Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL)
LINCOLNSHIRE, IL – Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair and co-founder of the bipartisan, bicameral Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement in response to the reported death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar:
“Yahya Sinwar is dead.
“I continue to pray for an end to the fighting in Gaza and a better future for both Palestinians and Israelis – with real security and prosperity for all in the region.
“Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and the architect of the barbaric October 7th attacks, has the blood of thousands of innocent Israelis, Palestinians, Americans, and countless others on his hands. Sinwar was an evil, genocidal man whose preeminent goals were the elimination of the State of Israel and the murder of the Jewish people. He actively sought the death of civilians in Gaza as part of his heinous strategy, even ordering his Hamas terrorists to shoot their own people to prevent them from fleeing active combat zones.
“I hope that Sinwar’s death marks a turning point in this war. Let us all unite in praying that, at last, the door will open to the end of this terrible war, the remaining hostages will be released, the recovery in Gaza will begin, and the efforts toward securing peace will be renewed.
“This historic moment also brings a critical challenge: We cannot allow the enemies of peace to block or destroy the possibility of a better future for the region. The path to peace is real but fragile. We must remain resolute in defending it and foster hope for a brighter tomorrow where the good people dedicated to peace prevail.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Matt Gaetz (1st District of Florida)
Washington, D.C. — Tomorrow, in response to the Biden-Harris Department of Justice (DOJ) suing the Commonwealth of Virginia for removing illegal aliens from its voter rolls, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) will introduce the “National Motor Voter Clarification Act” to ensure the U.S. Code matches what all Americans expect, and the Constitution allows: that states can remove illegal aliens from their voter rolls at any time.
Last week, the Biden-Harris DOJfiled an unprecedented lawsuitagainst the Commonwealth of Virginia for requiring daily updates to its statewide voter list to remove noncitizens after more than 6,300 noncitizens were removed between January 2022 and July 2024. The lawsuit claims canceling voter registrations within 90 days of an election is prohibited despite a Virginia law allowing for the removal of noncitizens from the voting roll. Rep. Gaetz’s legislation, if enacted, would amend Title 52 of the United States Code to clarify federal law to ensure states are clearly allowed to remove voters who are ineligible due to “citizenship status” from their voting rolls within the 90 day window.
“Last week, the Biden-Harris DOJ turned its fire on Governor Youngkin of Virginia, suing to stop him from removing illegal aliens from the Virginia voter rolls.
I agree with the Governor that removing non-Americans from voter rolls is ‘common sense and constitutional,’ which is why I am introducing the ‘National Motor Voter Clarification Act.’ My bill will ensure Governors are allowed to do their jobs and remove illegal aliens from the voter rolls without fear of being targeted by the Biden-Harris Justice Department. It’s telling that the only ‘election integrity’ work the Biden-Harris Department of Justice seems interested in is ensuring maximal turnout for people who can’t even legally vote!” said Congressman Gaetz.
Full text of Congressman Gaetz’s bill can be found HERE. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the bill by Breitbart News can be found HERE.
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The show demonstrates that young children are capable, curious and competent.(Blue Ant Media)
There is an evolutionary need for parents to protect their children from harm. One of the most difficult and important aspects of parenting is allowing children to take the necessary risks which enable them to grow.
TVO’s Old Enough!, based on a hit Japanese TV series, helps parents consider the balance between protection and creating space for children to develop independence and resilience. It shows very young children being provided the responsibility of running errands seemingly on their own.
It should be noted there are protections in place, for example as seen in Episode 1. Viewers see four-year-old Parker with supports for crossing streets, camera crews and shop keepers who are prepared for the child’s visit. It is not recommended that very young children complete errands unsupervised.
However, the show demonstrates that young children are capable, curious and competent. It encourages us to consider how we can support children in developing their confidence, self-worth and trust, and help them become independent and resilient while ensuring they feel supported and loved.
Independence begins with love
Old Enough! exemplifies many insights for parents about nurturing relationships with their children to support their emerging independence.
Secure attachment develops when a child consistently experiences a loving, attuned and responsive emotional connection, fostering a sense of trust and safety, and learning that their emotional needs will be met.
This is at the heart of raising independent and resilient children. Every experience shapes a child’s brain and influences gene expression. The emotional bond that develops from secure attachment provides children reassurance to take risks and try new things on their own. This emotional security enables them to confidently explore the world, knowing they have a secure base to return to.
In Old Enough!, viewers see glimpses of this trusting and loving relationship with five-year-old Simon and his dad David in Episode 3. Simon’s dads, David and Stephane, have different views around how much freedom Simon should have, with David feeling more protective. The episode shows Simon shopping on his own at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market, with David outside.
Trailer for ‘Old Enough!’ Episode 3.
When the bags are too heavy, Simon drags them outside to give to David, sharing he was “dropping off a load because it was too heavy.” Simon’s dad empathically sighs in agreement.
Simon knows his dad will be waiting for him. There is no concern of where to find his dad, or apprehension his dad would be upset Simon hadn’t finished, or had taken too long. Simon flops on the sidewalk and shares his solo adventure.
His father, clearly anxious, finds a way through his own feelings to ask Simon if he will go back in to finish. Simon proudly beams yes! Upon return, he is greeted with pride and a big hug. Simon is proud of himself, stating “now I know how to shop by myself,” shining with confidence and resilience.
That Simon knows the world is safe and trustworthy was evident in his secure internal working model. This is seen in his willingness to confidently ask others for help, knowing it will be OK if he fails. His reflection “I was not even scared,” emphasizes the confidence in his relationships and secure base from which he explores the world.
Love supports courage to take on tasks
Old Enough! also shows everyday moments of independence parents can foster by allowing children to complete simple, age-appropriate tasks.
Love and autonomy go hand in hand. This emotional foundation provides children the courage to take on tasks, solve problems and struggle through challenges. Love is not just a form of emotional support; it is also a tool for growth.
When children are provided with opportunities to face small challenges, make decisions and manage frustration, we help them build the resilience to handle bigger challenges later in life. This approach reinforces that their loving caregiver trusts and believes in them.
