “Templates and standardized frameworks for financial returns and impact – initiatives highlighted by the Hamburg Sustainability Platform – facilitate timely and knowledgeable decisions by providing streamlined and consistent information. In addition, it has the potential to boost market efficiency by enhancing risk management practices, lowering transaction costs and increasing liquidity.“

    OECD Deputy Secretary-General Mary Beth Goodman: “The OECD supports the Hamburg Sustainability Platform in an advisory role. Promoting innovative approaches to scaling up private capital mobilization in Emerging Market and Developing Economies is core to the work of the OECD. As a convener, we will be a partner in driving this initiative forward. Based on the OECD’s work in harmonising blended finance approaches, and with standardization featuring prominently in the current update of the Blended Finance Principles Guidance, the OECD can be a key contributor of this initiative.”

    Christiane Laibach, Member of the Executive Board of KfW: “We have all learnt valuable lessons from the past twenty years of blended finance and impact investment. But to reach scale, we need to join forces, agree on common models based on these lessons and roll them out in a predictable and standardized manner. This is the objective of the Hamburg Sustainability Platform.”

    Liz Lloyd, Chief Investment Officer at BII: “Unlocking private capital is critical to meet the twin challenges of development and the climate emergency. One important way to do that is through innovative blended finance, using concessional public finance to encourage private investment to achieve the SDGs. We are pleased to collaborate with others to reach a common approach to blended finance, to help mobilize private capital into sustainable investments at scale.“

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Visits Pacheco Farm in Marana

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    Marana, AZ – On Thursday, October 10, 2024, U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) visited Pacheco Farms in Marana to tour their facilities and discuss the importance of passing the Farm Bill alongside the Arizona Farm Bureau and the Arizona Cotton Growers Association. 

    “As one of Arizona’s five “C’s”, cotton is critical to our local economy and a staple of our nation’s textile industry,” said Ciscomani. “It was a pleasure to visit the historic Pacheco Farm in Marana and speak with the Arizona Farm Bureau and Cotton Growers Association about the need to pass a Farm Bill that provides the agriculture industry with the proper tools and support they need.” 

    The Farm Bill is a legislative package that establishes the priorities and policies of the agriculture industry for a five-year period. Additionally, the Farm Bill’s nutrition programs provide critical nutrition assistance to millions of Americans. The current Farm Bill, which was passed in 2018 and reauthorized in 2023, will expire this year.  

    Background: 

    • On May 24, 2024, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (H.R. 8467)  to reauthorize the Farm Bill.  

    • In September 2024, Ciscomani joined a majority of his House Republican colleagues in a letter urging House GOP leadership to prioritize passage of a Farm Bill that meets the needs.  

    • Ciscomani wrote a joint op-ed with Arizona Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse advocating for the critical need to pass a Farm Bill. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Murphy Announces Second Round of Medical Debt Elimination, Totaling $120 Million in Debt Abolished for 77,000 New Jerseyans

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    Nearly two months after effectuating the first round of medical debt abolishment through the State’s partnership with Undue Medical Debt, Governor Phil Murphy today announced that 77,000 eligible individuals and families across New Jersey are set to benefit from the elimination of an additional $120 million in medical debt. Governor Murphy sat down with Andrew Rose Gregory, who was a special guest at the 2024 State of the State Address, to discuss the announcement. Andrew and his wife, Casey, partnered with Undue and raised $1.1 million following her passing to help eliminate medical debt for others. The video is available here.

    By leveraging approximately $900,000 in American Rescue Plan funds, Undue has worked with the Atlantic Health System to identify and purchase qualifying, unpayable medical debts. Impacted residents may have all or some of their debts abolished as part of the Governor’s mission to make health care more affordable and accessible. Through the State’s partnership with Undue, $220 million in medical debt has been eliminated for 127,000 New Jersey residents so far.

    “Investing in affordable and accessible health care allows residents to prioritize their well-being without having to take on the significant burdens of medical debt, which has long served as a debilitating barrier to receiving the life-saving care and services they deserve,” said Governor Murphy. “That is why our Administration has taken action to both protect residents from accumulating debt and eliminate existing debt so that New Jerseyans can focus on what matters most: their health. Today’s announcement marks a monumental step forward and builds upon our efforts to create a health care system that relieves financial constraints and ensures quality, comprehensive care is within reach of every New Jerseyan.”

    “With Governor Murphy’s persistent focus on health care affordability and access for New Jerseyans, we are pleased to announce another round of medical debt abolishment for tens of thousands of residents and families,” said Shabnam Salih, Director of the Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency. “Today’s announcement is lifting the burden of $120 million in debt off their shoulders, helping to bring some peace of mind and comfort next time they have to see a doctor or visit the hospital for care.”

    Earlier this year, the Governor signed the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act, which safeguards New Jersey families from accumulating medical debt, protects against predatory medical debt collectors, and prohibits the reporting of medical debt to credit reporting agencies. New Jersey is a leading state in consumer protection policies and supports for residents, being one of only five states in the nation that both prohibits medical debt reporting to credit agencies and has allocated funding to provide residents with direct medical debt relief.

    “We’re proud to partner with the state of New Jersey, Governor Murphy and Atlantic Health on this impactful medical debt abolishment that follows closely on the heels of the initial $100 million of medical debt already erased,” said Undue Medical Debt CEO and president Allison Sesso. “New Jersey is a great example of a state that’s erasing medical debts weighing down its most financially burdened residents while also taking legislative action to lessen the burden of medical debt overall.”

    “As Casey and I prepared for her to die in home hospice, we decided that after her death we would raise money to forgive others’ medical debt in her honor. We were keenly aware of how lucky we were that our finances hadn’t been demolished by America’s health care system during Casey’s long and arduous treatment. Casey’s corporate insurance through her work as a publisher at Penguin Random House had been our shield. But we had met so many other patients and families that were not so lucky as us, and had gone into debt or even denied care because of a lack of insurance,” said Andrew Gregory. “In the last weeks of her life, Casey and I often listened to the Stevie Wonder song Come Back as a Flower: I wish that I could come back as a flower / as a flower / to spread the sweetness of love. As news of Casey’s death, and her wish to forgive others’ medical debt, spread across the world after she died, her campaign raised $1.1 million, forgiving almost $45 million with at least $65 million more of un-payable medical debt still slated to be relieved. She is no longer with us but I still say to her, Casey, Casey, you have come back as a flower.”

