NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Joins Colleagues in Introducing Stand with Israel Act to Combat Israel’s Persecution at UN

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    WASHINGTON, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and 26 Senate colleagues announced their intent to introduce the Stand with Israel Act when the Senate and House reconvene in November.  This legislation would cut off U.S. funding to United Nations (UN) agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. 

    “Israel’s enemies are trying to manipulate the United Nations to accomplish their misguided goals,” said Crapo.  “Any moves by the United Nations to restrict Israel’s participation would conflict with American values and global interests.  American taxpayers should have no part in funding international bodies that threaten the diplomatic security of our ally.” 

    “Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic,” said Risch.  “That said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair.  I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all we can to ensure any changes to Israel’s status will come with consequences.”

    Joining Crapo and Risch in sponsoring the legislation are Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Rick Scott (R-Forida), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), John Thune (R-South Dakota), and Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska),

    This is companion legislation to bipartisan legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Represenatives, HR 9394, led by U.S. Representative Mike Lawler (R-New York).

    BACKGROUND:

    • Reports indicate that the Palestinian Authority (PA) will attempt to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN.
    • The PA is able to do this after the UN General Assembly passed a biased resolution which enhanced the PA’s status at the United Nations on May 10, 2024.
    • Following that vote, Ranking Member Risch led 24 Senate colleagues in introducing the No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act, legislation to update existing funding prohibitions in law that would cause the United States to cut off assistance to entities that give additional rights and privileges to the Palestinian Authority.
    • The Stand with Israel Act would cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. The bill is modeled after the current prohibition of funding to any UN entities that elevate the status of the Palestinian Authority to a member state.

    Text of the Stand with Israel Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Car-Buying Red Tape

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) co-sponsored the bipartisan Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Review of Expensive and Detrimental Overregulation (REDO) Act.  The legislation would prevent the FTC from finalizing and implementing a rushed regulation change specific to automotive retailing without first conducting adequate consumer testing and cost-benefit analyses and allowing for public feedback.  The FTC’s rule would create more paperwork when buying a car at the dealership and lead to more bureaucracy and red tape for small businesses.
    “Purchasing a new vehicle is a serious decision for most Americans.  There is no need to complicate the process with added costs, more paperwork and a longer sales process,” said Crapo.  “The public and local industry stakeholders deserve the opportunity to weigh-in on changes that affect them and their business.”
    “Idahoans want buying a car to be simple, not bogged down by burdensome paperwork and costly red tape,” said Risch.  “The FTC REDO Act gives consumers and auto dealers a seat at the table on decisions impacting the car buying process.”
    “Our Idaho franchised new vehicle dealers, primarily family-owned small businesses, appreciate Senator Crapo’s co-signing the FTC REDO Act,” said Jim Addis, Executive Vice-President Idaho Automobile Dealers Association.  “The FTC REDO Act will reverse recent, onerous FTC overregulation that would add time, cost, and complexity for new car buyers.  Not only is this FTC overregulation duplicative, but it is also in conflict with extensive Idaho and federal laws that protect consumers.  Passing the FTC REDO Act will ensure that we protect Idaho car buyers from needless federal overreach, saving them both money and time.”                                                                                   
    Last summer, the FTC noticed a 126-page proposed rule, known as the “Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule,” or the “Vehicle Shopping Rule,” which, if approved, would significantly change the process for consumers to purchase, trade-in and finance new and used cars and trucks.  The proposed rule would re-regulate all aspects of automotive retailing and was noticed without an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)–the process for the public to provide comment.
    The FTC REDO Act would require the FTC to:
    Issue an ANPRM for public comment;
    Conduct a quantitative study on auto retailing;
    Conduct consumer product testing; and
    Publish a cost-benefit analysis based on real data.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sinister Solar System

    Source: NASA

    07
    NASA X-ray Telescopes Reveal the “Bones” of a Ghostly Cosmic Hand
    In 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen discovered X-rays and used them to image the bones in his wife’s hand, kicking off a revolutionary diagnostic tool for medicine. Now two of NASA’s X-ray space telescopes have combined their imaging powers to unveil the magnetic field “bones” of a remarkable hand-shaped structure in space. Together, these telescopes reveal the behavior of a dead collapsed star that lives on through plumes of particles of energized matter and antimatter.
    Learn More

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First part-time shoulder lane in Vancouver/Portland metro area now open to SR 14 travelers

    Source: Washington State News 2

    VANCOUVER – Travelers along State Route 14 now have another option that’s the first of its kind in the Vancouver-Portland metro area: a part-time shoulder lane that can be used during peak congestion.

    With more people using SR 14 than ever before, the Washington State Department of Transportation project improves safety and reduces congestion for travelers. It is now available for use during heavy traffic and when signs indicate it is open.

    A ceremony was held Thursday, Oct. 24, to celebrate the completion of this work, which began in the fall of 2022. The button-pushing ceremony included WSDOT Region Administrator Carley Francis, state elected officials, and partners from C-TRAN and the city of Vancouver. Officials turned on the overhead signs indicating that the new part-time shoulder lane was ready for travelers.

    In addition to improving westbound traffic flow with a new ramp meter and part-time shoulder lane, this project widened the highway. Both directions of SR 14 now have three open lanes of travel. The new shoulder lane allows travelers heading to northbound Interstate 205 to use the outside shoulder during peak traffic times, effectively providing an extra lane of travel, for four total. The ramp meter at the on-ramp from Southeast 164th Avenue also adjusts the rate of vehicles entering SR 14 based on current roadway conditions to maximize traffic flow on the highway.

    “Using innovative traffic management tools that dynamically adjust to traffic levels, this completed SR 14 project removes chokepoints, increases traffic flow and shortens commute times along this heavily traveled roadway,” said Francis. “We addressed the most critical need for more capacity and created a corridor that will meets current and future traffic demands.”

    The new part-time shoulder lane

    Sometimes a shoulder isn’t just a shoulder, it’s also a travel lane.

    This new westbound SR 14 part-time shoulder lane extends for a mile and a half from the SE 164th Avenue on-ramp directly onto northbound I-205. It is the first part-time shoulder lane in the Portland-Vancouver area.

    This lane will open or close according to the level of traffic:

    • When traffic is heavy, and the lane is open, westbound SR 14 will expand from three to four lanes of travel.
    • New electronic displays will indicate when the shoulder lane is open or closed for travel.
    • When the lane is open, a green arrow and “OPEN” and “EXIT ONLY” (to northbound I-205) messages are displayed.
    • When the lane is closed, a red “X” and “CLOSED” are displayed.
    • When the lane is closing due to debris, an emergency or a vehicle blocking the lane, a yellow arrow along with “CAUTION” or “CLOSED AHEAD” messages will be displayed, and drivers will need to use caution to exit the shoulder lane.
    • The part-time shoulder also includes several pull outs for disabled vehicles.

    Transit benefits

    Between 2017 and 2022, the first bus-on-shoulder program in the area was tested along this stretch of SR 14 and improved the reliability of C-TRAN’s express and regional buses. With the addition of the part-time shoulder lane, the bus-on-shoulder program becomes permanent. Authorized transit can use the shoulder at any time to access both northbound and southbound I-205. Transit can enter the part-time shoulder lane directly from the dedicated westbound bus lane from Southeast 164th Avenue.

    Other improvements

    Additional improvements include storm water facilities, a noise wall, electronic message signs, traffic cameras, guardrail, high friction surface treatment on the Southeast 164th Avenue on-ramp and landscaping. This $28 million project was part of the state’s Connecting Washington transportation funding package.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2022 and 2023 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medal  Citations

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    On Monday, October 21st, President Biden held an East Room ceremony at the White House to present the 2022 and 2023 National Medals of Arts and the 2022 and 2023 National Humanities Medals.
    The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists, arts patrons, and groups by the United States Government and honors exemplary individuals and organizations that have advanced the arts in America and offered inspiration to others through their distinguished achievement, support, or patronage. The National Humanities Medal honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens’ engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other humanities subjects.
    Below are the citations presented to the 2022 and 2023 medal recipients:
    National Medal of Arts – Class of 2022
    Ruth Asawa (Posthumously)
    For groundbreaking modernism and championing art for everyone. From a family of Japanese immigrants separated in incarceration camps, Ruth Asawa emerged to become a renowned educator and artist, bringing her distinctive wire sculptures to the Nation’s museums, homes, and classrooms, and leaving a legacy as powerful and profound as her portfolio.
    Randy A. Batista
    For focusing the lens on human nature. Born in Tampa, Florida, to Italian and Cuban immigrants and raised on both sides of the Straits of Florida, Randy Batista is known as the people’s photographer. With the camera as his sixth sense of deep empathy, he captures people’s pain and challenges us to respect their inherent dignity.
    Clyde Butcher
    For focusing the lens on Mother Nature. From humble beginnings as a self-taught photographer, Clyde Butcher is considered America’s most acclaimed landscape photographer today. From the Rocky Mountains to the Everglades, and countless pristine places in between, his images inspire and challenge us to respect and defend our natural wonders.
    Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
    For cataloging one of the Nation’s great homegrown art forms. As the world’s largest repository of country music history, in the country music capital of Nashville, Tennessee, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum preserves history, honors giants of the genre, and inspires future generations to write their own songs about the American story.
    Melissa “Missy” Elliott
    For shattering glass ceilings with timeless beats. From a child singing in the church choir to becoming a best-selling female rapper and pioneering hip-hop icon, Missy Elliott’s genre-defying music and rhymes have elevated an industry into a global powerhouse and inspired generations to push the sound and movement of America.
    Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez
    For harnessing heritage to enrich American music. The son of a musical family in Texas, Flaco Jiménez mastered the accordion and Spanglish lyrics as a trailblazer of Conjunto. Blending Norteño, Tex Mex, and Tejano music with the Blues, Rock n’ Roll, and Pop Music, he sings the soul of America’s Southwest.
    Eva Longoria
    For recognizing the strength of our diversity and the full talents of our Nation. Actor, producer, director, and proud Mexican American, Eva Longoria has broken barriers on screen and uses her power to lift up Latino voices all across American life — challenging stereotypes and instilling Latino pride in our Nation.
    Idina Menzel
    For magical songs that lift our spirits and stir our souls. From Broadway stages to movie screens, Idina Menzel’s powerful voice has sold out shows, topped Billboard charts, and above all, empowered millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds to be strong, use their voice, and lead with their hearts.
    Herbert I. Ohta
    For redefining ukulele music as a deeply moving American sound. The Hawaiian son of Japanese immigrants, Herb Ohta learned his first chords as a child and played through his service as a United States Marine. A musical innovator and mentor, he has bridged cultures and genres, spreading the peace and hope of aloha spirit.
    Bruce Sagan
    For seeking the truth as a true public citizen. A Chicago, Illinois, journalism legend and lifelong supporter of the performing arts, Bruce Sagan’s seven decades of leadership and stewardship in building, protecting, and uplifting local newspapers, voices, artists, and dancers have inspired his beloved city and enriched the tapestry of American life and culture.
    Carrie Mae Weems
    For capturing the resilience and dignity of Black America and our deeper humanity.
    Over three decades at the forefront of American expression, Carrie Mae Weems has honed her craft as a renowned artist whose photography, film, video, and art confront hard truths about power and prejudice, while celebrating the indomitable human spirit.
    National Medal of Arts – Class of 2023
    Mark Bradford
    For revealing the full history of the Nation through groundbreaking art. Inspired by the diverse cultures of Southern California, Mark Bradford’s paper-on-canvas storytelling reveals the interwoven hopes, sorrows, and joys of communities of color, with each layer challenging convention, shining light, and reminding us all of the full potential of America.
    Ken Burns
    For documenting the hope and history of our Nation. From his home in rural New Hampshire and deep from his imagination, Ken Burns´ pioneering documentaries of diverse people, places, and histories have shaped our understanding of the American experience, and defined him as one of the most respected filmmakers of our time.
    Bruce Cohen
    For championing the arts to express our highest ideals of freedom, justice, and equality.
    An entertainment industry icon ahead of his time, Bruce Cohen has produced our biggest moments on screen and stage by lifting up people and stories that need to be seen and heard, making real the promise of America for all Americans.
    Alex Katz
    For conjuring an enduring portrait of America. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Russian immigrants, Alex Katz is among the most prolific and distinctive artists in our history. With a ferocious work ethic and visionary style, he continues to condense the complexities of everyday life into iconic faces and landscapes that reveal the essence of who we are as Americans.
    Jo Carole Lauder
    For devoted support of the arts, culture, and civic causes in America. A renowned philanthropist leading an array of causes — from supporting the White House Historical Association to refurbishing and preserving United States embassies abroad to inspiring participation in Jewish life worldwide —Jo Carole Lauder channels her creative talents to beautify the spirit of our Nation.
    Spike Lee
    For revolutionizing American cinema and culture. One of the most thought-provoking filmmakers of our time, Spike Lee honors his Brooklyn, New York, roots by daring to capture the depth of the Black experience and lifting up Black culture on the world stage through vibrant films and courtside pride that shapes our Nation’s collective conscience.
    Queen Latifah
    For leading the Nation as a champion of women’s empowerment. A natural storyteller and one of the first ladies of hip-hop, Queen Latifah breaks the mold for women in entertainment — rapping about overcoming loss and abuse of power to exuding cool and confidence as a critically-acclaimed actor and activist, showing how infinite love is the only hope for unity.
    Selena Quintanilla (Posthumously)
    For cementing Tejano music into the heart of the Nation. The youngest of the Quintanilla music family, Selena brought Latin music to the masses as the Queen of Tejano music and one of the most celebrated entertainers in our history. Her young life was tragically cut short, but her voice and spirit endure for the ages.
    Steven Spielberg
    For filmmaking that entertains, educates, and inspires. Growing up moved by the power of films, Steven Spielberg is considered one of the greatest filmmakers ever, using his gift of storytelling to stretch our imaginations, confront the horrors of history, and inspire us to be the characters of our Nation and the world’s future — full of courage, honor, and dignity.
    National Humanities Medal – Class of 2022
    Wallis Annenberg
    For transforming philanthropy in our Nation. The daughter of a groundbreaking media family in Los Angeles, California, Wallis Annenberg is a visionary giver and innovator who has donated to thousands of organizations in the arts, education, environment, medical research, social justice, and more — transforming countless lives by advancing, healing, and inspiring communities across America.
    Appalshop
    For amplifying the voices of Appalachia. Located in Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains for 50 years, Appalshop is home to the world’s largest collection of creative work on Appalachia — a hub for new generations of artists, filmmakers, musicians, and playwrights to share their stories of pride and promise of their American roots.
    Joy Harjo
    For shining the light on the sacred traditions of Native American storytelling. A member of the Muscogee Nation in Oklahoma, and the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States, Joy Harjo’s distinguished poetry and award-winning music about art, justice, and healing honors ancestral generations and empowers those that follow.
    Robin Harris
    For educating our youngest students to be dreamers and doers of our Nation. As an elementary school teacher and trailblazing principal in Massachusetts, Robin Harris is redefining K-12 education to empower students, embrace parents, and extend learning and leadership beyond the walls of the classroom and into the free spirit of the mind.
    Juan Felipe Herrera
    For poeticism that captures America’s imagination. The son of California farm workers, Juan Felipe Herrera takes readers across countries and cultures, genres, and disciplines as a towering figure in Chicano poetry and the first Latino Poet Laureate of the United States, using the power of his pen to give life to our identities and common bonds.
    Robert Martin
    For dedicating his career to the academic achievement of Native American students. A member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Dr. Robert Martin has led Tribal colleges and launched Indian Studies programs at institutions of higher learning across the country to strengthen Tribal self-determination and empower future Native American leaders.
    Jon Meacham
    For drawing wisdom from history to shape the future of America. A proud son of Tennessee and celebrated historian and biographer, Jon Meacham chronicles the journey of America with an unmatched mix of historical context, parables from Scripture, and unyielding faith in the goodness of the American people that makes us a truly great Nation.
    Ruth J. Simmons
    For pioneering equity in our Nation’s higher education system. One of twelve children born into a sharecropper family in Texas, Dr. Ruth Simmons blazed trails in academia as a distinguished professor of literature and the first African American woman president of an Ivy League institution—showing how an education makes one free and fearless.
    Pauline Yu
    For a lifetime of advocacy for the humanities in America. The daughter of Chinese immigrants raised in Rochester, New York, Dr. Pauline Yu is a respected scholar of Chinese poetry and renowned advocate for the humanities, who has deepened cross-cultural understanding through language and literature, and advanced core democratic values of truth, reason, and free inquiry.
    National Humanities Medal – Class of 2023
    Anthony Bourdain (Posthumously)
    For making food a gateway to understanding the world and one another. A beloved chef, writer, and social commentator, Anthony Bourdain is remembered across the globe for his empathy, openness, and humor—approaching every table with equal reverence for the people it convened, and embodying the best of American curiosity and exploration.
    LeVar Burton
    For imagining a more optimistic and enlightened America for everyone. A celebrated actor, advocate, and storyteller, LeVar Burton confronted the trauma of history, took us to the depths of space, and transformed literacy in America by sharing the gift of reading with generations of children, unlocking our imaginations and spirit of discovery.
    Roz Chast
    For healing a Nation with humor and observation. One of the most prolific cartoonists of our time, Roz Chast has wielded pen and watercolor for over 45 years to make ordinary things extraordinary, blaze a trail for women in her field, and define an era of American wit and wisdom.
    Nicolás Kanellos
    For amplifying Hispanic voices in America’s past, present, and future. Raised between Puerto Rico and Jersey City, New Jersey, Nicolás Kanellos channeled a childhood love for Spanish literature into a distinguished literary career in Houston, Texas, leading the Nation’s oldest and largest Hispanic publishing house and elevating the diversity of American literature.
    Robin Wall Kimmerer
    For sharing Indigenous wisdom in America’s natural sciences. A citizen of Potawatomi Nation and a renowned scientist and writer, Robin Wall Kimmerer has transformed our understanding of environmental science by incorporating Indigenous knowledge into college curriculum and critical efforts to heal a climate in crisis, offering new hope for generations to come.
    Mellon Foundation
    For charting an unparalleled course for the arts and humanities in America. For over 50 years, the Mellon Foundation has been the trusted benefactor for thousands of people and organizations harnessing the power of ideas and imagination to advance social justice and freedom, and defend the arts as essential to American democracy.
    Dawn Porter
    For documenting the good, the bad, and the truth of our Nation. Beginning her career as a lawyer, Dawn Porter pursued filmmaking to showcase the vibrancy of Black culture and history. By chronicling the lives of America’s everyday heroes and legendary leaders, her award-winning documentaries remind us that the work of perfecting our Union is essential and never-ending.
    Aaron Sorkin
    For trademark storytelling in America. Drawn to theatre at a young age, Aaron Sorkin found his calling as a groundbreaking writer and creator, scripting and show-running iconic films and television shows that inspired an entire generation to believe in the possibilities of our Nation and walk, talk, and answer “what’s next?”
    Darren Walker
    For showing us hope is the oxygen of democracy. With boundless passion and enduring purpose, Darren Walker harnesses empathy from his modest upbringing in the South to advance the most ambitious philanthropic goals of our Nation, as a visionary leader whose commitment to improving the human condition has fortified justice and good governance in America and around the world.
    Rosita Worl
    For embodying the resilient community spirit of Native American culture. As a child in Alaska, Dr. Rosita Worl survived the brutalities of Federal Indian boarding school that took her from her family and Nation. As an anthropologist and advocate, she has since spent her life pushing to right wrongs and build a new era of understanding and healing.
    Additional information
    National Endowment for the Arts
    The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), established by Congress in 1965, is an independent Federal agency that is the largest public funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. The NEA’s mission is based on an abiding conviction that the arts play an integral role in our national life and public discourse. The arts strengthen and promote the well-being and resilience of people and communities. By advancing equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts belong to and benefit everyone in the United States.
    National Endowment for the Humanities
    Created in 1965 as an independent Federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) supports learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other humanities subjects by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the Nation that support research in the humanities, foster education, nurture humanities infrastructure, and expand the reach of the humanities. Since 1965, NEH has awarded over six billion dollars to cultural institutions, individual scholars, and communities throughout the United States. The Endowment serves and strengthens the country by bringing high-quality historical and cultural experiences to large and diverse audiences in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and five territories; providing opportunities for lifelong learning, expanding access to cultural and educational resources, and preserving the human stories that connect all Americans.
    The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
    The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) was founded in 1982 by Executive Order to advise the President on cultural policy. The First Lady has historically served as Honorary Chair of the Committee, which is composed of members appointed by the President. Private committee members include prominent artists, scholars, and philanthropists who have demonstrated a serious commitment to the arts and humanities. Public members represent the heads of key Federal agencies with a role in culture, including the Chairs of the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities, the Librarian of Congress, the Secretary of the Smithsonian, and the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services among others. The PCAH facilitates public-private partnerships, promotes interagency cooperation, and proposes programs that enhance arts, humanities, museums, and library services across the country. Over the past 40 years, PCAH has catalyzed Federal programs and played a vital role in the advancement of arts and humanities education, cultural diplomacy, and the creative economy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF HOUSE COLLEAGUE CONGRESSMAN RICK NOLAN

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

    PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF HOUSE COLLEAGUE CONGRESSMAN RICK NOLAN

    Washington, DC, October 21, 2024

    For Immediate Release                             Contact: Tionee Scotland
    October 21, 2024                                                    202-808-6129

    PRESS RELEASE

    PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF HOUSE COLLEAGUE CONGRESSMAN RICK NOLAN

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Plaskett joins her colleagues in mourning of the passing of Congressman Rick Nolan.

    “Congressman Nolan had a long, distinguished career in public service, first as a staffer for former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale and ultimately went on to serve six terms in Congress. His dedication to advocacy for American families, particularly those from his home state of Minnesota was unquestionable.

