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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Global: Want to build healthier cities? Make room for bird and tree diversity

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Rachel Buxton, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Carleton University

    More than five million Canadians — approximately one in eight of us — are living with a mood, anxiety or substance use disorder. The prevalence of mental disorders is on the rise, with a third of those with a disorder reporting unmet or partially met needs for mental health-care services.

    The stresses of the city, where more than 70 per cent of Canadians now live, can increase the risk of poor mental health even further.

    When most people think about caring for their mental health, they may think about getting more exercise, getting more sleep and making sure they’re eating healthy. Increasingly, research is showing that spending time in nature surrounded by plants and wildlife can also contribute to preventing and treating mental illness.

    Our research focuses on the importance of birds and trees in urban neighbourhoods in promoting mental well-being. In our study, we combined more than a decade of health and ecological data across 36 Canadian cities and found a positive association between greater bird and tree diversity and self-rated mental health.

    The well-being benefits of healthy ecosystems will probably not come as a great surprise to urban dwellers who relish days out in the park or hiking in a nearby nature reserve. Still, the findings of our study speak to the potential of a nature-based urbanism that promotes the health of its citizens.



    Read more:
    How the health of honeybee hives can inform environmental policies in Canadian cities

    Birds, trees and human connection

    Across cultures and societies, people have strong connections with birds. The beauty of their bright song and colour have inspired art, music and poetry. Their contemporary cultural relevance has even earned them an affectionate, absurdist internet nickname: “birbs”.

    There’s something magical about catching a glimpse of a bird and hearing birdsong. For many urbanites, birds are our daily connection to wildlife and a gateway to nature. In fact, even if we don’t realize it, humans and birds are intertwined. Birds provide us with many essential services — controlling insects, dispersing seeds and pollinating our crops.

    People have similarly intimate connections with trees. The terms tree of life, family trees, even tree-hugger all demonstrate the central cultural importance trees have in many communities around the world. In cities, trees are a staple of efforts to bring beauty and tranquility.

    When the Australian city of Melbourne gave urban trees email addresses for people to report problems, residents responded by writing thousands of love letters to their favourite trees. Forest bathing, a practice of being calm and quiet among trees, is a growing wellness trend.

    Birds and trees as promoters of urban wellness

    Contact with nature and greenspace have a suite of mental health benefits.

    Natural spaces reduce stress and offer places for recreation and relaxation for urban dwellers, but natural diversity is key. A growing amount of research shows that the extent of these benefits may be related to the diversity of different natural features.

    For example, in the United States, higher bird diversity is associated with lower hospitalizations for mood and anxiety disorders and longer life expectancy. In a European study, researchers found that bird diversity was as important for life satisfaction as income.

    People’s connection to a greater diversity of birds and trees could be because we evolved to recognize that the presence of more species indicates a safer environment — one with more things to eat and more shelter. Biodiverse environments are also less work for the brain to interpret, allowing restoration of cognitive resources.

    To explore the relationship between biodiversity and mental health in urban Canada, we brought together unique datasets. First, we collected bird data sourced from community scientists, where people logged their bird sightings on an app. We then compared this data with tree diversity data from national forest inventories.

    Finally, we compared both of these data sets to a long-standing health survey that has interviewed approximately 65,000 Canadians each year for over two decades.

    We found that living in a neighbourhood with higher than average bird diversity increased reporting of good mental health by about seven per cent. While living in a neighbourhood with higher than average tree diversity increased good mental health by about five per cent.

    Importance of urban birds and trees

    The results of our study, and those of others, show a connection between urban bird and tree diversity, healthy ecosystems and people’s mental well-being. This underscores the importance of urban biodiversity conservation as part of healthy living promotion.

    Protecting wild areas in parks, planting pollinator gardens and reducing pesticide use could all be key strategies to protect urban wildlife and promote people’s well-being. Urban planners should take note.



    Read more:
    Eco-anxiety: climate change affects our mental health – here’s how to cope

    We’re at a critical juncture: just as we are beginning to understand the well-being benefits of birds and trees, we’re losing species at a faster rate than ever before. It’s estimated that there are three billion fewer birds in North America compared to the 1970s and invasive pests will kill 1.4 million street trees over the next 30 years.

    By promoting urban biodiversity, we can ensure a sustainable and healthy future for all species, including ourselves.

    Rachel Buxton receives funding from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, National Institutes of Health, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

    Emma J. Hudgins received funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Nature et Technologies for this work. She currently receives funding from Plant Health Australia.

    Stephanie Prince Ware has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

    – ref. Want to build healthier cities? Make room for bird and tree diversity – https://theconversation.com/want-to-build-healthier-cities-make-room-for-bird-and-tree-diversity-235379

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Your politics can affect whether you click on sponsored search results, new research shows

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Alexander Davidson, Associate Professor of Marketing, Wayne State University

    Good news for digital marketers. Boy Wirat/Getty Images

    American businesses spend close to US$100 billion each year to secure top advertising spots in search engine results – even though it’s not exactly a secret that most online shoppers scroll right past them.

    In fact, organic links – results that aren’t sponsored advertisements – can receive up to 10 times as many clicks as search ads, industry data shows.

    I refer to this phenomenon as “search ad avoidance,” and it’s a big problem for the multibillion-dollar industry. But it turns out that not all groups are equally averse to clicking on sponsored search results.

    According to my newly published peer-reviewed research, people with conservative political views are more likely to click on sponsored search results.

    Republican-leaning brands such as Black Rifle Coffee Company might want to take note.

    Conservatives are more likely to click search ads

    To explore the relationship between politics and search engine behavior, I conducted several studies.

    First, I examined data from more than 500,000 visitors to a nationwide retailer’s website. I analyzed the percentage of visitors from each U.S. state who arrived at the website by clicking a search ad versus an organic link. Then I looked at the share of each state’s residents who describe themselves as conservative.

    I found that more conservative states were associated with more clicks for search ads over organic links. Specifically, a 10% increase in a state’s conservative identity was associated with a 6.4% increase in search ad clicks.

    Given that, on average, conservatives are older and have higher incomes than liberals, I also looked at each state’s median age and per-capita personal income. Again, the data confirmed the relationship between conservatism and search ad clicks. Neither age nor income had any significant impact.

    To better understand what was going on, I conducted additional studies where I could monitor people’s searches in a more controlled setting using online surveys.

    I asked online participants to search for a product the same way they would using Google. Then, I brought them to a search results page and asked them to indicate how likely they would be to click on a search ad versus an organic link.

    I also measured their political orientation in two different ways: through self-identification and attitudes toward political issues. Once again, I found that regardless of age or income, more conservative people were more likely to click on search ads.

    Why the promotional is political

    The decision to click on an ad – or not – might seem quite minor. But I believe ad avoidance is strongly rooted in people’s core beliefs and values.

    While conservatives tend to trust and justify the role of marketplace systems, liberals are more skeptical. Within the marketplace of online information search, I argue that conservatives are likely to be more trusting of sponsored communications than liberals, who lean toward organic content.

    The importance of values becomes clear in a final analysis I conducted. In this real-world experiment, I created search ads for a website built specifically for this research and found that conservatives were more likely to click ads in response to broad searches, such as “Buy headphones.” But for more specific, detailed searches – for example, “Buy headphones with microphone that reduces background noise” – there was no relationship between politics and clicks.

    I suspect this is because broad searches are less cognitively demanding – in other words, they require less brainpower. This allows our core beliefs to influence our decisions. In fact, this is consistent with research on information processing that shows broad thinking leads to stronger political attitudes.

    On the other hand, I argue that specific searches require us to pay close attention to the information we are processing, which disables our core beliefs from being the primary influence on our decisions.

    Why advertisers should take note

    These findings have obvious benefits for advertisers who want to better understand who’s most likely to click on search ads. This can help them generate campaign strategies that account for consumers’ political orientations, which I have shown to be a better predictor of click behavior than typical segmentation variables such as age or income.

    Given that liberals are less likely to click search ads, it also suggests advertisers should be thinking about alternative ways to reach them. It’s possible that liberals could be persuaded to click search ads through a greater inclusion of trust symbols in advertising communications, such as star ratings or endorsements from credible influencers.

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

    – ref. Your politics can affect whether you click on sponsored search results, new research shows – https://theconversation.com/your-politics-can-affect-whether-you-click-on-sponsored-search-results-new-research-shows-239800

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Colorado’s Amendment 80 wants to make school choice ‘a right’ when it already is – an expert in educational policy explains the disconnect

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christopher Lubienski, Professor of Education Policy, Indiana University

    In November, Colorado voters will decide whether the state’s constitution should be amended to specify a right to school choice.

    But school choice is already guaranteed by state statute and federal courts. So why is this initiative being posed at all?

    Even the initiative’s backers acknowledge that Colorado already has “one of the best school choice statutes in the nation.” Moreover, the ability for parents to choose private schools has been affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court for at least a century.

    I have been studying school choice for almost three decades and can say Amendment 80 raises serious questions about the strategies being used by the school choice advocates who put it on the ballot.

    School choice in Colorado

    School choice options have expanded rapidly across the U.S. in recent years. Currently, it is estimated that over 3.5 million students now attend charter schools, and in the past three years, nine states have approved new programs that provide public funds for private schooling.

    In 1993, Colorado became one of the first states to authorize charter schools. Charter schools are publicly funded but privately or independently managed. They are now legal in 45 states.

    Likewise, Colorado law enables parents to choose public schools outside their district — an open-enrollment option that is also quite common throughout the U.S., permitted in 43 states.

    But a new wave of school choice policies is emerging from conservative legislatures. Several red states, like Utah, Iowa and Indiana, recently created policies to fund universal or near-universal private school choice. These programs – vouchers or education savings accounts – use taxpayer funds to pay for private school tuition and, with education savings accounts, other educational expenses as well. Unlike charter schools, which are technically public schools and accountable to public authorities, these programs funding private schools have few if any regulations on the schools receiving taxpayer dollars.

    Colorado is in a different category altogether.

    Indeed, Colorado voters have repeatedly rejected ballot measures to implement private school choice. That mirrors voters across the country, who tend to reject these intiatives, often resoundingly.

    Moreover, Colorado’s original state constitution explicitly prohibits sending public funds to private schools.

    In essence, Colorado is a trailblazer when it comes to funding school choice in the public sector – but not the private sector. Like all Americans, Coloradans have every right under federal law to choose a private school at their own expense.

    Amendment 80 would give children the ‘right’ to choose from neighborhood, charter, private and home schools, as well as ‘future innovations in education.’
    Ed Andrieski/AP Photo

    Who supports Amendment 80

    Amendment 80 reflects a familiar political divide when it comes to school choice policies.