    There is no application process for medical debt relief. Undue works with hospital systems across the country to purchase large, bundled portfolios of past-due medical debt belonging to those least able to pay for pennies on the dollar. Instead of trying to collect, Undue erases the debt.

    “When I received my letter [notifying] me that my medical expenses were covered, I felt so blessed and happy. I’m a single mom; I had to take a leave of absence so that I could have surgery and I have no way to pay my medical bills. I work so hard in this country, but it is really difficult to [pay] for my house and bills without any assistance. Thank you so much, Governor Phil Murphy,” said Brunilda from Newark, NJ, one of almost 50,000 New Jerseyans to have medical debt abolished this August.

    “Thank you for helping. I lost my job and then got terribly sick. I couldn’t afford medication, couldn’t afford to pay rent and my bills were coming in back-to-back. I’m trying to get my financial situation back together and this really does help me. Thank you,” said Angela from Dover, NJ, one of almost 50,000 New Jerseyans to have medical debt abolished this August.

    “Like many families throughout the United States, I worked a job for 25+ years that did not offer health benefits. I often had to make a strategic decision about whether my illness or injuries were worth visiting the hospitals or doctor for. Living off of minimum wage, taking care of my ailing mother, paying rent and other expenses — it was just impossible for me to pay my hospital bills. Even with expensive health insurance, high co-pays make it difficult for many American families to [afford care]. Thank you, Undue, for relieving me of this burden. For once, [I felt] great joy finally receiving some good news in the mail!” said Antoinette from Jackson, NJ, one of almost 50,000 New Jerseyans to have medical debt abolished this August.

    Those who qualify for medical debt relief are either four times or below the federal poverty level or have medical debts that equal 5% or more of their annual income. These are the only criteria for relief. For this round of debt abolishment, Undue worked with Atlantic Health System to identify unpaid medical debts that qualify for erasure. This is a one-time abolishment to help remove the financial and emotional burden of unpayable medical debts. Medical debt relief is source-based, depending on community-minded providers like hospitals who choose to engage. 

    Those benefiting from medical debt relief will receive an Undue branded letter in the mail beginning Thursday, October 17, 2024. Learn more about Undue here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: This Week in NJ – October 11th, 2024

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    Biden-Harris Administration Issues Final Rule Requiring Replacement of Lead Pipes Within 10 Years, Announces $44M in Funding to New Jersey to Provide Clean Water to Schools and Homes

    The Biden-Harris Administration issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to take action on lead in drinking water to protect people from lead exposure. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them. This final rule is part of the President’s commitment to replace every lead pipe in the country within a decade, making sure that all communities can turn on the tap and drink clean water.

    Alongside the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, the EPA announced $44,199,000 in newly available drinking water infrastructure funding for New Jersey through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will flow through the drinking water state revolving funds (DWSRFs) and is available to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects. Additionally, 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grant funding or principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid. The EPA also announced the availability of $35 million in competitive grant funding for reducing lead in drinking water. Communities are invited to apply directly for grant funding through this program. Additional federal funding is available to support lead pipe replacement projects and EPA has developed a website identifying available funding sources.

    “We are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Environmental Protection Agency for their continued support in helping us build a cleaner and healthier Garden State through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Governor Murphy. “This newly announced funding will help New Jersey communities with the vital task of replacing all lead pipes within the next ten years as we work to ensure that everyone in New Jersey has access to clean, safe drinking water. These critical investments in our drinking water infrastructure will help protect our children from lead exposure, create good-paying jobs for New Jerseyans, and ensure a stronger drinking water system for generations to come.”

    READ MORE

    First Lady Tammy Murphy Hosts 21st Successful Family Festival in Vineland

    First Lady Tammy Murphy hosted her 21st Nurture NJ Family Festival in Vineland on Saturday, October 5, creating a one-stop-shop for 1,500 attendees to access crucial resources to aid them in growing their families and raising children in the Garden State. The event connected families with information on accessing state, county and local resources spanning from health and child care to housing support and food assistance, among many more supports to help new parents.

    “Our Family Festivals have proven to be a powerful tool in connecting New Jerseyans with the resources necessary to help support their growing families,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “We know that raising children comes with a whole host of challenges and rewards, and we are committed to being there every step of the way through our innovative initiatives to uplift mothers and babies. In a rural county like Cumberland, accessing care can be burdensome. That’s why I am thankful to our dedicated partners for helping to make today a success and for their constant partnership as we all work to make Cumberland County – and all of New Jersey – the safest and most equitable place  in the nation to have a baby and raise a family.”

    Vineland has a 43 percent Hispanic and Latino population. New Jersey’s Maternal Mortality Report for the years 2016-2018 showed that Hispanic mothers were three and a half times more likely to die of maternity-related complications than white mothers. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the mortality rate for Hispanic babies is nearly one and a half times that of white babies. Among all demographics, Cumberland County has the highest infant mortality rate and teen pregnancy rate in the state.

    READ MORE

    New Jersey Army National Guard Prepares for Hurricane Milton Support to Florida Division of Emergency Management

    The New Jersey Army National Guard announced the deployment of approximately 80 Soldiers and 30 military vehicles to support Hurricane Milton response operations in Camp Blanding, Florida. A convoy from the 143d Transportation Company and 253d Transportation Company, 42d Regional Support Group arrived in Florida following the landfall of Hurricane Milton.


    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Florida as a second massive storm in as many weeks bears down on our nation’s Gulf Coast,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “New Jersey is committed to doing everything possible to assist Floridians impacted by Hurricane Milton—including sending a convoy to support the Florida Division of Emergency Management.”

    Upon arrival to Camp Blanding, the unit coordinated with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida National Guard. Tasks include transportation of Florida National Guard personnel into weather-impacted areas and delivery of commodities to or from points of distribution.

    “Floridians are family, and we know from personal experience what hurricane recovery means for our communities,” said Colonel Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey. “Our Soldiers are trained and ready to support our neighbors in need.”

    New Jersey responded to Florida’s request for support through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation’s state-to-state mutual aid agreement. EMAC matches personnel, equipment, and commodities to assist response and recovery efforts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four territories.

    READ MORE

    AG Platkin Sues TikTok for Unlawful Practices That Harm NJ Youth

    Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced that after a multiyear investigation, they are suing social media giant TikTok for deceptive, unconscionable, and abusive business practices that harm the health and safety of New Jersey’s youth.

