NewzIntel.com

Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Director bans for husband-and-wife who hired illegal workers at Chinese takeaway

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Five-year bans for couple who employed illegal workers

    • Yu Jian Chen and Yunqin He employed three illegal workers at a Chinese takeaway in the Scottish Highlands 

    • The illegal workers were found during a visit from Immigration Enforcement officials last year 

    • Both Chen and He have been banned as company directors for the next five years 

    A couple who employed three illegal workers at a Chinese takeaway in the Scottish Highlands have been banned as company directors. 

    Yu Jian Chen, 39, and his wife Yunqin He, 38, recruited the workers, who were from China and Malaysia, at The Jade Garden in the village of Bonar Bridge. 

    Immigration Enforcement officials discovered the illegal workers during a raid of the takeaway last year. 

    Dave Magrath, Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Yu Jian Chen and Yunqin He failed to comply with their statutory obligations by employing three people who did not have the right to work at their takeaway. 

    Employers hiring illegal workers not only defraud the public purse but potentially put some of the most vulnerable people in society at risk of exploitation. 

    We are pleased to be supporting the Home Office with their activities by taking firm action against rogue company directors. 

    Chen and He were directors of The Jade Garden, trading under the company name JG Sutherland Limited, when Immigration Enforcement officials visited the premises in January 2023, finding two Chinese men and a Malaysian woman with no right to work there. 

    Immigration Enforcement fined The Jade Garden £45,000 for the immigration breach, which remains unpaid. 

    Brian Gillespie, the Home Office’s Immigration Compliance Enforcement lead for Scotland, said: 

    Illegal working undercuts honest employers, places vulnerable individuals at risk of exploitation and disadvantages legitimate job seekers.  

    It also impacts public finances as taxes are not paid by these businesses and workers, which is why tracking down unscrupulous employers is so important.  

    We’re pleased to secure these bans following an effective and close working relationship between the Home Office and the Insolvency Service. 

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted disqualification undertakings from Chen and He, and their five-year bans began on Thursday 19 September. 

    The disqualifications prevent the pair from becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court. 

    He resigned as a director of the company five days after the Immigration Enforcement raid. 

    Further information 

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Traders invited to Derby Market Hall information event

    Source: City of Derby

    Potential traders are invited to find out more about the opportunity to set up in the transformed Derby Market Hall.

    A special event will be held at the Museum of Making on the evening of Tuesday 1 October. The friendly Derby Market Hall team will be on hand to answer any questions traders have about operating from the venue. 

    They’ll have information on costs, what’s included, fit outs, opening hours, events, types of leases, types of units, pop-ups, grants, business support and much more.

    The historic Derby Market Hall is being given a new lease of life to transform this heritage asset into an attractive retail and leisure destination fit for the future. 

    It will bring together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment when it reopens in Spring 2025.

    The transformed market will offer:

    • A carefully curated mix of traditional and themed stalls, including quality fresh produce
    • Make and trade stalls and creative spaces
    • A cosmopolitan food court and bars
    • Events and pop-up activity

    Traders, entrepreneurs and businesses from across the region are invited to join the vibrant community it will create. It’s fantastic opportunity for both established and up-and-coming businesses to be part of a modern central hub while benefiting from Derby’s rich history and heritage.

    The Derby Market Hall – Small Business Trader Event takes place on Tuesday 1 October from 5:30pm until 7:30pm at the Museum of Making, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF.

    If you would like to attend, please email markets@derby.gov.uk to confirm, including your full name and business name. You can also complete a form to register your interest in becoming a trader.

    For more information on Derby Market Hall, follow on Instagram and subscribe for further updates on the Derby Market Hall website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes G Mining Ventures Corp. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced G Mining Ventures Corp. (TSX: GMIN; OTCQX: GMINF), a precious metals mining company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. G Mining Ventures Corp. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    On April 22, 2024, G Mining TZ Corp. (formerly G Mining Ventures Corp.) (“Former GMIN”), Reunion Gold Corporation (“Reunion Gold”) and Greenheart Gold Inc. (“Greenheart”, and collectively with GMIN and Reunion Gold, the “Parties”), entered into an arrangement agreement under which the Parties agreed to complete a plan of arrangement under Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act (the “Arrangement”). Pursuant to the Arrangement, which closed on July 15, 2024, a newly incorporated successor issuer, G Mining Ventures Corp. (“New GMIN”), now holds and manages the combined business of Former GMIN and Reunion Gold.

    As a result, shares of Former GMIN ceased trading on the OTCQX on July 17, 2024, and New GMIN shares begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “GMINF,” in substitution for the Former GMIN shares. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    “We have seen significant and growing investor interest as our flagship Tocantinzinho Gold Mine in Brazil commenced commercial production in September, the Oko West Project in Guyana delivered a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment, and the acquisition of the CentroGold Project from BHP is targeting completion by Q1 2025. We are very pleased that our graduation to the OTCQX® Best Market will provide enhanced visibility to U.S. investors and help meet the significant interest from U.S. based investors,” commented Louis-Pierre Gignac, President and CEO of G Mining Ventures.

    About G Mining Ventures Corp.
    G Mining Ventures Corp. is a mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious metal projects to capitalize on the value uplift from successful mine development. GMIN is well-positioned to grow into the next mid-tier precious metals producer by leveraging strong access to capital and proven development expertise. GMIN is currently anchored by the Tocantinzinho Gold Project in Brazil and Oko West Project in Guyana, both mining friendly and prospective jurisdictions.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Public warning of 27.09.2024 – Primary aromatic amines in a Mömax potato masher

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is warning against the potato masher of the brand “modern living” from Mömax due to excessive migration of certain chemical compounds called “primary aromatic amines”. Since a health risk cannot be ruled out, the FSVO recommends that the population not use this product. Mömax has immediately withdrawn the product from sale and ordered a recall.

    How can this product be dangerous?

    Primary aromatic amines (PAAs) are chemical compounds that are used, for example, in the manufacture of certain dyes. Some of them are considered carcinogenic. An analysis found an excessive migration of PAAs from the aforementioned kitchen utensil.

    Which product is affected?

    Article, brand: Classic potato masher, modern living Batch number: 4JA99 Points of sale: All Mömax branches

    What should affected consumers do?

    The FSVO recommends that the population does not use this product.

    Information :

    Consumers: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) – Customer communication – Tel. 41 58 463 30 33 – Emailinfo@blv.admin.ch
    Journalists: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) – Media Service – Tel. 41 58 463 78 98 – Emailmedia@blv.admin.ch

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World Trade Organization: Kazakhstan’s TPR, September 2024. UK Statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    The UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley, gave a statement during Kazakhstan’s first WTO Trade Policy Review.

    Location:
    Geneva
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    1. Thank you very much, Chair. First of all, let me offer a really warm welcome to the Minister and all his team from Astana. Great to have you here. Great to have you back, Ambassador Zanar Aitzhan, really lovely to see you. Let me thank you, Chair, as ever, for your introduction, the WTO Secretariat for your report and, of course, our Ambassador Sophia Boza Martinez, Ambassador and, of course, Professor. Thank you for your presentation this morning.

    2. As this is the first Trade Policy Review since Kazakhstan’s accession 10 years ago, obviously, today, this week, indeed offers a really unique opportunity to reflect upon Kazakhstan’s trade policies over the last decade. And thank you, Minister, for your presentation to kick us off this morning, but also for the role that trade policy has played not just in Kazakhstan’s development, which you explained, but also in this organisation and in our work over the last 10 years.

    3. Chair, I think probably is not a surprise to you or to most of the people in this room, but the UK is a great believer in the virtues and benefits of WTO accession. And I think they’re demonstrated by Kazakhstan’s economic performance over the last 10 years: trade growth from 57% of GDP back in 2017 to 62% last year, Most Favoured Nation tariff decrease from almost 8% in 2016 to 6% now.

    4. During that same period, again, as the Minister related at the beginning, Kazakhstan has faced the shock, political, economic shock of the pandemic, but showed significant broad-based economic resilience. And we think that is, in part, the fruit of being a member of this organization. We particularly recognize the success of the ‘Digital Kazakhstan’ programme, which has facilitated the growth of so many Kazakh SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises).

    5. The UK is, again, both the Minister and Sophia mentioned, a strong believer in the Kazakhstan’s economy. We are one of Kazakhstan’s top six investors, with an annual trade turnover of almost £ 3 billion, which reflects, in our view, a strategic partnership which we have nurtured since Kazakhstan’s independence back in 1991. And that partnership stretches across many areas, from business and education to climate and biodiversity and all the way from Astana and the Caspian Sea to the shores of Lake Geneva here in Switzerland.

    6. For instance, Kazakhstan’s national airline Air Astana was successfully floated on the London Stock Exchange earlier this year; British universities, including Coventry and De Montfort, have opened campuses in Kazakhstan and offered dual degree programmes; British companies have made significant investments in flagship oil and gas projects and Kazakhstan’s mining sector. And here in Geneva, we are close partners, not just here in this organization, but also in the Human Rights Council, where we are proud to work with Kazakhstan as an elected member of that body.

    7. We welcome Kazakhstan’s commitment to continue broadening and deepening that bilateral relationship. We look forward to hosting our annual Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Investment in London this autumn, and that 11th session of the Commission will provide an important opportunity to discuss how we can further strengthen that relationship for the future, with the first meeting since we signed the UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

    8. Our engagement with this Trade Policy Review has been motivated by a desire to build upon that bilateral progress. Kazakhstan’s constructive answers to our Advanced Written Questions, thank you, should provide clarity, and we hope ease trade for UK and Kazakh businesses.

    9. Most of all, Chair, Minister, we’d welcome progress in tackling one key Market Access Barrier that is faced by British businesses, and that is the use of subsidies favouring domestic agricultural machinery over imported “like” machinery. We fully understand the importance of increasing domestic manufacturing for Kazakhstan’s economy, but we do believe that those subsidies negatively impact Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector development, responsible for over 4% of GDP, pricing, we’d argue, the best technology out of the market. We’d also venture to suggest that those subsidies are not compliant with WTO rules. So, going forward, we would really like Kazakhstan to comply with those rules and take steps to modify or eliminate those subsidies.

    10. We would also, I have to say, welcome Kazakhstan’s accession to the Government Procurement Agreement, as it suggested it would do during the WTO accession process. We maintain an offer of bilateral assistance, should you desire to take forward that process of accession.

    11. More generally, let me pay tribute, as so many others have done this morning, to the role that Kazakhstan has played within this organisation since its accession. Minister, you touched on it, as did Sophia, most significantly the pivotal role you played in chairing the MC12 negotiations, even if we were denied the opportunity, sadly, by the Pandemic of a visit to Astana. It was a great privilege to work with Ambassador Aitzhan, who led the charge for the delivery, not just of that Ministerial Conference, but also for the Services paragraph, and it has been a great tribune for services in trade in this organisation as Chair of the Council for Trade in Services in Special Session. Your work is not being left unfinished. We need to push forward with ensuring that we give due recognition in this organization to the rapidly growing global services in trade, which offer such opportunities for countries in both the developed and developing world.

