Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
President Cyril Ramaphosa meets with Mr Elon Musk of Tesla and X in New York
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Source: United Nations Population Fund
Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
I greet you in peace, so desperately needed in our turbulent world.
The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, stands with you to forge the path to a better, more sustainable future of peace and prosperity for all.
Demographic shifts – population growth, ageing, migration – are reshaping our world and our future.
In an ever-changing world of over 8 billion, our focus must be on people.
This means ensuring that population dynamics are factored into development plans, with an emphasis on rights, choices, dignity and equality.
It means investing in human capital – in health, education, and the empowerment of women and young people. We know this yields significant returns with ripple effects across generations.
Our commitment to individual dignity, rights, and choices is the foundation for a resilient and sustainable future.
Our 1.9 billion young people have the power to transform our world. Let’s invest in their potential and support their leadership.
I participated in the Action Days preceding this Summit, where young people brought forward their unique perspectives, experiences, and innovative approaches to policies, programmes, and decision-making.
The energy was palpable. Our investments in the social and economic development of young people must be palpable as well. They have a fundamental right to participate in sustainable development, humanitarian action, and in sustaining peace.
By leveraging science, data, and statistics, combined with strategic foresight, we can ensure that we are thinking about the present – and preparing for the future.
Let’s embrace and shape the technology that is transforming our world and our work.
The digital gender divide is driven not just by a lack of technological availability and affordability, but also by harmful social and gender norms that restrict women’s and girls’ autonomy.
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence disproportionately affects women, girls, and young people, and occurs both online and off.
As we work to bridge the digital divide, our task is to ensure technology fosters empowerment and gender equality rather than perpetuating violence.
Excellencies,
Three decades on from the groundbreaking International Conference on Population and Development and as the end of our ICPD30 review process draws near, UNFPA remains laser focused on the future of every 10-year-old girl today. As she stands on the cusp of adolescence, how can we ensure that she is prepared to navigate that adolescence with anticipation, and without fear?
This requires rallying new allies and partners, harnessing innovation, exploring new forms of financing and embracing the power of technology to advance rights and choices for her and for everyone, in line with the objectives of this Summit.
We congratulate Member States for their consensus on the Pact of the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact.
These important outcomes offer some solutions. Yet, we know much more remains to be done to translate commitments into action.
By focusing our efforts and strengthening our partnerships and investments, we can overcome our common challenges and build a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future for all.
Thank you.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)
MOLINE, IL – As we approach the start of National Crime Prevention Month, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing $250,000 for the City of Kewanee to hire two law enforcement officers to increase community policing and crime prevention efforts.
“Our local police departments, especially in our small hometowns, often work under tight budgets with limited resources,” said Sorensen. “And despite these conditions, our brave men and women in law enforcement work around the clock to keep our neighborhoods safe. I am proud to announce this funding for the Kewanee Police Department, so our local police have the tools they need to fight crime and protect our communities. I will always work to bring tax dollars back home to make sure Northwestern Illinois is safe for our neighbors.”
“We are grateful for this grant from the COPS hiring program, which will allow us to expand our community policing efforts without placing additional strain on local budgets,” said Chief Stephen Kijanowski of the Kewanee Police Department. “These funds will also help us address local violent crime and the narcotics issues facing our community, enhancing our public safety initiatives and better serving the residents of Kewanee.”
The $250,000 in funding for the City of Kewanee is coming from the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, which builds trust between police departments and the communities they serve. These grants allow local police departments to hire community policing professionals, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and train local government leaders to best support their police officers and protect their communities.
This past May, Sorensen led a group of 24 of his colleagues in calling on Congress to fully fund the COPS program in direct response to roundtable discussions and meetings he has hosted with law enforcement from across Central and Northwestern Illinois.
Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
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Source: World Food Programme
QUEZON CITY – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are hosting the Preparedness and Response Excellence in the Philippines (PREP) Forum on September 24 – 25, highlighting local solutions to tackle food insecurity in disaster-prone areas. Supported by USAID and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this forum aims to enhance the Philippines’ emergency response and management capacities, supporting vulnerable Filipinos during natural disasters.
“I am incredibly impressed at the speed of innovation in disaster management in the Philippines,” said USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks. “As your friend, partner, and ally, the United States remains committed to strengthening our partnerships and working with the Philippine government to rebuild and restore lives following disasters.”
Ahead of the forum, WFP launched the PREP Innovation Challenge in July to explore local solutions that tackle food insecurity. Participants in the challenge come from diverse sectors, including national Government, academia, private sector, and non-governmental organizations such as the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards Center, the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, and the Tarabang para sa Bicol, Inc.
“What makes this year’s Forum special is our focus on innovation. WFP aims for the Forum to be a valuable platform where experts and stakeholders share solutions that will enhance the Philippines’ disaster management capacity. Innovative solutions can empower vulnerable communities to better prepare for and recover faster from climatic shocks and other crises,” said Regis Chapman, WFP Philippines Country Director.
Going forward, WFP will collaborate with the local innovators to implement their solutions in at least one of the most disaster-prone provinces of the Philippines: Albay, Cagayan, Catanduanes, Dinagat Islands, Isabela, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Surigao del Norte. This joint venture will empower the most vulnerable communities to prepare for and recover faster from disasters and crises.
The innovation challenge is part of WFP’s mission in the Philippines to help pilot and scale existing innovative approaches to improve food security in some of the most disaster-prone areas in close partnership with and support of the Government, donors, and partners.
The Philippines is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. For the third consecutive year, the Philippines ranked 1st worldwide due to its exposure and susceptibility to natural hazards.
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on Twitter/X @wfp_media @wfp_philippines
Source: US State of Connecticut
Sept. 23, 2024 (Middletown, Conn.) — The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society chapter at CT State Middlesex, Beta Gamma Xi, recently published articles in two distinguished academic journals, Civic Scholar: Journal of Undergraduate Community College Research and Change Makers: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Student Leadership.
“Congratulations to the entire Beta Gamma Xi chapter. We’re proud of your achievement. Your work inspires us and highlights the extraordinary work done by PTK members,” said Susan Edwards, Ed.D., Senior Director of Honors Programs at Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, who notified Beta Gamma Xi c0-advisor, Lin Lin, Ph.D., about the Civic Scholar selection.
The chapter’s Honors in Action team’s project Civic Scholar entry, “Nostalgia-Inspired Art: Integrating Nostalgia into Recreational Therapy,” was selected for publication as one of the 20 featured articles among 422 entries.
In the article, the chapter explores the potential needs and well-being of the adult senior population due to advancements in technology that increased their lifespans and population. The PTK students examined how nostalgia, through recreational and music therapy, fosters social connections and improves moods. They partnered with the Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education (MILE) to conduct a session where participants shared happy memories triggered by nostalgic music. Surveys showed that most felt the activity “made the day better.”