    The complaint, which was filed temporarily under seal in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Essex County, alleges multiple violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (CFA). Other Attorneys General are filing similar lawsuits across the country.

    “Our investigation shows that TikTok knows about the dangerous effects of its platform on young users, and can mitigate these harms, but has deliberately chosen not to do so,” said Attorney General Platkin. “As a parent and as the chief law enforcement officer for New Jersey, I’m here to tell TikTok, as I have told other social media companies in the past, that our kids are more than just data points to be monetized to advertisers to the detriment of their mental and physical health.”

    READ MORE

    New Jersey’s Minimum Wage to Increase to $15.49/Hour for Most Employees on Jan. 1

    New Jersey’s statewide minimum wage will increase by $0.36 to $15.49 per hour for most employees, effective January 1, 2025.

    Pursuant to Article 1, Paragraph 23, of the New Jersey Constitution, and N.J.A.C. 12: 56-3.1(c), the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) sets the minimum wage for the coming year based on any increase in Consumer Price Index (CPI) data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    “Aligning the state minimum wage with any increases in the cost of living is a critical step towards economic fairness and security for all New Jersey workers,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This adjustment fosters a more equitable economy and ensures our workforce can continue to thrive.”

    READ MORE

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: USCG Operation Demonstration Coqui

    Source: US Coast Guard (video statements)

    U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center and Coast Guard Sector San Juan members test the uncrewed aircraft systems and uncrewed surface vessels capabilities Sept. 15, 2024, at San Juan, Puerto Rico. Operation Demonstration Coquí is a collaboration between the RDC, Customs and Border Protection, Coast Guard Seventh District and Sector San Juan.

    (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Hernandez, Petty Officer 2nd Class Ian Gray, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Erik Villa Rodriguez)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKs2_lEMneI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Everything will be ArtCamp

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    First-year students of the Polytechnic University from different parts of the country went for the 13th time to the most colorful event of their new student life – ArtCamp, organized by the Student Club of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity of SPbPU.

    Students came to the Svyazist base to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of creativity, self-realization and friendship. Fur hats and construction helmets, rabbit ears and red caps were scattered across the pine forest: such distinctive attributes of the teams were invented by the Student Council of the Dormitories, a co-organizer of ArtCamp.

    At the grand opening ceremony, 300 students loudly chanted as one: “Polytech! Polytech!” and greeted the organizers.

    You are at a wonderful celebration created for you by the Polytechnic University student club with the support of the university rectorate. I am convinced that during these few days, suns will light up in your hearts, which will shine for you and the people around you throughout your student years and in your future life, – Boris Kondin, the head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity, addressed the students.

    ArtCamp-2024 was dedicated to street culture: street art, hip-hop, graffiti and other elements of the youth movement accompanied all the activities of the trip. The first meeting point was the “Night Game” – a station quest, where the participants tried themselves in basketball and skateboarding, went through a wooden labyrinth, learned how to creatively tie shoelaces and learned hip-hop moves.

    The second day started with creative trainings: theater training from the Polytechnic Student Theater, dance training from the LPH Crew team of the PolyDance studio, and art-casting of clothes with paints on fabric. And in the evening, under the starry sky, the Polytechnicians gathered for a traditional joint dance accompanied by a song about the Student Club, specially recorded by the vocalists of the PolyVox studio.

    The main event was the traditional performance “Color Room” with an art installation and a dance number from the DJ studio Gate. The participants had great fun painting the white walls of the hall and white T-shirts in different colors.

    The event ended with a team game called “Capture,” in which students learned to defend their territory and stick together, and also used letters to form the slogan for the trip: “And remember: everything will be ArtCamp!”

    I met some fun guys, had a fantastic time, and was filled with positive emotions. It’s incredibly cool that Polytech is holding such an event for us, – said PhysMekh student Alisa Ryabtseva.

    ArtCamp is the best thing that has happened to me in recent times. Three days flew by in one breath. The trainings and games helped me get to know the other guys better, and most importantly, to discover my own creative side, said GI student Alisa Merkulova.

    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://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/student_life/everything-will-artcamp/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Imposing it won’t work – the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has declared insurance without the borrower’s consent illegal

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    What was the dispute between the bank and the borrower that was being considered by the court?

    The decision on the inadmissibility of imposing services was made by the Supreme Court in the context of a civil dispute between a bank and a resident of the Sverdlovsk region. The citizen had previously taken out a loan, but the bank imposed insurance on him and refused to terminate the contract during the “cooling-off period”. The borrower managed to restore his rights with the help of the financial ombudsman – the bank did not agree with this decision and went to court.

    The Supreme Court found that the bank had violated the requirements of the law by including a clause in the terms of the loan agreement requiring the borrower to purchase an insurance policy from a specific company. At the same time, the client did not check the box about consent to connect the protection, although he agreed to the proposed terms of the loan. The highest court overturned the decisions of the lower courts and sent the case back for a retrial on the merits.

    What restrictions apply to creditors when connecting additional services?

    The Supreme Court’s decision on the dispute that arose imposes a number of restrictions on banks when provided to borrowers credits and connecting them to additional services. Thus, the court recalled that:

    the bank’s duty is to provide the client with a choice: to agree or refuse imposed services; the lender does not have the right to put notes on consent or include clauses in the terms that provide for the mandatory connection of additional services; it is prohibited to create conditions within which the borrower’s unambiguous consent to the purchase of individual services is assumed.

    “A bank that fails to comply with these requirements violates the rights of the borrower and the norms of the law, since the imposition of insurance and other services is unacceptable,” the Supreme Court panel noted.

    Thus, the court prohibited banks from including in loan agreements the obligation to purchase insurance – the borrower must independently agree to take out the protection.

    15:50 10/15/2024

    Source:

    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://mainfin.ru/news/to impose-it-will-not-work-on-all-Russian-Russian Federation-has-recognized-illegal-insurance-without-consent-borrowing

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Department’s Proactive Review of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Records

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    America’s greatest national-security asset is the brave and qualified patriots who step up to form our all-volunteer force. Brave LGBTQ+ Americans have long volunteered to serve the country that they love. Some of these troops were administratively separated from military service under the now-repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Under President Biden’s leadership, the Department of Defense has taken extraordinary steps to redress the harms done by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and other policies on these former Service members.