    “Representative Nolan will be dearly missed by House Democrats, myself and my staff. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, staff, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER DELIVERS NEARLY $16 MILLION TO STEUBEN COUNTY, ALSTOM, & BINGHAMTON BATTERY HUB TO DEVELOP CUTTING EDGE BATTERY TECH AT ALSTOM’S HORNELL FACILITY FOR NEXT GEN ENERGY-EFFICIENT TRAINS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Funding Will Help Alstom & Partners Produce And Test Hybrid, Battery-Powered Trains At Southern Tier Facility

    Schumer Urged U.S. Transportation Secretary – Which Brings Together Two Emerging Areas Of Manufacturing In The Southern Tier – To Fund Project Boosted By The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law

    Schumer: Fed $$ For Battery-Powered Rail Development Puts Southern Tier On Track To Lead In Developing Future Of This Industry!

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $15,982,500 for Steuben County IDA, in partnership with Norfolk Southern Railway, Binghamton University’s New Energy New York (NENY) consortium, and Alstom to develop new battery technology for more energy-efficient trains.

    “This nearly $16 million in federal funding puts Steuben County IDA and its partners – including Alstom, a national leader in cutting-edge rail development – on track to develop new state-of-the-art hybrid locomotives that will enhance rail safety and improve climate resilience,” said Senator Schumer. “I’ve led the charge to establish the Southern Tier as a hub for battery manufacturing and research & development, and today’s investment will boost efforts to make sure the next generation of rail technology is stamped ‘Made in Upstate NY.’ I also fought to boost funding for the Department of Transportation’s rail infrastructure improvement program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law and am thrilled that the program is continuing to deliver for NY.”

    This project will help produce and test two hybrid, battery-powered trains at Alstom’s Southern Tier facility and aims to enhance safety and improve climate resilience. The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, which Schumer fought to increase funding for in his Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law.

    “Alstom is grateful to Senator Schumer for his support and leadership that has made New York’s Southern Tier the nation’s center of rail manufacturing excellence,” said Michael Keroullé, Alstom Americas President. “Together with our partners, Steuben County Industrial Development Agency, Binghamton University and Norfolk Southern, we will use this project to develop and test new battery and rail technologies to help advance efforts to decarbonize the freight sector.”

    Steuben County Industrial Development Agency’s Federal Railroad Administration’s Hybrid Locomotive Project aims to develop new battery technology to produce and test two hybrid, battery-diesel locomotives at Alstom’s Kanona facility in Bath. The rebuilt locomotives will use batteries as the primary power source, enhancing safety and improving climate resilience.

    “The Steuben County Industrial Development Agency is pleased to be partnering with Alstom and Norfolk Southern Railway on the development of the locomotive of the future at Alstom’s facility in Kanona, New York.  The CRISI award will help advance a new clean diesel battery hybrid technology that builds off the region’s deep history in transportation manufacturing and innovation in battery and clean energy technology.  The project aligns the region’s strengths to establish the County as a leader in clean tech manufacturing. We appreciate the strong support that Senator Schumer has shown towards the Steuben County IDA and his commitment to new battery technology in the Southern Tier, ” said James C. Johnson, Executive Director of Steuben County Industrial Development Agency.

    The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, which Schumer crafted and led to passage in the Senate, included $5 billion over five years for the CRISI program. The program invests in various projects within the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability; mitigate congestion at both intercity passenger and freight rail chokepoints to support more efficient travel and goods movement; enhance multi-modal connections; and lead to new or substantially improved Intercity Passenger Rail Transportation corridors.

    Schumer has long fought to secure federal investment to boost Binghamton and Upstate NY’s battery manufacturing and R&D. Most recently, Schumer announced the Binghamton University-led Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine won the esteemed U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition (NSF Engines), which was created by his CHIPS & Science Law. Schumer said the Binghamton-led project was one of only ten projects across the country selected for this award which brings $15 million in federal funding, with up to $160 million total over the life of the program from the NSF to supercharge growth and cutting-edge research in battery development and manufacturing in Upstate NY.

    “Our engineers have met with Alstom representatives and discussed future collaborations on this exciting project. Through our Watson College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and through all of our resources available through our New Energy New York and Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine programs, we stand ready to assist Alstom in any way we are able.  Electrification of all forms of transportation– vehicles, planes and trains– is simply what has to happen in the US and we are pleased to play a role in this important transformation,” said Dean Atul Kelkar, Watson College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Binghamton University.

    Schumer secured the prestigious tech hubs designation for Binghamton University’s New Energy New York (NENY) project, which he also created in the CHIPS & Science Act, accelerating the Southern Tier’s emergence as America’s next battery tech hub. Receiving that designation made $500,000 in funding through the CHIPS & Science Law, along with the potential for philanthropic and private sector investment, possible. Schumer designed the Tech Hubs program to strengthen a region’s capacity to commercialize, manufacture, and grow technology in key focus areas like batteries, and now, thanks to his efforts, Binghamton is spurring innovation and bringing the manufacturing of batteries back to America, all while supporting the economic resurgence of the Southern Tier.

    In addition to the NSF Engine award and national recognition through the Tech Hubs program, Schumer’s American Rescue Plan created programs like the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) that also supported Binghamton’s efforts. Schumer personally advocated for the selection of Binghamton University’s battery hub proposal for the BBBRC federal investment and in December 2021, Binghamton’s project was selected as a Phase 1 awardee out of over 500 applications from around the country to compete for a final award. In April 2022, Schumer personally visited the Southern Tier to double down on his advocacy, standing with Dr. Whittingham, to reiterate his support and urge federal leaders to select Binghamton as a final Regional Challenge awardee. 

    Finally, in September 2022, Schumer secured Binghamton’s spot as a final awardee, with a $63.7 million federal investment, one of the largest grants made in the competition, which was matched by $50 million in funding from New York State, to help make the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes a national hub for battery research and manufacturing. Additionally, Schumer brought Dr. Whittingham as his guest to last year’s State of the Union to highlight Binghamton’s national leadership in battery technology.

    A copy of Schumer’s letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg can be found below:

    Dear Secretary Buttigieg:

    I am pleased to write on behalf of the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency’s application to the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Program. This collaborative effort between the Steuben County IDA, Alstom, Norfolk Southern Railway, and Binghamton University’s New Energy New York (NENY) consortium will result in the production and testing of two hybrid, battery-diesel locomotives. The project will demonstrate the efficiency, reliability, and commercial viability of technology that can be implemented to help accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions in the freight rail industry.

    In particular, the project will convert two GP 38/40 locomotives into a battery-diesel hybrid design. These locomotives will be remanufactured at Alstom’s Kanona facility in Bath, NY, and will reuse existing steel frames to significantly reduce carbon emissions. The rebuilt locomotives will use batteries as the primary power source, increasing pulling capacity by approximately 50% and maximizing engine efficiency. In addition, the locomotive will be designed to allow for the diesel engine to be replaced with zero emission technology as it becomes commercially and technology viable. This is a first step toward developing important prototype technology that has the potential to greatly benefit both industry and the environment.

    The Southern Tier is well positioned to help advance energy storage solutions for the freight rail industry given Binghamton University’s NENY. Following years of personal advocacy, NENY was designated a U.S. Economic Development Administration (U.S. EDA) Regional Technology and Innovation Hub, National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine, and secured significant investment through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. These federal awards recognize the region’s ability to lead the nation in battery innovation. Hence, the collaboration with experts at Binghamton University on battery-related subjects such as power density, modeling, and

    optimization underscores the potential of this project.

    I applaud the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency and the other partners for their foresight and sincerely hope the application is met with your approval. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my grants coordinator at (202) 224-6542.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER SECURES WHOPPING $215 MILLION IN FED FUNDING FOR AGING LIVINGSTON AVENUE RAIL BRIDGE – LARGEST CRISI AWARD EVER – TO REPLACE BRIDGE SPANNING THE HUDSON RIVER BETWEEN ALBANY AND RENSSELAER

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Award For Livingston Avenue Bridge Will Help Replace 125 Year Old Structure & Civil War-Era Piers & Is Largest CRISI Award EVER – Federal Funding For Rail Infrastructure Improvements – In The History Of The Program

    Schumer Relentlessly Advocated To Fund Bridge Placement Project, Calling On US Transportation Secretary & Amtrak CEO To Deliver Resources For Critical Infrastructure Improvement In Capital Region

    Schumer: New Bridge Over The Hudson Will Ensure Service And Reliability Of Key Connection To Points West and North Of The Albany/Rensselaer Station, While Allowing For Nautical Traffic Along The River & Finally Establishing A Long Dreamt Of Pedestrian Connection

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $215,104,000 in federal funding for the replacement of the Livingston Avenue Rail Bridge, some of which dates back to the Civil War-era, spanning the Hudson River between Albany and Rensselaer. The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which Schumer fought to increase funding for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, and is the largest CRISI award announced in the history of the program.

    “The Livingston Avenue Bridge provides the only viable passenger rail passage across the Hudson River, between Albany and Rensselaer, but it is approximately 125 years old and rests on piers from the Civil War-era and has deteriorated significantly, putting upstate passenger rail and rover traffic at risk. This whopping $215+ million in federal funding will help replace the bridge, improving service and reliability along the Empire Corridor, ensure river traffic flow, and provide a long desired pedestrian link as well,” said Senator Schumer. “It’s a good day to have the Senate Majority Leader represent the Capital Region. This bridge is the key link that allows passenger travel between New York City and points west of Rensselaer, across Upstate, and north to Montreal. I’ve fought tirelessly to deliver the resources necessary to make this project possible, from fighting to increase funding for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program in the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law and then personally calling Transportation Secretary Buttigieg to secure this grant. I’m proud that the program is delivering BIG – the largest award in the history of the program – for the Capital Region and all of Upstate today.”

    The Livingston Avenue Bridge replacement project will replace the passenger rail bridge spanning the Hudson River between Albany and Rensselaer. The new bridge will allow simultaneous two-track operation and remove speed restrictions, improving service and reliability along the Empire Corridor while keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe.

    Schumer has relentlessly advocated to secure federal funding for this project, personally calling U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg earlier this year and previously urging the CEO of Amtrak to work in partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation and CSX to address the future of the Livingston Avenue Bridge. Earlier this year, Governor Hochul announced $634.8 million in state funding to replace the bridge.

    The Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, which Schumer crafted and led to passage in the Senate, included $5 billion over five years for the CRISI program. The program invests in various projects within the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability; mitigate congestion at both intercity passenger and freight rail chokepoints to support more efficient travel and goods movement; enhance multi-modal connections; and lead to new or substantially improved Intercity Passenger Rail Transportation corridors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Demand Stellantis Keep Its Promises To Autoworkers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    October 24, 2024

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and 20 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Stellantis—the giant automotive manufacturer responsible for common car brands like Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep. In their letter, the senators called on Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares to honor the collective bargaining agreement signed last year with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the promises the company made to strengthen and expand good-paying union jobs in America.

    “We are writing to express our growing concerns about the failure of Stellantis, under your leadership, to honor the commitments it made to the United Auto Workers (UAW) in last year’s collective bargaining agreement…” the senators wrote. “We urge Stellantis not to renege on the promises it made to American autoworkers and to provide details on the timelines for these investments.”

    In the contract ratified last year, Stellantis committed to make nearly $19 billion in new investments and product commitments in the U.S., including: 

    1. Re-opening the plant in Belvidere, Illinois that was “indefinitely idled” last year;
    2. Establishing a parts and customer care Mega Hub in Belvidere;
    3. Continuing to manufacture the Dodge Durango in Detroit through 2025; and
    4. Manufacturing the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit starting in 2026.

    Instead, Stellantis has taken actions that undermine the commitments made to the UAW and leave “behind thousands of American workers who built the company into the auto giant it is today,” the senators wrote. These actions may include moving the next generation Dodge Durango out of the U.S. and into “low-cost” countries like Mexico, as well as delaying planned investments to reopen and expand the Belvidere assembly plant.

    This year, Stellantis has spent over $8 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to benefit its wealthy executives and stockholders. During the first six months of this year, Stellantis has generated over $6 billion in profits, making it one of the most profitable auto companies in the world. The company has also benefited from billions of dollars in financial assistance from American taxpayers and the federal government. In July, the Department of Energy announced Stellantis would receive nearly $335 million in federal dollars to support Belvidere Assembly Plant’s conversion to electric vehicle production.

    “Last year, while blue collar auto workers in Belvidere were being laid off indefinitely, you were able to receive a 56 percent pay raise, boosting your total compensation to $39.5 million, which made you the highest paid executive among traditional auto companies,” the senators continued. “We believe that if Stellantis can afford to spend over $8 billion this year on stock buybacks and dividends, it can live up to the contractual commitments it made to the UAW. This is especially true given the billions of dollars in financial assistance American taxpayers have spent to support your company and the enormous sacrifices autoworkers have been forced to make over many decades.”

    U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also signed the letter.

    The full letter is available HERE and below.

    Dear Mr. Tavares:

    We are writing to express our growing concerns about the failure of Stellantis, under your leadership, to honor the commitments it made to the United Auto Workers (UAW) in last year’s collective bargaining agreement.

    In that contract, ratified by UAW members, Stellantis committed to “establish long-term stability and job security” for its workforce. The agreement includes nearly $19 billion in new investment and product commitments in the United States, including promises to:

    1. Re-open the plant in Belvidere, Illinois that was “indefinitely idled” last year;
    2. Establish a parts and customer care Mega Hub in Belvidere;
    3. Continue to manufacture the Dodge Durango in Detroit through 2025; and
    4. Manufacture the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit starting in 2026.

    We are deeply concerned that Stellantis is not keeping the promises it made to strengthen and expand good-paying union jobs in America.

    Specifically, Stellantis is now delaying planned investments to reopen and expand the Belvidere assembly plant, leaving behind thousands of American workers who built the company into the auto giant it is today. We are also concerned with reporting that Stellantis is planning to move production of the next generation Dodge Durango out of the United States, after previously announcing layoffs that threaten the economic security and well-being of thousands of autoworkers. Moreover, Stellantis has stated publicly that it plans to source 80 percent of supply from “low-cost countries” like Mexico. By your own admission, Stellantis’s growth plan hinges on shifting “industrial production into cost competitive countries” like Mexico, where workers are making substandard wages. These actions violate the obligations Stellantis made to the UAW. We urge Stellantis not to renege on the promises it made to American autoworkers and to provide details on the timelines for these investments.

    This year, Stellantis has spent over $8 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to benefit its wealthy executives and stockholders. Last year, while blue collar auto workers in Belvidere were being laid off indefinitely, you were able to receive a 56 percent pay raise boosting your total compensation to $39.5 million, which made you the highest paid executive among traditional auto companies. During the first six months of this year, Stellantis has generated over $6 billion in profits, making it one of the most profitable auto companies in the world.

    We believe that if Stellantis can afford to spend over $8 billion this year on stock buybacks and dividends, it can live up to the contractual commitments it made to the UAW. This is especially true given the billions of dollars in financial assistance American taxpayers have spent to support your company and the enormous sacrifices autoworkers have been forced to make over many decades.

    For example, the Department of Energy announced in July that nearly $335 million in federal dollars would be going to supporting Belvidere Assembly Plant’s conversion to electric vehicle production. With hundreds of millions of dollars of federal support going towards ensuring strong union jobs stay in the U.S., Stellantis must honor the promises it made to UAW workers and the Belvidere community.

    We urge you to deliver on the commitments you made to the UAW in your 2023 national agreement without further delay.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill, Scutari, Ruiz, Union County Commissioners, and Kean University Come Together to Highlight the Importance of Quality Tutoring Initiatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    UNION, NJ – Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Senate President Nicholas Scutari (LD-22), Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz (LD-29), and the Union County Board of County Commissioners visited Kean University to underscore the importance of high-impact tutoring programs in combating pandemic-related learning loss, supporting New Jersey students, and expanding the education workforce. 

    Sherrill’s bipartisan  Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Actwould help to complement statewide tutoring initiatives championed by Scutari and Ruiz, like the High Impact Tutoring Grant program and the NJ Tutoring Corps, aimed at providing quality tutoring resources to school districts. Recently, Kean University has implemented an innovative tutoring program to help students stay on track in their studies while training aspiring teachers.

    “New Jersey is home to the best public school system in the nation and, as a mom of four, I’m committed to ensuring that every student, in every school district and zip code, can reap the benefits of their Garden State education. That’s why I am proud to work with leaders like Senate President Scutari, Majority Leader Ruiz, and the incredible educators and student tutors at Kean University to expand access to high-quality tutoring for New Jerseyans of all ages and backgrounds. I will continue to work to get my Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act across the finish line to bring back additional federal funding to enact tutoring programs that will help our children get ahead,” said Rep. Sherrill.

    “Tutoring is more than an educational resource. It is an investment in our shared future. By helping students recover from pandemic-related learning loss, high-impact tutoring programs are closing achievement gaps and giving our children the tools they need to succeed in life. When our students thrive, our communities thrive,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari.

    “In New Jersey, over half of third graders are not reading at grade level, and the data is even more troubling for students of color, with 73.6% of Black and 72.5% of Latino third graders falling short. We are at a critical juncture and must have bold, innovative conversations about how we educate our children,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “Academic success leads to better career outcomes and a higher quality of life. If we provide every child, regardless of ZIP code, with the opportunity to reach their potential, we can secure them a brighter future. We’ve made significant state-level investments, and collaboration with Congress will enhance these efforts. I thank Congresswoman Sherrill for her steadfast partnership as we expand high-impact tutoring, close achievement gaps, and strengthen the foundation for our students’ success.”

    “As we take this significant step forward with the Managed Peer-to-Peer Tutoring initiative, I am proud to see our vision becoming a reality. This program, developed through strong partnerships between our Union County Commissioner Board with Kean University and key leaders like Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and Senator Teresa Ruiz, is designed to address the learning challenges our students faced due to the pandemic,” said Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados. “By connecting students with their peers, we aim to create a supportive and effective learning environment that will not only help them recover but excel. Together, we are building a sustainable model for academic success and community connection in Union County.”

    “As New Jersey’s urban research university, Kean is deeply committed to providing the critical support students need to thrive, from Pre-K through higher education,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “We were honored to welcome Congresswoman Sherrill, along with state and county leaders, to our campus to discuss vital tutoring initiatives that will address post-pandemic learning loss. These initiatives are crucial to creating an equitable path to success for students of all backgrounds across New Jersey.”

    Sherrill has long been a leader in supporting New Jersey’s education system and protecting our children and teens. As a former member of the House Education and Labor Committee, she fought hard to support the American Rescue Plan, which helped our students return to the classroom and is continuing to fund tutoring initiatives across New Jersey. Additionally, she is fighting to hold social media companies accountable with the  Kids Online Safety Act and the  Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai opens annual Lujiazui Coffee Festival

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Shanghai continues to lead China’s coffee market with 9,553 coffee shops, officials announced during a news conference on Wednesday at the opening of the Lujiazui Coffee Festival in Pudong New Area.

    Jin Wencheng, director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs’ rural economy research center, released the Global Coffee Industry Development Trends Insight Report and related index at the event, highlighting that China’s annual coffee consumption reached 280,000 metric tons last year, with customers patronizing approximately 157,000 coffee shops nationwide.

    Jointly launched by the China Media Group Shanghai Bureau — the financial program center of CMG — and the research center, the report further pointed out that the value of the coffee industry in China reached 265.4 billion yuan ($37.3 billion) in 2023, an increase of over 30 percent year-on-year. The number of coffee consumers in the country is close to 400 million.

    “The Chinese coffee market has seen significant expansion, emerging as a standout in the global coffee industry,” Jin said, adding that the report and index are constructed based on three key dimensions: industry scale, development quality and industry resilience.

    China’s coffee production increased from 114,000 tons in 2020 to 146,000 tons last year, the report noted. Yunnan province accounts for 98 percent of the national output, making it the primary coffee-producing region in China.

    “Refinement and branding are leading the high-quality development of the domestic coffee industry in China,” said Jin, noting that the proportion of premium domestic coffee products has significantly increased, reaching 22.7 percent this year.

    “Domestic coffee brands are rapidly emerging, and the fusion of coffee culture with tourism has become a new business model,” Jin added.

    On a global scale, coffee production has shown a growth recovery, according to the report.

    Last year, global coffee consumption reached 10.62 million tons, marking a 2.2 percent increase from the previous year, with a total daily consumption of 3 billion cups of coffee.

    Apart from the emerging market in China, countries and regions such as Brazil, the Philippines and South Korea are also experiencing rapid growth in coffee consumption.

    The bustling crowd of coffee enthusiasts at the Lujiazui Coffee Festival — the news conference venue — attests to the fervor of the coffee market.

    Shanghai, which has more coffee shops than any city in China, launched the ninth edition of the coffee festival on Wednesday, which will run until Oct 27.

    Taking place at Shanghai’s Lujiazui Central Greenland, the festival brings together over 260 selected brands, more than 100 boutique coffee shops and over 20 influencers from the industry hailing from over 70 cities worldwide. It serves as a platform for the exchange of creative ideas and the exhibition of the latest coffee-related products.

    Manhattan Coffee Roasters from Rotterdam, Netherlands; Ghostbird Coffee Roastery from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Proud Mary Coffee Roasters from Melbourne, Australia, are among the 12 international specialty coffee brands that are making their domestic debut at the festival.

    Since its inception in 2016, the festival has become a benchmark cultural experience in the coffee industry in China, drawing the cumulative participation of over 850,000 people.

    “As the brand influence of the Lujiazui Coffee Festival continues to grow, it will not only bring more global coffee flavors to Pudong, but also explore new pathways for Chinese domestic coffee to enter the international market,” said Chen Bai, director of the festival.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Volcano Watch — The East Rift Zone of Kilauea was a busy place in the 1960s

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. 