    12. We also welcome Kazakhstan’s participation within a whole range of other plurilateral initiatives, as others have said this morning, including those on Investment Facilitation for Development, E-commerce and Services Domestic Regulation, all really important initiatives which we wish to see brought within the framework of this organisation.

    13. And it would be remiss of me as one of the co-chairs of the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, not to mention, as my Ukrainian colleague did, Kazakhstan’s commitment not just to that Working Group, but to the cause of trade and gender equality, particularly through enhancing women’s employment and entrepreneurial skills. So, I would really love Kazakhstan to come to that Working Group to share its experiences in supporting women in trade, including the Business Roadmap 2020-25 initiative, at one of our future meetings.

    14. Finally, let me commend the Minister and is delegation, who had to face the WTO internal deadline of the 30th of August for submitting Advanced Written Questions, coinciding with their most important national holiday, the Constitution Day. I hope that they found time to have their own belated celebrations, if they haven’t done so far. And I hope that, at the end of this week, they will celebrate in style in this fair city.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ engages with legal sector in KL

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today promoted Hong Kong’s legal services as he continued a visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of a tour of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.

     

    Mr Lam met Deputy President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia Ng Yih Pyng this morning to learn more about the country’s need for cross-jurisdictional legal services, and briefed him on Hong Kong’s diversified professional services.

     

    He then received a lunch briefing from Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia Bilal Parvaiz, gaining a better understanding of Malaysia’s business landscape and the demand from its financial sector for legal and dispute resolution services.

     

    That was followed by a meeting with Vice-President of the Malaysian Bar Anand Raj, which entailed a discussion about legal co-operation and exchanges between Malaysia and Hong Kong.

     

    Mr Lam also took the opportunity to visit the Malaysian International Mediation Centre, which was launched in January under the auspices of the Malaysian Bar Council.

     

    In addition, he met Chief Executive Officer of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) Almalena Sharmila Johan to learn about its provision of institutional support for domestic and international arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

     

    Upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur yesterday afternoon, Mr Lam had a meeting with Attorney General of Malaysia Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin bin Mohd Salleh.

     

    He also met representatives from Malaysia’s legal and business sectors at a seminar titled Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Malaysian Businesses to China and Beyond. This was followed by an evening networking reception co-organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Jakarta and the National Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia.

     

    Attendees were briefed on various topics, including Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems”, and its latest lawtech services for resolving cross-border disputes.

     

    During the seminar, Mr Lam witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), facilitated by the DoJ, between the South China International Arbitration Center (HK) and the AIAC, and a supplementary MoU between the eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre and the AIAC.

     

    Yesterday’s itinerary ended with a dinner meeting between Mr Lam and Malaysia’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said.

     

    Mr Lam will conclude his ASEAN tour and return to Hong Kong tomorrow.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: PROTEC and GE Vernova Celebrate Inaugural Next Engineers: Engineering Academy class

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 27, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Next Engineers, a global college-and career-readiness programme working to increase the diversity of young people in engineering, celebrated the graduation of its first-ever Engineering Academy learners in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday, September 27. The graduation ceremony marked the programme’s contribution towards bridging the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills gap in the country through exposing learners to hands-on engineering experiences and career pathways.  

    The 37 learners from 15 high schools across Johannesburg who completed the programme, many of whom plan to study towards an engineering-related qualification at university or technical higher learning institutions, were joined by their families at University of Witwatersrand, Sturrock Park Sports Hall, to celebrate their achievements. Launched in 2022, PROTEC, University of Witwatersrand, and Kutitiva Foundation are the educational partners for the local Next Engineers programme, and local GE Vernova engineers and employees actively engage with Academy participants through hands-on, skill-based volunteering.  

    “We are proud to see our first cohort of learners graduating and wish them all a successful learning trajectory in the next stage of their education journey,” said Matsi Eseu, South Africa HR Director for GE Vernova. “At GE Vernova, we believe education is a significant driver of economic inclusion and it’s inspiring to see the positive impact the Next Engineers programme is having, not just in empowering tomorrow’s engineers who will solve society’s most pressing challenges but also in increasing the diversity of young people, particularly females, in the engineering sector. We extend our gratitude to all those involved in the Engineering Academy.” 

    Learners who complete the Engineering Academy program and enroll in a qualified engineering or engineering-related degree programme receive financial aid to support them as they continue on their paths to becoming engineers.

    Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC, said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every graduate in this programme.  Their commitment and hard work inspire us all, and I have every confidence they will continue to make a positive impact in the field of engineering and beyond. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to GE Vernova in Johannesburg for their unwavering support and partnership throughout this journey. Together, we have laid the groundwork for a brighter future in engineering, and I am excited to see the continued success of Next Engineers in empowering young minds.”

    The Next Engineers: Engineering Academy is a transformative learning experience designed for learners aged 15 to 18. Through a rigorous curriculum, immersive design challenges, and career coaching, participants learn to think and act like engineers.

    Key programme highlights:

    • Dedication: The Engineering Academy spans three years, with learners dedicating 220 hours outside of regular school hours to participate.
    • Design challenges: In small teams, learners tackle increasingly complex design challenges, mastering the engineering design process.
    • Foundational skills: Beyond technical knowledge, learners develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, persistence, time management, and presentation abilities.
    • Education and career exploration: Workshops and activities prepare learners for their next steps, including university campus tours and interactions with company volunteers.
    • Scholarships: Learners who complete the program and enroll in post-secondary engineering degree programs receive partial scholarships. Next Engineers anticipates granting at least $2 million in scholarships to the inaugural classes of Engineering Academy learners worldwide.

    Johannesburg, South Africa, was among the first four locations to launch Next Engineers, with a $2.5 million (R44.6 million) investment from the GE Foundation in 2021. To date, Next Engineers, which also includes programming for learners in grades 8-12, has reached more than 3,500 learners across Johannesburg.

    STEM training and education, such as Next Engineers, is helping to solve global challenges while also lifting up communities through economic opportunities. Next Engineers is not the only way GE Vernova in South Africa has committed to supporting the next generation of STEM talent. GE Vernova’s South Africa External Bursary Programme has offered comprehensive bursaries to the tune of $5.4 million (R95.6 million) to support over 648 beneficiaries pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Commerce or Arts qualification from 2020 to date. The bursaries are aimed at alleviating the financial strain of tertiary students and covers the tuition, accommodation, textbook costs, and a monthly stipend over the period of study.

    For more information about Next Engineers and the Engineering Academy, visit http://apo-opa.co/3BmFfKp.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Conference for the Directors on the Boards of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) held at Bengaluru on September 27, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank today held a Conference in Bengaluru for the Directors on the Boards of Small Finance Banks (SFBs). Shri Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor inaugurated the Conference. The event, with the theme ‘Governance in SFBs – Driving Sustainable Growth and Stability’, is part of a series of supervisory engagements that the Reserve Bank has been organising with the Directors of its Supervised Entities in recent past. Earlier, the Conferences for Directors on the Boards of Public Sector Banks and Private Sector Banks were held in May 2023 and for UCBs in August 2023 and June 2024.

    Executive Directors Shri S C Murmu, Shri Rohit Jain and Shri R L K Rao along with other senior officials representing the Supervision, Regulation, and Enforcement Departments of the Reserve Bank also participated in the Conference.

    Deputy Governor Shri Swaminathan J., in his keynote address, underscored the significant role of Governance in guiding SFBs towards sustainable growth with stability. He also exhorted the Directors to be vigilant and proactive in identifying and mitigating emerging risks and highlighted the importance of sustainable business models. He emphasised the need for strengthening cybersecurity to safeguard against digital threats, and urged a stronger focus on financial inclusion, customer service and grievance redressal to ensure a broader reach of banking services.

    The Conference also included technical sessions conducted by senior officials of RBI in the areas of ‘Governance and Assurance Functions’, ‘Business Risk – Regulatory & Supervisory Expectations’ and ‘IT Systems & Cybersecurity’. The technical sessions were followed by a talk by an external Expert on ‘Board Conduct in Banks’ and a panel discussion by Independent Directors of select SFBs on the topic – ‘SFBs Prospects & Challenges’.

    The Conference concluded with an open house interactive session of the participants with the Executive Directors of the Reserve Bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1176

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fyre Festival II: why people give fraudsters a second chance

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Read, Professor of Behavioural Science, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

    The Fyre music festival and its well-publicised failure are widely seen as a mixture of incompetence and fraud, embodied in Billy McFarland, its chief architect. People paid thousands of dollars for what was advertised as a luxury music festival but they were served simple cheese sandwiches and the entertainment was cancelled. McFarland spent almost four years in prison for fraud.

    But now McFarland is out and promoting Fyre Festival II. He claims that he has already sold 100 tickets at the early bird price of £499.

    Why would anyone give the Fyre Festival a second chance? Research shows that people’s mental shortcuts can give them confidence in someone who has let them down before.

    Prices for Fyre Festival II range from US$1,400 and $1.1 million (£1,050 and £824,000). Nothing specific has yet been offered, other than an indefinite location (a private island off the Caribbean coast of Mexico), some activities including scuba diving with McFarland himself, and an approximate date (April, 2025).

    McFarland’s former business partner Andy King has said that Fyre Festival II raises “a lot of red flags.”. Yet even King, who lost US$1 million on the original Fyre Festival, admitted he met McFarland for Fyre Festival II talks before becoming wary.

    There is little research on this topic, but I found some help in The Big Con, written in 1940 by David Maurer, a professor of linguistics who dedicated his career to studying the language and culture of those leading a criminal lifestyle, including con artists.

    The Big Con was the inspiration for the 1973 Paul Newman movie The Sting. You may remember that (spoilers) Newman and Robert Redford and his team fleece Robert Shaw using a con in which the mark is persuaded that he can bet on horse races after they are run because of a delay in messages received by a betting shop.

    A central factor is ambiguity. It is hard to be certain from accounts of Fyre Festival whether McFarland set out to be a con man, or is simply a persuasive person who took on more than he could handle. Perhaps McFarland has learned his lessons and will not make the same mistakes. In The Big Con, the grifters tried to make their marks unsure whether they were really being scammed, even after the money changed hands. In The Sting, Robert Shaw’s character never learns that he was conned.

    Maurer documents many cases of marks coming back for more, convinced that the original failure was due to bad luck that won’t be repeated. A typical example comes from a con artist named the Big Alabama Kid, who tells Maurer about a mark they had conned out of US$50,000 in Miami. After he had lost all his money in a gambling con they offered him a chance to try again. But he did not return.

    Three months later, “who should come in smiling but Mr. Bates with a lot of apologies for keeping me waiting so long. He said that his banker had tried to tell him that this deal was a swindle, and wouldn’t let him have his money. So he waited until things had cooled off at home and the banker had forgotten all about it. Then he went to the bank, drew out his money, and caught the first train for the south.”

