Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Oct. 29 — Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Beijing on Tuesday.
Xi noted that Finland was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China and the first Western country to sign an intergovernmental trade agreement with China.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Finland have always enjoyed friendly relations based on mutual respect and trust, setting a fine example of state-to-state relations that transcends historical, cultural and institutional differences, and promotes equal exchanges, Xi said.
“As the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century and the risks and challenges facing human society are increasing, the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between China and Finland holds exceptional value and should be cherished and advanced,” Xi said.
China is willing to work with Finland to strengthen strategic cooperation, carry forward friendly traditions, and further advance this cooperative partnership to better benefit the two countries and peoples and make new contributions to world peace and development, Xi added.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Oct. 29 — Most parts of China are expected to register above-normal temperatures in November this year, according to the National Climate Center on Tuesday.
Specifically, temperatures in parts of northeastern, northwestern, northern and eastern China will be notably higher next month, said Jia Xiaolong, deputy head of the center, at a press conference.
High temperatures, dry and windy weather and less precipitation will increase the risks of meteorological drought, as well as forest and grassland fires in parts of eastern and central China, as well as Yunnan Province in the southwest, said Jia.
Provincial-level regions of Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Xinjiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Hainan will see more rainfall in November, said Jia.
He advised areas expecting more precipitation in November to take preventive measures against the adverse effects of low temperatures and rain and snow-related disasters on transportation, energy, electricity and people’s health.
Brenda Johnson-Turner, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Facilities, along with senior leaders from the Navy and Marine Corps signed the new agreement with Sourcewell representatives at the Defense Communities Installation Innovation Forum conference in San Antonio, TX, Oct. 28.
“I am truly excited about our new agreement with Sourcewell,” stated Ms. Johnson-Turner, “as a department, we must use the authorities Congress grants in innovative and sound ways to meet our installation missions in a fiscally constrained environment. The IGSA authority is a terrific tool, and this particular agreement with Sourcewell will provide new opportunities for our Navy and Marine Corps teams to ensure our installations are ready to support the needs of our warfighters.”
The agreement aims to increase Navy and Marine Corps buying power by decreasing procurement costs and delivery timelines for various installation-support services, supplies, and equipment. It also allows Navy and Marine Corps installations to leverage Sourcewell’s extensive list of competitively awarded contracts to procure goods and services faster. This translates to increased opportunity to buy down risk to naval missions and forces by ensuring U.S. tax dollars approved for Department of the Navy spending go further in meeting infrastructure and base support requirements. Installations will be able to request Sourcewell’s services in key areas to include installation supplies, equipment, services, and small-scale construction projects.
“It’s an honor to work with Navy and Marine Corps installations, providing efficient and effective support so they can achieve mission success,” said Dr. Chad Coauette, Sourcewell Chief Executive Officer. “This agreement enables our team to work with installation leadership to procure goods and services through local businesses whenever possible. By awarding supplier contracts at the corporate level, Sourcewell makes it possible for installations to work with local authorized dealers and contractors.”
This is the second IGSA between Sourcewell and a Department of Defense military department. Earlier this year, Sourcewell signed a similar agreement with the U.S. Army.
A global operation, supported by Eurojust, has led to the takedown of servers of infostealers, a type of malware used to steal personal data and conduct cybercrimes worldwide. With millions targeted, it was one of the largest malware platforms globally. Learn more.
Let me begin by acknowledging the inspired leadership of Ajay and Kristalina, and thanking them for their support at the UN High-Level Week.
This week, our global economy has been diagnosed as suffering from low growth, and high debt.
This toxic combination further exacerbates a sustainable development crisis for millions of people across the world.
With only 17 per cent of SDG targets on track, hunger is rising, global temperatures are soaring, conflicts are spreading, and the fight for gender equality is floundering.
Financing challenges are at the heart of this crisis.
Financing gaps are growing.
Debt service is crowding out investments.
And economies are repeatedly rocked by external shocks that our financial system cannot contain.
Last month, against geopolitical tensions, Heads of States from the Global North and South agreed a Pact for the Future.
The Pact lays the foundations for a future-ready world.
It commits to deepen multilateralism to rescue the SDGs;
To guide us through a new era of technology;
to renew our approach to restoring and keeping peace;
and to accelerate reform of the international financial architecture to reflect today’s world and meet today’s challenges.
Here, the Pact urges specific actions:
To raise the voice and representation of developing countries…
To scale up development finance…
To promote sustainable borrowing, and resolve debt crises as and before they occur…
And to strengthen the global safety net.
Agreements reached at the United Nations cannot deliver change overnight. But they provide a powerful political signal for action in other fora – including this one.
Over the last two weeks, we have seen important steps forward.
The World Bank’s reduction of its equity to loan ratio frees up an additional $30 billion in lending.
And the IMF’s overhaul of its surcharge policy will lessen the penalty borne by countries most dependent on support.
We must now build on these steps, with urgency, to meet the needs and expectations of Member States and their people.
This brings me to one commitment that we must deliver this year.
IDA is the largest and most powerful instrument of financial assistance to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries.
That’s why the Pact for the Future urges Member States to deliver a robust 21st replenishment, to enable IDA to continue its vital work.
The Secretary-General and I wholeheartedly endorse this.
Another commitment is to seize the opportunity approved by the Fund to rechannel SDRs to acquire hybrid capital in our multilateral development banks. Champions of this initiative believe we can get this done by next month’s G20 summit.
I look forward to working with the Bank and Fund to deliver other commitments in the Pact: from reviewing the sovereign debt architecture, to improving access to concessional finance.
With next year’s Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, we have a once-in-a-decade opportunity to transform financing for sustainable development to deliver the SDGs.
To do this for a future ready World Bank, we must work better together at the country level surging combined expertise and resources in support of our commitments to countries and their people.
On October 24, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized at Millhaven Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.
October 29, 2024 – Kingston, Ontario – Correctional Service Canada
On October 24, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized at Millhaven Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.
The items seized included tobacco, crystal methamphetamine, an edged weapon, as well as a cell phone and cell phone accessory. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $196,400.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates, and visitors.
CSC has heightened measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.
CSC has also set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates, and staff members working at CSC institutions.
The toll-free number, 1‑866‑780‑3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous.
Mike Shrider Regional Communications Manager Regional Headquarters, Ontario GEN-ONT-MEDIA@csc-scc.gc.ca 613-530-6941
The Department of Defense (DoD) today published the unclassified National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan (NDIS-IP), detailing how the DoD will achieve the four strategic priorities laid out in the NDIS. Released by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)), the document outlines ongoing and future actions that DoD is currently taking, and will continue to take, to modernize the defense industrial base.
The NDIS-IP describes six cross-cutting initiatives, and associated lines of effort, that will enable the DoD to achieve a more resilient defense industrial ecosystem and buy-down risks. In addition to detailing the work being done across the Services and DoD components, the NDIS-IP demonstrates activities and initiatives which the U.S. Government, private industry, and international allies and stakeholders are undertaking, emphasizing that this effort cannot be a DoD-only initiative.