    Republicans largely support more parental prerogatives to choose schools, including private schools, and fewer restrictions on those schools.

    Democrats tend to oppose unregulated choice and programs that fund private schools, and support accountability measures for schools that receive public funds.

    There are, of course, exceptions to this partisan divide.

    Some Democrats, including Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who founded two charter schools, have objected to efforts to regulate charters.

    Meanwhile, some conservatives, including Christian homeschoolers, have expressed concerns about government involvement in private schooling, which they fear could lead to regulation.

    The proposal frames school choice as a child’s right, leading some to worry it will give a student’s wishes legal predominance over their parents’.

    Those skeptics may have a point. Rather than push directly for school vouchers, backers of Amendment 80 simply make the seemingly innocuous assertion that school choice is a “right.”

    School choice as a ‘right’

    The fact that advocates for this measure are framing the issue this way – rather than as an effective taxpayer-funded policy, for example – is telling.

    While there are different forms of school choice, like charter and magnet schools, the modern private school choice movement emerged as a way for Southern segregationists to avoid integration.

    The movement gained momentum in the 1990s by asserting that choice leads to better educational outcomes, and that it gives low-income students an equitable opportunity to attend better schools.

    Those claims have not stood up.

    Every rigorous study of statewide voucher programs in the past 10 years has shown that they do not improve student outcomes. In fact, they have led to some of the largest learning losses ever measured — comparable to the losses from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Rather than simply giving low-income students opportunities beyond their segregated schools, charter schools lead to higher levels of segregation.

    Additionally, statewide private school choice programs, such as what one might envision arising from Amendment 80, are budget-busters for state treasuries and for rural schools as they channel public funds away from high-need areas to affluent families using these programs.

    In light of that track record, it is not surprising to see choice advocates move away from their earlier equity claims and focus instead on “rights” — even when such a right can lead to worse educational outcomes for kids.

    But even if the rhetorical strategy around Amendment 80 is clear, the question still stands: Why push to enshrine rights that are already effectively available through both Colorado law and U.S. Supreme Court rulings?

    The full text of Amendment 80 that appears on the November 2024 ballot in Colorado.
    Colorado Secretary of State

    Public funds for private schools

    Michael Fields, the president of Advance Colorado, the organization that promoted the proposal, noted that the idea is to “preserve” and “protect families’ ability to choose the best educational options for themselves.”

    Elsewhere, he said, “It’s really just cementing the school choice laws that we have in Colorado right now into the constitution.”

    Essentially he is arguing that Amendment 80 would confirm the status quo in Colorado.

    But the actual language of the initiative tells a different story.

    Rather than simply affirming an existing right to choose a public, charter or homeschool, the more important issue here is the right to choose a private school.

    Of course, this right already exists. Since at least 1925, parents across the U.S. have been guaranteed the right to choose private schools for their children, but at their own expense.

    If Amendment 80 passes, I expect we will see the argument that such a right is meaningless without funding to support the choice of private schools. After all, when people talk about the right to public education or health care, the underlying assumption is that there is no cost barrier to exercising that right, which is funded by taxpayers.

    Recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court suggest Colorado’s prohibition on the use of public funds for “church or sectarian” schools could be challenged in court. Adding a right to private school choice to the state’s constitution through Amendment 80 appears to be designed to provide the basis for such a challenge.

    Early voting is happening now in Colorado. Find your polling place here.

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

    – ref. Colorado’s Amendment 80 wants to make school choice ‘a right’ when it already is – an expert in educational policy explains the disconnect – https://theconversation.com/colorados-amendment-80-wants-to-make-school-choice-a-right-when-it-already-is-an-expert-in-educational-policy-explains-the-disconnect-240896

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tiny airborne particles within air pollution could be a silent killer – new study uncovers hidden risks and reveals who’s most at risk in New York state

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Shao Lin, Professor of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York

    Ultrafine particles stem from a variety of natural and human-made sources, including vehicle exhaust. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

    Long-term high ultrafine particle concentrations in New York state neighborhoods are linked to higher numbers of deaths. That is the key finding of our new research, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.

    Our study shows that high levels of ultrafine particles in the atmosphere over long periods of time are significantly associated with increased non-accidental deaths, particularly from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

    Ultrafine particles are aerosols less than 0.1 micrometers, or 100 nanometers, in diameter — about one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Due to their tiny size, they can be easily inhaled into the distal branches of lungs, quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and even pass through organ barriers.

    We also found that certain underserved populations, including Hispanics, non-Hispanic Black people, children under 5, older adults and non-New York City residents, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of ultrafine particles. The disparities our study uncovered underscore the necessity for public health agencies to focus on and protect high-risk populations.

    We quantified the long-term health impacts of exposure to these pollutants by combining mortality data from vital records in New York state and using a model that tracks how particles move and change through the air.

    Because ultrafine particles are so small, they are difficult to study, and more research is needed to determine how unsafe they are.

    Why it matters

    Air pollution is now ranked the second-leading risk factor for death, accounting for about 8.1 million deaths globally and about 600,000 deaths in the United States in 2021.

    Most air pollution standards and regulations have been focused on larger particulate matter, such as PM2.5 – which includes organic compounds and metal particulates – and PM10, a category that includes dust, pollen and mold.

    In comparison, ultrafine particles are typically much greater in number and have a much larger surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing them to carry substantial amounts of hazardous metals and organic compounds. Furthermore, because of their smaller size, ultrafine particles can follow the air flow and get deep into the lungs when inhaled. These unique characteristics make ultrafine particles particularly dangerous, leading to a range of adverse health problems.

    Despite this understanding, ultrafine particles remain largely unregulated, while larger particulates are regulated under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

    Due to their unique characteristics, ultrafine particles require additional, tailored attention.

    Ultrafine particles, not shown, are about one-thousandth the width of a human hair.
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

    Ultrafine particles stem from both natural sources and human activity – primarily from combustion processes such as motor vehicles, power plants, wood burning and wildfires. A large share of ultrafine particles is created by chemical reactions in the atmosphere involving acidic gases from fossil fuel burning and ammonia from farming and residential wastes.

    As cities continue to expand and urban populations grow, people’s exposure to these harmful particles is likely to increase. Both PM2.5 and ultrafine particles come from similar sources and can also form through chemical reactions in the atmosphere, but their trends diverge.

    PM2.5 mass has been declining in many places, including New York, thanks to air quality regulations. However, recent research suggests that ultrafine particle numbers are not going down and have been increasing since 2017.

    What still isn’t known

    There are currently no large-scale monitoring sites in the U.S. dedicated to tracking ultrafine particles in the environment. This limits the ability of researchers like us to comprehend the extent of ultrafine particle exposure and its impact on public health.

    What’s more, the exact biological mechanisms through which ultrafine particles cause harm are not yet fully understood. Increasing research evidence suggests that ultrafine particles can affect heart function, causing hardening of arteries, lung inflammation and systemic inflammation.

    There have been few prior studies looking at death rates related to ultrafine particle exposure by demographics and seasonality. By understanding which groups are most vulnerable to ultrafine particle exposure, interventions can be more effectively tailored to lower the risks and protect those who are disproportionately affected. Our study, which is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, helps fill in these critical knowledge gaps.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

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

    – ref. Tiny airborne particles within air pollution could be a silent killer – new study uncovers hidden risks and reveals who’s most at risk in New York state – https://theconversation.com/tiny-airborne-particles-within-air-pollution-could-be-a-silent-killer-new-study-uncovers-hidden-risks-and-reveals-whos-most-at-risk-in-new-york-state-236299

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: For many Latter-day Saints, America has a special relationship with God − but Christian nationalism is a step too far

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Nicholas Shrum, Doctoral Student in Religious Studies, University of Virginia

    Patriotism and faith can weave together in complicated ways − but when does that count as ‘Christian nationalism’? RiverNorthPhotography/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    On the verge of the 2024 elections, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are ramping up their campaigns in Arizona and Nevada. Beyond being considered swing states, the two have something else in common: Latter-day Saint voters.

    About 5% to 10% of Arizonans and Nevadans belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – among the highest percentages in the country, outside of Utah and Idaho. For decades, a steep majority of Latter-day Saints, often called Mormons, were regarded as reliable Republican voters. But the Trump era has tested that alliance, especially when it comes to many of his backers’ support for Christian nationalism.

    Christian nationalism is often described as the belief that American identity and Christianity are deeply intertwined and, therefore, the U.S. government should promote Christian-based values. Using questions such as whether “being Christian is an important part of being truly American,” a Public Religion Research Institute poll in 2024 found that about 4 in 10 Latter-day Saints nationwide are at least sympathetic to Christian nationalist ideas, if not clear “adherents.” This was the third-highest rate among religious groups, behind white evangelicals and Hispanic Protestants.

    Yet the report also found a seeming contradiction. Utah, home to the church’s headquarters, “is the only red state in which support for Christian nationalism falls below the national average.”

    As a scholar of Mormonism and nationalism, I believe the church’s history and beliefs help explain why so many members wrestle with Christian nationalist ideas – and that this complexity illustrates the difficulty of defining Christian nationalism in the first place. America is sacred in Latter-day Saint doctrine: both the land itself and its constitutional structures. But as a minority that has often faced discrimination from other Christians, the church displays profound skepticism about combining religion and state.

    Sacred space

    The Book of Mormon – one of the church’s key scriptures, alongside the Bible – describes the Americas as “choice above all other lands” and provides an account of Jesus Christ visiting ancient civilizations there after his resurrection.

    In addition, Latter-day Saint doctrine considers the United States’ government to be divinely inspired. In 1833 the church’s founder, Joseph Smith, dictated a revelation wherein God declared “I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up for this very purpose.”

    In the 1830s, Latter-day Saints migrated from New York and Ohio to western Missouri, where they believed themselves divinely commanded to build a sacred city called Zion. By the end of the decade, however, they had been forced out of Missouri by mob violence and an order from the governor, who called for the group to be “exterminated or driven from the State.”

    Church members fled to neighboring Illinois, then began a long trek west after Smith’s death in 1844. The first pioneers reached Utah Territory in 1847, where they set up a society shaped by their beliefs – including, most famously, the practice of plural marriage. But when Utah applied for statehood, tensions with the federal government mounted.

    Congress enacted anti-polygamy legislation that seized some church property, imprisoned more than 1,000 church members, disenfranchised anyone who supported the practice, and revoked Utah’s 1870 decision to give women the right to vote.

    A photo of Utah polygamists in prison, taken around 1889 by Charles Roscoe Savage.
    Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, via Wikimedia Commons

    By 1896, church leaders had begun the process of ending plural marriage, and Utah was admitted to the union. Latter-day Saints also adopted the two-party system and embraced free-market capitalism, giving up their more insular and communal system – adapting to dominant ideas of what it meant to be properly American.

    Constitutional patriots

    These experiences tested Latter-day Saints’ faith in the U.S. government – particularly its failure to intervene as members were forced out of Missouri and Illinois. Nevertheless, church doctrine emphasizes duty to one’s country. One of the church’s 13 Articles of Faith explains that “we believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, and in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

    Latter-day Saints have “a unique responsibility to uphold and defend the United States Constitution and principles of constitutionalism,” as Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the church’s highest governing body, said in 2021.

    I would argue that beliefs in the country’s divine purpose and potential, and the close relationship between faith and patriotism, may illuminate Latter-day Saint sympathy for Christian nationalist ideas. Yet the church’s previously fraught relations with the federal government, and with wider American culture, help explain why a majority of Latter-day Saints remain skeptical of Christian nationalism.

    For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, hostility against the church was so high and widespread that if the U.S. had declared itself a Christian nation, Latter-day Saints would likely have been excluded – and around one-third of Americans still do not consider them “Christian.” According to a 2023 Pew survey, only 15% of Americans say they have a favorable impression of Latter-day Saints, while 25% report unfavorable views.

    Latter-day Saint leaders believe they have a right to exert moral influence on public policy. But the church’s awareness of its own precarious position in U.S. culture has made it wary of policies that put some people’s religious freedom above others.

    Church members wait for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ biannual general conference to begin on Oct. 5, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
    AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum

    A step too far

    This wariness has also shaped Latter-day Saint culture’s inclination to avoid extremes. After decades of being marginalized for practices considered radical, the modern church and its adherents have walked a delicate tightrope. And for many, Christian nationalism and the candidate many adherents put their hope in – Donald Trump – seem a step too far.

    Over the past half-century, Latter-day Saints tended to align politically and culturally with conservative Catholics and evangelicals. On balance, the church remains highly conservative on social issues, especially gender and sexuality, and 70% of its American members lean Republican. However, more younger Latter-day Saints have much more progressive views – and even the leadership has parted ways with the GOP on some issues, such as strict immigration proposals. While the church opposes “elective abortion,” it allows for several exceptions.

    During the 2016 election, only about half of the church’s members voted for Trump; 15% voted for Evan McMullin, a Latter-day Saint who positioned himself as a moderate choice between Trump and Hillary Clinton. In 2020, Trump garnered about 7 in 10 Latter-day Saint votes.

    During congressional hearings about the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Arizona House Speaker Russell “Rusty” Bowers, who resisted pressure from the Trump administration to recall the state’s electors, cited his Latter-day Saint beliefs. “It is a tenet of my faith that the Constitution is divinely inspired,” Bowers said, explaining his refusal to go along with the scheme.

    Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers, left, is sworn in before testimony at the Capitol on June 21, 2022, alongside Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Georgia Deputy Secretary of State Gabriel Sterling.
    AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

    In June 2023, church leaders issued a statement against straight-ticket voting, saying “voting based on ‘tradition’ without careful study of candidates and their positions on important issues is a threat to democracy.”

    Holy purpose

    Ever since the Puritans, many people in what became the United States have believed God has a special plan for their society – part of the same current that drives Christian nationalism today.

    Latter-day Saints, however, have a specific vision of that plan. According to the church’s teachings and scriptures, the country’s establishment was a necessary step toward restoring the “only true and living church” – their own. And that church is a global one, not just American. More than half of all Latter-day Saints today live outside the U.S.

    Ultimately, Latter-day Saint teachings consider America’s story part of a greater goal: ushering in the second coming of Jesus Christ. As the church’s name suggests, Latter-day Saints believe that they are living in the last days, just before the millennial reign of Jesus – a kingdom where national and political distinctions melt away.

    But as with all other churches, its members live in the current day, where political, cultural and social realities shape how they interact with the world around them – and how they vote.

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

    – ref. For many Latter-day Saints, America has a special relationship with God − but Christian nationalism is a step too far – https://theconversation.com/for-many-latter-day-saints-america-has-a-special-relationship-with-god-but-christian-nationalism-is-a-step-too-far-228594

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Proof that immigrants fuel the US economy is found in the billions they send back home

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ernesto Castañeda, Professor, American University

    Migrant workers pick strawberries during harvest south of San Francisco, Calif. Visions of America/Joe Sohm/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Donald Trump has vowed to deport millions of immigrants if he is elected to a second term, claiming that, among other things, foreign-born workers take jobs from others. His running mate JD Vance has echoed those anti-immigrant views.

    Researchers, however, generally agree that massive deportations would hurt the U.S. economy, perhaps even triggering a recession.

    Social scientists and analysts tend to concur that immigration — both documented and undocumented — spurs economic growth. But it is almost impossible to calculate directly how much immigrants contribute to the economy. That’s because we don’t know the earnings of every immigrant worker in the United States.

    We do, however, have a good idea of how much they send back to their home countries – more than US$81 billion in 2022, according to the World Bank. And we can use this figure to indirectly calculate the total economic value of immigrant labor in the U.S.

    Economic contributions are likely underestimated

    I conducted a study with researchers at the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab at American University to quantify how much immigrants contribute to the U.S. economy based on their remittances, or money sent back home.

    Several studies indicate that remittances constitute 17.5% of immigrants’ income.

    Given that, we estimate that the immigrants who remitted in 2022 had take-home wages of over $466 billion. Assuming their take-home wages are around 21% of the economic value of what they produce for the businesses they work for – like workers in similar entry-level jobs in restaurants and construction – then immigrants added a total of $2.2 trillion to the U.S. economy yearly.

    That is about 8% of the gross domestic product of the United States and close to the entire GDP of Canada in 2022 – the world’s ninth-largest economy.

    Immigration strengthens the US

    Beyond its sheer value, this figure tells us something important about immigrant labor: The main beneficiaries of immigrant labor are the U.S. economy and society.

    The $81 billion that immigrants sent home in 2022 is a tiny fraction of their total economic value of $2.2 trillion. The vast majority of immigrant wages and productivity – 96% – stayed in the United States.

    Remittances from the U.S. represent a substantial income source for the people who receive them. But they do not represent a siphoning of U.S. dollars, as Trump has implied when he called remittances “welfare” for people in other countries and suggested taxing them to pay for the construction of a border wall.

    The economic contributions of U.S. immigrants are likely to be even more substantial than what we calculate.

    For one thing, the World Bank’s estimate of immigrant remittances is probably an undercount, since many immigrants send money abroad with people traveling to their home countries.

    In prior research, my colleagues and I have also found that some groups of immigrants are less likely to remit than others.

    One is white-collar professionals – immigrants with careers in banking, science, technology and education, for example. Unlike many undocumented immigrants, white-collar professionals typically have visas that allow them to bring their families with them, so they do not need to send money abroad to cover their household expenses back home.

    Immigrants who have been working in the country for decades and have more family in the country also tend to send remittances less often.

    Both of these groups have higher earnings, and their specialized contributions are not included in our $2.2 trillion estimate.

    A Somali business owner stocks her store in Lewiston, Maine.
    Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

    Additionally, our estimates do not account for the economic growth stimulated by immigrants when they spend money in the U.S., creating demand, generating jobs and starting businesses that hire immigrants and locals.

    For example, we calculate the contributions of Salvadoran immigrants and their children alone added roughly $223 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023. That’s about 1% of the country’s entire GDP.

    Considering that the U.S. economy grew by about 2% in 2022 and 2023, that’s a substantial sum.

    These figures are a reminder that the financial success of the U.S. relies on immigrants and their labor.

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

    – ref. Proof that immigrants fuel the US economy is found in the billions they send back home – https://theconversation.com/proof-that-immigrants-fuel-the-us-economy-is-found-in-the-billions-they-send-back-home-227542

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is America ready for a woman president? Voters’ attitudes to women politicians are radically different from a decade ago

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Angela L. Bos, Dean and Professor, School of Public Service, Boise State University, Boise State University

    Voters hold clear and positive stereotypes of women politicians − while they don’t think as positively about men in politics. Artis777/iStock/Getty Images

    If U.S. voters elect Kamala Harris – a Black, Asian American woman – president, it would be historic on multiple levels. This is now a real possibility due to voters’ positively evolving stereotypes of women politicians.

    Stereotypes have long hindered female candidates, casting them as emotional, weak and sensitive. But now our political science research shows that voters in the U.S. increasingly see women leaders as synonymous with political leadership – and as more effective than men politicians.

    This transformation reflects a broader change in what voters expect in political leaders. They are now more likely to see a woman candidate as a better “fit” for public office. This might help pave the way for Harris to break through the highest glass ceiling in U.S. politics.

    The classic double bind

    Gender stereotypes are the assumptions and expectations people have about men and women. They traditionally present an obstacle for women leaders, including in politics.

    Among the many barriers to a woman becoming president in the U.S. are voters’ gender stereotypes. Men are generally assumed to have masculine traits such as being ambitious and competitive, while women are assumed to possess feminine traits such as being warm and compassionate. In applying gender stereotypes to politicians, voters end up with very different expectations for men and women candidates.

    Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, left, campaigns with former GOP congresswoman and supporter Liz Cheney in Malvern, Pa., on Oct. 21, 2024.
    Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images

    This presents a classic double bind for women leaders. If they behave like leaders and act dominantly and assertively, they violate expectations of femininity. But if they behave in a stereotypical way, they are not seen as strong leaders.

    The double bind extends to politics. It was long the case that stereotypes of men politicians, but not women politicians, aligned with the leadership qualities that voters desire in political leaders. These traits include competence, strong leadership, empathy and integrity. A 2011 study showed that stereotypes of women politicians lacked clarity, meaning people had no clear expectations. Voters also did not see women politicians in alignment with those same four leadership qualities that voters seek.

    But by 2021, prominent women political leaders such as Hillary Clinton, Nikki Haley and Nancy Pelosi had reshaped the landscape for women seeking office by shaping and solidifying public expectations.

    More women politicians in the spotlight

    More women have assumed political leadership roles in the U.S. over the past decade than in previous decades. The number of women in Congress increased from 90 to 145 between the 111th Congress, which met from 2009 to 2011, to the 117th Congress, which met from 2021 to 2023.

    In addition, high-profile women politicians such as Democrats Pelosi and Clinton, as well as Liz Cheney, a Republican, have received considerable attention from both the media and the electorate. Gender stereotypes about women politicians evolved from being ambiguous to becoming both well defined and positive as voters grew more familiar with them. This has created a political landscape for Harris today that is notably different from the early 2010s.