The full Civic Scholar article is available online.
The chapter’s College Project team’s Change Makers entry, “Understanding the Needs and Interests of Students at Meriden Campus,” was chosen as one of just 17 articles from over 450 submissions featured in the fourth edition of Change Makers.
“We are incredibly proud of your students’ exceptional servant leadership in collaboration with your college administration for this College Project,” said Jennifer Stanford, Senior Director of Student Leadership at Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
The goal of the Change Makers article provides insights from student experiences at the Meriden campus to help enhance service quality in line with the CT State Middlesex student-centered mission. This involved an online survey and in-person focus groups, targeting current Meriden students and students in the GEAR UP high school program. The survey addressed academic interests, desired activities and services, and barriers to their class-taking experiences.
Read the full Change Makers article online.
“Congratulations to our students and special thanks to Dr. Lin Lin for all she does for our PTK team,” said Kimberly Hogan, CEO, CT State Middlesex.
Earlier this year, CT State Middlesex’s Beta Gamma Xi Chapter was honored as the Most Distinguished Chapter in the New England Region and recognized among the Top Distinguished Chapters nationally. These projects are part of the chapter’s efforts to achieve and maintain their Five Star Level Chapter status.
More information about these projects:
https://www.ptk.org/phi-theta-kappa-publishes-change-makers-student-leadership-journal/
https://www.ptk.org/phi-theta-kappa-publishes-civic-scholar-undergraduate-community-college-research-journal/
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25)
(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced he has joined the Congressional Albanian Issues Caucus, reaffirming his ongoing support for Albanian-populated Balkans territories.
“I am pleased to announce I have joined the Congressional Albanian Issues Caucus,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This underscores my deep committed to bolstering America’s relationship with Albania and the Balkans territories, particularly as we celebrate more than 100 years of their independence. I look forward to working alongside stakeholders, advocates, and my colleagues in Congress to address the important issues facing the Albanian community.”
The Congressional Albanian Issues Caucus promotes the bolstering of democratic institutions in Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and other Albanian populated Balkans territories because a free and stable Balkans benefits everyone. The Caucus also strive to incorporate all countries in the region into the key Euro-Atlantic structures, such as NATO and the European Union.
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Source: Government of Canada News (2)
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5 million in the new Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (AWEDI) to help minority groups start and build businesses in the agri-food sector.
Canada and Ontario strengthening entrepreneurial opportunities for under-represented groups in agri-food
September 24, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5 million in the new Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (AWEDI) to help minority groups start and build businesses in the agri-food sector.
Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), AWEDI provides grants of up to $100,000 to support business ventures led by primary agricultural producers and food processors who are Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, persons with disabilities, youth, women or members of French linguistic minority communities.
AWEDI is open to applications from organizations, research bodies, municipalities or Indigenous communities. Successful projects will support underrepresented groups in accessing spaces and equipment to grow or process agri-food products, as well as resources to help with financing.
Applications open on October 8, 2024, and will remain open until December 3, 2024.
The Sustainable CAP is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Annie Cullinan
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca
Source: United States Navy (Medical)
There was a flurry of interest on a recent Friday when Naval Hospital Bremerton openly shared on Facebook that due to a high volume of prescriptions coupled with limited staffing, there might be longer wait times at the main pharmacy.
Over 4,700 social media users saw that posting. Most were understanding. Others were vexed by the possibility of having a potential time management issue to pick up their medication.
Yet for those eligible beneficiaries who use the NHB Pharmacy ScriptCenter, it remained business as usual in using the automated – and secure – prescription refill dispenser available around the clock.
The timesaving ScriptCenter has proven to be such a sensation that a second automated system has been added to Naval Hospital Bremerton.
“It is with great excitement that our second ScriptCenter machine is up and running,” Lt. Cmdr. Evan Romrell, NHB Pharmacy assistant department head.
NHB’s ScriptCenter is already used more than any other in the U.S. – surpassing such locales as Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt and John Hopkins – for picking up prescriptions after being installed on Naval Station Everett in 2021 and added on Naval Base Kitsap Bangor and NHB in February 2022.
It took less than six months for the benefits to became obvious.
According to Romrell, NHB’s ScriptCenter has gradually climbed in usage, from 800 per week in the initial year to 1,200 per week last year.
“A week earlier we dispensed 1,354 prescriptions to 560 different patients, and 533 of those prescriptions were picked up while the Main Pharmacy was closed,” exclaimed Romrell.
As of September 1, 2024, there are now over 7,850 registered users.
Romrell notes since ScriptCenter started, February 14, 2022, over 89,900 prescriptions have been dispensed to 6,874 different patients, with 35,831 distributed after hours and on the weekends.
“It’s the go-to option for picking up new prescriptions afterhours and on weekends while avoiding the pharmacy lobby,” said Romrell, adding that Pharmacy staff continually share the benefits of the system. “We have an amazing crew in the pharmacy that are consistently pushing ScriptCenter as the preferred option.”
“We realized shortly after installing that the machines rarely had issues and were so easy to use. Once patients used it the first time, they were hooked,” continued Romrell, citing that the NHB ScriptCenter was getting so busy there was often a line of people waiting.
“Two machines make it less likelihood of waiting,” Romrell said.
“A large majority of our patients either know about it already or are getting educated during their pickup of medications in the lobby or during their phone call to us,” added Cmdr. Dean Kang, pharmacist.
Although Main Pharmacy staff still clarify that those who don’t use it, should, there is still hesitation amongst some patients.
“Why use it? The better question is, why not use it instead of waiting in the pharmacy? On Friday we had a really busy day and were hampered with staff call outs,” related Romrell. “For those patients that chose to use Q-Anywhere combined with ScriptCenter there was no difference and no wait. Patients can also use the Pharmacy Automated call-in line and have their refills processed and loaded in ScriptCenter on the same day, even on weekends and holidays.
New users can start the process by using their cell phone to text the words ‘get in line’ to 1-877-909-2512 for Q-Anywhere.
The advantages to any eligible beneficiary are multiple. Patients can follow their own time and own schedule. There’s no waiting. When combined with Q-Anywhere a patient can request medications and pick them up without ever waiting on hold or setting foot in the pharmacy waiting room.
Romrell does note that there is a caveat. First time users require enrollment using a prescription number. But if a patient doesn’t have one, they can just text the Pharmacy and one will be provided.
“If it’s someone’s first time using it, come in during business hours. That way if there’s any issues, our staff will happily walk them through,” said Romrell, adding that refrigerated items can’t go in ScriptCenter.
There are also advantages with ScriptCenter for the Pharmacy staff, most notably in having flexibility in filling prescriptions.