“This implementation plan offers industry, global allies, and partners clear direction on the Department’s priorities for industrial capacity building” said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale. “Implementing these initiatives will require coordinated efforts across the DoD, and support and cooperation from our interagency, industry, and international stakeholders, as well as our champions in Congress.”
To further demonstrate the NDIS “in action,” the OASD(IBP) announced another Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) request for white papers (RWP) for “Critical Chemicals for Defense” in September. The DIBC OTA enables rapid research and allows access to commercial solutions for defense requirements and innovations from industry, academia, and non-traditional contractors. More information about the DIBC OTA and the newest RWP can be found at the DIBC’s website.
An NDIS-IP Classified Annex is forthcoming and will further detail vulnerabilities and articulate the necessary steps the DoD is taking to ensure its resilience and strength.
The unclassified NDIS-IP is available at: https://www.businessdefense.gov/docs/ndis/NDIS-Implementation-Plan-FY2025.pdf.
IAM air transport and rail industry leaders from across the United States and Canada were elected to top positions at the recent International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Global Congress.
The IAM, North America’s largest transportation union, is taking a leading role worldwide as transport workers find themselves at the forefront of multiple crises – from war, political instability and the rise of far-right governments to the climate crisis.
“The IAM has long known that our strength relies greatly on workers uniting worldwide to confront the multi-national corporations we deal with every day,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Together with the ITF and its affiliates in the transportation sector, we are closer than ever to balancing the scales for industry workers across the globe.”
The Congress, held in Marrakech, Morocco, focused on building a comprehensive vision for the ITF for the next five years. Six critical demands – rights, equality, safety, accountability, sustainability and a future that works for workers – are forming the basis to build a safer, fairer and more sustainable transport industry.
“As the theme of this ITF Congress says, the IAM has always been proud to move the world forward,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “As we turn the page from a global pandemic, it is more important than ever that transportation workers across the world unite.”
The following IAM leaders were elected to ITF positions:
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President: ITF Executive Board
Edison Fraser, IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff: ITF North America and Caribbean Civil Aviation Chairperson
Arthur Maratea, TCU/IAM National President: ITF Railway Workers Section Co-Chair
Julie Frietchen, IAM Women’s and Young Workers Director: ITF North America Regional Representative USA – Women’s Committee
Keith Aiken, IAM Canadian Airline Coordinator: ITF Vice Chairperson – Ground Handling Committee
Zach Coker, IAM District 142 Organizing Director: ITF North America Regional Representative USA – Young Workers
“Rail workers are standing up and fighting back against corporate greed and the short-sighted profit goals of Wall Street,” said TCU/IAM National President Arthur Maratea. “It’s critical that these fights be waged on at a global scale and with the backing of every rail worker across the world.”
The ITF represents 18.5 million transport workers worldwide from more than 150 countries.
“Women and young people are helping to lead a worldwide resurgence of union activism,” said IAM Women’s and Young Workers Director Julie Frietchen. “In the IAM and the ITF, we are proud to be leading the way toward making our diversity our greatest strength.”
Click here for more coverage of ITF’s 46th Congress, the first of which to be held in the Arab world.
“The strength of the IAM has always been our ability to bring workers together and fight for a common cause,” said IAM Canadian Airline Coordinator Keith Aiken. “Transportation workers in Canada and across the globe are ready for a new era of worker power that transforms our industries for the betterment of working families and passengers.”
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado, as seen from the International Space Station. Snowmelt from the mountainous western United States is an essential natural resource, making up as much as 75% of some states’ annual freshwater supply.
Summer heat has significant effects in the mountainous regions of the western United States. Melted snow washes from snowy peaks into the rivers, reservoirs, and streams that supply millions of Americans with freshwater—as much as 75% of the annual freshwater supply for some states.
But as climate change brings winter temperatures to new highs, these summer rushes of freshwater can sometimes slow to a trickle.
“The runoff supports cities most people wouldn’t expect,” explained Chris Derksen, a glaciologist and Research Scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. “Big cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles get water from snowmelt.”
To forecast snowmelt with greater accuracy, NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) and a team of researchers from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, are developing SNOWWI, a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar that could one day be the cornerstone of future missions dedicated to measuring snow mass on a global scale – something the science community lacks.
SNOWWI aims to fill this technology gap. In January and March 2024, the SNOWWI research team passed a key milestone, flying their prototype for the first time aboard a small, twin-engine aircraft in Grand Mesa, Colorado, and gathering useful data on the area’s winter snowfields.
“I’d say the big development is that we’ve gone from pieces of hardware in a lab to something that makes meaningful data,” explained Paul Siqueira, professor of engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and principal investigator for SNOWWI.
SNOWWI stands for Snow Water-equivalent Wide Swath Interferometer and Scatterometer. The instrument probes snowpack with two Ku-band radar signals: a high-frequency signal that interacts with individual snow grains, and a low-frequency signal that passes through the snowpack to the ground.
The high-frequency signal gives researchers a clear look at the consistency of the snowpack, while the low-frequency signal helps researchers determine its total depth.
“Having two frequencies allows us to better separate the influence of the snow microstructure from the influence of the snow depth,” said Derksen, who participated in the Grand Mesa field campaign. “One frequency is good, two frequencies are better.”
The SNOWWI team in Grand Mesa, preparing to flight test their instrument. From an altitude of 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), SNOWWI can map 100 square kilometers (about 38 square miles) in just 30 minutes.
As both of those scattered signals interact with the snowpack and bounce back towards the instrument, they lose energy. SNOWWI measures that lost energy, and researchers later correlate those losses to features within the snowpack, especially its depth, density, and mass.
From an airborne platform with an altitude of 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), SNOWWI could map 40 square miles (100 square kilometers) of snowy terrain in just 30 minutes. From space, SNOWWI’s coverage would be even greater. Siqueira is working with Capella Space to develop a space-ready SNOWWI for satellite missions.
But there’s still much work to be done before SNOWWI visits space. Siqueira plans to lead another field campaign, this time in the mountains of Idaho. Grand Mesa is relatively flat, and Siqueira wants to see how well SNOWWI can measure snowpack tucked in the folds of complex, asymmetrical terrain.
For Derksen, who spends much of his time quantifying the freshwater content of snowpack in Canada, having a reliable database of global snowpack measurements would be game-changing.
“Snowmelt is money. It has intrinsic economic value,” he said. “If you want your salmon to run in mountain streams in the spring, you must have snowmelt. But unlike other natural resources, at this time, we really can’t monitor it very well.”
For information about opportunities to collaborate with NASA on novel, Earth-observing instruments, see ESTO’s catalog of open solicitations with its Instrument Incubator Program here.