    A fissure on the northwestern crater wall of Makauopuhi Crater on the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea sent lava cascading into the deepest portion of the crater, forming a lava lake. USGS photo taken by E. Endo on March 6, 1965, from a viewing area along the old Chain of Craters Road.

    While there were several summit eruptions at Kīlauea during the 60s, including one that lasted more than 8 months, eruptions along the ERZ (mainly in the upper and middle portions) were much more frequent. Before the 1955 lower ERZ eruption, the last eruption on the ERZ had taken place near Makaopuhi Crater in 1923.

    Following the 1960 Kapoho eruption and three quick summit eruptions in the first half of 1961, a new short-lived ERZ eruption began in late-September of that year. Over the course of two days, 13 small flows erupted from vents that were spread over 21 km (13 mi) of the rift zone from Nāpau crater to within 4 km (2.5 mi) of the area where Leilani Estates Subdivision was later built. The largest lava flows from this eruption were located at the lower end of the fissure system closest to Pāhoa and fed by lava fountains 90 to 120 meters (300–400 ft) tall.

    Two additional 2-day-long eruptions took place in December 1962 and August 1963 just uprift of Nāpau Crater. Both eruptions were very small and their lava flows only covered a combined total of 0.16 square km or about 40 acres of land, a quarter of the size of the 1961 flows.

    Less than two months later, a new eruption began along a 13 km (8 mi) stretch of the rift zone starting at Nāpau Crater and migrating east, downrift, to Kalalua Crater. The single day eruption in October 1963 was much larger than the three previous eruptions, though it covered only 3.24 square km (800 acres). Fissures opened on the rim and floor of Nāpau Crater, sending lava cascades down the crater wall and flows covered about 75 percent of the crater floor.

    In 1965, short-lived eruptions in March and December again opened on the ERZ—uprift of Nāpau Crater. After this time, there was a nearly two-year hiatus in eruptions at Kīlauea volcano until a new eruption started at the summit in late-1967, lasting 251 days.

    After that, activity once again shifted back to the ERZ with eruptions in the upper and middle ERZ in August and October of 1968. Associated seismicity and severe ground deformation were recorded at the summit and eruption sites. 

    On the first day of the August 1968 eruption, fissures opened across the floor and walls of Hi‘iaka Crater, the westernmost eruption site on the upper ERZ during the 1960s. A small lava lake drowned some of the fissures on the crater floor, where much of the ponded lava drained back. Additional fissures opened to the east over the next few days, but only produced small amounts of lava.

    After a little over a month, the October eruption was preceded by tremor and shallow earthquakes in the summit and upper ERZ. The eruption, which lasted 15 days, was the longest in this sequence of middle ERZ eruptions, and spanned from Kānenuiohamo to about where Pu‘u‘ō‘ō cone is now. The eruption shifted along the fissure system but repeatedly focused in and around Nāpau Crater, often flooding the crater floor and sending lava cascading down the crater walls.

    As the decade came to an end, Kīlauea put on a spectacular show with the start of the Maunaulu eruption on May 24, 1969. A series of high fountaining events reaching 540 m (1770 ft), were some of the highest recorded at Kīlauea. Lava flows from this eruption extended south to the ocean, covered large portions of the old Chain of Craters Road, and was (at the time) the largest and longest ERZ eruption in over 2000 years before it came to an end in 1974. 

    As we continue into this new and dynamic era at Kīlauea, it is relevant to look at the past behaviors of the volcano for clues into what the future may hold. The ERZ is known to be quite active, but only time will tell where the volcano erupts next.

    Volcano Activity Updates

    Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.

    Over the past week, earthquake rates beneath Kīlauea summit and upper-to-middle East Rift Zone have nearly doubled. About 50 earthquakes were located beneath the summit, and about 190 were located in the upper-to-middle East Rift Zone. Ground deformation rates remain low following the September 15-20 middle East Rift Zone eruption, but continue to show that magma is moving at a low rate from the summit to the middle East Rift Zone. Future intrusive episodes and eruptions could occur with continued magma supply. The most recent measurement of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate at the summit was 60 tonnes per day on September 17, 2024, and SO2 emissions were not detected at downwind of the eruption site on Monday, September 23.

    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.

    No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week.

    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

    Please visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi urges ‘BRICS Plus’ to pursue common security and development, harmony among civilizations

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech titled “Combining the Great Strength of the Global South To Build Together a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind” at the “BRICS Plus” leaders’ dialogue in Kazan, Russia, Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on “BRICS Plus” countries to strive for common security, common development and harmony among civilizations.

    Xi made the remarks while addressing the “BRICS Plus” leaders’ dialogue.

    Noting that the collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world, Xi said that Global South countries marching together toward modernization is monumental in world history and unprecedented in human civilization.

    Meanwhile, peace and development still faces severe challenges and the road to prosperity for the Global South will not be straight, he pointed out, urging “BRICS Plus” countries to use collective wisdom and strength and stand up to their responsibility for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Xi said that “BRICS Plus” countries should uphold peace and strive for common security, come forward together to form a stabilizing force for peace, strengthen global security governance, and explore solutions to address both symptoms and roots of hotspot issues.

    He said that many parties have warmly responded to the Global Security Initiative he proposed. “Under the Initiative, we have made prominent progress in maintaining regional stability and in many other areas,” he said, adding that China and Brazil jointly issued the six-point consensus and launched the group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis together with other Global South countries.

    He also called on “BRICS Plus” countries to promote early deescalation to pave the way for political settlement.

    Last July, Palestinian factions reconciled with each other in Beijing, marking a key step toward peace in the Middle East, he noted. “We should continue to promote comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and revive the two-State solution. We must stop the flames of war from spreading in Lebanon and end the miserable sufferings in Palestine and Lebanon,” Xi stressed.

    Noting that the Global South emerges for development and prospers through development, Xi said that “BRICS Plus” countries should reinvigorate development and strive for common prosperity, be the main driving force for common development, play an active and leading role in the global economic governance reform, and make development the core of international economic and trade agenda.

    He said that the Global Development Initiative, since its introduction three years ago, has helped make available nearly 20 billion U.S. dollars of development fund and launch more than 1,100 projects. And recently the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing Center of Excellence has been established in Shanghai.

    China will build a World Smart Customs Community Portal and a BRICS Customs Center of Excellence, he noted, adding that China welcomes active participation by all countries.

    Stressing that diversity of civilization is the innate quality of the world, Xi called on “BRICS Plus” countries to promote together development of all civilizations and strive for harmony among them, be advocates for exchanges among civilizations, enhance communication and dialogue, and support each other in taking the path to modernization suited to their respective national conditions.

    He noted that the Global Civilization Initiative he proposed is exactly for the purpose of building a garden of world civilizations “in which we can share and admire the beauty of each civilization,” he said, adding that China will coordinate with others to form a Global South Think Tanks Alliance to promote people-to-people exchanges and experience-sharing in governance.

    Xi stressed that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made systemic plans for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, which will provide more opportunities for the world.

    “Last month, we held in Beijing a successful summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and announced ten partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernization. This will instill new energy for the Global South on its way toward modernization,” he said.

    Xi also said that no matter how the international landscape evolves, “we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart, and maintain our roots in the Global South.”

    China supports more Global South countries in joining the cause of BRICS as full members, partner countries or in the “BRICS Plus” format “so that we can combine the great strength of the Global South to build together a community with a shared future for mankind,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Successfully Pushes Biden Administration to Make Extraction, Material Costs of Critical Minerals Eligible for Tax Credits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she successfully pushed the Biden Administration to update tax credit guidance to include extraction and material costs of critical minerals. Earlier this year, Rosen urged Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to allow critical mineral mining and processing activities to qualify for the 45X tax credit they passed in the Inflation Reduction Act.
    “Nevada is a national leader in mining and critical minerals production, and supporting this industry means growing Nevada’s economy and creating good-paying jobs. That’s why I pushed the Administration to allow mining and processing activities to qualify for the 45X tax credit we created in the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Senator Rosen. “I will stand up to anyone, even my own party, to support industries that are critical for Nevada and our economy.”
    Senator Rosen has been a leader in securing the domestic critical minerals supply chain and advocating for clean energy technologies. Last year, she sent a letter to U.S. National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan requesting an update on the implementation of the provision she secured in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 to support the critical mineral mining industry and bolster the mining workforce. She also pushed back on the Biden Administration’s report on mining on federal lands, highlighting its lack of support for domestic mining and critical mineral supply chains. Senator Rosen also helped introduce bipartisan legislation to protect critical mineral production in response to the misguided Rosemont decision, which is threatening mining projects in Nevada and across the West.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 10.24.2024 ICYMI: Sen. Cruz Receives Recognition for Pivotal Bipartisan Victory, Championing South Texas Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In Case You Missed It: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, was honored yesterday by the city of Laredo and awarded the Key to the City for his leadership in streamlining the presidential permitting process and securing presidential permits to build and expand four major international bridges in South Texas, including two in Laredo. Read the articles below:

    From Texas Border Business: Sen. Ted Cruz’s Leadership Secured Approval for Four International Bridges
    “In a remarkable display of bipartisan cooperation and a commitment to advancing the interests of South Texas, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, has achieved a significant legislative victory, securing the approval for four international bridges. This achievement was celebrated in Laredo, Texas, where Cruz was honored with the Keys to the City by Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño. The event was momentous for the Laredo community and the region’s future prosperity.
    “Mayor Treviño, in his heartfelt presentation, said, ‘The City of Laredo hereby presents the key of the City of Laredo to the United States Senator Ted Cruz, Senator from Texas, for supporting the Laredo community with historic legislation that advances international trade and ensures future prosperity.’ These words underscored the city’s recognition of Cruz’s pivotal role in championing Laredo’s economic and infrastructural future.
    “Taking to the podium, Senator Ted Cruz expressed his deep gratitude: ‘Mayor, thank you very much. I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive the key to the city—an incredible distinction from an amazing place in Texas. I have to say I love South Texas. I love the city of Laredo. It is an incredible hub of commerce, an incredible port to the entire world.’ Cruz’s admiration for the region is evident, but his dedication to improving its infrastructure is even more profound.”

    From KGNS News: Laredo hosts trade talks with Sen. Cruz, federal, and international leaders

    From Laredo Morning Times: Laredo presents ‘long overdue’ Key to the City to Sen. Ted Cruz
    “Cruz gave a brief speech after receiving the honor and spoke about working together on four new bridges in South Texas: two in Laredo, one in Eagle Pass and one in Brownsville.
    “‘They were delaying those bridges for three, four, five years,’ Cruz said. ‘A delegation from the city of Laredo asked me to help, asked me to lead the effort, and I told them I was proud to do so.’ …
    “Cruz said the legislation could help Texas farmers, ranchers, small businesses and consumers. He briefly mentioned another bipartisan effort involving Interstate Highway 27, which would start in Laredo and extend to Montana.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Shapiro to Announce Targeted State, Local, Private, and Philanthropic Investments to Catalyze Downtown Pittsburgh’s Revitalization Plan

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 25, 2024 – Pittsburgh, PA

    ADVISORY – Governor Shapiro to Announce Targeted State, Local, Private, and Philanthropic Investments to Catalyze Downtown Pittsburgh’s Revitalization Plan

    Governor Josh Shapiro will visit Pittsburgh’s Cultural District to unveil a major collective effort with Pittsburgh leaders, nonprofits, and the local business community to make comprehensive investments that will improve Pittsburgh’s downtown area and turn the neighborhood into a thriving center for economic growth, culture, and industry.

    The Shapiro Administration has mobilized a united group of local government officials, private sector leaders, and nonprofits committed to Pittsburgh’s success to make targeted investments into a 10-year strategy to revitalize the Golden Triangle. With significant financial backing from the Commonwealth, this plan will help the city of Pittsburgh create more residential housing, breathe new life into public spaces, and create a cleaner, safer, more vibrant neighborhood for residents and visitors.

    Following the speaking program, principles will be available to participate in interviews upon request.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis
    DCED Secretary Rick Siger
    Emmai Alaquiva, Vice Chair of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
    Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato
    Mayor Ed Gainey
    Senator Jay Costa
    Representative Aerion Abney
    David Holmberg, CEO of Highmark Health
    Shawn Fox, President of Oxford Development Company
    Greg Bernarding, Business Manager, Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council
    Susheela Nemani-Stanger, Executive Director, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh

    WHEN:
    Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:00 AM

    WHERE:
    The Backyard at 8th and Penn
    801 Penn Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15222

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP: Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Fuchun River sparks impromptu poetry on shared human emotions

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    For centuries, Chinese poets have captured the stunning beauty of the Fuchun River in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in simple yet poetic words. This July, poets from the BRICS countries stepped into the same river, drifting along the same route, and engaged in an impromptu poetry session inspired by the Fuchun River.

    The poems, they created on the river during their six-day trip to China, and on a series of cultural activities they took part in have been recorded in the book Messengers from the Vernal Wood, which was released on Oct 18 at the Frankfurt Book Fair, Germany.

    The book compiled by the Poetry Periodical also features poems written by 72 poets who took part in the First International Youth Poetry Festival: Special Session for BRICS Countries in July. It includes works from 49 poets from nine countries — Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Ethiopia, with each poem featured in both the poet’s native language and Chinese. It also includes poems from 23 Chinese poets, with each poem in Chinese and its English translation.

    Li Shaojun, editor of the book, said that poetry is a universal language of humanity, expressing shared human emotions. “The BRICS countries all have rich history, and through the universal language of poetry, we can greatly enhance communication and exchange, connecting more poets from the BRICS nations,” said Li.

    Speaking about his journey to the poetry festival held in China in July, Brazilian poet Thiago Moraes said he was still excited about his first trip to a country that is totally different from his own. “It took me two days to arrive in China. Very hard. But I was so happy to be in China to know new people, new cultures, new perspectives and new ways of living,” said Moraes, who teaches Brazilian literature at a university in Rio de Janeiro.

    In mid-July, aboard a cruise on the picturesque Fuchun River in Hangzhou, Moraes joined poets from China, Ethiopia and Iran for an impromptu poetry session. Each participant crafted a short, simple poem inspired by the beauty of the Fuchun River. This kind of poetry gathering was popular among ancient Chinese scholars.

    The Brazilian poet was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm of the group and the crystal clear green waters of the Fuchun River. He learned about the ancient Chinese poets Bai Juyi and Su Shi, both of whom created many well-known verses. To his surprise, Moraes found some similarities with the Chinese counterparts: they all share a love of nature and a fondness for expressing their inner worlds through landscapes.

    He said poetry makes people stay humble, open and diversified. “We poets should gather our efforts to make a better world instead of fighting all the time,” he added.

    Poet Shaikha Almteiri from the United Arab Emirates said she never imagined that one day she would set foot in China. She was excited about everything she encountered, including the people, the food, the museums, the ancient villages, the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

    She was often asked with questions like what are poets in the UAE writing about? What commonalities exist between UAE poetry and poetry from other countries?

    “At the poetry festival in China, we find that no matter which country we come from, we are all creating with the same voice, the same heart and the same human spirit. We are all writing about the world of humanity, using the language of humanity. For example, we depict beautiful childhoods and the small flowers adorning braids,” she said.

    Almteiri enjoyed the poetry festival and said that such kind of gatherings and exchanges among poets might be the very catalysts for their innovation. She also expected for a future trip to China again.

    For Ethiopian poet Seife Temam, the poetry trip to China made him fall in love with the country’s ancient culture, especially the Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Li Bai. This was also his first visit to China. Previously, he admired Chinese philosopher Laozi and considered him a great Chinese poet as well.

    After visiting several museums, he became enamored with the clothing style and poetry of the Tang dynasty, which he found to be romantic, passionate and unrestrained.

    While cruising on Fuchun River in July, he wrote a romantic verse: “I am a child of the Nile, yet I am captivated by the Fuchun River.”

    Li, the book editor, said that it was the first time for China to hold such kind of international poetry festival of BRICS countries. He hoped that through the book’s publication, the influence of poetry events will grow among poets from BRICS countries, enabling more poets to communicate and exchange ideas with each other.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren on Hegseth Confirmation Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    January 24, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Following the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement:

    “Pete Hegseth’s confirmation will make our nation less safe. Republican Senators approved an unqualified nominee with a long history of alleged substance abuse, sexual harassment, and assault. His confirmation is a slap in the face to the quarter of a million active duty women in our military who are honorably defending our nation. Too few Republican leaders stood up for them. 

    “It is a sad and dangerous day when Republican Senators put loyalty to President Trump ahead of our national security.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cenovus to hold third-quarter conference call and webcast on October 31

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX:CVE) (NYSE: CVE) will release its third-quarter 2024 results on Thursday, October 31. The news release will provide consolidated third-quarter operating and financial information. The company’s financial statements will be available on Cenovus’s website, cenovus.com.

    Conference call: 8 a.m. MT (10 a.m. ET)

    To join the conference call, please dial 1-888-307-2440 (toll-free in North America) or 647-694-2812 to reach a live operator who will place you into the call. A live audio webcast will also be available and archived for approximately 30 days.

    Cenovus Energy Inc.

    Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in a safe, innovative and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

    Find Cenovus on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

    Cenovus contacts:

    Investors Media
    Investor Relations general line
    403-766-7711    		 Media Relations general line
    403-766-7751

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FirstCash Reports Record Third Quarter Operating Results; Strength in U.S. Pawn Segment Drives Record Revenue and Earnings; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FirstCash Holdings, Inc. (“FirstCash” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: FCFS), the leading international operator of more than 3,000 retail pawn stores and a leading provider of retail point-of-sale (“POS”) payment solutions through American First Finance (“AFF”), today announced operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024. The Company also announced that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.38 per share, which will be paid in November 2024.

    Mr. Rick Wessel, chief executive officer, stated, “FirstCash achieved record revenue and earnings results for both the third quarter and year-to-date periods. Impressive third quarter achievements also included a fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in same-store pawn receivables for the U.S. pawn segment. The LatAm pawn segment also saw continued growth in local currency pawn revenues and receivables, while AFF recorded a 14% increase in third quarter gross origination volumes driven primarily by 25% growth in new merchant locations.

    “Expansion of retail pawn locations continues to be robust as well, with the opening of 16 new pawn stores in the third quarter and the combined opening and acquisition of 83 total stores during the first nine months of this year. Growth in the number of stores and earning assets, coupled with consistent shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases, continue to be funded primarily through operating cash flows.”

    This release contains adjusted financial measures, which exclude certain non-operating and/or non-cash income and expenses, that are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the descriptions and reconciliations to GAAP of these and other non-GAAP financial measures at the end of this release.

        Three Months Ended September 30,
        As Reported (GAAP)   Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
    In thousands, except per share amounts   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue   $ 837,321   $ 786,301   $ 837,321   $ 786,301
    Net income   $ 64,827   $ 57,144   $ 75,179   $ 70,775
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 1.44   $ 1.26   $ 1.67   $ 1.56
    EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)   $ 138,134   $ 129,350   $ 139,278   $ 132,985
    Weighted-average diluted shares     44,970     45,374     44,970     45,374
        Nine Months Ended September 30,
        As Reported (GAAP)   Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
    In thousands, except per share amounts   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue   $ 2,504,703   $ 2,299,662   $ 2,504,703   $ 2,299,662
    Net income   $ 175,268   $ 149,712   $ 207,266   $ 184,028
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 3.88   $ 3.27   $ 4.58   $ 4.02
    EBITDA (non-GAAP measure)   $ 388,372   $ 348,291   $ 392,752   $ 350,028
    Weighted-average diluted shares     45,214     45,747     45,214     45,747
                             

    Consolidated Operating Highlights

    • Gross revenues totaled $837 million in the third quarter, an increase of 6% on a U.S. dollar basis and 9% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior-year quarter. Year-to-date revenues totaled $2.5 billion, an increase of 9%, in both dollars and constant currency, compared to the prior-year period.
    • Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter increased 14% over the prior-year quarter on a GAAP basis while adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 7% compared to the prior-year quarter. Year-to-date diluted earnings per share increased 19% over the prior-year period on a GAAP basis while adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 14% compared to the prior-year period.
    • Net income for the third quarter increased 13% over the prior-year quarter on a GAAP basis while adjusted net income increased 6% compared to the prior-year quarter. Year-to-date, net income totaled $175 million on a GAAP basis while adjusted net income was $207 million. 
    • For the trailing twelve month period ended September 30, 2024:
      • Revenues totaled a record $3.4 billion
      • Net income totaled $245 million on a GAAP basis while adjusted net income was $300 million
      • Adjusted EBITDA was $554 million
      • Operating cash flows were $441 million and adjusted free cash flows were $217 million

    Store Base and Platform Growth

    • Pawn Stores – 16 new pawn locations were added in the third quarter through acquisitions and new store openings. Year-to-date through September 30, 2024, a total of 83 pawn locations have been added:
      • One U.S. store was acquired in Georgia during the third quarter. Year-to-date through September 30, 2024, a total of 29 new locations have opened or been acquired in the U.S.
      • There were 15 new store openings in Latin America in the third quarter which included 11 locations in Mexico and four locations in Guatemala. Year-to-date through September 30, 2024, a total of 54 new locations have opened in Latin America.
      • As of September 30, 2024, the Company had 3,025 locations, comprised of 1,201 U.S. locations and 1,824 locations in Latin America.
    • Retail POS Payment Solutions (AFF) Merchant Partnerships – At September 30, 2024, there were approximately 13,500 active retail and e-commerce merchant partner locations, representing a 25% increase in the number of active merchant locations compared to a year ago.