    Giving the right impression

    It is sometimes hard to persuade even the victims of a con that they are victims.

    Another factor is confidence, both on the part of the grifter and the mark. People often follow the confidence heuristic (or mental shortcut) when judging whether to believe others. The confidence heuristic is that people are confident when they believe they are right, and this confidence makes them persuasive. Such an ability to exude confidence is one of the key skills that all con men must have.

    The mark also has to be confident. That is, to be able to rely on their own ability to discern a good opportunity when they see it. Maurer finds the mark is typically someone who has achieved high social status, and sees themselves as having “some inherent superiority, especially as regards matters of sound judgment in finance and investment … as a person of vision and even of genius”.

    It is not hard to see the potential Fyre Festival attendee or investor here, someone who has money to spare, and who hopes to discover the new Burning Man or invest in it.

    Scarcity, time pressure and the fear of missing out are also powerful psychological motivators likely to make people susceptible to being conned – especially if the essence of the con is that the opportunity is one time only. If we think something is difficult to get, we want it more.

    This is what US psychologist Robert Cialdini refers to as the scarcity principle, and is a motivation that emerges early in life. A 2018 study I co-authored found children as young as six preferred scarce goods compared to abundant ones.

    Maurer’s studies of con artists showed that they carefully craft the set up so that the mark has an exclusive one time only opportunity to make his big score.

    McFarland claims to have 5,000 unique requests for tickets, but only 3,000 slots available. If you go to the Fyre Festival website you cannot buy tickets. Applicants receive the message “Thank you for your application. If approved, the FYRE concierge will be in touch.”

    I am currently in the queue for one of these tickets, and so far the concierge has not been in touch. Will I be lucky enough to be one of the chosen few?

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

    – ref. Fyre Festival II: why people give fraudsters a second chance – https://theconversation.com/fyre-festival-ii-why-people-give-fraudsters-a-second-chance-239013

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: 2X Named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Fast 50 List

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MALVERN, Pa., Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 2X, the global leader in B2B marketing as a service (MaaS), is proud to announce its recognition on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2024 prestigious Philly’s Fast 50 list, ranked number 15. Each year, the Philadelphia Business Journal recognizes Greater Philadelphia’s fastest-growing companies based on average two-year revenue growth.

    2X boasts a strong executive leadership team based in Philadelphia and has cultivated strong client advocates among organizations in the Philadelphia area, including SAP, Qlik, Ricoh, and the private equity firm LLR Partners. 2X strives to foster a culture that helps both employees and customers achieve their growth objectives by offering extensive training programs that create some of the highest-paying go-to-market-focused jobs in the region. Additionally, it has one of the largest groups of certified B2B marketers globally, with employees holding over 300 B2B marketing-related certifications.

    The company’s business model addresses the primary need of B2B marketing leaders: doing better with less. Given the current market dynamics that demand both efficiency and impact, 2X has experienced an impressive 88% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over six years. As CMOs, CFOs, CEOs, and boards seek greater impact, flexibility, and cost efficiency from their marketing investments, 2X has seen significant growth in marketing technology (MarTech) management functions and overall marketing organization transformation.

    “I’m incredibly proud of 2X being named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Fast 50 list. As someone with deep roots in Philadelphia, it’s an honor to represent our city on the global stage, helping to drive the B2B marketing industry forward. Our team’s relentless focus on innovation and excellence, alongside our commitment to both clients and employees, has positioned 2X as a leader in transforming how businesses approach marketing,” said Domenic Colasante, CEO of 2X. “We’re making Philadelphia proud by building one of the largest and most skilled groups of B2B marketers worldwide and delivering real impact for our clients across the globe.”

    This year, the program formerly known as Soaring 76 has been rebranded as Philly’s Fast 50, with a renewed focus on recognizing private companies. Philly’s Fast 50 list honors businesses with significant growth and sustained success. 2X’s inclusion in this year’s rankings underscores its exceptional performance in the local market and its continued global influence in the marketing industry.

    To view the complete list of this year’s Philly’s Fast 50, visit https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/event/170174/2024/2024-phillys-fast-50.

    About 2X
    2X is the global leader in B2B marketing as a service (MaaS), helping marketing leaders achieve greater impact while lowering costs through its unique managed services delivery model. 2X provides best-in-class MOps and MarTech management, campaign build and optimization, content and creative production, and strategy consulting services. 2X is a services partner of 6sense, Salesforce, Adobe Marketo Engage, HubSpot, Bombora, Drift, WordPress, Google, Meta, and many other leading revenue platforms.

    With more than 1,000 team members globally, 2X is backed by private-equity firm Recognize Partners. 2X has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the US by Inc. and the Financial Times. For more information, visit 2X.marketing or our LinkedIn.

    Media Contact
    Audree Hernandez
    Jmac PR for 2X
    2X@jmacpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Qifu Technology Responds to Short Seller Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Qifu Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: QFIN; HKEx: 3660) (“Qifu Technology” or the “Company”), a leading Credit-Tech platform in China, today issues the following preliminary responses to the key claims made in a report (the “Report”) by Grizzly Research, a short seller, on September 26, 2024.

    The Company believes that the Report is without merit and contains inaccurate information, flawed analyses, misleading conclusions and interpretations regarding information relating to the Company. Specifically:

    The SAMR (SAIC) Financial Data Used in the Report is Completely Wrong.

    The Report makes material mistakes in referring to incorrect financial data (i.e. the combined revenues and net profits) from the filings with the State Administration for Market Regulation (“SAMR”), formerly known as the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (“SAIC”) submitted by the operating entities of the Company. In fact, as the Company’s SAMR filing records demonstrate, the Company’ s major operating entities in China collectively reported total revenues of RMB 17.0 billion in 2022 and RMB 16.0 billion in 2023, with corresponding net profits of RMB 5.2 billion and RMB 4.7 billion, respectively. These revenues and net profits were recorded under PRC GAAP.

    According to the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), for the years 2022 and 2023, under U.S. GAAP and on a consolidated basis, the Company recorded total revenues of RMB16.6 billion and RMB16.3 billion, respectively, and net profits of RMB4.0 billion and RMB4.3 billion, respectively. The differences in total revenues and net profits between the filings with the SAMR and those with the SEC are primarily attributable to differences in accounting treatments under PRC GAAP and U.S. GAAP, as well as the fact that the Company’s major operating entities in China reflected in the SAMR filings do not represent all of the Company’s subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities in China.

    The Company has consistently generated robust operating cash flow in recent years and delivered significant returns to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases. As of the date of this press release, in 2024, the Company has spent more than US$300 million to repurchase its America Depositary Shares (ADSs) on the open market and distributed approximately US$180 million cash dividends to shareholders. The Company’s strong commitment to, and proven track record of, shareholder returns further underscore the baseless nature of the claims made in the Report.

    Rebuttal of Unsubstantiated Media Reports about the Company’s Regional Headquarters

    The Report cites certain media reports about the Company’s regional headquarters in Shanghai that are false and unsubstantiated. In fact, as disclosed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, in October 2020, the Company established a joint venture in Shanghai, together with one of 360 Group entities and an independent third party, to build its regional headquarters and an affiliated industrial park to support the future operations of the Company and 360 Group. The Company and the 360 Group entity held 40% and 30% of the equity interest in the joint venture, respectively. In December 2021, considering the Company’s significant business expansion in Shanghai, the Company acquired the entire 30% equity interest held by the 360 Group entity in the joint venture. Consequently, these facilities will enable the Company to consolidate all its Shanghai-based departments and employees, who are currently dispersed across different locations, into a single office space. The Company believes this will further reduce administrative costs and improve operational efficiency.

    Both the co-investment with the 360 Group in October 2020 and the acquisition of the equity interest in the joint venture from the 360 Group in December 2021 were negotiated and conducted at arm’s length and were approved by the board of directors and the audit committee of the Company.

    The Report also makes a false claim that the Company has acquired another piece of land in the Huangpu District of Shanghai. In fact, the Company did not acquire any land in the Huangpu District of Shanghai.

    Rebuttal of Unsubstantiated Financial Manipulation Claim and Relationship between Shanghai Qibutianxia and the Company

    The claim made in the Report that the Company uses Shanghai Qibutianxia Information Technology Co., Ltd.  (“Shanghai Qibutianxia,” formerly known as Beijing Qibutianxia Technology Co., Ltd.) to manipulate its financial statements is false and unsubstantiated.

    In fact, Shanghai Qibutianxia was the holding company for the Company’s operating entities in China prior to the Company’s reorganization in 2018 for financing and offshore listing on Nasdaq. In July 2016, as a spin-off from 360 Group, Shanghai Qibutianxia incorporated Shanghai Qiyu Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Qiyu”), and thereafter, the Company started operating independently under Shanghai Qiyu.

    In April 2018, to facilitate the Company’s financing and offshore listing on Nasdaq, a holding company under the Company’s former name, 360 Finance, Inc. was incorporated in the Cayman Islands. As part of the reorganization, the Cayman holding company incorporated an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary in China, namely Shanghai Qiyue Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Qiyue”). Shanghai Qiyue entered into a series of “VIE” contractual arrangements with the Company’s three major operating entities in China and their shareholder Shanghai Qibutianxia. As a result, these major operating entities in China became the Company’s VIEs, and Shanghai Qibutianxia remained the nominal shareholder of these VIEs. The contractual arrangements enable the Company to exercise effective control over the Company’s VIEs; receive substantially all of the economic benefits and powers to exercise voting rights of the Company’s VIEs from Shanghai Qibutianxia, and have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in and assets of them when and to the extent permitted by PRC law.

    In addition, the Report erroneously claims that the Company utilized the back-to-back guarantee arrangement with Shanghai Qibutianxia to manipulate its financial statements. In fact, prior to 2023, certain financial institutions required the nominal shareholder of our operating entities (i.e., Shanghai Qibutianxia) to supplementally provide back-to-back guarantees for certain loans facilitated and guaranteed by the Company’s operating entities. Specifically, Shanghai Qibutianxia committed to cover any shortfall if the Company’s operating entities fail to meet its guaranteed repayment obligations to the banks on time. This back-to-back guarantee arrangement did not increase the Company’s risk exposures, nor did it transfer any interest to Shanghai Qibutianxia. As of the date of this press release, there is no outstanding balance under this arrangement.

    The Report erroneously states that Mr. Hongyi Zhou is the controlling shareholder of the Company. In fact, The Company does not have a controlling shareholder. According to the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 26, 2024, Mr. Hongyi Zhou beneficially owned approximately 13.8% of total ordinary shares of the Company as of February 29, 2024. Mr. Hongyi Zhou was the chairman of the board directors of the Company, but has not been involved day-to-day operations of the company. As announced by the Company on August 13, 2024, Mr. Hongyi Zhou has resigned as a director and the chairman of the board of directors of the Company.