“If we know that we have until 11 a.m. to get a prescription filled we can focus on other patients waiting in the Pharmacy lobby. Every prescription picked up in the ScriptCenter is one less coming to a window or the drive through,” explained Romrell.
For those who haven’t used ScriptCenter, Romrell has some ready advice, “If you haven’t tried it, try it out. When linked, Q-Anywhere prescription activation and ScriptCenter dispensing will totally change your pharmacy experience. Guaranteed.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined a group of nine Senate Republican colleagues—led by U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee— to introduce the STRATEGIC Act 2024, legislation to set up the United States and its allies and partners for success in the strategic competition against China.
“We know that China is intent on challenging the U.S. in everything from military strength to economic power, trade relations, and global influence. Competing with the CCP’s influence operations and standing up to their coercive tactics should be a priority across the federal government. The STRATEGIC Act charts a course for a comprehensive approach to competition with China and shows that Senate Republicans are ready to confront China’s malign actions from a position of strength,” Senator Capito said.
The STRATEGIC Act:
Addresses predatory Chinese economic practices through a new initiative to counter economic coercion, prohibition of World Bank contracts for Chinese companies, and anti-trust reform. It also expands the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States to cover agricultural investments with national security risks.
Counters malign Chinese Communist Party influence by enhancing think tank transparency, prohibiting certain gifts and contracts with strings attached to U.S. universities, improving research security, and exposing China’s harassment and abuse of U.S. diplomats.
Strengthens U.S. support for Taiwan and partner countries facing threats from China, and establishes a U.S. State/Treasury Department “Tiger Team” to start identifying targets for sanctions, export controls, other economic measures well before China takes military action.
Increases oversight of U.S. government funding for biological research with China.
Strengthens international security by countering proliferation of Chinese drones in the Middle East and modifying the Missile Technology Control Regime to increase cooperation with key allies like the United Kingdom and Australia.
Protects U.S. interests in international organizations and support for human rights.
Reforms the Foreign Agents Registration Act by removing commercial and Lobbying and Disclosure Act exemptions for foreign adversaries and giving the Department of Justice authorities to issue civil investigative demands.
Authorizes strategic infrastructure initiatives focused on digital, transport, and energy sectors, strengthens supply chain security, and lowers trade barriers in partner countries.
In addition to Senators Capito and Risch, this bill was also introduced by U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).
A one-pager of the bill can be found here.
Full text of the bill can be found here.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Eight companies in the ISG group entered administration on 20 September 2024. This page gives information on how to claim redundancy or register as a creditor.
Eight companies in the ISG group (the ISG Companies) entered administration on 20 September 2024. Timothy Vance, Alan Michael Hudson and Dan Edkins were appointed as joint administrators of the following companies:
This will be a worrying time for employees, as well as their customers and suppliers. Government will do all it can to support them.
If you are an employee, customer or supplier of the ISG Companies in administration, this page will provide you with advice and information.
If you are dismissed, you might be entitled to statutory redundancy pay, arrears of pay, compensatory notice pay and holiday pay from the Insolvency Service.
Information about your rights, how to apply and how we calculate payments is available on GOV.UK.
You can apply to the Insolvency Service for redundancy and other payments if you worked for one of the ISG Companies under an employment contract.
Workers and self-employed contractors who provided services to the ISG Companies are not eligible to apply. Instead, these individuals should contact the administrator to register as creditors.
Check if you can apply for redundancy payments if you have been dismissed and were a director.
Dismissed employees should contact:
The administrators will give details about how to apply and will also give you a case reference number (example: CN12345678). Once you have this information, you can apply online.
On average it takes 12 days to process and pay claims. However, sometimes we need to get additional information from the individual or from the administrator, which can take a bit of time. We’ll contact you directly if we need anything further from you. We always try to pay eligible claims within six weeks of receiving the application.
To allow us to deal with everyone’s application as quickly as possible, please do not contact us to check the status of your application until after the six weeks have passed.
If you need help completing your application, you can contact the Redundancy Payments helpline on 0330 331 0020.
When calling, please have your case reference number (Example: CN12345678) and National Insurance number to hand. If you do not have a case reference number, please contact the administrator.
You can also contact us using our online contact form
If you need to email us after submitting your claim, only use the email address you gave on your application form. Otherwise, we won’t be able to respond to you for security reasons.
Information about helping you find work and claim benefits.
Factsheet: finding a new job, managing your finances and benefits available to you (PDF, 487 KB, 2 pages)
If you were a supplier or contractor to one of the ISG Companies in administration and are owed money you should register as a creditor. You are a creditor if:
you have not been paid for goods or services you’ve supplied to them
you’ve paid the ISG Companies for goods or services that you have not received
The administrators will be contacting all known creditors in due course. If you are a creditor and you have not been contacted by 7 October 2024, you should contact: isgcreditors@uk.ey.com.
Further information can be found at:
ISG Administrations (in Administration) (“the Company”) – EY – UK.
If you were a customer of one of the ISG Companies in administration you can find further information at:
ISG Administrations (in Administration) (“the Company”) – EY – UK.
You can contact the administrators by emailing:
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Product defect recall alert for Prednicare 1 mg Tablets Vm 32742/4034 by Ecuphar N.V.
Container of Prednicare 1 mg Tablets
We wish to make wholesalers/distributors, veterinarians and end-users aware that Ecuphar N.V. has initiated a Class II recall for Prednicare 1 mg, 500 tablets.
This recall is due to the presence of 5 mg Prednicare tablets found in 2 pots of Prednicare 1 mg. This recall applies to the following batch only:
| Product | Batch No. | Expiry date |
|---|---|---|
| Prednicare 1mg, 500 tablets | 24B01 | 02/2027 |
This contamination involves a clear risk of overdose of 5 times the recommended dose. However, up to today no adverse events linked to the affected batch number and defect were reported.
Overdose signs are detailed in the product information leaflet, under ‘Special Warnings’; ‘Overdose’.
Ecuphar N.V. is contacting distributors/wholesalers and veterinarians to examine inventory immediately and quarantine products subject to this recall.
End-users should return prescribed tablets of Prednicare 1mg, batch 24B01 only, to their veterinary surgery.
For further information regarding the recall, please contact Animalcare Ltd via email at info@animalcare.co.uk or telephone 033 0818 9717.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
ICYMI: Mullin to the Wall Street Journal: Where are the Senate Democrats on Fracking?
U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) responded to a recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal with a letter to the editor highlighting the importance of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to support our allies and keep energy costs low.
The letter can be found here and below.
“Your editorial “Where’s Kamala on LNG Exports?” (Sept. 19) raises a question similar to the one I posed to my colleagues: Where are Senate Democrats on fracking?
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is essential to our ability to provide abundant, affordable energy to our citizens and allies. If House Democrats are writing to the White House in support of liquefied natural-gas exports, one might assume they should be in favor of fracking, too.
I took to the floor with Sen. Katie Britt (R., Ala.) to request that the Senate pass the Protecting American Energy Production Act by unanimous consent. This bill, which would have prohibited the president from unilaterally canceling fracking projects, was immediately blocked. Ironically, one of the senators who opposed it was from Massachusetts, whose residents pay the nation’s highest electricity costs to heat their homes.
Our allies want to do business with us, and our economy desperately needs it. Instead we’re letting the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries set the world price for crude and allowing our adversaries to get rich off our backs. Never mind that we could produce the energy in a much cleaner and more efficient way.
The world demand for fossil fuels is increasing. Why are we continuing the moratorium at the expense of the American taxpayer?”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)
“Jewish communities have made astounding contributions to America’s noble experiment in building a more perfect union. Sharing those achievements with everyone is what the late Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter and I had in mind when we created Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) nearly two decades ago. Educating all Americans, from all over the country, about these amazing Jewish impacts on our nation’s history, not only raises awareness but helps dispel harmful prejudices about our community,” said Wasserman Schultz.
Washington DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mike Turner (OH-10), Brendan Boyle (PA-2), and Max Miller (OH-7) announced that their bill, H.R. 7764, passed the House of Representatives late last night. H.R. 7764, the Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act, takes a critical step in transferring the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, a highly regarded museum dedicated to the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, to the Smithsonian Institution. The Weitzman, if transferred, would serve as the Smithsonian’s only museum dedicated specifically to the stories of Jewish Americans. Sen. Bob Casey (PA) leads the companion bill in the Senate.
“Jewish communities have made astounding contributions to America’s noble experiment in building a more perfect union. Sharing those achievements with everyone is what the late Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter and I had in mind when we created Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) nearly two decades ago. Educating all Americans, from all over the country, about these amazing Jewish impacts on our nation’s history, not only raises awareness but helps dispel harmful prejudices about our community,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Taking this critical step to welcome the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History into the larger Smithsonian family would bring that vision closer to reality. This powerful institutional integration signals a strong commitment to address the dramatic rise in antisemitism by helping amplify the myriad ways Jewish Americans enriched a nation who’s very founding, fittingly, traces back to Philadelphia, the Weitzman Museum’s home city.”
“Tonight, we took one step closer to the Weitzman Museum becoming part of the world class Smithsonian Institution Museum family,” said Boyle. “The Weitzman is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. The Weitzman’s role in telling the tale of our nation’s history is significant. Bringing the Weitzman Museum fully into the Smithsonian family would give it expanded access to not only artifacts and documents, but robust educational resources, expertise and staff training to aid in the ongoing mission to preserve and promote the culture of American Jews. I encourage my Senate colleagues to pass this bill without delay.”
“The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to the fabric of the United States,” said Turner. “By bringing this museum and its collections into the Smithsonian, Congress will ensure that the story of Jewish Americans is shared with the widest possible audience.”
“Now more than ever it is imperative that Jewish-American Heritage be celebrated and exhibited at the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution,” said Miller. “I am pleased to see this bill pass the House of Representatives, especially as we see a rise in antisemitism worldwide.”
“It pains me to see that antisemitism in the United States has surged to what the FBI Director has described as ‘historic levels.’ We must do more to show the invaluable role Jewish Americans have played in our nation’s story. Now is the time for the Smithsonian to explore adding an American Jewish History Museum to its roster. The Weitzman Museum should be seriously considered as an option to fully recognize and share the whole story of American Jewish History as our preeminent institution dedicated to American Jewish history. I thank Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Boyle for leading us forward by introducing this bill and look forward to my colleagues in the Senate taking this bill up in their chamber,” said Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle.
“We are elated that the bill has reached this important milestone,” said Phil Darivoff, Trustee and Chair Emeritus of The Weitzman. “The remarkable bipartisan support which enabled this bill to pass thanks to the leadership of Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Mike Turner, Brendan Boyle, and Max Miller—along with nearly 100 co-sponsors on both sides of the aisle—demonstrates to all Americans the significant role that Jewish Americans have played in our nation and how critical it is to teach these stories to counter antisemitism, bigotry, and hate.”
The Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act would create a commission to study the potential transfer of the Weitzman Museum to the Smithsonian Institution, which is the necessary first step to put the Weitzman Museum on a path toward acquisition by the Smithsonian. Specifically:
· The commission will consist of eight members, with two members appointed by the majority and minority leaders of each chamber..
· The commission will write a report to Congress with a recommendation on whether the Weitzman Museum should be transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. The report will also detail the current collections of the Museum; the impact of the Museum on educational and governmental efforts to study and counter antisemitism; the financial assets and liabilities of the Museum and costs of operating and maintaining the Museum; the governance and organizational structure of the Museum should it be transferred; and the impact such a transfer would have on the Smithsonian Institution.
· The commission will not receive any federal funding and will accept private contributions to pay for its expenses.
Read the entire bill here.
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MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On September 24, 2024, a working meeting of the rector’s office of the State University of Management and the management of the Don State Technical University was held in Rostov-on-Don, at which the main areas of cooperation between the universities were approved.
The meeting was attended by Rector Vladimir Stroyev and Vice-Rectors Maria Karelina, Vitaly Lapshenkov and Pavel Pavlovsky from the GUU side. DSTU was represented by Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Inessa Efremenko, Vice-Rector for General Affairs Dmitry Dzhedirov and Vice-Rector for Youth Policy Andrey Guskov.
The colleagues discussed issues of interaction within the framework of the previously signed cooperation agreement. Representatives of DSTU expressed interest in the developments of the State University of Management in the field of artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial vehicles. The State University of Management, in turn, proposed interaction within the framework of the project of the student Design Bureau, organized on the initiative of TMH.
“Not a single university in our time can concentrate in itself the full range of knowledge and technologies in demand on the market. Only network educational programs and broad interaction with partners, including from the public sector and business, are capable of solving the problems facing modern universities,” Vladimir Stroyev noted.
“We will cooperate with our Moscow colleagues in such areas as the creation of unmanned aerial vehicles for the agro-industrial complex and the digitalization of design documentation as part of fulfilling orders from business representatives,” said Inessa Efremenko.
In addition, the parties clarified the areas of joint work within the framework of the project “Service Learning”, as well as issues of education, retraining and employment of SVO veterans.
The delegation from the State University of Management was given a tour of the laboratories, experimental and museum spaces of DSTU.
In the afternoon, the rector’s office of the State University of Management met with the director of the Rostov Regional Agency for Entrepreneurship Support – the operator of the “My Business” centers of the Rostov Region, Yana Kurinova, to discuss a joint network program for training in the framework of creative economies, as well as employment opportunities for veterans of the SVO.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09.24.2024
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.
The Rectorate of the State University of Management visited Rostov-on-Don on a working visit
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)
Last week, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) was recognized as a “Guardian of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his legislative record of voting in support of small business. As the voice of small business, NFIB is the only business organization whose policy positions are established by NFIB members directly. NFIB’s Guardian of Small Business Award is reserved for lawmakers who vote consistently with small businesses on key issues identified by small business owners.
“As a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges job creators face in the current economic environment,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “With input costs soaring and economic uncertainty on the rise, I will continue to fight for commonsense legislation that empowers local job creation, lowers energy prices, and makes life more affordable for small businesses across Southwest Michigan. Thank you to the NFIB for recognizing my work to make it easier to start a small business here in Michigan.”
“The NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award is presented to Members of Congress with a demonstrated record of supporting America’s small and independent business owners,” said NFIB President Brad Close. “This Congress, small businesses faced tough economic headwinds, especially from inflation, burdensome regulations, and threats of tax hikes at all levels of the government. We are proud to recognize the lawmakers from the 118th Congress, including Representative Huizenga, who stood up for Main Street by taking pro-small business votes that would reduce taxes, eliminate burdensome government mandates, lower health insurance costs, and fuel the Main Street economy.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)
(As prepared for delivery)
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to our witnesses for being here today.
When they are able to receive it, TANF can play an important role in making ends meet each month for families with children across the country. Bridging the gap on affording basic necessities while also helping parents and other caregivers find meaningful work and build a better life. Unfortunately, less than one in four poor families gets assistance from TANF nationally, and in many states the numbers are even smaller.
This Congress is ending as it began—putting the will of the wealthy and well-connected over the most vulnerable Americans. The only TANF legislation we considered in Committee was H.R. 6918, which allowed states to divert funds intended for needy families to fund anti-abortion centers. We are just days out from not only a government shutdown but also the expiration of the TANF program, and the Committee is lending our platform to a subject involved the most dramatic misuse of TANF funds in recent memory.
Now today, there will be a lot of faux outrage over a program that has been repeatedly exploited, with no accountability for how it got that way. Republican authors of the original TANF law deliberately prevented real federal oversight of TANF, at the request of Republican House members and governors.
Did you know that in Mississippi 396,000 families and about 632,000 children accessed Democrats’ expanded Child Tax Credit in 2021 whereas at the same time, only about 2,000 families accessed TANF?
It’s stunning, and it’s an utter failure to help the poorest among us.
Democrats stand ready to work with Republicans to provide the oversight authority and return the misspent funds to the poor families that need financial support. In fact, Ranking Member Davis, a lifelong champion of our nation’s most vulnerable workers and families, and another champion, Congresswoman Chu, are leading legislation to replace a Republican provision in the original law that allowed the malfeasance in Mississippi to happen with penalties and requiring states to recover misspent funds and direct them to their intended audience—poor children. Another champion on the Committee, Congresswoman Moore, who through her lived experience knows better than anyone here about holding those in power accountable for helping struggling families.
We have clear, proven pathways to help struggling families—restoring the expanded child tax credit, guaranteeing child care, and unlocking access to paid family and medical leave would be a good start.
Today, the majority is promoting a false dichotomy between celebrity and responsibility.
Stealing from children is wrong, no matter how you spin it or who you are.
With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
###
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2
News Release
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
NIH findings highlight critical gaps in treatment access in correctional facilities, where almost two-thirds of people have a substance use disorder.
A new look into addiction treatment availability in the U.S. criminal justice system reveals that fewer than half (43.8%) of 1,028 jails surveyed across the nation offered any form of medication for opioid use disorder, and only 12.8% made these available to anyone with the disorder. With two-thirds of people who are incarcerated in U.S. jails experiencing a substance use disorder — in many cases, an opioid use disorder — the failure to make these medications widely available in criminal justice settings represents a significant missed opportunity to provide life-saving treatments in an environment where people in need of care can be easily reached.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open and supported by NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), also found that most jails did offer some type of substance use disorder treatment or recovery support (70.1%). The most common reason jails cited for not offering medications for opioid use disorder was lack of adequate licensed staff (indicated by 49.8% of jails). In general, larger jails, those in counties with lower “social vulnerability” (lower levels of poverty and unemployment, and greater education, housing, and transportation access), and those with greater proximity to community-based providers of medications for opioid use disorder were more likely to offer these treatments.
“Offering substance use disorder treatment in justice settings helps to break the debilitating — and often fatal — cycle of addiction and incarceration,” said NIDA Director Nora D. Volkow, M.D. “Though someone may be in jail for only a short time, connecting them to addiction treatment while they are there is critical to reduce risk of relapse and overdose, and to help them achieve long-term recovery.”
The criminal justice system is a crucial point of intervention in the overdose crisis. Overdose is the leading cause of death among people returning to their communities after incarceration. A recent county-level study found that 21% of individuals who died of a fatal overdose had been in jail, a facility for short-term stays, where most people are awaiting trial, sentencing, or serving a short sentence.
Research shows that medications for opioid use disorder — buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone — reduce opioid use, prevent overdose deaths, and support long-term recovery. Among people who were formerly incarcerated, access to these medications during incarceration or at release has been shown to reduce overdose deaths, increase use of community-based treatment, and decrease rates of reincarceration. However, access to medications for opioid use disorder in jails remains limited due to various barriers, including cost, staffing, and regulatory challenges.
To update current knowledge of addiction treatment gaps in jails across the country, researchers at NORC at the University of Chicago invited a random sample of 2,791 jails to take a survey on availability of medications for opioid use disorder. These jails were selected to be representative of the over 3,500 jails in the U.S. The researchers collected data between June 2022 and April 2023 and received responses from 1,028 jails, 927 of which were included in analysis. More than half of the participating jails (55.6%) were located in non-metropolitan areas, and many jails offered contracted health care services (59.8%).
The researchers found that more than half of the surveyed jails did not offer medications for opioid use disorder, and that those with direct or hybrid health care services were more likely to provide these medications than those relying on external facilities or with no onsite health care services. For those jails that did offer these medications, buprenorphine was the most commonly provided — available in 69.9% of jails that offered these medications — followed by naltrexone (54.5%) and methadone (46.6%).
The researchers note that even within the jails that offer medications for opioid use disorder, most often these medications are only made available to people who are pregnant, or to those who were already receiving any of these medications at the time of their arrest. The research team is conducting additional analyses to better understand the barriers to universal medication availability within jails.
“Data on health care gaps for people who are incarcerated provides a necessary knowledge base to help policymakers, public health officials, researchers, and communities assess where to allocate resources to improve care for opioid use disorder for this population,” said Elizabeth Flanagan Balawajder, senior research associate at NORC at the University of Chicago and the study’s corresponding author. “Our findings suggest that supporting areas such as staff training, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships with community treatment providers are key areas to improve substance use disorder treatment for people in jail.”
While this study provides the most comprehensive overview to date of the availability of these medications in U.S. jails, its limitations include low rates of jail responses, reliance on self-reported data, and a lack of assessment of the quality or outcomes of addiction treatment programs. Future research will include evaluating the impact of providing these medications on health outcomes for the people in jail, as well as exploring sex, gender, race and ethnicity-related disparities in access to medications for opioid use disorder within the criminal justice system.
This study was conducted by researchers in the NIDA-funded Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN), which is supported through the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative. The study included contributions from experts at the University of Illinois Chicago, Baystate Health, the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, the Department of Medicine and Public Health Sciences at the University of Chicago, and NIDA.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services has taken several steps that expand access to medications for opioid use disorder and addiction care to people who are incarcerated. For examples, see new guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, new funding opportunities through the Health Resources and Services Administration, and SAMHSA’s Adult Reentry Program Grants.
The NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-term® and NIH HEAL Initiative® are registered service marks of the Department of Health and Human Services.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol conditions, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are ready to locate a treatment facility or provider, you can go directly to FindTreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357).
About the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): NIDA is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world’s research on the health aspects of drug use and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to inform policy, improve practice, and advance addiction science. For more information about NIDA and its programs, visit www.nida.nih.gov.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The three-day 5th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF), hosted by the Inland Revenue Department, is being held from today (September 24) at the AsiaWorld-Expo, marking the first time for Hong Kong to host BRITACOF. This year’s BRITACOF, themed “Deepening Tax Administration Cooperation for High-Quality Belt and Road Development”, gathered more than 400 tax officials, tax experts, as well as representatives from international organisations, academic institutions and enterprises from different countries and regions to discuss emerging tax issues and exchange tax administration experiences.
Participants will engage in in-depth discussions on five major topics, including raising tax certainty, promoting tax administration digitalisation, improving tax environment, reinforcing capacity building of tax administration and optimising tax administration measures in the financial sector. BRITACOF also features a business and industry tax dialogue session to build a communication platform for participating tax officials and stakeholders from business and industrial sectors.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said in his welcome address, “As the only common law jurisdiction within China, our legal system in the business realm resembles that of most major international financial centres. Our robust legal system is backed by such long-standing institutional strengths as the free flow of information, capital, goods and people, low and simple tax system, and highly open and internationalised market. Together, they ensure our strategic role as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ between the Mainland and the rest of the world.
“Tax administration plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development. Efficient tax systems provide the essential resources for the delivery of public services and infrastructure. Hong Kong believes that transparent and fair tax policies could foster trust among investors, governments and taxpayers. As a champion of free and multilateral trade, Hong Kong supports the co-ordinated efforts of the international tax community, actively engaging in initiatives designed to bring economies together.”
In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner of the State Taxation Administration (STA), Mr Hu Jinglin, said, “The recovery of world economy is challenging. The pursuit of peace, development, co-operation and mutual benefit is an irreversible trend. Differences in tax systems and collection management among countries have an important impact on the liberalisation and facilitation of cross-border trade and investment. Deepening tax administration co-operation is of great significance in removing barriers to cross-border trade and investment, promoting inclusive growth of the global economy, and facilitating high-quality Belt and Road development. The STA is willing to work with all parties to deepen tax administration co-operation for high-quality Belt and Road development, so as to make new contributions to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Speaking at the welcome dinner, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said that BRITACOF is a crucial and exemplary international platform designed to enhance co-operation among tax administrations along the Belt and Road.
He said, “The hosting of the 5th BRITACOF in Hong Kong underscores our unique gateway role in fostering partnerships and creating value for economies, businesses and people along the Belt and Road.”
“Hong Kong has always been committed to upholding international tax standards, including the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) framework set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. We are also fully supportive of the international standard of tax information exchange to avoid tax evasion. By endorsing and implementing these standards, Hong Kong ensures that Belt and Road projects involving Hong Kong companies adhere to the highest international benchmarks in terms of tax governance and transparency,” Mr Hui added.
On the margins of the 5th BRITACOF, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Commissioner of the STA, Mr Hu Jinglin, and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tax co-operation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) among the finance and taxation departments of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macao SAR. The MOU will promote the co-ordination of tax administration and services in the GBA, which facilitates Hong Kong’s active integration into the overall national development. The deepened tax co-operation in the GBA can enhance Hong Kong’s tax competitiveness and create a more favourable business environment.
In addition, during BRITACOF, Mr Hui held bilateral meetings separately with representatives from Kazakhstan, Maldives, Tajikistan and Türkiye to discuss deepening tax co-operation at the international and Belt and Road levels.
Mr Hui also signed a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government at the 5th BRITACOF today to foster closer economic, trade and investment relations between Hong Kong and Türkiye with a view to jointly contributing to the high-quality Belt and Road development through strengthened bilateral ties. This is the 51st CDTA signed by Hong Kong, marking a significant step forward for Hong Kong in fostering international tax co-operation.
Established in 2019 under the lead of the STA, the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Mechanism (BRITACOM) is a non-profit official mechanism for the discussion on tax administration co-operation among countries and regions along the Belt and Road. With the vision of promoting cross-border trade and investment and fostering regional economic co-operation, BRITACOM aims at removing tax obstacles and building a growth-friendly tax environment, so as to realise an inclusive and a sustainable development. BRITACOF, the annual signature event of BRITACOM, is hosted by member tax administrations in rotation. This year’s BRITACOF is hosted by Hong Kong and chaired by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Tam Tai-pang.
For details of the 5th BRITACOF, please visit the thematic website (www.ird.gov.hk/BRITACOF/eng/index.html).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)
Washington, September 24, 2024
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to rename the Battle Creek Post Office after abolitionist and civil rights leader Sojourner Truth. The decision to rename the post office is supported by the descendants of Sojourner Truth as well as local organizations such as Kellogg Community College and Battle Creek Unlimited.
In May, Huizenga introduced legislation to rename the post office located at 90 McCamly Street South in Battle Creek to the Sojourner Truth Post Office. Every Michigan member of the U.S. House of Representatives cosponsored H.R. 8405 when it was originally introduced. The legislation passed today was the Senate version of the Huizenga bill that was introduced by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI). The legislation renaming the Battle Creek Post Office now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
Congressman Huizenga released the following statement after the House passed S. 3851.
“I appreciate the Michigan Delegation and the U.S. House coming together to recognize the life, legacy, and impact of Sojourner Truth,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “The Sojourner Truth Post Office will stand in Battle Creek as a symbol of not only Sojourner Truth and her historic efforts, but also the incredible role the Greater Battle Creek Community played in the abolition movement and our nation’s history.”
Source: NASA
“My parents came here from Mexico with the vision of giving us a better life than they had but, times were tough. When I was young, there were many days and nights where we had to get by with what we had. My dad worked his way up in the fabrication industry in Houston and when an opportunity came for him to start his own business, he took it. It was “now or never”. Shortly after, things changed. By the time I was in 5thgrade, our lives took a turn for the better, and going to college all of a sudden became a possibility. But even then, working at NASA felt like it could happen in a dream.
“Growing up here in Houston, you visit Space Center and you look at JSC , and you think, ‘Man, it must be incredible to be a part of NASA and to be a part of one of those amazing missions where you accomplish impossible things and maybe even discover something new about our universe’. I would have never guessed, never predicted, that I would be here. Throughout my career, I just continued to do the best I could and kept learning, striving to get better.
“It took years but it felt like all of the sudden, I was here and everything, the entire time, was preparing me for my role on the OSIRIS-REx mission. Now, I share a place in history next to a Curation team full of the most talented, intelligent and hard-working individuals in the world and all that we have accomplished is, and will be, a part of NASA forever. I can’t even begin to describe what that means to not only me, but for my family, who did everything they could so that this could even be a possibility. For all of us, it is a dream come true.”
—Salvador Martinez III, Lead Astromaterial Curation Engineer, Jacobs Technology, NASA’s Johnson Space Center
Image Credit: NASA/James BlairInterviewer: NASA/Thalia Patrinos
Check out some of our other Faces of NASA.
Source: US Government research organizations
Credit: everything possible/Shutterstock
GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $6 million to Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to establish a joint center to support cooperative research and experimentation for the test and evaluation of modern AI capabilities and tools. The center will be housed on the Carnegie Mellon campus, in Pittsburgh.
“Artificial intelligence is the defining technology of our generation, and at the Commerce Department we are committed to working with America’s world-class higher education institutions, like Carnegie Mellon University, to advance safe, secure and trustworthy development of AI,” Raimondo said. “I am excited to announce this NIST award of $6 million for Carnegie Mellon to boost research of AI systems and support a new generation of scientists and engineers that will help advance American innovation globally.”
The CMU/NIST AI Measurement Science & Engineering Cooperative Research Center will seek to advance AI risk management practices and evaluation approaches through stakeholder partnerships and translate assessment capabilities and methodologies into practice.
“This new cooperative research center will expand NIST’s knowledge base and fundamental research capacity in AI,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio. “Through this partnership, we will strengthen our understanding of foundation models and support new research — and new researchers — in this rapidly evolving field.”
The center will focus on foundational research and developing AI system-level tooling, metrics, evaluation procedures, development processes, and best practices to help AI builders consistently engineer safe AI systems. Its efforts will align with NIST AI priorities including better methods for measuring validity, reliability, safety, privacy and security; accountability, transparency, fairness and explainability; and generative AI evaluation at any stage of development or deployment.
The grant to CMU was awarded through NIST’s Measurement Science and Engineering Research Grant Program, which supports collaborative research aligned with NIST’s research objectives. The program seeks to develop a diverse, world-class pool of scientists and engineers to engage in NIST’s measurement science and standards research and to promote understanding of measurement science and standards.
The new center’s work will support the NIST AI Innovation Lab (NAIIL), which is a component of NIST’s larger efforts on fundamental AI measurement research and guideline development.
MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5 million in the new Agricultural Equity and Diversity Initiative (AEDI) to help minority groups start and build businesses in the agri-food sector.
Canada and Ontario strengthen entrepreneurial opportunities for underrepresented groups in the agri-food sector
September 24, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5 million in the new Agricultural Equity and Diversity Initiative (AEDI) to help minority groups start and build businesses in the agri-food sector.
Funded through the Canadian Sustainable Agriculture Partnership (CSA), IEDSA offers grants of up to $100,000 to support commercial enterprises led by primary agricultural producers and processing businesses who are Indigenous, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI people, persons with disabilities, youth, women or members of minority Francophone communities.
IEDSA accepts applications from organizations, research organizations, municipalities or Indigenous communities. Successful projects will support underrepresented groups in accessing spaces and equipment to grow or process agri-food products, as well as resources to help them with financing.
The application period begins on October 8, 2024 and will continue until December 3, 2024.
The Canadian Sustainable Agriculture Partnership is a five-year (2023-2028) $3.5 billion investment by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resilience of Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities, as well as a $2.5 billion commitment of 60% federal and 40% provincial and territorial funding for provincially and territorially created and delivered programs.
Annie CullinanDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Foodannie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: US State of Idaho
Home Newsroom Attorney General Labrador Challenges American Academy of Pediatrics to Disclose Gender Dysphoria Guidance and Methodology
[BOISE] – Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador and 20 other states have put the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on notice for possible violations of state consumer protection statutes over its evidence free standards on gender dysphoria care for minors. As confirmed by the Cass Report as well as recent disclosures by WPATH, AAP’s guidance is based more on political pressure and agendas rather than medical efficacy and sound medical judgement. In a letter to the AAP leadership, the attorneys general request information detailing the AAP’s evidence for its ongoing recommendations for puberty blockers for gender dysphoria-diagnosed youth despite widespread retractions of the practice.
Most concerning, AAP claims that the use of puberty blockers on children is safe and reversible. This assertion is not grounded in evidence and therefore may run afoul of consumer protection laws in most states.
“It is shameful the most basic tenet of medicine – do no harm – has been abandoned by professional associations when politically pressured,” said Attorney General Labrador. “These organizations are sacrificing the health and well-being of children with medically unproven treatments that leave a wake of permanent damage. Children with gender dysphoria need and deserve love, support, and medical care rooted in biological reality. Parents should be able to trust that a doctor’s medical guidance isn’t just the latest talking point from a dangerous and discredited activist agenda.”
As stated by the letter, “When used to suppress hormones below normal ranges during or before puberty, puberty blockers: (1) may interfere with neurocognitive development; (2) compromise bone density and may negatively affect metabolic health and weight; and (3) block normal pubertal experience and experimentation. And when puberty blocker use is followed directly by cross-sex hormone use, which is often the case, infertility and sterility is a known consequence, at least for those who began puberty blockers in early puberty.”
And this harm is particularly egregious since the majority of children initially diagnosed with gender dysphoria desist and “grow out” of the condition by the time they are adolescents or adults.
The letter requests detailed information from the AAP regarding its communications and practices related to youth gender dysphoria and substantiation of the Academy’s claims regarding the safety and reversibility of puberty blockers.
Other states joining Idaho in this letter are: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virgina, West Virginia, and the Arizona Legislature.
The full letter can be read here.
MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French
On September 15, 2024, Guy Bissonnette, an inmate at Archambault Institution, died in our custody of apparent natural causes.
September 17, 2024 – Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Quebec – Correctional Service Canada
On September 15, 2024, Guy Bissonnette, an inmate at Archambault Institution, died in our custody of apparent natural causes.
At the time of death, the person had been serving an indeterminate federal sentence for second-degree murder since October 26, 1990.
As is always the case when an inmate dies, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) reviews the circumstances of the incident. CSC policy requires that the coroner be notified.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nahtahna Castner, 45, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, between July 2020, and February 2023, Castner gained the trust of an elderly Victim in her mid-90’s who allowed her into her home. The Victim owned a duplex and lived on one side, while Castner lived on the other side. Using her position of trust, Castner gained access to the Victim’s personal identifying information and banking information. She then withdrew large sums of cash from ATM’s, often close to the daily ATM limit, conducted wire transfer peer-to-peer payments to her own personal bank account, and made unauthorized purchases using the Victim’s debit card. The complaint states that Castner defrauded the Victim out of approximately $252,672.97 from two different banking institutions. In addition, Castner also used the Victim’s personal identifying information to complete at least three unauthorized credit card applications, which were approved with credit limits of $2,000, $600, and $500. Castner then used the credit cards and defrauded the three financial institutions out of approximately $3,668.11. Castner used the money she stole from the Victim on a variety of purchases, such as travel, which included a trip to Hawaii, hotels, car repairs, insurance, and car payments.
On January 6, 2022, the Victim was hospitalized, but her family was not notified and only became aware a few days later. When family arrived, Castner was already there, referring to herself as the Victim’s granddaughter, and making the healthcare decisions on behalf of the Victim. Still unsure of Castner’s full involvement with Victim A and under the impression that she had helped Victim A with various tasks, family members offered to provide some money to Castner for helping the Victim when hospitalized. Castner was adamant that she did not want any money and told them she helped “out of the kindness of her heart.” However, the Victim’s son decided to go to the bank anyway to get money, at which time he became aware that the bank accounts were empty. Castner immediately moved out of the duplex without notice and did not contact any of the Victim’s family again. In speaking with his mother about the missing money, the Victim stated it must have been “Tana.” The Victim passed away on February 23, 2023. Just two months prior, her accounts at the two banking institutions had only approximately $99.59.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Adrian Petty, 29, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of interstate travel for purposes of prostitution, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that in September 2020, Petty transported a Minor Victim that he met on Facebook from the State of New York to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, so that the Minor Victim could engage in commercial sex acts in Pennsylvania. Petty admits that he posted online commercial sex advertisements relating to the Minor Victim.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Pittsburgh Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin P. Rojek, with the assistance of the Buffalo Office of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Monroeville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kenneth Cole, the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons, and the Erie Crime Analysis Center, under the direction of Director Dennis Richards. Special assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Pennsylvania and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Silinski.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that David A. Johnston, 55, of Allegany, NY, and Kayla R. Kio, 26, of Olean, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to produce child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 2, 2024, the New York State were called to Wal-Mart in Olean, for a report of a domestic dispute. Kio reported that she was being stalked and harassed by her ex-boyfriend, Johnston. The two worked together at Wal-Mart. Kio stated that in February 2024, while she was in the process of breaking up with Johnston, he requested that she produce and send to him sexually explicit videos of a 5-year-old child. Troopers seized Kio’s cell phone and recovered multiple videos and images of child pornography.
On March 13, 2024, the NYSP executed a search warrant at Johnston’s Allegany residence, during which they seized four cell phones and a tablet. Investigators recovered videos of child pornography and sexually explicit communications exchanged between Kio and Johnston. Johnston was charged with Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Child and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, while Kio was charged with Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. In 2007, Johnston was convicted of Indecent Assault and Corruption of Minors in McKean, PA, County Court.
Johnston and Kio made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. Kio was released on conditions. Johnston is being held pending a detention hearing on September 17, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nina M. Williams, 56, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William, M. Skretny to wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to court documents, Williams transmitted two fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of Nimiche Inc. and Nimiche Interiors Inc., a Maryland-based business, along with fraudulent supporting documentation, to a federally insured bank in Buffalo, NY, and a mortgage lending business, which participated as lenders in the PPP loan program. In May 2020, Williams electronically submitted a PPP loan application to the bank for $97,500, and in April 2021, she electronically submitted a PPP loan application to the mortgage lending business for $432,960.
Williams falsely claimed that Nimiche Inc. and Nimiche Interiors Inc. had between four and 25 employees and average monthly payrolls of, respectively, $39,000 to $173,185. Williams falsely stated that the loan funds would be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or other proscribed uses under the PPP loan rules. This resulted in the bank issuing $97,500 into Nimiche Inc.’s business account controlled by Williams. However, the funds were not used for business-related expenses. Instead, Williams used some of the funds towards the purchase of real property in Maryland. In addition, the mortgage lending business issued loan proceeds totaling $432,960, into Nimiche Inc.’s business account controlled Williams. Once again, the funds were not used for business-related expenses.
During the May 2020, through May 2021 time period, Williams worked with others to submit at least five additional fraudulent PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) loan applications to the mortgage lending business and another bank. In total, based on the materially false and fraudulent representations contained in the application materials, Williams intended to fraudulently obtain a total of approximately $2.6 million in PPP and EIDL funds, and in fact fraudulently obtained approximately $1.5 million in PPP and EIDL funds.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Corwin Rattler. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly and Trial Attorney Jennifer Bilinkas of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2024, before Judge Skretny.
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Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Rogelia Vega Evans, 26, of Lexington, N.C. was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for engaging in sexual contact with a minor by force in Indian Country, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Upon his release from prison, Evans will be subject to a lifetime of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina, and Chief Carla Neadeau of the Cherokee Indian Police Department join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, on or about June 18, 2022, Evans sexually abused a child under the age of 12. The minor victim is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band Cherokee Indians (EBCI), and the crime occurred in Indian country, within the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
On December 18, 2023, Evans pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual contact with a minor under the age of 12 by force.
Evans remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked the FBI and the Cherokee Indian Police Department for their investigation of the case, and the High Point Police Department for its assistance with Evans’s arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
TULSA, Okla. – U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Bryan Stanley Monholland, 59, of Tulsa, for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country. Judge Hill ordered Monholland to a term of life imprisonment, followed by lifetime term of supervised release. Upon his release, Monholland will also be required to register as a sex offender.
According to Monhalland’s Petition to Enter Guilty Plea, and subsequent plea of guilty between July 2012 and March 2018, Monholland attempted to and knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a minor child victim who had not attained age 12.
According to court records, Monholland previously pleaded guilty to Lewd Molestation in 2004 and was required to register as a sex offender. He is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI, Catoosa Police Department, and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Luster, Stephanie Ihler, and Christian Harris prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.