Category: Europe

MIL-OSI USA: Senate Public Safety Chairman John Albers, Majority Leader Steve Gooch Demand Border Security Action Following Murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA (October 31, 2024) — Senate Committee on Public Safety Chairman, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) and Senate Majority Leader Sen. Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega) today issued statements following the tragic murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez, whose body was recovered last week after her disappearance from Cornelia, Georgia.

Sen. Albers expressed his thoughts regarding the events leading to Rodriguez-Ramirez’s death, drawing a strong connection to a lack of border security and urging immediate federal action:

“It is with profound sadness and frustration that we mourn the senseless murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez. Known as ‘Mimi’ to her friends, 25-year-old Rodriguez-Ramirez worked hard to build a life here in Georgia. She was last seen on October 22, 2024, at a Walmart in Cornelia, and her body was tragically found a week later. She leaves behind a grieving family, including a 9-year-old daughter.

Mimi was a legal immigrant from Puerto Rico who followed every step of the process to live and work in the United States. She secured employment with Mt. Vernon Hills, Inc. and tirelessly supported her daughter, mother and fiancé. She did everything right, yet her life was cut short because of our federal government’s repeated failure to protect its own citizens.

The suspected murderer, Angel DeJesus Rivera-Sanches, an illegal immigrant who had no right to be here, was apprehended in Atlanta as he tried to flee back to Mexico. He has been charged with kidnapping in connection to her disappearance.

Once again, our open-border policies have claimed another innocent life on American soil, right here in Georgia. I commend the swift work of the Habersham Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and all agencies involved in apprehending this suspect. My colleagues in the Senate and I will remain unwavering in our commitment to securing our state and nation. Earlier this year, we acted decisively with House Bill 1105, the Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act, which I proudly carried in the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp.

How many more lives must be lost due to the open-border policies in Washington, D.C.? The administration’s failure to address this issue impacts families here in Georgia and across the United States. Earlier this year, our community mourned the tragic death of Laken Riley, a resident of my district, and now we mourn Mimi Rodriguez-Ramirez. These were preventable tragedies, and we will not forget them. Say their names.”

Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch echoed Sen. Albers’ sentiments, calling for immediate and stronger federal action on border control to prevent such tragedies in the future:

“The murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez, so close to my district, is a tragedy that should prompt us all to question how much longer we will put our own people at risk due to Washington’s failure to secure our borders. Mimi followed the law, worked hard and raised a family here, yet her life was stolen by an illegal alien who had no right to be in this country. Enough is enough. We must protect our families, uphold the dignity of those who respect our laws and restore the security that every community deserves.”

# # # #

Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Announces Cooperation Agreements and Settlements with Generic Drug Manufacturers Heritage and Apotex for $49.1 Million

Source: US State of California

Today’s agreements and settlements will resolve allegations against these companies over conspiracies to inflate prices and limit competition

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 50 states and territories in announcing two significant cooperation agreements and settlements with Heritage Pharmaceuticals and, in the near future, Apotex totaling $49.1 million to resolve allegations that both companies engaged in widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and unreasonably restrain trade on numerous generic prescription drugs. As part of the settlement agreements, both companies have agreed to cooperate in the ongoing multistate litigations against 30 corporate defendants and 25 individual executives. Both companies have further agreed to a series of internal reforms to ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws. A motion for preliminary approval of the $10 million settlement with Heritage was filed today in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford. A settlement with Apotex for $39.1 million is contingent upon obtaining signatures from all necessary states and territories and will be finalized and filed for approval in the U.S. District Court soon.

“When drug prices are inflated, it often forces patients to make impossible choices between essential medications and basic necessities, while undermining our healthcare system, which is meant to work for individuals, not corporations,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I am proud to stand with 50 states and territories to hold Heritage and Apotex accountable for their unconscionable action of raising drug prices in order to line their own pockets. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to root out anti-competitive practices that manipulate drug pricing to ensure a fair market and consumer access to affordable, life-saving medications.”

The three cases against these companies stem from a series of investigations built on evidence from several cooperating witnesses at the core of the different conspiracies alleged in each case, a database of over 20 million documents, and a separate database containing millions of call detail records and contact information for over 600 sales and pricing individuals in the generics industry. Each complaint addresses a different set of drugs and defendants and shows how an interconnected web of industry executives meant to be competitors met up for industry dinners, “girls’ nights out,” lunches, cocktail parties, golf outings, and communicated through frequent telephone calls, emails, and text messages, sowing the seeds for their illegal agreements. Defendants used terms like “fair share,” “playing nice in the sandbox,” and “responsible competitor” to describe how they unlawfully discouraged competition, raised prices, and enforced an ingrained culture of collusion. Among the records obtained by the coalition is a two-volume notebook containing the contemporaneous notes of one of the coalition’s cooperators that memorialized his discussions during phone calls with competitors and internal company meetings over a period of several years.

The first complaint included Heritage and 17 other corporate defendants, two individual Defendants, and 15 generic drug manufacturers. Two former executives from Heritage Pharmaceuticals, Jeffery Glazer and Jason Malek, have since entered into settlement agreements and are cooperating. The second complaint was filed Teva Pharmaceuticals and 19 of the nation’s largest generic drug manufacturers. The complaint names 16 individual senior executive defendants. The third complaint, which will be tried first, focuses on 80 primarily topical generic drugs that account for billions of dollars of sales in the United States and names 26 corporate defendants and 10 individual defendants. Six additional pharmaceutical executives have entered into settlement agreements with the coalition and have been cooperating to support the coalition’s claims in all three cases. Connecticut led a coalition of nearly all states and territories in filing the three antitrust complaints, starting with the first in 2016.

If you purchased a qualifying generic prescription drug between 2010 and 2018, you may be eligible for compensation. To determine your eligibility, call 1-866-290-0182 (Toll-Free), email info@AGGenericDrugs.com, or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com.

Attorney General Bonta joined the attorneys general of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Asure Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Reports Third Quarter Revenues of $29.3 Million

Recurring Revenues Grew 20% Versus Prior Year Third Quarter

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Asure Software, Inc. (“we”, “us”, “our”, “Asure” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: ASUR), a leading provider of cloud-based Human Capital Management (“HCM”) software solutions, today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

Revenue of $29.3 million, nearly unchanged versus the same period of the prior year
Revenue (excluding ERTC revenue) of $29.2 million, up 20% from $24.4 million versus the same period of the prior year
Recurring revenue of $28.6 million, up 20% year over year. Recurring revenue was 98% of total revenue versus 81% the same period of the prior year
Net loss of $3.9 million versus a net loss of $2.2 million during the same period of the prior year
EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $2.2 million versus $3.0 million during the same period of the prior year
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $5.4 million versus $6.2 million during the same period of the prior year
Gross profit of $19.7 million versus $21.3 million during the same period of the prior year
Non-GAAP gross profit⁽¹⁾ of $21.4 million (Non-GAAP gross margin⁽¹⁾ of 73%) versus $22.4 million (and 76% during the same period of the prior year)

Nine Months 2024 Financial Highlights

Revenue of $89.0 million down 4% versus the first nine months of prior year
Revenue (excluding ERTC revenue) of $87.4 million up 15% from $75.7 million in the first nine months of prior year
Recurring revenue (excluding ERTC revenue) of $86.0 million up 16% from $74.4 million in the first nine months of prior year
Net loss of $8.6 million versus a net loss of $5.6 million the first nine months of prior year
EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $8.0 million versus $13.2 million the first nine months of prior year
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $16.3 million versus $20.5 million the first nine months of prior year
Gross profit of $61.2 million versus $67.7 million during the first nine months of the prior year
Non-GAAP gross profit⁽¹⁾ of $65.6 million (Non-GAAP gross margin⁽¹⁾ of 74%) versus $71.5 million (and 77% during the first nine months of the prior year)

_______________
(1)This financial measure is not calculated in accordance with GAAP and is defined on page 4 of this press release. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to the most applicable GAAP measure begins on page 11 of this release.

Recent Business Highlights

Payroll Tax Management Expansion: Asure’s Payroll Tax Management product gained significant momentum, going live with additional Workday and SAP clients during the third quarter. Key sales wins include one of America’s largest grocery chains and a nationally known HCM system integrator who assists large enterprises with Workday, SAP, and Oracle HCM implementations. These enterprise bookings have grown our backlog and still represent additional product and professional services opportunities.
HCM Architectural Milestone: Employee self-service capabilities have been decoupled from disparate payroll platforms and modularized as a single API-based service. This enhancement improves scalability and stability of the end-to-end HCM suite and further consolidates our technical footprint to a more flexible service-oriented architecture.
Entering Beta of New AI Agent: More than a chatbot, this new Generative-AI Agent handles inquiries related to payroll and payroll taxes takes secure action on behalf of the user. Through dynamic, interactive sessions, the AI Agent will answer questions and take actions on HR requests including time off requests, demographic changes, or changes to W-4 allowances.
Leadership Recognition: Asure Chairman and CEO, Pat Goepel, was named Austin Business Journal’s Best CEO of a Public Company for 2024, recognizing his leadership and commitment to Asure’s growth and success.
New financial services product to launch November 2024: Asure is introducing AsurePay™, an innovative financial solution offering working Americans a comprehensive online banking alternative. AsurePay™ combines features such as debit card access, fee-free ATM withdrawals, and paycheck advances through a unique interest-bearing banking solution, designed to improve employee engagement, while also improving overall employer efficiency. This solution is easily accessible through an intuitive mobile app.

Management Commentary

Asure Chairman and CEO, Pat Goepel, stated, “Our third quarter performance reflects strong, continued growth, with recurring revenue up 20% year-over-year. We’ve made great strides in transitioning to a more valuable revenue model, with 98% of our revenues now recurring, compared to 81% in the same quarter last year. Additionally, new bookings were up 141% year-over-year. Our backlog has grown significantly — over 35% from Q2 2024 and over 250% from Q3 2023. While large enterprise tax product deals have contributed to our success, their pace of implementation can vary. That said, we remain confident in our ability to maintain this positive trajectory.”

Goepel continued, “We’re seeing strong demand for our Payroll Tax Management product, we’re introducing new solutions, upgrading our technology, and making strategic acquisitions. Earlier in the year, we faced the challenge of replacing ERTC revenue, but those headwinds have now dissipated as we close out 2024 and this change in the composition of our revenues offers us strong momentum going into 2025. We are optimistic about the opportunities ahead for both the remainder of this year and into next year.”

Fourth Quarter 2024 and Full Year 2025 Revenue Guidance Ranges

The Company is providing the following guidance for the fourth quarter 2024 based on the Company’s year-to-date results and recent business trends. Management is initiating full year 2025 guidance to a range of $134M-$138M which does not include revenue from potential future acquisitions.

Guidance for 2024

Guidance Range		Q4-2024		FY-2024
Revenue	$	30M – 32M	$	119M -121M
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾	$	6M -7M		18% -19%

Guidance for 2025

Guidance Range		FY-2025
Revenue	$	134M – 138M
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾		23% – 24%

Management uses GAAP, non-GAAP and adjusted measures when planning, monitoring, and evaluating the Company’s performance. The primary purpose of using non-GAAP and adjusted measures is to provide supplemental information that may prove useful to investors and to enable investors to evaluate the Company’s results in the same way that management does.

Management believes that supplementing GAAP disclosures with non-GAAP and adjusted disclosures provides investors with a more complete view of the Company’s operational performance and allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in the Company’s business. Further, to the extent that other companies use similar methods in calculating adjusted financial measures, the provision of supplemental non-GAAP and adjusted information can allow for a comparison of the Company’s relative performance against other companies that also report non-GAAP and adjusted operating results.

Management has not provided a reconciliation of guidance of GAAP to non-GAAP or adjusted disclosures because management is unable to predict the nature and materiality of non-recurring expenses without unreasonable effort.

Management’s projections are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions about the Company’s business, and the industry and markets in which it operates; there are known and unknown risks and uncertainties associated with these projections. There can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ from the guidance set forth above. The Company assumes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, including its 2024 and 2025 earnings guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please refer to the “Use of Forward-Looking Statements” disclosures on page 6 of this press release as well as the risk factors in our quarterly and annual reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission for more information about risk that affect our business and industry.

Conference Call Details

Asure management will host a conference call on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 3:30 pm Central (4:30 pm Eastern). Asure Chairman and CEO Pat Goepel and CFO John Pence will participate in the conference call followed by a question-and-answer session. The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay via the investor relations section of the Company’s website. Analysts may participate on the conference call by dialing 877-407-9219 or 201-689-8852.

About Asure Software, Inc.

Asure Software (Nasdaq: ASUR) is a leading provider of Human Capital Management (“HCM”) software solutions. We help small and mid-sized companies grow by assisting them in building better teams with skills to stay compliant with ever-changing federal, state, and local tax jurisdictions and labor laws, and better allocate cash so they can spend their financial capital on growing their business rather than back-office overhead expenses. Asure’s Human Capital Management suite, named AsureHCM®, includes cloud-based Payroll, Tax Services, and Time & Attendance software and Asure Marketplace™ as well as human resources (“HR”) services ranging from HR projects to completely outsourcing payroll and HR staff. We also offer these products and services through our network of reseller partners. Visit us at asuresoftware.com.

Non-GAAP and Adjusted Financial Measures

This press release includes information about non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP sales and marketing expense, non-GAAP general and administrative expense, non-GAAP research and development expense, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin. These non-GAAP and adjusted financial measures are measurements of financial performance that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and computational methods may differ from those used by other companies. Non-GAAP and adjusted financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP and adjusted financial measures are reconciled to GAAP in the tables set forth in this release and are subject to reclassifications to conform to current period presentations.

Non-GAAP gross profit differs from gross profit in that it excludes amortization, share-based compensation, and one-time items.

Non-GAAP sales and marketing expense differs from sales and marketing expense in that it excludes share-based compensation and one-time items.

Non-GAAP general and administrative expense differs from general and administrative expense in that it excludes share-based compensation and one-time items.

Non-GAAP research and development expense differs from research and development expense in that it excludes share-based compensation and one-time items.

EBITDA differs from net income (loss) in that it excludes items such as interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Asure is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of these exclusions without unreasonable effort.

Adjusted EBITDA differs from EBITDA in that it excludes share-based compensation, other income (expense), net and one-time expenses. Asure is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of these exclusions without unreasonable effort.

All adjusted and non-GAAP measures presented as “margin” are computed by dividing the applicable adjusted financial measure by total revenue.

Specifically, as applicable to the respective financial measure, management is adjusting for the following items when calculating non-GAAP and adjusted financial measures as applicable for the periods presented. No additional adjustments have been made for potential income tax effects of the adjustments based on the Company’s current and anticipated de minimis effective federal tax rate, resulting from the Company’s continued losses for federal tax purposes and its tax net operating loss balances.

Share-Based Compensation Expenses. The Company’s compensation strategy includes the use of share-based compensation to attract and retain employees and executives. It is principally aimed at aligning their interests with those of our stockholders and at long-term employee retention, rather than motivating or rewarding operational performance for any particular period. Thus, share-based compensation expense varies for reasons that are generally unrelated to operational decisions and performance in any particular period.

Depreciation. The Company excludes depreciation of fixed assets. Also included in the expense is the depreciation of capitalized software costs.

Amortization of Purchased Intangibles. The Company views amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, such as the amortization of the cost associated with an acquired company’s research and development efforts, trade names, customer lists and customer relationships, and acquired lease intangibles, as items arising from pre-acquisition activities determined at the time of an acquisition. While these intangible assets are continually evaluated for impairment, amortization of the cost of purchased intangibles is a static expense, one that is not typically affected by operations during any particular period.

Interest Expense, Net. The Company excludes accrued interest expense, the amortization of debt discounts and deferred financing costs.

Income Taxes. The Company excludes income taxes, both at the federal and state levels.

One-Time Expenses. The Company’s adjusted financial measures exclude the following costs to normalize comparable reporting periods, as these are generally non-recurring expenses that do not reflect the ongoing operational results. These items are typically not budgeted and are infrequent and unusual in nature.

Settlements, Penalties and Interest. The Company excludes legal settlements, including separation agreements, penalties and interest that are generally one-time in nature and not reflective of the operational results of the business.

Acquisition and Transaction Related Costs. The Company excludes these expenses as they are transaction costs and expenses that are generally one-time in nature and not reflective of the underlying operational results of our business. Examples of these types of expenses include legal, accounting, regulatory, other consulting services, severance and other employee costs.

Other non-recurring Expenses. The Company excludes these as they are generally non-recurring items that are not reflective of the underlying operational results of the business and are generally not anticipated to recur. Some examples of these types of expenses, historically, have included write-offs or impairments of assets, demolition of office space and cybersecurity consultants.

Other (Expense) Income, Net. The Company’s adjusted financial measures exclude Other (Expense) Income, Net because it includes items that are not reflective of the underlying operational results of the business, such as loan forgiveness, adjustments to contingent liabilities and credits earned as part of the CARES Act, passed by Congress in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Use of Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements made by management that may constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements about our financial results may include expected or projected U.S GAAP and other operating and non-operating results. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “projects,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of “forward-looking statements” include statements we make regarding our operating performance, future results of operations and financial position, revenue growth, earnings or other projections. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves risks, uncertainties and assumptions, over many of which we have no control. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, our results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make.

The risks and uncertainties referred to above include—but are not limited to—the expiration of major revenue streams such as Employee Retention Tax Credits (“ERTC”) and the impact of the Internal Revenue Service recent measures regarding ERTC claims; risks associated with breaches of the Company’s security measures; risks associated with the Company’s rate of growth and anticipated revenue run rate, including impact of the current economic environment; the Company’s ability to convert deferred revenue and unbilled deferred revenue into revenue and cash flow, and ability to maintain continued growth of deferred revenue and unbilled deferred revenue; privacy concerns and laws and other regulations may limit the effectiveness of our applications; the financial and other impact of any previous and future acquisitions; the Company’s ability to continue to release, gain customer acceptance of and provide support for new and improved versions of the Company’s services; successful customer deployment and utilization of the Company’s existing and future services; interruptions to supply chains and extended shut down of businesses; issues in the use of artificial intelligence in our HCM products and services; political unrest, including the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing conflict involving Israel in the Middle East; reductions in employment and an increase in business failures, specifically among our clients; possible fluctuations in the Company’s financial and operating results; regulatory pressures on economic relief enacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that change or cause different interpretations with respect to eligibility for such programs; domestic and international regulatory developments, including changes to or applicability to our business of privacy and data securities laws, money transmitter laws and anti-money laundering laws; technological developments; the nature of the Company’s business model; interest rates; competition; various financial aspects of the Company’s subscription model; impairment of intangible assets; interruptions or delays in the Company’s services or the Company’s Web hosting; access to additional capital; the Company’s ability to hire, retain and motivate employees and manage the Company’s growth; litigation and any related claims, negotiations and settlements, including with respect to intellectual property matters or industry-specific regulations; volatility and weakness in bank and capital markets; factors affecting the Company’s deferred tax assets and ability to value and utilize them; volatility and low trading volume of our common stock; collection of receivables; and general developments in the economy, financial markets, credit markets and the impact of current and future accounting pronouncements and other financial reporting standards. Please review the Company’s risk factors in its annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 26, 2024, and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 1, 2024, and October 31, 2024.

The forward-looking statements, including the financial guidance 2024 and 2025 outlooks, contained in this press release represent the judgment of the Company as of the date of this press release, and the Company expressly disclaims any intent, obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard to these forward looking statements or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

ASURE SOFTWARE, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

	September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,248		$	30,317
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $6,150 and $4,787 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		17,233			14,202
Inventory		233			155
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,586			3,471
Total current assets before funds held for clients		33,300			48,145
Funds held for clients		193,589			219,075
Total current assets		226,889			267,220
Property and equipment, net		18,490			14,517
Goodwill		94,724			86,011
Intangible assets, net		73,429			62,082
Operating lease assets, net		4,401			4,991
Other assets, net		10,176			9,047
Total assets	$	428,109		$	443,868
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of notes payable	$	—		$	27
Accounts payable		1,317			2,570
Accrued compensation and benefits		4,277			6,519
Operating lease liabilities, current		1,600			1,490
Other accrued liabilities		8,287			3,862
Deferred revenue		3,029			6,853
Total current liabilities before client fund obligations		18,510			21,321
Client fund obligations		193,951			220,019
Total current liabilities		212,461			241,340
Long-term liabilities:
Deferred revenue		2,276			16
Deferred tax liability		2,116			1,728
Notes payable, net of current portion		7,506			4,282
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent		3,832			4,638
Other liabilities		765			209
Total long-term liabilities		16,495			10,873
Total liabilities		228,956			252,213
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,500 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding		—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 44,000 shares authorized; 26,540 and 25,382 shares issued, 26,540 and 24,998 shares outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		265			254
Treasury stock at cost, zero(1) and 384 shares at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		—			(5,017	)
Additional paid-in capital		502,920			487,973
Accumulated deficit		(304,022	)		(290,440	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(10	)		(1,115	)
Total stockholders’ equity		199,153			191,655
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	428,109		$	443,868
(1) The aggregate Treasury stock of prior repurchases of the Company’s own common stock was retired and subsequently issued effective January 1, 2024. See the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the impact of this transaction.

ASURE SOFTWARE, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023

Revenue:
Recurring	$	28,626		$	23,833		$	85,950		$	74,749
Professional services, hardware and other		678			5,501			3,050			18,069
Total revenue		29,304			29,334			89,000			92,818
Cost of sales		9,600			8,054			27,821			25,120
Gross profit		19,704			21,280			61,179			67,698
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing		6,680			6,597			21,371			22,312
General and administrative		10,378			9,294			30,559			29,586
Research and development		1,973			1,803			5,704			5,107
Amortization of intangible assets		4,295			3,333			11,790			9,929
Total operating expenses		23,326			21,027			69,424			66,934
(Loss) income from operations		(3,622	)		253			(8,245	)		764
Interest income		165			437			762			1,015
Interest expense		(274	)		(1,219	)		(662	)		(5,336	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		—			(1,517	)		—			(1,517	)
Other (expense) income, net		—			(283	)		10			(291	)
Loss from operations before income taxes		(3,731	)		(2,329	)		(8,135	)		(5,365	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		170			(123	)		434			267
Net loss		(3,901	)		(2,206	)		(8,569	)		(5,632	)
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized income (loss) on marketable securities		1,340			(201	)		1,105			(213	)
Comprehensive loss	$	(2,561	)	$	(2,407	)	$	(7,464	)	$	(5,845	)

Basic and diluted loss per share
Basic	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(0.27	)
Diluted	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(0.27	)

Weighted average basic and diluted shares
Basic		26,429			22,591			25,870			21,204
Diluted		26,429			22,591			25,870			21,204

ASURE SOFTWARE, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) (Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(8,569	)	$	(5,632	)
Adjustments to reconcile loss to net cash (used) in provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization		16,200			14,243
Amortization of operating lease assets		1,025			1,129
Amortization of debt financing costs and discount		531			548
Non-cash interest expense		—			1,471
Net accretion of discounts on available-for-sale securities		(273	)		(63	)
Provision for expected losses		111			2,004
Provision for deferred income taxes		388			111
Loss on extinguishment of debt		—			1,208
Net realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities		(1,929	)		(1,645	)
Share-based compensation		4,981			4,170
Loss on disposals of long-term assets		—			132
Change in fair value of contingent purchase consideration		—			175
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(3,142	)		(5,014	)
Inventory		(78	)		159
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(1,656	)		4,031
Operating lease right-of-use assets		—			473
Accounts payable		(1,253	)		(498	)
Accrued expenses and other long-term obligations		(1,052	)		918
Operating lease liabilities		(1,139	)		(895	)
Deferred revenue		(4,539	)		(5,190	)
Net cash (used) in provided by operating activities		(394	)		11,835
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of intangible asset		(12,397	)		(697	)
Purchases of property and equipment		(546	)		(1,365	)
Software capitalization costs		(7,677	)		(5,029	)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities		(10,914	)		(21,513	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities		13,325			10,428
Net cash used in investing activities		(18,209	)		(18,176	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of notes payable		(420	)		(35,627	)
Debt extinguishment costs		—			(468	)
Payments made on amounts due for the acquisition of intangible assets		(658	)		—
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock		902			45,986
Capital raise fees		(47	)		(258	)
Net change in client fund obligations		(26,068	)		(31,033	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(26,291	)		(21,400	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(44,894	)		(27,741	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		177,622			164,042
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	132,728		$	136,301

ASURE SOFTWARE, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued) (in thousands) (Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024		2023

Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,248	$	32,787
Cash and cash equivalents included in funds held for clients		121,480		103,514
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	132,728	$	136,301

Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest	$	—	$	3,140
Cash paid for income taxes	$	15	$	532

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of intangible assets	$	6,918	$	332
Notes payable issued for acquisitions	$	3,138	$	—
Shares issued for acquisitions	$	9,125	$	2,543

ASURE SOFTWARE, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP AND ADJUSTED FINANCIAL MEASURES (unaudited)

(in thousands)	Q3-24			Q2-24			Q1-24			Q4-23			Q3-23			Q2-23			Q1-23			Q4-22
Revenue⁽¹⁾	$	29,304		$	28,044		$	31,652		$	26,264		$	29,334		$	30,420		$	33,064		$	29,292

Gross Profit to non-GAAP Gross Profit
Gross Profit	$	19,704		$	18,868		$	22,607		$	17,839		$	21,280		$	22,018		$	24,400		$	21,139
Gross Margin		67.2	%		67.3	%		71.4	%		67.9	%		72.5	%		72.4	%		73.8	%		72.2	%

Share-based Compensation		44			43			40			32			28			46			31			34
Depreciation		1,232			1,145			1,110			921			984			1,309			1,009			871
Amortization – intangibles		50			50			50			50			50			50			268			298
One-time expenses
Settlements, penalties & interest		2			3			—			(6	)		8			—			4			3
Acquisition and transaction costs		367			264			39			—			—			—			—			—
Non-GAAP Gross Profit	$	21,399		$	20,373		$	23,846		$	18,836		$	22,350		$	23,423		$	25,712		$	22,345
Non-GAAP Gross Margin		73.0	%		72.6	%		75.3	%		71.7	%		76.2	%		77.0	%		77.8	%		76.3	%

Sales and Marketing Expense to non-GAAP Sales and Marketing Expense
Sales and Marketing Expense	$	6,680		$	6,924		$	7,767		$	6,422		$	6,597		$	8,515		$	7,200		$	6,022

Share-based Compensation		269			237			243			180			210			149			124			93
Depreciation		1			—			1			1			—			—			—			—
One-time expenses
Settlements, penalties & interest		(5	)		5			18			6			30			4			11			—
Acquisition and transaction costs		68			37			11			—			—			—			—			—
Other non-recurring expenses		—			—			—			—			—			180			—			—
Non-GAAP Sales and Marketing Expense	$	6,347		$	6,645		$	7,494		$	6,235		$	6,357		$	8,182		$	7,065		$	5,929

General and Administrative Expense to non-GAAP General and Administrative Expense
General and Administrative Expense	$	10,378		$	10,118		$	10,063		$	9,747		$	9,294		$	10,336		$	9,956		$	9,720

Share-based Compensation		1,187			1,122			1,535			980			936			1,298			1,142			641
Depreciation		264			256			251			225			200			234			210			168
One-time expenses
Settlements, penalties & interest		377			304			98			284			101			432			102			34
Acquisition and transaction costs		371			245			57			51			—			—			—			—
Other non-recurring expenses		253			—			86			53			—			453			—			—
Non-GAAP General and Administrative Expense	$	7,926		$	8,191		$	8,036		$	8,154		$	8,057		$	7,919		$	8,502		$	8,877

Research and Development Expense to non-GAAP Research and Development Expense
Research and Development Expense	$	1,973		$	1,962		$	1,769		$	1,739		$	1,803		$	1,325		$	1,979		$	1,627

Share-based Compensation		90			86			85			69			76			89			40			70
One-time expenses
Settlements, penalties & interest		—			27			31			—			—			—			—			25
Acquisition and transaction costs		195			369			147			—			—			—			—			—
Non-GAAP Research and Development Expense	$	1,688		$	1,480		$	1,506		$	1,670		$	1,727		$	1,236		$	1,939		$	1,532

⁽¹⁾Note that first quarters are seasonally strong as recurring year-end W2/ACA revenue is recognized in this period.

ASURE SOFTWARE, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP AND ADJUSTED FINANCIAL MEASURES (cont.) (unaudited)

(in thousands)	Q3-24			Q2-24			Q1-24			Q4-23			Q3-23			Q2-23			Q1-23			Q4-22
Revenue⁽¹⁾	$	29,304		$	28,044		$	31,652		$	26,264		$	29,334		$	30,420		$	33,064		$	29,292

GAAP Net (Loss) Income to Adjusted EBITDA
GAAP Net (Loss) Income	$	(3,901	)	$	(4,360	)	$	(308	)	$	(3,582	)	$	(2,206	)	$	(3,765	)	$	339		$	(1,056	)

Interest expense, net		109			(53	)		(156	)		(24	)		782			1,593			1,944			1,429
Income taxes		170			231			33			(158	)		(123	)		627			(237	)		(94	)
Depreciation		1,497			1,402			1,361			1,148			1,185			1,542			1,219			1,039
Amortization – intangibles		4,345			4,096			3,499			3,743			3,384			3,343			3,570			3,648
EBITDA	$	2,220		$	1,316		$	4,429		$	1,127		$	3,022		$	3,340		$	6,835		$	4,966
EBITDA Margin		7.6	%		4.7	%		14.0	%		4.3	%		10.3	%		11.0	%		20.7	%		17.0	%

Share-based Compensation		1,591			1,488			1,902			1,260			1,251			1,582			1,337			838
One Time Expenses
Settlements, penalties & interest		375			339			147			283			140			436			117			62
Acquisition and transaction costs		1,001			914			254			51			—			—			—			—
Other non-recurring expenses		253			—			86			53			—			633			—			—
Other (expense) income, net		—			—			(10	)		1			1,800			93			(83	)		139
Adjusted EBITDA	$	5,440		$	4,057		$	6,808		$	2,775		$	6,213		$	6,084		$	8,206		$	6,005
Adjusted EBITDA Margin		18.6	%		14.5	%		21.5	%		10.6	%		21.2	%		20.0	%		24.8	%		20.5	%

⁽¹⁾Note that first quarters are seasonally strong as recurring year-end W2/ACA revenue is recognized in this period.

Investor Relations Contact
Patrick McKillop
Vice President, Investor Relations
617-335-5058
patrick.mckillop@asuresoftware.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Enstar Completes Loss Portfolio Transfer With QBE

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enstar Group Limited (NASDAQ: ESGR) announced today that one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries has closed a previously announced ground-up loss portfolio transfer transaction with subsidiaries of QBE Insurance Group Limited (“QBE”) to reinsure a portfolio of US commercial liability and workers’ compensation business, largely underwritten on recently discontinued programs.

Under the reinsurance agreement, QBE ceded net reserves of approximately $376 million, and Enstar’s subsidiary provided approximately $175 million of cover in excess of the ceded reserves.

Completion of the transaction followed receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of various other closing conditions.

About Enstar

Enstar is a NASDAQ-listed leading global insurance group that offers innovative capital release solutions through its network of group companies in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Australia, and other international locations. A market leader in completing legacy acquisitions, Enstar has acquired 120 companies and portfolios since its formation in 2001. For further information about Enstar, see www.enstargroup.com.

Contact:

For Enstar:

For Investors: Matthew Kirk (investor.relations@enstargroup.com)

For Media: Jenna Kerr (communications@enstargroup.com)

Contact: Enstar Communications

Telephone: +1 (441) 292-3645

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children – World more dangerous than ever for children with crimes in conflict at highest ever in 2023
Source: Save the Children

The number of grave violations committed against children in war rose 15% in 2023 to the highest level since reporting started in 2005 with the biggest increases in Sudan and the occupied Palestinian territory, according to new report by Save the Children [1].

The report Stop the War on Children – Pathways to Peace analysed the number of verified grave violations against children in conflict since such records began, with the crimes including killing, maiming and abduction, sexual violence, recruitment into armed groups, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access to children.

The report found 31,721 documented cases of grave violations against children [2] in conflict took place in 2023, which equated to an average of 86 crimes against children per day, eclipsing the previous record set in 2022.

The largest total number of crimes were committed in the occupied Palestinian territory where 8,434 grave violations were verified – a quarter of the total number – and a 170% jump on the year before. This was followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (with 3,805 verified cases, up from 2,420 cases in 2022) and Somalia (with 2,290 verified cases, slightly down from 2,783 cases in 2022).

The biggest relative increase in grave violations was recorded in Sudan, where cases increased fivefold since 2022 from 317 cases to 1,759 cases.

An horrific 11,338 cases of killing and maiming of children in conflict were documented around the world in 2023, representing a 31% rise compared to the previous year. This was the equivalent to an average of 31 children per day – an entire classroom – losing their life or being maimed. More than a third were Palestinian children.

Incidents of denial of humanitarian access – another grave violation against children in conflict – also reached an historic high with 5,158 incidents in 2023, compared to 3,931 the previous year – and more than 11 times higher than a decade ago. The occupied Palestinian territory recorded 3,250 incidents of denial of humanitarian access in 2023, the highest number ever recorded in any conflict setting.

The report also revealed that the last three decades have witnessed a staggering increase in the number of children living under the weight of war, with the number reaching 473 million children – or 19% of the world’s child population – in 2023 [3]. This share has nearly doubled from around 10% of the world’s child population in the mid-1990s, as children’s right to protection in conflict continued to be obliterated [4]

The report analysed global military spending and found it rose to $2.4 trillion in 2023 – or more than the entire GDP of Italy – while investments in peace and conflict prevention dwindled. The economic impact of violence, including the costs of prevention, containment, and addressing its consequences, has steadily risen, reaching $19.1 trillion in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms in 2023.

Sharmarke-, a 12-year-old boy living in Puntland, Somalia, lost his brother in the ongoing conflict in his homeland and yearns for peace. He said:

“If I had one wish, it would be for peace in Somalia. Peace is something that we have been without for so long that many of us don’t even know what it feels like. I wish for a country where families like mine don’t have to run from their homes in fear, where children can go to school without being afraid. Somalia has been broken by war, and it’s time for us to heal.”

Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International, said:

“This report is devastating and leaves no doubt that the world is getting more dangerous for children. For so much of humanity we have seen progress on children’s rights and their protection, but in countries at war, the situation is sharply declining.

“We are seeing global military spending continuing to climb, while investments in conflict prevention are on the decline. The consequences of this misplaced focus are devastating. Ongoing conflicts in the DRC, occupied Palestinian territory, Sudan, and Ukraine, and so many other countries, have witnessed a horrific escalation in attacks against children, schools, and hospitals.

“These violations have ignited a global outcry and yet we haven’t seen any real and meaningful pledges for peace.

“States must take action. They need to uphold standards of conduct in conflict. They must hold perpetrators to account. They must protect humanitarian access. They need long term plans for peace. And they need to support children’s resilience and recovery. The future of millions of children depends on immediate and decisive global action.”

Gudrun Østby, Research Professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo, said:

“The documented cases of crimes against children in conflict zones are horrific, yet these figures likely only scratch the surface. With an estimated 473 million children-or 19% globally -living in conflict areas, each of these children has a unique story and conflict experience.”

“Over the past few decades, the number of children living in conflict settings has risen steadily. The global share of children at risk due to conflict has nearly doubled since the 1990s. Now, more than ever, the need to protect the millions of children in conflict zones is both critical and urgent.”

Save the Children’s analysis also uncovered an alarming number of UN member states have signed onto less than half of the international legal and political instruments that provide protection children in conflict. As many as 43 UN members, or more than 20%, many of which are involved in armed conflict, have failed to sign or endorse more than six of the twelve instruments, showing a large gap in commitment to child protection. At the same time, arms sales continue to fuel conflicts, with weapons being transferred to actors notorious for violating children’s rights [5].

Peaceful childhoods are a critical part of building peaceful societies. As government leaders and civil society, including activists, survivors, and young people, prepare to meet at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia next month, this report highlights the urgent need for intensified global action to combat violence against children in conflict and build a safer future for children worldwide. Despite the degradation of the rules-based order, there are reasons for optimism, including advancements in accountability, effective implementation practices, and growing popular mobilization for peace and safety for children.

NOTES:

Stop the War on Children: Pathways to Peace – can be accessed here.

[1] Analysis by Save the Children of the 2024 United Nations annual report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, based on data reported and verified in 2023. The analysis also draws on previous Save the Children mapping of the number of grave violations in the reports on children and armed conflict from 2005-23. Unlike the annual UN reports on children and conflict, we have included verified incidents of military use of hospitals and schools under the grave violation attacks on schools and hospitals when we add up the grave violations in each conflict setting.

[2] The six grave violations against children: the UN Security Council has identified six grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict: killing and maiming of children; recruitment or use of children in armed forces and groups; rape and other forms of sexual violence against children; abduction of children; attacks against schools and hospitals; and denial of humanitarian access to children. These grave violations were defined on the basis of their egregious nature and their severe impact on children’s wellbeing. In addition to the six violations, the annual UN has verified cases of detention of children since 2012 and presented them in the report.

[3] Updated data on the number of children living in conflict zones conducted by the Peace Research Institute (PRIO), Oslo based on Uppsala Conﬂict Data Program’s Georeferenced Event Dataset (UCDP GED) cross-referenced with population data from Gridded Population of the World (GPW) and from the UN (2023).

[4] Figure 2, page 5. The share was 9,7% in 1995.

[5] Including the Safe Schools Declaration, Paris Commitments and the Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA) declaration.
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 56th Security Consultative Meeting Joint Communique

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

1. The 56th United States (U.S.)-Republic of Korea (ROK) Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) was held in Washington, D.C., on October 30, 2024. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and ROK Minister of National Defense Kim Yong Hyun led their respective delegations, which included senior defense and foreign affairs officials. On October 17, 2024, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., and ROK Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Kim Myung-soo, presided over the 49th ROK-U.S. Military Committee Meeting (MCM).

2. The Secretary and the Minister reaffirmed that the U.S.-ROK Alliance is the linchpin of peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and beyond based on our shared values, including freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. The two leaders reviewed progress taken during 2024 to implement the “Defense Vision of the U.S.-ROK Alliance,” including enhancing extended deterrence against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), modernizing Alliance capabilities based on science and technology cooperation, and strengthening solidarity and regional security cooperation with like-minded partners. They noted that the SCM has played a pivotal role in developing the ROK-U.S. Alliance into a Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance and would continue maintaining its role as a core consultative mechanism to discuss the future development of the Alliance and provide strategic direction. The two leaders also provided direction and guidance for continued progress in 2025 through a newly endorsed framework of U.S.-ROK bilateral defense consultative mechanisms that effectively and efficiently support Alliance objectives. Both concurred that the current U.S.-ROK Alliance is stronger than ever and reaffirmed the two nations’ unwavering mutual commitment to a combined defense posture to defend the ROK as stated in the U.S-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, and as reflected in the Washington Declaration. The two leaders also resolved to continue to strengthen the Alliances’ deterrence and defense posture against DPRK aggression and promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the region.

3. The Secretary and the Minister reviewed the current security environment in and around the Korean Peninsula and discussed cooperative measures between the two nations. The Secretary and Minister expressed grave concern that the DPRK continues to modernize and diversify its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. The two sides condemned the DPRK’s multiple missile launches, including ballistic missiles, its attempted launches of a space launch vehicle, and Russian-DPRK arms trade as clear violations of existing UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). They noted that these actions present profound security challenges to the international community and pose an increasingly serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific region, as well as in the Euro-Atlantic region.

4. Secretary Austin reiterated the firm U.S. commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK, utilizing the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and advanced non-nuclear capabilities. He noted that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the United States or its Allies and partners is unacceptable and would result in the end of the Kim regime in line with the 2022 U.S. Nuclear Posture Review. He highlighted the increased frequency and routinization of U.S. strategic asset deployments as committed to by President Biden in the Washington Declaration, and noted that these were tangible evidence of the U.S. commitment to defend the ROK.

5. The two leaders highly appreciated the work of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) inaugurated following the Washington Declaration. Both applauded the completion on July 11, 2024, of “United States and Republic of Korea Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula,” which represents tremendous progress of the NCG commended and endorsed by President Biden and President Yoon. The two leaders affirmed that the completion of the Guidelines established the foundation for enhancing ROK-U.S. extended deterrence in an integrated manner. Minister Kim noted that, through such progress, the ROK-U.S. Alliance was elevated to a nuclear-based alliance. The two leaders stressed that the principles and procedures contained in the Guidelines enable Alliance policy and military authorities to maintain an effective nuclear deterrence policy and posture. The Secretary and Minister also welcomed the successful execution of the ROK-U.S. NCG table-top simulations and table-top exercises to enhance decision-making about nuclear deterrence and operations, and planning for potential nuclear contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. Both sides affirmed that the full capabilities of the two countries would contribute to the Alliance’s combined deterrence and defense posture, and in this regard the Secretary welcomed the recent establishment of the ROK Strategic Command. The Secretary and Minister directed the NCG to continue swift progress on NCG workstreams, including security protocols and expansion of information sharing; nuclear consultation processes in crises and contingencies; nuclear and strategic planning; ROK conventional support to U.S. nuclear operations in a contingency through conventional-nuclear integration (CNI); strategic communications; exercises, simulations, training, and investment activities; and risk reduction practices. They noted that such efforts would be coordinated to strengthen capabilities of the ROK and United States to enhance U.S.-ROK extended deterrence cooperation in an integrated manner, and looked forward to receiving regular updates on NCG progress activities at future SCMs.

6. The two sides pledged to continue coordinating efforts to deter DPRK’s nuclear threat with the Alliance’s overwhelming strength, while continuing to pursue efforts through sanctions and pressure to dissuade and delay DPRK’s nuclear development. Both leaders stressed the importance of full implementation of UNSCRs by the entire international community, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia, both permanent members of the UN Security Council. The two leaders urged the international community to prevent and respond to DPRK’s sanctions evasion so that it abandons its illegal nuclear and ballistic missile development. To this end, they decided to work closely with each other and the international community to combat the DPRK’s illegal and malicious cyber activities, cryptocurrency theft, overseas laborer dispatches, and ship-to-ship transfers. The Secretary and Minister expressed concern that Russia-DPRK military cooperation, which has been intensified since the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between the two, is deepening regional instability. The two leaders made clear that military cooperation, including illegal arms trade and high-technology transfers between Russia and the DPRK, constitute a clear violation of UNSCRs, and called on Russia to uphold its commitments. The two leaders also strongly condemned in the strongest terms with one voice that the military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK has expanded beyond transfers of military supplies to actual deployment of forces, and pledged to closely coordinate with the international community regarding this issue.

7. Both leaders reiterated the willingness of their Presidents to pursue dialogue and diplomacy, backed by a robust and credible deterrence and defense posture. In this regard, Secretary Austin expressed support for the goals of the ROK’s Audacious Initiative and President Yoon’s vision of a free, peaceful, and prosperous unified Korean Peninsula, and welcomed President Yoon’s desire to open a path for serious and sustained diplomacy with the DPRK. Both sides reaffirmed that they remain open to dialogue with the DPRK without preconditions and pledged to continue close coordination.

8. The Minister and the Secretary noted concerns that the DPRK’s claims of “two hostile countries,” and activities near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) could threaten peace and the Armistice on the Korean Peninsula. The two leaders strongly condemned DPRK’s activities that raise tension on the Korean Peninsula, such as multiple unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) infiltrations in the past, as well as the recent unilateral detonation of sections of inter-Korean roads and ongoing launches of “filth and trash balloons,” and urged the DPRK to immediately cease such activities. The Secretary and the Minister concurred that the Armistice Agreement remains in effect as an international norm guaranteeing the stable security order on the Korean Peninsula, and that all parties of the Korean War should abide by it while it remains in force. Both sides noted that the Northern Limit Line (NLL) has been an effective means of separating military forces and preventing military tension over the past 70 years, and urged the DPRK to respect the NLL.

9. Secretary Austin and Minister Kim reaffirmed the role of the United Nations Command (UNC) in implementing, managing, and enforcing the Korean Armistice Agreement, deterring DPRK aggression, and coordinating a multinational, united response in case of contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. They reaffirmed that UNC has successfully contributed to those aims for more than 70 years and continues to carry out its mission with the utmost respect for the sovereignty of ROK, the primary host nation. Both sides welcomed the successful organization of the second ROK-UNC Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting and expressed their appreciation for UNC Member State contributions. They welcomed the addition of Germany to UNC, and noted that peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, including the Korean Peninsula, and Euro-Atlantic regions are increasingly connected. The two leaders are determined to continue seeking the expanded participation in UNC by like-minded countries that share the values of the 1953 Washington Declaration, anchored in the principles of the UN Charter and mandates of relevant UNSCRs. Secretary Austin thanked Minister Kim for the ROK’s efforts to support the UNC’s role to maintain and enforce the Armistice Agreement, and to support the defense of the ROK against DPRK aggression. In this regard, the Secretary and Minister both highlighted their desire to expand combined exercises, information sharing, and interoperability between the ROK, the Combined Forces Command, and UNC Member States.

10. The Secretary and the Minister also noted the critical role that U.S. forces in the ROK have played for more than 70 years and reaffirmed that U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) continues to play a decisive role in preventing armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula, and in promoting peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Secretary Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to maintain current USFK force levels to defend the ROK.

11. The Secretary and Minister also reviewed the work of the various bilateral mechanisms such as the U.S.-Korea Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD). They welcomed efforts to enhance information sharing through the U.S. Shared Early Warning System (SEWS) for strengthening the Alliance’s detection capabilities in response to advancing DPRK missile threats. They also commended the work of the Counter-Missile Working Group (CMWG) and reviewed “the Joint Study on Alliance Comprehensive Counter-Missile Strategy” aimed at informing recommendations for counter-missile capabilities and posture of ROK and United States. The Secretary and Minister also discussed concrete efforts to strengthen cooperation in space and cyber to robustly deter and defend against growing threats. They endorsed efforts by the Space Cooperation Working Group (SCWG) to improve space situational awareness information sharing and interoperability, and acknowledged the need to expand ROK participation in exercises and training that can strengthen Alliance space capability and improve resilience against growing space threats. In particular, the Secretary also welcomed ROK participation in the Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) cell to leverage space industry and strengthen allied space capabilities. The Secretary and Minister also pledged to deepen cyber cooperation through the Cyber Cooperation Working Group and improve coordination through cyber defense exercises, such as Cyber Alliance and Cyber Flag. Overall, both leaders expressed appreciation for the continuing cooperation to ensure the Alliance’s space, cyber, and counter-missile efforts to keep pace with the evolving threats posed by the DPRK.

12. Noting the importance of science and technology (S&T) cooperation, the Secretary and Minister decided to establish the Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee (DSTEC) at the Vice-Minister-Under Secretary level within this year, to guide and prioritize Alliance defense S&T cooperation. They noted priority areas for cooperation including autonomy, artificial intelligence, and crewed-uncrewed teaming are particularly vital to ensure the ROK is able to achieve the goals of Defense Innovation 4.0 and modernize Alliance capabilities. Both leaders also welcomed future S&T cooperation related to quantum technologies, future-generation wireless communication technologies, and directed energy to ensure that S&T advancements enhance the combined capabilities of the Alliance. This included efforts to identify potential areas of collaboration on AUKUS Pillar II. The Secretary welcomed the Minister’s proposal to host a Defense Science and Technology conference in 2025, and concurred that the DSTEC should leverage this conference to baseline and prioritize Alliance defense S&T collaboration.

13. The Secretary and Minister also reviewed efforts to improve the interoperability, interchangeability, and resilience of the U.S. and ROK defense industrial base. They underscored the need to improve efficient and effective collaboration in the development, acquisition, fielding, logistics, sustainment, and maintenance of defense capabilities, and to ensure that S&T advancements are swiftly and seamlessly transitioned into acquisition and sustainment efforts. Both leaders welcomed progress under the U.S. Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) and welcomed ROK participation in a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) pilot project on Air Force aviation maintenance. The two leaders noted that this pilot project could lead to more bilateral co-sustainment opportunities, and also expand defense industrial collaboration with like-minded partners in the region in light of the ROK’s key role in the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR) contact group. The Secretary and Minister also noted with satisfaction the recent U.S. Navy contract with ROK shipyards to conduct MRO services for U.S. vessels, and underscored the potential to expand such work to improve the resilience of the Alliance’s posture in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Secretary and Minister also recognized the need to improve reciprocal market access to deepen defense industrial cooperation and enhance supply chain resiliency, and are committed to accelerate cooperation with the goal of signing the Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement next year based on guidance from both Presidents.

14. The Secretary and the Minister received and endorsed the MCM Report to the SCM presented by the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown. They welcomed the efforts of General Brown, Admiral Kim, and the MCM to enhance military plans, posture, training, exercises, and efforts to coordinate U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command (CFC) activities and enhance military strength of the Alliance. The Secretary and Minister concurred that the Freedom Shield 24 (FS 24) and Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 (UFS 24) exercises, which included realistic threats from the DPRK advancing nuclear, missile, space, and cyber threats, enhanced the Alliance’s crisis management and strengthened deterrence and defense capabilities. In addition, they assessed that combined field training exercises (FTX), which were more extensive than the past year and conducted in land, maritime and air domains, enhanced interoperability and combined operations execution capabilities. Based on such outcomes, both leaders decided to continue strengthening combined exercises and training in line with the rapidly changing security environment of the Korean Peninsula, and further decided that future combined exercises should include appropriate and realistic scenarios including responses to DPRK nuclear use. The Secretary and the Minister also emphasized that ensuring consistent training opportunities for USFK is critical to maintaining a strong combined defense posture. Secretary Austin noted the efforts of ROK Ministry of National Defense (MND) to improve the training conditions for U.S. and ROK forces and stressed the importance of maintaining close cooperation between USFK and MND for the joint use of ROK facilities and airspace for training.

15. Given the growth and diversification of the DPRK’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons and delivery systems, both leaders assessed efforts and works to ensure execution of Alliance missions under a CBRN-challenged environment. In particular, they welcomed progress by the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Committee (CWMDC), including the expansion of information sharing required for nuclear elimination operations consistent with the Nuclear Weapons Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), and the strengthening of cooperation to prevent proliferation of WMD in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders welcomed continued multinational counter-proliferation activities in the region amidst advancements of DPRK nuclear and missile program and intensification of arms trade between Russia and the DPRK following the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. Secretary Austin expressed appreciation for ROK contributions to various global security efforts such as Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), and the Minister and the Secretary concurred on the importance of maintaining cooperative efforts to enforce relevant counter-proliferation UNSCRs.

16. The Secretary and Minister also reviewed the progress and works to fulfill the Conditions-based Wartime Operational Control (OPCON) Transition Plan (COTP). Both leaders reaffirmed that the conditions stated in the bilaterally approved COTP must be met before wartime OPCON is transitioned in a stable and systematic manner. They received the results of the annual U.S.-ROK bilateral evaluation on the capabilities and systems for conditions #1 and #2 based on the bilaterally-approved assessment criteria and standards. Both leaders affirmed that there was a significant progress of this year’s bilateral evaluation on readiness posture and capabilities, and pledged to continue close consultations between the ROK and the United States. for the establishment of the Future-CFC. The Secretary and the Minister also reaffirmed that Future-CFC Full Operational Capability (FOC) Certification would be pursued when the results of the bilateral evaluation on the capabilities and systems of conditions #1 and #2 meet the mutually approved levels. Regarding condition #3, the Secretary and the Minister decided to remain in close consultation for the assessment of the security environment. Both sides pledged to support continued evaluation and progress in wartime OPCON transition implementation through annual MCMs and SCMs, and affirmed that the wartime OPCON transition would strengthen ROK and Alliance capabilities and the combined defense posture.

17. The Secretary and the Minister reviewed the regional security environment, and plans to expand U.S.-ROK security cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific region to support maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. They also reaffirmed support for Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture as well as regional efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum. In particular, the two leaders noted the importance of enhancing cooperation during the implementation of both the ROK and U.S. respective strategies for the Indo-Pacific region. To this end, the Secretary and the Minister endorsed the “Regional Cooperation Framework for U.S.-ROK Alliance Contributions to Security in the Indo-Pacific,” and discussed priorities areas and partners to better respond to the complex regional and global security situation. After reviewing the work of the ROK-U.S. Regional Cooperation Working Group (RCWG), both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defense cooperation with ASEAN members and work together with the Pacific Island Countries to contribute to regional security. The Secretary and the Minister also acknowledged the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as reflected in the April 2023 “Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Alliance between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea.”

18. The Secretary and the Minister reflected on the remarkable progress made during 2024 to fulfill the historic understandings at the Camp David Summit. They welcomed the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework (TSCF), signed by the Ministers and the Secretary of the United States, ROK, and Japan in July, along with enhanced sharing of missile warning information and efforts to systematically conduct trilateral exercises, including the first execution of the multi-domain trilateral exercise FREEDOM EDGE. The Secretary and the Minister reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to promote and expand trilateral security cooperation including senior-level policy consultations, trilateral exercises, information sharing, and defense exchange cooperation.

19. The two sides also took the opportunity to reaffirm that expediting the relocation and return of U.S. military bases in the ROK is in the interests of both countries, and decided to work closely to ensure the timely return of the bases in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and related agreements. The two leaders noted the significance of the complete construction of Yongsan Park, and pledged to expedite the remaining return of Yongsan Garrison. The Minister and the Secretary also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to discuss the return of other U.S. military bases through regular consultations through SOFA channels to reach mutually acceptable outcomes in the future.

20. Secretary Austin expressed his gratitude that the ROK is contributing toward ensuring a stable environment for U.S. Forces Korea. The Secretary and Minister also welcomed the recent conclusion of consultations related to a 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA), and concurred that it would greatly contribute to the strengthening of the U.S.-ROK combined defense posture.

21. Secretary Austin and Minister Kim affirmed that the discussions during the 56th SCM and the 49th MCM contributed to strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance with a vision toward the further development of a truly global alliance. The two leaders commended the U.S. and ROK military and civilian personnel that worked to strengthen the bond of the Alliance, and expressed appreciation for their shared commitment and sacrifice. Both sides expect to hold the 57th SCM and 50th MCM in Seoul at a mutually convenient time in 2025.

MIL Security OSI –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Releases the 2024 Financial Access Survey Results

Source: IMF – News in Russian

October 30, 2024

Washington, DC: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the results of the 2024 Financial Access Survey (FAS), marking the 15th anniversary of the FAS. The report “FAS: 2024 Highlights,” published along with the data release, summarizes the key trends on access to and usage of financial services over the past few years. Established in 2009, the FAS has played a crucial role in providing essential data to develop and evaluate financial inclusion policies, a topic of key relevance for the IMF, as it fosters broader economic participation, reduces inequalities, promotes inclusive growth, and aids in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The FAS stands as the most comprehensive annual supply-side database on financial inclusion, boasting nearly complete global coverage. It covers 192 economies, featuring 121 series and 70 normalized indicators for global comparison. The FAS dataset spans from 2004 to 2023, and it continues to evolve in line with financial innovations such as the provision of digital financial services and the increasing demand for gender-disaggregated data.

Digital Financial Services Continue to Make Gains

There has been a substantial increase in the usage of non-traditional financial services, including mobile and internet banking, with mobile money being particularly important in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, usage of traditional financial services remains essential in many economies. For example, from 2013 to 2019, deposit accounts per 100 adults increased by over 40% in emerging and developing Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. The growth of digital financial services has also led to an increase in non-traditional access points, such as retail and mobile money agents, while traditional access methods like ATMs and bank branches have seen a decline, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic (Figure).

Traditional and Non-traditional Access Points in Recent Years (2019 to 2023)

(Number of Access Points Per 100,000 Adults)

Source: Financial Access Survey and IMF staff calculations.

Notes: These charts show the weighted average by region for economies whose data are available for 2019–2023. Country coverage differs across indicators depending on data availability. While three economies from Latin America and the Caribbean (El Salvador, Colombia, and Haiti) report data on number of registered mobile money agents, none provide data for all five years covered in this chart and are therefore not included.

Microfinance Institutions Have Continued Supporting Economically Marginalized Groups

Financing by microfinance institutions has shown resilience amid recent economic shocks. In various economies, borrowing from microfinance institutions increased, as indicated by the growth in the number of accounts and outstanding loans. While commercial banks usually provide larger loan amounts, microfinance institutions serve a broader client base, as evidenced by the larger number of loan accounts compared to those at commercial banks.

Challenges in Narrowing Gender Gaps Remain

Despite the benefits of incorporating women into the financial system, substantial gender gaps in the usage of financial services persist. These gaps are particularly evident in the usage of deposit and loan accounts. Globally, women’s outstanding deposit amounts as percentage of men’s stand at 64 percent, while their outstanding loan balances account for only 46 percent of men’s. In terms of regional differences, advanced economies demonstrate a more gender-equal financial inclusion compared to emerging economies. Among the latter, emerging and developing Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean show relatively higher gender equality.

Lending to SMEs Declined

Data from FAS indicate a decrease in the outstanding amounts of SME loans from 2021 to 2023 in most economies that reported this information. Although several supportive policies were introduced during the COVID-19 Pandemic, subsequent developments, including tighter financial conditions and geopolitical tensions, may have contributed to the decline in SME loans.

Additional Enhancements to the FAS are Being Tested

To ensure the FAS data remain vital for informing financial inclusion policy, a pilot exercise is underway to assess the potential for enhancing the FAS. This includes incorporating additional gender disaggregation, information on new fintech services, and important factors such as loan pricing and risks, especially for underserved populations.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/30/pr-24400-imf-releases-the-2024-financial-access-survey-results

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Calleary announces key milestone in the implementation of the EU regulation on AI
Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

31st October 2024

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD, today published a list of nine national public authorities responsible for protecting fundamental rights under the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act.

These authorities will get additional powers under the AI Act to facilitate them in carrying out their current responsibilities for protecting fundamental rights in circumstances where use of AI poses a high risk to those rights. For example, the authorities will have the power to access documentation that developers and deployers of AI systems are required to hold under the AI Act.

This action fulfils Ireland’s first obligation for the national implementation of the AI Act.

The list of authorities is as follows:
- An Coimisiún Toghcháin
- Coimisiún na Meán
- Data Protection Commission
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Financial Services & Pensions Ombudsman
- Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission
- Ombudsman
- Ombudsman for Children
- Ombudsman for the Defence Forces
Minister Calleary commented,

“AI can provide many benefits for our society and our economy. However, AI also comes with certain risks. The EU AI Act will have a critical role in addressing these risks and in promoting human-centric, trustworthy AI. It will establish a regulatory framework for the development and use of AI systems to provide a high level of protection to people’s health, safety, and fundamental rights.

“The government is committed to comprehensive and effective implementation of the AI Act and the publication of this list is an important first step in this regard. The additional powers these authorities will acquire under the AI Act will support them in protecting fundamental rights in circumstances where certain high-risk AI systems are used.”

This list will be notified to the European Commission. It will be kept under review by the Minister and can be updated at any time to reflect future changes in the national authorities.

Note to Editors

The pioneering EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, which entered into force on 2nd August 2024, provides a harmonised regulatory framework for AI systems developed or deployed in the EU. It is the most comprehensive such framework in the world. It is designed to provide a high level of protection to people’s health, safety, and fundamental rights and to promote the adoption of human-centric, trustworthy AI. The Act adopts a risk-based approach to regulation and focuses on applications of AI systems to ensure that its regulatory provisions are targeted and proportionate. Its provisions will apply, in a phased manner, over the 36-month period from entry into force.

The AI Act is an EU Regulation and consequently has direct effect in all Member States, however, it places obligations on Member States to provide for implementation and enforcement at national level.

The first obligation on Member States under the Act is to identify national public authorities which supervise or enforce the respect of obligations under Union law protecting fundamental rights, including the right to non-discrimination, in relation to certain high-risk uses of AI systems, specified the Act. Under the Act, fundamental rights are those enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, including democracy, the rule of law and environmental protection. This list of authorities must be published, and notified to the European Commission, by 2 November 2024.

The identified authorities will not be competent authorities for the Act, nor will any obligations, responsibilities or tasks be assigned to them. Rather, identified authorities will get additional powers to facilitate them in carrying out their current mandates in circumstances involving the use of AI systems. These powers will apply from 2 August 2026.

ENDS

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MIL OSI Europe News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: What the Great Gale of 1824 taught us about extreme weather
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

November is the 200th anniversary of the Great Gale of 1824. It killed nearly 100 people and destroyed villages along the south coast of England.
There is a free public exhibition about the impacts of the Great Gale on the Dorset coast.

The Environment Agency, Dorset Coast Forum and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council are raising awareness of extreme weather and flooding as they mark the 200th anniversary of the 1824 Great Gale.

On the night of 22 November 1824, a devastating storm struck England’s south coast and raged for two days. Winds reached hurricane force, with gusts exceeding 100 mph, causing widespread damage. Houses were severely flooded, whole villages destroyed, ships lost at sea and nearly 100 people were tragically killed.

Trail of destruction

The Dorset coast was hardest hit, but the storm’s impact stretched from Land’s End to Dover. Inland communities did not escape devastation from wind damage and it took many years for affected communities to recover.

At Plymouth, the storm sunk 22 vessels and swept away over 200,000 tons of stone from the city’s new breakwater which was under construction. While, at Abbotsbury, seawater surged over Chesil Beach, reaching astonishing depths of up to 6.9 metres.

Watch our animation about the Great Gale’s trail of destruction Great Gale of 1824.

Rare combination created Dorset’s worst storm

The Great Gale, considered the most destructive storm ever to strike the Dorset coastline, was caused by a rare combination of factors. Hurricane force winds, spring high tides, extreme low pressure and towering waves created unprecedented conditions for the storm. Its severity was so extreme it is estimated to have a 1 in 10,000 chance of recurring each year.

Recent events like Storm Boris in Europe, Typhoon Yagi in Asia and Hurricanes Helene and Milton in North America highlight the ongoing threat of severe weather – and, as climate change increases the energy driving these storms, the importance of being prepared.

How to prepare for extreme weather

This post is nearly 7m high and shows the 1824 storm’s high water mark which reached 22ft 8in at the Swannery, Abbotsbury, Dorset.

Know the simple steps to take in advance to protect yourself from flooding.

Andrea Summers, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager for Wessex, said:

As we remember those who tragically lost their lives 200 years ago, this anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the devastating impact flooding can have on communities.

Needless to say, we are much more resilient now than we were then, with major innovations in forecasting, warning and defence systems. But our climate is changing, sea levels are rising and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.

While the events of November 1824 represent a worst-case scenario, they highlight the importance of being prepared. You should know your flood risk, sign up for flood warnings and make sure your homes and businesses are resilient to flooding.

What is being done to better protect people

The Environment Agency is investing to better protect people from flooding and extreme weather. The £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes is working in partnership with local authorities nationwide to develop, test and implement innovative ways of improving resilience and adapting to the impacts of flooding, coastal erosion and climate change.

Additionally, the new Floods Resilience Taskforce is driving government efforts to accelerate the development of flood defences and bolster the nation’s resilience to extreme weather events.

How to see The Great Gale of 1824 exhibition

As part of the bicentenary commemorations, the Environment Agency has worked with Dorset Coast Forum and BCP Council to bring together a free public exhibition to explore the impacts the Great Gale left on the Dorset Coast. For more information, including dates and venues, please visit the Dorset Coast Forum website.

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Published 31 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government ends miners’ pension injustice
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Historic injustice reversed as 112,000 former coalminers finally have £1.5 billion from their pension scheme transferred to them, boosting their pensions.
Historic injustice reversed as 112,000 former coalminers finally have £1.5 billion from their pension scheme transferred to them, boosting their pensions by 32%

Government delivers longstanding campaign ask from ex-pit workers, alongside new review to also ensure mineworkers receive a fair pension for years to come

Energy Secretary pays tribute to the “mineworkers who powered our country” and the campaigners who fought for justice over many years

Over 100,000 former mineworkers will receive £1.5 billion of money that was kept from their pensions, overturning an historic injustice and ensuring fair payouts for years to come.

Following the announcement in yesterday’s budget, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed that the move will mean a 32% boost to the annual pensions of 112,000 former mineworkers – an average increase of £29 per week for each member.

The investment reserve fund was set up using profits from the scheme in 1992, to provide a buffer in case the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme went into deficit. This money was due to be returned to government in 2029.

Former mineworkers and their families have fought for justice for many years. In a landmark decision, the fund – now worth £1.5 billion – will be handed over to the pension scheme, ensuring former pit workers who powered the country for decades finally get the just rewards from their labour.

When British Coal was privatised in 1994, the government also agreed to take half of any profits generated by the pension scheme, in return for a guarantee that pensions would increase in line with inflation.

The scheme has continued to produce strong returns and the government has never paid any funds into it. Therefore, the government is also delivering on its commitment to review this agreement to ensure former miners and their families get a fairer deal in the years ahead, with next steps set out in the coming months.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

We owe the mining communities who powered this country a debt of gratitude.

For decades, it has been a scandal that the government has taken money that could have been passed to the miners and their families.

Today, that scandal ends, and the money is rightfully transferred to the miners. I pay tribute to the campaigners who have fought for justice- today is their victory.

Minister for Industry Sarah Jones said:

Miners powered our industries and our homes for decades. That’s why we have to right the wrong that has denied them the decent pension they deserved.

We are handing over the £1.5 billion that for years has sat in the reserve fund unused at times when people needed it most. This will end an historic injustice and will ensure members of the scheme see an average increase of £29 per week added to their pay – an increase of 32%.

Gary Saunders, Chair of the Trustees of the Mineworker’ Pension Scheme, said:

As a Trustee board we are delighted we will be able to put more money in our members’ pockets. We are also grateful to the many members and MPs who have shown support of the Scheme on this matter over the years.

Allen Young, Pensioner Representative Trustee for the North East of England and Overseas members, said:

The government’s decision to make good on this part of its manifesto commitment in respect of the Scheme is a very positive development for our members. The Trustees will use the Investment Reserve to increase our members’ pensions and we will be writing to all members with the good news very shortly.

The trustees are responsible for deciding how the £1.5 billion fund is distributed amongst their 112,000 members and are now working at speed to deliver the bonus into pension pay packets from November this year.

This announcement follows urgent action already taken toward the government’s clean energy superpower mission, helping to boost energy independence and create jobs. In just three months this includes lifting the ban on onshore wind, setting up Great British Energy and announcing a partnership with The Crown Estate to accelerate offshore wind projects, approving four major solar farms, launching the Clean Energy Mission Control centre led by Chris Stark, securing a record pipeline of renewable projects in the latest auction and launching the UK’s first carbon capture sites.

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Published 31 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Forum troika’s visit highlights value of regionalism for New Caledonia

ANALYSIS: By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

As a three-day fact-finding mission from a group of Pacific leaders drew to a close in New Caledonia, and with the outcomes report not expected before next year, the visit to the riot-hit French Pacific territory seems to have triggered a new sense of awareness locally about the values of Pacific regional mechanisms of “talanoa” embodied by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

Local President Louis Mapou stressed on several occasions during the visit that New Caledonia’s situation was the “subject of much attention” in the Pacific region.

He suggested that one of the reasons for this could be because of a potential “spillover” effect that could “jeopardise cohesion in the Pacific”.

However, Mapou also stressed that he had received the message conveyed by the PIF “Troika-Plus” group that “they’re ready to take part in [New Caledonia’s] reconstruction”.

‘New Caledonia’s regional integration in its region’
Mapou said that one of the recurrent themes during the PIF visit was “New Caledonia’s regional integration in its region”.

“Whatever might be said, in many ways, New Caledonia does not know its [Pacific] region very well. Because it has this affiliation relationship to Europe and France that has prevailed over all these years,” he told local media.

“So, in a certain way, we’re just discovering our region. And in this process, the Pacific Islands Forum could bring a sort of leverage,” he said.

Kanaky New Caledonia, as well as French Polynesia — both French Pacific entities — became full members of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2016, after several years of “associate members” status.

Mapou said New Caledonia’s current status vis-à-vis France was mentioned during talks with the PIF mission.

“I spoke with them about obstacles that should be removed, that are directly related to our current status. This is part of topics on which we should be working in future,” he said.

“They’re very open-minded, they don’t have any preconceived ideas, they’re happy to talk equally about the concepts of independence, just as they are for keeping [New Caledonia] within the French Republic,” he revealed.

One of the unexpected outcomes, beyond the specific fact-finding mission that brought this PIF “Troika-Plus” leaders’ delegation to New Caledonia, seems to have underlined the values of regionalism, as well as New Caledonia’s long-awaited and genuine integration in its “regional environment”.

These values seem to have been recognised by all sides of New Caledonia’s political spectrum, as well as all walks of life within the civil, economic, educational and religious society.

PIF’s “Troika-Plus” leaders meet with Southern Province President Sonia Backès (third from left) at SPC headquarters last Monday. Image: PIF/RNZ Pacific

Pacific diversity in status
During the past few days, informal exchanges with the Pacific leaders have also allowed New Caledonia’s authorities to share and compare possible ways forward regarding the territory’s political status.

“They readily exchanged their own experiences with our government. The Cook Islands, which is a self-governing state in ‘free association’ with New Zealand; Tonga, which has never been colonised; and the Solomon Islands, who have also undergone inter-ethnic conflicts and where the young population was also involved. And Fiji, which obtained independence (in 1970), had decided to withdraw from the Commonwealth and is finally re-discussing its link with Great Britain,” Mapou briefed local media on Tuesday.

The leaders spent three days (October 27-29) in the French Pacific territory to gather information on the ground, after destructive riots broke out in May, resulting in 13 deaths and extensive economic damage estimated at €2.2 billion.

During the three days, the PIF leaders met a wide range of political, business, religious, and civil society leaders to get a first-hand account of the situation.

On Tuesday, the “plus” component of the troika, Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, reiterated the mission’s assigned mantra in a manner of conclusion to their mission.

“We were here to understand and make recommendations. We have heard many extremely different attitudes. We hope it will be possible to find a solution for the people and the government,” Rabuka told religious leaders.

Bitterness from civil society
The long series of talks, within a particularly tight schedule, also allowed groups within New Caledonia’s civil society — including traditional chiefs, youth, human rights activists, educationists, mayors and women — to express their views directly during the Pacific leaders’ visit.

Some of these groups also took the opportunity to point out that they were not always listened to in other circumstances.

“Today, peace has just been through a rough episode. And we, women, are being asked to help. But when was the last time we were heard?

“We’ve already said women should be part of all levels of decision-making, including on matters of dealing with violence and access for women to economic empowerment.

“We were ignored. And then, when fire breaks out, we’re being asked for help because this is the foundation of Pacific values,” said Sonia Tonga, the president of the Oceania Union of Francophone Women, which groups women’s groups from New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis-and-Futuna and Vanuatu.

Talking about the youth, she said there was an “ill-being”, “they don’t recognise themselves in this system, including for education. We’re trying to fit an Oceanian society into a framework that has not been designed for them.

“When will we be heard in our country?”.

As part of talks with church leaders, it was also pointed out that there were benefits from sharing experiences with Pacific leaders.

“I’ve been many times in Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and other Pacific islands. They too have had their hard times.

“And they too are familiar with the experience of violence which is difficult to bring back to a path of dialogue,” said 80-year-old Nouméa Catholic Archbishop Michel-Marie Calvet, a respected figure.

In terms of earlier crises in the Pacific region, among PIF member island states, in the early 2000s, civil unrest occurred in both Fiji and the Solomon Islands, with shops being targeted and looted.

Under Pacific Islands Forum mechanisms, especially the declaration of Biketawa, this prompted in 2003 the setting up of “RAMSI” (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands), with mostly Australia and New Zealand military and police as its main contributors, with additional input from other Pacific island countries.

In Fiji, the mission to defuse the crisis, associated with an attempted coup and a MPs hostage situation within Parliament buildings in May 2000, was mainly achieved by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) through protracted negotiations and without violence.

Forum “Troika-Plus” leaders in New Caledonia conducting a fact-finding mission to assess the situation on ground. Image: X /@ForumSEC/RNZ Pacific

Supporting Pacific dialogue
In the political sphere, there was a recognition of the benefits of a Pacific perspective.

“There is a Pacific tradition of dialogue and talanoa. So, I think [the PIF leaders] can invite pro-independence parties to come to the [negotiating] table,” said New Caledonia’s Mayors’ Association president Pascal Vittori.

“We’re actually expecting PIF will back this notion of dialogue — that’s what’s important now,” he told local media.

Sonia Backès, one of the staunchest defenders of New Caledonia remaining part of France, told reporters on Monday: “We didn’t ask for this [mission]. Now we’re waiting for this (troika) report based on their observing mission.

“We all know that there are biased views on the part of some, one way or the other.

“So we hope the final report will be as fair and neutral as possible so as not to add fuel to the fire.”

Following their visit to New Caledonia and based on the information gathered, the Forum “Troika-Plus” leaders are expected to compile a “comprehensive report” to be submitted to the next annual Forum Leaders’ Summit in the Solomon Islands in 2025.

“The terms of reference of this mission were discussed beforehand between the government of New Caledonia, the Pacific Islands Forum and the (French) State. We all agreed that what was most important was to have an assessment of the situation.

“There is a need to provide information to the public so that it is an informed opinion leader. It’s important in those times of misinformation and manipulation from one side or the other,” French ambassador for the Pacific Véronique Roger-Lacan told public broadcaster NC la 1ère TV on Tuesday evening.

Rioting damage in Nouméa’s Ducos industrial zone. Image: LNC TV/RNZ Pacific

Business sector now needs Pacific market overtures
Even the business sector now seems to believe that, as a result of the widespread destruction caused by the riots, which has left more than 800 companies burnt down and looted, as well as thousands jobless, the wider Pacific region has now become a new potentially attractive market.

“Our local market has just shrunk considerably and so we will need to find new openings for our products. In that perspective, our cooperation with the Pacific is very, very strategic”, said business leaders association MEDEF-NC president Mimsy Daly.

She had once again presented a detailed view of the widespread devastation caused by the recent riots and those who took part.

“‘Were they aware of what they were doing?’ is one of the questions I was asked,” she wrote on social networks after her encounter with the “Troika-Plus”.

“A logical question when you know that what has been destroyed equals about 70 percent of the GDP of the Cook Islands, 100 percent of the GDP of the Solomon Islands and 40 percent of the GDP of Fiji.”

But she admitted the response to this complex question was “primordial” and “every light will have to be shed on the matter”.

In a wrap-up of the three days, President Mapou held a final meeting with the group on Tuesday.

Wide circle of ‘concertation’ needed
French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, after a final meeting with the delegation, said: “They have come here to seek the profound causes of what happened on May 13. They have been listening very closely.

“I understand their view is that a wide circle of concertation [cooperation] will be required to reach an agreement,” he said.

He elaborated, saying that the Pacific Forum leaders seemed to place a lot of hope in the notions of “trust”, the “necessity of living together” and the PIF’s “will to help, while saying that, at the same time, the solution lies in the hands of New Caledonia”.

French President Macron (right) with New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou (left) and former New Caledonia Congress President Roch Wamytan (centre) earlier this year. Image: RNZ Pacific

Next: another ‘concertation and dialogue’ mission
Following the PIF “Troika-Plus” mission, another visit is expected in New Caledonia in the next few days — this time coming from Paris.

This new high-level visit will be headed by the presidents of both houses of Parliament in France (Senate and National Assembly), respectively Gérard Larcher and Yaël Braun-Pivet, from November 9-14.

They will lead what is described as a “mission of concertation and dialogue”.

The dates come as a top-level meeting took place last week, presided by French Head of State Emmanuel Macron and attended by French minister for Overseas François-Noël Buffet (who had just returned from New Caledonia), French PM Barnier, Larcher and Braun-Pivet.

The objective, once again, was to reinforce the signal that the time had come to resume political dialogue.

Macron indicated earlier that he still intended to host a meeting in Paris sometime in November.

Buffet was also in New Caledonia earlier this month for four days to assess the situation and try to restore a path to dialogue between all political stakeholders, both pro-independence and pro-France.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Senior Leaders Continue to Survey Impacted Areas and Meet with Local Officials as Helene, Milton Recovery Progresses

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: FEMA Senior Leaders Continue to Survey Impacted Areas and Meet with Local Officials as Helene, Milton Recovery Progresses

FEMA Senior Leaders Continue to Survey Impacted Areas and Meet with Local Officials as Helene, Milton Recovery Progresses

WASHINGTON – More than a month after Helene made landfall, FEMA officials remain on the ground coordinating with local officials in affected states to help guide their recovery. Visits included Victoria Salinas, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, meeting with officials over several days in North Carolina and Florida. Salinas and other FEMA officials discussed how the communities were progressing in their recovery and surveyed the effectiveness of modern building codes in minimizing storm-related damage.FEMA has approved more than $1.3 billion in direct assistance to Hurricanes Helene and Milton survivors. These funds help survivors with housing repairs, personal property replacement and other essential recovery efforts. Additionally, over $1.1 billion has been approved for debris removal and emergency protective measures, which are necessary to save lives, protect public health and prevent further damage to public and private property. More than 1,400 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team members are in affected neighborhoods across affected states helping survivors apply for assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. Also,FEMA now has 76 Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the hurricane affected communities. Center locations can be found at FEMA.gov/DRC. Centers can provide survivors in-person help with their applications and answer questions they have about available resources to help with their recovery.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Operation Blue Roof which is a free service to homeowners for 25 counties in Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton. Residents can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov or by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). The sign-up period deadline is Nov. 5.FEMA encourages Helene and Milton survivors to apply for disaster assistance online as this remains the quickest way to start your recovery. Individuals can apply for federal assistance by: Applying online at disasterassistance.govUsing the FEMA AppCalling 800-621-3362, Staffed daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. local timeVisiting a Disaster Recovery Center to talk with FEMA and state agency officials and apply for assistancePresident Joseph R. Biden has approved major disaster declarations in six states–Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia–affected by Helene. He has also approved a major disaster declaration for Florida following Hurricane Milton.These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across states affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

SWANNANOA, North Carolina – FEMA sets up a mobile Disaster Recovery Center in an affected North Carolina community. Helene survivors in Swannanoa and nearby areas can visit this center to apply for federal disaster assistance and ask questions about available state and federal resources for their recovery. (Photo Credit: FEMA)

SAVANNAH, Georgia – FEMA staff and FEMA Corps members help survivors of Hurricane Helene at the Disaster Recovery Center in Savannah. (Photo Credit: FEMA)

CORTEZ, Florida – Victoria Salinas, FEMA Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, and other FEMA personnel join Manatee County officials in the Hunters Point Neighborhood in Cortez. There they spoke with an owner of a property development to talk about how building codes helped the community following the recent hurricanes. (Photo Credit: FEMA)

COLLETSVILLE, North Carolina – Victoria Salinas, FEMA Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator, surveys the flood damage from Wilson Creek along Brown Mountain Road with members of the Collettsville Fire Department. Salinas also talked with the owners of the Brown Mountain Resort as they shared their story of surviving the flood from Hurricane Helene. (Photo Credit: FEMA)

FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Toolkit provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor response web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene and Milton response and recovery.
annie.bond
Wed, 10/30/2024 – 17:58

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China publishes world’s 1st standard for stem cell data

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

The world’s first international standard for stem cell data, ISO8472-1, has been officially released, the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said Wednesday.
This standard is expected to enhance global stem cell data management and make contributions to the advancement of stem cell research and applications, according to the institute.
As biotechnology advances rapidly worldwide, stem cell data is proliferating. However, the lack of international standards for stem cell data has resulted in issues such as unregulated data management and low efficiency in data sharing and application.
ISO8472-1, co-formulated by experts from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and other countries, stipulates a framework for the interoperability of stem cell data. It is applicable to related databases, data management systems, web interfaces, and more in the field of stem cell research.
The release of ISO8472-1 will provide standard and guidance for data management in the field of stem cells and offer a systematic framework for the development of subsequent international standards for stem cell data, said Qiao Gexia, director of the Institute of Zoology.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s slight lead in Pennsylvania could give him Electoral College win; Biden a drag on Harris

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

The United States presidential election will be held next Tuesday, with results coming in Wednesday AEDT. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 48.6–47.5, a slight gain for Trump since Monday, when Harris led by 48.6–47.4. Harris’ national lead peaked on October 2, when she led by 49.4–45.9.

The US president isn’t elected by the national popular vote, but by the Electoral College, in which each state receives electoral votes equal to its federal House seats (population based) and senators (always two). Almost all states award their electoral votes as winner-takes-all, and it takes 270 electoral votes to win (out of 538 total).

Relative to the national popular vote, the Electoral College is biased to Trump, with Harris needing at least a two-point popular vote win to be the narrow Electoral College favourite in Silver’s model.

In Silver’s averages, Trump has a 0.6-point lead in Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes), up from 0.3 on Monday. Trump has slightly larger leads of one to two points in North Carolina (16), Georgia (16) and Arizona (11). Harris is narrowly ahead by 0.1 point in Nevada (six) and about one point ahead in Michigan (15) and Wisconsin (ten).

If current polls are exactly right, Trump wins the Electoral College by 281–257. Not making Pennsylvania’s popular governor Josh Shapiro her running mate could be Harris’ biggest mistake.

In Silver’s model, Trump has a 54% chance to win the Electoral College, slightly higher than 53% on Monday. There’s a 29% chance that Harris wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College. The FiveThirtyEight forecast gives Trump a 51% win probability.

Without a major event, there isn’t likely to be much change in the polls before the election, but a polling error where one candidate overperforms their polls could still occur. Silver’s model gives Trump a 22% probability of sweeping the seven swing states and Harris a 12.5% probability.

I wrote about the US election for The Poll Bludger yesterday, and also covered three Canadian provincial elections and Japan’s conservative LDP, which has governed almost continuously since 1955, losing its majority at an election last Sunday.

Biden a drag on Harris and favourability ratings

Joe Biden remains unpopular with a net -16.5 approval in the FiveThirtyEight national aggregate, with 55.8% disapproving and 39.3% approving. As Harris is the incumbent party’s candidate, an unpopular president is a key reason for Trump’s edge.

Biden’s remarks on Tuesday, in which he seemed to call Trump supporters “garbage”, resembled Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” in the 2016 presidential campaign. This won’t help Harris.

Biden is almost 82, Trump is 78 and Harris is 60. Trump’s age should be a factor in this election that favours Harris, but Silver said on October 19 that Democrats spent so much time defending Biden before he withdrew on July 21 that it’s now difficult for them to attack Trump’s age without seeming hypocritical.

Harris’ net favourability in the FiveThirtyEight national aggregate is -1.5, with 47.8% unfavourable and 46.3% favourable. Her net favourability peaked at +1 in late September. Trump’s net favourability is -8.5 with 52.1% unfavourable and 43.6% favourable; his ratings have improved a little in the last two weeks.

While Harris is more likeable than Trump, that’s not reflected in head to head polls. Silver said on October 23 that Trump’s campaign is promoting him as not-nice, but on your side, and as someone who will get things done. They argue Harris’ campaign lacks clear policies.

Harris’ running mate Tim Walz is at +2.6 net favourable, while Trump’s running mate JD Vance is at -6.9 net favourable. In the past few weeks, Vance’s ratings have improved slightly while Walz’s have dropped back.

Congressional elections

I last wrote about the elections for the House of Representatives and Senate that will be held concurrently with the presidential election on October 14. The House has 435 single-member seats that are apportioned to states on a population basis, while there are two senators for each of the 50 states.

The House only has a two-year term, so the last House election was at the 2022 midterm elections, when Republicans won the House by 222–213 over Democrats. The FiveThirtyEight aggregate of polls of the national House race gives Democrats a 46.2–46.1 lead over Republicans, a drop for Democrats from a 47.1–45.9 Democratic lead on October 14.

Senators have six-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years. Democrats and aligned independents currently have a 51–49 Senate majority, but they are defending 23 of the 33 regular seats up, including seats in three states Trump won easily in both 2016 and 2020: West Virginia, Montana and Ohio.

West Virginia is a certain Republican gain after the retirement of former Democratic (now independent) Senator Joe Manchin at this election. Republicans have taken a 5.4-point lead in Montana in the FiveThirtyEight poll aggregate, while Democrats are just 1.6 points ahead in Ohio.

Republicans are being challenged by independent Dan Osborn in Nebraska, and he trails Republican Deb Fischer by 2.3 points. Democrats did not contest to avoid splitting the vote. In Democratic-held Wisconsin, Democrats lead by 2.1 points, while other incumbents are ahead by at least three points.

If Republicans gain West Virginia and Montana, but lose Nebraska to Osborn, and no other seats change hands, Republicans would have a 50–49 lead in the Senate. If Harris wins the presidency, Osborn would be the decisive vote as a Senate tie can be broken by the vice president, who would be Walz. This is the rosiest plausible scenario for Democrats.

The FiveThirtyEight congressional forecasts give Republicans a 53% chance of retaining control of the House, so it’s effectively a toss-up like the presidency. But Republicans have an 89% chance to gain control of the Senate.

Adrian Beaumont 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. Trump’s slight lead in Pennsylvania could give him Electoral College win; Biden a drag on Harris – https://theconversation.com/trumps-slight-lead-in-pennsylvania-could-give-him-electoral-college-win-biden-a-drag-on-harris-242393

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota Family to Receive the Purple Heart, Quilt of Valor in Honor of WWII Hero

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
Ceremony to be held Nov. 4 at the AMVETS in Bismarck
***Click here to download audio.***
BISMARCK, N.D. – A ceremony will be held on Monday, Nov. 4 in Bismarck to present a Purple Heart medal to honor the service and sacrifice of Private Franklin Joseph DuFrame, who gave his life in service to our nation in World War II. The replacement medal will be presented to Pvt. DuFrame’s son, Donald Franklin DuFrame of Lincoln, who served and enlisted in the Navy Reserve at 18 as a machinist mate 3rd class during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1967.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate committees on Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs, will present the family with a Purple Heart medal to honor and recognize the sacrifices of Franklin DuFrame. This replaces a previous Purple Heart awarded to Pvt. DuFrame, which had been lost. Cramer will present the family with a flag flown over the United States Capitol in honor of Pvt. DuFrame’s heroic service.
The ceremony will also include the presentation of the Vietnam Commemorative Pin to recognize Donald DuFrame’s service, and a Quilt of Valor by Missouri River Quilts of Valor members.
Purple Heart medals are awarded to service members who are wounded or killed because of enemy action in an armed conflict. It is the nation’s oldest military honor still awarded today, and was established by President George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit in 1782.
“This Purple Heart medal is much more than an award; it’s really a symbol of our nation’s eternal gratitude for Franklin DuFrame’s bravery, and heroism, and sacrifice,” said Cramer. “Private DuFrame gave his life for our country, and it’s really an honor for me to be able to present his family with this replacement medal to recognize his valiant service. It’s a repeated honor that I get to have as a member of Congress to intervene on behalf of a family who lost just a small part, but an important part, of their loved one’s legacy. This award represents that legacy, and it’s something tangible they can hang on to and that they can pass down to generation after generation as they tell the story of dad, of grandpa, of great-grandpa, of great-great-grandpa’s legacy in historical contribution to the freedom of America. It’s just a privilege and a joy.”
Born in August 1920 in Maine, Pvt. DuFrame served in the U.S. Army, C Company, 10th Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division. He was married to Elma Leona Helman DuFrame, and they had three children.
On March 24, 1945, he was wounded in action and transported to an evacuation hospital in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Pvt. DuFrame died of his wounds two days later on March 26 at the age of 24. He was temporarily interned at the military cemetery in Stromberg and permanently laid to rest, at his family’s request, at the Lorraine American War Cemetery in France.
The ceremony, which is open to the public, will be held Monday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. CT at AMVETS Post #9, 2402 Railroad Ave., Bismarck.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Kazan singer feels blossoming bond for Chinese folk music

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

In a small studio in Kazan, the capital of Russia’s Tatarstan Republic, the air was suffused with the melodic strains of the famous Chinese folk song “Jasmine Flower”, or Mo Li Hua in Chinese.

This impressive rendition of the iconic Chinese song came from an unexpected source: Saida Mukhametzyanova, a 23-year-old Tatar singer who has developed a special affinity for Chinese music.

Saida’s endeavor at Chinese folk music began over a year ago, driven by her curiosity and love for exploring music from different cultures.

Upon hearing “Jasmine Flower” for the first time, she perceived its striking similarities to the Tatar folk song “Galiyabanu” and was captivated by its beauty. Both songs feature a pentatonic scale and share flowing melodies and themes about the pursuit of love.

“That’s why I had the idea to blend these two beautiful folk songs,” Saida said.

Later, she discovered a seamless and natural way to blend the two songs, alternating between Chinese and Tatar lyrics while combining their melodies.

To perfect her performance of the Chinese portion, Saida dedicated herself to learning the language, focusing on every detail of the tone and pronunciation.

When she released this cultural mashup online, it garnered significant attention, with listeners praising the fresh take on both traditions.

This experience with Chinese folk songs has opened up more opportunities for Saida to perform at various China-Russia cultural exchange events, including one during the Games of the Future, a national event held in Kazan earlier this year.

Saida’s keen apprehension about Chinese music has profoundly influenced her artistic vision. “Chinese culture often draws parallels between people and nature, which captivates me because it brings us closer to nature,” she said.

“The melody is very beautiful, everything in it is harmonious, and it touches the soul. I told my parents that I need to focus my creativity and resources on China and Asia,” she added.

She has embarked on a project to create an album featuring both Chinese and Tatar folk songs, which she hopes will serve as a musical bridge between the two cultures.

Saida also dreams of visiting China, a country of which she has yet to gain firsthand experience.

“I’ve sung Chinese songs, but I’ve never been to China,” she said. “It has such a rich culture that has preserved its uniqueness for thousands of years. I want to see it with my own eyes.”

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Introducing France to China, word by word

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

The 16th edition of the Fu Lei Translation and Publishing Prize will be held on Nov 30 and Dec 1 in Beijing. The event is part of the cultural activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, Nicolas Pillerel, minister counselor for culture, education and scientific affairs at the French embassy in China, announced during a news conference on Oct 24.

Established in 2009 by the French Embassy in China and French-speaking Chinese intellectuals, including Dong Qiang, author, translator and professor of French literature at Peking University, the Fu Lei prize is awarded for the translation of French books into Chinese, and also promotes the dissemination of these translations.

Supported by intellectuals, including Nobel laureates in literature Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio and Mo Yan, the prize acknowledges the crucial role of translators as conveyors of words, as well as their role in bolstering cultural exchange between France and China.

The prize is given in three categories — “Literature”, “Essay”, and since 2013, the “Young Shoots” category to encourage the next generation of translators.

“We are aware that without the participation and involvement of young people, and without the emergence of outstanding young translators, the translation industry will inevitably face a talent gap,” says Dong.

This year, 47 titles are competing for the Fu Lei prize, with 28 in the “Essay” category and 19 in the “Literature” category. Notably, 42 of the 60 translators were born after 1980.

Yu Zhongxian, chairman of the jury this year, says that the finalists are younger than those in previous years, and a majority are women.

In the “Essay” category, the original versions of some of the translations are lengthy, difficult books on which multiple people worked to complete the translation.

In the “Literature” category, translations cover an impressive array, including not only books from the last century, but also those that reflect the contemporary lifestyles of young people in France.

Yu says that, given the increasing variety of books introduced in recent years, there is a need for younger publishers to discover them, and for younger translators to translate them.

Ten books — five about social sciences and five literary titles — made it to the final list and the winners will be announced in Beijing on Nov 30.

The finalists include Francois Furet and Mona Ozouf’s A Critical Dictionary of the French Revolution, Delphine de Vigan’s novel Children Are Kings, which addresses the pitfalls of social networks, Dany Sandron’s Notre-Dame de Paris: History and Archaeology of a Cathedral, and Nastassja Martin’s In the Eye of the Wild, which explores the relationship between humans and nature. These books demonstrate the diversity and vitality of French-to-Chinese translations today.

Since 2013, China has been the largest buyer of French copyrights abroad. Last year, 1,383 contracts were signed between French and Chinese publishers.

“The enduring appeal of French literature and thought is inseparable from the contribution of translators, and we should be grateful for their work. For this reason, we place great importance on supporting translators,” says Pillerel.

He says that translators are usually obscure like shadows, but that at least once a year, there is a need to “cast the spotlight” on them.

In addition, the French embassy in China financially supports the publishing of at least 30 translations, in addition to translation training programs to nurture more young talent.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-French diplomatic ties, as well as the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. Pillerel says that the series of activities organized by the French embassy around both themes throughout the year culminates with the prize.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese foreign minister holds talks with Finnish counterpart

Source: China State Council Information Office

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday said that China hopes Finland can play a constructive role in urging the European Union (EU) to avoid politicizing economic and trade issues, properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and jointly safeguard the overall situation of China-EU relations.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during his talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

Wang noted that in 2017, the two heads of state jointly decided to elevate China-Finland relations to a future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership, which is unique in China’s foreign relations and fully reflects the distinctiveness and adaptability of the China-Finland relationship.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s state visit to China, accompanied by a high-profile delegation, is not only a continuation of friendship but also an opportunity to expand cooperation, Wang added.

The foreign ministries of the two countries should maintain close communication and coordination, implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, jointly tackle global challenges, and push China-Finland relations to a higher level, Wang said.

The EU imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles obviously violates WTO rules and the principle of free trade, Wang stressed, noting that China has always believed that a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization is in the interests of all parties involved.

Valtonen said Finland looks forward to working closely with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen cooperation in areas such as low-carbon, green energy and circular economy, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change.

As a member of the EU, Finland hopes that EU-China relations will maintain constructive development and supports both sides to strengthen cooperation and properly handle differences, Valtonen said.

It is expected that China will play a greater role in resolving international hotspot issues such as the Ukraine crisis, Valtonen added.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Death toll of spanish floods climbs to 95

Source: China State Council Information Office

This photo taken on Oct. 30, 2024 shows the view of a flood-hit street in Aldaya, Valencia province of Spain. [Photo/Xinhua]

At least 95 people have been killed in flooding as torrential rain battered Spain’s eastern region of Valencia and the neighboring provinces of Albacete and Cuenca, according to Angel Victor Torres, Minister for Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory.

Exceptionally heavy rainfall, totaling over 400 liters per square meter, flooded parts of Valencia and the provinces of Albacete and Cuenca within just a few hours between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.

More than 60 roads have been closed due to flooding, including major highways along the eastern coast and between Madrid and Valencia. Local train services have been halted, and the high-speed rail connection between Valencia and the capital is also suspended.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will visit the affected regions on Thursday, the government said in an official communique.

Sanchez convened an emergency cabinet meeting Wednesday morning and made a formal declaration at midday, pledging full support from his government to the families of flood victims.

Around 1,000 members of the Spanish Military’s Emergency Response United (UME) have been deployed to the affected areas, assisting with rescue and clean-up efforts. However, operations have been hampered by power outages and collapsed phone networks in many areas.

Meteorologists attribute the torrential rain to a phenomenon known as “isolated high-altitude depression,” or DANA in Spanish, which occurs when a cold air front crosses the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. While its impacts are often localized, similar events wreaked havoc in 1966 and 1957, with the River Turia overflowing and devastating the city of Valencia.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM meets with Russian deputy FM in Beijing

Source: China State Council Information Office

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is grounded in a natural logic of history and driven by strong internal dynamics, no matter how the international situation changes.

The development of the China-Russia relations does not target any third party or is subject to interference by any third party, he said.

Wang said under the leadership of the two heads of state, the China-Russia relations have maintained a sound momentum of development, which serves common interests of the people of both nations and allows them to make their respective contributions to safeguarding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

He noted that not long ago, the BRICS Summit was successfully held in Russia’s Kazan, making positive progress on the BRICS mechanism, promoting unity and self-strengthening of the Global South, and playing an important and constructive role in world peace and stability.

He urged the two sides to make joint efforts to coordinate cooperation in various fields and exchanges at all levels, and implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state.

China has taken over the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and stands ready to work closely with Russia to promote new development of the SCO, Wang added.

Rudenko said that the head-of-state diplomacy has laid a good foundation for the development of bilateral relations.

Russia is ready to work with China to earnestly implement the arrangements made by the two heads of state, maintain close high-level exchanges, strengthen practical cooperation, continue to maintain coordination on international and regional affairs, and push for new development of the Russia-China relations, Rudenko said.

They exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Zelensky confirms Ukraine asked for Tomahawk missiles from US

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Wednesday that the country has requested long-range Tomahawk missiles from the United States, the Ukrayinska Pravda media outlet reported.

“This was confidential information between Ukraine and the White House,” Zelensky said, commenting on recent media reports that suggested Kiev had requested for Tomahawk missiles.

The president said Ukraine asked for the long-range missiles as part of its “victory plan” planning to use them only if Russia “continues escalating” the conflict.

“I said it was a preventive tool,” Zelensky said.

Earlier this week, western media reported that Zelensky asked for Tomahawk missiles from the United States as part of the “non-nuclear deterrence package” in his “victory plan.”

The Tomahawk missiles have a range of about 2,400 km, according to local media reports.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: VK Coworking Zone Opens at NSU

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

The new study and recreation area is located in the university’s academic building (Pirogov, 1) in block 1 on the 1st floor. The opening of the coworking area was attended by the dean Faculty of Information Technology, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Mikhail Mikhailovich Lavrentyev and VK Ambassador Elizaveta Zhitnik.

— This is the first example of an IT company creating a workspace for our faculty. What I want to say is, it is incredibly beautiful! It depends only on you how beautiful and useful this area will remain. Guys, this is yours and it is for your comfort, all conditions have been created here. Friends, this is a window of opportunity! Sitting here on the couch, you will directly feel involved in one of the flagships of the IT business of our country. The faculty does not stop here, we are moving forward and we expect that together with you we will maintain this place in the same wonderful condition, — Mikhail Lavrentyev emphasized, addressing the students.

The Dean promised that this is not the last coworking area at the Faculty of Information Technology.

— VK has created a convenient place for NSU students to study and work. The new coworking space has everything they need. The area is designed so that they can do group and individual work. I am sure that students will be able to spend time here usefully, create new projects and just relax, — noted VK ambassador, third-year student of the NSU Faculty of Information Technology Elizaveta Zhitnik.

VK has been cooperating with the NSU Faculty of Information Technology in various areas for a long time: it acts as a partner of the faculty’s events, offers students the opportunity to take part in free educational projects of VK Education and provides the opportunity to complete internships in in-demand IT and digital specialties.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Eurozone GDP up 0.4% in Q3

Source: China State Council Information Office

The eurozone’s seasonally adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.4 percent in the third quarter of 2024, marking an improvement from the 0.2 percent growth seen in the previous quarter, according to preliminary data released Wednesday by Eurostat.

The GDP in the European Union (EU) grew by 0.3 percent in the third quarter, maintaining the same pace as in the second quarter, according to data from the EU’s statistical office.

Year-on-year, seasonally adjusted GDP grew by 0.9 percent in both the euro area and the EU from July to September, up from a 0.6 percent increase in the euro area and 0.8 percent in the EU in the second quarter.

Germany, the eurozone’s largest economy, reversed its second-quarter contraction to achieve 0.2 percent growth in the third quarter, according to Eurostat data. Meanwhile, France and Spain saw growth rates of 0.4 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively.

Ireland posted the highest growth rate in the third quarter, with a 2 percent increase, while Hungary saw a significant decline of 0.7 percent. Latvia and Sweden also reported negative growth during the same period.

Bert Colijn, senior economist at ING, noted that third-quarter GDP growth in the eurozone was partly fueled by one-off factors, including Ireland’s volatile GDP growth influenced by multinational accounting activities and a boost in French GDP driven by the Olympics.

Colijn expressed caution regarding the eurozone’s economic outlook, forecasting weaker GDP growth in the fourth quarter. In a research report, he noted that “the eurozone economy remains sluggish for the moment.”

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Sino-French agricultural trade cooperation center unveiled

Source: China State Council Information Office

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Agricultural Produce Trading Center was inaugurated on Tuesday in Guangzhou, capital of south China’s Guangdong Province, marking a new chapter in Sino-French agricultural trade cooperation.

The joint endeavor was launched by China’s KINGOLD Group and France’s Rungis International Market, and is set to become the largest “vegetable basket” project in the region, aiming to bring high-quality French farm products directly to Chinese consumers.

Located in Guangzhou’s Baiyun District, the center spans an area of 2,000 mu (approximately 133 hectares), with its first phase covering over 910,000 square meters.

The complex will feature multi-level trading centers, a global food showcase center, a smart cold chain center, urban distribution hubs and an international exhibition center, catering to such products as fresh produce, imported ingredients, seafood and cut flowers. Its first phase is expected to host more than 2,000 vendors.

“The trading center will serve as a one-stop, high-quality procurement platform with an expected annual turnover exceeding 100 billion yuan (about 14 billion U.S. dollars),” said Zhou Zerong, chairman of KINGOLD Group.

According to Zhou, Rungis’ well-established management and operational expertise will contribute to an internationally oriented platform with standards that can facilitate the global flow of premium Chinese and French products.

Rungis International Market, known worldwide for its sophisticated food safety management and logistics systems, signed a close cooperation agreement with KINGOLD Group in April 2024.

Sylvain Fourriere, consul general of France in Guangzhou, said that the center will not only meet local needs but will also be an international hub for agricultural products, connecting the Greater Bay Area to global supply chains. It will launch a new era for agri-food trade, setting high standards in quality, sustainability and logistics.

“Among our strengths of cooperation, agri-food is a sector where our two countries share complementary expertise and know-how, as well as a real passion for gastronomy, particularly in the province of Guangdong,” Fourriere said.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: EU’s protectionist tariffs on Chinese EVs face backlash from industry, officials

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

The European Commission on Tuesday announced the imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), a decision that has sparked strong opposition from within the EU and key industry stakeholders.

Starting Wednesday, these tariffs will remain in place for five years with varying rates: 17 percent for BYD, 18.8 percent for Geely, and 35.3 percent for SAIC, among China’s leading automakers.

Additional firms that cooperated in the investigation will be subject to a 20.7-percent duty, while non-cooperative companies will incur the maximum 35.3-percent rate, according to the commission’s statement.

Despite this decision, the European Commission noted that the EU and China are still exploring alternative measures within WTO guidelines to address trade concerns.

The decision has sparked widespread discontent among EU member states and industry stakeholders alike. Critics argue that such tariffs could burden European consumers, strain EU-China trade and investment ties, hinder Europe’s transition to a greener automotive sector, and ultimately undermine global efforts to mitigate climate change.

Germany’s economy ministry reaffirmed its commitment to “open markets,” underscoring the country’s reliance on global trade networks and calling for continued negotiations with China to ease tensions while protecting EU industries.

Slovakia, a dissenting voice in the October vote, opposed the tariff increase. Prime Minister Robert Fico noted that China is “20 years ahead of us when it comes to EVs,” cautioning that heightened trade barriers could ultimately harm Europe more than China.

Industry leaders in the automotive sector echoed these concerns. Hildegard Muller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, criticized the tariffs as a “step backwards for global free trade,” warning of potential job losses, stunted economic growth, and weakened market prosperity, along with further trade disputes.

“The door for negotiations remains open. This is the only positive news today,” she said, urging sustained efforts toward open negotiations.

Major European automakers, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, voiced a unified stance against the tariffs, advocating for open markets that support fair competition.

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse warned that the tariffs could “harm the business model of globally active companies, limit the supply of electric cars to European customers and thus slow down decarbonization in the transport sector.”

Michael Schumann, chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, criticized the tariffs as counterproductive, arguing that they contradict Europe’s objectives of promoting electric mobility and advancing climate protection.

“The transition to electric mobility is a cornerstone of climate protection, and we need to support and advance that transition,” Schumann told Xinhua.

Experts have also weighed in, highlighting broader geopolitical influences. Boyan Chukov, a former foreign policy advisor to Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, argued that the United States is leveraging the EU in its economic competition with China.

“China is one of the countries most compliant with environmental regulations. In this regard, it stands as an example for other countries to follow,” he said, adding that the additional tariffs are driven by “political imperatives.”

Liang Guoyong, a senior economist with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, described the EU tariffs as “counterproductive.”

He noted that protective and restrictive trade measures on green products, such as EVs, conflict with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and could increase costs for European consumers.

“Imposing these tariffs would only undermine the economic interests of both importers and exporters and threaten global climate change progress,” Liang warned.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Maria Anna Mozart was a musical prodigy overshadowed by her brother. A new documentary tells her story

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diane Charleson, Senior Lecturer in media School of Arts Australian Catholic University, Australian Catholic University

Alina Gozin’a

Award-winning director Madeleine Hetherton-Miau’s latest offering is an evocative and hard-hitting documentary with a strong message. Mozart’s Sister investigates the life of Maria Anna Mozart, the older sister of the more famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The film portrays a sensitive and well-researched investigation into Maria Anna’s life – illuminating how the draconian attitudes that prevailed during her time condemned her to a lesser life than her brother, even though she was similarly talented.

It also reminds us of the importance of championing women musicians today, as “if we don’t encourage women now, it (discrimination) only repeats”.

Who was Maria Anna Mozart?

Maria Anna was the first-born child of Leopold Mozart. He himself was a musician and composer and had his daughter schooled in music from a very young age.

Maria showed amazing talent – a child prodigy in playing and composing. When Wolfgang was born, he quickly became engrossed in playing and composing music with his sister.

Mozart’s Sister features wonderfully poignant recreations of this childhood bond over music – emphasising the siblings’ playfulness and engagement with music in a noncompetitive way.

Leopold recognised his children’s prodigious talents. He soon had them travelling and playing concerts all over Europe, where they were lauded by the highest aristocracy. Maria Anna and Wolfgang were inseparable during this time and composed many works together.

Maria Anna and Wolfgang composed many works together.
Madeleine Hetherton-Miau

Women musicians in the 18th century

But all of this came to an abrupt end with Maria Anna turned 15. As custom would dictate, it was considered unsuitable and unseemly for a girl of that age to perform in public, likening this form of public performance to that of a prostitute.

The film portrays the unfortunate fate that befell many 18th-century women who wanted to pursue a career in music. Regardless of their aptitude, these women would have no real career prospects. They were even banned from playing musical instruments deemed unseemly, including the violin and cello.

Composing and playing music was largely taken up by the nuns in monasteries. As Mozart’s Sister highlights, even though this was a time of enlightenment, this “enlightenment” was reserved for men – and white men at that. It definitely didn’t flow on to women.

Maria Anna was forced to stay home while Wolfgang continued pursuing music uninterrupted – and the rest is history.

Maria Anna’s musical talents weren’t encouraged the way her younger brother’s were.
Shannon Ruddock

The film ponders what it must have been like for her to be left at home, away from her brother (who was once her constant companion) and unable to play as she used to. Her life is poignantly illustrated through her diary entries, which are mainly filled with references to the weather, as though nothing else was happening for her.

Maria Anna eventually married, but continued to practice music each day. Upon her husband’s death – now a woman of means and a baroness in her 50s – she returned to solo concert performances.

A documentary on two levels

Mozart’s Sister is a documentary that functions on many levels.

On one level, it’s a biopic that portrays Maria Anna’s story through recreations of her childhood in Austria, with a voiceover narration and interviews highlighting her relationship with her brother. Much is shot on location in Austria and framed through the perspective of present-day museum curators and experts.

On another level, the film is a broader statement on the underrepresentation of female composers. I thought the director did an excellent job in portraying this duality through the juxtaposition of Maria Anna’s with the young British composer Alma Deustger. Deustger displayed many of the characteristics we could imagine Maria Anna having.

Like Maria Anna, Deustger is a brilliant modern-day composer with a deep appreciation for for composing and conducting. But unlike Maria, she has been able to pursue her passion and turn it into a career. I was particularly struck by the film’s closing, in which Deustger discusses writing her waltz based on the police sirens of New York.

Mozart’s Sister follows in a recent literary trend of discussions of appropriation – and of the overlooking of talented women in history who have been overshadowed by their more famous male counterparts. Anna Funder’s Wifedom and Hernan Diaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Trust are two other examples of this.

It is an interesting and provocative film that will appeal to classical music lovers, as well as those interested more broadly in the issue of female underrepresentation in the arts.

Mozart’s Sister is in cinemas from today.

Diane Charleson 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. Maria Anna Mozart was a musical prodigy overshadowed by her brother. A new documentary tells her story – https://theconversation.com/maria-anna-mozart-was-a-musical-prodigy-overshadowed-by-her-brother-a-new-documentary-tells-her-story-241794

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff, Secure Over $60 Million to Improve Rail Safety Across Georgia Through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff, Secure Over $60 Million to Improve Rail Safety Across Georgia Through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Georgia Department of Transportation will receive $8,496,000 to improve rail line in Lowndes and Berrien Counties

The Georgia Ports Authority will receive $26,521,740 to finalize designs and build improvements at Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal

Funding provided through federal CRISI program Senator Reverend Warnock championed through the Senate Commerce committee

Senator Reverend Warnock: “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver historic investments for Georgians in every corner of the state. This latest grant will help mitigate congestion, build new tracks, and reinforce existing tracks leading to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable rail transportation and shipping”

Senator Ossoff: “After hearing from communities statewide about aging railroad infrastructure conditions Senator Warnock and I elevated this as one of our highest priorities”

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a member of the Senate Commerce committee charged with overseeing the nation’s transportation policies, and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced they secured $60,324,102 in federal funding to strengthen railroad safety across Georgia. The funds were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, championed by the senators for its investments in Georgia, and administered through the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. Senator Warnock successfully strengthened the CRISI Program to deliver for Georgia during negotiations for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and wrote letters of support championing funding for the Georgia Ports Authority, Patriot Rail Company, and OmniTRAX Holdings projects.

The Georgia Ports Authority will receive $26,521,740 to finalize designs and build improvements at Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal. This includes constructing a new South Side Rail Yard with four additional tracks (about 23,735 feet), an auto parking area, and a perimeter road, as well as adding a grade separation at SCM Road. Additionally, the existing Myd-Harris Yard will be reconfigured to improve efficiency and shift rail operations away from nearby neighborhoods.

The Georgia Department of Transportation will receive $8,496,000 to improve the CPR GF rail line in Lowndes and Berrien Counties. This project includes upgrading tracks, rehabilitating bridges and sidings, and adding a new spur. These upgrades will help maintain large freight capacity, enable speeds of 25 mph, enhance crossing safety, improve reliability, reduce future maintenance costs, and support local economic growth with improved infrastructure.

“Our communities thrive when we are better connected, which is why I have been focused on strengthening rail safety and infrastructure in Georgia, and why I was proud to champion efforts in the Senate to strengthen the CRISI program allowing these funds to flow our state,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver historic investments for Georgians in every corner of the state. This latest grant will help mitigate congestion, build new tracks, and reinforce existing tracks leading to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable rail transportation and shipping.”

“After hearing from communities statewide about aging railroad infrastructure conditions Senator Warnock and I elevated this as one of our highest priorities. Resources through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are now flowing across the State of Georgia to plan and begin construction to address this crisis. We’ve listened, we’ve heard, we’ve acted, and help is on the way,” said Senator Ossoff.

The purpose of the CRISI Program is to invest in a wide range of projects within the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability; mitigate congestion at both intercity passenger and freight rail chokepoints to support the more efficient movement of both people and goods; enhance multi-modal connections; and lead to new or substantially improved Intercity Passenger Rail Transportation corridors.

See a full breakdown of the grants below:

Grant Recipient	Project Description	Federal Award Amount
Georgia Ports Authority	Final design and construction to improve the Myd-Harris Yard and build the new South Side Rail Yard at the Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick, GA. Specifically, for the South Side Rail Yard, the project would construct four new yard tracks, estimated at approximately 23,735 feet of track, and construct south side auto parking area and a perimeter road, as well as grade separate the existing crossing at SCM Road. Additionally, it would lengthen and reconfigure tracks at the existing Myd-Harris Yard to improve operational efficiency and bring rail switching activities inside the terminal and away from the adjacent neighborhood.	$26,521,740
Georgia Department of Transportation	Final design/construction for a track and rail rehabilitation/upgrade, multibridge rehabilitation, siding rehabilitation, and the construction of a new spur on the CPR GF Line across Lowndes and Berrien Counties, Georgia. The objective of this Project is to preserve the railroad’s ability to accommodate 286,000-lb carloads and 25 mph operating speeds, enhance safety at grade crossings, support the reliability of freight movement by improving state of good repair, reduce future maintenance costs, and support economic development with new and improve siding and spur tracks.	$8,496,000
Patriot Rail Company LLC	Final design and construction activities to improve track conditions on eight Patriot railroads across the southeast.	$12,840,150
OmniTRAX Holdings Combined, Inc.	Final design and construction activities to replace railroad ties on four OmniTRAX-owned short lines across four states – Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, and Washington.	$12,466,212

Last December, Senators Warnock and Ossoff delivered $12 million in new Federal funding for a project in Jenkins County that will improve mobility by helping eliminate railway-highway crossings through the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program. Last year, Senator Warnock secured the passage of two critical provisions in the Railway Safety Act of 2023 to address stalled trains trapping Atlanta residents in their neighborhood, and would update the grant program to provide additional support for projects that would eliminate crossings near schools, along school bus routes. In August 2023, Senator Warnock urged Secretary Buttigieg to approve rail crossing improvements in Millen, GA, and in 2021, Senator Warnock joined Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) to introduce the bipartisan Railway Upgrades for Rural American Lines (RURAL) Act to build on the successes already found through the Section 130 grant program and help states modernize unsafe or functionally outdated railroad warning devices.

Senator Ossoff has worked alongside Senator Reverend Warnock to help Georgia communities address railroad crossings blockages. In September 2023, Senator Ossoff urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to support GDOT and Millen’s project. In June 2023, Senators Ossoff and Warnock delivered Federal resources for Chatham, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties through the bipartisan infrastructure law’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: United States of America
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 7 June 2023, 08:45 NZST
- Still current at: 31 October 2024
Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution in the United States due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

United States of America

Terrorism
The United States Department of Homeland Security regularly issues terrorism-related advice and updates. For current alerts, see the US National Terror Advisory System webpage.

The United States remains a target of terrorist interest, both from international terror groups and from domestic-based individual’s adhering to various forms of violent extremist ideologies. Credible information assessed by US authorities indicates that individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct terrorist attacks in the US. Attacks could be indiscriminate, targeting law enforcement officials, government buildings and areas frequented by foreigners including transport hubs and major events.

New Zealanders in the United States are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities and be aware of your surroundings in public places such as shopping malls, markets, monuments, places of worship, tourist destinations, demonstrations, large gatherings and on public transport.

In the event of an attack, leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so. Avoid the area in case of secondary attacks.

Crime
Petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in urban centres, tourist locations and on public transport. New Zealanders should stay alert to their surroundings, stay vigilant on public transport and avoid leaving belongings unattended, including in rental vehicles.

There is a higher incidence of violent crime and firearm possession than in New Zealand. In many states, it is legal for United States citizens to openly carry firearms in public. Violent crime has targeted individuals and groups from the LGBTQIA+ community and those with diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. However, crime rates vary considerably across cities and suburbs and while tourists are rarely targeted, there is always a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. New Zealanders should take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas including on public transport. Research your destination before travelling and seek local advice if you are concerned about levels of criminal activity.

Active shooter incidents occur in the United States. For advice on how to respond to an active shooter situation, please see the US Department of Homeland Security website.

You should exercise caution if crossing the border by car into Mexico from Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. There have been increased incidents of crime associated with drug trading and some foreign nationals have been targeted indiscriminately.

Be aware of rental and financial scams via websites and social media. Credit card and ATM fraud including debit card cloning is also a risk to travellers.

Civil Unrest and Political Tension
Protests and demonstrations regularly occur. We advise New Zealanders to follow any advice issued by the local authorities, monitor local media for developments and avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to result in violence.

Natural Disasters
The US can experience severe weather events, such as hurricanes, especially in May or June to November regularly impacting the eastern seaboard, Gulf Coast, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Tornados are most frequent and at their highest intensities across the Central Plains and parts of the Midwest. While tornadoes can form at any time of year, conditions are most favourable in the spring and summer months (March to September).

Severe snowstorms during winter can cause disruptions to critical infrastructure, including power cuts. Winter storms may also lead to widespread flight delays and cancellations.

Many parts of the US are also prone to earthquakes including Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington state and the US Virgin Islands.

Contact your travel operator or airline for the latest departure information, and monitor local weather forecasts. If there is a severe weather event, or natural disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities and keep your family and friends back in New Zealand informed of your safety and well-being.

General Travel Advice
The Transport Security Administration website provides guidance for airline passengers travelling to the United States.

Travellers carrying electronic devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, should be aware that these devices may be subject to security checks by United States border authorities.

Immigration regulations are strictly enforced. Overstaying can result in detention then deportation. See our United States travel tips.

New Zealanders travelling or resident in the United States should have comprehensive travel and medical insurance policies in place. Medical costs in the United States are extremely high and the New Zealand government cannot assist with medical expenses.

New Zealanders in the United States are encouraged to register their travel with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Washington DC, United States of America

Street Address 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Fax +1 202 667 5227 Email WSHinfo@mfat.govt.nz Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/united-states-of-america/new-zealand-embassy-to-the-united-states-of-america/ Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1700 hrs

The New Zealand Consulate-General Los Angeles, United States of America

Street Address Suite 600E, 2425 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Fax +1 310 566 6556 Email nzcg.la@mfat.net Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/united-states-of-america/new-zealand-consulate-general-los-angeles/ Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1300, 1330 – 1630 hrs

New Zealand Consulate-General Honolulu, United States of America

Street Address 733 Bishop Street, 2020, Honolulu, HI 96813 Telephone +1 808 675 5555 Fax +1 808 675 5561 Email HLUEnquiries@mfat.govt.nz

New Zealand Consulate-General New York, United States of America

Street Address 41st Floor, 295 Madison Ave, New York, 10017, United States of America Telephone +1 212 832 4038 Fax +1 212 832 7602 Hours Mon – Fri 0900 – 1230 hrs for consular calls

New Zealand Consulate Atlanta, United States of America

Street Address 47 Hawk Road, Newnan, Georgia 30263, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email newzealand@mindspring.com

New Zealand Consulate Boston, United States of America

Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email nzconsulboston@gmail.com

New Zealand Consulate Chicago, United States of America

Street Address 1223 Oakwood Lane, Glenview, IL 60025 Postal Address 1223 Oakwood Lane, 6400 Shafer Ct 60025, Glenview, IL Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email nzconsulatechicago@gmail.com

New Zealand Consulate Houston, United States of America

Street Address 4424 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77041, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email connelly@nzhonoraryconsul.org

New Zealand Consulate Oregon, United States of America

Street Address 430 SW 13th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email cjs@theswindells.org

New Zealand Consulate Sacramento, United States of America

Street Address 44733 North El Macero Drive, El Macero, CA 95618 – 1066, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email starrned@msn.com

New Zealand Consulate Salt Lake City, United States of America

Street Address 1655 Linden Lane, Bountiful, UT 84010, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email Iain.mckay1@hotmail.com

New Zealand Consulate San Francisco (Northern California), United States of America

Postal Address PO Box 1276, Burlingame, CA 94010, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email NewZealandHCSF@gmail.com

New Zealand Consulate Seattle, United States of America

Street Address 4010 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Suite 300, Kirkland WA 98033, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email NZHonConSeattleWA@outlook.com

See our regional advice for North America

Top of page

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 25, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK MOBILIST & PSE strengthen partnership, boost capital markets
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

UK MOBILIST and PSE strengthen ongoing partnership with IPO Forum and Policy Reform Dialogue to boost Philippine capital markets.
28 October 2024, Manila – The UK government’s MOBILIST programme co-hosted a flagship investment forum and a capital reform dialogue with the Philippine Stock Exchange this week.

MOBILIST is supporting the Philippines in fostering a robust and resilient capital market to advance inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

The Philippine Stock Exchange and MOBILIST hosted events to bolster the Philippines’ capital markets, attract foreign investment, and support sustainable development through public offerings.

The Road to IPO 2024 Forum on 22 October, an annual flagship PSE event, offered businesses invaluable insights from industry leaders and market experts on navigating the path to a successful Initial Public Offering. The event was held in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and co-hosted by the UK government through MOBILIST.

On 23 October, the Philippine Capital Market Policy Dialogue brought together stakeholders from the Philippine government, regulatory bodies, and the private sector to discuss crucial policy reforms aimed at strengthening the financial sector. The dialogue explored legislative efforts, including the Capital Market Reform Act, which seeks to enhance financial inclusion and attract wider participation in the Philippine stock market.

The events come after MOBILIST made a significant $12.5 million investment in the Initial Public Offering of Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation on the PSE in June this year. MOBILIST established a partnership with the PSE in 2023 to ensure greater investment in sustainable development in the Philippines via products listed on the exchange.

The UK’s continued partnership with the PSE aims to unlock new opportunities for companies and investors, enhance market transparency, and accelerate the Philippines’ journey toward financial inclusion and long-term investment competitiveness. As the Philippines continues to evolve as a key player in the global investment landscape, these collaborative efforts will play a crucial role in shaping a more dynamic and sustainable capital market for the future. The ongoing dialogue and shared vision between the UK and the Philippines set the stage for long-term growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, said:  

I am delighted that the UK is partnering with the Philippine Stock Exchange to deepen the domestic capital market and promote more sustainable and inclusive economic development. Supported by the Philippine government’s policy reform initiative, MOBILIST’s collaboration with the PSE is helping to promote wider domestic stock market participation while attracting more foreign investments to key sectors, including those driving the clean energy transition.

Ross Ferguson, who leads the MOBILIST programme at the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, said:

MOBILIST is proud to continue our partnership with the PSE to support the Philippines in mobilising greater investment toward the country’s sustainable development and climate transition. This includes our investment in CREC, as well as MOBILIST’s support to bring together capital market participants, policymakers, and regulators to foster dialogue and collaboration to create a conducive environment for investing in the SDGs via public markets.

Ramon S. Monzon, President and Chief Executive Officer at PSE, says:

The prevailing market environment serves as an ideal backdrop for discussions to spur IPO listings and policies aimed at making the Philippine capital market more competitive. We are grateful to MOBILIST for co-hosting these back-to-back events with PSE and we hope to have more collaborative endeavors in the future. We are also looking forward to more MOBILIST-supported companies going public in the near future.

As the Philippines continues to evolve as a key player in the global investment landscape, these collaborative efforts will play a crucial role in shaping a more dynamic and sustainable capital market for the future. The ongoing dialogue and shared vision between the UK and the Philippines set the stage for long-term growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity.

ENDS

About the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office

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Published 31 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Trust matters but we also need these 3 things to boost vaccine coverage
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Holly Seale, Associate Professor, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney

Julien Jean Zayatz/Shutterstock

Australia’s COVID vaccine roll-out started slowly, with supply shortages and logistical shortcomings. Once it got going, we immunised more than 95% of the population.

This week’s COVID inquiry report contains a number of recommendations to improve Australia’s vaccine preparedness the next time we face a pandemic or health emergency.

While the inquiry gets most things right, as vaccine experts, we argue the government response should be broadened in three areas:
- expanding compensation programs for people who suffer any type of vaccine injury
- better understanding why people aren’t up-to-date with their vaccinations
- equipping community helpers in marginalised communities to deliver information about vaccines and combat misinformation.
Australians should be compensated after vaccine injuries – not just during pandemics

The inquiry recommends reviewing Australia’s COVID vaccine claims scheme in the next 12 to 18 months, to inform future schemes in national health emergencies.

Early in the pandemic, vaccine experts called on the Australian government to establish a COVID vaccine injury compensation scheme.

This meant people who were injured after suffering a rare but serious injury, or the families of those who died, would receive compensation when there had been no fault in the manufacturing or administration of the vaccine.

Vaccine experts recommended the creation of such a scheme based on the principle of reciprocity. The Australian public was asked to accept the recommended COVID vaccines in good faith for their health benefit and the benefit of the community. So they should be compensated if something went wrong.

In 2021, the Australian government announced the COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme. Australia had no such scheme before this, in stark contrast to 25 other countries including the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Australia’s scheme closed on September 30 2024.

The inquiry report recommends reviewing:
- the complexity of the claims process
- delayed or denied payments
- any links between the scheme and vaccine hesitancy.
However, this is currently framed only within the scope of the scheme being used for future epidemic or pandemic responses.

Instead, we need a permanent, ongoing vaccine compensation scheme for all routine vaccines available on the National Immunisation Program.

As we’ve learnt from similar schemes in other countries, this would contribute to the trust and confidence needed to improve the uptake of vaccines currently on the program, and new ones added in the future. It is also right and fair to look after those injured by vaccines in rare instances.

Not getting vaccinated isn’t just about a lack of trust

The COVID inquiry recommends developing a national strategy to rebuild community trust in vaccines and improve vaccination rates, including childhood (non-COVID) vaccine rates, which are currently declining.

The COVID vaccine program has affected trust in routine vaccines. Childhood vaccine coverage has declined 1–2%. And there is a persistent issue around timeliness – kids not getting their vaccines within 30 days of the recommended time point.

The national Vaxinsights project examined the social and behavioural drivers of under-vaccination among parents of children under five years. It found access issues were the main barriers to partially vaccinated children. Cost, difficulty making an appointment and the ability to prioritise appointments due to other conflicting needs were other barriers. Trust was not a major barrier for this group.

However for unvaccinated children, vaccine safety and effectiveness concerns, and trust in information from the health-care provider, were the leading issues, rather than access barriers.

To improve childhood vaccination rates, governments need to monitor the social and behavioural drivers of vaccination over time to track changes in vaccine acceptance. They also need to address barriers to accessing immunisation services, including affordability and clinic opening hours.

It is also imperative we learn from the lessons during COVID and better engage communities and priority populations, such as First Nations communities, people with disabilities and those from different cultural groups, to build trust and improve access through community drop-in and outreach vaccine programs.

To address the decline in adult COVID vaccination we need to focus on perceptions of need, risk and value, rather than just focusing on trust. If adults don’t think they are at risk, they won’t get the vaccine. Unfortunately, when it comes to COVID, people have moved on and few people believe they need boosters.

Variant changes or enhancements to the vaccine (such as combined vaccines to protect against COVID and flu, or RSV or vaccines with long last protection) may encourage people to get vaccinated in the future. In the meantime, we agree with the inquiry that we should focus on those most at risk of severe outcomes, including residents in aged care and those with chronic health conditions.

Invest in community-led strategies to improve uptake

The COVID inquiry recommends developing a communication strategy for health emergencies to ensure all Australians, including those in priority populations, families and industries, have the information they need.

While these are not strictly focused on the promotion of vaccination, the suggestions – including the need to work closely with and fund community and representative organisations – are aligned with what our COVID research showed.

However, the government should go one step further. Communication about vaccines must be tailored, translated for different cultural groups, and easy to understand.

In some settings, messages about the vaccines will have the most impact if they come from a health-care worker. But this is not always the case. Some people prefer to hear from trusted voices from their own communities. In First Nations communities, these roles are often combined in the form of Aboriginal Health Workers.

We must support these voices in future health emergencies.

During COVID, there was insufficient support and training for community helpers – such as community leaders, faith leaders, bilingual community workers, and other trusted voices – to support their vaccine communication efforts.

The government should consider implementing a national training program to support those tasked (or volunteering) to pass on information about vaccines during health emergencies. This would provide them with the information and confidence they need to undertake this role, as well as equipping them to address misinformation.

Holly Seale is an investigator on research studies funded by NHMRC and has previously received funding from NSW Ministry of Health, as well as from Sanofi Pasteur, Moderna and Pfizer for investigator driven research and consulting fees.

Julie Leask receives a fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council and research funding from the World Health Organization. She received reimbursement for overseas travel costs from Sanofi in April 2024.

Margie Danchin receives funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, NHMRC/MRFF and DFAT.

– ref. Trust matters but we also need these 3 things to boost vaccine coverage – https://theconversation.com/trust-matters-but-we-also-need-these-3-things-to-boost-vaccine-coverage-242487
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
January 25, 2025

Contact:	Enstar Communications
Telephone:	+1 (441) 292-3645

Category: Europe

Source: Save the Children

IMF Communications Department

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About the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office

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Share this page

Updates to this page

Australians should be compensated after vaccine injuries – not just during pandemics

Not getting vaccinated isn’t just about a lack of trust

Invest in community-led strategies to improve uptake