    Rebuttal of Unsubstantiated Claim about Delinquency Rates and Provisions

    The claim made in the Report in relation to the Company’s delinquency rates and provision booking exhibits a fundamental misunderstanding of the Company’s financial practices and the relevant accounting standards. Specifically:

    • The Report inaccurately calculated the Company’s provision ratios by using the total reported provisions to calculate the provision ratio for each period.
    • The Report erroneously included provisions for contingent liabilities in the analysis of receivables provisioning.
    • The Report’s focus on a backward-looking 90 day+ delinquency rate is misplaced.
    • The Report’s claim that the Company’s reported profits are fabricated to account for the missing cash is completely false and unsubstantiated.

    Provision Ratios

    The Report inaccurately calculated the Company’s provision ratios by using the total reported provisions to calculate the provision ratio for each period, which is fundamentally incorrect. According to the accounting standards under U.S. GAAP, each reported provision item reflects the net result of new provisions booked for current period loans and the revision of provisions for existing loans. The Company maintains clear and distinct categories for provisions related to the Company’s loan products: (i) provision for loan receivable, relating solely to the Company’s on-balance sheet loans; (ii) provision for financial assets receivable, relating to the guarantee service fees; (iii) provision for accounts receivable and contract assets, relating to, relating to the loan facilitation service fees;; and (iv) provision for contingent liabilities, relating to the off-balance sheet loans for which the Company provides guarantee services.

    The following chart delineates the components of the Company’s reported provisions for 2022, 2023, and the first half of 2023 and 2024, demonstrating compliance with accounting standards:

    (RMB in millions) 2022   2023   First Half
    of 2023    		   First Half
    of 2024    		  
    New Provisions for Current Period New Loans 7,355   7,647   3,573   2,694  
    Revision of Previous Provisions (write-back) (771 ) (1,880 ) (936 ) (489 )
    Net Provisions 6,584   5,767   2,636   2,205  
    Provision for Loans Receivable 1,580   2,151   1,002   1,697  
    Provision for Financial Assets Receivable 398   386   151   169  
    Provision for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets 238   176   45   235  
    Provision for Contingent Liabilities 4,368   3,054   1,438   103  
    New Provisions Booking Ratio                
    Provision Ratio for Loan Receivable1 2.9 % 2.9 % 2.8 % 3.4 %
    Provision Ratio for Contingent Liabilities2 4.1 % 4.0 % 3.7 % 4.1 %
                     

    __________________
    Notes:
    1. “Provision Ratio for Loan Receivable” refers to the total amount of new provisions for loan receivable for a specific period divided by the loan facilitation volume of on-balance sheet loans for that period.
    2. “Provision Ratio for Contingent Liabilities” refers to the total amount of new provisions for contingent liabilities for a specific period divided by capital-heavy loan facilitation volume for that period.

    Provisions for Contingent Liabilities

    In addition, the Report erroneously included provisions for contingent liabilities in the analysis of receivables provisioning. In fact, provisions for contingent liabilities pertain only to off-balance sheet loans that the Company guarantees. These provisions are entirely separate from receivables on the balance sheet and should not be conflated. In fact, the Company has consistently applied a prudent approach to managing business risks and financial provisions. The historical data listed above also showcases the Company’s commitment to maintaining appropriate provision ratios against the Company’s risk-bearing loans.

    Delinquency Rate

    The Report’s focus on a backward-looking 90 day+ delinquency rate1 is misplaced. The Company prioritizes leading risk indicators that provide a proactive view of credit risk, such as: (i) Day-1 delinquency rate2, which measures delinquency based on the day before the reporting period, offering a real-time risk assessment; and (ii) 30 day collection rate3, which tracks the efficiency of collections within a short timeframe, enabling timely interventions. These forward-looking metrics provide a more accurate and actionable assessment of credit risk compared to traditional delinquency rates. In fact, the Company’s D-1 delinquency rate and 30 day collection rate in the past two quarters both indicate the improving quality of the Company’s loan portfolios.

    Decreases in Cash

    The Report’s claim that the Company’s reported profits are fabricated to account for the missing cash is completely false and unsubstantiated. The Company’s cash and cash equivalent decreased from RMB10.5 billion as of December 31, 2022 to RMB 8.4 billion as of June 30, 2024 primarily because the growth in the Company’s on-balance sheet loans, cash dividends distributed to shareholders, and stock repurchase program. Specifically, the Company’s on-balance sheet loan balances increased from RMB19.5 billion as of December 31, 2022 to RMB32.1 billion as of June 30, 2024. In addition, from December 31, 2022 to June 30, 2024, the Company has distributed approximately RMB3.6 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, resulting in a reduction in cash and cash equivalent.

    Non-Risk-Bearing Loans are Irrelevant to Leverage Ratio

    The claim made in the Report that the Company’s is secretly overleveraged lacks factual basis and misunderstands the Company’s financial structure and risk management strategies. Specifically, the Report erroneously uses the total outstanding loan balances facilitated by the Company for calculating its leverage ratio. By definition, the leverage ratio is relevant only to risk-bearing assets, which include both on-balance sheet loans and capital-heavy loan facilitation. As disclosed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, the outstanding balances of the Company’s risk-bearing loans accounted for only 34.2% of the total outstanding loan balances facilitated by the Company as of June 30, 2024. As of the same date, the Company’s leverage ratio was 2.4, reaching a historical low. The company employs robust risk management frameworks to monitor and control leverage, ensuring sustainability and financial stability.

    Rebuttal of Unsubstantiated Claim About Loan Annual Interest Rates

    The claim made in the Report that the Company issues loans at rates that exceed legal limits is categorically false and misleading. For example, the Report falsely claimed that regulatory guidance in China stipulates that the interest rate for the Company’s businesses should not exceed four times the one-year Loan Prime Rate at the time of the establishment of an agreement (the “Quadruple LPR Limit”). In fact, the Chinese Supreme People’s Court issued a guidance in December 2020, stipulating that the Quadruple LPR Limit does not apply to disputes arising from engagement in relevant financial businesses of certain financial institutions, including micro-lending companies and financing guarantee companies, such as the Company’s operating entities. The Company operates in strict compliance with all regulatory requirements that governs loan annual interest rate limits.

    The Company emphasizes its continued and unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and internal control, as well as transparent and timely disclosure in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. To protect the interests of the Company and its shareholders, the Company will vigorously defend itself against false and baseless claims made by short seller reports.

    The Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), including the audit committee, is reviewing the allegations and considering the appropriate course of action to protect the interests of all shareholders. The Company will make additional disclosures in due course consistent with the requirements of applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, The Nasdaq Stock Market, and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

    About Qifu Technology

    Qifu Technology is a leading Credit-Tech platform in China that provides a comprehensive suite of technology services to assist financial institutions and consumers and SMEs in the loan lifecycle, ranging from borrower acquisition, preliminary credit assessment, fund matching and post-facilitation services. The Company is dedicated to making credit services more accessible and personalized to consumers and SMEs through Credit-Tech services to financial institutions.

    For more information, please visit: https://ir.qifu.tech.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as the Company’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Qifu Technology may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in announcements made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including the Company’s business outlook, beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, which factors include but not limited to the following: the Company’s growth strategies, the Company’s cooperation with 360 Group, changes in laws, rules and regulatory environments, the recognition of the Company’s brand, market acceptance of the Company’s products and services, trends and developments in the credit-tech industry, governmental policies relating to the credit-tech industry, general economic conditions in China and around the globe, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in Qifu Technology’s filings with the SEC and announcements on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Qifu Technology does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Qifu Technology

    E-mail: ir@360shuke.com

    _____________________________________
    1 “90 day+ delinquency rate” refers to the outstanding principal balance of on- and off-balance sheet loans that were 91 to 180 calendar days past due as a percentage of the total outstanding principal balance of on- and off-balance sheet loans across our platform as of a specific date. Loans that are charged-off and loans under “ICE” and other technology solutions are not included in the delinquency rate calculation.
    2“Day-1 delinquency rate” is defined as (i) the total amount of principal that became overdue as of a specified date, divided by (ii) the total amount of principal that was due for repayment as of such specified date.
    3 “30 day collection rate” is defined as (i) the amount of principal that was repaid in one month among the total amount of principal that became overdue as of a specified date, divided by (ii) the total amount of principal that became overdue as of such specified date.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Teachers feel most productive when they use AI for teaching strategies

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Samantha Keppler, Assistant Professor of Technology and Operations, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan

    Saving time is not a given for teachers who rely on artificial intelligence. skynesher/E+ via Getty Images

    Teachers can use generative AI in a variety of ways. They may use it to develop lesson plans and quizzes. Or teachers may rely on a generative AI tool, such as ChatGPT, for insight on how to teach a concept more effectively.

    In our new research, only the teachers doing both of those things reported feeling that they were getting more done. They also told us that their teaching was more effective with AI.

    Over the course of the 2023-2024 school year, we followed 24 teachers at K-12 schools throughout the United States as they wrestled with whether and how to use generative AI for their work. We gave them a standard training session on generative AI in the fall of 2023. We then conducted multiple observations, interviews and surveys throughout the year.

    We found that teachers felt more productive and effective with generative AI when they turned to it for advice. The standard methods to teach to state standards that work for one student, or in one school year, might not work as well in another. Teachers may get stuck and need to try a different approach. Generative AI, it turns out, can be a source of ideas for those alternative approaches.

    While many focus on the productivity benefits of how generative AI can help teachers make quizzes or activities faster, our study points to something different. Teachers feel more productive and effective when their students are learning, and generative AI seems to help some teachers get new ideas about how to advance student learning.

    Why it matters

    K-12 teaching requires creativity, particularly when it comes to tasks such as lesson plans or how to integrate technology into the classroom. Teachers are under pressure to work quickly, however, because they have so many things to do, such as prepare teaching materials, meet with parents and grade students’ schoolwork. Teachers do not have enough time each day to do all of the work that they need to.

    We know that such pressure often makes creativity difficult. This can make teachers feel stuck. Some people, in particular AI experts, view generative AI as a solution to this problem; generative AI is always on call, it works quickly, and it never tires.

    However, this view assumes that teachers will know how to use generative AI effectively to get the solutions they are seeking. Our research reveals that for many teachers, the time it takes to get a satisfactory output from the technology – and revise it to fit their needs – is no shorter than the time it would take to create the materials from scratch on their own. This is why using generative AI to create materials is not enough to get more done.

    By understanding how teachers can effectively use generative AI for advice, schools can make more informed decisions about how to invest in AI for their teachers and how to support teachers in using these new tools. Further, this feeds back to the scientists creating AI tools, who can make better decisions about how to design these systems.

    What still isn’t known

    Many teachers face roadblocks that prevent them from seeing the benefits of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. These benefits include being able to create better materials faster. The teachers we talked to, however, were all new users of the technology. Teachers who are more familiar with ways to prompt generative AI – we call them “power users” – might have other ways of interacting with the technology that we did not see. We also do not yet know exactly why some teachers move from being new users to proficient users but others do not.