    We are political scientists whose research examines how gender stereotypes affect women’s political underrepresentation. In 2021, we conducted a study of how voters’ gender stereotypes of politicians had evolved over the previous decade. These are the three main lessons:

    1. Stereotypes of women politicians are increasingly positive

    A decade ago, people did not agree on the traits that defined women politicians. While some people described them as tough, others thought they were weak. Similarly, some reported them as rational, while others saw them as unable to separate feelings from ideas. There were no traits that large groups of people agreed upon to describe women politicians.

    But our study shows that voters now hold clear and positive stereotypes of them.

    When asked about the traits they associate with women politicians, respondents listed positive traits such as intelligent, rational, analytical, ambitious and moral. At the same time, women politicians are least associated with negative traits such as being weak and spineless.

    While stereotypes of women politicians have become more positive, stereotypes of male politicians are now much more negative.
    Image Source/Getty Images

    2. Stereotypes of men politicians have shifted to increased negativity and distrust

    Male politicians were previously seen as confident, well educated, charismatic and driven. But there’s bad news for men in politics: This perception has shifted. Our study revealed that stereotypes of male politicians became much more negative over the decade we studied.

    Today, male politicians are more commonly viewed as power-hungry, selfish, manipulative and self-interested. They are least associated with traits such as being sympathetic or caring about “people like me.” This indicates that voters have become more negative and distrustful toward male politicians.

    3. Women politicians have gained ground on leadership perceptions, surpassing men politicians

    In the past, stereotypes of women politicians were incompatible with leadership stereotypes. But our study shows that this mismatch has subsided. In fact, between 2011 and 2021, scores for women politicians increased on all four leadership traits valued by voters: competence, leadership, empathy and integrity.

    Men politicians, in contrast, have lost ground on all four leadership traits. Women politicians now surpass men politicians in three out of the four leadership traits: competence, empathy and integrity. Expectations of men politicians concerning the fourth trait, strong leadership, are now equal to those of female politicians.

    Kamala Harris may benefit

    Gender stereotypes have long hindered women seeking political office, but more women in prominent leadership positions have fostered positive stereotype change.

    Granted, highly visible women leaders such as Pelosi and Clinton excite both admiration and intense dislike. But seeing them and many other examples in their wake has familiarized voters with women holding power in politics. Voters are thus now more likely to view women candidates like Harris as fitting into leadership roles such as the presidency.

    With growing distrust in politics, and of male politicians specifically, women political leaders – who are viewed as agents of change – may have an opportunity to restore trust in politics.

    Daphne Joanna van der Pas receives funding from the Dutch Research Council.

    Loes Aaldering receives funding from the Dutch Research Council. She is a member of Groenlinks, the Green party in the Netherlands.

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

    – ref. Is America ready for a woman president? Voters’ attitudes to women politicians are radically different from a decade ago – https://theconversation.com/is-america-ready-for-a-woman-president-voters-attitudes-to-women-politicians-are-radically-different-from-a-decade-ago-240326

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Your next favorite story won’t be written by AI – but it could be someday

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Haoran Chu, Assistant Professor of Communications, University of Florida

    AI language models are getting pretty good at writing – but not so much at creative storytelling. Moor Studio/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images

    Stories define people – they shape our relationships, cultures and societies. Unlike other skills replaced by technology, storytelling has remained uniquely human, setting people apart from machines. But now, even storytelling is being challenged. Artificial intelligence, powered by vast datasets, can generate stories that sometimes rival, or even surpass, those written by humans.

    Creative professionals have been among the first to feel the threat of AI. Last year, Hollywood screenwriters protested, demanding – and winning – protections against AI replacing their jobs. As university professors, we’ve seen student work that seems suspiciously AI-generated, which can be frustrating.

    Beyond the threat to livelihoods, AI’s ability to craft compelling, humanlike stories also poses a societal risk: the spread of misinformation. Fake news, which once required significant effort, can now be produced with ease. This is especially concerning because decades of research have shown that people are often more influenced by stories than by explicit arguments and entreaties.

    We set out to study how well AI-written stories stack up against those by human storytellers. We found that AI storytelling is impressive, but professional writers needn’t worry – at least not yet.

    The power of stories

    How do stories influence people? Their power often lies in transportation – the feeling of being transported to and fully immersed in an imagined world. You’ve likely experienced this while losing yourself in the wizarding world of Harry Potter or 19th-century English society in “Pride and Prejudice.” This kind of immersion lets you experience new places and understand others’ perspectives, often influencing how you view your own life afterward.

    When you’re transported by a story, you not only learn by observing, but your skepticism is also suspended. You’re so engrossed in the storyline that you let your guard down, allowing the story to influence you without triggering skepticism in it or the feeling of being manipulated.

    Given the power of stories, can AI tell a good one? This question matters not only to those in creative industries but to everyone. A good story can change lives, as evidenced by mythical and nationalist narratives that have influenced wars and peace.

    Storytelling can be powerfully influential – especially if people sense the human behind the words.
    georgeclerk/E+ via Getty Images

    Studying whether AI can tell compelling stories also helps researchers like us understand what makes narratives effective. Unlike human writers, AI provides a controlled way to experiment with storytelling techniques.

    Head-to-head results

    In our experiments, we explored whether AI could tell compelling stories. We used descriptions from published studies to prompt ChatGPT to generate three narratives, then asked over 2,000 participants to read and rate their engagement with these stories. We labeled half as AI-written and half as human-written.

    Our results were mixed. In three experiments, participants found human-written stories to be generally more “transporting” than AI-generated ones, regardless of how the source was labeled. However, they were not more likely to raise questions about AI-generated stories. In multiple cases, they even challenged them less than human-written ones. The one clear finding was that labeling a story as AI-written made it less appealing to participants and led to more skepticism, no matter the actual author.

    Why is this the case? Linguistic analysis of the stories showed that AI-generated stories tended to have longer paragraphs and sentences, while human writers showed more stylistic diversity. AI writes coherently, with strong links between sentences and ideas, but human writers vary more, creating a richer experience. This also points to the possibility that prompting AI models to write in more diverse tones and styles may improve their storytelling.

    These findings provide an early look at AI’s potential for storytelling. We also looked at research in storytelling, psychology and philosophy to understand what makes a good story.

    We believe four things make stories engaging: good writing, believability, creativity and lived experience. AI is great at writing fluently and making stories believable. But creativity and real-life experiences are where AI falls short. Creativity means coming up with new ideas, while AI is designed to predict the most likely outcome. And although AI can sound human, it lacks the real-life experiences that often make stories truly compelling.

    Closing in?

    It’s too early to come to a definitive conclusion about whether AI can eventually be used for high-quality storytelling. AI is good at writing fluently and coherently, and its creativity may rival that of average writers. However, AI’s strength lies in predictability. Its algorithms are designed to generate the most likely outcome based on data, which can make its stories appealing in a familiar way. This is similar to the concept of beauty in averageness, the documented preference people have for composite images that represent the average face of a population. This predictability, though limiting true creativity, can still resonate with audiences.

    For now, screenwriters and novelists aren’t at risk of losing their jobs. AI can tell stories, but they aren’t quite on par with the best human storytellers. Still, as AI continues to evolve, we may see more compelling stories generated by machines, which could pose serious challenges, especially when they’re used to spread misinformation.

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

    – ref. Your next favorite story won’t be written by AI – but it could be someday – https://theconversation.com/your-next-favorite-story-wont-be-written-by-ai-but-it-could-be-someday-239284

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in the big impact of small business

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Federal support will help four Nova Scotia companies boost productivity and reach new markets

    October 24, 2024 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    From October 20th to 26th during Small Business Week, Canadians across the country are celebrating the crucial role that local companies play in strengthening our communities and economies. Small- and medium-sized businesses are powerful engines for Canada’s economy, employing 64% of Canadian workers. The Government of Canada is investing to help position four Nova Scotia companies for growth and success.

    Accelerating Nova Scotia companies with diverse offerings, common goals

    Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced repayable contributions totalling $1,486,305 for four companies looking to accelerate their growth and reach new markets.

    A $721,305 contribution to Outdoor Fit Exercise Systems will enable the company to install cutting-edge powder paint coating equipment at its Dartmouth production facility. The upgrade will streamline operations, more than double the production capacity of its outdoor fitness equipment parts, and pave the way for a new business venture called Versa Coatings, a powder coating division serving businesses across Atlantic Canada.

    A $315,000 contribution to Tony’s Meats Ltd. will help it add manufacturing and shipping equipment to produce more value-added products, more efficiently. The new lineup of tools at its Antigonish site includes a smokehouse that will reduce overall electrical consumption and new technologies that will grow its product lineup to appeal to new clients.

    A $300,000 contribution to Sydney’s Ethical Swag Inc., Cape Breton’s only Certified B Corporation, will help it launch sales and marketing activities for its sustainable promotional products. Digital marketing, customer support improvements, and a build-out of its technology platform will help it reach new markets, empowering companies across Canada and the United States to choose eco-friendly advertising solutions.

    A $150,000 contribution to Ravens Rest Retreat Limited in Moose Brook will add a new multipurpose cottage with accessible washrooms and a kitchen, as well as a health and wellness area with a gazebo, hot and cold tubs, and a sauna. The additions will support new activities like yoga retreats and Indigenous cuisine and storytelling, encouraging longer stays and attracting guests during the colder months.

    Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping small businesses diversify, compete, and grow, creating jobs and boosting the economy. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Lockdown at Grand Valley Institution

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On October 19, 2024, a lockdown was put in place at Grand Valley Institution, a multi-level security federal institution, to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff, and inmates.

    October 24, 2024 – Kitchener, Ontario – Correctional Service Canada

    On October 19, 2024, a lockdown was put in place at Grand Valley Institution, a multi-level security federal institution, to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff, and inmates.

    Visits have been suspended until the lockdown is ended. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is considered safe to do so.

    Mike Shrider
    Regional Communications Manager
    Regional Headquarters
    GEN-ONT-MEDIA@csc-scc.gc.ca   
    613-530-6941

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on United Nations Day

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on United Nations Day:

    “For nearly 80 years, the United Nations (UN) has brought the international community together to make progress on global challenges. Protecting human rights. Fighting climate change. Strengthening democracy, peace, and security. Reinforcing international law.

    “As a founding member, Canada is doing its part to make this progress possible. Last month, at the UN General Assembly, we announced $200 million in measures to make the world better, fairer, and more secure. Our investments will protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls, strengthen action on gender equality, fight climate change, and support efforts to restore peace and security in Haiti.

    “We also adopted the Pact for the Future, so we can find shared solutions to shared challenges, alongside partners. As Co-Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocates group and SDG Stimulus Leaders group, I continue to highlight Canada’s commitment to advancing the SDGs. With the Vancouver Principles, we are leading efforts to end the recruitment of child soldiers. And with the Elsie Initiative, we are increasing the participation of women in peace operations.

    “The UN’s mission would not be possible without its humanitarian workers, officers, and peacekeepers. It is critical we ensure their safety and protect their ability to deliver life-saving assistance. When we work together, we can make life better. This is what the UN is about. I invite Canadians to learn more about this important work.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Chester County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    Disaster Recovery Center will open in Chester County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  
    Chester CountyChester County Government Office1476 J A Cochran BypassChester, SC 29706
    Open Oct. 24-26, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.  
    Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other South Carolina counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in South Carolina. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. 
    To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. 
    Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.
    The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.
    FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting Tourism in New Brunswick

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Salisbury, New Brunswick · October 24, 2024 · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will make an announcement regarding support for tourism in New Brunswick.

    Date: October 25, 2024

    Time:  10:00 a.m.                   

    Location:
    Salisbury Amphitheatre
    29 Highland Drive
    Salisbury, New Brunswick
    E4J 2G7

    Connor Burton
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: TMC Transformers to Bring 110 Jobs, New Manufacturing Facility To Burke County

    Source: US State of Georgia

    Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that TMC Transformers USA Inc. (TMC), an international dry-type transformers manufacturer for a wide range of industrial applications, will expand its footprint in Georgia by investing more than $15.3 million over the next five years in a new manufacturing facility in Waynesboro, creating at least 110 new jobs in Burke County.

    “When we lead economic missions overseas and meet with companies like TMC, we do so to bring more opportunities back to hardworking Georgians, and so job creators like them can build a strong foundation alongside communities like Waynesboro,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “TMC’s decision to create over 100 well-paying jobs in Burke County comes at a critical time, and we look forward to their impact as that region of our state continues to recover and rebuild following the recent hurricanes.”

    TMC is a multinational company focused on design and production of medium and low voltage dry-type cast resin and VPI transformers. The company, which counts more than 500 employees and commercial offices in Europe, America, and East Asia, established its first U.S. production plant at the beginning of 2023 in Burke County.

    “Combining our expertise in the dry-type transformer industry with the needs of the U.S. market for accessible, reliable, and sustainable energy, the launch of the new plant highlights TMC’s strategic plans for substantial growth in North America,” said Cristiano Palladini, President of TMC USA. “We’re excited that Waynesboro will become a welcoming base for us. Georgia provides strong foundations for our business with its strategic position, the full support from Burke County and the Georgia delegation who share a business-oriented vision, and its community of hardworking and skilled Georgians in line with our needs.”

    TMC’s new facility at the Burke County Industrial Park in Waynesboro highlights its commitment to strengthening the company’s presence and investment in the United States. Operations in Burke County have already started at the company’s first facility, and the new plant is expected to be operational at the beginning of 2026. TMC is now hiring for roles in management, administrative staff, production technicians, operators, testers, sales, and quality control. Hiring will continue over the next few years as the project continues to ramp up. Interested individuals can learn more about careers with TMC at tmctransformers.us.  

    “The Development Authority of Burke County is pleased to have TMC Transformers make Waynesboro their permanent home,” said Austin Stacy, Executive Director of the Development Authority of Burke County. “Their decision to locate here is a true testament to the readiness and strong workforce that Burke County possesses. TMC’s core principles replicate our community’s values, and we look forward to continuing our work together to make Burke County a better place.”

    Senior Regional Project Manager Adela Kelley represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Development Authority of Burke County.

    “After meeting with TMC’s leadership in Italy, we were truly impressed by their warmth, hospitality, and enthusiasm for their decision to invest in Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The transformers TMC will manufacture in Burke County are critical in addressing energy infrastructure needs for the state and the nation. TMC is just the type of company we aim to attract to Georgia: a long-term partner committed to strengthening our communities, economy, and industry ecosystems.”

    For over a century, Georgia has fostered healthy industry practices, encouraged collaboration and innovation, and positioned itself as a leader in developing and harnessing emerging technologies for evolving industries.

    The State of Georgia has had continuous representation in Europe since 1973. Italy is a top 15 trade partner for Georgia, with $3.4 billion in total trade moving between the state’s ports and Italy in 2023. Italy was also in the list of top 10 sources for international investment in Fiscal Year 2023, and Italian companies have invested more than $411 million in Georgia since 2010 through projects with state involvement.

    About TMC Transformers

    TMC Transformers USA Inc. is a leading provider of innovative and high-quality transformer solutions, dedicated to serving the energy needs of industries across North America. With a commitment to excellence and sustainability, TMC specializes in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of dry-type cast resin and VPI transformers. Its products are engineered to meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and efficiency, ensuring optimal energy management for a wide range of applications, including utilities, data centers, semiconductors manufacturing, railways, marine and offshore, mining, and oil and gas. For more information, please visit tmctransformers.us or contact [email protected].

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield Sustainable Global Dividend ETF Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield Sustainable Global Dividend ETF (TSX: MDIV) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the fourth quarter of 2024 will be payable to unitholders of Sustainable Global Dividend ETF as follows:

    Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per
    Trust Unit
    October 31, 2024 November 15, 2024 $0.06
    November 30, 2024 December13, 2024 $0.06
    December 31, 2024 January 15, 2025 $0.06
         

    The trust units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MDIV.

    The Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for unitholders which provides unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Unitholders can enroll in the DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.

    Middlefield

    Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund; and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains.  The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield Healthcare Dividend ETF Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield Healthcare Dividend ETF (TSX: MHCD) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the fourth quarter of 2024 will be payable to unitholders of Middlefield Healthcare Dividend ETF as follows:

    Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per
    Trust Unit
    October 31, 2024 November 15, 2024 $0.05
    November 30, 2024 December13, 2024 $0.05
    December 31, 2024 January 15, 2025 $0.05
         

    The trust units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MHCD.

    The Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for unitholders which provides unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Unitholders can enroll in the DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.

    Middlefield

    Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund; and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains.  The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield Innovation Dividend ETF Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield Innovation Dividend ETF (TSX: MINN) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the fourth quarter of 2024 will be payable to unitholders of Middlefield Innovation Dividend ETF as follows:

    Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per
    Trust Unit
    October 31, 2024 November 15, 2024 $0.033
    November 30, 2024 December13, 2024 $0.033
    December 31, 2024 January 15, 2025 $0.033
         

    The trust units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MINN.

    The Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for unitholders which provides unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Unitholders can enroll in the DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.

    Middlefield

    Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund; and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains.  The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield U.S. Equity Dividend ETF Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield U.S. Equity Dividend ETF (TSX: MUSA) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the fourth quarter of 2024 will be payable to unitholders of Middlefield U.S. Equity Dividend ETF as follows:

    Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per
    Trust Unit
    October 31, 2024 November 15, 2024 $0.04583
    November 30, 2024 December13, 2024 $0.04583
    December 31, 2024 January 15, 2025 $0.04583
         

    The trust units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MUSA.

    The Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for unitholders which provides unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Unitholders can enroll in the DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.

    Middlefield

    Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund; and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains.  The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Real Estate Split Corp. Announces Successful Overnight Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States.

    TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Real Estate Split Corp. (TSX: RS and RS.PR.A) (the “Company”), is pleased to announce a successful overnight treasury offering of class A and preferred shares (the “Class A Shares” and “Preferred Shares”, respectively). Gross proceeds of the offering are expected to be approximately $46.4 million.

    The offering is expected to close on or about Wednesday, October 30, 2024 and is subject to certain closing conditions including approval by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

    The Class A Shares were offered at a price of $12.90 per Class A Share to yield 12.1% and the Preferred Shares were offered at a price of $10.10 per Preferred Share to yield 4.4% to maturity. The Class A Share and Preferred Share offering prices were determined so as to be non-dilutive to the most recently calculated net asset value per unit of the Company (calculated as at October 22, 2024), as adjusted for dividends and certain expenses to be accrued prior to or upon settlement of the offering.

    The Company has been designed to provide investors with a diversified, actively managed, high conviction portfolio comprised of securities of leading North American real estate companies.

    The Company’s investment objectives for the:

    Class A Shares are to provide holders with:

    (i) non-cumulative monthly cash distributions; and
    (ii) the opportunity for capital appreciation through exposure to the portfolio

    Preferred Shares are to:

    (i) provide holders with fixed cumulative preferential quarterly cash distributions; and
    (ii) return the original issue price of $10.00 to holders upon maturity.

    Middlefield Capital Corporation provides investment management advice to the Company.

    The syndicate of agents for the offering was co-led by CIBC Capital Markets, RBC Capital Markets, and Scotiabank, and included Canaccord Genuity Corp., Hampton Securities Limited, National Bank Financial Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., iA Private Wealth Inc., Raymond James Ltd., Manulife Wealth Inc., Ventum Financial Corp., Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., and Research Capital Corporation.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    A short form base shelf prospectus containing important detailed information about the securities being offered has been filed with securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada. Copies of the short form base shelf prospectus may be obtained from a member of the syndicate. The Company intends to file a supplement to the short form base shelf prospectus, and investors should read the short form base shelf prospectus and the prospectus supplement before making an investment decision. There will not be any sale or any acceptance of an offer to buy the securities being offered until the prospectus supplement has been filed with the securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Middlefield Real Estate Dividend ETF Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield Real Estate Dividend ETF (TSX: MREL) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the fourth quarter of 2024 will be payable to unitholders of Middlefield Real Estate Dividend ETF as follows:

    Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per Trust Unit
    October 31, 2024 November 15, 2024 $0.075
    November 30, 2024 December13, 2024 $0.075
    December 31, 2024 January 15, 2025 $0.075

    The trust units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MREL.

    The Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for unitholders which provides unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Unitholders can enroll in the DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.

    Middlefield

    Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund; and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains.  The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Background Press Call on the U.S. Approach to Harnessing the Power of AI for U.S. National  Security

    Source: The White House

    Via Teleconference

    MODERATOR:  Good afternoon, everyone.  Thanks so much for joining today’s call to discuss the U.S. approach to harnessing the power of AI for U.S. national security, ahead of tomorrow’s release of the National Security Memorandum.

    As a reminder of the ground rules of this call, this call is on background, attributable to senior administration officials, and it is embargoed until 6:00 a.m. Eastern on Thursday, October 24.

    For your awareness, not for your reporting, on the call today we have [senior administration official] and [senior administration official]. 

    Following the call, we’ll provide you all with some materials under the same embargo, so be on the lookout for those. 

    Our speakers are going to have a few words at the top, and then we’ll turn it over to some of your questions.

    With that, [senior administration official], I’ll turn it over to you.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Thanks, Eduardo.  And thanks to all of you for joining us this evening. 

    So, we’re really pleased to report that tomorrow we’ll be releasing a National Security Memorandum on Artificial Intelligence signed by the President. 

    And we want to start off just by sharing a little bit of context for this, which really begins with the fact that the United States has a very strong hand in AI today.  We design the most advanced hardware.  We host the leading AI companies that are building the most advanced AI systems, and really have a dominant market share in artificial intelligence globally.  And thanks to the President’s CHIPS Act, we are building more resilience in our chip supply chains as well. 

    But as many of you know, the innovation that’s happened, particularly in this current wave of frontier artificial intelligence, has really been driven by the private sector.  And it’s critical that we continue to both foster that leadership but ensure that the government, and particularly with this National Security Memorandum, ensure that our national security agencies are adopting these technologies in ways that align with our values. 

    And a failure to do this, a failure to take advantage of this leadership and adopt this technology we worry could put us at risk of a strategic surprise by our rivals, such as China.

    And as you all know, there are very clear national security applications of artificial intelligence, including in areas like cybersecurity and counter-intelligence, not to mention the broad array of logistics and other activities that support military operations.

    Because countries like China recognize similar opportunities to modernize and revolutionize their own military and intelligence capabilities using artificial intelligence, it’s particularly imperative that we accelerate our national security community’s adoption and use of cutting-edge AI capabilities to maintain our competitive edge. 

    So, President Biden’s first-ever executive order, signed last October, on artificial intelligence was a key step forward to ensure that America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of AI. 

    In that executive order, the President specifically directed the development of this National Security Memorandum to ensure that we maintain our edge over rivals seeking to leverage AI to the detriment of our national security, while also building effective safeguards to ensure that our use of AI upholds our values and preserves public trust.

    So, consistent with the President’s direction, we’ve been engaged in a policy process over the last year or so to advance those aims and complete this National Security Memorandum. 

    And tomorrow, the National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, will deliver remarks to rising military and intelligence professionals at the National Defense University so he can speak directly to the very national security professionals and leaders who are going to be implementing the core of this strategy. 

    During his remarks, Jake will talk about what led us to this moment in artificial intelligence, both in terms of its development and our views on why it is so critical for national intelligence and why, therefore, the President has issued this National Security Memorandum on AI.

    Jake will also outline how the United States must strengthen our own advantages in artificial intelligence, how to harness that advantage in a responsible manner for national security, and also how the United States can do this work in lockstep with our partners around the world in ways that will protect our national security while also leveraging our advantages in AI for the benefit of countries around the world. 

    So, we hope you’ll join us for those remarks as well. 

    With that, I’ll turn it over to my colleague to provide more detail about the NSM itself.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Great.  Thanks.  And thanks, everybody, for joining.

    As many of you know, the administration’s approach to AI is rooted in the premise that capabilities generated by the transformer and large language model revolution in AI, often called frontier AI, are poised to shape geopolitical, military, and intelligence competition. 

    Now, most of the NSM is unclassified and will be released publicly.  It also contains a classified annex that primarily addresses adversary threats. 

    Now, the principles guiding our work in the NSM are simple.  They are that the U.S. should first lead the world’s development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI, and establishing a stable and responsible framework to advance international AI governance.  And as a result, the NSM serves as a formal charter for the AI Safety Institute in the Department of Commerce, which we have created to be the primary port of call for U.S. AI developers.  They have already issued guidance on safe, secure, and trustworthy AI development and have secured voluntary agreements with companies to test new AI systems before they are released to the public. 

    Second, another principle is that the U.S. should harness the most advanced AI systems with appropriate safeguards to achieve national security objectives.  And we are directing that the agencies gain access to the most powerful AI systems and put them to use, which often involves substantial efforts on procurement. 

    And finally, all of this must be done in accordance with our values. 

    So, alongside the National Security Memorandum itself, we are publishing a companion document called the Framework for AI Governance and Risk Management for National Security that provides guidance on how agencies can and cannot use AI. 

    So, we also believe that we must out-compete our adversaries and mitigate the threats posed by adversary use of AI. 

    So, in summary, what I’ve outlined are essentially three core principles that you’ll see throughout the documents: securing the U.S.’s lead on AI; two, harnessing AI for national security; and, crucially, building in the governance framework to ensure that we are actually accelerating adoption in a smart way, in a responsible way, by having clear rules of the road.

    With that, I’ll turn it over to Eduardo.

    MODERATOR:  Thank you both.  We’ll now turn to our Q&A portion.  If you’d like to ask a question, please use the “raise your hand” feature on Zoom.

    First up, we’ll go to the line of Katrina Manson.  You should be able to unmute yourself. 

    Q    Hi there.  Thanks so much.  I would love to ask how you see the U.N. intention to have countries sign up to a ban on lethal autonomous weapons by 2026 and if any of your work foresees the U.S. signing up to that. 

    Many of the harms that you try to prevent on the civil use of AI, obviously in terms of bodily harms, are very much implied with the use of AI for the military.  And in the case of Maven, AI targeting is already being used to support battlefield firing in the Middle East by the U.S.  Can you address the very serious safety concerns around the use of AI targeting and whether you will consider a ban on lethal autonomous weapons, which can use AI?

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Thanks for that question.  I’m happy to start with that. 

    So, first point is, as I think [senior administration official] noted, we’ll be releasing tomorrow, alongside the National Security Memorandum, a framework on responsible use of artificial intelligence in a national security context.  And so, you’ll see there really a lot of detail on kind of all the steps that we’re taking to ensure these systems are used responsibly. 

    Now, and the other thing I would point out is: While it’s not necessarily part of this NSM, although there’s a nod to kind of our diplomatic efforts and kind of direction to double down on those, some of you may be aware of the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.  And that’s a declaration where the Vice President, in fact, has kind of taken a leadership role.  And we have around 60 countries that have signed up to this declaration, which is really focused squarely on how AI and autonomy should be used.  And most recently, there was a summit held on this by South Korea. 

    So that’s another area where that combines both the substance that you’ll see in the framework on responsible use, but also, really, diplomatic efforts that we’ve been leading over the last few years.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  And, sorry, if I can add to what was just mentioned.  The framework itself you’ll see actually references the political declaration that was just mentioned, and it also outlines the requirement for adherence to the Department of Defense’s Directive 3000.09 and successor related policies that address autonomous or semiautonomous weapons systems. 

    But in addition to that, as was just mentioned, there are a number of outlined prohibited use cases, as well as high-impact use cases that are relevant.  And one theme you’ll see in both the NSM and the framework document is the fact that we need to ensure that AI is used in a manner consistent with the President’s authority as Commander-in-Chief to decide when to order military operations in the nation’s defense, for instance.

    MODERATOR:  Thank you.  Next up, we’ll go to the line of Garrett (inaudible).  You should be able to mute yourself.

    Q    Hello.  Can you all hear me?

    MODERATOR:  We can, yes.

    Q    Great.  You mentioned that some of the commitments from companies are voluntary.  And, you know, just covering the big fight around legislation here in California, companies seem, from my perspective at least, to very much want to keep those commitments to safety and that kind of thing voluntary, rather than sort of required or legislated. 

    And I’m just wondering if, you know, the administration has a view, or if it’s published as part of this, about trying to sort of codify those voluntary commitments and make them more, you know, ironclad and not sort of up to the whims of these CEOs.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Thanks, Garrett.  So, I think on that point, I would just say we continue to work with colleagues on the Hill.  There are a number of proposals relating to, you know, regulations on artificial intelligence.  And so, that’s really — that’s, really, ongoing. 

    I think, really, the emphasis in the National Security Memorandum is really kind of making commitments ourselves as a government about how we will adopt and use artificial intelligence.  You know, as you point out, we have played a leadership role in getting some of those commitments from the companies.  We have taken those commitments and kind of — to the international stage, through the G7 and the Hiroshima process as well. 

    But, really, what we’re focused on tomorrow is what commitments can the government itself make on responsible use, which we think is important, by the way, not just for its own sake, but we also think that’s important to enable us to both accelerate both the development and also accelerate the adoption of use as well.  And that’s a point that I think you’ll hear the National Security Advisor focus on as well tomorrow.

    MODERATOR:  Thank you.  And next up, we’ll go to the line of Patrick Tucker.  You should be able to unmute yourself.

    Q    Hi.  Thanks.  Pat Tucker from Defense One.

    There’s a new paper out, actually this week, from Meredith Whittaker and a couple other folks at the AI Now Institute, actually pointing out some of the potential dangers of some of these commercially facing AI products in national security contexts. 

    And they point out that some of these generative AI tools have very large — unacceptably large false positive rates.  They hallucinate, often, a lot.  And sometimes to train them, they rely on publicly available data, including data that might come from data brokers and other sources that poses a potential privacy risk, particularly to Americans, because Americans produce a lot more purchasable data than do citizens in China or Russia. 

    So can you talk a little bit about how this memorandum does or does not address data vulnerability of Americans and some of the potential risks in the national security setting of adopting commercial and consumer-facing AI tools that have high hallucination rates or false positive rates?  Thank you.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Do you want to start with that?  You can join as well.

    So, thanks for the question.  Look, I think some of these, you know, concerns I think are ones that I think colleagues in the national security community are acutely aware of.  You know, there are a few points here. 

    One is, you know, we have to go through a process of accrediting systems.  And that’s not just for AI systems, but you know, national security systems generally.  And so, that’s point one, to kind of ensure that they are fit for the purpose or particular mission. 

    I think the second point is: We are, you know, very — I think very aware that what we’re doing at this stage is really trying to ensure that we have pilots and some important experimentation happening, because there are going to be challenges associated with adopting any new technology. 

    Third is, the framework that [senior administration official] mentioned is one that’s going to have to be continuously updated.  And we have tried to set it up in a way so that that can happen in real time as there are challenges that are inevitably encountered.

    And parallel to the policy process here, we have a lawyers group that is kind of working very intensively to ensure that, obviously, all existing law is complied with, but also to ensure that novel legal issues as we encounter them are addressed in a timely way as well. 

    I do want to just address the point on data that you mentioned specifically, which is, you know, we have been very concerned about the ways in which Americans’ sensitive data can be sold, really through the front door — through first collected in bulk, then sold through data brokers, and then end up in the hands of our adversaries.  And so, that’s something that the President issued an executive order on to try to restrict adversary access to some of that data.  And, in fact, just this week, we took one more step in the regulatory process through a notice of proposed rulemaking to try to get that final later this year.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  And if I can just add on that. 