    U.S. Pawn Segment Operating Results

    • Segment pre-tax operating income in the third quarter of 2024 was a record $98 million, an increase of $14 million, or 16%, compared to the prior-year quarter. The resulting segment pre-tax operating margin was 25% for the third quarter of 2024 which is consistent with the margin for the prior-year quarter.
    • Year-to-date segment pre-tax operating income increased by $48 million, or 20%, compared to the prior-year period. The pre-tax operating margin increased to 25% for the year-to-date period, as compared to the 24% margin for the prior-year period.
    • Pawn receivables continued to grow to record levels, increasing 12% in total at September 30, 2024 compared to the prior year. The increase in total pawn receivables was driven by a 4% increase in the weighted-average U.S. store count coupled with an impressive 10% same-store increase. The same-store increase was driven by a 7% increase in average loan size and a 3% increase in the number of loans outstanding.
    • Pawn loan fees increased 13% for the third quarter and 18% year-to-date, while on a same-store basis, pawn loan fee revenue increased 8% for the quarter and 11% year-to-date compared to the respective prior-year periods. The increased pawn loan fee revenue reflected both store growth and continued growth in demand for pawn loans.
    • Retail merchandise sales increased 15% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the prior-year quarter, while same-store retail sales increased 7% compared to the prior-year quarter.
    • Retail sales margins were 43% for the third quarter, improving sequentially over the second quarter and in-line with the prior-year margins. Year-to-date margins were 42% compared to 43% in the prior-year period.
    • Annualized inventory turnover was 2.8 times for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2024, which equaled the prior-year annualized inventory turnover. Inventories aged greater than one year at September 30, 2024 remained low at 2% of total inventories.
    • Operating expenses for the third quarter increased 12% in total due to the 4% weighted-average store count growth over the past year and increased same-store expenses of 6% compared to the prior-year period.

    Latin America Pawn Segment Operating Results

    Note: Certain growth rates below are calculated on a constant currency basis, a non-GAAP financial measure defined at the end of this release. The average Mexican peso to U.S. dollar exchange rate for the third quarter of 2024 was 18.9 pesos / dollar, an unfavorable change of 11% versus the comparable prior-year period, and for the nine month period ended September 30, 2024 was 17.7 pesos / dollar, a favorable change of 1% versus the prior-year period.

    • Third quarter segment pre-tax operating income totaled $38 million, a 6% decline on a U.S. dollar-basis compared to the prior year due primarily to an 11% decline in the Mexican peso exchange rate. On a constant currency basis, segment income increased 2% for the quarter. The resulting pre-tax operating margin was 19% compared to 20% in the prior-year quarter.
    • Year-to-date segment pre-tax operating income totaled $107 million, a 4% decline on a U.S. dollar-basis compared to the prior-year period due primarily to increased labor costs and store expansion expenses as described further below. The year-to-date pre-tax operating margin was 18% compared to 19% in the prior-year period.
    • While total and same-store pawn loan fees in the third quarter decreased 4% on a U.S. dollar-basis, they increased 6% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior-year quarter. Year-to-date pawn loan fees increased 7%, or 6% on a constant currency basis, compared to the prior-year period. Same-store pawn loan fees were up 6%, both in total and on a constant currency basis, compared to the prior year-to-date period.
    • While total and same-store receivables at September 30, 2024 were down 4% on a U.S. dollar basis, they increased 6% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior year.
    • Both total and same-store retail merchandise sales in the third quarter of 2024 decreased 3% on a U.S. dollar basis, but increased 7% on a constant currency basis compared to the prior-year quarter. Year-to-date retail merchandise sales increased 4% in total and on a constant currency basis while same-store retail merchandise sales increased 4%, or 3% on a constant currency basis.
    • Retail margins were 35% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 36% in the prior-year quarter. Annualized inventory turnover was 4.2 times for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 4.3 times in the prior-year period. Inventories aged greater than one year at September 30, 2024 remained extremely low at 1%.
    • Operating expenses decreased 1% in total and 2% on a same-store basis compared to the prior-year quarter. On a constant currency basis, they increased 8% in total and on a same-store basis. The increase in constant currency expenses from all stores reflected increased store counts, accelerated store opening activity and higher labor costs (due primarily to further increases in the federal minimum wage and other mandated benefit programs), along with other inflationary impacts.

    American First Finance (AFF) – Retail POS Payment Solutions Segment Operating Results

    • Third quarter segment pre-tax operating income totaled $30 million compared to $39 million in the prior-year quarter, as a significant $35 million dollar increase in gross transaction origination volume over the same quarter last year drove an increase in up-front lifetime lease and loan loss provisioning of approximately $10 million.
    • Year-to-date segment pre-tax operating income totaled $89 million, a 1% increase over the prior-year period which was also generally consistent with year-to-date gross origination activity.
    • Segment revenues for the quarter, comprised of lease-to-own (“LTO”) fees and interest and fees on finance receivables, were flat compared to the prior-year quarter while increasing 4% year-to-date.
    • Gross transaction volume of lease and loan originations during the third quarter increased $35 million, or 14%, compared to last year, driven primarily by the 25% increase in active merchant door counts and continued growth in non-furniture verticals. Excluding furniture, third quarter origination volume increased approximately 35%. For the year-to-date period, overall gross transaction volume increased 5% over the same prior-year period and was up 23% excluding furniture.
    • Combined gross leased merchandise and finance receivables outstanding at September 30, 2024 increased 1% compared to the September 30, 2023 balances.
    • The combined lease and loan loss provision as a percentage of the total gross transaction volume originated was 28% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to the 29% provisioning rate in the third quarter of 2023. The resulting allowance on combined leased merchandise and finance receivables at September 30, 2024 was 44% of gross leased merchandise and receivables, which was consistent with the prior year.
    • The average monthly net charge-off (“NCO”) rate for combined leased merchandise and finance receivable products was 5.8% for the third quarter of 2024 and 5.2% for the year-to-date period. While slightly above the prior year, charge-offs remain within the range of forecast expectations.
    • Operating expenses were flat compared to the prior-year quarter and the year-to-date period, which was reflective of continued realization of operating synergies.

    Cash Flow and Liquidity

    • Each of the Company’s business segments generated significant operating cash flows during the twelve month period ended September 30, 2024. Consolidated operating cash flows for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2024 totaled $441 million and adjusted free cash flows (a non-GAAP measure) were $217 million.
    • The operating cash flows helped fund significant growth in earning assets and continued investments in the store platform over the past twelve months with a nominal increase in net debt:
      • A total of 36 pawn stores were acquired for a combined purchase price of $82 million.
      • 64 new, or de novo, pawn stores were added with a combined investment of $20 million in fixed assets and working capital.
      • Investments in real estate totaled $78 million as the Company purchased the underlying real estate at 63 of its existing pawn stores, bringing the number of owned properties to over 380 locations.
    • In August 2024, the Company amended its U.S. revolving commercial bank credit facility to increase the total lender commitment from $640 million to $700 million with two new banks added to the commercial bank lending group. The term of the facility was extended through August 8, 2029. In addition, the permitted consolidated leverage ratio was increased to 3.25 times adjusted EBITDA for the full term of the agreement, while the other financial covenants remain substantially unchanged.
    • Over $1.5 billion of the Company’s long-term financing remains fixed rate debt with favorable interest rates ranging from 4.625% to 6.875% and maturity dates that do not begin until 2028 and continue into 2032.
    • Based on trailing twelve month results, the net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was 2.96x at September 30, 2024.

    Shareholder Returns

    • The Board of Directors declared a $0.38 per share fourth quarter cash dividend, which will be paid on November 27, 2024 to stockholders of record as of November 15, 2024. This represents an annualized dividend of $1.52 per share. Any future dividends are subject to approval by the Company’s Board of Directors.
    • Year-to-date, the Company has repurchased $85 million of common stock. The Company has $115 million available under the $200 million share repurchase program authorized in July 2023. Future share repurchases are subject to expected liquidity, acquisitions and other investment opportunities, debt covenant restrictions, market conditions and other relevant factors.
    • The Company generated a 12% return on equity and a 6% return on assets for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024. Using adjusted net income for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024, the adjusted return on equity was 15% while the adjusted return on assets was 7%.

    2024 Outlook

    The outlook for the remainder of 2024 continues to be highly positive, with expected year-over-year growth in consolidated revenue and earnings driven by the continued growth in earning asset balances coupled with store additions. Anticipated conditions and trends for the fourth quarter include the following:

    Pawn Operations:

    • Pawn operations are expected to remain the primary earnings driver in 2024 as the Company expects segment income from the combined U.S. and Latin America pawn segments to be over 80% of total segment level pre-tax income for the full year.
    • The company is targeting the addition of approximately 90 total pawn locations for 2024 through a combination of new store openings and acquisitions.

    U.S. Pawn

    • Pawn receivables were up 12% at September 30, 2024 compared to a year ago, with October balances to date up similarly. Resulting pawn fees are expected to increase in the range of 10% to 12%.
    • Retail sales growth is expected to remain in-line with the inventory growth of 10% at the most recent quarter end while retail margins are projected to remain consistent with the year-to-date results.

    Latin America Pawn

    • Latin America results in the fourth quarter are expected to be negatively impacted by the lower exchange rate for the Mexican peso which has recently been in a range of 19 to 20 pesos per U.S. dollar.
    • Pawn loan growth to-date in October is up approximately 8% on a constant currency basis, although down 2% on a U.S. dollar basis as compared to the prior year assuming the current exchange rate. A similar result is projected for constant currency fourth quarter pawn fees.
    • Retail sales in Latin America are also expected to increase in-line with inventory growth of 9% on a constant currency basis and are expected to be roughly flat to the prior year on a U.S. dollar basis, assuming the current exchange rate, with consistent retail margins.

    Retail POS Payment Solutions (AFF) Operations:

    • While weakness in the macro furniture retail environment continues to negatively impact performance from many of its merchant retail partners in the furniture retail vertical, year-over-year growth in gross transaction volumes is still projected for the full year and fourth quarter of 2024, driven by increasing active merchant doors and further expansion of non-furniture verticals. Resulting full year gross revenues for 2024 are expected to remain at or above the prior-year level. AFF now expects furniture to account for less than 40% of 2024 originations compared to almost 50% in 2023.
    • The origination and revenue outlook takes into consideration the previously announced bankruptcy filing of Conn’s Home Plus which now assumes minimal originations from November 2024 forward from this merchant relationship.
    • Anticipated provision rates (combined provision for lease and loan losses as a percentage of the total gross transaction volume originated) are expected to range between 25% and 28% in the fourth quarter of the year.

    Interest Expense, Tax Rates and Currency:

    • Interest expense for the fourth quarter is expected to be consistent with the prior year.
    • The full year 2024 effective income tax rate under current tax codes in the U.S. and Latin America is expected to range from 24.5% to 25.5%.
    • Each full point change in the exchange rate of the Mexican peso represents an annual earnings impact of approximately $0.10 per share.

    Additional Commentary and Analysis   

    Mr. Wessel provided additional insights on the Company’s third quarter results and outlook for the remainder of 2024, “Our results continue to demonstrate strong fundamental product demand trends which we expect to drive future revenue and earnings growth.

    “The U.S. pawn segment again saw continued record levels of demand for pawn loans and record per store loan balances. The 10% growth in same-store pawn receivables is especially strong given that the comparative prior-year comp was 11%. On a stacked, two-year basis, same-store pawn loans are up 21% compared to the third quarter of 2022, illustrating tremendous, continued momentum in the business. Demand trends in October remain strong and we believe lending volumes should continue to also benefit from increased gold prices while our inventories are well positioned for the holiday sales season.

    “In Latin America, currency adjusted pawn receivables and pawn fees continued to show impressive growth in the third quarter, with further acceleration to date in October, while third quarter retail sales grew even faster. While the volatility of the Mexican peso slightly impacted third quarter earnings results by approximately $0.04 per share, there is minimal impact on cash flows as we continue to reinvest a large portion of our cash flows in Latin America. We believe in the long term opportunity for Latin America, driven by near-shore manufacturing expansion and the use of pawn loans being an integral part of the economy for our customer base.

    “Unit growth in both pawn segments remains exceptional. We have now added 83 stores this year and a total of 240 stores since the beginning of 2023. Looking ahead, we continue to see and evaluate expansion opportunities across markets in both the U.S. and Latin America.

    “AFF’s gross transaction volumes in the third quarter improved both sequentially and year-over-year (even when excluding Conn’s Home Plus third quarter closeout volume) with significant contributions from both new doors and expanding non-furniture verticals driven largely by robust productivity from our field sales channel. Excluding furniture, third quarter origination volume increased approximately 35%. This growth has led to a further decrease in large merchant concentration risk, with the largest merchant partner now representing approximately 12% of current total gross transaction volume. Additionally, combined lease and loan losses remain well within our target metrics while the combined reserve remains consistent at over 40% of the total portfolio.

    “All of FirstCash’s business segments continue to generate strong cash flows while its balance sheet remains highly liquid. Over 60% of pawn loans are collateralized with jewelry, which is primarily gold and very liquid, while almost 50% of retail inventories are comprised of jewelry that typically has the highest margins. Our balance sheet maintains favorable unsecured financing featuring long-dated maturities at attractive rates. Accordingly, we believe that we are well positioned to drive continued shareholder value through organic store growth, strategic acquisitions, dividends and share repurchases,” concluded Mr. Wessel.

    About FirstCash

    FirstCash is the leading international operator of pawn stores focused on serving cash and credit-constrained consumers. FirstCash’s more than 3,000 pawn stores in the U.S. and Latin America buy and sell a wide variety of jewelry, electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods, musical instruments and other merchandise, and make small non-recourse pawn loans secured by pledged personal property. FirstCash’s pawn segments in the U.S. and Latin America currently account for approximately 80% of segment earnings, with the remainder provided by its wholly owned subsidiary, AFF, which provides lease-to-own and retail finance payment solutions for consumer goods and services.

    FirstCash is a component company in both the Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index® and the Russell 2000 Index®. FirstCash’s common stock (ticker symbol “FCFS”) is traded on the Nasdaq, the creator of the world’s first electronic stock market. For additional information regarding FirstCash and the services it provides, visit FirstCash’s websites located at http://www.firstcash.com and http://www.americanfirstfinance.com.

    Forward-Looking Information     

    This release contains forward-looking statements about the business, financial condition, outlook and prospects of FirstCash Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (together, the “Company”), including the Company’s outlook for 2024. Forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “outlook,” “believes,” “projects,” “expects,” “may,” “estimates,” “should,” “plans,” “targets,” “intends,” “could,” “would,” “anticipates,” “potential,” “confident,” “optimistic,” or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, objectives, estimates, guidance, expectations, outlook and future plans. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by the fact these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Rather, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties.

    While the Company believes the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurances such expectations will prove to be accurate. Security holders are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors may cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements made in this release. Such factors may include, without limitation, risks related to the extensive regulatory environment in which the Company operates; risks associated with the legal and regulatory proceedings that the Company is a party to or may become a party to in the future, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”) lawsuit filed against the Company; risks related to the Company’s acquisitions, including the failure of the Company’s acquisitions to deliver the estimated value and benefits expected by the Company and the ability of the Company to continue to identify and consummate acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all; potential changes in consumer behavior and shopping patterns which could impact demand for the Company’s pawn loan, retail, lease-to-own (“LTO”) and retail finance products; labor shortages and increased labor costs; a deterioration in the economic conditions in the United States and Latin America, including as a result of inflation, elevated interest rates and higher gas prices, which potentially could have an impact on discretionary consumer spending and demand for the Company’s products; currency fluctuations, primarily involving the Mexican peso; competition the Company faces from other retailers and providers of retail payment solutions; the ability of the Company to successfully execute on its business strategies; contraction in sales activity at merchant partners of the Company’s retail POS payment solutions business; impact of store closures, financial difficulties or even bankruptcies at the merchant partners of the Company’s retail POS payment solutions business; and other risks discussed and described in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the risks described in Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” thereof, and other reports filed with the SEC. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the ability of the Company to control, nor can the Company predict, in many cases, all of the risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of the date of this release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to report any updates or revisions to any such statement to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (unaudited, in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue:              
    Retail merchandise sales $ 363,141     $ 335,081     $ 1,093,425     $ 983,860  
    Pawn loan fees   186,561       174,560       547,142       480,298  
    Leased merchandise income   188,560       189,382       588,801       562,625  
    Interest and fees on finance receivables   61,198       61,413       175,384       174,247  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales   37,861       25,865       99,951       98,632  
    Total revenue   837,321       786,301       2,504,703       2,299,662  
                   
    Cost of revenue:              
    Cost of retail merchandise sold   218,178       199,719       659,854       590,991  
    Depreciation of leased merchandise   104,928       103,698       335,369       307,824  
    Provision for lease losses   39,171       39,736       129,834       141,674  
    Provision for loan losses   40,557       33,096       102,091       90,571  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold   29,880       21,405       81,711       79,012  
    Total cost of revenue   432,714       397,654       1,308,859       1,210,072  
                   
    Net revenue   404,607       388,647       1,195,844       1,089,590  
                   
    Expenses and other income:              
    Operating expenses   224,926       211,524       674,431       615,366  
    Administrative expenses   40,930       45,056       129,563       124,428  
    Depreciation and amortization   25,933       27,365       78,507       81,526  
    Interest expense   27,424       24,689       78,029       66,657  
    Interest income   (403 )     (328 )     (1,407 )     (1,253 )
    Loss (gain) on foreign exchange   882       (286 )     2,133       (1,905 )
    Merger and acquisition expenses   225       3,387       2,186       3,670  
    Other expenses (income), net   (490 )     (384 )     (841 )     (260 )
    Total expenses and other income   319,427       311,023       962,601       888,229  
                   
    Income before income taxes   85,180       77,624       233,243       201,361  
                   
    Provision for income taxes   20,353       20,480       57,975       51,649  
                   
    Net income $ 64,827     $ 57,144     $ 175,268     $ 149,712  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (unaudited, in thousands)
     
      September 30,   December 31,
      2024   2023   2023
    ASSETS          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 106,320     $ 86,547     $ 127,018  
    Accounts receivable, net   74,378       72,336       71,922  
    Pawn loans   517,877       483,785       471,846  
    Finance receivables, net   123,751       113,307       113,901  
    Inventories   334,394       314,382       312,089  
    Leased merchandise, net   137,769       143,169       171,191  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   34,861       21,114       38,634  
    Total current assets   1,329,350       1,234,640       1,306,601  
               
    Property and equipment, net   689,075       604,673       632,724  
    Operating lease right of use asset   329,228       312,097       328,458  
    Goodwill   1,788,795       1,713,354       1,727,652  
    Intangible assets, net   241,389       291,690       277,724  
    Other assets   10,339       10,057       10,242  
    Deferred tax assets, net   4,671       8,052       6,514  
    Total assets $ 4,392,847     $ 4,174,563     $ 4,289,915  
               
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 133,792     $ 146,873     $ 163,050  
    Customer deposits and prepayments   78,083       71,752       70,580  
    Lease liability, current   96,598       98,745       101,962  
    Total current liabilities   308,473       317,370       335,592  
               
    Revolving unsecured credit facilities   200,000       560,229       568,000  
    Senior unsecured notes   1,530,604       1,037,151       1,037,647  
    Deferred tax liabilities, net   127,425       139,713       136,773  
    Lease liability, non-current   227,151       202,516       215,485  
    Total liabilities   2,393,653       2,256,979       2,293,497  
               
    Stockholders’ equity:          
    Common stock   575       573       573  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,764,351       1,737,497       1,741,046  
    Retained earnings   1,344,542       1,164,228       1,218,029  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (114,807 )     (64,521 )     (43,037 )
    Common stock held in treasury, at cost   (995,467 )     (920,193 )     (920,193 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   1,999,194       1,917,584       1,996,418  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,392,847     $ 4,174,563     $ 4,289,915  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    U.S. PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    U.S. Pawn Operating Results and Margins (dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended        
      September 30,    
      2024   2023   Increase
    Revenue:                  
    Retail merchandise sales $ 235,037     $ 203,769       15 %  
    Pawn loan fees   128,393       114,022       13 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales   26,685       17,140       56 %  
    Total revenue   390,115       334,931       16 %  
                       
    Cost of revenue:                  
    Cost of retail merchandise sold   134,966       115,670       17 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold   21,393       14,297       50 %  
    Total cost of revenue   156,359       129,967       20 %  
                       
    Net revenue   233,756       204,964       14 %  
                       
    Segment expenses:                  
    Operating expenses   128,104       113,976       12 %  
    Depreciation and amortization   7,365       6,586       12 %  
    Total segment expenses   135,469       120,562       12 %  
                       
    Segment pre-tax operating income $ 98,287     $ 84,402       16 %  
                       
    Operating metrics:                  
    Retail merchandise sales margin 43 %   43 %        
    Net revenue margin 60 %   61 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin 25 %   25 %        
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    U.S. PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
      Nine Months Ended        
      September 30,    
      2024   2023   Increase
    Revenue:                  
    Retail merchandise sales $ 702,120     $ 610,493       15 %  
    Pawn loan fees   371,699       315,679       18 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales   70,722       61,108       16 %  
    Total revenue   1,144,541       987,280       16 %  
                       
    Cost of revenue:                  
    Cost of retail merchandise sold   407,329       349,138       17 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold   57,928       49,604       17 %  
    Total cost of revenue   465,257       398,742       17 %  
                       
    Net revenue   679,284       588,538       15 %  
                       
    Segment expenses:                  
    Operating expenses   372,191       331,916       12 %  
    Depreciation and amortization   21,609       18,786       15 %  
    Total segment expenses   393,800       350,702       12 %  
                       
    Segment pre-tax operating income $ 285,484     $ 237,836       20 %  
                       
    Operating metrics:                  
    Retail merchandise sales margin 42 %   43 %        
    Net revenue margin 59 %   60 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin 25 %   24 %        
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    U.S. PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    U.S. Pawn Earning Assets and Portfolio Metrics (dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted)
     
      As of September 30,    
      2024   2023   Increase
    Earning assets:                  
    Pawn loans $ 380,962     $ 341,123       12 %  
    Inventories   238,668       217,406       10 %  
      $ 619,630     $ 558,529       11 %  
                       
    Average outstanding pawn loan amount (in ones) $ 264     $ 245       8 %  
                       
    Composition of pawn collateral:                  
    General merchandise 30 %   31 %        
    Jewelry 70 %   69 %        
      100 %   100 %        
                       
    Composition of inventories:                  
    General merchandise 43 %   45 %        
    Jewelry 57 %   55 %        
      100 %   100 %        
                       
    Percentage of inventory aged greater than one year 2 %   1 %        
                       
    Inventory turns (trailing twelve months cost of merchandise sales divided by average inventories) 2.8 times   2.8 times        
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    LATIN AMERICA PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Constant currency results are non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude the effects of foreign currency translation and are calculated by translating current-year results at prior-year average exchange rates. See the “Constant Currency Results” section below for additional discussion of constant currency operating results.
     