Project Leads: Dr. Paul Siqueira, University of Massachusetts (Principal Investigator); Hans-Peter Marshall, University of Idaho (Co-Investigator)
Headline: Public-Private Analytic Exchange Program Virtual Fall Info Session #7
Public-Private Analytic Exchange Program Virtual Fall Info Session #7 jesse.kerzner
The Public-Private Analytic Exchange Program (AEP), sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis on behalf of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, invite you to attend the upcoming AEP Virtual Fall Info Session #7.
The AEP facilitates collaborative partnerships between private and public sector analysts by forming several teams to address national and homeland security issues. Participants work to create unclassified joint analytic deliverables of interest to both the private and public sector. You must be a U.S. Citizen to participate.
The AEP info session includes a detailed program overview, the importance of the program, the relationships built between the public and private sector, and how to apply. You will hear former AEP participants share their experience. We encourage everyone to come with questions for discussion!
The information session will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm ET.
Click here to register for the October 29th information session.
To learn more about how to apply to the 2025 AEP, please visit our website or email the AEP Staff at AEP@hq.dhs.gov
Headline: Public-Private Analytic Exchange Program Virtual Fall Info Session #8
Public-Private Analytic Exchange Program Virtual Fall Info Session #8 jesse.kerzner
The Public-Private Analytic Exchange Program (AEP), sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis on behalf of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, invite you to attend the upcoming AEP Virtual Fall Info Session #8.
The AEP facilitates collaborative partnerships between private sector and government analysts to form several teams to address national and homeland security issues. Participants work to create unclassified joint analytic deliverables of interest to both the private and public sector. You must be a U.S. Citizen to participate.
The AEP info session will include a detailed program overview, the importance of the program, the relationships built between the public and private sector, and how to apply. You will hear former AEP participants share their experience. We encourage everyone to come with questions for discussion!
The information session will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm ET.
Click here to register for the October 30th information session.
To learn more about how to apply to the 2025 AEP, please visit our website or email the AEP Staff at AEP@hq.dhs.gov
The Elsipogtog RCMP Detachment has arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with an arson and mischief in Elsipogtog.
On October 23, 2024, at approximately 8:20 p.m., members working at the Elsipogtog RCMP Detachment heard a loud bang. A short time later, it was discovered that the detachment building and one unmarked police vehicle had been vandalized. The same night at approximately 8:41 p.m., police received a report of a residence on fire on Levi Street in Elsipogtog.
Upon investigation, police were able to identify a person of interest. A 29-year-old manfrom Elsipogtog First Nation was located and arrested without incident.
On October 25, 2024, 29-year-oldSonny Travis Bayley Francis appeared in Moncton Provincial Court where he was charged with:
– Arson – Two counts of mischief under $5000 – Three counts of failure to comply with a release order
He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court on November 8, 2024, for a bail hearing.
Anyone with information that could help further the investigation is asked to contact the Elsipogtog RCMP Detachment at506-523-8282. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips atwww.crimenb.ca.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
“As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Havasupai Tribe businesses and residents as a result of President Biden’s major disaster declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced.
The declaration covers the Havasupai Tribe as a result of the flooding that occurred Aug. 22-23.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.
“SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”
Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
strong>Harrisburg, Penn — If you haven’t applied for federal disaster assistance from FEMA, time is running out. The deadline for applications is November 12. If you live in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga or Union County and suffered loss of personal property or damage to your home due to Tropical Storm Debby on Aug. 9 -10, 2024, you should apply as soon as possible. There are four ways to apply. You can:
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov Download the FEMA App Visit the remaining Disaster Recovery Center at
Tioga County: Valley Christian Church, 146 Maple Street, Westfield, PA 16950
Normal Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Saturday Election Day, Nov. 5: Temporarily Closed for the Day Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11: Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November 12 will be here before you know it. Don’t delay! Register today For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Pennsylvania, visit fema.gov/disaster/4815 ### FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, travelled to Tripoli today to participate in the first Italy-Libya Business Forum to be held in Libya for over ten years.
The Business Forum gathered together high-level representatives from the Italian and Libyan business communities, and was structured across four sector-specific working groups dedicated to: energy; fishing and agro-industry; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; and, infrastructure and design. There was also a session focusing on the forms of public support available to Italian companies intending to do business in Libya provided by ICE [Italian Trade and Investment Agency], SACE [Italian Export Credit Agency] and SIMEST.
During her opening address, the President of the Council of Ministers, who was accompanied by Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, announced that ITA Airways would be resuming direct flights to Libya in January next year, testifying to the gradual and steady strengthening of cooperation between the two nations.
In the margins of the Business Forum, President Meloni had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the Libyan Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dabaiba. Their discussion focused on the various areas of the continuously growing bilateral cooperation. Among the sectors in which Italy and Libya collaborate, the two leaders addressed the issue of migration management, in relation to which President Meloni stressed the need to intensify efforts to combat human trafficking at the same time as boosting cooperation with nations of origin and of transit, in the context of the Rome Process and the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum which was held in Tripoli in July.
In closing, there was also unanimous agreement to work together with the goal of creating equal partnerships with African nations within the framework of the concrete projects launched as part of the Mattei Plan for Africa.
Today Secretary General Rutte met with President von der Leyen for the first time since Mr Rutte took office at the helm of NATO.
Their discussion focused on the importance of a close and strategic partnership between NATO and the European Union.
Both agreed that in an increasingly dangerous world, this partnership is vital in order to champion and safeguard peace, freedom and prosperity.
Russia’s war of aggression on European soil is the single biggest threat to peace and security on the European continent.
Secretary General Rutte and President von der Leyen both emphasised that the deployment of North Korean soldiers in support of Russia’s war of aggression represented a significant escalation of the war against Ukraine as well as a serious threat to European security and global peace.
They also discussed the growing assertiveness of authoritarian states on the world’s stage. These states challenge our common interests, values and democratic principles, using multiple means – political, economic, technological and military.
To address these evolving threats and challenges, Secretary General Rutte and President von der Leyen have agreed today to set up a new high-level task force to strengthen the existing NATO-EU cooperation. Planning for the first meeting of the task force is expected to move forward in the coming weeks.
Headline: New Azure OpenAI Service updates enable companies to deploy and optimize AI models at scale
With the new enhancements to Azure OpenAI Service Provisioned offering, we are taking a big step forward in making AI accessible and enterprise-ready.
In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, enterprises need more than just powerful AI models—they need AI solutions that are adaptable, reliable, and scalable. With upcoming availability of Data Zones and new enhancements to Provisioned offering in Azure OpenAI Service, we are taking a big step forward in making AI broadly available and also enterprise-ready. These features represent a fundamental shift in how organizations can deploy, manage, and optimize generative AI models.