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

    Some of the teachers involved with the initial case study were known to the authors before the start of the case.

    Some of the teachers involved with the initial case study were known to the authors before the start of the case.

    – ref. Teachers feel most productive when they use AI for teaching strategies – https://theconversation.com/teachers-feel-most-productive-when-they-use-ai-for-teaching-strategies-236543

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister Ferrada on World Tourism Day

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, shared the following message with Canadians:

    September 27, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario 

    The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, shared the following message with Canadians:

    “Canada is a tourism superpower. Whether it’s our majestic mountains or our dynamic downtowns, we have what the world wants. Nearly every single Canadian community is implicated in tourism in some way, and it’s no surprise that the sector supports nearly two million jobs and contributes over $43 billion to Canada’s GDP.

    “Tourism is also about pride—the pride of sharing our home with the world. It brings people together to find common ground. In a world of division, tourism is about connection.

    “As a government, we’re here for Canadian tourism. Guided by our Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, we’re seizing opportunities, investing in Indigenous tourism and overcoming challenges.

    “Together, let’s help Canadian tourism reach its full potential. We’re aiming to increase its contribution to Canada’s GDP by 40% by 2030. This means 85,000 more jobs. That’s why we’re supporting the sector through the $108 million Tourism Growth Program. Yet it’s about more than statistics; it’s about Canada taking its place as a world leader in tourism.

    “We’re investing in Indigenous tourism, which has the power to advance reconciliation. Through the Indigenous Tourism Fund and beyond, we’re working with communities and leaders and supporting nearly 200 projects across the country, with more on the way.

    “Together, let’s tackle tourism’s challenges. We need to help the industry attract and retain more staff. We must improve transportation and housing. And we must continue fighting climate change. From warm winters to wildfires, it is an existential threat to Canadian tourism—the recent fires in Jasper being just one example.

    “As we mark World Tourism Day, let’s celebrate the power of travel to broaden perspectives and bring people together. Canada welcomes the world, ready to share our scenery and our stories. Through tourism, we’re building a future where differences are celebrated and unexpected connections flourish—one traveller at a time. Happy World Tourism Day!”

    Marie-Justine Torres
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
    613-327-5918
    Marie-Justine.TorresAmes@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
    media@ised-isde.gc.ca

    For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Finance Corporation partners with Itana for the creation of Africa’s first digital economic zone

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    NEW YORK, United States of America, September 27, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Itana (http://apo-opa.co/4dnuip1), Nigeria’s first licensed digital economic zone management company, and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, have agreed to jointly develop the first digital economic zone in Africa designed for global and Pan-African technology, finance and service-based businesses to operate and scale with ease across Africa, unlocking the continent’s digital economy. The formalisation of this partnership took place yesterday in front of global government and business leaders, at the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

    The Itana Digital Economic Zone in Lagos, Nigeria is intended as an online jurisdiction and to serve as a gateway to build a global business in Nigeria. Through Itana, companies can remotely incorporate and operate their businesses in the Itana zone, with laws, business incentives (tax, immigration & banking), and services optimized for the digital economy. This will be coupled with eco-friendly live-work districts and a live-in accelerator program, showcasing the future of African cities and providing the ideal infrastructure and support for businesses in Africa to scale and compete globally.

    AFC will support Itana with project development funding and intends to lead in the financing of phase 1 of the Itana project which is budgeted at around $100m. This will include an eco-friendly tech campus in Lagos, Nigeria, and funding of startups in Accelerate Africa, the accelerator program of Itana in partnership with Future Africa. AFC will also support the roll-out of the Itana Digital Economic Zone for global and Pan-African tech, finance, and service-based businesses seeking to operate across Africa.

    Itana and AFC are already collaborating alongside Future Africa, PwC Nigeria, and Charter Cities Institute as technical advisers to the Initiative for the Promotion of Digital Free Zones in Nigeria (DiFZIN) (http://apo-opa.co/3BuB4Mm), a non-profit advocacy and policy research organization representing the private sector in the recently announced Nigerian Federal Government steering committee for the establishment of Digital Economic Zones in Nigeria. The committee is chaired by President Bola Tinubu and includes relevant Government Ministers and Agency Heads.

    Itana (http://apo-opa.co/47FY7jz) will be a conducive environment tailored to the 21st-century digital trade and technological age. The organization recently launched the Itana Application (http://apo-opa.co/4dnSUOB) where individuals can join the community and have access to events and services such as business visa facilitation, local bank accounts, and a curated marketplace of trusted vendors and consultants for doing business in Africa. Businesses that meet the criteria can register as a Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) with ease and will receive a Business Operating license that enables them to do business in Nigeria like numerous digital companies including Reliance Info and Future Africa.

    Post business incorporation, businesses can operate in the zone with tax and capital repatriation incentives, get access to the Itana business community, apply for business banking in the Digital Economic Zone, and special work and residency permits without limitations imposed by expatriate quotas.

    “Itana intends to be to Nigeria and Africa what Delaware & Silicon Valley is to the U.S., the DIFC is to Dubai, and e-Estonia is to the European Union,” said Luqman Edu, CEO of Itana. “Itana is poised as the gateway to doing business in Africa. Local and International businesses looking to expand their operations across Africa will naturally look to Itana as their point of entry”.

    “Africa’s digital economy is poised for significant expansion and innovation following the rapid adoption of mobile technology, a burgeoning youth population, and the growing importance of digital commerce and services,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation. “In support of this, AFC is proud to be a pioneer alongside Itana, in building Africa’s first digital economic zone. This unprecedented initiative marks a pivotal step towards creating a thriving hub for the African digital economy, cementing the Corporation’s commitment to driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic development across the continent,” he added.

    Last year, Itana announced (http://apo-opa.co/4eIELg1) a funding round backed by leading technology venture capitals and highly influential tech industry leaders including LocalGlobe, Amplo, Pronomos Capital (backed by Peter Thiel), Balaji, and Future Africa (led by Nigerian entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave).

    As the first Digital Economic Zone, Itana remains committed to making Nigeria a powerhouse in the global digital economy. It will be hosted in Alaro City, an integrated, mixed-use city planned on over 2,000 hectares in the Lekki Free Zone.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: FDIC Makes Public August Enforcement Actions; No Administrative Hearing Scheduled for October 2024

    Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

    CategoriesBusiness, Commerce, MIL-OSI, United States Federal Government, United States Government, United States of America, US Commerce, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC, US Federal Government, US Insurance Sector, USA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gross Domestic Product by State and Personal Income by State, 2nd Quarter 2024

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    Real gross domestic product increased in 49 states and the District of Columbia in the second quarter of 2024, with the percent change ranging from 5.9 percent at an annual rate in Idaho to –1.1 percent in Alaska, according to statistics released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (table 1).

    Current-dollar gross domestic product (GDP) increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with the percent change ranging from 8.0 percent at an annual rate in Idaho to 3.0 percent in Alaska (table 1).

    Personal income, in current dollars, increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with the percent change ranging from 6.9 percent at an annual rate in South Carolina to 2.3 percent in North Dakota (table 3).

    Real GDP

    In the second quarter of 2024, real GDP for the nation grew at an annual rate of 3.0 percent. Real GDP increased in 16 of the 23 industry groups for which BEA prepares quarterly state estimates (table 2). Nondurable-goods manufacturing, finance and insurance, and health care and social assistance were the leading contributors to growth in real GDP nationally (table 2).

    • Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, which increased in 29 states, was the leading contributor to growth in 11 states including Idaho, Kansas, and Nebraska, the states with the fastest increases in real GDP. In contrast, this industry was the leading offset to growth in 10 states including North Dakota, the slowest growing state.
    • Nondurable-goods manufacturing, which increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, was the leading contributor to growth in 12 states including Utah, the state with the fourth-fastest increase in real GDP.
    • Mining, which declined in 33 states, was the leading contributor to the decrease in real GDP in Alaska, the only state with a decline in real GDP.

    Personal income

    In the second quarter of 2024, current-dollar personal income increased $315.6 billion, or 5.3 percent at an annual rate (table 3). Nationally, earnings, transfer receipts, and property income (dividends, interest, and rent) all contributed to the increase in personal income (chart 1).

    Earnings increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, while growing 6.3 percent nationally. The percent change in earnings ranged from 8.3 percent in Idaho to 2.1 percent in North Dakota. Earnings increased in 22 of the 24 industries for which BEA prepares quarterly estimates and was the largest contributor to growth in personal income in all 50 states and the District of Columbia (tables 4 and 5).

    • In South Carolina, the state with the fastest growth in personal income, durable-goods manufacturing was the leading contributor to the increase in earnings.
    • In Utah, the state with the second-fastest growth in personal income, professional, scientific, and technical services was the leading contributor to the increase in earnings.
    • In Nebraska, the state with the third-fastest growth in personal income, farm earnings was the leading contributor to the increase. In contrast, farm earnings was the leading contributor to the decline in earnings in North Dakota, the state with the slowest growth in personal income.

    Transfer receipts increased in 49 states and the District of Columbia, while growing 6.1 percent nationally. The percent change in transfer receipts ranged from 14.9 percent in California to –0.5 percent in Massachusetts (table 4).

    • The increase in transfer receipts in California was due in part to an increase in Medicaid benefits, which increased 47.8 percent due to program expansion.

    Property income increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, while growing 1.5 percent nationally. The percent change ranged from 2.4 percent in Wyoming to 1.0 percent in Nebraska and Mississippi (table 4).

    Update of state statistics

    The estimates for the second quarter of 2024 incorporate the results of BEA’s annual updates of GDP and personal income by state that are also being released today. The annual estimates of GDP and personal income by state from 2019 to 2023 and quarterly estimates of GDP and personal income by state from the first quarter of 2019 through the first quarter of 2024 were revised. This update incorporates new and revised source data that are more complete and more detailed than previously available, updates to seasonal factors, and aligns the states with the annual update of the National Income and Product Accounts and the GDP by industry statistics released on September 26, 2024. Our online journal, the Survey of Current Business, will publish an article in November describing the results.

    BEA released new estimates of per capita personal income for the second quarter of 2024, along with revised estimates for the first quarter of 2019 through the first quarter of 2024. BEA used U.S. Census Bureau population figures to calculate per capita personal income estimates for the first quarter of 2020 through the second quarter of 2024. For earlier estimates, BEA continues to use intercensal population statistics that it developed based on Census Bureau methodology. See “Note on Per Capita Personal Income and Population.”

    Starting in September 2025, BEA will begin to regularly publish quarterly GDP and personal income by state along with annual personal consumption expenditures by state together in a single news release, providing a fuller picture of the economies of all states and the District of Columbia. The combined news release will replace the publication of two separate releases issued on different days.