    Latin America Pawn Operating Results and Margins (dollars in thousands)
     
                          Constant Currency Basis
                          Three Months        
                    Ended        
        Three Months Ended           September 30,   Increase /
        September 30,   Increase /   2024   (Decrease)
        2024     2023   (Decrease)   (Non-GAAP)   (Non-GAAP)
    Revenue:                              
    Retail merchandise sales   $ 129,081       $ 132,784       (3 )%     $ 142,147       7 %  
    Pawn loan fees     58,168         60,538       (4 )%       64,130       6 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales     11,176         8,725       28 %       11,176       28 %  
    Total revenue     198,425         202,047       (2 )%       217,453       8 %  
                                   
    Cost of revenue:                              
    Cost of retail merchandise sold     83,729         84,816       (1 )%       92,131       9 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold     8,487         7,108       19 %       9,378       32 %  
    Total cost of revenue     92,216         91,924       — %       101,509       10 %  
                                   
    Net revenue     106,209         110,123       (4 )%       115,944       5 %  
                                   
    Segment expenses:                              
    Operating expenses     63,062         63,907       (1 )%       69,199       8 %  
    Depreciation and amortization     4,676         5,236       (11 )%       5,117       (2 )%  
    Total segment expenses     67,738         69,143       (2 )%       74,316       7 %  
                                     
    Segment pre-tax operating income   $ 38,471       $ 40,980       (6 )%     $ 41,628       2 %  
                                   
    Operating metrics:                              
    Retail merchandise sales margin 35 %   36 %         35 %        
    Net revenue margin 54 %   55 %         53 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin 19 %   20 %         19 %        
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    LATIN AMERICA PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
                          Constant Currency Basis
                          Nine Months        
                    Ended        
        Nine Months Ended           September 30,   Increase /
        September 30,   Increase /    2024   (Decrease)
         2024      2023   (Decrease)   (Non-GAAP)   (Non-GAAP)
    Revenue:                              
    Retail merchandise sales   $ 394,375       $ 378,302       4 %     $ 391,606       4 %  
    Pawn loan fees     175,443         164,619       7 %       174,228       6 %  
    Wholesale scrap jewelry sales     29,229         37,524       (22 )%       29,229       (22 )%  
    Total revenue     599,047         580,445       3 %       595,063       3 %  
                                   
    Cost of revenue:                              
    Cost of retail merchandise sold     254,188         244,439       4 %       252,377       3 %  
    Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold     23,783         29,408       (19 )%       23,627       (20 )%  
    Total cost of revenue     277,971         273,847       2 %       276,004       1 %  
                                   
    Net revenue     321,076         306,598       5 %       319,059       4 %  
                                   
    Segment expenses:                              
    Operating expenses     198,389         179,170       11 %       196,986       10 %  
    Depreciation and amortization     15,199         15,884       (4 )%       15,072       (5 )%  
    Total segment expenses     213,588         195,054       10 %       212,058       9 %  
                                   
    Segment pre-tax operating income   $ 107,488       $ 111,544       (4 )%     $ 107,001       (4 )%  
                                   
    Operating metrics:                              
    Retail merchandise sales margin 36 %   35 %         36 %        
    Net revenue margin 54 %   53 %         54 %        
    Segment pre-tax operating margin 18 %   19 %         18 %        
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    LATIN AMERICA PAWN SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Latin America Pawn Earning Assets and Portfolio Metrics (dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted)
     
                          Constant Currency Basis
                          As of        
                          September 30,    
      As of September 30,       2024   Increase
      2024   2023   (Decrease)   (Non-GAAP)   (Non-GAAP)
    Earning assets:                              
    Pawn loans $ 136,915     $ 142,662       (4 )%   $ 151,486     6 %  
    Inventories   95,726       96,976       (1 )%     105,792     9 %  
      $ 232,641     $ 239,638       (3 )%   $ 257,278     7 %  
                                   
    Average outstanding pawn loan amount (in ones) $ 85     $ 89       (4 )%   $ 94     6 %  
                                   
    Composition of pawn collateral:                              
    General merchandise 62 %   66 %                    
    Jewelry 38 %   34 %                    
      100 %   100 %                    
                                   
    Composition of inventories:                              
    General merchandise 70 %   68 %                    
    Jewelry 30 %   32 %                    
      100 %   100 %                    
                                   
    Percentage of inventory aged greater than one year 1 %   1 %                    
                                   
    Inventory turns (trailing twelve months cost of merchandise sales divided by average inventories) 4.2 times   4.3 times                    
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Retail POS Payment Solutions Operating Results (dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
      2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Revenue:              
    Leased merchandise income $ 188,560   $ 189,382     — %  
    Interest and fees on finance receivables   61,198     61,413     — %  
    Total revenue   249,758     250,795     — %  
                   
    Cost of revenue:              
    Depreciation of leased merchandise   105,308     104,198     1 %  
    Provision for lease losses   39,268     39,640     (1 )%  
    Provision for loan losses   40,557     33,096     23 %  
    Total cost of revenue   185,133     176,934     5 %  
                   
    Net revenue   64,625     73,861     (13 )%  
                   
    Segment expenses:              
    Operating expenses   33,760     33,641     — %  
    Depreciation and amortization   679     771     (12 )%  
    Total segment expenses   34,439     34,412     — %  
                   
    Segment pre-tax operating income $ 30,186   $ 39,449     (23 )%  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
      Nine Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
      2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Revenue:              
    Leased merchandise income $ 588,801   $ 562,625     5 %  
    Interest and fees on finance receivables   175,384     174,247     1 %  
    Total revenue   764,185     736,872     4 %  
                   
    Cost of revenue:              
    Depreciation of leased merchandise   336,649     309,432     9 %  
    Provision for lease losses   130,272     141,854     (8 )%  
    Provision for loan losses   102,091     90,571     13 %  
    Total cost of revenue   569,012     541,857     5 %  
                   
    Net revenue   195,173     195,015     — %  
                   
    Segment expenses:              
    Operating expenses   103,851     104,280     — %  
    Depreciation and amortization   2,078     2,258     (8 )%  
    Total segment expenses   105,929     106,538     (1 )%  
                   
    Segment pre-tax operating income $ 89,244   $ 88,477     1 %  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Retail POS Payment Solutions Gross Transaction Volumes (dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
      2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Leased merchandise $ 143,146   $ 147,513     (3 )%  
    Finance receivables   142,910     103,183     39 %  
    Total gross transaction volume $ 286,056   $ 250,696     14 %  
                   
                   
      Nine Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
      2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Leased merchandise $ 444,045   $ 452,792     (2 )%  
    Finance receivables   350,332     303,485     15 %  
    Total gross transaction volume $ 794,377   $ 756,277     5 %  
    Retail POS Payment Solutions Earning Assets (dollars in thousands)
     
      As of September 30,   Increase /
      2024   2023   (Decrease)
    Leased merchandise, net:              
    Leased merchandise, before allowance for lease losses $ 231,796     $ 250,298       (7 )%  
    Less allowance for lease losses   (93,823 )     (105,472 )     (11 )%  
    Leased merchandise, net $ 137,973     $ 144,826       (5 )%  
                   
    Finance receivables, net:              
    Finance receivables, before allowance for loan losses $ 232,948     $ 209,991       11 %  
    Less allowance for loan losses   (109,197 )     (96,684 )     13 %  
    Finance receivables, net $ 123,751     $ 113,307       9 %  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Allowance for Lease and Loan Losses and Other Portfolio Metrics (dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
        2024     2023   (Decrease)
    Allowance for lease losses:                  
    Balance at beginning of period   $ 103,301       $ 110,964       (7 )%  
    Provision for lease losses     39,268         39,640       (1 )%  
    Charge-offs     (50,394 )       (46,794 )     8 %  
    Recoveries     1,648         1,662       (1 )%  
    Balance at end of period   $ 93,823       $ 105,472       (11 )%  
                       
    Leased merchandise portfolio metrics:                  
    Provision rate(1) 27 %   27 %        
    Average monthly net charge-off rate(2) 6.8 %   5.9 %        
    Delinquency rate(3) 23.6 %   23.2 %        
                       
    Allowance for loan losses:                  
    Balance at beginning of period   $ 99,961       $ 93,054       7 %  
    Provision for loan losses     40,557         33,096       23 %  
    Charge-offs     (32,969 )       (30,890 )     7 %  
    Recoveries     1,648         1,424       16 %  
    Balance at end of period   $ 109,197       $ 96,684       13 %  
                       
    Finance receivables portfolio metrics:                  
    Provision rate(1) 28 %   32 %        
    Average monthly net charge-off rate(2) 4.8 %   4.7 %        
    Delinquency rate(3) 19.4 %   21.9 %        

    (1)   Calculated as provision for lease or loan losses as a percentage of the respective gross transaction volume originated.
    (2)   Calculated as charge-offs, net of recoveries, as a percentage of the respective average earning asset balance before allowance for lease or loan losses.
    (3)   Calculated as the percentage of the respective contractual earning asset balance owed that is 1 to 89 days past due (the Company charges off leases and finance receivables when they are 90 days or more contractually past due).

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RETAIL POS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS SEGMENT RESULTS (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
      Nine Months Ended        
      September 30,   Increase /
        2024     2023   (Decrease)
    Allowance for lease losses:                  
    Balance at beginning of period   $ 95,752       $ 79,576       20 %  
    Provision for lease losses     130,272         141,854       (8 )%  
    Charge-offs     (137,516 )       (120,966 )     14 %  
    Recoveries     5,315         5,008       6 %  
    Balance at end of period   $ 93,823       $ 105,472       (11 )%  
                       
    Leased merchandise portfolio metrics:                  
    Provision rate(1) 29 %   31 %        
    Average monthly net charge-off rate(2) 5.9 %   5.3 %        
    Delinquency rate(3) 23.6 %   23.2 %        
                       
    Allowance for loan losses:                  
    Balance at beginning of period   $ 96,454       $ 84,833       14 %  
    Provision for loan losses     102,091         90,571       13 %  
    Charge-offs     (95,061 )       (83,281 )     14 %  
    Recoveries     5,713         4,561       25 %  
    Balance at end of period   $ 109,197       $ 96,684       13 %  
                       
    Finance receivables portfolio metrics:                  
    Provision rate(1) 29 %   30 %        
    Average monthly net charge-off rate(2) 4.5 %   4.4 %        
    Delinquency rate(3) 19.4 %   21.9 %        

    (1)   Calculated as provision for lease or loan losses as a percentage of the respective gross transaction volume originated.
    (2)   Calculated as charge-offs, net of recoveries, as a percentage of the respective average earning asset balance before allowance for lease or loan losses.
    (3)   Calculated as the percentage of the respective contractual earning asset balance owed that is 1 to 89 days past due (the Company charges off leases and finance receivables when they are 90 days or more contractually past due).

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    PAWN STORE LOCATIONS AND MERCHANT PARTNER LOCATIONS
     
    Pawn Operations
     
    As of September 30, 2024, the Company operated 3,025 pawn store locations composed of 1,201 stores in 29 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, 1,723 stores in 32 states in Mexico, 72 stores in Guatemala, 17 stores in El Salvador and 12 stores in Colombia.
     
    The following tables detail pawn store count activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024:
     
      Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
      U.S.   Latin America   Total
    Total locations, beginning of period 1,201     1,817     3,018  
    New locations opened(1) —     15     15  
    Locations acquired 1     —     1  
    Consolidation of existing pawn locations(2) (1 )   (8 )   (9 )
    Total locations, end of period 1,201     1,824     3,025  
               
               
      Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
      U.S.   Latin America   Total
    Total locations, beginning of period 1,183     1,814     2,997  
    New locations opened(1) 1     54     55  
    Locations acquired 28     —     28  
    Consolidation of existing pawn locations(2) (3) (11 )   (44 )   (55 )
    Total locations, end of period 1,201     1,824     3,025  

    (1)   In addition to new store openings, the Company strategically relocated three stores in the U.S. and one store in Latin America during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company strategically relocated nine stores in the U.S and one store in Latin America.
    (2)   Store consolidations were primarily acquired locations which have been combined with overlapping stores and for which the Company expects to maintain a significant portion of the acquired customer base in the consolidated location.
    (3)   Includes 10 pawnshops located in Acapulco, Mexico that were severely damaged by a hurricane in the fall of 2023 which the Company elected to consolidate with other stores in this market. The Company expects to replace certain of these locations in this market over time as the city’s infrastructure recovers.

    Retail POS Payment Solutions

    As of September 30, 2024, AFF provided LTO and retail POS payment solutions for consumer goods and services through a network of approximately 13,500 active retail merchant partner locations located in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This compares to the active door count of approximately 10,800 locations at September 30, 2023.

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    The Company uses certain financial calculations such as adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, adjusted free cash flow, adjusted return on equity, adjusted return on assets and constant currency results as factors in the measurement and evaluation of the Company’s operating performance and period-over-period growth. The Company derives these financial calculations on the basis of methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), primarily by excluding from a comparable GAAP measure certain items the Company does not consider to be representative of its actual operating performance. These financial calculations are “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined under the SEC rules. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures in operating its business because management believes they are less susceptible to variances in actual operating performance that can result from the excluded items, other infrequent charges and currency fluctuations. The Company presents these financial measures to investors because management believes they are useful to investors in evaluating the primary factors that drive the Company’s core operating performance and provide greater transparency into the Company’s results of operations. However, items that are excluded and other adjustments and assumptions that are made in calculating these non-GAAP financial measures are significant components in understanding and assessing the Company’s financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should be evaluated in conjunction with, and are not a substitute for, the Company’s GAAP financial measures. Further, because these non-GAAP financial measures are not determined in accordance with GAAP, and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, the non-GAAP financial measures, as presented, may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures of other companies.

    While acquisitions are an important part of the Company’s overall strategy, the Company has adjusted the applicable financial calculations to exclude merger and acquisition expenses and amortization of acquired AFF intangible assets. The Company does not consider these items to be related to the organic operations of the acquired businesses or its continuing operations and are generally not relevant to assessing or estimating the long-term performance of the acquired businesses. In addition, excluding these items allows for more accurate comparisons of the financial results to prior periods. Merger and acquisition expenses include incremental costs directly associated with merger and acquisition activities, including professional fees, legal expenses, severance, retention and other employee-related costs, contract breakage costs and costs related to the consolidation of technology systems and corporate facilities, among others.

    The Company has certain leases in Mexico which are denominated in U.S. dollars. The lease liability of these U.S. dollar-denominated leases, which is considered a monetary liability, is remeasured into Mexican pesos using current period exchange rates, resulting in the recognition of foreign currency exchange gains or losses. The Company has adjusted the applicable financial measures to exclude these remeasurement gains or losses (i) because they are non-cash, non-operating items that could create volatility in the Company’s consolidated results of operations due to the magnitude of the end of period lease liability being remeasured and (ii) to improve comparability of current periods presented with prior periods.

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

    Management believes the presentation of adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share provides investors with greater transparency and provides a more complete understanding of the Company’s financial performance and prospects for the future by excluding items that management believes are non-operating in nature and are not representative of the Company’s core operating performance. In addition, management believes the adjustments shown below are useful to investors in order to allow them to compare the Company’s financial results for the current periods presented with the prior periods presented.

    The following tables provide a reconciliation between net income and diluted earnings per share calculated in accordance with GAAP to adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are shown net of tax (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                      Trailing Twelve
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30, September 30,
      2024
    		 2023 2024
    		 2023 2024
    		 2023
      In Thousands   In Thousands   In Thousands   In Thousands   In Thousands   In Thousands
    Net income, as reported $ 64,827     $ 57,144     $ 175,268     $ 149,712     $ 244,857     $ 229,778  
    Adjustments, net of tax:                      
    Merger and acquisition expenses   171       2,605       1,675       2,818       4,946       4,379  
    Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain) related to lease liability   986       442       2,124       (1,171 )     1,517       (1,856 )
    AFF purchase accounting and other adjustments   9,572       10,880       28,717       32,869       50,189       50,529  
    Gain on revaluation of contingent acquisition consideration   —       —       —       —       —       (21,952 )
    Other expenses (income), net   (377 )     (296 )     (518 )     (200 )     (1,397 )     (208 )
    Adjusted net income $ 75,179     $ 70,775     $ 207,266     $ 184,028     $ 300,112     $ 260,670  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
      Per Share   Per Share   Per Share   Per Share
    Diluted earnings per share, as reported $ 1.44     $ 1.26     $ 3.88     $ 3.27  
    Adjustments, net of tax:              
    Merger and acquisition expenses   0.01       0.06       0.04       0.06  
    Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain) related to lease liability   0.02       0.01       0.05       (0.03 )
    AFF purchase accounting and other adjustments   0.21       0.24       0.63       0.72  
    Other expenses (income), net   (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )     —  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share $ 1.67     $ 1.56     $ 4.58     $ 4.02  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted EBITDA

    The Company defines EBITDA as net income before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and interest income and adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted for certain items, as listed below, that management considers to be non-operating in nature and not representative of its actual operating performance. The Company believes EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are commonly used by investors to assess a company’s financial performance, and adjusted EBITDA is used as a starting point in the calculation of the consolidated total debt ratio as defined in the Company’s senior unsecured notes. The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):

                Trailing Twelve
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Months Ended
        September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
        2024   2023   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net income   $ 64,827     $ 57,144     $ 175,268     $ 149,712     $ 244,857     $ 229,778  
    Income taxes     20,353       20,480       57,975       51,649       79,874       73,189  
    Depreciation and amortization     25,933       27,365       78,507       81,526       106,142       107,863  
    Interest expense     27,424       24,689       78,029       66,657       104,615       86,616  
    Interest income     (403 )     (328 )     (1,407 )     (1,253 )     (1,623 )     (1,462 )
    EBITDA     138,134       129,350       388,372       348,291       533,865       495,984  
    Adjustments:                                    
    Merger and acquisition expenses     225       3,387       2,186       3,670       6,438       5,697  
    Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain) related to lease liability     1,409       632       3,035       (1,673 )     2,168       (2,652 )
    AFF purchase accounting and other adjustments(1)     —       —       —       —       13,968       8,760  
    Gain on revaluation of contingent acquisition consideration     —       —       —       —       —       (26,760 )
    Other expenses (income), net     (490 )     (384 )     (841 )     (260 )     (1,983 )     (270 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 139,278     $ 132,985     $ 392,752     $ 350,028     $ 554,456     $ 480,759  
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    (1)   The following table details AFF purchase accounting and other adjustments for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

      Trailing Twelve
      Months Ended
      September 30,
      2024   2023
    Amortization of fair value adjustment on acquired finance receivables included in interest and fees on finance receivables $ —   $ 7,859
    Amortization of fair value adjustment on acquired leased merchandise included in depreciation of leased merchandise   —     901
    Other non-recurring costs included in administrative expenses related to a discontinued finance product   13,968     —
      $ 13,968   $ 8,760
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow

    For purposes of its internal liquidity assessments, the Company considers free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow. The Company defines free cash flow as cash flow from operating activities less purchases of furniture, fixtures, equipment and improvements and net fundings/repayments of pawn loan and finance receivables, which are considered to be operating in nature by the Company but are included in cash flow from investing activities. Adjusted free cash flow is defined as free cash flow adjusted for merger and acquisition expenses paid that management considers to be non-operating in nature.

    Free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow are commonly used by investors as additional measures of cash generated by business operations that may be used to repay scheduled debt maturities and debt service or, following payment of such debt obligations and other non-discretionary items, that may be available to invest in future growth through new business development activities or acquisitions, repurchase stock, pay cash dividends or repay debt obligations prior to their maturities. These metrics can also be used to evaluate the Company’s ability to generate cash flow from business operations and the impact that this cash flow has on the Company’s liquidity. However, free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash flow from operating activities or other income statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table reconciles cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow (in thousands):

                        Trailing Twelve
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Months Ended
        September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
        2024   2023   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Cash flow from operating activities   $ 113,090     $ 111,368     $ 341,809     $ 317,037     $ 440,914     $ 460,544  
    Cash flow from certain investing activities:                        
    Pawn loans, net(1)     (48,836 )     (59,614 )     (69,723 )     (59,426 )     (45,275 )     (20,536 )
    Finance receivables, net     (48,623 )     (30,869 )     (86,186 )     (87,994 )     (113,634 )     (123,713 )
    Purchases of furniture, fixtures, equipment and improvements     (13,368 )     (18,375 )     (56,032 )     (46,723 )     (69,457 )     (52,679 )
    Free cash flow     2,263       2,510       129,868       122,894       212,548       263,616  
    Merger and acquisition expenses paid, net of tax benefit     171       2,605       1,675       2,818       4,946       4,379  
    Adjusted free cash flow   $ 2,434     $ 5,115     $ 131,543     $ 125,712     $ 217,494     $ 267,995  

    (1)   Includes the funding of new loans net of cash repayments and recovery of principal through the sale of inventories acquired from forfeiture of pawn collateral.

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    Adjusted Return on Equity and Adjusted Return on Assets

    Management believes the presentation of adjusted return on equity and adjusted return on assets provides investors with greater transparency and provides a more complete understanding of the Company’s financial performance by excluding items that management believes are non-operating in nature and not representative of the Company’s core operating performance.

    Annualized adjusted return on equity and adjusted return on assets is calculated as follows (dollars in thousands):

      Trailing Twelve
      Months Ended
      September 30, 2024
    Adjusted net income(1) $ 300,112  
         
    Average stockholders’ equity (average of five most recent quarter-end balances) $ 1,987,405  
    Adjusted return on equity (trailing twelve months adjusted net income divided by average equity) 15 %
         
    Average total assets (average of five most recent quarter-end balances) $ 4,285,437  
    Adjusted return on assets (trailing twelve months adjusted net income divided by average total assets) 7 %

    (1)   See detail of adjustments to net income in the “Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share” section above.

    Constant Currency Results

    The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, however, certain performance metrics discussed in this release are presented on a “constant currency” basis, which is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company’s management uses constant currency results to evaluate operating results of business operations in Latin America, which are transacted in local currencies in Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia. The Company also has operations in El Salvador, where the reporting and functional currency is the U.S. dollar.

    The Company believes constant currency results provide valuable supplemental information regarding the underlying performance of its business operations in Latin America, consistent with how the Company’s management evaluates such performance and operating results. Constant currency results reported herein are calculated by translating certain balance sheet and income statement items denominated in local currencies using the exchange rate from the prior-year comparable period, as opposed to the current comparable period, in order to exclude the effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations for purposes of evaluating period-over-period comparisons. See the Latin America pawn segment tables elsewhere in this release for an additional reconciliation of certain constant currency amounts to as reported GAAP amounts.

    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    TO GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED)
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    Exchange Rates for the Mexican Peso, Guatemalan Quetzal and Colombian Peso
     
      September 30,   Favorable /
      2024   2023   (Unfavorable)
    Mexican peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate:              
    End-of-period 19.6   17.6     (11 )%  
    Three months ended 18.9   17.1     (11 )%  
    Nine months ended 17.7   17.8     1 %  
                   
    Guatemalan quetzal / U.S. dollar exchange rate:              
    End-of-period 7.7   7.9     3 %  
    Three months ended 7.7   7.9     3 %  
    Nine months ended 7.8   7.8     — %  
                   
    Colombian peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate:              
    End-of-period 4,164   4,054     (3 )%  
    Three months ended 4,095   4,048     (1 )%  
    Nine months ended 3,979   4,413     10 %  
                     
    FIRSTCASH HOLDINGS, INC.
    INTERSEGMENT TRANSACTIONS
    (UNAUDITED)
     

    Intersegment transactions relate to the Company offering AFF’s LTO payment solution in its U.S. pawn stores and are eliminated to arrive at consolidated totals. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, these intersegment amounts are as follows:

    • U.S. pawn retail merchandise sales includes $1.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. retail merchandise sales totaled $234.1 million and $202.3 million, respectively.
    • U.S. pawn cost of retail merchandise sold includes $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. cost of retail merchandise sold totaled $134.4 million and $114.9 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions depreciation of leased merchandise includes $0.4 million and $0.5 million respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated depreciation of leased merchandise totaled $104.9 million and $103.7 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions provision for lease losses includes an increase of $0.1 million and a provision reduction of $0.1 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated provision for lease losses totaled $39.2 million and $39.7 million, respectively.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, these intersegment amounts are as follows:

    • U.S. pawn retail merchandise sales includes $3.1 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. retail merchandise sales totaled $699.1 million and $605.6 million, respectively.
    • U.S. pawn cost of retail merchandise sold includes $1.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment sales, consolidated U.S. cost of retail merchandise sold totaled $405.7 million and $346.6 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions depreciation of leased merchandise includes $1.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated depreciation of leased merchandise totaled $335.4 million and $307.8 million, respectively.
    • Retail POS payment solutions provision for lease losses includes $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated provision for lease losses totaled $129.8 million and $141.7 million, respectively.

    As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, these intersegment amounts are as follows:

    • Retail POS payment solutions leased merchandise, net includes $0.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Excluding these intersegment transactions, consolidated net leased merchandise totaled $137.8 million and $143.2 million, respectively.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Outlines Coordinated Approach to Harness Power of AI for U.S. National  Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, President Biden is issuing the first-ever National Security Memorandum (NSM) on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The NSM’s fundamental premise is that advances at the frontier of AI will have significant implications for national security and foreign policy in the near future. The NSM builds on key steps the President and Vice President have taken to drive the safe, secure, and trustworthy development of AI, including President Biden’s landmark Executive Order to ensure that America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of AI.
    The NSM directs the U.S. Government to implement concrete and impactful steps to (1) ensure that the United States leads the world’s development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI; (2) harness cutting-edge AI technologies to advance the U.S. Government’s national security mission; and (3) advance international consensus and governance around AI.
    The NSM is designed to galvanize federal government adoption of AI to advance the national security mission, including by ensuring that such adoption reflects democratic values and protects human rights, civil rights, civil liberties and privacy. In addition, the NSM seeks to shape international norms around AI use to reflect those same democratic values, and directs actions to track and counter adversary development and use of AI for national security purposes.
    In particular, the NSM directs critical actions to:
    Ensure that the United States leads the world’s development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI:
    Developing advanced AI systems requires large volumes of advanced chips. President Biden led the way when he signed the CHIPS Act, which made major investments in our capacity to manufacture leading-edge semiconductors. The NSM directs actions to improve the security and diversity of chip supply chains, and to ensure that, as the United States supports the development of the next generation of government supercomputers and other emerging technology, we do so with AI in mind.
    Our competitors want to upend U.S. AI leadership and have employed economic and technological espionage in efforts to steal U.S. technology. This NSM makes collection on our competitors’ operations against our AI sector a top-tier intelligence priority, and directs relevant U.S. Government entities to provide AI developers with the timely cybersecurity and counterintelligence information necessary to keep their inventions secure. 
    In order for the United States to benefit maximally from AI, Americans must know when they can trust systems to perform safely and reliably. For this reason, the NSM formally designates the AI Safety Institute asU.S. industry’s primary port of contact in the U.S. Government, one staffed by technical experts who understand this quickly evolving technology. It also lays out strengthened and streamlined mechanisms for the AI Safety Institute to partner with national security agencies, including the intelligence community, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy.
    The NSM doubles down on the National AI Research Resource, the pilot for which is already underway, to ensure that researchers at universities, from civil society, and in small businesses can conduct technically meaningful AI research. AI is moving too fast, and is too complex, for us to rely exclusively on a small cohort of large firms; we need to empower and learn from a full range of talented individuals and institutions who care about making AI safe, secure, and trustworthy.
    The NSM directs the National Economic Council to coordinate an economic assessment of the relative competitive advantage of the United States private sector AI ecosystem.
    Enable the U.S. Government to harness cutting-edge AI, while protecting human rights and democratic values, to achieve national security objectives:
    The NSM does not simply demand that we use AI systems in service of the national security mission effectively; it also unequivocally states we must do so only in ways that align with democratic values. It provides the first-ever guidance for AI governance and risk management for use in national security missions, complementing previous guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget for non-national security missions.
    The NSM directs the creation of a Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security, which is being published today alongside this NSM. This Framework provides further detail and guidance to implement the NSM, including requiring mechanisms for risk management, evaluations, accountability, and transparency. These requirements require agencies to monitor, assess, and mitigate AI risks related to invasions of privacy, bias and discrimination, the safety of individuals and groups, and other human rights abuses. This Framework can be updated regularly in order to keep pace with technical advances and ensure future AI applications are responsible and rights-respecting.
    The NSM directs changes across the board to make sure we are using AI systems effectively while adhering to our values. Among other actions, it directs agencies to propose streamlined procurement practices and ways to ease collaboration with non-traditional vendors.
    Advance international consensus and governance around AI:
    The NSM builds on substantial international progress on AI governance over the last twelve months, thanks to the leadership and diplomatic engagement of President Biden and Vice President Harris. Alongside G7 allies, we developed the first-ever International Code of Conduct on AI in 2023. At the Bletchley and Seoul AI Safety Summits, the United States joined more than two dozen nations in outlining clear principles. 56 nations have signed up to our Political Declaration on the Military Use of AI and Autonomy, which establishes principles for military AI capabilities. And at the United Nations, the United States sponsored the first-ever UN General Assembly Resolution on AI, which passed unanimously and included the People’s Republic of China as a co-sponsor.
    The NSM directs the U.S. Government to collaborate with allies and partners to establish a stable, responsible, and rights-respecting governance framework to ensure the technology is developed and used in ways that adhere to international law while protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. 
    The release of today’s NSM is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive strategy for responsible innovation, and builds on previous actions that President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard on National Security Memorandum (NSM) on Artificial Intelligence  (AI)

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, the President is issuing the first-ever National Security Memorandum (NSM) on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The fundamental premise is that AI will have significant implications for national security. The AI NSM sets out goals to enable the US Government to harness cutting-edge AI technologies, and to advance international consensus and governance around AI.
    In addition, there are implications for economic policy. The AI National Security Memorandum establishes that retaining US leadership in the most advanced AI models will be vital for our national security in coming years. The US lead today on the most advanced AI models reflects several important US economic strengths: our innovative private sector, the ability to develop and source world class talent, strengths in advanced semiconductor design, dynamic capital allocation, and abundant compute power.
    We should not take those strengths for granted in the future. Indeed, we are all familiar with past instances when we saw critical technologies and supply chains that were developed and commercialized here in the US migrate offshore for lack of critical public sector support. That is why we are laser focused on maintaining the strongest AI ecosystem in the world here in the United States. The NSM directs the National Economic Council to coordinate an economic assessment of the relative competitive advantage of the US private sector AI ecosystem.
    Sustaining US preeminence in frontier AI into the future will require strong domestic foundations in semiconductors, infrastructure, and clean energy—including the large datacenters that provide computing resources. The private sector is already making significant investments in AI innovation, and now we’re making sure the government is moving quickly on policy changes and the support necessary to enable rapid AI infrastructure growth over the next several years. The historic Biden-Harris investment laws will be critical enablers.
    Developing AI systems will require a large volume of the most advanced semiconductors. The CHIPS and Science Act is enabling major investments here in the US for the fabrication of the leading-edge semiconductors that are critical to AI frontier models, in close proximity to world-class chips designers and downstream customers.
    One of the most pressing needs is the rapid growth in computational power for the training and operation of frontier AI models. AI datacenters will need to run on clean energy and in order to meet their needs we will need to accelerate the deployment of transmission and clean energy projects. We will meet these needs while keeping residential electricity costs low and meeting our climate goals. Fortunately, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the clean energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act have given us a good foundation to build on. We are committed to helping navigate permitting processes across the federal government, and working with states and localities. We took a step towards supporting these goals with the Task Force on AI Datacenter Infrastructure that we launched last month. And we have seen a number of recent announcements of companies investing in projects that will bring new clean energy online to power AI data centers.
    Having the right workforce and talent will also play a key role in developing large-scale AI datacenters. This will range from AI experts to pipefitters and electrical workers. We are taking action to ensure AI infrastructure creates good jobs, while investing in our workforce to enable American workers to drive innovation.
    Of course, all of these efforts must be governed by the critical guardrails established last year by the Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence and commitments we secured last year from leading AI companies to manage the risks posed by AI. Today’s NSM is just the latest step in a series of actions thanks to the leadership and diplomatic engagement of the President and Vice President, and there will be additional steps taken in the coming months to further support US leadership in AI.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Senate Vote to Confirm Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    01.24.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Colonel, USMCR (ret.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, voted tonight to confirm Pete Hegseth as the secretary of defense. Senator Sullivan met with Hegseth and received commitments from him to continue the historic build-up of the military in Alaska, in recognition of the state’s critical importance to national defense, and restore the military’s core warfighting mission. Hegseth has a decorated career of service in the U.S. Army, completing deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and earning two Bronze Stars and two Army Commendation Medals.

    “After a number of substantive discussions with Pete Hegseth, including during his confirmation hearing, I am confident Mr. Hegseth will work to refocus our military on lethality, warfighting and peace through strength, as well as getting rid of the damaging woke policies of the Biden administration, some of which I witnessed firsthand as a Marine Corps Reserve Officer,” said Sen. Sullivan. “These have been my top priorities as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and they will be Mr. Hegseth’s. Mr. Hegseth also assured me that he understands the important role that women play in our military, including in combat, as well as the strategic importance of Alaska. Along with President Trump, he is also committed to continuing the military build-up in our great state. I want to congratulate the incoming secretary of defense on his confirmation and look forward to welcoming him up to Alaska soon to see firsthand the critical strategic asset our state is to our national security.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deadline Approaching for the 2024 Congressional App Competition for Middle and High School Students in the District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    Rep. Espaillat Hosts Annual App Competition for Students in New York’s 13th Congressional District.
    October 24th (Thursday) Marks 2024 Deadline to Submit Entries

    NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) has launched the 2024 Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition designed to encourage student participation in computer science and coding. This year’s competition is open to middle and high school students from New York’s 13th congressional district, who may register via the online portal to have their app considered by the October 24th deadline.

    Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, this nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application (also known as an “app”). The Challenge is designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science and accepts any programming language, such as C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or “block code.” 

    The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students in the 13th Congressional District of New York. 

    The winner from the New York’s 13th congressional district will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us among winners from across the country.

    For more information, please visit the official Congressional App Challenge website at CongressionalAppChallenge.us or contact Maximo Diaz, (212) 497-5959 or by email at Maximo.Diaz@mail.house.gov for more information.

    # # #

    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fourth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 118th Congress. He is also a member of the House Budget Committee and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Deputy Chair as well as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). Rep. Espaillat is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Donegal Group Inc. Announces Third Quarter and First Nine Months of 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MARIETTA, Pa., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Donegal Group Inc. (NASDAQ: DGICA) and (NASDAQ: DGICB) today reported its financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024.

    Significant Items for third quarter of 2024 (all comparisons to third quarter of 2023):

    • Net income of $16.8 million, or 51 cents per diluted Class A share, compared to net loss of $0.8 million, or 2 cents per Class A share
    • Net premiums earned increased 6.0% to $238.0 million
    • Net premiums written1 increased 5.9% to $232.2 million
    • Combined ratio of 96.4%, compared to 104.5%
    • Net income included after-tax net investment gains of $1.5 million, or 5 cents per diluted Class A share, compared to after-tax net investment losses of $1.0 million, or 3 cents per Class A share
    • Book value per share of $15.22 at September 30, 2024, compared to $14.26

    Financial Summary

      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024       2023     % Change     2024       2023     % Change
      (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                           
    Income Statement Data                      
    Net premiums earned $ 237,957     $ 224,393     6.0 %   $ 700,017     $ 655,886     6.7 %
    Investment income, net   10,827       10,536     2.8       32,868       30,143     9.0  
    Net investment gains (losses)   1,876       (1,243 )   NM2     4,725       930     408.1  
    Total revenues   251,738       233,928     7.6       739,651       687,870     7.5  
    Net income (loss)   16,752       (805 )   NM      26,860       6,396     319.9  
    Non-GAAP operating income1   15,270       176     NM      23,127       5,661     308.5  
    Annualized return on average equity   13.4 %     -0.7 %   14.1 pts     7.2 %     1.8 %   5.4 pts
                           
    Per Share Data                      
    Net income (loss) – Class A (diluted) $ 0.51     $ (0.02 )   NM    $ 0.81     $ 0.20     305.0 %
    Net income (loss) – Class B   0.46       (0.02 )   NM      0.74       0.17     335.3  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class A (diluted)   0.46       0.01     NM      0.70       0.17     311.8  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class B   0.42       –     NM      0.63       0.15     320.0  
    Book value   15.22       14.26     6.7 %     15.22       14.26     6.7  
                           

    1The “Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release defines and reconciles data that we prepare on an accounting basis other than U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

    2Not meaningful.


    Management Commentary

    “We are pleased that many of the strategic initiatives we implemented in recent years contributed to significant improvement in our financial results for the third quarter of 2024,” said Kevin G. Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Donegal Group Inc.

    “With the exit from commercial lines markets in Georgia and Alabama essentially completed at the end of the second quarter of 2024, solid new business writings, rate achievement and retention levels led to a 6.4% increase in commercial lines net premiums written for the third quarter of 2024. Our personal lines net premiums written growth rate for the third quarter was 5.4%, primarily attributable to strong rate increases and policy retention that were partially offset by intentional strategic actions to slow growth and further improve profitability.

    “Despite higher-than-average weather-related losses during the quarter, primarily attributable to Hurricane Helene in late September, our combined ratio improved significantly to 96.4%, compared to 104.5% for the prior-year quarter. Our core loss ratios improved across all of our major lines of business. We attribute that improvement to the favorable impact of numerous ongoing underwriting initiatives and higher net premiums earned from renewal rate increases that we implemented over the past two years.”

    Mr, Burke concluded, “We have growing confidence that the continuing execution of our strategies will deliver sustained excellent financial performance.”

    Insurance Operations

    Donegal Group is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in three Mid-Atlantic states (Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania), five Southern states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia), eight Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin) and five Southwestern states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas and Utah). Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group.

      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024     2023   % Change     2024     2023   % Change
      (dollars in thousands)
                           
    Net Premiums Earned                      
    Commercial lines $ 136,401   $ 135,432   0.7 %   $ 402,982   $ 399,427   0.9 %
    Personal lines   101,556     88,961   14.2       297,035     256,460   15.8  
    Total net premiums earned $ 237,957   $ 224,393   6.0 %   $ 700,017   $ 655,887   6.7 %
                           
    Net Premiums Written                      
    Commercial lines:                      
    Automobile $ 41,464   $ 37,535   10.5 %   $ 142,067   $ 134,853   5.3 %
    Workers’ compensation   23,934     24,371   -1.8       82,599     85,315   -3.2  
    Commercial multi-peril   50,155     44,949   11.6       163,528     147,622   10.8  
    Other   10,548     11,639   -9.4       35,649     39,913   -10.7  
    Total commercial lines   126,101     118,494   6.4       423,843     407,703   4.0  
    Personal lines:                      
    Automobile   65,150     58,038   12.3       188,958     161,348   17.1  
    Homeowners   38,288     39,633   -3.4       109,655     105,035   4.4  
    Other   2,669     3,021   -11.7       8,383     8,917   -6.0  
    Total personal lines   106,107     100,692   5.4       306,996     275,300   11.5  
    Total net premiums written $ 232,208   $ 219,186   5.9 %   $ 730,839   $ 683,003   7.0 %
                           
                           

    Net Premiums Written

    The 5.9% increase in net premiums written for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023, as shown in the table above, represents the combination of 6.4% growth in commercial lines net premiums written and 5.4% growth in personal lines net premiums written. The $13.0 million increase in net premiums written for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 included:

    • Commercial Lines: $7.6 million increase that we attribute primarily to new business writings, strong premium retention, and a continuation of renewal premium increases in lines other than workers’ compensation, offset partially by planned attrition in states in which we are executing ongoing profit improvement initiatives as part of our state-specific strategies.
    • Personal Lines: $5.4 million increase that we attribute primarily to a continuation of renewal premium rate increases and strong policy retention, offset partially by planned attrition due to non-renewal actions.

    Underwriting Performance

    We evaluate the performance of our commercial lines and personal lines segments primarily based upon the underwriting results of our insurance subsidiaries as determined under statutory accounting practices. The following table presents comparative details with respect to the GAAP and statutory combined ratios1 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
      2024     2023     2024     2023  
                   
    GAAP Combined Ratios (Total Lines)              
    Loss ratio – core losses 50.1 %   56.7 %   54.5 %   56.0 %
    Loss ratio – weather-related losses 10.3     11.5     8.6     9.1  
    Loss ratio – large fire losses 3.7     4.9     5.2     5.3  
    Loss ratio – net prior-year reserve development -2.6     -3.3     -2.2     -2.4  
    Loss ratio 61.5     69.8     66.1     68.0  
    Expense ratio 34.5     34.1     34.0     34.9  
    Dividend ratio 0.4     0.6     0.5     0.6  
    Combined ratio 96.4 %   104.5 %   100.6 %   103.5 %
                   
    Statutory Combined Ratios              
    Commercial lines:              
    Automobile 101.5 %   86.5 %   98.2 %   94.8 %
    Workers’ compensation 84.7     97.7     104.1     93.1  
    Commercial multi-peril 88.4     114.8     100.4     113.8  
    Other 59.4     76.2     78.4     82.7  
    Total commercial lines 89.8     97.5     98.6     100.2  
    Personal lines:              
    Automobile 97.8     109.8     97.8     106.1  
    Homeowners 116.8     128.9     107.5     111.2  
    Other 102.2     46.4     97.2     81.3  
    Total personal lines 104.7     119.4     101.2     107.2  
    Total lines 96.0 %   105.2 %   99.7 %   102.9 %
                   
                   

    Loss Ratio

    For the third quarter of 2024, the loss ratio decreased to 61.5%, compared to 69.8% for the third quarter of 2023. For the commercial lines segment, the core loss ratio of 48.5% for the third quarter of 2024 decreased from 53.7% for the third quarter of 2023, due largely to lower severity of large casualty losses. For the personal lines segment, the core loss ratio of 52.5% for the third quarter of 2024 decreased from 61.8% for the third quarter of 2023, due largely to the favorable impact of premium rate increases on net premiums earned for that segment. Core loss ratios in both segments improved compared to the respective ratios for the first half of 2024.

    Weather-related losses were $24.4 million, or 10.3 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $25.7 million, or 11.5 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the third quarter of 2023. Weather-related loss activity for the third quarter of 2024 was higher than our previous five-year average of $18.8 million, or 9.4 percentage points of the loss ratio, for third-quarter weather-related losses. Our insurance subsidiaries incurred $6.0 million in net losses from Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

    Large fire losses, which we define as individual fire losses in excess of $50,000, for the third quarter of 2024 were $8.8 million, or 3.7 percentage points of the loss ratio. That amount was lower than large fire losses of $11.0 million, or 4.9 percentage points of the loss ratio, for the third quarter of 2023. We experienced a decrease in commercial property fire losses compared to the prior-year quarter.

    Net favorable development of reserves for losses incurred in prior accident years of $6.2 million decreased the loss ratio for the third quarter of 2024 by 2.6 percentage points, compared to $7.3 million that decreased the loss ratio for the third quarter of 2023 by 3.3 percentage points. Our insurance subsidiaries experienced favorable development primarily in the commercial multi-peril and other commercial lines of business.

    Expense Ratio

    The expense ratio was 34.5% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 34.1% for the third quarter of 2023. The modest increase in the expense ratio primarily reflected an increase in underwriting-based incentive costs as well as higher technology systems-related expenses that were primarily due to increased costs related to our ongoing systems modernization project, a portion of which Donegal Mutual Insurance Company allocates to our insurance subsidiaries. This increase was offset partially by impacts of various expense reduction initiatives, including agency incentive program revisions, commission schedule adjustments, targeted staffing reductions, and hiring restrictions for open employment positions, among others. We expect the impact from allocated costs from Donegal Mutual Insurance Company to our insurance subsidiaries related to the ongoing systems modernization project will peak at approximately 1.3 percentage points of the expense ratio for the full year of 2024 before beginning to subside gradually in subsequent years.

    Investment Operations

    Donegal Group’s investment strategy is to generate an appropriate amount of after-tax income on its invested assets while minimizing credit risk through investment in high-quality securities. As a result, we had invested 96.2% of our consolidated investment portfolio in diversified, highly rated and marketable fixed-maturity securities at September 30, 2024.

      September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
      Amount   %   Amount   %
      (dollars in thousands)
    Fixed maturities, at carrying value:              
    U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies $ 173,663     12.7 %   $ 176,991     13.3 %
    Obligations of states and political subdivisions   413,040     30.1       415,280     31.3  
    Corporate securities   427,372     31.2       399,640     30.1  
    Mortgage-backed securities   304,911     22.3       278,260     21.0  
    Allowance for expected credit losses   (1,483 )   -0.1       (1,326 )   -0.1  
    Total fixed maturities   1,317,503     96.2       1,268,845     95.6  
    Equity securities, at fair value   35,957     2.6       25,903     2.0  
    Short-term investments, at cost   15,805     1.2       32,306     2.4  
    Total investments $ 1,369,265     100.0 %   $ 1,327,054     100.0 %
                   
    Average investment yield   3.3 %         3.1 %    
    Average tax-equivalent investment yield   3.3 %         3.2 %    
    Average fixed-maturity duration (years)   5.1           4.3      
                   
                   

    Net investment income of $10.8 million for the third quarter of 2024 increased modestly compared to $10.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. The increase in net investment income primarily reflected an increase in average investment yield relative to the prior-year third quarter.

    Net investment gains of $1.9 million for the third quarter of 2024 were primarily related to unrealized gains in the fair value of equity securities held at September 30, 2024. Net investment losses of $1.2 million for the third quarter of 2023 were primarily related to unrealized losses in the fair value of equity securities held at September 30, 2023.

    Our book value per share was $15.22 at September 30, 2024, compared to $14.39 at December 31, 2023, with the increase related to net income as well as $11.9 million of after-tax unrealized gains within our available-for-sale fixed-maturity portfolio during 2024 that increased our book value by $0.37 per share, offset partially by cash dividends declared.

    Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We prepare our consolidated financial statements on the basis of GAAP. Our insurance subsidiaries also prepare financial statements based on statutory accounting principles state insurance regulators prescribe or permit (“SAP”). In addition to using GAAP-based performance measurements, we also utilize certain non-GAAP financial measures that we believe provide value in managing our business and for comparison to the financial results of our peers. These non-GAAP measures are net premiums written, operating income or loss and statutory combined ratio.

    Net premiums written and operating income or loss are non-GAAP financial measures investors in insurance companies commonly use. We define net premiums written as the amount of full-term premiums our insurance subsidiaries record for policies effective within a given period less premiums our insurance subsidiaries cede to reinsurers. We define operating income or loss as net income or loss excluding after-tax net investment gains or losses, after-tax restructuring charges and other significant non-recurring items. Because our calculation of operating income or loss may differ from similar measures other companies use, investors should exercise caution when comparing our measure of operating income or loss to the measure of other companies.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net premiums earned to net premiums written for the periods indicated:

                           
      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024       2023     % Change     2024     2023   % Change
      (dollars in thousands)
                           
    Reconciliation of Net Premiums                      
    Earned to Net Premiums Written                      
    Net premiums earned $ 237,957     $ 224,393     6.0 %   $ 700,017   $ 655,886   6.7 %
    Change in net unearned premiums   (5,749 )     (5,207 )   10.4       30,822     27,117   13.7  
    Net premiums written $ 232,208     $ 219,186     5.9 %   $ 730,839   $ 683,003   7.0 %
                           
                           

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (loss) to operating income for the periods indicated:

      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024       2023     % Change     2024       2023     % Change
      (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                           
    Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss)                      
    to Non-GAAP Operating Income                      
    Net income (loss) $ 16,752     $ (805 )   NM   $ 26,860     $ 6,396     319.9 %
    Investment (gains) losses (after tax)   (1,482 )     981     NM     (3,733 )     (735 )   407.9  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 15,270     $ 176     NM   $ 23,127     $ 5,661     308.5 %
                           
    Per Share Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss)                      
    to Non-GAAP Operating Income                      
    Net income (loss) – Class A (diluted) $ 0.51     $ (0.02 )   NM   $ 0.81     $ 0.20     305.0 %
    Investment (gains) losses (after tax)   (0.05 )     0.03     NM     (0.11 )     (0.03 )   266.7  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class A $ 0.46     $ 0.01     NM   $ 0.70     $ 0.17     311.8 %
                           
    Net income (loss) – Class B $ 0.46     $ (0.02 )   NM   $ 0.74     $ 0.17     335.3 %
    Investment (gains) losses (after tax)   (0.04 )     0.02     NM     (0.11 )     (0.02 )   450.0  
    Non-GAAP operating income – Class B $ 0.42     $ –     NM   $ 0.63     $ 0.15     320.0 %
                           
                           

    The statutory combined ratio is a non-GAAP standard measurement of underwriting profitability that is based upon amounts determined under SAP. The statutory combined ratio is the sum of:

    • the statutory loss ratio, which is the ratio of calendar-year incurred losses and loss expenses, excluding anticipated salvage and subrogation recoveries, to premiums earned;
    • the statutory expense ratio, which is the ratio of expenses incurred for net commissions, premium taxes and underwriting expenses to premiums written; and
    • the statutory dividend ratio, which is the ratio of dividends to holders of workers’ compensation policies to premiums earned.

    The statutory combined ratio does not reflect investment income, federal income taxes or other non-operating income or expense. A statutory combined ratio of less than 100% generally indicates underwriting profitability.

    Dividend Information

    On October 17, 2024, we declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.1725 per share for our Class A common stock and $0.155 per share for our Class B common stock, which are payable on November 15, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 1, 2024.

    Pre-Recorded Webcast

    At approximately 8:30 am ET on Thursday, October 24, 2024, we will make available in the Investors section of our website a pre-recorded audio webcast featuring management commentary on our quarterly results and general business updates. You may listen to the pre-recorded webcast by accessing the link on our website at http://investors.donegalgroup.com. A supplemental investor presentation is also available via our website.

    About the Company

    Donegal Group Inc. is an insurance holding company whose insurance subsidiaries and affiliates offer property and casualty lines of insurance in certain Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, Southern and Southwestern states. Donegal Mutual Insurance Company and the insurance subsidiaries of Donegal Group Inc. conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group. The Donegal Insurance Group has an A.M. Best rating of A (Excellent).

    The Class A common stock and Class B common stock of Donegal Group Inc. trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbols DGICA and DGICB, respectively. We are focused on several primary strategies, including achieving sustained excellent financial performance, strategically modernizing our operations and processes to transform our business, capitalizing on opportunities to grow profitably and delivering a superior experience to our agents and customers.

    Safe Harbor

    We base all statements contained in this release that are not historic facts on our current expectations. Such statements are forward-looking in nature (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and necessarily involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements we make may be identified by our use of words such as “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate” and similar expressions. Our actual results could vary materially from our forward-looking statements. The factors that could cause our actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking statements we have previously made include, but are not limited to, adverse litigation and other trends that could increase our loss costs (including social inflation, labor shortages and escalating medical, automobile and property repair costs), adverse and catastrophic weather events (including from changing climate conditions), our ability to maintain profitable operations (including our ability to underwrite risks effectively and charge adequate premium rates), the adequacy of the loss and loss expense reserves of our insurance subsidiaries, the availability and successful operation of the information technology systems our insurance subsidiaries utilize, the successful development of new information technology systems to allow our insurance subsidiaries to compete effectively, business and economic conditions in the areas in which we and our insurance subsidiaries operate, interest rates, competition from various insurance and other financial businesses, terrorism, the availability and cost of reinsurance, legal and judicial developments (including those related to COVID-19 business interruption coverage exclusions), changes in regulatory requirements, our ability to attract and retain independent insurance agents, changes in our A.M. Best rating and the other risks that we describe from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update such statements or to announce publicly the results of any revisions that we may make to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    Investor Relations Contacts

    Karin Daly, Vice President, The Equity Group Inc.

    Phone: (212) 836-9623
    E-mail: kdaly@equityny.com

    Jeffrey D. Miller, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
    Phone: (717) 426-1931
    E-mail: investors@donegalgroup.com

    Financial Supplement

    Donegal Group Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
    (unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
               
          Quarter Ended September 30,
            2024     2023  
               
    Net premiums earned $ 237,957   $ 224,393  
    Investment income, net of expenses   10,827     10,536  
    Net investment gains (losses)   1,876     (1,243 )
    Lease income     77     86  
    Installment payment fees   1,001     156  
      Total revenues   251,738     233,928  
               
    Net losses and loss expenses   146,426     156,683  
    Amortization of deferred acquisition costs   40,200     39,332  
    Other underwriting expenses   41,827     37,155  
    Policyholder dividends   1,007     1,399  
    Interest     367     156  
    Other expenses, net     1,499     208  
      Total expenses   231,326     234,933  
               
    Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)   20,412     (1,005 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)   3,660     (200 )
               
    Net income (loss)   $ 16,752   $ (805 )
               
    Net income (loss) per common share:      
      Class A – basic and diluted $ 0.51   $ (0.02 )
      Class B – basic and diluted $ 0.46   $ (0.02 )
               
    Supplementary Financial Analysts’ Data      
               
    Weighted-average number of shares      
      outstanding:      
      Class A – basic   27,978,435     27,594,973  
      Class A – diluted   28,058,399     27,665,293  
      Class B – basic and diluted   5,576,775     5,576,775  
               
    Net premiums written $ 232,208   $ 219,186  
               
    Book value per common share      
      at end of period $ 15.22   $ 14.26  
               
    Donegal Group Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
               
          Nine Months Ended September 30,
            2024     2023
               
    Net premiums earned $ 700,017   $ 655,886
    Investment income, net of expenses   32,868     30,143
    Net investment gains   4,725     930
    Lease income     237     262
    Installment payment fees   1,804     649
      Total revenues   739,651     687,870
               
    Net losses and loss expenses   462,683     446,024
    Amortization of deferred acquisition costs   120,458     115,065
    Other underwriting expenses   117,604     113,715
    Policyholder dividends   3,248     4,088
    Interest     677     464
    Other expenses, net     2,309     969
      Total expenses   706,979     680,325
               
    Income before income tax expense   32,672     7,545
    Income tax expense     5,812     1,149
               
    Net income   $ 26,860   $ 6,396
               
    Net income per common share:      
      Class A – basic $ 0.82   $ 0.20
      Class A – diluted $ 0.81   $ 0.20
      Class B – basic and diluted $ 0.74   $ 0.17
               
    Supplementary Financial Analysts’ Data      
               
    Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:      
      Class A – basic   27,878,552     27,390,883
      Class A – diluted   27,916,904     27,507,706
      Class B – basic and diluted   5,576,775     5,576,775
               
    Net premiums written $ 730,839   $ 683,003
               
    Book value per common share      
      at end of period $ 15.22   $ 14.26
     
    Donegal Group Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands)
               
          September 30,   December 31,
            2024       2023  
          (unaudited)    
               
    ASSETS
    Investments:      
      Fixed maturities:      
        Held to maturity, at amortized cost $ 694,663     $ 679,497  
        Available for sale, at fair value   622,840       589,348  
      Equity securities, at fair value   35,957       25,903  
      Short-term investments, at cost   15,805       32,306  
        Total investments   1,369,265       1,327,054  
    Cash   28,651       23,792  
    Premiums receivable   194,254       179,592  
    Reinsurance receivable   434,078       441,431  
    Deferred policy acquisition costs   78,484       75,043  
    Prepaid reinsurance premiums   185,364       168,724  
    Other assets   56,030       50,658  
        Total assets $ 2,346,126     $ 2,266,294  
               
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    Liabilities:      
      Losses and loss expenses $ 1,134,853     $ 1,126,157  
      Unearned premiums   646,870       599,411  
      Accrued expenses   2,987       3,947  
      Borrowings under lines of credit   35,000       35,000  
      Other liabilities   13,046       22,034  
        Total liabilities   1,832,756       1,786,549  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
      Class A common stock   312       308  
      Class B common stock   56       56  
      Additional paid-in capital   342,186       335,694  
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (20,951 )     (32,882 )
      Retained earnings   232,993       217,795  
      Treasury stock   (41,226 )     (41,226 )
        Total stockholders’ equity   513,370       479,745  
        Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,346,126     $ 2,266,294  
               

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Wednesday, 23 October 2024 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2024-10-23

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Wednesday, 23 October 2024 – Strasbourg

    IN THE CHAIR: Sabine VERHEYEN
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:00.


    2. Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns (debate)

    Commission statement: Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns (2024/2882(RSP))

    Helena Dalli (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Tomas Tobé, on behalf of the PPE Group, Iratxe García Pérez, on behalf of the S&D Group, Kinga Gál, on behalf of the PfE Group, Nicola Procaccini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Valérie Hayer, on behalf of the Renew Group, Tineke Strik, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Estrella Galán, on behalf of The Left Group, Sarah Knafo, on behalf of the ESN Group, Jeroen Lenaers, Ana Catarina Mendes, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Marieke Ehlers, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Malik Azmani, Diana Riba i Giner, Ilaria Salis, who also declined to take blue-card questions from Susanna Ceccardi and Anna Maria Cisint, Mary Khan, Erik Kaliňák, Lena Düpont, who also answered a blue-card question from András László, Cecilia Strada, Jean-Paul Garraud, Assita Kanko, Fabienne Keller, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Fabrice Leggeri, Erik Marquardt, Konstantinos Arvanitis, Monika Beňová, Dolors Montserrat, Matjaž Nemec, Paolo Borchia, who also answered a blue-card question from Maria Grapini, Charlie Weimers, Abir Al-Sahlani, who also answered a blue-card question from Rihards Kols, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Siegfried Mureşan, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Elena Yoncheva, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Tom Vandendriessche, Rasa Juknevičienė, Harald Vilimsky, François-Xavier Bellamy, who also answered a blue-card question from Malika Sorel, Paulo Cunha, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz and Loránt Vincze.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Paulius Saudargas, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Susanna Ceccardi, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Hilde Vautmans and João Oliveira.

    IN THE CHAIR: Sophie WILMÈS
    Vice-President

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Lukas Sieper, Matej Tonin and Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis.

    The following spoke: Helena Dalli.

    The debate closed.


    3. Tackling the steel crisis: boosting competitive and sustainable European steel and maintaining quality jobs (debate)

    Commission statement: Tackling the steel crisis: boosting competitive and sustainable European steel and maintaining quality jobs (2024/2883(RSP))

    Helena Dalli (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Christian Ehler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Dan Nica, on behalf of the S&D Group, Paolo Borchia, on behalf of the PfE Group, Daniel Obajtek, on behalf of the ECR Group, Christophe Grudler, on behalf of the Renew Group, Terry Reintke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Martin Schirdewan, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Estelle Ceulemans, Ondřej Knotek, Elena Donazzan, Brigitte van den Berg, Sara Matthieu, Rudi Kennes, Marcin Sypniewski, Adam Jarubas, Jens Geier, Anna Bryłka, Anna Zalewska, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Dennis Radtke, Raphaël Glucksmann, Tom Berendsen, Giorgio Gori, Letizia Moratti, Elena Sancho Murillo, Radan Kanev, Eero Heinäluoma, Johan Danielsson and Idoia Mendia, who also answered a blue-card question from Bogdan Rzońca.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Susana Solís Pérez, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Michał Kobosko, Branislav Ondruš, Massimiliano Salini, Michele Picaro, Kateřina Konečná, Manuela Ripa, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Seán Kelly, Ondřej Krutílek, Diego Solier and Mirosława Nykiel.

    The following spoke: Helena Dalli.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended at 11:57.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA
    President

    4. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:03.


    5. Statement by the President

    The President made a statement to mark the 68th anniversary of the Hungarian Uprising of 1956. She paid tribute to the victims and to those who had suffered under Soviet oppression.

    ⁂

    The following spoke: Ondřej Knotek and Peter Liese (the President made some clarifications).


    6. Voting time

    For detailed results, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    6.1. Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application ***I (vote)

    Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 as regards provisions relating to the date of application [COM(2024)0452 – C10-0119/2024 – 2024/0249(COD)] – ENVI Committee

    REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION from the ENVI Committee (Rule 170(6))

    Parliament approved the request for urgent procedure.

    The following tabling deadlines had been set:
    – amendments: Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 13:00
    – requests for separate votes and split votes: Thursday 12 November 2024 at 16:00.

    Vote: at a later part-session.


    6.2. Draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections (vote)

    (Majority of Parliament’s component Members required)

    DRAFT AMENDMENTS

    (The draft amendments adopted would appear as an annex to the Texts Adopted)

    The following had spoken:

    After the vote, Péter Benő Banai (President-in-Office of the Council) had noted the differences between the positions of Parliament and of the Council and had agreed to the President’s convening of the Conciliation Committee in accordance with Article 314(4)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 1)


    6.3. General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections (vote)

    Report on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 [12084/2024 – C10-0099/2024 – 2024/0176(BUD)] – Committee on Budgets. Rapporteurs: Victor Negrescu and Niclas Herbst (A10-0008/2024)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Rejected

    The following had spoken:

    Before the vote, Victor Negrescu (rapporteur) on the basis of Rule 189(4).

    Leila Chaibi, to move an oral amendment to paragraph 68. Parliament had not agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote as more than 39 Members had opposed it.

    (‘Results of votes’, item 2)


    6.4. Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States * (vote)

    Report on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States [COM(2024)0599 – C10-0084/2024 – 2024/0599(NLE)] – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. Rapporteur: Li Andersson (A10-0004/2024)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    COMMISSION PROPOSAL

    Approved as amended (P10_TA(2024)0027)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 3)


    6.5. Urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B9-0123/2024/REV1, B10-0121/2024, B10-0122/2024, B10-0123/2024, B10-0124/2024, B10-0125/2024, B10-0126/2024, B10-0127/2024 and B10-0128/2024 (minutes of 23.10.2023, item I) (2024/2849(RSP))

    The debate had taken place on 9 October 2024 (minutes of 9.10.2024, item 15).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2024)0028)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0121/2024, B10-0122/2024 and B10-0127/2024 fell.)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 4)

    (The sitting was suspended at 12:53.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Roberts ZĪLE
    Vice-President

    7. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:56.


    8. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    9. Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war (debate)

    Commission statement: Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war (2024/2897(RSP))

    Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Sandra Kalniete, on behalf of the PPE Group, Chloé Ridel, on behalf of the S&D Group, Tomasz Buczek, on behalf of the PfE Group, Adam Bielan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Petras Auštrevičius, on behalf of the Renew Group, and Sergey Lagodinsky, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group.

    The following spoke: Didier Reynders.

    The following spoke: Lukas Sieper on the allocation of speaking time in the debate (the President made some clarifications).

    The debate closed.


    10. U-turn on EU bureaucracy: the need to axe unnecessary burdens and reporting to unleash competitiveness and innovation (topical debate)

    The following spoke: Jörgen Warborn to open the debate proposed by the PPE Group.

    The following spoke: Helena Dalli (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Markus Ferber, on behalf of the PPE Group, René Repasi, on behalf of the S&D Group, Klara Dostalova, on behalf of the PfE Group, Antonella Sberna, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Jutta Paulus, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jussi Saramo, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Uhrík, on behalf of the ESN Group, Tom Berendsen, Lara Wolters, Vilis Krištopans, Kosma Złotowski, Svenja Hahn, Kim Van Sparrentak, Stanislav Stoyanov, Branislav Ondruš, Christine Schneider, Lina Gálvez, Ondřej Knotek, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Marie Toussaint, Anja Arndt and Katarína Roth Neveďalová.

    IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Lídia Pereira, Nikos Papandreou, Raffaele Stancanelli, Stefano Cavedagna, Katri Kulmuni, Mirosława Nykiel, Tiemo Wölken, Julie Rechagneux, Ľudovít Ódor, Aura Salla, Jorge Martín Frías, Angelika Niebler, Susanna Ceccardi, Isabella Tovaglieri and Barbara Bonte.

    The following spoke: Helena Dalli.

    The debate closed.


    11. Presentation of the Court of Auditors’ annual report 2023 (debate)

    Presentation of the Court of Auditors’ annual report 2023 (2024/2784(RSP))

    Tony Murphy (President of the Court of Auditors) made the presentation.

    The following spoke: Helena Dalli (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Tomáš Zdechovský, on behalf of the PPE Group, José Cepeda, on behalf of the S&D Group, Csaba Dömötör, on behalf of the PfE Group, Dick Erixon, on behalf of the ECR Group, Olivier Chastel, on behalf of the Renew Group, Daniel Freund, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jonas Sjöstedt, on behalf of The Left Group, Niclas Herbst, Giuseppe Lupo, Virginie Joron, Marco Squarta, Joachim Streit, Giuseppe Antoci, Monika Hohlmeier, Eero Heinäluoma, Julien Sanchez, Bogdan Rzońca, Ciaran Mullooly, Jacek Protas, Fernand Kartheiser, Caterina Chinnici and Dirk Gotink.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sebastian Tynkkynen and Grzegorz Braun.

    The following spoke: Helena Dalli and Tony Murphy.

    The debate closed.


    12. Findings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland’s abortion law (debate)

    Commission statement: Findings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland’s abortion law (2024/2867(RSP))

    Helena Dalli (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Ewa Kopacz, on behalf of the PPE Group, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, on behalf of the S&D Group, Anna Bryłka, non-attached Member, Marlena Maląg, on behalf of the ECR Group, Abir Al-Sahlani, on behalf of the Renew Group, Alice Kuhnke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Manon Aubry, on behalf of The Left Group, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, on behalf of the ESN Group (the President reminded the House of the rules on conduct), Arba Kokalari, Ana Catarina Mendes, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, who also answered blue-card questions from Bruno Gonçalves, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle and Irene Montero, Małgorzata Gosiewska, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Abir Al-Sahlani, Michał Kobosko, Mélissa Camara, Irene Montero, who also answered a blue-card question from Alvise Pérez, and Tomasz Froelich.

    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Grzegorz Braun, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Heléne Fritzon, Laurence Trochu, who also answered a blue-card question from Manon Aubry, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, who also answered a blue-card question from Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Benedetta Scuderi, Hanna Gedin, Maria Walsh, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Paolo Inselvini, who also answered a blue-card question from Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, who also answered a blue-card question from Robert Biedroń, Mirosława Nykiel, Lina Gálvez, Birgit Sippel, Elisabeth Grossmann, Evin Incir, who also answered a blue-card question from Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, and Alessandra Moretti.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Łukasz Kohut, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Emma Fourreau, Lukas Sieper, Magdalena Adamowicz, Bruno Gonçalves and João Oliveira.

    The following spoke: Helena Dalli.

    The debate closed.


    13. Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta (debate)

    Commission statement: Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta (2024/2868(RSP))

    Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: David Casa, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Fabrice Leggeri, on behalf of the PfE Group, Alessandro Ciriani, on behalf of the ECR Group, Moritz Körner, on behalf of the Renew Group, Daniel Freund, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, Ana Miguel Pedro, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Sophie Wilmès, Gaetano Pedulla’, Judita Laššáková, Peter Agius, Daniel Attard, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, who also answered a blue-card question from Alex Agius Saliba, Evin Incir, Sunčana Glavak and Thomas Bajada.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sandro Ruotolo, Katarína Roth Neveďalová and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Didier Reynders.

    IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK
    Vice-President

    The debate closed.


    14. The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development (debate)

    Commission statement: The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development (2024/2869(RSP))

    Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Andrey Novakov, on behalf of the PPE Group, Mohammed Chahim, on behalf of the S&D Group, Rody Tolassy, on behalf of the PfE Group, Denis Nesci, on behalf of the ECR Group, Ľubica Karvašová, on behalf of the Renew Group, Gordan Bosanac, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Valentina Palmisano, on behalf of The Left Group, Arno Bausemer, on behalf of the ESN Group, Elena Nevado del Campo, Jean-Marc Germain, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Ciaran Mullooly, Vladimir Prebilič, Younous Omarjee, who also answered a blue-card question from Ana Miranda Paz, Nora Junco García, Krzysztof Hetman, Marcos Ros Sempere, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Waldemar Buda, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Ana Miranda Paz, Elena Kountoura, Isabelle Le Callennec, Nora Mebarek, Raffaele Stancanelli, Ruggero Razza, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Mārtiņš Staķis, Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Carla Tavares, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Barry Cowen, Fredis Beleris, René Repasi, Nikolina Brnjac, Javi López, Marco Falcone, Camilla Laureti, Antonio Decaro, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Dario Nardella, Sabrina Repp, Raffaele Topo, Marko Vešligaj, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Stefano Bonaccini, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Sofie Eriksson and Alex Agius Saliba.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nina Carberry, Maria Grapini, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Niels Geuking, Juan Fernando López Aguilar and Maravillas Abadía Jover.

    The following spoke: Didier Reynders.

    The debate closed.


    15. Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security (debate)

    Commission statement: Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security (2024/2884(RSP))

    Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Lena Düpont, on behalf of the PPE Group, Hannes Heide, on behalf of the S&D Group, András László, on behalf of the PfE Group, Beata Szydło, on behalf of the ECR Group, Helmut Brandstätter, on behalf of the Renew Group, Alexandra Geese, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Petar Volgin, on behalf of the ESN Group, and Mirosława Nykiel.

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Tobias Cremer, who also answered a blue-card question from Reinier Van Lanschot, Aleksandar Nikolic, Rihards Kols, Reinier Van Lanschot, Kateřina Konečná, Ana Miguel Pedro, Brando Benifei, Nikola Bartůšek, Geadis Geadi, Javier Zarzalejos, Mathilde Androuët, Ivaylo Valchev, Pekka Toveri, Aurelijus Veryga, Salvatore De Meo and Patryk Jaki.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Michał Szczerba, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Majdouline Sbai, András Tivadar Kulja, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Magdalena Adamowicz.

    The following spoke: Didier Reynders.

    The debate closed.


    16. Proposals for Union acts

    The President announced that the President of Parliament had declared the following proposals for Union acts to be admissible under Rule 47(2):

    – Proposal for a Union act tabled by Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Jorge Martín Frías, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Hermann Tertsch, on classifying the activity of military personnel, police officers, prison officers and private security guards as dangerous professions in the Union (B10-0018/2024)

    committee responsible: EMPL

    – Proposal for a Union act tabled by Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Hermann Tertsch, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Jorge Martín Frías, on the need to protect families, businesses and self-employed persons from the rise in fuel prices in Europe (B10-0077/2024)

    committee responsible: ECON
    committee asked for opinion: ITRE

    – Proposal for a Union act tabled by Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Hermann Tertsch, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Jorge Martín Frías, on the need for cheaper access to housing (B10-0078/2024)

    committee responsible: ECON
    committee asked for opinion: EMPL


    17. EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia (debate)

    Commission statement: EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia (2024/2885(RSP))

    Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Sandra Kalniete, on behalf of the PPE Group, Thijs Reuten, on behalf of the S&D Group, András László, on behalf of the PfE Group, Reinis Pozņaks, on behalf of the ECR Group, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, on behalf of the Renew Group, Isabella Lövin, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jonas Sjöstedt, on behalf of The Left Group, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, on behalf of the ESN Group, Francisco José Millán Mon, Heléne Fritzon, Veronika Vrecionová, Karin Karlsbro, Ville Niinistö, Li Andersson, Pekka Toveri, Sérgio Gonçalves, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Ivars Ijabs, Per Clausen, Mika Aaltola, Emma Wiesner, Ondřej Kolář, Lukas Mandl and Tom Berendsen.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis.

    The following spoke: Didier Reynders.

    Motions for resolutions to be tabled under Rule 136(2) would be announced at a later stage.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: next part-session.


    18. Need to strengthen rail travel and the railway sector in Europe (debate)

    Commission statement: Need to strengthen rail travel and the railway sector in Europe (2024/2896(RSP))

    Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Dariusz Joński, on behalf of the PPE Group, François Kalfon, on behalf of the S&D Group, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, on behalf of the PfE Group, Marlena Maląg, on behalf of the ECR Group, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kai Tegethoff, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Elena Kountoura, on behalf of The Left Group, Arno Bausemer, on behalf of the ESN Group, Sophia Kircher, Vivien Costanzo, Jana Nagyová, Adrian-George Axinia, Ana Vasconcelos, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Tilly Metz, Arash Saeidi, Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus, Nikolina Brnjac, Ondřej Krutílek, Pär Holmgren, Sebastian Everding, Kostas Papadakis and Krzysztof Hetman.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Marta Wcisło, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Ana Miranda Paz, João Oliveira, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Per Clausen, Carmen Crespo Díaz and Magdalena Adamowicz.

    The following spoke: Didier Reynders.

    The debate closed.


    19. Explanations of vote

    Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.


    20. Agenda of the next sitting

    The next sitting would be held the following day, 24 October 2024, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.


    21. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.


    22. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 21:57.


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0121/2024)
    Catarina Martins
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0122/2024)
    Christine Anderson
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0123/2024)
    Tiemo Wölken
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0124/2024)
    Andreas Glück
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0125/2024)
    Peter Liese
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0126/2024)
    Ignazio Roberto Marino
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0127/2024)
    Ondřej Knotek, Viktória Ferenc
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0128/2024)
    Ruggero Razza, Pietro Fiocchi, Michele Picaro, Laurence Trochu, Aurelijus Veryga
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):

    on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (RC-B10-0123/2024/REV1) (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0123/2024, B10-0124/2024, B10-0125/2024, B10-0126/2024 and B10-0128/2024):

    Peter Liese
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Tiemo Wölken
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Ondřej Knotek
    on behalf of the PfE Group
    Ruggero Razza
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Andreas Glück
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Ignazio Roberto Marino
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group


    II. Delegated acts (Rule 114(2))

    Draft delegated acts forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on information to be exchanged between competent authorities (C(2024)06766 – 2024/2875(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 10 October 2024

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688 as regards certain animal health requirements for movements within the Union of terrestrial animals (C(2024)06985 – 2024/2870(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 9 October 2024

    referred to committee responsible: AGRI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the listing of pesticides and industrial chemicals (C(2024)07071 – 2024/2880(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 15 October 2024

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 as regards short-necked clam and red seabream (C(2024)07102 – 2024/2876(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 11 October 2024

    referred to committee responsible: PECH

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 as regards changes on shipments of electrical and electronic waste agreed under the Basel Convention (C(2024)07198 – 2024/2900(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 18 October 2024

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 as regards changes on shipments of electrical and electronic waste agreed under the Basel Convention (C(2024)07199 – 2024/2899(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 18 October 2024

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the rules for the monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions from offshore ships and the zero-rating of sustainable fuels (C(2024)07210 – 2024/2894(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 16 October 2024

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI


    III. Implementing measures (Rule 115)

    Draft implementing measures falling under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for fenbuconazole and penconazole in or on certain products (D096823/04 – 2024/2898(RPS) – deadline: 18 December 2024)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the removal of the flavouring substance 4-Methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal (FL No 05.100) from the Union list (D099950/02 – 2024/2873(RPS) – deadline: 11 January 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the inclusion of (E)‐3‐benzo[1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl‐N,N‐diphenyl‐2‐propenamide in the Union list of flavourings (D099953/02 – 2024/2874(RPS) – deadline: 11 December 2024)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Regulations (EC) No 2150/2002 and (EC) No 1552/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as well as Commission Regulations (EC) No 1726/1999, (EC) No 1916/2000, (EC) No 198/2006, (EC) No 1062/2008 and (EU) No 349/2011, as regards references to the statistical classification of economic activities NACE Revision 2 established by Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (D100325/01 – 2024/2901(RPS) – deadline: 21 January 2025)
    referred to committees responsible: EMPL, ENVI


    IV. Documents received

    The following documents had been received:

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 12/2024 – Section III – Commission (N10-0019/2024 – C10-0122/2024 – 2024/2059(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 13/2024 – Section III – Commission (N10-0021/2024 – C10-0135/2024 – 2024/2060(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG


    V. Transfers of appropriations and budgetary decisions

    In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations INF 5/2024 – Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee.

    In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations INF 3/2024 – Section VII – Committee of the Regions.

    In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations No 1/2024 – Section VIII – European Ombudsman.

    In accordance with Article 31(3) of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve Commission transfers of appropriations DEC 09/2024 and DEC 10/2024 – Section III – Commission.

    In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve Commission transfers of appropriations DEC 09/2024 and DEC 10/2024 – Section III – Commission.


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Antoci Giuseppe, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Adrian-Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Bryłka Anna, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Ciccioli Carlo, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcă Gheorghe, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firea Gabriela, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Friis Sigrid, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Christophe, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Hazekamp Anja, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jaki Patryk, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovatchev Andrey, Krah Maximilian, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubilius Andrius, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Meimarakis Vangelis, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Milazzo Giuseppe, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Mînzatu Roxana, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moratti Letizia, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Nica Dan, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual De La Parte Nicolás, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban-Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verheyen Sabine, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Virkkunen Henna, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zacharia Maria, Zajączkowska-Hernik Ewa, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Gómez López Sandra, Homs Ginel Alicia, Lalucq Aurore

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia awarded 2024 Sakharov Prize

    Source: European Parliament

    The leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces and the opposition candidate in the July presidential elections will receive the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

    Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola announced the winners of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in the chamber on Thursday, following the meeting of the Conference of Presidents, which took the decision.

    President Metsola said: “The 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded to María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia for their brave fight to restore freedom and democracy in Venezuela. In their quest for a fair, free and peaceful transition of power, they have fearlessly upheld values that millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament hold so dear: justice, democracy and the rule of law. The European Parliament stands with the people of Venezuela and with María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia in their struggle for the democratic future of their country. This award is for them.”

    María Corina Machado was elected as the Venezuelan opposition’s presidential candidate on behalf of the ‘Unity Democratic Platform’ in 2023 but was later disqualified by the regime-controlled National Electoral Council.

    Edmundo González Urrutia, a diplomat and politician who succeeded her as the ‘Unity Democratic Platform’ candidate, denounced the Venezuelan government’s failure to publish the official results of the presidential elections and contested Nicolás Maduro’s declared victory. Mr González Urrutia left the country in September after a warrant was issued to arrest him.

    In a resolution adopted on 19 September 2024, MEPs stressed that international election observation missions made it clear that the Venezuelan presidential election did not comply with international standards of electoral integrity. They recognised Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate and democratically-elected president of the country, and María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces.

    Parliament condemned “the electoral fraud” and the serious and systematic human rights violations perpetrated against the democratic opposition, the Venezuelan people, and civil society.

    According to the Venezuelan government, 2 400 people were arrested during demonstrations that followed the election and non-governmental organisations have reported the deaths of 24 people. María Corina Machado remains in hiding, while Edmundo González Urrutia fled to Spain, which granted him political asylum on 7 September.

    In its September 2024 resolution, Parliament called on the EU to extend sanctions against the Venezuelan regime and to apply targeted sanctions through the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Nicolás Maduro and his inner circle. Before the elections, the European Parliament urged member states to maintain the sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime and criticised the unconstitutional decision to prevent prominent political opposition figures such as María Corina Machado from running in the 2024 elections.

    Award ceremony on 18 December

    The award ceremony for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will take place on 18 December in Strasbourg, during Parliament’s plenary session.

    Background

    Named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the EU’s highest human rights award. Created in 1988, it is awarded every year by Parliament to individuals or organisations, in recognition of their work in one of the following areas: the defence of human rights and fundamental rights, in particular freedom of expression, the safeguarding of minority rights, respect for international law, the development of democracy and the defence of the rule of law.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Emerging Technologies Flourish at ITU-WTSA 2024’s Innovation Xchange

    Source: Government of India

    Emerging Technologies Flourish at ITU-WTSA 2024’s Innovation Xchange

    Groundbreaking event unites international tech leaders, academia, startups, researchers & industry to seek solutions in new-age technologies

    “We are at a pivotal point where emerging technologies are converging & laying the foundation of a new world”: Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development

    Posted On: 24 OCT 2024 9:19AM by PIB Delhi

    The Innovation Xchange, a cornerstone event of the ITU-WTSA 2024 was held yesterday at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in global technological collaboration.

    The objective of the program was to foster international collaboration and innovation across key thematic areas in emerging technologies. There was extensive cross-pollination of ideas and global expertise. The program included thematic discussions on NextGen Networks (5G​/​6G), AI & robotics, Secured Communication Networks, and Quantum Communications.

    The rapid technological advancements warrant the fusion of diverse perspectives from around the globe and therefore, each theme involved teams from India as well as some other ITU member countries namely USA, UK, UAE, Singapore. The composition of the teams included a lead faculty, a research student, and a startup working in the same thematic area.

    The inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development and was attended by Ms. Madhu Arora, Member Technology, Digital Communications Commission,  Department of Telecommunications, India, Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and  Mr. Sanjeev K Sharma, Deputy Director General, Department of Telecom, Ministry of Communication.

    In his inaugural address, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development India spoke about how over the last decade India has been tirelessly working under leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to create an ecosystem that is conducive to growth of businesses and in particular startups. Since the launch of “Startup India, Standup India” initiative in 2015, India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem for startups globally with over 1.12 lakh Government recognized startups. The academic research and startups are solving problems in diverse industrial sectors. He also said that the Bharat 6G Alliance, a vital platform uniting industry leaders, academia, startups, and government, is set to drive 6G innovation, guided by the vision of “Innovate in India, for India and the World.”

    Inspiring the audience, he quoted from his own experience of being a startup founder and said “To create a successful and impactful business, it’s essential to solve real problems rather than just creating products. Innovate and disrupt by thinking beyond the obvious” He advised youngsters to Start small, but think big, and act now. He quipped “You don’t need all the resources in the world to begin—just conviction. Many waits for perfect conditions or significant funding, but the best time to start is now. Action creates momentum, and momentum fuels success”. On the inevitability of setbacks, he encouraged the audience by saying “Be comfortable with failure—it’s part of the process. Embrace them, learn, and pivot when needed. Persistence is what separates dreamers from achievers”. He further advised to Build a purpose-driven business by focusing on impact – “When your mission aligns with a meaningful purpose, everything falls into place. Customers, partners, and investors are drawn to ventures that aim to make a difference.” He concluded by saying “invest in people—your team is your greatest asset. When your team feels invested in the mission, they will give their best every day.”

    In her address, Ms Madhu Arora, highlighted some of the initiatives of the Indian Government that go a long way in promoting innovation and start-up ecosystems in next-generation technologies. She urged ITU to collaborate with India in these areas. These initiatives included ‘setting up of hundred ‘5G Use Case Labs’, 5G Intelligent Villages, AI led Digital Twins.

    Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), International Telecommunication Union (ITU) mentioned “It’s important to remember that people decided to innovate because they wanted to improve the quality of life and open new doors of opportunities and choice. Technology is just a means to an end I call upon everyone in the development sector to work towards unmasking technology and showing its human impact. This includes coordinating food supply, medication, and shelter to save humanity.” He then spoke about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mentioned that “they can only be achieved if we put digital at the centre of everything we do”.

    The Innovation Xchange event received an overwhelming response as it could connect the dots between research and productization. By integrating startup representatives into the teams, discussions were grounded in real-world applications and to the needs of productizing the research. By providing a platform for startups to engage with researchers and industry leaders, it facilitated a fertile ground for taking new research and ideas to market.

     

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    SB/DP/ARJ

    (Release ID: 2067550) Visitor Counter : 73

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Haiti: the situation has worsened – BINUH Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by María Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of BINUH, on the question concerning Haiti – Security Council, 9757th meeting.

    ———————–

    Addressing the Security Council, Salvador said, “The situation in Haiti has regrettably worsened. There are more than 700,000 internally displaced persons, which represents a 22 per cent increase in the last 3 months. The political process, despite initial advances, which I reported in July, is now facing significant challenges, turning hope into deep concern.”

    She also said, “The security situation remains extremely fragile, with renewed peaks of acute violence. Haitians continue to suffer across the country as criminal gang activities escalate and expand beyond Port-au-Prince, spreading terror and fear, overwhelming the national security apparatus. The humanitarian situation is even more dire.”
    She continued, “The MSS mission remains critically under-resourced, which could impact deployment and impede it from carrying out its tasks in support of the Haitian National Police and of the Forces Armées d’Haïti.”

    Also addressing the Council Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, said, “So far, this year, we have seen a staggering increase in reported incidents of sexual violence against women and children, including gender-based violence. Armed groups are also actively recruiting and using children in their operations. We estimate that children account for 30 to 50 percent of armed group members. They are being used as informants, cooks, and sex slaves, and they are being forced to perpetrate armed violence themselves.”

    She concluded, “This is a pivotal moment for the country … with the Transitional Presidential Council and the Government now in place leading the effort … and with the Multinational Security Support Mission supporting security initiatives. These are important steps. Now we must do our part. The international community has the tools, and the resources to help Haiti emerge from this crisis, and to embark on a sustained road to recovery. The question is one of will.”

    Antonio Rodrigue, Haitian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said “I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep concern regarding the alarming situation of mass deportations of our compatriots by the Dominican Republic. While we acknowledge the inalienable right of any state to manage its borders and enforce its migration policies, these actions must align with the fundamental principles of international law, especially those that safeguard human dignity and the rights of migrants.”

    Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Dominican Republic, said, “The Dominican government cannot accept the reckless call to halt repatriations, as this would be equivalent to declaring an open border, encouraging greater irregular migration to the country. We will never allow this.”

    He also said, “The crisis enveloping Haiti is its own responsibility, exacerbated by the lack of timely and sustained support from the international community.”

    Erastus Ekitela Lokaale, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations, said, “While the MSS is a critical and innovative intervention, it is only part of the solution. Haiti’s stability will only be accomplished through a multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of its challenges.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z2IZLJYstU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Haiti:Interview with Resident Coordinator in Haiti | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    UN News interviews Ms. Ulrika Richardson, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USmYpgT_z38

    MIL OSI Video –