Children who know they are loved unconditionally feel secure in their worth and are more likely to navigate the complexities of life with a sense of inner stability. This emotional foundation prevents them from relying heavily on external validation because they have internalized their worth and value.
As children grow, having a balanced view of themselves, their relationships and the world prepares them to manage peer pressure, bullying and setbacks, reinforcing the understanding of their worth isn’t determined by others’ opinions.
Parents’ own attachment experiences
Parents can support their children’s journey toward independence and resilience by encouraging small acts of autonomy.
Letting children make their own choices, take on responsibilities and engage in problem-solving helps build their confidence. At the same time, parents should be emotionally available, offering comfort and support without taking over. This balance of trust and love gives children the necessary tools to become both independent and resilient, knowing they can face challenges and are always supported.
Parents who want to do more to support their children’s autonomy while maintaining a close connection often find that making changes can be difficult. This is especially the case if they have not experienced secure attachment, unconditional love or have a history of relational trauma.
Managing the real fear and anxiety of stepping back, perhaps fearing your child will feel unloved, can feel incredibly challenging. In Old Enough! such feelings are expressed by Ohelya’s mom, Arfina, in Episode 8, who shares she had to grow up faster than most of her friends and she wants to protect her daughter from this experience, allowing her to enjoy childhood.
Trailer for ‘Old Enough!’ Episode 8.
For parents, it’s important to separate your fears and anxieties from what is real for your child, and ensure your history and experiences do not negatively impact your child’s opportunities for growth and development. Be kind and patient with yourself and your child during this process.
Wait: allow them the time and space to explore and play independently.
Wonder: reflect on their needs and your responses.
By acknowledging and managing your own fears and anxieties, you create space to see your child truly sparkle.
Learn and know who your child is, what their strengths are and what they need support with. It’s never to late to let children show you what they are capable of and reveal their amazing self. With consistency, you will build a deep meaningful connection built on trust and love, which will last a lifetime.
Nikki Martyn 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.
[BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador and a coalition of 23 other states filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to stop the Biden-Harris Administration from imposing an electric-vehicle mandate on truck manufacturers in Nebraska v. EPA. This coalition has joined the suit alongside Nebraska as petitioners to challenge the new rule. In April, the federal Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA) published a rule imposing stringent tailpipe emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles that effectively force manufacturers to produce more electric trucks and fewer internal-combustion trucks. The Attorneys General argued that EPA’s electric-truck mandate raises a “major question” that Congress has not clearly authorized EPA to decide. “Once again, the Biden-Harris administration is superseding their constitutional authority in a short-sighted pursuit of their green agenda,” said Attorney General Labrador. “They are making laws and standards which are the sole purview of Congress. This kind of reckless rulemaking will damage our national economy, infrastructure, and resiliency.” The brief points out that just one-tenth of one percent (0.10%) of all heavy-duty trucks sold today are powered by a battery, but that EPA’s rule would increase that number to 45 percent in less than a decade away. That massive shift in the nation’s trucking and logistics industries will slow down transportation of essential goods, stress the electric grid, and raise prices for Americans. The brief also argues that EPA has never before forced manufacturers to produce heavy-duty electric vehicles and that allowing the electric-truck mandate to stand would short circuit the ongoing policy debate that should be left to Congress and the States. In addition to Attorney General Labrador, attorneys general from the following States joined the suit against the Biden Administration: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, South Dakota, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
A space shuttle lifts off high above the surrounding land in this Aug. 1, 1973, illustration. With 135 missions flown over 30 years, NASA’s shuttle fleet achieved numerous firsts and opened space up to more people than ever before. Each space shuttle consisted of three major components: the orbiter, which housed the crew, a large external tank that held fuel for the main engines, and two solid rocket boosters that provided most of the shuttle’s lift during the first two minutes of flight. All the components were reused except for the external fuel tank, which burned up in the atmosphere after each launch. The space shuttle was the world’s first reusable spacecraft. Check out the NASA+ playlist, “The Shuttle Era.” Image credit: NASA
NREL Hosts 24th Pyrheliometer Comparisons for North American Region
Participants from the Physical Meteorological Observatory in Davos (PMOD) attended the 24th NREL Pyrheliometer Comparisons (NPC). PMOD maintains the World Radiometric Reference. NREL visits PMOD in Switzerland every five years, and PMOD comes to Golden, Colorado, four out of every five years to participate in NPC. All photos by Gregory Cooper, NREL
Say you are in the market for solar panels for the roof of your home. You are researching the different types, especially noticing the efficiency that they claim. How do you know that you can trust that number?
Or let’s say you want to build an entire solar array. You need a loan from the bank, but they want to know how much energy you think you are going to get from your array to make sure they make a wise investment. How do you know how much energy you are going to get?
The same answer applies to both of these scenarios because what we are talking about is traceability: the ability to trace your measurement back to a standard source that is common to everyone. The person who sold you the solar panels and the bank that agreed to invest in your solar farm both rely on a traceable measurement, and NREL plays a major role in providing just that.
From Sept. 21 to 27, groups of scientists and engineers from around the globe gathered at NREL’s Solar Radiation Research Laboratory (SRRL) on the top of South Table Mountain in Golden, Colorado, for the 24th NREL Pyrheliometer Comparisons (NPC). While Colorado is a destination for many people, NPC’s participants do not just come for the stunning views and the clear skies. As the regional leader, NREL keeps its reference instruments calibrated directly to the World Radiometric Reference and World Infrared Standard Group. Since 1996, NPC has been a gathering place for people from across the globe to calibrate their reference instruments to the world standard.
On the first day of the NPC, participants from Saudi Arabia set up their active cavity radiometers (ACRs) in the morning to begin measurements.
Studying Solar Energy Is Part of What Unites Us
One expert in the field, Tom Stoffel, is a former NREL employee. Tom began working at NREL when it was just beginning as the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) in the late1970s, and he played a major role in establishing NREL as the region’s leader in pyrheliometer comparisons. Tom still comes back to the comparisons every year to share his insights and to join the participants with whom he shares a passion for solar measurement.
“Solar radiation measurements are the basis for understanding Earth’s primary energy source,” Stoffel said. Knowing how much of the sun’s power is available on Earth is crucial for solar and climate research and for the solar industry in general. Since the beginning of time, people have studied the sun and harvested its power for everything from basic needs like heating something to eat and telling time to today’s advanced uses for powering our homes and cars and, moreover, to understand and detect the changes in the Earth’s radiation budget for climate studies.
Measuring the sun’s power remains one of the most difficult-to-define physical measurements. As researchers strive to get more and more precise measurements, they also need to ensure that the measurements used are compliant with international standards. This area of research lies at the origins of NREL’s work when it was once the Solar Energy Research Institute, and it still guides the laboratory’s mission today seeking to transform energy.
A clock runs one hour behind Mountain Daylight Time to align with solar noon, when the sun is at maximum elevation, keeping participants aware of progression throughout the day. The number below the time indicates the current stable irradiance reading.
What Is It Like Attending NPC?
Affectionately referred to as the “sun nerds convention,” NPC serves as a World Meteorological Organization regional comparison for maintaining traceability, hosting participants who seek compliance with the International Organization for Standardization requirements for interlaboratory calibrations. Participants set up their instruments on the top of South Table Mountain and, beginning at sunrise, they start taking solar irradiance measurements in groups of 49 observations at 30-second intervals.
Researchers at the SRRL analyze the data to provide participants with a ratio of their instrument’s measurement to the NREL reference group that allows them to calibrate their instruments to the World Radiometric Reference. Maintaining this traceability to the world standard allows participants to take their instruments back to their organizations and continue doing the important work of solar resource assessment, climate change studies, and atmospheric research with the assurance that their measurements are aligned with the world standard.
As an example, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program personnel James Martin, Jim Stow, and retired Craig Webb participated in this year’s NPC to maintain its traceability of radiometric measurement. This supports the ARM program in closing the gap between the radiative transfer models and solar irradiance measurement.
NPC participants set up and validate data collection to verify that solar alignment is not lost during the measurements. They need precise solar alignment to ensure they are measuring the full solar irradiance (i.e., the full power of the sun).
Collaboration at the Event
After attending this event, participants leave with more than just calibrated instruments. Collaboration and networking are an equally important part for this tight-knit industry to share valuable information about their work across all different industries and in different parts of the world.
Logan Soldo, one participant at this year’s event from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Boulder, Colorado, commented on the value of the opportunity to collaborate.
“Even just sitting here and learning from all of these people who have been around a lot longer than me is valuable,” Soldo said. “I feel like I’m learning so much.”
Charles Robinson from Sandia National Laboratory remarked on how he is grateful for the mentorship he has received in this field. His mentor was mentored by one of the men who was at the very first international comparisons back in the 1960s, and Robinson was still using one of those original instruments at NREL’s comparisons.
Participants from EKO Instruments attended this year’s NPC. EKO manufactures many of the trackers that NREL uses, which orient the ACR to point directly at the sun.
Tom Kirk of Eppley Laboratories said that he enjoyed the opportunity to be in person with his clients who bought Eppley’s instruments and help them with their instruments in a more hands-on way.
Erik Naranen of ISO-CAL North America, “a proud member of the sun nerds convention,” remarked on the value of being together with others in the industry. Many of the participants remarked similarly on the value of hearing from some of the experts in the field and being grateful for the chance to spend so much time with them to share their passion for accurate solar resource measurement.
Future Directions
The future of metrology is bright because of the work being done by NREL and many others in the field. Their goal is to have the most precise measurements possible to ensure that the research is as sound as possible. Measuring the sun’s power is still a difficult task. But when people know their instruments are sound, they can lay a strong foundation to push the envelope of climate and atmospheric research.
More than a dozen ARCs are lined up on the top of South Table Mountain, making simultaneous solar irradiance measurements with one another.
The logistics associated with NPC require support from NREL’s Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality Office; Site Operations; Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness; Power Systems Engineering Center; Shipping and Receiving; DOE’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program; DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies program; and more. Thank you to all the NRELians who pitched in to help advance NREL’s leadership in this area and provide support to an event that improves research outcomes across renewable energy and atmospheric research.
Learn more about NREL’s work in the Solar Radiation Research Laboratory, which includes the Metrology Laboratory. To find out more about attending NREL’s comparisons in 2026 or to learn more about past events, visit NPC’s website.
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
Discreetly Revised Data Shows Violent Crime Has Increased Under This Administration Despite Misleading Claims From Democrats
Washington, October 17, 2024
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intentionally misled the American people into believing violent crime decreased under the Biden-Harris Administration. A discreetly revised FBI 2022 annual crime data report proves violent crimes have increased under the Biden-Harris Administration. A previously reported 2.1 percent decrease in violent crimes has now been altered to show a 4.5 percent increase. This Administration has continuously touted these false numbers to argue violent crime has declined, and the latest revision proves otherwise. While violent crime surges across the country due to Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies, failed bail reform, open borders, and defund the police movement, House Republicans are committed to law and order.
MAKE NO MISTAKE: This revision further proves Americans are less safe under the Biden-Harris Administration. It’s time to restore the safety and security of every American.
THE BIDEN-HARRIS CRIME CRISIS:
New reporting has uncovered that the FBI secretly updated its crime data to show instead of a 2.1 percent drop in violent crime in 2022, it was actually a 4.5 percent increase.
The FBI made no mention of this 6.6 percentage point revision in its press release.
The new data includes thousands more murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults than previously reported.
The updated data for 2022 shows that there were 80,029 more violent crimes than in 2021 – including an additional 1,699 murders, 7,780 rapes, 33,459 robberies, and 37,091 aggravated assaults.
Carl Moody, a professor at the College of William & Mary who specializes in studying crime: “There were no revisions from 2004 to 2015, and from 2016 to 2020, there were small changes of less than one percentage point. The huge changes in 2021 and 2022, especially without an explanation, make it difficult to trust the FBI data.”
There are now questions as to whether the recently released 2023 FBI crime statistics are legitimate due to the massive 2022 revision.
Another problem with this FBI crime data is its reliance on reported crimes, as most crimes go unreported.
An alternative measure of crime that also accounts for unreported crimes, the National Crime Victimization Survey, shows that crime is even higher than FBI data suggests – with violent crime up 37 percent since Harris and Biden took office.
The FBI is not the only government agency to see massive revisions under this Administration – the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently admitted that 818,000 jobs that Kamala Harris and Joe Biden claim to have “created” don’t actually exist.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced a federal investment of $40 million from the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program (GIFMP) to Emissions Reduction Alberta. This funding will help to develop and manage a province-wide program for industry to become more cost- and energy-efficient.
October 17, 2024 Calgary, Alberta Natural Resources Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to maximizing energy performance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while helping industry gain a competitive edge.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced a federal investment of $40 million from the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program (GIFMP) to Emissions Reduction Alberta. This funding will help to develop and manage a province-wide program for industry to become more cost- and energy-efficient.
Funding will support Emissions Reduction Alberta’s $50-Million Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program, which will provide industrial and manufacturing facilities with expertise and training in energy management. Industrial participants will be given the opportunity to increase profitability by reducing energy costs and to take advantage of funding to help cover the cost of capital retrofits for industrial process equipment. An additional $10 million was invested by the Government of Alberta for Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Strategic Energy Management for Industry program.
As Canada advances toward a net-zero future, investments like these are key to minimizing emissions while maximizing industry competitiveness. Today’s investment supports workers and industry in Alberta on the road toward a prosperous and clean future.
Quotes
“Energy efficiency means cost savings for Canadian business. Supporting Canadian industrial facilities with their efficiency targets is a necessary step toward improving competitiveness in the global economy. We are pleased to play a part in launching Emissions Reduction Alberta’s innovative Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program, which helps strengthen the knowledge and expertise that Alberta industries need to keep energy-efficient and competitive. Through investments like the $40 million we are providing for SEMI, the federal government is helping provinces, territories and industry in their goal to seize the financial opportunities of a clean economy.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Improving the efficiency of industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities is the quickest, most cost-effective way to lower energy bills and stay competitive. But it takes knowledge, expertise, training and capital. With SEMI, Alberta companies now have even more opportunity to invest in energy- and cost-saving technologies, right here in the province.”
Justin Riemer
CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
“ERA’s SEMI program represents a pivotal opportunity for industry to further our collective mission of enhancing environmental performance and operational efficiency. By providing the necessary financial support, this program will enable companies to invest in advanced technologies and practices that significantly reduce emissions and improve efficiency and energy management solutions to contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Grant Wilde
Board Chair, Spartan Controls and BlueMarvelValidator
“Reducing greenhouse emissions through energy efficiency is a powerful way industries can make a mark on reducing their carbon footprint while reducing energy costs. The SEMI program is an ideal opportunity for industries seeking to decarbonize through energy management and retrofits. At Lafarge, we have benefited from long standing support from ERA, and we are excited to see new opportunities put forward in energy management and conservation.”
Stephanie Voysey
Head of Sustainability and Environment, Lafarge, Western Canada
Quick facts
Canada’s industrial sectors represented about 3,650 petajoules (PJ), or more than 40 percent, of Canada’s total energy use in 2021.
San Francisco, Calif. — House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul issued the following statement after Yahya Sinwar — the architect of the brutal massacre that killed 1,200 people in Israel on October 7 — was eliminated by the IDF in a military operation in Gaza.
“Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was a brutal terrorist who masterminded the October 7 massacre and all of the death and destruction that followed. I congratulate Israel for having the courage to stand against his evil and for eliminating this violent madman—achieving a small measure of justice for his many, many victims, including dozens of American citizens.”
The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, participated in the Group of Seven (G7) Ministers’ Meeting on Inclusion and Disability from October 14 to 16. Hosted by Italy, the 2024 G7 President, Ministers came together at this event to discuss initiatives that support an inclusive society where persons with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully and meaningfully in civil, social, economic and political life.
October 17, 2024 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
The inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society enriches communities, promotes economic growth, and advances a culture of respect. This is why the Government of Canada continues to invest in programs and policies that help to remove barriers for persons with disabilities and pave the way for a brighter future for all, both in Canada and beyond.
The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, participated in the Group of Seven (G7) Ministers’ Meeting on Inclusion and Disability from October 14 to 16. Hosted by Italy, the 2024 G7 President, Ministers came together at this event to discuss initiatives that support an inclusive society where persons with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully and meaningfully in civil, social, economic and political life.
At the G7, Minister Khera spoke about the actions Canada has and is taking to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. She emphasized the importance of consulting with persons with disabilities in all social, political, and civil processes, in the spirit of “Nothing Without Us,” so that countries can fully benefit from their unique insights and expertise. During the first panel session on “Inclusion as a priority of all countries’ agenda,” the Minister referenced ongoing efforts to realize the goal of a barrier-free Canada as set out in the Accessible Canada Act, and highlighted significant actions being implemented under the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, including the new Canada Disability Benefit.
Minister Khera encouraged G7 nations to consider the importance of initiatives that promote equal access to employment opportunities, highlighting Canada’s new Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities, which aims to close the employment gap between persons with disabilities and those without. The Minister also noted Canada’s dedication to ensuring that the design and use of artificial intelligence (AI) is safe, secure and protects the human rights of persons with disabilities. Accessibility Standards Canada is leading the development of a standard that aims to ensure the application of emerging technologies like AI are equitable, inclusive and do not introduce new barriers for persons with disabilities.
On October 16, Ministers adopted the Solfagnano Charter, the Ministerial Declaration that identifies eight priorities and outlines recommendations and actions for G7 member countries, including universal accessibility, independent living, as well as inclusive education, employment and services.
Minister Khera thanked the Italian Presidency for hosting the G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Inclusion and Disability and stated that Canada is working hard to build a fairer and more equitable future where no one is left behind.
Waleed Saleem Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities waleed.saleem@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Newport (Quebec) – The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will hold a press conference to announce a major financial support for the Gaspé Peninsula and Lower St. Lawrence fishing industry.
Newport (Quebec) – The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, will hold a press conference to announce a major financial support for the Gaspé Peninsula and Lower St. Lawrence fishing industry.
Date: Friday, October 18, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. (local time)
Registration: Media wishing to attend the press conference on site must send an email to media.qc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca to confirm their attendance. The location of the announcement will be sent to media upon registration.
Andrew Richardson Acting Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard andrew.richardson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada Quebec Region media.qc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 418-648-5474
Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, welcomed a $5.7 million investment to the state of Ohio to address lead and other health hazards in Ohio homes to protect children and families from the life-long health effects of lead exposure.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry that their home is hurting or poisoning their children, but sadly, that’s still a reality for too many in Ohio,” said Brown. “These new resources will help protect children from hazards in their homes like lead paint, make a smart investment in the health and future of our kids and communities, and give parents the peace of mind that their children can grow up in a safe environment.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the investment as a part of their Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from lead poisoning.
Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, welcomed a $5.5 million investment to help address lead-based paint hazards in Dayton and Montgomery County. This investment will address lead and other health hazards in homes throughout Montgomery County to protect children and families from the life-long health effects of lead exposure, and support partnerships and coalitions in the Dayton area to assess and address lead-based paint hazards threaten families’ health.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry that their home is hurting or poisoning their children, but sadly, that’s still a reality for too many in Ohio,” said Brown. “These new resources will help protect children from hazards in their homes like lead paint, make a smart investment in the health and future of our kids and communities, and give parents the peace of mind that their children can grow up in a safe environment.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the investments as a part of their lead-based paint and lead hazard reduction demonstration grant programs.
Investments from HUD include:
$3 million to Montgomery County to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from lead poisoning.
$2.5 million to the City of Dayton to build local capacity to address lead hazards safely and effectively in homes throughout the city.
Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, welcomed a $3.5 million investment to Hamilton County to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from the life-long health effects of lead exposure.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry that their home is hurting or poisoning their children, but sadly, that’s still a reality for too many in Ohio,” said Brown. “These new resources will help protect children from hazards in their homes like lead paint, make a smart investment in the health and future of our kids and communities, and give parents the peace of mind that their children can grow up in a safe environment.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the investment as a part of their Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from lead poisoning.
Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, welcomed a $7.6 million investment to the City of Columbus to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from the life-long health effects of lead exposure.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry that their home is hurting or poisoning their children, but sadly, that’s still a reality for too many in Ohio,” said Brown. “These new resources will help protect children from hazards in their homes like lead paint, make a smart investment in the health and future of our kids and communities, and give parents the peace of mind that their children can grow up in a safe environment.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the investment as a part of their Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from lead poisoning.
Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, welcomed a $13.8 million investment to Summit County to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from the life-long health effects of lead exposure.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry that their home is hurting or poisoning their children, but sadly, that’s still a reality for too many in Ohio,” said Brown. “These new resources will help protect children from hazards in their homes like lead paint, make a smart investment in the health and future of our kids and communities, and give parents the peace of mind that their children can grow up in a safe environment.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the investment as a part of their Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program to address lead and other health hazards in local homes to protect children and families from lead poisoning.
Investments from HUD include:
$6.1 million to Summit County from HUD’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHRD) grant program.
$7.7 million to the City of Akron from HUD’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHRD) grant program.
Due to launch in the early 2030s, NASA’s DAVINCI mission will investigate whether Venus — a sweltering world wrapped in an atmosphere of noxious gases — once had oceans and continents like Earth.
Consisting of a flyby spacecraft and descent probe, DAVINCI will focus on a mountainous region called Alpha Regio, a possible ancient continent. Though a handful of international spacecraft plunged through Venus’ atmosphere between 1970 and 1985, DAVINCI’s probe will be the first to capture images of this intriguing terrain ever taken from below Venus’ thick and opaque clouds.
But how does a team prepare for a mission to a planet that hasn’t seen an atmospheric probe in nearly 50 years, and that tends to crush or melt its spacecraft visitors?
Scientists leading the DAVINCI mission started by using modern data-analysis techniques to pore over decades-old data from previous Venus missions. Their goal is to arrive at our neighboring planet with as much detail as possible. This will allow scientists to most effectively use the probe’s descent time to collect new information that can help answer longstanding questions about Venus’ evolutionary path and why it diverged drastically from Earth’s.
On the left, a new and more detailed view of Venus’ Alpha Regio region developed by scientists on NASA’s DAVINCI mission to Venus, due to launch in the early 2030s. On the right is a less detailed map created using radar altimeter data collected by NASA’s Magellan spacecraft in the early 1990s. The colors on the maps depict topography, with dark blues identifying low elevations and browns identifying high elevations. To make the map on the left, the DAVINCI science team re-analyzed Magellan data and supplemented it with radar data collected on three occasions from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, and used machine vision computer models to scrutinize the data and fill in gaps in information. The red ellipses on each image mark the area DAVINCI’s probe will descend over as it collects data on its way toward the surface. Jim Garvin/NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Between 1990 and 1994, NASA’s Magellan spacecraft used radar imaging and altimetry to map the topography of Alpha Regio from Venus’ orbit. Recently, NASA’s DAVINICI’s team sought more detail from these maps, so scientists applied new techniques to analyze Magellan’s radar altimeter data. They then supplemented this data with radar images taken on three occasions from the former Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico and used machine vision computer models to scrutinize the data and fill in gaps in information at new scales (less than 0.6 miles, or 1 kilometer).
As a result, scientists improved the resolution of Alpha Regio maps tenfold, predicting new geologic patterns on the surface and prompting questions about how these patterns could have formed in Alpha Regio’s mountains.
Benefits of Looking Backward
Old data offers many benefits to new missions, including information about what frequencies, parts of spectrum, or particle sizes earlier instruments covered so that new instruments can fill in the gaps.
At NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive, which is managed out of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, staff restore and digitize data from old spacecraft. That vintage data, when compared with modern observations, can show how a planet changes over time, and can even lead to new discoveries long after missions end. Thanks to new looks at Magellan observations, for instance, scientists recently found evidence of modern-day volcanic activity on Venus.
Magellan was among the first missions to be digitally archived in NASA’s publicly accessible online repository of planetary mission data. But the agency has reams of data — much of it not yet digitized — dating back to 1958, when the U.S. launched its first satellite, Explorer 1.
Data restoration is a complex and resource-intensive job, and NASA prioritizes digitizing data that scientists need. With three forthcoming missions to Venus — NASA’s DAVINCI and VERITAS, plus ESA’s (European Space Agency) Envision — space data archive staff are helping scientists access data from Pioneer Venus, NASA’s last mission to drop probes into Venus’ atmosphere in 1978.
Mosaic of Venus
Alpha Regio is one of the most mysterious spots on Venus. Its terrain, known as “tessera,” is similar in appearance to rugged Earth mountains, but more irregular and disorderly.
So called because they resemble a geometric parquet floor pattern, tesserae have been found only on Venus, and DAVINCI will be the first mission to explore such terrain in detail and to map its topography.
DAVINCI’s probe will begin photographing Alpha Regio — collecting the highest-resolution images yet — once it descends below the planet’s clouds, starting at about 25 miles, or 40 kilometers, altitude. But even there, gases in the atmosphere scatter light, as does the surface, such that these images will appear blurred.
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Could Venus once have been a habitable world with liquid water oceans — like Earth? This is one of the many mysteries associated with our shrouded sister world. Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
DAVINCI scientists are working on a solution. Recently, scientists re-analyzed old Venus imaging data using a new artificial-intelligence technique that can sharpen the images and use them to compute three-dimensional topographic maps. This technique ultimately will help the team optimize DAVINCI’s images and maps of Alpha Regio’s mountains. The upgraded images will give scientists the most detailed view ever — down to a resolution of 3 feet, or nearly 1 meter, per pixel — possibly allowing them to detect small features such as rocks, rivers, and gullies for the first time in history.
“All this old mission data is part of a mosaic that tells the story of Venus,” said Jim Garvin, DAVINCI principal investigator and chief scientist at NASA Goddard. “A story that is a masterpiece in the making but incomplete.”
By analyzing the surface texture and rock types at Alpha Regio, scientists hope to determine if Venusian tesserae formed through the same processes that create mountains and certain volcanoes on Earth.
By Lonnie Shekhtman
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Get to know Venus
NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, is still recovering from impacts of Hurricane Helene. NCEI has confirmed that all of its employees and staff are safe, and is continuing to support them through the storm recovery. NCEI’s data holdings — including its paper and film records — are also safe.
Operational Updates
NCEI’s broadband internet provider is now fully operational. In addition to the recently reestablished connectivity, NCEI is leveraging facilities and staff in Colorado, Mississippi and Maryland to bring some systems and data ingest capabilities back into operation. NCEI has resumed the majority of its data ingest streams and can confirm that data are being securely archived. All ingest data pathways are expected to be fully operational in the next two weeks.
NCEI continues to work with data providers to recoup data that was not ingested while systems were down. This work will take up to three months to be completed. NCEI will recover as much data as possible, however some observations might eventually be unrecoverable.
NCEI is also restarting and validating its processing systems that generate its value-added products and services that depend on these data. At this time, we do not have an estimate for when specific datasets, services, or products will be fully operational on the NCEI website. Users are encouraged to check the NCEI website for products and services that have been restored.
NCEI archives over 229 terabytes of data each month, maintaining one of the most significant archives in the world, with comprehensive oceanic, atmospheric and geophysical data dating back to the 1700s. NCEI also develops data-driven information products and services to support decision- and policy-makers and researchers across industry, government and academia.
NCEI and its staff are members of the Southern Appalachian communities that continue to recover from the event. NOAA continues to support federal relief efforts around the devastation of Hurricane Helene, and is committed to continuing support for impacted communities now and in the future.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will announce latest support for the research community in Quebec through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
October 17, 2024 – Shawinigan, Quebec
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will announce latest support for the research community in Quebec through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. Minister Champagne will also announce a new partnership between the National Research Council of Canada and Concordia University.
Date: Friday, October 18, 2024
Time: 11:00 am (ET)
Location: Shawinigan, Quebec
Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to confirm their attendance and receive event location details.
Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada media@ised-isde.gc.ca
Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet
Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representatives Doug Lamborn and Jason Crow, along with 16 of their Senate and House colleagues, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The letter urges the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to address the financial burden caused by a change in the way children’s hospitals are reimbursed for the care provided to military families covered by TRICARE, the government health care program for active duty service members and their families.
“We write to express our deep concerns about a 2023 Defense Health Agency (DHA) rule that catalyzed a major shift in the TRICARE reimbursement methodology for children’s hospitals,” wrote Bennet and the lawmakers. “Children’s hospitals situated in defense communities in our home states are now grappling with the impacts of this change.”
Each year over 2.4 million children obtain care from children’s hospitals through TRICARE, and the change has placed an outsized burden on children’s hospitals in major defense communities, like Colorado Springs. Specifically, Children’s Hospital Colorado said one in five patients in their Colorado Springs facility pay with TRICARE. The DHA previously exempted children’s hospitals from the adult Medicare reimbursement process because the program’s policies weren’t applicable to the care children typically need. The rule change is expected to cost the hospital over $25 million annually.
The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) sent letters to DoD in 2020 and 2023 expressing their concerns about the proposed rule. However, they did not receive a response before the DHA implemented the change in October 2023.
The lawmakers specifically asked the following questions:
What dialogue has DHA had with the affected children’s hospitals to understand how this new reimbursement methodology impacts operations and access to care?
What data and sources informed the agency’s analysis of the impact on children’s hospitals that care for TRICARE patients?
How did the agency account for the financial impacts of military families traveling for care in circumstances where local services are no longer available?
How did the agency develop the contingency payment and why did the DHA set a lower contingency payment for pediatrics?
Can the agency verify the number of children’s hospitals that are expected to qualify for the contingency payment that is outlined in the rule?
In addition to Bennet, Hickenlooper, Lamborn and Crow, U.S. Senators … and X members of the U.S. House of Representatives also signed the letter.
The text of the letter is available HERE and below.
Dear Secretary Austin:
As members of Congress representing military-connected children, we write to express our deep concerns about a 2023 Defense Health Agency (DHA) rule that catalyzed a major shift in the TRICARE reimbursement methodology for children’s hospitals. Specifically, we urge the Department of Defense (DOD) and DHA to expeditiously meet with the affected hospitals to discuss administrative policy options to preserve access to pediatric care for military dependents.
Collectively, we represent a significant number of the 2.4 million children who obtain care in children’s hospitals through TRICARE each year. These hospitals provide specialized treatment for a spectrum of concerns, including minor health issues and complex, long-term health conditions. They play an essential role in the wellbeing of our nation’s military families.
Until recently, since 2008, TRICARE exempted children’s hospitals from the adult Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS). This exemption made logical sense, as very few children who seek care in children’s hospitals are covered by Medicare and the program policies do not adequately reflect children’s health needs.
In 2019, however, DHA proposed a rule to eliminate this exemption. In response, children’s hospitals with larger TRICARE volumes collectively submitted comments through the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA), outlining a number of concerns and asking DHA to extend the comment and implementation timelines pending the provision of more information. Instead, DHA’s final rule, TRICARE; Reimbursement of Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Outpatient Services Provided in Cancer and Children’s Hospitals, was finalized without any response and took effect on October 1, 2023.
Children’s hospitals situated in defense communities in our home states are now grappling with the impacts of this change, as well as the ripple effects that the ensuing financial challenges may have on the provision of care for military families. For states with large military populations and no specialty children’s hospital, any reduction in access to care would further complicate military family’s choices by increasing burdens placed on families who already have to travel outside of their own state for medical services. Given the significant concerns expressed by children’s hospitals about how the rule may impact military families’ access to timely health care, we request that you provide us with responses to the following questions:
Dialogue: What dialogue has DHA had with the affected children’s hospitals to understand how this new reimbursement methodology impacts operations and access to care?
Financial Data: What data and sources informed the agency’s analysis of the rule’s impact on children’s hospitals that care for TRICARE patients? How did the agency account for the financial impacts of military families traveling for care in circumstances where local services are no longer available?
Contingency Payment: How did the agency develop the contingency payment and why did the DHA set a lower contingency payment for pediatrics? Can the agency verify the number of children’s hospitals that are expected to qualify for the contingency payment that is outlined in the rule?
Additionally, we request DoD and DHA officials schedule a meeting as soon as possible with the children’s hospitals that support military families. We believe a dialogue between the department and the hospitals will help identify impactful policy adjustments that can protect access to care. As you know, a robust TRICARE network for pediatric care is critical to the sustainment of our armed forces—working together, we can achieve this.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise pedestrians that the west sidewalk, located north of the Bronson Channel, on the Chaudière Crossing will be closed for maintenance work.
For immediate release
Gatineau, Quebec, October 17, 2024 – Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise pedestrians that the west sidewalk, located north of the Bronson Channel, on the Chaudière Crossing will be closed for maintenance work during the following period:
Saturday, October 19, to Friday, October 25
During this period, pedestrians will be directed to use an alternate sidewalk. There will be no impact on cyclists.
The schedule may change depending on weather conditions.
PSPC encourages users to exercise caution when travelling on the crossing and thanks them for their patience.
On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, CAF formally joined the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative proposed by Brazil during its G20 Presidency, aimed at establishing an international union to combat hunger and poverty worldwide. The announcement was made today by the Executive President of the Institution, Sergio Díaz-Granados, who participated virtually in the event “Reimagining Solutions for Poverty,” held in New York in collaboration with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). The Minister of Development and Social Assistance, Family, and Fight Against Hunger, Wellington Dias, was also present.
CAF is the first multilateral financial institution to join the Alliance and, in doing so, commits to making its best efforts to improve the allocation, assignment, and alignment of its resources, including through the coordination and cooperation facilitated by the Global Alliance, to support member countries in the implementation, improvement, or expansion of the execution of selected programs or policy instruments in the Alliance’s reference framework, with the aim of boosting the fight against hunger and poverty in accordance with sustainable financing and implementation strategies led by the countries.
“CAF is ready to act as a regional voice for the Global Alliance, advocating for Latin American and Caribbean solutions to the global challenges of hunger and poverty. We are committed to working closely with the governments of our member countries, including Brazil, to ensure that these initiatives are impactful and aligned with the strategic priorities of each government,” stated Díaz-Granados.
In recent years, CAF has allocated approximately USD 1.6 billion to initiatives that directly contribute to the fight against hunger and poverty. Our actions have focused on critical areas such as reducing malnutrition, social protection systems, and sustainable rural development. We have also increased investments in sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient agriculture, essential for promoting food security and economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.
In the adhesion document, the institution acknowledges that hunger and poverty remain persistent challenges for humanity, which must be addressed through comprehensive and integrated approaches. Therefore, our bank remains committed to aligning its efforts with these specific needs in our region, offering our member countries customized solutions to address their development needs and challenges, including financial services, knowledge, and technical assistance.
Global Alliance
The mission of the Global Alliance will be, from its launch until 2030, to support and accelerate efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, SDGs 1 and 2. Additionally, it will seek to reduce inequalities and contribute to revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development and achieving other interconnected SDGs, advocating for sustainable, inclusive, and just transition pathways. The Alliance is open to governments, international organizations, knowledge institutions, funds and development banks, and philanthropic foundations.
SmartThings, Samsung’s global connected living platform, announces today a partnership with Sapphire Connected Communities, an enterprise software company which has built the first multifamily smart apartment solution on the SmartThings Pro B2B development platform. By leveraging the power of SmartThings Pro, Sapphire is able to offer apartment residents a familiar and feature-rich experience through the SmartThings app, while delivering an integrated management solution for property managers that improves operating efficiency across an entire portfolio of properties.
“Together, SmartThings and Sapphire will redefine the apartment living experience,” said Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings US. “We’re not just offering a product; we’re delivering a lifestyle upgrade that enhances convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind for both residents and property managers.”
With SmartThings Pro, SmartThings introduces a new platform for enterprises that builds on the strengths of the SmartThings ecosystem, offering new tools and capabilities for developing integrated, business-critical applications. The platform accelerates the development of applications in B2B sectors like multifamily housing, vacation rentals, hospitality, and healthcare, while also catering to consumer demand for a seamless, efficient, and scalable smart home experience.
Sapphire is the first Multifamily Residential solution to leverage this platform, enabling them to offer their multifamily customers a standards-based, integrated solution that leverages the reliability, security, and global brand power of Samsung, with the innovative new capabilities available with SmartThings Pro, like smart appliance diagnostics and asset management.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ACCRA, Ghana, October 17, 2024/APO Group/ —
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the Government of Japan recently concluded a joint visit to two projects funded by the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (https://apo-opa.co/4dOF0oP) (FAPA) in Ghana to assess their impact on stimulating the growth of small businesses and boosting private sector development.
The Japanese delegation led by Japan’s Deputy Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs, Mr. Daiho Fujii, together with the African Development Bank’s Executive Director for Japan, Mr. Takaaki Nomoto, were received by the African Development Bank Country Manager for Ghana, Ms. Eyerusalem Fasika. The Delegation engaged with implementing agencies and beneficiaries of two FAPA funded projects – the Ghana SME Business Linkage Program, and Fashionomics Africa Online Platform and Mobile App.
FAPA, a joint initiative between the Bank and the Japanese government, provides untied grants to support the implementation of the Bank’s Private Sector Development Strategy. Through capacity building and technical assistance, the Fund enhances the business environment, strengthens financial systems, promotes the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and facilitates trade across African countries.
Focusing on the projects’ contribution to Ghana’s broader economic and social development goals, Deputy Vice Minister Fujii reaffirmed Japan’s support to FAPA and the Bank. “My thrill turned into confidence that the Japanese taxpayers’ money via FAPA contributes to motivating the beneficiaries by developing their businesses as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and improving their livelihood and well-being. I was also glad that FAPA projects in Ghana played the catalytic role in applying such models to other African countries and in attracting other donors.”
Referencing the positive impact of the projects, Fasika emphasized FAPA’s pivotal role in driving inclusive private sector development and economic growth, creating job opportunities, and reducing poverty. She also expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support and highlighted the importance of the partnership between the Bank and the Government of Japan. “The projects funded by FAPA are clear examples of how strategic partnerships can have a tangible impact on the ground. We are pleased with the progress made and the transformative effects these projects have on local communities (in Ghana),” she stated.
The visit underscores the continued commitment of the African Development Bank and the Government of Japan to fostering economic growth and strengthening private sector development in Africa through sustainable and impactful investments.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Demands Immediate Stay of Execution for Robert Roberson
Washington, D.C. –Congressman Jonathan Jackson today called for an immediate stay of execution for Robert Roberson, who is scheduled to be executed in Texas.
Congressman Jackson emphasized the urgent need for a thorough review of Roberson’s case, citing significant concerns about the fairness of his trial and the
evidence used to convict him.
“Robert Roberson’s case raises serious questions about the integrity of our justice system,” said Congressman Jackson.
“We cannot allow an execution to proceed when there are substantial doubts about the validity of the conviction. It is imperative that we ensure
every individual receives a fair trial, and that justice is truly served.”
Congressman Jackson highlighted several key issues in Roberson’s case, including the use of outdated and discredited forensic science,
as well as the lack of adequate legal representation. He urged the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and Governor Greg Abbott
to grant a stay of execution and allow for a comprehensive review of the case.
“Our justice system must be based on fairness and accuracy,” Congressman Jackson continued. “Executing Robert Roberson without
addressing these critical concerns would be a grave miscarriage of justice. I implore the authorities to halt this execution and ensure that justice is upheld.”
Congressman Jackson remains committed to advocating for justice and fairness in the criminal justice system and will continue to fight for the rights of
those who have been wrongfully convicted.
Contact:
Office of the Director of Communications
Office of Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01) 1641 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Central Bank of Russia –
The value of imports of goods and services in Q3 2024 increased mainly due to increased domestic demand and a stronger ruble on average over the quarter.
At the same time, the value of exports of goods and services remained close to last year’s level. Companies changed the directions of deliveries, and this had a positive effect on exports. However, restrictions in a number of foreign countries and a reduction in oil production due to OPEC agreements leveled out this positive effect.
As a result, with stable exports and expanding imports, the positive balance of the current account of the balance of payments decreased compared to the same period in 2023.
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.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06)
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement following an Israel Defense Forces operation that resulted in the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
“Yahya Sinwar, the heinous terrorist leader of Hamas and the mastermind behind the horrific October 7th attack against Israel, has finally been brought to justice.
“At Sinwar’s direction, Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people, took 250 hostages – including twelve Americans – and unleashed widespread destruction and misery upon the people of Gaza. His death marks a turning point for Israel and the United States in the fight against terrorism, and the security of the wider region. The international community must now demand that Hamas release the remaining hostages, end its tragic hold over innocent civilians in Gaza, and allow the international community to assist with the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of a legitimate government – one that brings prosperity to its people and a willingness to live in peace with Israel.
“As Israel faces unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah, the United States must continue to provide Israel the support it needs to protect its citizens.”
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
Parameters:
The date of the deposit auction is 18.10.2024. The placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 130,000,000.00. The placement period, days is 57. The date of depositing funds is 22.10.2024. The date of return of funds is 18.12.2024. The minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 18.00. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 130,000,000.00. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open). The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 10:30 to 10:40. Applications in competition mode from 10:40 to 10:50. Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid before 11:30.
Additional terms
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.
A 63-year-old man from Grand Falls, N.B., has died following a single-vehicle collision in New Denmark, N.B.
On October 16, 2024, at approximately 9:50 a.m., members of the Saint-Léonard RCMP responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision on Route 108, in New Denmark.
The collision is believed to have occurred when the vehicle, travelling Westbound, drove off of the road and flipped on its side. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was transported to hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.
Members of the Grand Falls (Drummond) Fire Department and Ambulance New Brunswick also attended the scene.