    *          *          *

    Next release: December 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. EST
    Gross Domestic Product by State and Personal Income by State, 3rd Quarter 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Statement by Minister Ferrada on the occasion of World Tourism Day

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, made the following statement:

    September 27, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

    The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, made the following statement:

    “Canada is a tourism superpower. It has what the world is looking for, from majestic mountains to vibrant city centres. Almost every Canadian community contributes to the tourism industry in some way. It’s no surprise that the industry accounts for nearly 2 million jobs and more than $43 billion in gross domestic product.

    “We are proud to open our home to the world. Tourism provides a way to find common ground and build connections in an increasingly divided world.

    “As a government, we are strongly supporting tourism. Guided by the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, we are seizing opportunities, investing in Indigenous tourism and addressing challenges as they arise.

    “Together, let’s realize the full potential of tourism. Our goal is to increase its contribution to gross domestic product by 40% by 2030. This increase would translate into the creation of 85,000 jobs. That’s why we’re supporting the sector through the Tourism Growth Program, an investment of $108 million. Beyond statistics, these measures strengthen Canada’s position as a world leader in tourism.

    “We are investing in Indigenous tourism, which moves us forward on the path to reconciliation. Through initiatives like the Indigenous Tourism Fund, we are working with communities and their leaders. We are currently supporting nearly 200 projects across the country, with more to come.

    “Together, let’s break down barriers to tourism growth. Let’s help the industry attract and retain more workers. Let’s improve transportation and accommodations. Let’s continue to fight climate change. Its impacts, including mild winters and wildfires, pose an existential threat to tourism; the recent fires in Jasper are just one example.

    “On World Tourism Day, let us celebrate the power of travel to broaden perspectives and bring people together. Canada welcomes the world and is ready to share its landscapes and stories. Through tourism, we are building a future where we celebrate differences and create meaningful connections, one traveller at a time. Happy World Tourism Day!”

    Marie-Justine TorresPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec613-327-5918Marie-Justine.TorresAmes@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Media RelationsInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canadamedia@ised-isde.gc.ca

    For easy access to government programs for businesses, download theCanada Business App.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in unforgettable experiences on Prince Edward Island

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Businesses and organizations receive federal support to boost tourism activities

    September 27, 2024 · North Rustico, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Tourism plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada, driving local economies, creating jobs and strengthening communities. Tourism also helps preserve, promote and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural heritage – fostering awareness and understanding of the many peoples who call this place home. The Government of Canada is investing to help six tourism operators in central Prince Edward Island seize opportunities to boost tourism and ensure the industry is well positioned for long-term, sustainable growth. 

    Experience the Island year round

    Today, Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, announced a total contribution of $1,725,333 for 10 projects to support the advancement of Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

    These investments will help the Town of North Rustico, Tourism Cavendish Beach, the Tourism Industry Association of PEI, Island Walk, the Central Coastal Tourism Partnership, and Golf PEI in the planning and development of vibrant tourism experiences, and support the P.E.I. Events Innovation Fund, which helps not-for-profit organizations imagine and deliver cultural festivals and events to expand the Island’s four-season tourism offerings.

    The Province of Prince Edward Island is also contributing $986,575 toward nine of the projects.

    For more information on the projects, please see the attached backgrounder.

    Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector and grow the region’s potential as a world-class destination of choice.

    Quotes

    “From breathtaking vistas, to vibrant cultures, and the friendliest people, Prince Edward Island is ready for you to explore all year long. And this magical island sees folks returning again and again to explore more and more. It’s World Tourism Day, so make sure you plan to discover all that this incredible region has to offer.”

    – The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

    “Folks come from around the world to experience the beautiful landscapes, world-class food scene and lively cultural events that Prince Edward Island has to offer. Investing in our province’s tourism operators and associations will help them meet that demand and showcase this incredible destination. “

    –  Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque

    “The Government of Prince Edward Island firmly believes in our tourism industry and the exciting future that lies ahead. With this funding announcement, it allows Island communities to plan and create exciting new tourism experiences. We look forward to supporting this sector so it continues to be one of our greatest assets. It truly is a place to visit and enjoy any time of the year.

    – The Honourable Cory Deagle, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture and MLA for Montague-Kilmuir 

    “For the past 26 years, the North Rustico Seawalk Promenade Boardwalk has been a vital part of the community, used daily by residents and visitors of all ages. With a large gazebo, picnic areas, access to the National Park beach, restaurants and shopping at the North Rustico Harbour, the boardwalk provides both wellness and economic benefits. The replacement of the Boardwalk is a step to ensure the safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of our residents and the many tourists who visit North Rustico every year. The Town of North Rustico thanks the Government of Canada for their financial commitment through ACOA to our Boardwalk project.” 

    – Stephanie Moase, CAO, Town of North Rustico 

    Quick facts

    • World Tourism Day (WTD) is celebrated on September 27th to foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value, and the contributions the sector can make toward reaching sustainable development goals. The theme of World Tourism Day 2024 is ‘Tourism and Peace’.   

    • Over 7,500 businesses are part of the tourism sector in Atlantic Canada, working in food and beverage, accommodations, recreation, transportation, and travel services. Together, these companies employ over 111,000 full and part-time workers.

    • Tourism is a major employer for Atlantic Canadians living outside major cities, representing approximately 9.5% of all local jobs in rural communities.

    • The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, Business Development Program (BDP), and Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).

    Related products

    Contacts

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

    David Fleming
    Communications Manager
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    david.fleming@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    April Gallant
    Senior Communications Officer
    Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture for the Province of Prince Edward Island
    aldgallant@gov.pe.ca

    Stephanie Moase
    Chief Administrative Officer
    Town of North Rustico
    smoase@northrustico.com

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five classic concept albums that will take you on a sonic road-trip across America

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Scott, Head of Division, School of Business and Creative Industries, University of the West of Scotland

    The concept album is often viewed as an art form that is primarily focused on lyrical storytelling. But in these five key records, musical ambition, performance and production combine to take the listener on a road-trip through America.

    1. Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs by Marty Robbins (1959)

    Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs, by Marty Robbins, has rightly been lauded as one of the most important artworks of the 20th century – indeed it was preserved in the Library of Congress in 2017.

    The thematic album transports the listener into a mythical west. Each song tells its own story, but there is a distinct unity of characterisation. The tearful convict awaiting death in They’re Hanging Me Tonight might well be an alter ego of the desert rider, hallucinating and desperate in Cool Water. Or even the ebullient narrator celebrating his own American dream in A Hundred and Sixty Acres.

    Marty Robbins performing El Paso.

    The album’s arrangements are mostly simple and stripped back, allowing Robbins’ extraordinary vocal performances and expressive backing vocal arrangements to fly. This reaches a stylistic peak in his greatest song, the white-knuckle ride of El Paso, wherein our protagonist willingly throws himself into a living hell.

    2. Smile by Brian Wilson (2004)

    The Beach Boys released 15 studio albums in the 1960s. Their voluminous output represented one of the most supercharged evolutions in contemporary music – fired by the imagination, energy and ambition of Brian Wilson.

    In 1965, in partnership with lyricist Mike Love, Wilson was extolling the virtues of California girls. Just a few months later, he was creating the mature, introspective humanity of Pet Sounds with collaborator Tony Asher. From there Wilson engaged lyricist Van Dyke Parks to help him realise an “American gothic trip”. Smile describes a journey across the country on the “ribbon of concrete”, or along the railroad with the early settlers.

    Heroes and Villains by Brian Wilson, from Smile.

    One key track on Smile, Heroes and Villains, took its narrative cue directly from Marty Robbins’ El Paso. But others – Cabin Essence and Surf’s Up – painted a new old west and still feel revolutionary today. However, the album became most famous for being left unfinished for 34 years, with snippets appearing piecemeal before its completion as a new recording by Brian Wilson in 2004.

    Van Dyke Park’s lyrics remain intriguing and unique. But I’d argue the real conceptual unity of Smile comes from its musical design. This is an album about American music as much as it is about America. It’s a kaleidoscope of Gershwin, Ives, Bernstein and goofy doo-wop, scaffolded by unexpected and rich textural juxtapositions (double bass, banjo and backing vocals going “boing boing” anyone?). And, of course, there’s the peerless vocal performances of The Beach Boys.

    3. The Delta Sweete by Bobbie Gentry (1968)

    Bobbie Gentry’s The Delta Sweete is another concept album that looks at both America (in this case the Mississippi Delta) and American music.

    Gentry first found fame with Ode to Billie Joe, a narrative ballad that became a major hit single. In The Delta Sweete, Gentry blended her own distinctive vignettes of southern life with skilfully curated covers of classics, like Mose Allison’s Parchman Farm.

    In Reunion, Gentry invites listeners into the front parlour of an alternately loving and warring southern family. She illustrates the scene by interweaving dialogue, vocal chants and rhythmic solo cello. Elsewhere we meet the swaggering, comedic Okolona River Bottom Band and experience a southern gothic nightmare in Refractions.

    Bobbie Gentry performs Courtyard.

    The sense of journey is enhanced by a series of orchestral pieces that link each of the 12 tracks. So when we finally alight on the solitude of the closing track, Courtyard, there is a feeling of coming home.

    The ambition of The Delta Sweete was not met with commercial success, but Gentry never quite gave up the conceptual flame. Her follow up – Local Gentry, in 1968 – shared some of the same approach to musical portraiture. And in her final studio album, Patchwork (1971), she returned to a series of vignettes with orchestral links. All make for essential listening.

    4. What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye (1971)

    From a journey across America, to a journey across the Mississippi Delta, we turn now to the streets of 1971 inner-city America, via Marvin Gaye’s masterly record, What’s Going On.

    This album represented a clear shift in Gaye’s artistic voice towards commentary, question and critique, against the will of Motown Records boss Berry Gordy resulting in a standoff during which Gaye threatened never to record for the label again. What’s Going On is perhaps most famous for its engagement with the social and political issues of the day, but the ambition of the music, performance and sound stand up thrillingly, 55 years after its release.

    A new music video for What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye, released in 2019.

    Motown Records house arranger David Van De Pitte set congas and guiros against sweeping orchestral arrangements, glockenspiel, choirs and jazz influences. The juxtaposition of tempo and feel created by transitions between the tracks hold you there as listener, walking around Gaye’s landscape, and seeing it through his eyes.

    The key sound of What’s Going On though – and the element that most solidifies its status as a conceptual album – is the approach taken with the vocals. Different takes of the same song overlap, and different ad libs collide and diverge as choral passages peek out from the background. These are the voices talking to Gaye during his walk through the inner city of What’s Going On.

    5. Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé (2024)

    Cowboy Carter’s conceptual birth sprang from the artist’s performance at the 2016 Country Association Awards, where prejudiced questions were raised (in the room and online) about Beyonce’s legitimacy and place in the context of a country music performance. Her ultimate response was this detailed exploration, celebration and critique that gets under the skin of American music itself. Beyoncé creates a searing and detailed a commentary on, and road-map to, American music.



    Read more:
    The genius of Cowboy Carter is Beyoncé’s accent – a musicologist explains

    Jolene by Beyoncé.