With the launch of Azure OpenAI Service Data Zones in the European Union and the United States, enterprises can now scale their AI workloads with even greater ease while maintaining compliance with regional data residency requirements. Historically, variances in model-region availability forced customers to manage multiple resources, often slowing down development and complicating operations. Azure OpenAI Service Data Zones can remove that friction by offering flexible, multi-regional data processing while ensuring data is processed and stored within the selected data boundary.
This is a compliance win which also allows businesses to seamlessly scale their AI operations across regions, optimizing for both performance and reliability without having to navigate the complexities of managing traffic across disparate systems.
Leya, a tech startup building genAI platform for legal professionals, has been exploring Data Zones deployment option.
“Azure OpenAI Service Data Zones deployment option offers Leya a cost-efficient way to securely scale AI applications to thousands of lawyers, ensuring compliance and top performance. It helps us achieve better customer quality and control, with rapid access to the latest Azure OpenAI innovations.“—Sigge Labor, CTO, Leya
Data Zones will be available for both Standard (PayGo) and Provisioned offerings, starting this week on November 1, 2024.
Industry leading performance
Enterprises depend on predictability, especially when deploying mission-critical applications. That’s why we’re introducing a 99% latency service level agreement for token generation. This latency SLA ensures that tokens are generated at a faster and more consistent speeds, especially at high volumes
The Provisioned offer provides predictable performance for your application. Whether you’re in e-commerce, healthcare, or financial services, the ability to depend on low-latency and high-reliability AI infrastructure translates directly to better customer experiences and more efficient operations.
Lowering the cost of getting started
To make it easier to test, scale, and manage, we are reducing hourly pricing for Provisioned Global and Provisioned Data Zone deployments starting November 1, 2024. This reduction in cost ensures that our customers can benefit from these new features without the burden of high expenses. Provisioned offering continues to offer discounts for monthly and annual commitments.
Deployment option
Hourly PTU
One month reservation per PTU
One year reservation per PTU
Provisioned Global
Current: $2.00 per hour November 1, 2024: $1.00 per hour
$260 per month
$221 per month
Provisioned Data ZoneNew
November 1, 2024: $1.10 per hour
$260 per month
$221 per month
We are also reducing deployment minimum entry points for Provisioned Global deployment by 70% and scaling increments by up to 90%, lowering the barrier for businesses to get started with Provisioned offering earlier in their development lifecycle.
Deployment quantity minimums and increments for Provisioned offering
Model
Global
Data Zone New
Regional
GPT-4o
Min: 50 15 Increment 50 5
Min: 15 Increment 5
Min: 50 Increment 50
GPT-4o-mini
Min: 25 15 Increment: 25 5
Min: 15 Increment 5
Min: 25 Increment: 25
For developers and IT teams, this means faster time-to-deployment and less friction when transitioning from Standard to Provisioned offering. As businesses grow, these simple transitions become vital to maintaining agility while scaling AI applications globally.
Efficiency through caching: A game-changer for high-volume applications
Another new feature is Prompt Caching, which offers cheaper and faster inference for repetitive API requests. Cached tokens are 50% off for Standard. For applications that frequently send the same system prompts and instructions, this improvement provides a significant cost and performance advantage.
By caching prompts, organizations can maximize their throughput without needing to reprocess identical requests repeatedly, all while reducing costs. This is particularly beneficial for high-traffic environments, where even slight performance boosts can translate into tangible business gains.
A new era of model flexibility and performance
One of the key benefits of the Provisioned offering is that it is flexible, with one simple hourly, monthly, and yearly price that applies to all available models. We’ve also heard your feedback that it is difficult to understand how many tokens per minute (TPM) you get for each model on Provisioned deployments. We now provide a simplified view of the number of input and output tokens per minute for each Provisioned deployment. Customers no longer need to rely on detailed conversion tables or calculators.
We are maintaining the flexibility that customers love with the Provisioned offering. With monthly and annual commitments you can still change the model and version—like GPT-4o and GPT-4o-mini—within the reservation period without losing any discount. This agility allows businesses to experiment, iterate, and evolve their AI deployments without incurring unnecessary costs or having to restructure their infrastructure.
Enterprise readiness in action
Azure OpenAI’s continuous innovations aren’t just theoretical; they’re already delivering results in various industries. For instance, companies like AT&T, H&R Block, Mercedes, and more are using Azure OpenAI Service not just as a tool, but as a transformational asset that reshapes how they operate and engage with customers.
Beyond models: The enterprise-grade promise
It’s clear that the future of AI is about much more than just offering the latest models. While powerful models like GPT-4o and GPT-4o-mini provide the foundation, it’s the supporting infrastructure—such as Provisioned offering, Data Zones deployment option, SLAs, caching, and simplified deployment flows—that truly make Azure OpenAI Service enterprise-ready.
Microsoft’s vision is to provide not only cutting-edge AI models but also the enterprise-grade tools and support that allow businesses to scale these models confidently, securely, and cost-effectively. From enabling low-latency, high-reliability deployments to offering flexible and simplified infrastructure, Azure OpenAI Service empowers enterprises to fully embrace the future of AI-driven innovation.
Get started today
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the need for scalable, flexible, and reliable AI solutions becomes even more critical for enterprise success. With the latest enhancements to Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft is delivering on that promise—giving customers not just access to world-class AI models, but the tools and infrastructure to operationalize them at scale.
Now is the time for businesses to unlock the full potential of generative AI with Azure, moving beyond experimentation into real-world, enterprise-grade applications that drive measurable outcomes. Whether you’re scaling a virtual assistant, developing real-time voice applications, or transforming customer service with AI, Azure OpenAI Service provides the enterprise-ready platform you need to innovate and grow.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) crisis stems from a series of post-colonial battles from power, which began after the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Decades of conflict have been fuelled by ethnic tensions, political rivalries, corruption and fighting for control of valuable natural resources.
DRC’s current conflict has been ongoing since the 1990s, particularly in the eastern part of the country which borders South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania. Inter-communal violence regularly breaks out in other regions, as it has been the case recently in central, southern and western provinces of Kasaï, Tshopo, Mai-Ndombe, Kwilu and Kwango.
There are currently over a hundred active armed groups in the DRC. Many of them are local militias seeking to protect their communities after over three decades of unrest. Loyalties and rivalries between groups are constantly evolving and generally guided by ethnic identities, economic interests and political manipulation.
Franchetti and Honea’s visit provided the opportunity for them to see firsthand how NSWC PCD, one of the Navy’s premiere research, development, test and evaluation laboratories, supports the fleet through capabilities including mine warfare, expeditionary warfare, robotics, autonomous systems, and naval special warfare.
“It was really exciting to see all the amazing work that is going on all around here. I got to walk around and talk with many [people from this workforce], the commands here and the service members,” said Franchetti. “I’m very excited about the future. It is a very bright future thanks to all the great work that you’re doing here today and have been doing for quite some time.”
Franchetti and Honea spent the first part of their visit engaging with sailors and civilians, while learning more about capabilities to ensure wartime readiness.
“NSWC PCD continues to meet mission readiness by ensuring alignment to the CNO’s Navigation Plan, which poises our Navy to enhance the Navy’s long-term advantage,” said Capt. David Back, NSWC PCD commanding officer. “It is an honor to host the CNO and MCPON.”
Dr. Peter Adair, SES, NSWC PCD technical director, emphasized the significance of getting NSWC PCD’s capabilities to the fleet rapidly.
“Taking sailors and marines out of harm’s way and reducing the operational timeline is imperative. Unmanned technologies are how we are going to get there,” said Adair. “It is our role to ensure the fleet has the capabilities they need for today, tomorrow and the Navy after next.”
The visit concluded with a CNO and MCPON-led All Hands Call with sailors and civilians across Naval Support Activity Panama City.
The warfighter is the Navy’s asymmetric advantage. Franchetti’s Navigation Plan 2024 America’s Warfighting Navy outlines the need to build our unmatched warfighting teams—active and reserve Sailors, with Navy civilians—through a relentless focus on training and learning.
“When I am asked ‘who is the warfighter’ many groups of people come to mind. There are our sailors, on the frontline, but there are also those in the behind the scenes that contribute significantly to Project 33 and to the Navy getting real, getting better,” said Franchetti during her All-Hands address. “I am incredibly grateful for the hard work each of you put into ensuring our mission not only advances operationally, but processes continue to improve so we can support the frontline more efficiently and safely.”
Fourteen individuals were recognized for their significant contributions to the Navy, including 13 sailor recognitions for achievements.
CNO and MCPON presented a Meritorious Civilian Service Award to Andrea Perles, leader in mine warfare for the U.S. Navy. NSWC PCD also announced Hospital Corpsman Second Class Nicholas Harburckak from Chambers, Neb., as the Junior Sailor of the Year and Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Kevin Rodriguez from Smithfield, Va., as the Sailor of the Year at this installation.
The visit provided Franchetti and Honea with a richer understanding of NSWC PCD’s mission to support the America’s Warfighting Navy.
“It is your efforts, your dedication, and your expertise that provides us with the capabilities and enablement of manned and unmanned vessels in the fleet,” said Honea. “Whether you are wearing a uniform or intricately in the behind the scenes, the work you do matters.”
This was Franchetti and Honea’s first visit to NSWC PCD as Chief of Naval Operations and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
Keen Sword is the latest in a series of joint-bilateral field training exercises designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and U.S. forces.
In addition to Carrier Air Wing 5 and the strike group staff, embarked aboard the flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), CTF 70 is represented in the exercise by the expeditionary Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134, as well as the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88), both operating under Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.
“The George Washington Carrier Strike Group’s presence is crucial in Keen Sword 25,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Task Force 70 and the carrier strike group. “In Keen Sword, our strike group rehearses complex, high-end warfighting with the joint force and allies. This type of exercise showcases the range, agility and lethality of our unified force and reestablishes the George Washington Carrier Strike Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with emphasis.”
George Washington, returning in its second stint as the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier forward-deployed to Japan, departed the San Diego area on Oct. 8 to begin operations in the Indo-Pacific.
The carrier was previously forward-deployed to Yokosuka from 2008 to 2015, and will return there in late fall after completion of its current patrol. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) served as the forward-deployed carrier from 2015 until earlier this year.
“Keen Sword 25 provides the George Washington CSG an arena to flex its considerable capability in the air, surface and information domains,” said Newkirk. “Not only is the strike group conducting dynamic flight operations and complex expeditionary logistics during this exercise, it is also serving as a hub for tactical decision-making, driving action and reaction among forces throughout the region.”
The CSG team, with DESRON 15, is coordinating with Lake Erie, operating with allies in the Philippine Sea near Okinawa, as well as Preble, which is in Yokosuka providing a platform for bilateral Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile (TLAM) training with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force specialists.
Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to help promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. This exercise, and others like it, are an opportunity to demonstrate to the world the will of the U.S. and allies to defend Japan, as well as the ironclad nature of the U.S.-Japan alliance, which has stood for more than 70 years.
Source: The White House
On October 25, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands and ordered Federal assistance to supplement territory and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Ernesto from August 13 to August 16, 2024.
Federal funding is available to territory and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Ernesto in the islands of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire territory.
Lai Sun Yee of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the territory and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Chair of the Europe and Regional Security Cooperation Subcommittee, and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of SFRC, released the following joint statement in response to the elections in Georgia over the weekend:
“Despite our recent concerns with democratic backsliding in Georgia, we had hoped to see a commitment by the Georgian government to run a free and fair election process that reflected the wishes of the Georgian people. In reality, we have witnessed something different in this weekend’s parliamentary elections. Reporting shared by the OSCE/ODHIR, International Republican Institute, National Democratic Institute, and ISFED show multiple violations that severely compromised the standards for democratic elections. We are also alarmed by the dozens of reports of election day interference, including violence, voter intimidation and ballot stuffing, that could have further damaged the integrity of yesterday’s election results.
“We call on the Department of State, in partnership with our European friends, to immediately investigate reports of fraud and any external interference to determine whether any actions have seriously impacted the outcome of the elections. Those responsible should be held accountable.
“This is a precarious moment for Georgia. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, must recognize that its actions could have immediate consequences on its economic and security agenda. Russia has also undoubtedly benefitted from sowing division and disinformation. We recognize the right of the Georgian people to, if they so choose, protest peacefully and call on the relevant Georgian authorities to respect this deeply important democratic right.
“If needed, we will make additional changes to our bipartisan legislation, the Georgian People’s Act, to ensure that those responsible for fraud and manipulation of the election process are held accountable. The US Senate is fully committed to supporting the democratic aspirations of the Georgian people.”
Last week, Shaheen and Risch announced that 10 additional Senators intend to cosponsor their bipartisan Georgian People’s Act– legislation that would hold Georgian government officials and individuals responsible for corruption, human rights abuses and efforts to advance the foreign influence law or facilitate its passage.
Earlier this summer, Shaheen led a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional delegation to Georgia with U.S. Congressman Michael Turner (R-OH), Chair of the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. During their visit, Senator Shaheen and Chair Turner met with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani to once again raise concerns about democratic backsliding following the passage of the foreign agents law and anti-Western rhetoric and communicate the United States’ commitment to its longstanding partnership with people of Georgia to achieve a Euro-Atlantic future, including by facilitating a free and fair election in October. Shaheen and Turner’s visit came shortly after U.S. action to pause bilateral assistance to Georgia following recent actions undertaken by the Georgian government.
Before the trip, Shaheen and Risch issued a statement welcoming the action by the U.S. State Department to pause $95 million in assistance to the government of Georgia following passage of a foreign agents law. Shaheen first visited Georgia as an election observer with Senator Risch in 2012. She has visited the nation three times since.
In the annual defense legislation, Shaheen secured a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to review security cooperation activities with Georgia in light of its new foreign agents law, a part of Shaheen’s and Risch’s bipartisan Georgian People’s Act. Prior to the vote in the Georgian Parliament, the Senators sent a bipartisan letter to the Prime Minister of Georgia urging the government to reconsider the bill.
In its 2025 Budget Bill, the Government is presenting a range of initiatives to tackle men’s violence against women. The Government intends to propose strengthening support to victims of prostitution, and to allocate SEK 10 million for this purpose in 2025. The Government also intends to propose reinforcements to national telephone help lines for victims of violence, with the aim of preventing and combating men’s violence against women, intimate partner violence, honour-based violence and oppression, and prostitution and human trafficking. It is therefore proposed that the National Centre for Knowledge on Men’s Violence Against Women (NCK) at Uppsala University receive an additional SEK 7 million in 2025. The aim is to increase the national help lines’ response rate.
“Efforts to prevent and combat men’s violence against women, intimate partner violence and honour-based violence and oppression are top priorities for the Government and the parties cooperating with it. That’s why we want to see an increase in support to people who are victims of prostitution, a highly vulnerable group of people. We also want to continue increasing support to the national phone help lines for victims of violence so that response rates can be improved. In order to combat violence and oppression, it is important that victims of violence can get through to the help lines,” says Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg.
“Displaced women are especially vulnerable to exploitation and are at risk of being forced into prostitution. Efforts to combat human trafficking are taking place on a broad front, of which an important part is supporting and helping those who are vulnerable,” says former Minister for Migration Maria Malmer Stenergard.
“Women who are subjected to violence, abuse and coercive control must be given the support they need. This Government is investing heavily in combating the oppression of women, regardless of which form it takes,” says gender equality spokesperson Camilla Rinaldo Miller (Christian Democrats).
“These initiatives are important steps in ensuring that no victim of violence is left on their own. The Sweden Democrats and the Government take these issues seriously and will continue working to ensure that every voice seeking help is heard,” says gender equality spokesperson Michael Rubbestad (Sweden Democrats).
Strengthened support to victims of prostitution
In the Budget Bill for 2025, the Government intends to propose a reinforcement of SEK 10 million in support to victims of prostitution in 2025. The Government also intends to propose a reinforcement of SEK 5 million in support to victims of prostitution in 2026. The proposal is based on an agreement between the Government and the Sweden Democrats.
It is a priority that adults who want to leave prostitution or who have been trafficked for sexual purposes receive the protection, support and help they need, and that no children are subjected to sexual exploitation or human trafficking.
In December 2023, the Government received the report Ut ur utsatthet (‘Out of vulnerability’ – Swedish Government Official Report 2023:97) from the Inquiry on an Exit Programme for Victims of Prostitution. The report is being processed by the Government Offices.
Strengthening national help lines for victims of violence
NCK operates help lines for women, men and trans people. NCK is implementing this help line on behalf of the National Centre against Honour-related violence and oppression.
The telephone help lines are under a lot of pressure. Currently, 16 per cent of callers to the women’s help line do not even get in the queue, because the lines are so busy and the queue is full. 31 per cent of those phoning the women’s help line, 44 per cent of those calling the men’s help line, and 47 per cent of those calling the help line for trans people hang up before their call is taken. Particularly in the evening and at night, many people hang up before they get through to the front of the queue.
In the Budget Bill for 2025, the Government intends to propose an additional SEK 7 million per year to the help lines in 2025–2027. The proposal is based on an agreement between the Government and the Sweden Democrats. NCK also runs the ‘Right to choose’ (Rätt att välja) help line, a pilot project help line for people who have questions about, or who are being subjected to, honour-based violence and oppression.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Claremont, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led a roundtable in Claremont on substance misuse prevention with Youth CAN leadership and community members. She then visited Hypertherm in Lebanon to discuss workforce challenges, housing and child care. Later, Shaheen continued her “Invest in NH Tour” with a visit to the Schaefer Center for Health Sciences at the Colby-Sawyer College Nursing School, which she secured funding to build. Photos from today’s events can be found here.
In Claremont, Shaheen led a roundtable with the Youth CAN coalition leadership team and community partners to discuss the organization’s work to prevent youth substance misuse in the Claremont and Newport area. Youth CAN is part of the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program which provides grants to local community coalitions to address the youth substance use disorder crisis.
“It is crucial that we reach children as early as possible to educate them about the dangers of substance misuse, and one of our most effective tools to do that is the Drug-Free Communities Program, said Senator Shaheen. “I’ve strongly advocated for the program and was happy to meet with Claremont and Newport’s coalition and discuss their critical work to prevent substance misuse.”
Shaheen has spearheaded crucial legislation and funding to stem the opioid epidemic, including to support the DFC Program. Shaheen recently introduced the Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act to establish a new grant program that allows DFC coalitions to partner with schools to provide resources educating students about the dangers of drug use.
Shaheen then visited Hypertherm, an employee-owned manufacturer of cutting products and software, to tour its facility and discuss the company’s in-house technical training program for workforce development, as well as engagement with Vital Communities’ Corporate Council to address regional housing and child care challenges. Vital Communities’ Corporate Council collaborates with Upper Valley employers to help solve the challenges they’re facing.
“Many Granite State businesses, like Hypertherm in Lebanon, face complex barriers to recruiting and retaining a workforce,” said Senator Shaheen. “I was pleased to visit Hypertherm to learn more about the manufacturer’s innovative approach to workforce development and their collaboration with Vital Communities as well as discuss how Congress can continue help New Hampshire businesses address housing and child care challenges.”
Senator Shaheen has long supported programs that support workforce development and increase opportunities and growth for New Hampshire businesses, including by tackling New Hampshire’s housing affordability crisis and the child care crisis. Recently, Shaheen joined Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su at A Place to Grow to host a roundtable discussion at the facility to discuss the first U.S. Department of Labor approved apprenticeship program for early childhood education operations managers and a new report emphasizing the importance of care workers.
Later, as part of her “Invest in NH Tour”, Shaheen visited the Schaefer Center for Health Sciences at Colby-Sawyer College to discuss its new nursing and health sciences facility, which is funded in part by Congressionally Directed Spending. Shaheen secured $1.5 million in the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding legislation to construct the new building and to help address critical health care workforce needs by training the next generation of nurses.
“As health care workforce shortages continue to impact our state, I was glad to visit and tour the Schaefer Center for Health Sciences at Colby-Sawyer College where they’re training the next generation of nurses,” said Senator Shaheen. “I secured funding to help construct the building and was glad to learn more about how the program is working to fill desperately needed nursing positions in the Granite State.”