    So, in addition to the work that the AI Safety Institute is going to do, and as [senior administration official] mentioned some of the other work, you’ll see that in the NSM itself there are very specific requirements for specific agencies and our intelligence community, and, for instance, the Department of Energy to do classified testing of different systems for different purposes for this very reason. 

    And in addition to that, as [senior administration official] mentioned, there’s a strong focus on experimentation here for this very reason.  We want to see rapid adoption, but we also want to see experimentation that will tease out kind of what missions are best suited for various systems and also tease out the challenges of them.  And that’s going to require leaning forward and experimenting, adopting, and then doing all of the work that was just mentioned as well, in terms of both policy and legal review.

    MODERATOR:  Thank you.  We have time for one more question, and we’ll go to the line of Maria Curry.  You should be able to unmute yourself. 

    Q    Hey.  Thanks for taking my question.  I’m wondering if export controls are part of this at all.  And if so, can you elaborate how those might be helpful? 

    And then, if you could just elaborate, too, on the third point.  Could you dig in a little bit deeper into how agencies can or can’t use the technology?  Could you provide an example or two of that?  Thank you.

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  I can speak to the export control piece, and, [senior administration official], maybe you can speak to some of the prohibited use cases. 

    So, really, the NSM does kind of address, kind of as a matter of policy, the importance of protecting advanced AI technologies so that they’re not used against us by adversary militaries or intelligence services.  And so, at a high level, it does kind of try to emphasize the importance of maintaining those policies and making sure that we are continuously adapting to efforts to circumvent those measures. 

    And as you know, those export controls cover not only GPUs, the advanced AI chips, but also the semiconductor manufacturing equipment that’s necessary to manufacture those as well.  So, that full aspect of the supply chain.

    [Senior administration official] do you want to say anything about prohibited uses?

    SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Sure.  So, you’ll see in the accompanying framework document that I mentioned, it identifies both prohibited, as well as what we call high-impact AI use cases, based on the risk that they pose to national security, international norms, democratic values, human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, and safety.

    And on the prohibited end of the spectrum, these will be — not surprising, but there are clear prohibitions on use of AI with intent or purpose, for instance, to unlawfully suppress or burden the right to free speech or the right to legal counsel. 

    There’s also prohibited use cases around, for instance, removing a human in the loop for actions critical to informing and executing decisions by the President to initiate or terminate nuclear weapons employment, for example.  That runs the spectrum of kind of military-related activities, but also protecting civil liberties and tracking international norms. 

    But in doing that, we actually view these restrictions — so these prohibitions, for example, as well as the high-impact cases — as being important in clarifying what the agencies can and cannot do.  That will actually accelerate experimentation and adoption.  Because one of the paradoxical outcomes we’ve seen is: With a lack of policy clarity and a lack of legal clarity about what can and cannot be done, we are likely to see less experimentation and less adoption than with a clear path for use, which is what the NSM and the framework tries to provide.

    MODERATOR:  Thank you.  That’s all the time we have for today.  Big thanks to our speakers, and thanks to you all for joining.

    As a reminder, this call is on background, attributable to senior administration officials.  And this call and its contents are embargoed until 6:00 a.m. Eastern tomorrow. 

    Thanks, all, for joining.  And be sure to tune in tomorrow to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s remarks on this topic.  Thanks again.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in the Outaouais region

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    Chelsea, Quebec, October 24, 2024 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau, Pierre Guénard, Mayor of Chelsea and David Gomes, Mayor of Cantley.

    Date:
    Friday, October 25, 2024

    Time:
    9:30 a.m. (HNE)

    Location: 
    Chelsea Library
    100 chemin d’Old Chelsea
    Gatineau (Québec), J9B 1C1

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    Sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Émilie Rachiele-Tremblay
    Assistant Executive Director
    MOBI-O
    819-205-2085, ext. 104
    emilie.rachiele@mobi-o.ca

    Laurent Lavallée
    Communications Director
    City of Gatineau
    613-606-7242
    lavalle.laurent@gatineau.ca

    Ghislaine Grenier
    Interim Communications Officer
    Municipality of Chelsea
    819-827-1124, ext. 202
    g.grenier@chelsea.ca

    Johanne Albert-Cardinal
    Communications Officer
    Municipality of Cantley
    819-827-3434, ext. 6838
    communications@cantley.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: An Interview with Maximilian Spitzley, Foreign Law Intern

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Today’s interview is with Maximilian Spitzley, a foreign law intern working with Foreign Law Specialist Jenny Gesley in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress. 

    Describe your background.

    I am a legal trainee and Ph.D. student from Germany, currently completing a three-month internship at the Law Library of Congress.

    What is your academic/professional history?

    I studied law at the University of Bonn, Germany. Participating in the Erasmus program allowed me to spend a semester abroad at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland. I passed the first German state exam in 2020 and finished law school, specializing in capital markets law. Following a year of work at a law firm, I began my doctoral studies on the European regulation of crowdfunding under the supervision of Professor Dr. Moritz Renner at the University of Mannheim. In 2024, I started a two-year legal traineeship program to qualify for the bar exam in Germany. After working for the local court and the public prosecutor’s office in Bonn, the program provided me with the opportunity to work at the Law Library of Congress.

    How would you describe your job to other people?

    In my position as a foreign law intern at the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress, I assist my supervisor, Jenny Gesley, with delivering legal insights on matters concerning German-speaking countries and the European Union (EU). My responsibilities include conducting thorough legal research and drafting comparative legal analyses in response to inquiries from Congress, judicial bodies, and executive agencies, while also supporting public research efforts. Additionally, I contribute to the Library’s Global Legal Monitor.

    Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?

    Having studied law in both Germany and Switzerland, I gained knowledge in German, European, and international law. My work at the Law Library of Congress presents an invaluable opportunity to broaden my perspective by engaging with the U.S. legal system, while critically assessing national law and EU law from a comparative viewpoint. This experience allows me to deepen my legal understanding and provides meaningful insights into the interplay between different legal frameworks.

    What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?

    One of the most fascinating aspects of the Law Library of Congress is its unparalleled global reach and comprehensive legal collection. It holds the largest collection of legal materials in the world, encompassing legal systems from nearly every country and jurisdiction. This vast resource allows researchers to compare diverse legal traditions and developments, providing a unique platform for understanding how law functions across different cultures and political systems. The ability to access such a breadth of international legal knowledge in one place is truly remarkable.

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

    One thing my co-workers may not know about me is that I am a huge fan of U.S. sports. While I am here in Washington, I plan to catch games from all the major teams—the Nationals, Commanders, Capitals, and Wizards!

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $100 Million to Expand Free and Low-Cost Afterschool Programs

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State has awarded about $100 million in grants to support free and low-cost afterschool programs serving nearly 40,000 children in high-need areas statewide. State officials from the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) also participated in the 25th Annual Lights on Afterschool initiative today by visiting programs in New York City and the Capital Region.

    “Afterschool programs give our kids outlets to explore their creativity, build their skills and thrive in a supportive environment,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re continuing to invest in free and low-cost afterschool programs and expanding access to affordable child care to help young people grow and give families the support they need.”

    The State grants announced today were awarded by OCFS through the Learning and Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports (LEAPS) initiative to help fund new or continuing afterschool programs targeted to children in high-need areas in New York State.

    These LEAPS grants were awarded to a total of 238 afterschool program sites statewide. The full list of awarded sites can be seen here.

    Site Awards by Region
    Region Number of Sites Awarded Funding Awarded
    Capital Region 22 $6,480,000
    Central New York 18 $6,400,000
    Finger Lakes 17 $5,750,000
    Long Island 20 $8,920,000
    Mid-Hudson 22 $12,340,000
    Mohawk Valley 19 $4,960,000
    New York City 74 $38,690,000
    North Country 14 $3,380,000
    Southern Tier 5 $1,530,000
    Western New York 27 $8,450,000

    As a part of the OCFS Commissioner’s participation in the Lights On Afterschool initiative, Dr. DaMiaHarris-Madden visited programs in the Bronx operated by the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families and Good Shepherd Services, while other members of the OCFS leadership team visited the Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club in Troy. Now in its 25th year, the initiative recognizes the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering educational opportunities and the development of new skills.

    Programs eligible for LEAPS grants included State-licensed school-age child care programs – or organizations interested in becoming a licensed school-age child care provider – that serve children in high-need school districts. Per-site funding amounts were based on each program’s OCFS-licensed capacity. The grants are intended to fund the critical programming and other costs of developing and running the program. Grants are contingent on programs completing all licensing and contract requirements and therefore subject to change.

    The grants announced today are part of Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to make high-quality child care more affordable and accessible. Other recent efforts include expanding access to the State’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Eligible families can apply online for CCAP, which currently covers free or low-cost child care for 130,000 children statewide. While eligibility is based on multiple factors, including income and family size, many families may qualify for CCAP if their household income is at or below 85 percent of the State Median Income. Currently, 85 percent of the State Median Income for a family of four is approximately $108,000. Under CCAP, most eligible families pay no more than $15 per week for child care.

    OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “We thank Governor Hochul and the afterschool providers across NYS for ensuring that are children have protective and stimulating environments during the challenging hours of 3-6 p.m. Afterschool programs are tried-and-true interventions that keep our kids safe and engaged through a variety of pro-social experiences and positive youth development opportunities to include the arts, academics, sports, and college/career exploration. Structured programming that introduces caring adults also aids in the development of children’s emotional and physical well-being and provides alternatives to unproductive use of leisure time.”

    OCFS Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Child Care Services Nora Yates said, “The new LEAPS funding will provide the high-quality afterschool academic support and enrichment vital to enabling our children and youth to reach their full potential and keep them engaged in healthy, productive activities during out-of-school time. The programs will ensure higher pay rates for staff and also help mitigate the ongoing impacts from the pandemic by expanding students’ access to social and emotional support services as well as other family and community supports.”

    New York State Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs Executive Director Jackie Negri said, “Governor Hochul’s new streamlined LEAPS initiative demonstrates unprecedented support for community-based afterschool programs across the State and the youth they serve. After-school programs like Boys & Girls Clubs are proven to provide academic support, enrichment and a safe place for New York’s youth. This initiative will increase positive youth development programs and services for more youth and families in high-needs areas statewide.”

    New York State Network for Youth Success Chief Executive Officer Kelly McMahon said, “The NYS Network for Youth Success celebrates the transformative impact of the LEAPS grant, which is expanding access to high-quality afterschool programs across New York. With significant improvements to funding structures, including streamlined processes, added technical assistance and enhanced support per student, LEAPS addresses long-standing challenges and lays a stronger foundation for the future. This moment reinforces our commitment to meeting afterschool needs in every community and underscores the importance of achieving universal afterschool access for all.”

    New York State YMCAs Executive Director Kyle A. Stewart said, “On behalf of the 36 YMCAs and their more than 140 branches across the Empire State, the Alliance of New York State YMCAs was pleased to embrace and promote the LEAPS initiative and applauds Governor Hochul for prioritizing the development of a more streamlined and holistic school-age child care system. YMCAs are proud to serve over 25,000 youth as the largest provider of out-of-school time programs across New York State. Furthermore, the Alliance of New York State YMCAs appreciates our longstanding partnership with OCFS and their efficient LEAPS implementation process. YMCAs are poised to continue serving youth alongside other LEAPS grantees and look forward to continuing to build a robust afterschool system in New York State.”

    Governor Hochul also highlighted that the State is lighting landmarks yellow and blue tonight in recognition of Lights on Afterschool. The following landmarks will be lit yellow and blue:

    • One World Trade Center
    • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
    • Kosciuszko Bridge
    • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
    • State Education Building
    • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
    • Empire State Plaza
    • State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
    • Niagara Falls
    • The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
    • Albany International Airport Gateway
    • MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
    • Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
    • Moynihan Train Hall
    • Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi advocates high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation at milestone summit

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Xi advocates high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation at milestone summit

    KAZAN, Russia, Oct. 24 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on BRICS countries to work for the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation as leaders gathered here for the 16th BRICS Summit.

    In his address to the summit, Xi emphasized the need for BRICS countries to seize the historical opportunity and work together to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations.

    STRENGTHENING SOLIDARITY

    During a small-group meeting, President Xi welcomed new members to the BRICS family and extended invitations to many other countries to become partner countries.

    Xi pointed out that the enlargement of BRICS is a major milestone in its development history, and a landmark event in the evolution of the international situation. It is for their shared pursuit and for the overarching trend of peace and development that BRICS countries have come together, he said.

    Stressing that the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, marked by new trends of multipolarity and the risks of a “new Cold War,” Xi said BRICS countries should seize the historical opportunity, take proactive steps, remain committed to the original aspiration and mission of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, conform to the general trend of the rise of the Global South, seek common ground while reserving differences, work in concert to further consolidate common values, safeguard common interests, and strengthen BRICS countries through unity.

    “We must work together to build BRICS into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform,” Xi said.

    Xi stressed that the more turbulent the world is, the more BRICS countries should uphold the banner of peace, development and win-win cooperation, refining the essence of BRICS and demonstrating its strength. BRICS countries should raise the voice of peace, advocating a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation and partnership over alliance.

    Xi also urged BRICS countries to jointly pursue a path of development, advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and stay committed to the principle of common development. He said BRICS countries should consolidate the foundation of cooperation, deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as agriculture, energy, minerals, economy and trade, expand cooperation in emerging areas such as green, low-carbon and artificial intelligence, and safeguard trade, investment and financial security.

    ADVANCING DEVELOPMENT

    As the high-profile gathering unfolded amid global uncertainties, BRICS embarked on a new chapter, cementing its growing influence on the world stage.

    President Xi, addressing the leaders in an expanded format, put forward five suggestions: building a BRICS committed to peace, innovation, green development, justice, and closer people-to-people exchanges.

    “We must build on this milestone summit to set off anew and forge ahead with one heart and one mind,” Xi said. “China is willing to work with all BRICS countries to open a new horizon in the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation.”

    This year’s summit also marked another major milestone with the decision to invite a number of nations as partner countries, further advancing the group’s development.

    During Wednesday’s meetings, leaders exchanged views on BRICS cooperation and crucial international issues of shared concern under the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.” Central to their discussions were global and regional security, sustainable development, climate change, and reforms in global economic governance.

    A notable focus of the summit was the call for increased funding to support the sustainable development of developing countries. Egyptian President Abdelfattah al-Sisi said that BRICS aims to “strengthen a multipolar international system,” particularly through facilitating “innovative and effective” financing for developing nations.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin said that “the trend for the BRICS’ leading role in the global economy will only strengthen.” He cautioned against the ongoing risks posed by geopolitical tensions, unilateral sanctions, and protectionism. “A key task is to promote the use of national currencies to finance trade and investment,” Putin said.

    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who participated in the summit via video link due to a head injury, said, “It’s not about replacing our currencies, but we need to work so that the multipolar order we aim for is reflected in the international financial system.”

    BRICS has already made strides with the New Development Bank (NDB), headquartered in Shanghai. On Wednesday, the BRICS countries agreed to support the NDB in implementing its general strategy for 2022-2026 and in expanding local currency financing.

    In a declaration issued at the 16th BRICS Summit, they also agreed to jointly build the NDB into a new type of multilateral development bank for the 21st century, support its further expansion of membership, and expedite the review of membership applications from BRICS countries in accordance with its general strategy and related policies.

    Leaders also advocated for a fairer global order for the Global South. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that BRICS is an inclusive bloc capable of changing the trajectory of the Global South. “To do this we must realize the full potential of our economic partnership, to ensure sustainable development for all and not just for some,” he said.

    “The period of unilateralism is coming to an end,” said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, calling for a more equitable global system.

    GROWING APPEAL

    The term BRIC was initially coined in 2001 by Jim O’Neill, former chief economist at Goldman Sachs, as an investment concept referring to emerging market economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China. With South Africa’s inclusion in 2010, BRICS officially took shape.

    In a recent interview with Xinhua, O’Neill acknowledged the need for policymakers to collaborate in creating an optimal system that benefits all. “I think as we pass through time, we will find a new equilibrium where countries will be more at ease with what other countries are doing,” he said.

    In recent years, BRICS has garnered attention from countries around the world. Over 30 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan, have either formally applied for or expressed interest in joining the group. Many other developing countries are also seeking stronger cooperation with BRICS.

    The growing interest from countries seeking to join BRICS cooperation each year demonstrates that in today’s troubled world, BRICS is not only important but essential, said Bunn Nagara, director and senior fellow at the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia-Pacific.

    “China, led by President Xi, has contributed significantly to BRICS’ success with a progressive and enlightened approach,” said Nagara.

    BRICS is seen as a vital platform for developing countries to pursue growth and address global imbalances.

    The enlargement of BRICS is “important in tipping the financial and technological balance in favor of the majority Global South rather than the minority Global North,” Webby Kalikiti, a lecturer and researcher at the Department of History, University of Zambia noted. He believed that the future of the world depends on the cooperative energies of all countries and the transition to a multipolar world.

    Ahmed Al-Ali, a political and strategic researcher at the Gulf Research Center in Dubai, believed that BRICS aims to foster a more equitable, effective, and rational international system.

    It will play a crucial role in promoting development and growth opportunities for Global South countries, while also ensuring the sustainability of economic and social progress, said Al-Ali.

    Similarly, Sithembiso Bhengu, a senior research fellow with the Sociology Department, University of Johannesburg said that “the BRICS mechanism presents real possibilities for making the globe a fairer community of nations, with possibilities for mutual support and cooperation towards our respective goals in modernization and development.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USGS Releases New Products that Map Four Decades of Land Cover Change

    Source: US Geological Survey

    RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey today released a newly updated and improved National Land Cover Database, known as Annual NLCD, which offers insights into the changing characteristics of landscapes across the conterminous United States from 1985 to 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kinsley to get Fall Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kinsley to get Fall Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines

    NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kinsley to get Fall Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
    hejones1

    North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley will get his fall flu and COVID-19 vaccines on Friday at Health Park Pharmacy in Raleigh. Secretary Kinsley will get both vaccines at 10:30 a.m. and hold a brief media availability after.

    Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are expected to increase over the coming weeks, and NCDHHS announced the first flu-related death of the season last week. Health officials recommend everyone 6 months and older get their seasonal flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines have been updated to protect against new strains of the virus during the 2024-2025 respiratory season. Vaccinations are especially important for those at higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease, including people 65 years and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

    Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines can be given at the same time to help people get vaccinated quickly and easily. Visit MySpot.nc.gov or Vaccines.gov for guidance, information and resources about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.   

    What: Secretary Kody H. Kinsley to get fall flu and COVID-19 vaccines

    Who: Kody H. Kinsley, Secretary, NCDHHS 
                Steve Adkins, Pharm.D, Pharmacist, Health Park Pharmacy  

    When: Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 
                   10:30 a.m.  

    Where: Health Park Pharmacy 
                    8300 Health Park, Suite 227 
                    Raleigh, NC 27615  

    Register: Credentialed media are invited to attend and should RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov. Media should arrive by 10:20 a.m.  

    Oct 23, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Justice announces success of Operation October Sky, seizure of meth, fentanyl, heroin, dangerous weapons

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, WV —  Gov. Jim Justice announced today the successful outcome of Operation October Sky, an aggressive initiative to combat the ongoing drug crisis in West Virginia. This operation resulted in significant drug seizures and numerous arrests. 

    During the week-long operation, which ran from October 7-14, over 30 law enforcement agencies across West Virginia seized more than 28 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly half a pound of fentanyl, and 18 fentanyl pills, alongside other dangerous substances such as heroin and cocaine. 

    The operation led to 70 felony arrests and 176 misdemeanor arrests, as well as the confiscation of 30 firearms—comprising 15 handguns and 14 rifles—and over $31,000 in cash linked to illegal drug activities.

    “I am incredibly proud of our teams who pulled the rope together for Operation October Sky,” Gov. Justice said. “Thankfully, we were able to help clean up many of our streets. However, the bottom line is that we’ve suffered terrible consequences because of the loose restrictions at our southern border. We can’t ignore how this serious issue fuels the drug epidemic and the absolute chaos we’re facing all across this nation. But, we will not stand for it here in West Virginia. We will continue to tackle these challenges head-on. We owe a huge thank you to the West Virginia State Police and all our law enforcement agencies for their fantastic job in keeping our streets safe from this terrible epidemic. If this is what we can do in a week, think about what we can accomplish in a year? We need to continue pushing for these kinds of crackdowns.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Justice launches Rural Hospitals Grant Program, which will supply $40M of funding for important healthcare projects

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    “Our rural hospitals are cornerstones of our communities in West Virginia,” Gov. Justice said. “They support our families and neighbors in their toughest moments. Every West Virginian deserves access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live. This funding will help us make that a reality for everyone.”

    Rural hospitals are encouraged to submit proposals for funding by November 15. Each proposal will be reviewed to ensure it aligns with the goals of improving healthcare in rural areas.

    The Governor’s Office will disburse funds upon verification of eligibility. Awards are contingent on fund availability.

    Please visit HERE to find additional West Virginia grant opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Blinken holds a joint press availability with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Al Thani

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken holds a joint press availability with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha, Qatar, on October 24, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH1EgtRhUCU

    MIL OSI Video –