    Big questions around the origin and evolution of genre are asked via the medium of a Jolene cover, use of the banjo, impressionistic music arrangements and flights of performative imagination.

    There are spoken inserts (from Linda Martell, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton) and striking musical juxtapositions. Like other albums on this list, Cowboy Carter’s conceptual veracity springs as much from this kaleidoscopic approach to sound as from the central narrative at its heart.

    In this collage we hear new songs, interpretations of classic songs and quotes from American classics, including one from The Beach Boys’ Smile – Good Vibrations.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

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

    – ref. Five classic concept albums that will take you on a sonic road-trip across America – https://theconversation.com/five-classic-concept-albums-that-will-take-you-on-a-sonic-road-trip-across-america-239011

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust: 27 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust.

    The Prime Minister has approved the appointments of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust, for a term of five years from 30 September 2024.

    Professor Kirstie Blair

    Kirstie Blair is Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Sterling. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, and MPhil and DPhil degrees from the University of Oxford. She studied at Harvard University as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Rupert Morley

    Rupert is Chairman of Pershing Square Holdings, a FTSE 100 company, Chair of Bremont Watches and Trustee for Comic Relief. Rupert holds a degree in economics from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, which he attended as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Note for editors

    The Kennedy Memorial Trust was established in 1964 to administer monies raised in the United Kingdom as a tribute to the late President John Kennedy. Part of the fund was used to create and maintain the Kennedy Memorial site at Runnymede. The remaining capital is used to provide Kennedy Scholarships which enable British postgraduate students to study at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Trustees are responsible for the selection process for those scholarships and for managing the maintenance of the Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Appointment of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust: 27 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust.

    The Prime Minister has approved the appointments of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust, for a term of five years from 30 September 2024.

    Professor Kirstie Blair

    Kirstie Blair is Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Sterling. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, and MPhil and DPhil degrees from the University of Oxford. She studied at Harvard University as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Rupert Morley

    Rupert is Chairman of Pershing Square Holdings, a FTSE 100 company, Chair of Bremont Watches and Trustee for Comic Relief. Rupert holds a degree in economics from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, which he attended as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Note for editors

    The Kennedy Memorial Trust was established in 1964 to administer monies raised in the United Kingdom as a tribute to the late President John Kennedy. Part of the fund was used to create and maintain the Kennedy Memorial site at Runnymede. The remaining capital is used to provide Kennedy Scholarships which enable British postgraduate students to study at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Trustees are responsible for the selection process for those scholarships and for managing the maintenance of the Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Investing in unforgettable experiences on Prince Edward Island

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    To boost tourism, the federal government is offering financial assistance to businesses and organizations

    September 27, 2024 North Rustico, Prince Edward Island Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Tourism plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada, boosting local economies, creating jobs and energizing communities. Tourism also helps preserve, promote and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural heritage, fostering awareness and understanding of the many peoples who call it home. The Government of Canada is investing to help six tourism operators in central Prince Edward Island seize opportunities to boost tourism and ensure the industry is well-positioned for long-term sustainable growth.

    Discover the island all year round

    Today, Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, announced a total contribution of $1,725,333 for ten projects to support the advancement of Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

    These investments will help the Municipality of North Rustico, Tourism Cavendish Beach, L’Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island, The Island Path, Central Coastal Tourism Partnership, And Golf PEI to plan and create dynamic tourism experiences, and will support PEI Events Innovation Fund which helps non-profit organizations create and organize festivals and cultural events to expand the island’s tourist offering during all four seasons.

    The province of Prince Edward Island is also contributing $986,575 to nine of these projects.

    For further information on the projects, please see the attached backgrounder.

    Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to growing Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector and increasing the region’s potential as a world-class destination of choice.

    Quotes

    “Breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and welcoming people, Prince Edward Island is ready to be explored all year long. On this magical island, people return again and again to discover more. This World Tourism Day, make plans to experience all this incredible region has to offer.”

    – The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

    “People come from all over the world to experience the beautiful scenery, world-class cuisine and vibrant cultural events that Prince Edward Island has to offer. Investing in our province’s tourism operators and associations will help them meet this demand and showcase this great destination.”

    – Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque

    “The Government of Prince Edward Island strongly believes in our tourism industry and the exciting future that lies ahead. This funding announcement allows Island communities to plan and create exciting new tourism experiences. We are pleased to support this sector so that it continues to be one of our greatest assets. This Island is a place to visit and enjoy at any time of the year.”

    – The Honourable Cory Deagle, Minister, Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, PEI and MLA for Montague-Kilmuir

    “For 26 years, the North Rustico Seawalk has been a vital part of the community, used daily by residents and visitors of all ages. With a large gazebo, picnic areas, access to the National Park beach, restaurants and shops at the North Rustico Harbour, the boardwalk offers both wellness and economic benefits. The replacement of the boardwalk is a step towards ensuring the safety, accessibility and enjoyment of our residents and the many tourists who visit North Rustico each year. The Municipality of North Rustico thanks the Government of Canada for its financial commitment, through ACOA, towards our boardwalk project.”

    – Stephanie Moase, City Manager, Municipality of North Rustico

    Quick Facts

    World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September to raise awareness of the social, cultural, political and economic value of tourism and the contributions the sector can make to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The theme of World Tourism Day 2024 is “Tourism and Peace”.

    More than 7,500 businesses are part of the tourism sector in Atlantic Canada, operating in the areas of food service, accommodation, recreation, transportation and travel services. Together, these businesses employ more than 111,000 people in full- and part-time positions.

    Tourism is a major driver of employment for Atlantic Canada’s population living outside major cities, accounting for approximately 9.5% of all local employment in rural communities.

    The funding announced today is provided by the program Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (CERI), THE Business Development Program (BDP), and the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) of ACOA.

    Related products

    Contact persons

    Connor BurtonPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyConnor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    David FlemingCommunications ManagerAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agencydavid.fleming@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    April GallantSenior Communications OfficerFisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Province of Prince Edward Islandaldgallant@gov.pe.ca

    Stephanie MoaseCity ManagerMunicipality of North Rusticosmoase@northrustico.com

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Guthrie, Newhouse, and Fulcher Introduce Bill to Secure America’s Midstream Critical Materials Supply Chain

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), a senior member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), and Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) released the following statements after introducing the Securing America’s Midstream Critical Materials Processing Act, which will establish a National Roadmap to provide a pathway to reshore domestic critical material processing facilities away from foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and reduce unworkable permitting barriers to help secure our supply chains. Midstream critical material processors are essential to America’s manufacturing and energy future:

    “Today I was proud to introduce the Securing America’s Midstream Critical Materials Processing Act alongside Congressmen Newhouse and Fulcher to help ensure America has control over its manufacturing and energy future. For too long our nation has been reliant on the CCP and other foreign adversaries for the essential facilities to process critical materials into usable resources for our manufacturing industry. This bill will help provide a pathway to reshoring the processing of critical materials and uncovers the extent to which the CCP has exploited this supply chain. If our nation is to become energy independent once again, secure our supply chains, and reshore job creating industries then we must produce and process our critical materials here at home, I am proud to be leading this bill that will help accomplish this,” said Congressman Guthrie.

    “It is no secret the United States is in a dangerous position with our reliance on adversaries like the CCP for the critical minerals we use in everything from our energy sector to our defense industrial base. This bill is a big step towards bringing critical mineral processing back to our shores and keeping bad actors out of our supply chains. As a member of the House Select Committee on the CCP, I know we as lawmakers need to be doing all we can to prioritize national security before it is too late.” said Congressman Newhouse.

    “Critical minerals are not only vital to America’s energy supply, but to our national security as they are a key component for defense technologies and weaponry. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside Congressman Guthrie and Newhouse to establish a national roadmap to bring the development and processing of key minerals back to the USA. Securing America’s energy independence starts with securing our critical minerals supply chain,” said Congressman Fulcher.

    Background

    • The Securing America’s Midstream Critical Material Processing Act will establish a Dept. of Energy led National Roadmap to reshore domestic critical material processing industry, which will include a comprehensive review of:
      • Current landscape of domestic and global markets for midstream critical material processing
      • The extent to which China and other adversaries employ anti-competitive practices to manipulate critical material markets
      • Opportunities and barriers to reshoring domestic industries, including working alongside allied nations
      • Permitting challenges facing a domestic critical material processing industry
    • This bill requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on how to improve federal permitting to incentivize more investment including:
      • How the Inflation Reduction Act may have fueled Chinese greenfield investment in Free Trade Agreement countries
      • How EPA regulations and litigation raise costs on facilities
      • Ways to improve federal collaboration and coordination to leverage expertise in critical material processing

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP LIEU CELEBRATES UCLA SELECTION FOR MICROCHIP INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT GRANT

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

    LOS ANGELES – Today, Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after the announcement that the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering has been tentatively selected to receive grant funding for their analog and digital chip design program. The anticipated funding will establish a Center for Education of Microchip Designers (CEMiD) to support undergraduate and graduate engineering students at universities across the country. 

    The Department of Commerce’s CHIPS for America’s workforce development program and this funding were made possible through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which Congressman Lieu supported when it passed the House. 

    “I am pleased to congratulate UCLA on this well-deserved funding and anticipated establishment of CEMiD to continue our nation’s leadership in semiconductor development,” said Congressman Lieu. “Thanks to President Biden and Democrats’ passage of the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022, we’ve seen historic investment in microchip research, development and manufacturing that has strengthened our workforce. UCLA’s CEMid program will bolster our microchip industry by training the next generation of semiconductor researchers and developers, and will support the professors and engineers who train them. I look forward to seeing all that our brilliant UCLA students and faculty can do with this exciting funding!”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smith, Craig, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Codify Year-Round E15

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) along with Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15 percent. Smith, Craig, and Johnson are co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus.

    The bill is the House companion to the Senate bill S. 2707 introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE).

    “At a time when agricultural producers are struggling, uncertainty in the energy market is looming, and consumers are paying more at the pumps, the United States cannot afford to leave any opportunity to boost energy production on the table,” said Rep. Smith. “Since I first introduced similar legislation, I have been pushing EPA to allow the uninterrupted sale of E15. Flexibility and greater consumer choice strengthens the U.S. fuel market, and Nebraska’s farmers have the capacity to meet demand. I thank Rep. Craig, Sen. Fischer, and my House colleagues for their cooperation to unlock this sustainable fuel source and provide relief for hard-working Americans at the fuel pump.”

    “Homegrown biofuels are tools we have right now to address climate change, strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure and lower costs for Americans at the gas pump,” said Rep. Craig. “This bill is the kind of commonsense legislation we need more of in Washington and I’m proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition fighting for year-round E15 in the House.”

    “E15 supports our farmers, is cleaner for the environment, and lowers the price of gas. Our bipartisan legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleashing the power of year-round E15. It’s why we’ve been able to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from the oil/gas, biofuel, ag, and transportation sectors to support our legislation. I am confident that a path forward exists in both the Senate and the House and look forward to working with Congressman Smith to ensure our bill becomes law,” said Sen. Fischer.