Senator Shaheen has spearheaded numerous efforts in the Senate in support of New Hampshire’s health care workforce. During negotiations surrounding the American Rescue Plan Act, Shaheen helped steer efforts to increase funding for the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) to ensure hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers on the frontlines had the support they needed to keep their doors open and continue to care for patients. As a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen secured $17,419,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending in the FY 2024 government funding legislation to support health care and education needs in the Granite State.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Civil servants can express their interest now in joining the course to create brilliant line managers
Neil Alton, Government Skills
The developers of a new, free course designed to create a pipeline of brilliant new line managers want volunteers to help pilot it.
The course, called Achieving Your Potential, is for anyone who is not yet a manager but is thinking about becoming one and needs help to develop the skills, knowledge and networks to step into that new role confidently.
“The course is designed for would-be line managers and its goal is to help learners get the knowledge and skills they need to step into a line management role before they are in one,” said Government Skills learning and development expert Neil Alton, Head of Early Career management Training (pictured).
“It’s about enhancing their current ways of working as well as preparing them for the unique demands and responsibilities of managing others.
“Through it we want to create a pipeline of brilliant new line managers who understand and comply with the new Civil Service Line Management Standards which are such a vital tool for ensuring the Civil Service is a great place to work.”
The participants chosen to be part of the pilot will be divided into two cohorts – with one group starting in January and the second in May.
“The purpose of having two groups is so we can compare the skills and knowledge of the group of people who have completed the course with the skills and knowledge of the group of people who have yet to do it,” said Neil.
“Comparing results from the two groups will give us high-quality evidence so we can understand where the course is succeeding and where it might need further refinement.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Secretary of State for Wales has visited Associated British Ports and Dow in Barry as part of the UK Government’s mission to deliver economic growth.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens at ABP Barry.
The Secretary of State for Wales has visited two major employers in Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan as part of the UK Government’s mission to deliver economic growth.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens was given a tour of the Port of Barry and heard about Associated British Ports (ABP) and px Group’s plan for a Clean Growth Hub which aims to establish a cutting-edge facility where businesses can attract direct investment and create jobs.
The plan aims to transform a large area of the operational port into an area of green, high-growth infrastructure investment. It is designed to attract companies involved in innovative industries such as battery materials, rare earth metal processing and green energy manufacturing.
Earlier the same day the Welsh Secretary also visited Dow, a material sciences company, based on Cardiff Road, Barry. The site manufactures silicones for use in automotive, aerospace, energy infrastructure, construction and other industries across the UK and Europe. It employs more than 600 people with the majority living in the Vale of Glamorgan, as well as partnering with hundreds of suppliers – many based in and around Barry and South Wales.
The Welsh Secretary heard about how Dow contributes to the growth of the regional economy and about the company’s plans for the future.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said:
My number one mission is to deliver investment and jobs to Wales so it was fantastic to hear about the Port of Barry’s exciting plans for the Clean Energy Hub which will attract business and investors while helping achieve our mission of making Britain a clean energy superpower.
We want to work in partnership with business to drive growth, opportunity and prosperity, so it was also great to spend time at Dow and see the work that they do to realise these ambitions in South Wales.
Ralph Windeatt, ABP Group Head of Business Development, said:
I was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Wales to our Port of Barry to discuss our plans for a Clean Growth Hub.
Associated British Ports’ five ports in South Wales are already becoming hubs at the heart of the green energy transition. With our partners px Group, we want to transform the Port of Barry to expand low-carbon, high-growth infrastructure investment. These plans will build on the low-carbon infrastructure we already have in place, including solar and wind power and green hydrogen production with our partners at EDF Hynamics and ESB International.
Our plans for a Clean Growth Hub will create jobs, mobilise inward investment and boost local prosperity and opportunity.
Andrew Laney, Senior Site Manufacturing Director at Dow, Barry said:
Dow is a business that plays a key role in South Wales, both socially and economically. The silicones we manufacture for so many industrial sectors across Wales, UK and Europe are proudly ‘Made in Barry’.
We were pleased to show the Secretary of State the operations on site and discuss how South Wales manufacturing can be well-recognised in the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy consultation.
The Museum of Oxford is commemorating the 90th anniversary of three pivotal events in the city’s history with a trilogy of plays.
Written by local playwright Peter Cann and directed by Tim Eyres, these performances bring to life Oxford’s working-class struggles during a turbulent year in 1934.
Cutteslowe Walls
The first play in the trilogy, The Cutteslowe Walls, recounts how a working-class community in North Oxford was separated from a nearby private estate by 9ft-high walls – which became known as “snob walls”. Built in December 1934, the walls stood for 25 years despite a long campaign to have them removed. The initial campaign to remove the walls was led by Abe Lazarus, a prominent trade unionist and communist organiser. Reginald Gibbs, a local councillor, also played a key role in these early efforts. After Reginald’s passing, his son Edmund and daughter-in-law Olive Gibbs continued the fight and the walls were finally demolished in 1959.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Mike Rowley, will attend the premiere of The Cutteslowe Walls on 2 November.
“I am honoured to be part of this commemoration. The Cutteslowe Walls symbolised a time of division in our city’s history, but the efforts of campaigners like Abe Lazarus and the Gibbs family remind us of the power of community and perseverance in fighting for fairness. This trilogy of plays allows us to reflect on these important struggles, while celebrating the spirit of unity that ultimately brought the walls down.”
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mike Rowley
Oxford’s Inferno
The second play, Oxford’s Inferno, recounts the 1934 strike at the Pressed Steel factory in Cowley, which produced car bodies for the Morris car works. Workers walked out in protest against poor pay and harsh working conditions. The strike, initially involving 100 workers, soon grew to 1,000, led to the formation of a strong union that left a lasting impact on Oxford and beyond.
Little Edens
The final part of the trilogy, Little Edens, will be performed on December 7. Returning after a successful staging at the museum last year, the play focuses on the Florence Park Rent Strike. In September 1934, tenants of the newly built Florence Park estate began withholding rent in protest at poor living conditions. The homes, built by unskilled labourers, quickly deteriorated, prompting residents— many of whom had relocated from areas hit hard by the Great Depression, such as South Wales and Tyneside — to take action. After months of complaints, the residents embarked on a bitter rent strike, facing the threat of eviction. The strike highlighted the difficult conditions faced by many working-class families in Oxford.
The trilogy performances are as follows:
Oxford’s Inferno and The Cutteslowe Walls: Saturday, 2 November at 2.30pm and 5.30pm (all sold out)
Little Edens: Saturday 7 December at 2.30pm and 5.30pm
Tickets for the December performances are available from the Museum of Oxford shop or through Eventbrite.
Comment
“These stories show how working-class communities in Oxford shaped the city’s identity and contributed to wider social change. From fighting unfair working conditions to standing up against poor housing, the events portrayed in these plays demonstrate the resilience and solidarity of Oxford’s people. It’s great that these powerful stories can be shared with audiences at the Museum of Oxford.”
Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and an Inclusive Economy
Despite being a relatively affluent area, Perth and Kinross has around 30,000 people living below the poverty line, with approximately 27,200 in deep or very deep poverty.
Tackling poverty is one of the Council’s main priorities and the local authority helped establish the Anti-Poverty Taskforce jointly chaired by the Chief Executives of PKAVS and Giraffe to address poverty across Perth and Kinross. The Taskforce brings together a range of partners, including the Council, to work together on addressing poverty.
Councillors will also discuss the sixth Annual Child Poverty Action report, which reveals there are still 5,750 children living in poverty in Perth and Kinross and sets out the actions that are being taken to reduce this number.
Council leader Councillor Grant Laing said: “Many people view Perth and Kinross as an affluent area but the truth is poverty is a real and growing problem for many of our residents.
“The Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have both contributed to a situation that requires dedicated and co-ordinated action to solve.
“For those living in poverty every day is a struggle and things that are an inconvenience to many of us – an unexpected bill or a spell of cold weather – can lead to a crisis for those on or close to the breadline. It is vitally important we support those people who find themselves in poverty.
“Those living in rural areas, as many do in Perth and Kinross, also face additional challenges regarding employment, housing, transport and more.”
Councillor Laing added: “The actions we are taking are showing results – there are now around 200 fewer children living in poverty now than there were last year. But that still leaves nearly 6,000 in poverty.”
The social contract sets out four key principles that will guide the Council, and its partners, as they strive to lift residents out of poverty.
These are:
No one should be in deep poverty:
Those unable to work should not be in poverty:
People should try to increase their earnings:
Low earners should not be in poverty: Commitment to Collaboration:
As part of these efforts, the Council is being asked to renew its commitment to collaborating with community partners, the third sector, and local communities to secure extra resources and support for those in deep poverty and provide addition resources for those unable to work due to health, disability or caregiving responsibilities.
It is also being asked to support job seekers and those wanting to work more hours and help those on low incomes to achieve a better standard of living.
Shaheena Din, joint chair of the Anti-Poverty Taskforce said: “Change happens when we come together.
“By working as one, we can make a real difference in lifting people out of poverty, because no one person or organisation can tackle this challenge alone.”
She added the Anti-Poverty Taskforce supports a range of people who are struggling to make ends meet. These include:
People facing ongoing hardship: Those on low incomes, whether they are receiving benefits or not, and may not be getting the support they’re entitled to.
People in deep poverty: Including single individuals without children, people from ethnic minorities, and households where someone has a disability.
Those on or just below the poverty line: those struggling to make ends meet.
People just getting by: managing on their own but often have little or no money left at the end of the month.
Asset rich but cash poor: Homeowners with limited savings and financial assets that are hard to access and facing hardship.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)
Houston, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) announced today that Port Houston’s innovative PORT SHIFT program has been selected to receive$2,983,457 in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program. This grant, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, is a critical investment in cleaner air, reduced emissions, and green job opportunities for the region.
“I’m thrilled that Port Houston has been chosen for this Environmental Protection Agency grant, which will bring real, lasting benefits for our environment, economy, and the health of all families in the region. With its ambitious PORT SHIFT program, Houston is taking a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, and I’m proud to have helped make this possible by voting for the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Congresswoman Garcia.
“PORT SHIFT is about more than moving cargo—it’s about building a port that’s prepared for the future and a community that’s healthier and stronger. With investments in zero-emission trucks, cleaner cargo handling, workforce training, and community engagement, Port Houston is setting the standard for what ports across America can accomplish. The Inflation Reduction Act is already paying off for the greater Houston region, and I’m excited to see Houston lead the charge toward a sustainable, greener future that benefits all,” concluded Congresswoman Garcia.
“Port Houston is vital to our local, state, and national economy. This funding from the Environmental Protection Agency will support moving towards a more sustainable way of conducting port operations through the deployment of new zero-emission technology and ensure shore power readiness at all seven wharves at the Bayport Container Terminal,” saidHouston City Council Member Joaquin Martinez.
“More importantly, near port communities will benefit from the grant’s plan to focus on climate and air quality planning. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Garcia for her leadership in securing this funding from the EPA and look forward to our continued partnership towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” concluded Martinez.
The grant funding announced today will support climate and air quality efforts at Port Houston, including:
Emissions inventory
Emissions reduction strategy analysis including truck route analysis, infrastructure cost assessment, climate action planning, and developing a performance measurement framework
Stakeholder collaboration with communities, trucking industry, and workforce
Resiliency planning
Congresswoman Garcia in May led a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan alongside her colleagues, urging support for Port Houston’s grant applications. The letter emphasized how PORT SHIFT’s climate and zero-emission technology initiatives would transform the freight sector, reduce diesel pollution, and engage and empower nearby communities, particularly low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allocated $3 billion to the EPA’s Clean Ports Program to fund zero-emission port equipment and climate planning at U.S. ports. This program aims to build a zero-emissions foundation across the port sector, improve public health, and set a new standard for environmental engagement in near-port communities.
IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes has appointed longtime IAM activist Monica Pasillas as a Grand Lodge Auditor, effective Oct. 1, 2024.
Pasillas, a 13-year IAM member, initiated into IAM Chicago Local 2339O in 2011 as an ExpressJet flight attendant. She later transferred to Newark Local 2339N. She had taken on leadership roles in both locals including conductor sentinel, recording secretary, grievance representative and secretary-treasurer. In these capacities, she effectively advocated for the needs of members, played an integral role in ensuring their rights were upheld, participated in organizing and strike campaigns, and served on the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Event Review Committee.
“Monica is as well-rounded an IAM activist as we have in our organization,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “She has a tireless commitment to serving our membership, and will be a huge help in ensuring the safe stewardship of our membership’s resources.”
Pasillas, a fluent Spanish speaker with proficiency in French, expanded her leadership skills with her involvement in the Spanish Leadership at the IAM’s Winpsinger Center, where she helped promote education and support for Spanish-speaking members.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Monica into her role as a Grand Lodge Auditor,” said Paul Kendall, IAM Assistant Secretary to the General Secretary-Treasurer. “Our Grand Lodge Auditing Team continues to adapt to the needs of our membership and assist every local across North America.”
In 2018, Pasillas transitioned to the National IAM Benefit Trust Fund (BTF) as an education representative, gaining valuable insights into the health and welfare needs of the participants. The following year, she joined the General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office as an administrative staff secretary, where she has held key roles in the Central Files Department, Pension Department, and currently, the Auditing Department.
“Monica brings a unique skill set and experience level to her new role as a Grand Lodge Auditor,” said Bryan Pinette, IAM Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer. “Our members will continue to be well-served by her determination to defend and protect our organization and the causes we care about.”
Pasillas holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences with a concentration in commercial French studies and supporting coursework in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As a first-generation Mexican American growing up in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, Pasillas developed a strong sense of community and resilience. With a focus on empowering others by providing them with the resources and tools they need to thrive in their roles, she will continue to champion the voices of those like her, ensuring a bright future for all.