    Just over a year ago, I announced that the Department would, for the first time, begin to proactively review the military records of former Service members discharged during “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” because of their sexual orientation who might have been eligible for upgrades to the characterization of their discharge or changes to their reason for separation but had not yet applied.

    After a year of exceptional work, the Military Department Review Boards directed relief in 96.8% of the 851 cases that they proactively reviewed.  What this means is that of the nearly 13,500 individuals who were administratively separated under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, and served long enough to receive a merit-based characterization of service, 96% now have an honorable discharge.

    We will continue to honor the service and the sacrifice of all our troops—including the brave Americans who raised their hands to serve but were turned away because of whom they love. We will continue to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Religious hate crimes in England and Wales are at a record high – but many still go unreported

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Peter Hopkins, Professor of Social Geography, Newcastle University

    Shutterstock

    Religious hate crimes in England and Wales are at record levels. New Home Office statistics reveal that although hate crime overall saw an annual decrease of 5% in the year to March 2024, there was a 25% increase in religious hate crimes.

    Hate crimes against Jewish people more than doubled from the previous year, making up 33% of religion-based hate crime in the new figures. Those against Muslims rose by 13%, making up 38% of the total.

    There was a sharp increase in reported incidents against both Jewish and Muslim people after the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023. While the total number of offences has since declined, it is still higher than before the conflict began.

    These figures reflect police-recorded hate crime, but other organisations also track these incidents. The organisation Tell Mama, which tracks anti-Muslim hate, recorded a 335% increase in cases in the months after October 7 2023 compared to the year before. And the Community Security Trust tracked a 147% rise in anti-Jewish hate in 2023 compared to 2022. Of these incidents, 66% were on or after October 7.

    The October 7 attacks are an example of a trigger event that usually precedes a spike in hate crime. These events can “galvanise tensions and sentiments against the suspected perpetrators and groups associated with them”.

    Trigger events can be one-off events or last only a short period of time, but the continuing high levels of hate crime that the UK has seen over the past year is still likely due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

    These trends had been increasing worldwide, and not only since the latest conflict. A UN report in 2021 found that Islamophobia had reached “epidemic proportions”. Additionally, as my colleagues and I have found in our research, such racism is also experienced by a diverse range of ethnic groups and not only Muslims. A rise in antisemitism has been recorded around the world too.

    Unreported hate

    Not only are the latest statistics in the UK alarming, they are only the tip of the iceberg. As my work on the inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland found, many incidents go unreported.

    We found that many did not report incidents due to concerns about institutional racism in the police and a lack of confidence in policing and in the criminal justice system. Added to this were worries about not having enough evidence, the incident not being “serious enough”, and fear of reprisal. Some even felt that it happened so often that there was “no point” in reporting it.

    Anti-Jewish hatred has risen in the UK since October 7 2023.
    Shutterstock

    The long-term impacts of hate crime are deeply concerning. Victims who experience constant discrimination are likely to experience poor health outcomes and premature ageing.

    The rising numbers also promote a culture of fear that can discourage members of ethnic or religious minority groups from participating fully in society.
    My colleagues and I have found in our research that Islamophobia and prejudice has stopped some Muslims from participating in politics and going out to socialise.

    Encouragingly, however, others chose to become more active in their communities in order to challenge stereotypes about Muslims.

    Making prejudice mainstream

    In addition to the trigger event of the Israel-Hamas war, there are a number of factors that contribute to rising hate crime, particularly against Muslims.

    First is the prevalence of organisations and individuals, including media outlets, online influencers, far-right think-tanks and political figures who promote anti-Muslim messaging and hatred.

    The rise of far-right politics around the world plays a role. The election of Donald Trump, as well as
    recent electoral gains by Marine Le Pen in France, the Freedom Party in Austria and Reform UK show how such politics are seeping into the mainstream.

    But even supposedly centrist politicians spread narratives that contribute to Islamophobia and racism. For example, former prime minister David Cameron decried the failure of multiculturalism and this message was repeated by Suella Braverman when she was home secretary.

    This perpetuates the idea that it is not possible for different ethnic and religious groups to live in harmony. I would argue this provides an ideal platform for the promotion of Islamophobia.

    Mainstream media outlets and social media also shape the narratives that contribute to a culture of fear around Muslims. High profile acts of religious hatred, such as the atrocities committed by Anders Breivik in Oslo in 2011 or by Brenton Tarrant in Christchurch in 2019, tend to be put down to a “lone wolf” or to be regarded as “fringe incidents”, rather than part of a wider problem to be addressed. Both Breivik and Tarrant promoted white supremacy and were explicitly anti-Muslim.

    The spread of inaccurate information on social media has stirred up Islamophobia, antisemitism and racism, and led to violence against migrants. This was seen in the far-right riots in summer 2024 following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, near Liverpool.

    According to a report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a false name and disinformation suggesting the attacker was Muslim reached around 1.7 billion people across several platforms.

    The long history of Islamophobia in Britain can be traced back to the response to the 9/11 terror attacks and the “war on terror”. The UK’s counter-terrorism programme Prevent has made life intolerable for Muslims by promoting the idea that all Muslims are potential terrorists and a threat to security.

    The obsession with this approach persists internationally despite the existence of several alternatives, yet it urgently needs to be replaced alongside the thinking that supports it.

    The result of all this is that Islamophobia has flourished in the UK without being called out by those in power. This must be challenged if we want to see a reduction in racially and religiously motivated hate crime.

    Peter Hopkins receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust.

    – ref. Religious hate crimes in England and Wales are at a record high – but many still go unreported – https://theconversation.com/religious-hate-crimes-in-england-and-wales-are-at-a-record-high-but-many-still-go-unreported-241071

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How profits from big pharma’s use of genetic information could revolutionise nature conservation

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Eleanor Jane Milner-Gulland, Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity, University of Oxford

    The blood of rare horseshoe crabs is sometimes used in the development of vaccines. Sinhyu Photographer/Shutterstock

    The blue blood of threatened horseshoe crabs contains a chemical essential for testing the safety of vaccines. So these ancient creatures are highly sought after by pharmaceutical companies worldwide, contributing to declines in their populations.

    While species are disappearing at alarming rates, with a global biodiversity financing gap of US$600 billion to US$800 billion (£460 billion to £610 billion) annually, the genetic information of rare plants and animals is a commercially valuable resource.

    Advances in technology now allow the rapid sequencing and sharing of genetic data, bringing huge benefits (and profits) for biotechnology and medicine. However, it also opens the door to “biopiracy”: the unethical or unlawful appropriation of biological resources, typically from countries or Indigenous communities in developing countries.

    Even if genetic information is obtained and used appropriately and within the law, important ethical, legal and financial questions still arise: who owns the genetic data derived from nature, and how can we ensure fair sharing of the benefits derived from their use?

    A key debate at Cop16, the upcoming UN biodiversity conference, will be how best to channel funding into protecting valuable biological resources. If done properly, people can benefit from the genetic information that nature contains, while ensuring that those conserving these resources, particularly Indigenous people, are properly compensated financially for their efforts.

    Our recent paper argues that rules of fair allocation, which have been around since the time of Aristotle, offer a potential way forward.

    Genetic information extracted from living organisms can now be easily digitised and shared across borders. This practice, often referred to as digital sequence information (DSI), plays a pivotal role in advancing research in fields such as medicine, agriculture and environmental science.

    For example, the genome of the COVID-19 virus was digitally sequenced and shared globally, enabling researchers worldwide to use that DSI to develop vaccines quickly.

    Yet, this leads to ethical and legal challenges. The genetic codes of plants and animals from all over the world are stored in international databases, often without proper acknowledgement or compensation to the countries or communities where these sequences originated.

    Countries with rich biodiversity, particularly in developing countries, have raised concerns that their genetic resources are being used – and in some cases monetised and commercialised – without approval or fair compensation. Indigenous peoples and local communities have similar concerns.

    So, who owns genetic data? It depends.

    The ownership of genetic data derived from plants and animals has become a grey area. In theory, countries have sovereignty over their biodiversity, as stipulated in an international agreement adopted in 2010 called the Nagoya protocol. This mandates that countries sharing their biological resources should be compensated through access and benefit-sharing agreements.

    Genetic codes of rare plants aren’t currently owned by their country of origin.
    Polonio Video/Shutterstock

    However, the concept of DSI has complicated these agreements. When genetic data is transformed into a digital format and stored in databases, it is not always clear whether the original country still holds any rights over that data.

    Should the digital sequence information of a rare Amazonian plant, for example, belong to the country where it was found, or is it now part of a global commons available to any researcher or commercial entity? Currently, there is no universal agreement on DSI, and with companies and research institutions using genetic data freely, this opens the door to the next wave of biopiracy

    Biopiracy has been a historical problem, long before digital data entered the picture. For decades, pharmaceutical and agricultural companies have sourced plant and animal materials from the Amazon rainforest or African savannas. They patented products based on those materials and profited without compensating source countries or Indigenous peoples and local communities who may have used these species for generations.

    Now this issue extends beyond physical specimens. The real treasure lies in the genetic information itself. When genetic data is digitised and shared globally, it becomes challenging to trace its origins and hold companies accountable for unauthorised use.

    In the absence of benefit-sharing mechanisms (formal ways to share the monetary and non-monetary benefits of using biodiversity with those who bear the costs of conserving it), companies can patent discoveries derived from DSI, with profits flowing to corporations and research institutions in developed countries.

    Meanwhile, low-to-middle-income nations that are home to these resources and the communities that protect them do not benefit. We argue this is unjust and contributes towards the continued undervaluation and therefore degradation of biodiversity.

    A new genetic code

    At Cop16, a potential solution is up for a negotiation: a global system governing the exchange of DSI, including a multilateral fund into which companies which benefit from DSI would contribute.

    This fund would be used to pay for action to conserve biodiversity, with a specific priority given to funding for Indigenous peoples and local communities, women and youth. As well as providing compensation for stewardship of the biodiverse ecosystems that contain these genetic resources, funding can be used for training and capacity-building (such as genetic research), which could start to compensate for longstanding inequalities of opportunity that are built into today’s research and commercialisation systems.

    Many questions remain as to how this fund would work. That will be negotiated at Cop16. One particular challenge is determining how to implement mechanisms to distribute this fund that are fair, enforceable, and do not overburden countries or companies.

    Proposed solutions are grounded in rules of fair allocation. Pharmaceutical companies using DSI could contribute in proportion to their profits or revenues. Beneficiaries could receive payment or other benefits according to criteria such as the levels of biodiversity conserved, threats to biodiversity and financial need.

    This multilateral fund could be a major contributor to conservation finance, and one which is directed at those who actually conserve biodiversity on the ground. It has been described as a potentially “historic breakthrough” by the executive secretary of the convention on biological diversity.

    But there are still major hurdles to overcome. Big pharma companies are resistant due to the potential financial implications. There has been limited engagement from the conservation community, perhaps because fair sharing of the benefits from genetic materials appears much less immediately pressing than the conservation of wild species and their habitats.

    If successful, this could represent a major step towards generating the finance that is desperately needed to support nature conservation. It would set a precedent for similar mechanisms to ensure that those benefiting from using nature pay for the cost of conserving or restoring it – just like bycatch taxes in commercial fisheries or pollution taxes on large agribusinesses.

    We believe that this proposal could be revolutionary if it succeeds in channelling large amounts of biodiversity finance to where it is most needed in a fair and equitable way. Genetic data should not only be seen as a resource that generates new drugs and technologies, but as a shared asset of humanity, with the rights and sovereignty of nature’s stewards properly respected and valued.


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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Eleanor Jane Milner-Gulland receives funding from UKRI, Research England Development Fund, Login5 Foundation, IKI, Defra, USFWS, Leverhulme Trust and the Leventis Foundation. She is a member of the UK government’s Defra Biodiversity Evidence Committee, chairs the Darwin Expert Committee, a member of IUCN-SSC, and the Nature Positive Initiative.

    Dale Squires was supported by an Oxford Martin School Visiting Fellowship.

    Hollie Booth receives funding from the UK Darwin Initiative. As well as University of Oxford she is affiliated with The Biodiversity Consultancy and Kebersamaan Untuk Lautan.

    – ref. How profits from big pharma’s use of genetic information could revolutionise nature conservation – https://theconversation.com/how-profits-from-big-pharmas-use-of-genetic-information-could-revolutionise-nature-conservation-240565

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: We tend to keep away from midges and – even when in swarms – they tend to keep away from each other

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alex Dittrich, Senior Lecturer in Zoology, Nottingham Trent University

    Shutterstock

    We’ve all found ourselves trying to avoid the swarms of midges that are so common in late summer. But as you try to avoid them, what you may not know is that they are equally keen to avoid each other.

    It’s strange behaviour for creatures that typically move around together. But physicist Andrew Reynolds from research centre Rothamsted Research recently investigated swarms of the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius, and found something very strange happening.

    While they may move around in swarms, they do so in a way that ensures they keep their distance from each other. And it might be why, paradoxically, they are so successful at breeding.

    Swarming, where animals form large and dense groups, is common in a lot of animals. A lot of us are familiar with the murmuration of starlings at sunset as they dance in the setting sun, for example. In water, animals form shoals, pods and schools. They may vary in their cohesiveness and the species that they contain, but are all essentially different types of swarms.

    It helps animals evade predators and gives them safety in numbers. Large numbers of animals in these aggregations make it difficult for predators to single out a target. This is known as the selfish herd effect where animals seek positions towards the centre of a herd, shoal or flock where there’s less risk of being attacked.

    Animals sometimes behave differently as part of a bigger system where the animal is interacting with it’s nearest neighbour. Fish for example align themselves and match speed with their nearest neighbour to shoal together and avoid collisions. Birds operate in a similar way.

    Social insects such as ants often swarm in the summer, in mate-finding nuptial flights. Locusts defoliate large patches of land before moving on. Some researchers suggest that this social aggregation behaviour is linked to elevated serotonin the locusts get from close contact.

    However, in the midge C. riparius we see something different.

    Reynold’s research showed that these midges maintain maximum distance from one another. In the lab based models of these midges he studied, the midges are almost, by equal measure attracted to the centre of a swarm, but also away from each other.

    Birds in a flock move in the same direction, staying close to one another (positive correlation). But C. riparius midges position themselves apart, so if one moves left, others tend to move right for example (maximal anticorrelation).

    The swarms of C. riparus are predominantly for reproductive purposes and they are made up of males. Midges maximise their potential to find a mate by collecting at the same time, in the same place. You could argue that’s how bars and pubs work for humans.

    When a female enters the swarm however, and is pursued by a male, the swarm maintains cohesion. The other members of the swarm are still drawn towards her. But this force of attraction is weaker than the negative “impulse” for the males to stay away from each other.

    Staying evenly spaced means there is less competition between males. Which means that, as a group, they spend less energy and have more overall mating success.

    The repellent effect also has other advantages. When midges are spaced apart in an organised and distributed way, the swarm can collectively respond to disruptions, such as changes in weather or predators, without losing its structure. Because each midge’s relative position to each other is defined by the maximal anticorrelation, a disturbance to one part of the swarm can quickly be compensated by the whole group.

    We might learn a thing or two from the midge. In social situations, let’s take a step back, wait our turn, and give each other some space. Don’t interrupt your friend in conversation, don’t barge in at the self-service checkouts in the supermarket… and certainly don’t flirt with your friend’s partner.

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

    – ref. We tend to keep away from midges and – even when in swarms – they tend to keep away from each other – https://theconversation.com/we-tend-to-keep-away-from-midges-and-even-when-in-swarms-they-tend-to-keep-away-from-each-other-241055

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Infusion Pump Recall: Zyno Medical Removes Z-800, Z-800F, Z-800W, and Z800WF Infusion Pumps due to an Air-in-Line Software Defect That May Allow Larger than Expected Air Bubbles to Enter Patients

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it. 

    Affected Product 

    Pump Model

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI-DI)  

    Software Revision

    Z-800

    00814371020006 

    6.1.01 and 6.1.07z

    Z-800W

    00814371020020

    3.1.32 and 3.1.64z

    Z-800F

    00814371020013  

    4.1.02 and 4.1.08z

    Z-800WF

    00814371020037

    5.1.01 and 5.1.08z

    What to Do  

    • Do not use affected infusion pumps. 

    On September 13, 2024, Zyno Medical LLC sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Correction letter recommending the following actions: 

    • Stop using affected devices.
    • Follow instructions to return these devices for software update.
    • Complete the Zyno Medical Z-800, Z-800F, Z-800W, and Z-800WF Infusion Pump – Air-in-Line Software Issue – Response Verification Form which includes the following activities: 
      • Checking inventory for affected products.
      • Verifying serial numbers.
      • Confirming product location.
      • Reporting any transferred product.
      • Signing and dating the completed form. 
    • Make sure this notice reaches everyone who needs to be informed, including those at other locations if the devices have been transferred. 

    A representative from Zyno Medical’s partner company, Intuvie LLC, will contact customers to coordinate instructions for exchanging devices. 

    Reason for Recall   

    Zyno Medical is recalling certain Zyno Medical Z-800, Z-800F, Z-800W, and Z-800WF infusion pumps due to a defect in the air-in-line software algorithm that may allow a 1.0 mL air bubble to be passed on to a patient. 
     
    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including air entering the blood vessels (vascular air embolism), fast and irregular heartbeat (tachyarrhythmia), heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, seizure, and death. 
      
    There have been two reported injuries. There have been no reports of death. 

    Device Use 

    Zyno Medical Z800 Infusion Systems are intended to provide infusion through the blood vessels (intravenous) of nutrition or essential (parenteral) fluids, blood, and blood products under the direction or supervision of a health care professional.   

    Contact Information  

    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact their Zyno Medical local business partner or email feedback@intuvie.com. 

    Additional FDA Resources (listed in order of most to least recent):  

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI) 

    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly. 

    How do I report a problem? 

    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes England invests in Schroders Capital’s Real Estate Impact Fund

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Schroders Capital’s Real Estate Impact Fund (SCREIF) has received a £50 million investment from Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, underlining the key role this market-leading investment strategy has in addressing social inequality in the UK

    The investment was today confirmed as part of a package of key measures announced by the UK’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (sponsor of Homes England) and HM Treasury, following a roundtable hosted by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, as part of the UK Government’s programme of activities to support its high-profile International Investment Summit.

    The Summit has been focused on driving investment and growth across the UK, with up to 300 industry leaders attending alongside the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

    SCREIF is a real estate focused strategy with the dual aims of delivering a positive social and environmental impact in addition to securing appropriate risk adjusted returns for investors. Last month, the strategy became only the second real estate fund in the UK to receive approval from the Financial Conduct Authority to use the ‘Sustainability Impact’ label under SDR.

    With a residential-led approach, the fund is predominantly focused on addressing the UK’s housing crisis, specifically, the shortage of social and affordable accommodation and the regeneration of town centres. The fund aims to ensure that its investments are made in accessible and resilient locations, with access to green space, public transport, schools and GPs.

    The investment from Homes England will increase the ability of the fund to grow and invest more widely across the UK and secure further allocations from pension funds, insurers and foundations.

    Chris Santer, Schroders Impact Fund Manager, Schroders Capital’s Real Estate team, said:

    This investment by Homes England is a clear indication of the absolutely vital role this fund is looking to play in the UK by delivering real and tangible change. Our homes, and the built environment around us, impact our daily lives. We believe this allocation from the public sector will be catalytic in unlocking further institutional investments, boosting broader confidence and interest in this key sector meaning the fund can enable more communities to thrive across the UK.

    Peter Denton, Homes England Chief Executive, said:  

    This is a brilliant example of how public and private sector organisations can get behind a clear and common aim – namely supporting social justice and thriving communities. Our commitment aims to help spark deep and diverse market investment from a range of institutions. Fundamentally, this is about coming together to accelerate regeneration and the creation of affordable, high-quality homes within sustainable, thriving places that people, especially those in more deprived areas, want, need and deserve.

    For further information, please contact:

    Andy Pearce, Head of Media Relations +44 20 7658 2203 andy.pearce@Schroders.com
    Rachael Dowers, PR Manager +44 207 658 2086 rachael.dowers@schroders.com
    Justine Crestois, PR Executive +44 20 7658 5186 justine.crestois@schroders.com

    Note to Editors

    To view the latest press releases from Schroders visit: Media Centre | Schroders global

    Schroders Capital

    Schroders Capital provides investors with access to a broad range of private market investment opportunities, portfolio building blocks and customised private market strategies. Its team focuses on delivering best-in-class, risk-adjusted returns and executing investments through a combination of direct investment capabilities and broader solutions in all private market asset classes, through comingled funds and customised private market mandates.

    The team aims to achieve sustainable returns through a rigorous approach and in alignment with a culture characterised by performance, collaboration and integrity.  

    With $97.3 billion (£77.0 billion; €90.8 billion)* assets under management, Schroders Capital offers a diversified range of investment strategies, including real estate, private equity, secondaries, venture capital, infrastructure, securitised products and asset-based finance, private debt, insurance-linked securities and BlueOrchard (Impact Specialists). 

    *Assets under management as at 30 June 2024 (including non-fee earning dry powder and in-house cross holdings)

    Schroders plc

    Schroders is a global investment manager which provides active asset management, wealth management and investment solutions, with £773.7 billion (€912.6 billion; $978.1 billion) of assets under management at 30 June 2024. As a UK listed FTSE100 company, Schroders has a market capitalisation of circa £6 billion and over 6,000 employees across 38 locations. Established in 1804, Schroders remains true to its roots as a family-founded business. The Schroder family continues to be a significant shareholder, holding approximately 44% of the issued share capital.

    Schroders’ success can be attributed to its diversified business model, spanning different asset classes, client types and geographies. The company offers innovative products and solutions through four core business divisions: Public Markets, Solutions, Wealth Management, and Schroders Capital, which focuses on private markets, including private equity, renewable infrastructure investing, private debt & credit alternatives, and real estate.

    Schroders aims to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. This means directing capital towards resilient businesses with sustainable business models, consistently with the investment goals of its clients. Schroders serves a diverse client base that includes pension schemes, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth individuals, family offices, as well as end clients through partnerships with distributors, financial advisers, and online platforms.

    About Homes England

    Homes England is the government’s homes and regeneration agency.  It drives the creation of more high-quality homes and thriving places so that everyone has a place to live and thrive. The Agency’s team work in partnership with thousands of public and private bodies including local authorities, home builders, developers, affordable housing providers, commercial real estate companies and financial institutions to make this happen. For more information visit: Homes England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Issued by Schroder Investment Management Limited. Registration No 1893220 England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.  For regular updates by e-mail please register online at http://www.schroders.com for our alerting service.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Music and dementia: researchers are still making discoveries about how songs can help sufferers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rebecca Atkinson, Researcher in Music Therapy, Anglia Ruskin University

    Numerous studies have shown music therapy has many benefits for dementia patients. Unai Huizi Photography/ Shutterstock

    Music is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Whether it’s lifting our spirits, pushing us to run faster or soothing us to sleep, we can all recognise its power. So it’s no wonder it is increasingly being used in medical treatment.

    As well as proving very useful in cancer treatment, managing chronic pain and even helping the brain recover after a stroke, researchers have also been making great strides in using music to help patients with dementia.

    It reduces patients’ anxiety and depression, and improves wellbeing both for them and their carers by enhancing everyone’s ability to adapt and cope with adversity or stress.

    Music therapy in the form of playing, singing or listening to music can also have a positive effect on cognitive function – particularly for older adults either with dementia or memory issues.

    So why does music appear to have such a powerful effect for people with dementia?

    Music and the brain

    About a decade ago, researchers discovered that when people listened to music, multiple areas of the brain were involved in processing it. These included the limbic (which processes emotions and memory), cognitive (involved with perception, learning and reaction) and motor areas (responsible for voluntary movement). This challenged preconceptions that music was processed more narrowly in the brain – and helped explain why it has such a unique neurological impact.

    Not only that, research has shown that music might help regenerate the brain and its connections. Many causes of dementia centre around cell death in the brain, raising the possibility that music could help people with dementia by mending or strengthening damaged neural connections and cells.

    Many brain areas are activated when we listen to music.
    Toa55/ Shutterstock

    It’s not just any music that has a regenerative effect on the brain, though. Familiar and favourite music has been shown to have the biggest impact on the way we feel, and is closely linked with memory and emotions. This is because listening to our favourite songs releases feel-good hormones that give us a sense of pleasure. Curated music playlists of favourite music could be the key in helping us deal with the stress of everyday life.

    This is relevant to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia because researchers have discovered that parts of the brain linked with musical memories are less affected by these conditions than other areas of the brain. This explains why memories and experiences that are linked to favourite music are often preserved for people with such conditions.

    Listening to music can also help manage their experiences of distress, agitation and “sundowning” – where a person is more confused in the afternoon and evening.

    In a small study conducted by us and our colleagues at the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, we showed just how great of an effect listening to music can have for people with dementia. We found that when people with dementia repeatedly listened to their favourite music, their heart rate and movements changed in direct response.

    This showed that people’s physical responses were affected by musical features like rhythm and arrangement. Their heart rate also changed when they sang along to music, or when they began reminiscing about old memories or stories while listening to a song or thinking about the music. These changes are important because they show how music affects movement, emotions and memory recall.

    Studies have also shown that during and after listening to music, people with dementia experienced less agitation, aggression and anxiety, and their general mood was improved. They even needed less medication when they had regular music sessions.



    Read more:
    Why researchers are turning to music as a possible treatment for stroke, brain injuries and even Parkinson’s

    Other researchers have even begun testing the effects of music training programmes to support cognition for people with dementia. Results have been promising so far – with adults in the study showing improved executive functioning (problem solving, emotion regulation and attention) compared to those who took part in just physical exercise.

    So, music is likely to continue to be a useful medical treatment for people with dementia. But based on what we know so far, it’s important that it comes from the patient’s own music collection – and is used alongside other management techniques such as using drugs that can slow the progression of dementia or help manage symptoms to support self-care and wellbeing.

    Dr. Rebecca Atkinson is affliated with Chiltern Music Therapy, non-profit organisation.

    Ming-Hung Hsu receives funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Innovate UK.

    – ref. Music and dementia: researchers are still making discoveries about how songs can help sufferers – https://theconversation.com/music-and-dementia-researchers-are-still-making-discoveries-about-how-songs-can-help-sufferers-239446

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Salem’s Lot: a faithful but shallow adaptation of Stephen King’s classic vampire novel

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Dix, Senior Lecturer in American Literature and Film, Loughborough University

    The vampire story dwells among the undead of literary and cinematic genres, ever available for reanimation. This year alone has seen the publication of more than 30 vampire novels in the US (from Rachel Harrison’s So Thirsty to K. M. Enright’s Mistress of Lies), alongside the release of several vampire movies, including Abigail (with Nosferatu, rebooting the silent German classic, due at Christmas).

    Now comes Salem’s Lot. Written and directed by Gary Dauberman, it’s the first feature-film adaptation of the 1975 novel in which Stephen King set himself the thought experiment of transposing Bram Stoker’s Dracula to contemporary New England. The book has been adapted twice before, in 1979 and 2004, but each time as a TV miniseries.

    Of these precursors, the more interesting is the first, directed by Tobe Hooper. Made five years after The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, it signified Hooper’s move towards the mainstream, while retaining some gory scenes and choppy editing reminiscent of his old grindhouse aesthetic.

    The new Salem’s Lot begins with a series of maps that trace how the master vampire, concealed in a chest, has reached Maine. The film’s own passage, stalled for years by the calculations of marketers and schedulers, has been equally arduous. It arrives now rather belatedly and without blockbuster flourish. While UK King fans can enjoy it on the big screen, it is consumable in most other locations only via the streaming service Max.

    The trailer for Salem’s Lot.

    Literary and film scholar Robert Stam offers a profusion of terms to describe the work undertaken by screen adaptations. They may, for example, “rewrite”, “transmute” or even “critique” their source-texts. Indicating a gentler kind of process, however, Stam also allows that an adaptation can offer an “incarnation” or “performance” of the material it is adapting. Performing Salem’s Lot in this sense, responding in audio-visual form to King’s prompts and refusing major reinventions, appears to be Dauberman’s goal.

    King is a successor not only to Stoker and other horror writers such as H. P. Lovecraft, but to the late-19th century “local colorists” in New England, who attentively documented the sights and sounds of their region. On the page, Salem’s Lot is visually abundant. The new adaptation attempts to be similarly conscientious.

    Dauberman takes care in matters of colour and lighting. A church’s doors, shut against the vampiric menace, glow a vivid red. Two boys walk through a wood silhouetted at sunset, their bodies ominously already lacking substance against a sky that is turning from pink to black. There are other visual pleasures, too, representing a shift away from Hooper’s version, where the shots are rougher-edged and decidedly non-pictorial.

    The cast of this Salem’s Lot is likeable and struggles gamely, in the face of regular jump scares, to solicit audience engagement. Unlike Hammer’s Dracula adaptations, say, in which the monster has all the charisma, this is something of a democratic vampire film and devolves interest to members of the opposing force.

    A pleasing modification is also made to the overbearing whiteness of King’s narrative world, with two of the pluckiest vampire hunters reimagined as African American.

    Beyond the scare

    But if this latest adaptation of Salem’s Lot is easy enough on the eye, intellectually it is shallow. This matters, because the best vampire fictions prompt us not merely to be terrified, but to start interpreting – they generate meanings as well as scares.

    What, precisely, is signified by their monstrous protagonists? As expert in Victorian literature, Nina Auerbach, wrote in her still valuable book Our Vampires, Ourselves (1995): “No fear is only personal: it must steep itself in its political and ideological ambience, without which our solitary terrors have no contagious resonance.”

    Writing his novel in 1975, as the progressive dreams of the 1960s faded, King found in the vampire an apt image of power and cruelty in America. In his own words, from the afterword to Salem’s Lot: “I saw a metaphor for everything that was wrong with the society around me, where the rich got richer and the poor got welfare … if they were lucky.” When vampires strike in the book, there is therefore the sense of a nation at risk, not merely a few families or a handful of individuals.

    The new adaptation, by contrast, represses rather than invites such interpretive effort on our part. It carries across the novel’s mid-1970s setting, but is interested more in accurate period detailing – the right model of car, the appropriate hairstyle – than in substantive historical exploration. It also doesn’t use the category of the vampire movie to say something insightful about our own time: the post-COVID moment, for example, or the era of Donald Trump (a figure with rich vampiric possibilities).

    Dauberman’s version of Salem’s Lot is certainly respectful of its source-text (unsurprising, perhaps, with King himself listed among its executive producers). And it functions perfectly well as a showcase for the varied skills of props designer, prosthetic artist and special effects engineer. But, as a work of cultural and social inquiry, this latest vampire story is disappointingly de-fanged.


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

    – ref. Salem’s Lot: a faithful but shallow adaptation of Stephen King’s classic vampire novel – https://theconversation.com/salems-lot-a-faithful-but-shallow-adaptation-of-stephen-kings-classic-vampire-novel-241278

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