    “Securing year-round availability of E15 would provide certainty to the fuel sector, improve the production and supply of American-made fuel, and help drive down the prices at the pump,” said Rep. Johnson. “I am proud to help lead this effort and will continue working to get year-round E15 signed into law.”

    “Higher blends of biofuels help folks save money at the gas pump, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut carbon emissions and support critical markets for Illinois family farmers,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski. “I’m proud to represent one of our nation’s top corn-producing regions and to champion biofuels production on behalf of my constituents – including as a co-lead of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. Producers and consumers need more certainty and I’m confident that this legislation can take us across the finish line to secure year-round E-15.”

    “The EPA’s temporary waivers allowing the sale of E15 in the summer are not a viable long-term solution for Iowa’s energy leadership,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “This legislation will allow for permanent, nationwide sales of E15 which will lower costs for Americans at the gas pump, reduce emissions, and put an end to fuel supply disruptions. I urge the House and Senate to pass our bipartisan bill to unleash our domestic energy potential.”

    “I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill that would enable permanent, nationwide sales of E15, helping families save at the gas pump while supporting our agricultural community and enhancing our nation’s energy security. This is how Congress should function: both parties coming together to address the most pressing challenges facing everyday folks,” said Rep. Davids.

    Click here to read the bill.

    In the House, additional cosponsors of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act include Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Mike Flood (R-NE), Sam Graves (R-MO), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mary Miller (R-IL), Mark Alford (R-MO), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Ron Estes (R-KS), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Mike Carey (R-OH), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Greg Pence (R-IN), Max Miller (R-OH), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Robin Kelly ( D-IL), Mike Bost (R-IL), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Michael Guest (R-MS), Don Bacon (R-NE), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Buddy Carter (R-GA), and Jason Smith (R-MO).

    Sen. Fischer’s Senate companion to the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), John Thune (R-SD), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

    BACKGROUND:

    In Congress, Rep. Smith has long championed the issue of year-round availability of E15. This past year, he pushed the administration to extend the availability of E15 during the summer to provide American consumers with access to an affordable biofuel alternative at their local gas station.

    The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act has broad support from stakeholders. Below are statements in support of the bipartisan legislation:

    “Drivers across Nebraska deserve year-round access to E-15 fuel — and thankfully, Representative Smith is answering that call. Families nationwide will benefit from the lower prices and lower emissions it will bring — and hardworking ethanol producers here in Nebraska will gain the certainty they deserve when filling that demand. We appreciate Representative Smith and his colleagues for taking up this bill in the House, and we call on every member of Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation in both chambers as soon as possible,” said Renewable Fuels Nebraska Executive Director Dawn Caldwell.

    “Providing for year-round access to E15 is a practical step in saving money for consumers, reducing emissions for our environment and is approved for 95% of the vehicles on the road today,” said Chris Grams, President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “We deeply value and appreciate the continual leadership of Representative Smith in his efforts to introduce this much needed approach to advance the use of ethanol across the United States. Year-round E15 creates a positive impact and develops demand for farmers locally, statewide and nationally.”

    “We thank our renewable fuel supporters in the House for introducing this bipartisan legislation and continuing to fight for fair market access for E15 and our nation’s farmers and ethanol producers. With just a few months left in this Congress, we urge lawmakers to swiftly adopt this bill and deliver a win for American families seeking cleaner, lower-cost fuel options,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.

    “E15 is one of the best ways to lower costs for consumers while also reducing our carbon emissions. For the past six summers, hardworking families across America have enjoyed big summer savings on E15 ranging from 10 to 30 cents per gallon, with some locations selling the fuel for more than a dollar less per gallon,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “But over the last three summers, those savings were only possible thanks to last-minute intervention by EPA. This bill will finally fix the outdated law that threatens to take E15 off the market when consumers need it most during the busy summer driving season. We thank Representative Smith (R-Neb.), Representative Craig (D-Minn), and the bipartisan group of cosponsors for their leadership to ensure we preserve consumer access to lower-carbon, more-affordable fuel options nationwide all year round. With bipartisan bills now introduced in both chambers of Congress, this is our chance to finally get this commonsense legislation across the finish line.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Cantwell, Tester, Baldwin, Rosen Introduce Bill to Prevent Fentanyl Trafficking Through U.S. Transportation Networks

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Legislation would boost detection of illegal drug smuggling by air, sea, rail & road
    Bill gains backing by Narcotics Officers, Major City Chiefs, Forensic Science Labs, State Criminal Investigative Agencies, HIDTA Leaders
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Democrats, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced legislation to crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network. The bill would create first-ever inspection strategies to stop drug smuggling by commercial aircraft, railroads, vehicles and ships. The legislation would boost state, local and Tribal local law enforcement resources, deploy next generation, non-intrusive detection technologies and increase inspections at ports of entry.
    “The flow of fentanyl into the country has devastated far too many communities across New Mexico and the United States,” said Senator Luján. “This bill would crack down on the trafficking of deadly drugs by implementing innovative inspection strategies for U.S. transportation networks and provide law enforcement with the tools they need to combat fentanyl smuggling. It is time for Congress to act to keep our communities safe and put an end to the fentanyl crisis.”
    “Drug traffickers should not be allowed to exploit the U.S. transportation system to smuggle fentanyl and precursor chemicals to make illicit synthetic drugs,” Senator Cantwell said. “Our bill equips federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement with the tools they need to curb drug smuggling by accelerating the development of non-intrusive technologies to inspect our commercial aircraft, trucks, trains and ships – while boosting resources to deploy this technology and drug-sniffing dogs, improving forensic science at crime labs, and building a better system to share intelligence and information between federal authorities and the private sector.”
    “The deadly flow of fentanyl into Montana communities is tearing families apart and it’s making our state less safe,” said Senator Jon Tester. “If we’re going to end illicit drug trafficking, we’re going to have to come at this issue from all sides, and that means strengthening our southern border, funding law enforcement, and securing the transportation systems allowing bad actors to get these drugs into our communities. I’m proud to have introduced this bill to give our law enforcement agencies the tools they need to combat illicit drug trafficking and make our transit systems safer for all Montanans.”
    “I’ve heard from parents who lost children, law enforcement fighting on the front lines, and advocates – all demanding we do more to stop the scourge of fentanyl,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m fighting this crisis on all fronts – from stopping the precursor chemicals being manufactured in China, to boosting access to overdose reversal drugs, and everything in between. I’m proud to lead this legislation to give our law enforcement the tools they need to stop drug traffickers from using American airports, railways, ports, and roads to smuggle fentanyl into our communities.”
    “Most synthetic fentanyl is smuggled into our country, making its way to communities across Nevada and destroying families,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m doing everything I can to stop the flow of illicit drugs and support law enforcement. That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bill to develop a national strategy to prevent fentanyl smuggling and increase inspections at Ports of Entry on our border.”
    According to U.S. Government authorities, drug traffickers exploit the U.S. transportation network to smuggle fentanyl, precursor chemicals and other illicit drugs into and throughout the country. Once drugs have entered the country, drug traffickers continue to rely on the national transportation network—trucks, trains and commercial aircraft—to move their product to its final destination.
    The Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024 (S. 5285) would:
    Read the summary here and bill text here.
    Create a National Prevention Plan: Directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop a comprehensive national strategy that examines the entire U.S. transportation network and ports of entry to prevent the smuggling of illicit synthetic drugs.
    Boost Illegal Drug Detection by Air, Sea, Rail and Road: The bill establishes four new transportation-specific inspection programs—private and commercial aircraft, railroads, commercial vehicles and maritime vessels—to expand detection across all transportation modes and prevent interstate smuggling. State, local, Tribal and territorial law enforcement would carry out inspections using non-intrusive technologies and canines, in coordination with federal law enforcement authorities – and without unduly delaying the movement of goods or interrupting interstate commerce.
    Deploy High-Tech Detection Tools: Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the ONDCP to accelerate new emerging, non-intrusive technologies, including integrating AI and quantum, to detect illicit synthetic drugs. National laboratories, including Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, are already developing next-generation technologies for fentanyl detection. AI could help increase capacities to integrate multiple sources of data and overcome challenges in identifying fentanyl when it is mixed with other opioids to evade detection.
    Increase Port of Entry Drug Detections: Currently, only 1-2 percent of passenger vehicles and 15-17 percent of commercial vehicles are scanned at U.S. ports of entry. The bill requires Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to inspect 100 percent of motor vehicles and railroads entering the country through a port of entry within five years, and all civil air cargo and maritime cargo within ten years.
    Support Law Enforcement Workforce, Technology and Training: Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide grants to state, local, Tribal and territorial law enforcement to acquire new technology and canines and support overtime and other program-related expenses. It would also increase federal support to state and local crime scene investigators and forensics laboratories to process evidence related to fentanyl crimes and deaths.
    Improve Data and Information Sharing to Prevent Drug Trafficking: Requires the Director of ONDCP to create a public-private task force to improve intelligence and information sharing among federal, state and local authorities and the private sector to combat drug trafficking.
    “The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition applauds Senator Cantwell for her work on the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. The surge in drug poisoning deaths, especially from fentanyl, shows that more needs to be done. We know that a large portion of illegal narcotics are trafficked through our transportation systems, and this legislation will provide the needed resources such as advanced detection technology and canines to enhance law enforcement’s ability to conduct inspections on our nation’s transportation systems,” said Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.
    “The Major Cities Chiefs Association thanks Senator Cantwell for taking an innovative approach to fentanyl interdiction with the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act. In cities across the country, resources are strained and the fentanyl crisis is a factor. Federal support is welcome as MCCA member agencies work to curb this crisis and promote safer communities and public health. We look forward to additional engagement on the matter as it moves forward in Congress,” said Laura Cooper, Executive Director of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
    “Deaths and adverse events from illicit synthetic drugs continue to be at epidemic proportions, yet funding for forensics labs remains stagnant.  This bill prioritizes resources for the professionals on the front lines of the fight against illicit drugs, including fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances.  We commend members of the Commerce Committee for taking this approach to ensure our forensic experts have the necessary resources and data to combat this epidemic,” said Matthew Gamette, Chair of the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations.
    “The Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA) appreciates Senator Cantwell’s introduction of the Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act of 2024. While recent figures show progress in reducing drug poisoning deaths in the U.S., we are nowhere near where we need to be to protect Americans from the ongoing threat.  This bill would strengthen the ability of agencies at all levels of government to detect and disrupt drug trafficking,” said Drew Evans, President of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies.
    “The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association appreciates Senator Cantwell’s efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and her support for providing critically needed tools and resources for state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement to interdict fentanyl shipments before negatively impacting the communities across the country. Given the profound impact fentanyl has had on families, schools, and communities, this bill will be instrumental in enabling law enforcement agencies participating in the HIDTA program to develop new and innovative strategies to tackle this crisis,”  said F. Mike McDaniel, President of the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Directors Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –