Category: housing

MIL-OSI USA: $220.98 Million in Federal Funding Now Set for Washington Bridge Replacement

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02)

Building on previous Mega award, new $95.5 million INFRA grant is second significant pledge of federal aid totaling $220.98 million

Providence, RI – The effort to replace the westbound Washington Bridge got a major boost today as U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today joined with Governor Dan McKee in announcing a $95,589,533 INFRA (Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects program) grant for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT).

Together, with a previous $125.39 million Mega grant(also known as the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program) that the state was awarded in September, Rhode Island has now received $220.98 million in federal funding to replace the Washington Bridge, fully funding the state’s request for the project.

The new federal funds are being made available thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), which Reed and Whitehouse supported and was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021, delivering a 50 percent increase in the amount of available funding for INFRA grants, as well as resources for improving Rhode Island’s roads, bridges, public transportation, and water infrastructure.

The Washington Bridge, which spans the Seekonk River connecting East Providence to Providence and has a daily traffic volume of 90,000 vehicles, was shut down on December 11, 2023 after RIDOT discovered broken anchor rods that put the bridge at risk of failure.

“Securing this federal investment has been a top priority. Now the state must utilize this $220.98 million in federal funding to accelerate progress toward a new bridge that meets capacity and safety needs now and in the future,” said Reed, a leading member of the Appropriations Committee. “Passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law paved the way for this funding. I commend the Biden-Harris administration for its leadership, support, and commitment to a modern and resilient infrastructure system. The state must put this money to work and keep the public updated with a clear timetable for progress.”

“This INFRA Program infusion for the Washington Bridge fills in a major missing piece of the funding puzzle to ensure the state can get the job done right,” said Whitehouse, who helped author the INFRA program as a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “I am very proud that the INFRA Program is yet again delivering for Rhode Island’s infrastructure. We will continue to work as a delegation to secure whatever the state needs from the federal government to fix this situation for drivers.”

“My colleagues in the congressional delegation and I have done everything in our power to secure federal funding to rebuild the Washington Bridge, and with this latest tranche of funding, we have now brought over $220 million dollars for Rhode Island,” said Magaziner. “We are grateful for the Biden-Harris administration for their leadership and support in addressing this urgent matter. We will continue working together to ensure the Washington Bridge is rebuilt safely and properly.”

“I am excited to build off last month’s announcement that we are bringing home more federal funding to help Rhode Island replace the Washington Bridge,” said Amo. “Led by our state’s appropriator-in-chief, Senator Jack Reed, our delegation has fought tooth and nail to secure the resources our state requested. I thank President Joe Biden and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for listening to our repeated overtures about the need for resources to alleviate the burden on residents, small businesses, and first responders. I look forward to reviewing the plan from state officials so we can move towards the next chapter of getting our bridge built.”

“Securing a second major federal grant marks another important milestone in our work to build a brand new Washington Bridge,” said McKee. “We know that ensuring this complex project is done right will take time, but it’s encouraging to see demolition resuming this week, the rebuild bidding process moving forward, and additional federal dollars coming in. We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their commitment to Rhode Island and our top-notch congressional delegation for helping us secure this crucial funding.”

Overall, the state requested $220.9 million in federal funds to help replace the Washington Bridge and was initially awarded $125.39 million out of the total pool of about $1 billion of federal funds available for Mega grants of this size and scope nationwide.

Demolition of the bridge has already begun. In May of 2024, RIDOT estimated the price tag for replacing the bridge would include $58.2 million for demolition as well as $368.3 million for the design-build process.

Separate from the demolition and rebuild costs for the Washington Bridge, the state also estimated costs of approximately $46 million for emergency expenses, including work to stabilize the old bridge and estimated funding to account for both state and municipal safety and transportation-related expenses.

Rhode Island previously received a $60.3 million INFRA grant in 2019 to rebuild the Northbound Providence Viaduct; a $65 million INFRA grant in 2020 to overhaul Route 146; an $82.5 million INFRA grant in 2022 to upgrade the Pell Bridge; and an $81 million INFRA grant earlier this year to create a ‘missing move’ between I-95 and Quonset Business Park.

Rhode Island has now received two Mega awards to fund the Washington Bridge, totaling $125.39 million, as well as this new INFRA award.

These grants come on top of a $251 million federal Bridge Investment Grant the delegation secured earlier this year to repair 15 bridges along the I-95 corridor in Providence and Cranston.

Additionally, Rhode Island will also receive a total of $255 million in bridge formula funds over the life of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

With about 50,000 U.S. bridges with very significant issues awaiting attention, an estimated 40 percent of them can be rehabilitated, but at least 35 percent will require a complete replacement due to their condition, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).

This level of federal funding for Rhode Island infrastructure improvements stands in stark contrast to the previous administration. While Donald Trump routinely declared “Infrastructure Week,” his administration had little to show for it, whereas President Joe Biden oversaw passage of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars for bridge improvements across the Ocean State and continues to invest billions annually in America’s transportation network, communities, and workers.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: B.C. election: Party proposals on climate action point in opposite directions

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kathryn Harrison, Professor of Political Science, University of British Columbia

With affordability, housing and health care at the top of voters’ minds in British Columbia, they haven’t heard much about climate change with less than a week to go until the provincial election.

In fact, between B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad acknowledging that “man” is impacting the climate and the NDP’s reversal on the carbon tax, casual observers might conclude that the parties have converged on climate.

But a closer look at the platforms and policy announcements of the province’s Conservatives, New Democrats and Greens reveals fundamental differences on almost every climate-related policy.

While there is uncertainty about how much B.C.’s emissions would decline under another NDP government, they would almost certainly increase under a new Conservative one.

Climate action measures

The parties differ on the threat posed by climate change and urgency of action. The NDP and Green platforms both acknowledge the “climate crisis,” and each devotes a chapter on protecting communities from extreme weather, such as flooding, wildfires and heat domes like the one that occurred in 2021.

Read more:
How an ‘atmospheric river’ drenched British Columbia and led to floods and mudslides

In contrast, the Conservatives claim climate change is not a crisis and that wildfires are a natural occurrence, without acknowledging how the blazes are amplified by climate change-driven heat and drought. The party favours adaptation technology over a “doom cult” perspective.

The three parties also present very different visions of B.C.’s economic future. Both the NDP and Greens emphasize the province’s comparative advantage in clean energy, and commit to skills training for the renewable energy and clean tech sectors.

In contrast, the Conservative proposal for a “free and prosperous” B.C. does not mention climate change or clean energy, while the party’s “clean energy” announcement embraces natural gas heating and oil-powered vehicles.

The Conservatives propose to scrap “any and all carbon taxes,” which suggests both the consumer and industrial carbon taxes. Although the party indicates it would do so “regardless of what happens in Ottawa,” the current federal government would respond by imposing both federal carbon taxes, as it has in other provinces.

The NDP would repeal only the consumer tax if the federal government does. The Greens would retain both taxes and remove sectoral benchmarks below which industrial polluters don’t pay the tax.

On electricity, the NDP proposes to double renewable electricity capacity by 2050 to substitute for declining consumption of fossil fuels. The party highlights BC Hydro’s recent call for clean power, which yielded proposals for triple the capacity originally sought.

The Greens similarly propose to expand rooftop solar and other renewables. The Conservatives welcome “all power sources,” including renewables, but also natural gas plants and nuclear.

Flood waters cover highway 1 in Abbotsford, B.C., in November 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Managing emissions

Transportation contributes the largest share of B.C.’s emissions at 35 per cent. The Conservatives would repeal the zero-emissions vehicle mandate and low-carbon fuel standard. The other two parties would retain those policies, and both commit to expanding electric vehicle charging networks.

Oil and gas accounts for the next largest share of B.C.’s emissions at 20 per cent. The NDP election platform commits to implement a cap on oil and gas emissions. In addition, the NDP government announced in 2023 that future liquid natural gas (LNG) approvals will be conditional on net-zero operations within the province.

The Conservative Party seeks to double LNG capacity, without mention of either an oil-and-gas cap or net-zero commitment. For their part, the Greens would reject all future LNG development, ban fracking and manage a decline of gas production.

Buildings contribute another 15 per cent of provincial emissions. The NDP government has published documents that propose provincewide adoption of a zero-emission standard for new buildings and high-efficiency heating equipment standards that would significantly reduce gas consumption in existing buildings.

The NDP and Greens both promise financial support for rooftop solar, home retrofits and heat pumps. In contrast, the Conservatives argue, without evidence, that the grid cannot support heat pumps and promise to repeal the voluntary zero-carbon building code and a “ban” on natural gas heating.

B.C. has been a climate laggard

B.C. has been slow to act on climate. That will make it very challenging to meet our 2030 emissions target.

But progress will only be made by strengthening climate policies, something both the NDP and Greens commit to do.

In contrast, the Conservatives promise to repeal current climate policies and halt development of others. But with a growing population and plans for LNG expansion, B.C.’s emissions would increase rather than decline under that strategy.

As B.C. voters prepare to cast their ballots this week, they’ve got a lot to contemplate on climate.

Kathryn Harrison receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. She is chair of the mitigation advisory panel of the Canadian Climate Institute, and a member of British Columbia’s Climate Solutions Council, but her comments do not represent either body nor the University of British Columbia.

– ref. B.C. election: Party proposals on climate action point in opposite directions – https://theconversation.com/b-c-election-party-proposals-on-climate-action-point-in-opposite-directions-241334

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis announces $800,000 in pre-development grants now available for Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBank Indianapolis” or the “Bank”) announced today that pre-development affordable housing grants are now available to the 12 federally recognized tribal nations located in Michigan through the Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program (TNHDAP).

Announced earlier this year, the TNHDAP is a unique and innovative capacity-building housing development grant program in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The TNHDAP provides dedicated training and technical assistance coupled with grant funding opportunities to support tribal nations in creating innovative housing solutions tailored to the unique needs of each nation. The Bank’s program grant of up to $3 million marks the largest investment to a single organization in FHLBank Indianapolis history.

FHLBank Indianapolis is making $800,000 available for project-specific pre-development grants with up to $75,000 available per project. Pre-development dollar grants may support either rental or homeownership projects, dependent upon individual tribal priorities.

“Pre-development grants are often the hardest type of funding to find, and one of the most impactful tools to help kickstart projects,” said Anna Shires, VP, Community Investment Outreach Partner at the Bank. “We’re excited to complement all of the technical assistance underway, and help tribes get one major step closer to providing safe and affordable housing for their communities.”

Through the program, the Bank also will be providing project-specific gap funding subsidies as well as supporting additional capacity building needs identified by tribal nations in Michigan. Through next year, each tribe also will receive dedicated technical assistance to identify their unique housing needs, support for overall housing initiatives and project-specific guidance.

In keeping with the knowledge and capacity-building focus of the program, the National American Indian Housing Council and its partners facilitated a series of training sessions earlier this year focusing on the wide range of available affordable housing solutions. Sessions focused on multi-unit development, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LITHC) and other funding sources, housing development for special needs populations, and homeownership development opportunities. Sessions included presentations and discussions between the tribes and FHLBank Indianapolis, MSHDA, HUD leadership, the Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care, and local and national housing and finance industry leaders.

“The completion of this training series represents a significant commitment of time and effort, and we commend everyone involved for their dedication to this critical work,” said Karen Gagnon, Tribal Liaison for MSHDA. “It’s truly exciting to see the program entering its next phase. This support will play a pivotal role in advancing essential housing projects for these communities, and we look forward to the far-reaching impact of these new investments and partnerships.”

For more information about the pre-development grants, visit the Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program page on MSHDA’s website.

More information on the Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program is available at fhlbi.com. For information on FHLBank Indianapolis’ other programs to support affordable housing and community development, see the Community Programs page on fhlbi.com.

Media contact information:
For more information, contact Katherine Marshall, Corporate Communications Specialist, at kmarshall@fhlbi.com.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis: Building Partnerships. Serving Communities
FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to provide access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members’ customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded, and they receive no Congressional appropriations. One of 11 independent regional cooperative banks across the U.S., FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit http://www.fhlbi.com and follow the Bank on LinkedIn, and Instagram and X at @FHLBankIndy.

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: World Food Day: How the new Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance will use digital technologies to help farmers in Africa feed the continent

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

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 16, 2024/APO Group/ —

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and Mastercard are co-chairing a new initiative called Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance Africa, which aims to provide digital access to critical services for 100 million people and businesses in Africa over the next 10 years. In the first phase of its $300 million commitment to the Alliance’s initial five years of programming, the African Development Bank aims to bring 3 million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria into the digital economy via Mastercard Community Pass. Community Pass gives farmers a digital credential to access a network of digital agricultural agents.

Alliance members include Equity Bank Group, Microsoft, Heifer International, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation, Unconnected.org, Yara, Kenya National Farmers’ Federation, Shell Foundation, and CRDB Bank. The Alliance also utilizes financial support from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

For World Food Day, we asked African Development Bank Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Dr. Beth Dunford, about the possibilities digitalization brings to Africa’s farmers and food systems.

Why did MADE Alliance Africa choose to focus on the digitization of agriculture for smallholder farmers and women as its first initiative, and why do you think the African agriculture sector holds so much potential?

Dunford: Africa is home to 65% of the planet’s remaining uncultivated, arable land, and we believe that agriculture is a critical sector to drive Africa’s development. Agriculture accounts for nearly 60% of total employment in Africa and accounts for more than 25% of GDP in its low-income countries. Across the continent, there’s no agriculture without women. They provide an estimated 60% to 80% of labor input to the sector. Growth in agriculture is terribly effective compared to many other sectors in lifting people out of poverty, providing degrees of agency to women, feeding Africa’s people, and positioning the continent as a breadbasket to the world.

Our challenge is that the majority of Africa’s food systems producers are smallholder farmers who, simply put, struggle from season to season due to a lack of access to quality inputs like seeds and fertilizer, or access to affordable financing to purchase farming necessities. Africa’s smallholder farmers have various needs that the MADE Alliance Africa can solve by boosting sustainable digital access to critical services. Through the MADE Alliance, Mastercard Community Pass works with local banks to provide digital credentials to millions of smallholder farmers and women. Digital identities are the gateway to accessing digital services and to high-quality inputs. Digitalizing agriculture and the distribution of goods will bring enormous efficiencies to the marketplace, as well as reduce waste and fraud across the ecosystem.

Mastercard’s Community Pass can help establish digital credentials for millions of farmers, bring more transparency to pricing and help them access agricultural inputs. What are the challenges involved in bringing this solution to market, and how can they be overcome?

Dunford: Community Pass is designed to operate in remote and rural communities — often with limited connectivity and energy access. This technology, to adapt a popular phrase, “meets farmers where they are.” However, there are challenges involved in delivering these solutions and connecting smallholder farmers and women to financial institutions — challenges that we believe can be overcome or mitigated through capacity building, infrastructure and new models for governments and the private sector to work together.

To scale these technologies to more farmers in a timely manner, we need to work with farmer cooperatives and networks of member farmers who reap many benefits of doing business as a unit. The challenge is that the majority of farmer cooperatives in Africa are not as operationally efficient as they are in other regions, and the prevalence of digital literacy is relatively low. Africa needs significant investment to educate farmers on how they can benefit from digital technologies to access resources.

MADE Alliance’s digital services can connect farmers to new buyers and suppliers who are physically far away, but costs to transport goods to market remain a barrier. Critically, farmers and women need digital devices and reliable connectivity to take advantage of the digital economy.

Can you talk a little more about how the MADE Alliance will benefit women?

Dunford: Roughly half of Africa’s smallholder farmers are women, with the majority of agriculture sector labor carried out by women. However, compared to their male counterparts, female farmers struggle to create a sustainable livelihood in agriculture because they are less likely to own property titles or other assets often needed to access financial services. Women farmers have less access to information and extension services, and they lack access to inputs such as seeds and fertilizers. They are disproportionately impacted by climate risks. Collectively, these challenges result in women farmers typically producing up to 20% to 30% less output than male farmers.

Community Pass helps women make farming a sustainable livelihood by enabling access to critical service providers like banks and agricultural buyers, as well as creating transparency.

Women are the backbone of African economies, and investing in women entrepreneurs fosters women’s empowerment and agency over decisions around business, family and community. Investing in Africa’s women entrepreneurs is smart economics. Investing in Africa’s women has been a cornerstone of the Bank’s work. In fact, no Bank project or program will receive Bank financing unless it details how it will benefit women.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ERO New York City arrests unlawfully present Venezuelan national convicted of assaulting NYPD officers in Times Square

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

NEW YORK — On Oct. 10, Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City arrested Darwin Andres Gomez Izquiel, an unlawfully present noncitizen and national of Venezuela, who was convicted by the New York County Supreme Court of assault in the second degree with intent to cause injury to an officer/fireman/EMT July 29 for his participation in the widely publicized gang assault on two NYPD officers in Times Square.

Officers from the Criminal Apprehension Program arrested Gomez upon release from the custody of the New York City Department of Corrections pursuant to an ICE detainer and warrant of arrest. He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

“Gomez-Izquiel is a criminal and threat to the public servants, residents and businesses of New York City,” said ERO New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo. “We will not allow our communities to become safe havens for noncitizens who refuse to abide our laws. ERO New York City will continue to work with unending determination to apprehend and remove these violent criminal offenders.”

On Aug. 23, 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered Gomez near the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, after he unlawfully entered the United States without inspection, admission or parole by an immigration official. U.S. Border Patrol initially processed Gomez as an expedited removal after serving him with an order of expedited removal. Two days later, Gomez withdrew his application for admission to the United States and voluntarily returned to Mexico via the Brownsville Port of Entry.

U.S. Border Patrol again encountered Gomez near the Del Rio Sector on Oct. 3, 2023, after unlawfully entered the United States at a time and place other than as designated by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Border Patrol issued Gomez a notice to appear charging inadmissibility pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, provided him with an immigration judge hearing date for June 4, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee, and released him on his own recognizance with specific reporting instructions for the nearest ERO office of his intended destination. There is no indication that he complied with those reporting instructions.

On Jan. 27, 2024, the NYPD arrested Gomez for the crimes of assault on police officer/fireman/EMT, second-degree gang assault, obstruction of governmental administration and disorderly conduct. The next day, Gomez was arraigned on the charges and released on his own recognizance.

That same day, ERO New York City lodged an immigration detainer with the New York City Department of Corrections’ Rikers Custody Management Unit against Gomez’s release.

Gomez did not appear for his removal hearing before an immigration judge in Memphis June 4 due to his incarceration on Rikers Island in the custody of the New York City Department of Corrections. The presiding immigration judge did not take action on his case.

On July 29, the New York County Supreme Court convicted Gomez of assault in the second degree with intent to cause injury to an officer/fireman/EMT and obstruct governmental administration and sentenced him to a custodial term of 364 days.

As part of its mission to identify and arrest removable noncitizens, ERO lodges immigration detainers against noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity and taken into custody by state or local law enforcement. An immigration detainer is a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to state or local law enforcement agencies to notify ICE as early as possible before a removable noncitizen is released from their custody. Detainers request that state or local law enforcement agencies maintain custody of the noncitizen for a period not to exceed 48 hours beyond the time the individual would otherwise be released, allowing ERO to assume custody for removal purposes in accordance with federal law.

Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Because detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the ICE online tip form.

Learn more about ERO New York City’s mission to increase public safety in our New York City communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ERONewYork.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Statement by Governor Murphy on the Murder of Cumberland County Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley

Source: US State of New Jersey

“I am outraged and heartbroken by the murder of Sgt. Monica Mosley, who was shot and killed during a home invasion in Bridgeton last night.”

“As a detective with the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Sgt. Mosley served her community with distinction, working every day to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Cumberland County. This act of violence impacts our entire law enforcement community and all of New Jersey.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved Sgt. Mosley. May she rest in peace.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Pressley Joins Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Economic Mobility Hub at Rindge Commons
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley Secured $250K in Federal Funds to Support Project

Video (YouTube) | Photo (Dropbox)

BOSTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) joined Just A Start, elected officials and community advocates and members for the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Economic Mobility Hub at Rindge Commons, a 70,000-square-foot facility designed to address the evolving needs of the community. Rep. Pressley secured $250,000 in federal community project funding to support the center.

The center brings together affordable housing, state-of-the-art job training for youth and adults, Universal Pre-K classrooms, and community resources—all under one roof. By consolidating services, the Hub will serve over 2,800 individuals annually, building long-term pathways to economic stability and opportunity in the region.

“Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at Rindge Commons is a testament to the commitment Just A Start and our communities have to uplifting one another and expanding economic opportunities for our neighbors,” said Rep. Pressley. “I was proud to secure $250,000 in federal community project funding to make this effort a reality, and I look forward to seeing the long-term impact the Economic Mobility Hub will have on families across the Massachusetts 7^th.”

“The Rindge Commons is an incredible example of collaboration and partnership,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Not only did its development involve federal and state agencies and the private sector, but this building also addresses our state’s need for affordable housing and promotes economic development in Cambridge. Our administration was proud to support this expansion, and we congratulate the team at Just A Start for their hard work.”

“We are thrilled to see Just A Start growing with its new addition of the Economic Mobility Hub at Rindge Commons,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “This project will support affordable housing, a safe space for children, and career training for adults. We congratulate Just a Start on its expansion, and we’re so grateful for its work supporting Massachusetts residents.”

“MassHousing is thrilled to be a partner in Just A Start’s Rindge Commons that has delivered 24 brand-new affordable rental homes as well the dynamic Economic Mobility Hub that will be providing educational and job-training opportunities for youth and adults,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “This development will also allow Just A Start to coordinate its many mission-driven community programs and efforts to promote equitable communities in greater Cambridge from one new, integrated space.”

“The Rindge Commons development is aligned with LIIF’s commitment to support projects that build equity, opportunity, and wellbeing in communities that need it most,” said Kirsten Shaw, Vice President of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions of Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF). “The development’s wide-ranging impact will improve vibrancy and quality of life in the community, and we’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to support this project with New Markets Tax Credits and additional financing. The Rindge project demonstrates how important public-private partnerships are to driving community revitalization and resiliency efforts.”

Footage of the event can be found here and photos are here.

Rep. Pressley secured federal funding for the center in the Fiscal Year 2024 government spending package that passed Congress and was signed into law by President Biden. Rep. Pressley has secured approximately $35 million in federal community project funding for the Massachusetts 7^th since Fiscal Year 2022.
- On June 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Boston Medical Center (BMC) to celebrate $370,000 in federal community project funding she secured to support BMC’s Violence Intervention Advocacy Program.
- On June 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Chelsea HealthCare Center to celebrate $1,150,000 in federal community project funding she secured to support Massachusetts General Hospital’s (MGH) efforts to address the statewide shortage of bilingual, culturally diverse mental health providers for immigrant and limited English proficiency communities.
- On April 22, 2204, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) visited Nubian Square in Roxbury for a roundtable discussion to celebrate the $1,000,000 million in federal funding they secured for the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA).
- On March 28, 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Roxbury to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal funding she secured to provide emergency childcare support for families experiencing homelessness in the City of Boston.
- In February 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Chelsea City Hall for a roundtable and press conference to celebrate the $750,000 in federal funding she secured for the City of Chelsea’s and City of Everett’s Island End River Coastal Flood Resilience Project.
- In January 2024, Rep. Pressley visited Somerville to celebrate the $2.4 million in federal funding she secured to support the community-led transformation of the Clarendon Hill housing community, an ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse neighborhood.
- In December 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Brighton to celebrate $400,000 she delivered for Amplify Latinx’s ALX Small Business Program.
- In November 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Roxbury Community College (RCC) to celebrate $1 million in federal community project funding she secured for Northeastern University’s Roxbury Associate’s to Master’s Workforce Accelerator (RA2MWA).
- In June 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Chelsea to celebrate $2,000,000 in federal community project funding she secured to improve the Broadway Corridor—home to an array of BIPOC-owned small businesses, vibrant public spaces, high frequency public transit routes, and dense residential housing.
- In April 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Randolph to celebrate $524,000 she secured for Randolph Public Schools to support a mobile library and STEM programming.
- In March 2023, Rep. Pressley visited Dorchester to celebrate $250,000 in new Community Project Funding she secured for Big Sister Association of Greater Boston’s one-to-one mentoring and enrichment programs for girls.
- In February 2023, Rep. Pressley visited the African Community Economic Development of New England (ACEDONE) to celebrate the $643,003 in community project funding she secured for ACEDONE to support small businesses in predominately Black, brown and African immigrant communities.
- In October 2022, Rep. Pressley visited The Dimock Center in Roxbury to celebrate $1 million in federal community project funding she secured to support substance use treatment and programming at the health center.
- In August 2022, Rep. Pressley visited Randolph to deliver $275,000 in federal community project funding for culturally responsive resources and digital literacy tools for Randolph Public Schools.
- In June 2022, Rep. Pressley visited the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology to deliver $300,000 in direct federal funding for the development of a Clean Energy Building Automation Systems certificate and associate degree program.
- In May 2022, she visited Bunker Hill Community College to celebrate the $1,000,000 in federal community project funding she secured to expand the City of Boston’s Tuition-Free Community College program.
- In April 2022, she visited Randolph to deliver $1,000,000 in federal community project funding for a new school-based community health center at Randolph High School.
- In March 2022, she visited La Colaborativa in Chelsea to celebrate the $300,000 in federal community project funding that she delivered for La Colaborativa’s COVID Employment Recovery Program.
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MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Rubio, Cornyn, Scott Announce Bill to Replenish Disaster Relief Fund

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Rick Scott (R-FL) today announced legislation to appropriate $20 billion to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to help states recover following Hurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton. The DRF assists individuals, households, states, and non-federal government entities with recovery following natural disasters. As a result of an above-average hurricane season, the DRF is quickly dwindling.
“Americans help Americans. FEMA needs resources to help those impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Francine,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Related to this, I will continue working to make flood insurance affordable again.”
“Unfortunately, this is a hurricane season no one will soon forget. The Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is the front line for states, and our constituents, to receive support in the aftermath of natural disasters. While assessments of the full extent of these storms are underway, the DRF cannot be allowed to be depleted. I am proud to announce my colleagues and I will be introducing a bill to provide additional funding to support communities affected by the recent hurricanes,” said Senator Rubio.
“It is alarming that FEMA has spent almost half of its disaster fund, and there are still weeks left in hurricane season. Congress must take action to ensure critical agencies have sufficient resources to help those impacted by natural disasters recover while also maintaining long-term rebuilding projects,” said Senator Cornyn.
“I’ve been on the ground in Florida surveying damage and talking to Floridians for weeks as our state prepared for and now responds to and recovers from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. What’s clear is that Florida families and businesses need their federal government to show up where they are and help them get back on their feet. This bill, providing $20 billion for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, will ensure that the agency has what it needs to provide immediate aid to folks in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas and other states impacted by disasters while our local communities determine their needs from FEMA, SBA, USDA and other federal agencies. The federal government’s response to hurricanes over the last two years has left too many Floridians, especially our farmers, hurting and with unmet needs. Unfortunately, I am already hearing from local officials and families in Florida that are frustrated by the fact that these disasters have stretched FEMA’s current resources too thin. That is unacceptable. No state is immune from disasters and I hope that none of our colleagues in the Senate will object to the quick passage of this needed funding. Even with this bill, I continue to urge Majority Leader Schumer to bring back the Senate to fully fund other disaster relief functions at the SBA and USDA block grants, and I’m glad that, in my conversations with President Biden, he has completely agreed with me on the need to get this done. While Floridians are incredibly resilient and will rebuild stronger than ever, it’s going to be an all hands on deck effort at the local, state and federal level to come together and support these communities. I’m going to keep fighting like hell to deliver the federal resources Floridians need to recover,” said Senator Scott.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Azure Cobalt 100-based Virtual Machines are now generally available
Source: Microsoft

Headline: Azure Cobalt 100-based Virtual Machines are now generally available

We are excited to announce the general availability of the new Azure Cobalt 100 Virtual Machines (VMs). These VMs run on Microsoft’s first fully custom Arm-based Cobalt 100 CPU and represent a significant milestone in our end-to-end approach to building cloud infrastructure.

Today we are announcing the general availability of the new Azure Cobalt 100-based Virtual Machines (VMs). These VMs run on Microsoft’s first 64-bit Arm-based Azure Cobalt 100 CPU, which has been fully designed in-house. They represent a significant milestone in our journey in designing and building out our cloud infrastructure, with optimization and customization across every layer of the infrastructure stack—from silicon, to servers, to services. Through vertical integration across hardware and software, Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs are one of Microsoft’s latest examples of innovating to enhance and optimize our cloud infrastructure with an end-to-end systems approach, to deliver the right mix of performance, power efficiency, and scale for our customers.

The Cobalt 100-based VMs consist of our new general purpose Dpsv6-series and Dplsv6-series and our memory-optimized Epsv6-series VM series. They offer up to 50% better price performance than our previous generation Arm-based VMs, making them an attractive option for a wide range of scale-out and cloud-native Linux-based workloads, including data analytics, web and application servers, open source databases, caches, and more.

The new Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs deliver leading performance across various workloads compared to previous generations of Azure Arm-based VMs: up to 1.4x CPU performance, up to 1.5x performance on Java-based workloads, and up to 2x performance on web servers, .NET applications, and in-memory cache applications compared to the previous generation Azure Arm-based VMs. These VMs also support 4x local storage IOPS (with NVMe) and up to 1.5x network bandwidth compared to the previous generation Azure Arm-based VMs.

The new VMs are broadly available in Canada Central, Central US, East US 2, East US, Germany West Central, Japan East, Mexico Central, North Europe, Southeast Asia, Sweden Central, Switzerland North, UAE North, West Europe, and West US 2. The number of regions will continue to expand in 2024 and beyond with Australia East, Brazil South, France Central, India Central, South Central US, UK South, West US 3, and West US coming soon.

Customer adoption and scenarios

We have been working with several internal and external customers during the preview period. For example, IC3, the platform that powers billions of customer conversations in Microsoft Teams, is serving its growing customer base more efficiently, achieving up to 45% better performance on Cobalt 100-based VMs.

We’re also delivering Cobalt 100-based VMs to many of our independent software vendor (ISV) partners offering platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) solutions on Microsoft Azure.

“The Cobalt 100, Microsoft Azure’s new Arm-based processor, represents a huge step forward for optimizing performance and productivity. Cadence and Microsoft’s collaboration helps our mutual customers tackle the demands of giga-scale compute that advanced-node silicon design demands. The Cobalt 100 helps our thousands of electronic design automation (EDA) and systems customers meet their ever-increasing demands for throughput to speed time-to-market.” —Mahesh Turaga, Vice President (VP) of Cloud Business Development, Cadence

“We are really excited about the new Cobalt 100 VMs. We are making them the primary platform for our Databricks SQL Serverless offering on Azure, as they offer outstanding efficiency and allow us to deliver significant price-performance improvements to our customers. Customers using our Azure Databricks classic Jobs offering will also greatly benefit from Cobalt VMs by selecting them for their Jobs cluster nodes, achieving noticeable performance improvements while keeping operating costs down.” —Michael Kiermaier, VP of Business Strategy and Operations, Databricks

“At Elastic, we are driving innovation and cost-efficiency by enabling customers to leverage our Search AI-powered observability, security, and search solutions on Arm-based architecture. Azure Virtual Machines with Cobalt 100 Arm CPUs enables Elastic to deliver better throughput and up to 37% improved performance compared to Azure’ previous generation Arm based VMs.” —Uri Cohen, Vice President, Product Management, Elastic

“At Rescale, our mission is to elevate innovation by providing the best tools in high performance computing, data, and AI to organizations of every size to deliver engineering and scientific breakthroughs that enrich humanity. We have tested the Azure Cobalt 100 VMs to power our high-performance computing platform and found it to deliver about a 40% improvement in performance compared to Azure’s previous generation Arm-based VMs. We look forward to upgrading our Azure infrastructure to these new VMs and offer comparable performance improvements to our customers so they can tackle complex challenges with greater speed and efficiency.” —Adam McKenzie, Chief Technology Officer, Rescale

“Siemens EDA continues to expand its partnership with Microsoft to develop innovative solutions for our mutual silicon and electronic systems customers. Our collaboration around Microsoft Azure Cobalt 100 Arm-based VMs running analog, standard-cell, memory, and digital verification workloads has demonstrated compelling performance and economic benefits. The general availability of these new VMs marks an important milestone for the industry, highlighting its fast-growing reliance on continuously advancing hardware and software platforms optimized for high throughput and efficiency.” —Craig Johnson, Vice President, Siemens EDA Strategy

“We have extensively tested Azure’s new Cobalt 100 VMs and compared them to the previous generation Arm VMs on Azure using Snowflake workloads. We’re thrilled with the significant improvements in performance. And now, we’re excited to adopt these latest Cobalt 100 VMs and share that performance improvement with our customers!” —Gabe Bryant, Senior Manager, Snowflake

“In the face of unprecedented compute and memory demands driven by increasingly sophisticated systems, designers are leveraging the cloud to scale their computing resources. Our close collaboration with Microsoft Azure facilitates the adoption of Arm architecture-based compute resources by providing customers with industry-leading, AI-driven EDA tools enabled on the Azure cloud to help them address the escalating workload demands.” —Sanjay Bali, senior vice president of EDA strategy and product management at Synopsys

“Templafy relies on the stability and scalability of Microsoft Azure to run our document generation platform for enterprises worldwide, and we’re excited about the new Azure Cobalt 100 VMs. After evaluation we’ve observed significant performance improvements, including approximately 25% higher throughput and 35% lower CPU usage compared to Azure’s previous generation Arm-based VMs. We look forward to harnessing these advancements to enhance our platform’s performance and deliver even better experiences for our customers when it comes to their critical business documents.” —Marco van Kimmenade, Director of Engineering, Templafy

Synergy with our technology partners

We value the collaboration with our technology partners.

“The Cobalt 100 processor is a fantastic example of how Arm-based silicon, supported by a robust software ecosystem, is addressing the growing compute complexity of modern infrastructure,” said Mohamed Awad, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Infrastructure Business, Arm. “Following years of collaboration with Microsoft to bring Arm-based VMs to market, the general availability of Cobalt 100 marks an important milestone in our partnership, and demonstrates the power, efficiency and flexibility of Arm Compute Subsystems in driving the workloads of the future.”

The journey to Arm: Embracing innovation and customer benefits

Microsoft has a longstanding history of contributing to Arm architecture and integrating Arm technology. This experience has enabled us to develop important industry standards that prepared the Arm architecture for datacenter-scale computing. We have also been working closely with Arm on industry initiatives such as ServerReady and SystemReady and received industry recognition for both initiatives. Our journey into Arm-based VMs is based on a vision to deliver superior price-performance and power efficiency. The Cobalt 100-based VMs embody this vision by offering these benefits. By embracing Arm-based VMs, we have been able to offer our customers a unique combination of performance and cost effectiveness.

Developer ecosystem

The developer ecosystem for Arm continues to thrive and has seen tremendous progress in the last couple of years. Major developer platforms and languages such as C++, .NET, and Java provide Arm-native versions. We have invested in Arm-specific optimizations for each of these platforms and languages so we’re fully leveraging the capabilities of the Arm architecture.

The larger ecosystem has embraced Arm with many popular infrastructure and deployment solutions now available with native Arm support. GitHub Actions, GitHub’s continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) workflow engine, is an integral part of many developers’ workflows and used to continuously build, test, and deploy apps. This is now available for Arm in two flavors—self-hosted runners that can be hosted on an Arm VM or on local Arm hardware, and GitHub-hosted runners.

Containers are a popular deployment target for many reasons: a streamlined development workflow, isolation and security, efficient resource utilization, portability, and reproducibility. Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) now supports the creation of Arm agent nodes as well as mixing x86 and Arm architecture nodes within a cluster.

Specifications

You can select from a range of Azure Virtual Machines of three memory ratios for a given vCPU size, giving you the flexibility to choose the configuration that works best for your workloads in terms of CPU performance and memory needs. All these VM series are available with and without local disks so that you can deploy the option that best fits your workload.
- The new Dpsv6-series and Dpdsv6-series general-purpose VMs offer up to 96 vCPUs and 384 GiB of RAM (4:1 memory-to-vCPU ratio). They are ideal for scale-out workloads, cloud-native solutions like AKS, small to medium open-source databases, application servers, and web servers. Arm developers can use these VMs in CI/CD pipelines, development, and test scenarios.
- The new Dplsv6-series and Dpldsv6-series VMs provide up to 96 vCPUs and 192 GiB of RAM (2:1 memory-to-vCPU ratio). They are perfect for media encoding, small databases, gaming servers, microservices, and workloads that don’t need high RAM per vCPU.
- The new Epsv6-series and Epdsv6-series memory-optimized VMs offer up to 96 vCPUs and 672 GiB of RAM (up to 8:1 memory-to-vCPU ratio). These VMs are designed for memory-intensive workloads such as large databases, in-memory caching applications, and data analytics.
The new virtual machines support all remote disk types such as Standard SSD, Standard HDD, Premium SSD and Ultra Disk storage. To learn more about various disk types and their regional availability, please refer to Azure managed disk type. Disk storage is billed separately from virtual machines. You can deploy these new VMs using existing methods including the Azure portal, SDKs, APIs, PowerShell, and the command-line interface (CLI).

You can learn more about the new Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs by visiting the specification pages: Dpsv6-series, Dpdsv6-series, Dplsv6-series, Dpldsv6-series, Epsv6-series, Epdsv6-series.

Pricing

To learn more about the pricing of Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs, please visit the Azure Virtual Machines pricing and Pricing calculator pages.

You can also take advantage of Reserved Instances, Azure savings plan for compute, and Spot Virtual Machines to lower your costs. Reserved VM Instances can reduce costs and improve your budget forecasting through upfront one-year or three-year commitments. For a limited time, you can save up to 15% more when you purchase one-year Azure Reserved Virtual Machine (VM) Instances for select Linux VMs. This offer is available between from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. See here for more details. The Azure savings plan for compute gives you the flexibility to save across multiple Azure services, including Azure VMs. Spot Virtual Machines can significantly reduce the cost of running in Azure and further optimize your cloud spend for workloads that can tolerate interruptions and have flexible execution time.

A new era of price performance and power efficiency

The general availability of Azure Cobalt 100-based VMs marks the beginning of a new era in Azure’s infrastructure. With our custom silicon program, we are delivering exceptional price performance and power efficiency to our customers. We are excited to see the impact of these innovations on our customers’ businesses and we look forward to bringing even better solutions to our customers in the future.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey.

For questions, please go to Azure Support and our experts will be there to help you.

Additional resources
MIL OSI Global Banks –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Pikangikum First Nation and Canada celebrate the grand opening of their new Knowledge Keepers Elders’ Complex
Source: Government of Canada News

News release

Everyone deserves to live in comfort with access to healthcare and services close to home and near loved ones. When Elders receive culturally relevant services in a safe, coordinated, and efficient manner based on individual needs, it allows them to live their golden years with dignity and care.

October 16, 2024 — Pikangikum First Nation, Treaty 5 Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

Everyone deserves to live in comfort with access to healthcare and services close to home and near loved ones. When Elders receive culturally relevant services in a safe, coordinated, and efficient manner based on individual needs, it allows them to live their golden years with dignity and care.

Today, Pikangikum First Nation celebrates the grand opening of their new Knowledge Keepers Elders’ Complex in collaboration with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

This new building more than doubles the capacity of the previous Elder’s care facility, going from eight rooms to 20 one-bedroom apartments with a full kitchen and living room area. Four of those apartments have an accessible bathroom and bathtub for those who require it. Each apartment includes a sundeck that opens to the outdoor courtyard, and there is a shared common area for visiting and socializing.

Community leadership is working with a funder to enable the facility to build a traditional food pantry so that Elders can have year-round access to moose, goose, and fish; install a medicine walkway (including local plants and flora) along the perimeter of the housing complex; and develop programming for children, youth, and Elders sharing circle that will include songs, stories, and recreational time together.

Quotes

“The Knowledge Keepers housing complex will provide a safe and dignified place for our Elders to age in their golden years. A place to call their very own.”

“Our Elders wish to continue living in the community—being close to their friends and family is important for them.”

Pikangikum First Nation Health Authority

“Congratulations to Pikangikum First Nation for the opening of the expanded Knowledge Keepers Elders’ Complex. This is a testament to their dedication to enabling Elders to stay close to loved ones within their community while receiving compassionate support that proudly prioritizes their culture.”

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. We are proud to partner with the Pikangikum First Nation to build new affordable homes that will allow more seniors to stay in their community near their loved ones.”

The Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Quick facts
- The Knowledge Keepers Elders’ Complex provides acute, end-of-life, rehabilitation, maintenance and long-term supportive care.
- Staff at the facility will support and enhance the care provided by families and loved ones in the community.
- The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has provided more than $6.2 million in support of this project through the second round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI2).
- Indigenous Services Canada invested more than $1.1 million in this project through the ISC Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program (CFMP).
Contacts

For more information, media may contact:

Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

ISC Media Relations
819-953-1160
media@sac-isc.gc.ca

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

Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Stay connected

Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:

Twitter: @GCIndigenous
Facebook: @GCIndigenous
Instagram: @gcindigenous

You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit http://www.isc.gc.ca/RSS.

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Polis Administration Announces Three New IHIP Grant Recipients Supporting Creation of Over 480 Housing Units

Source: US State of Colorado

DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and the Business Funding & Incentives division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced three new recipients of the Innovative Housing Incentive Program (IHIP) grant. This transformational grant continues the Polis Administration’s work to increase the supply of housing across Colorado. The funding announced today will directly incentivize the creation of over 480 attainable housing units across Colorado.

“We need more housing now, and this new round of IHIP grant funding will help create 480 new housing units for Coloradans,” said Governor Jared Polis. “With more housing, more people will be able to live in terrific communities close to work and recreation.”

With this latest round of grants, the Polis Administration has awarded 12 IHIP grants directly incentivizing the creation of 2,000 attainable housing units across Colorado and contributing to the recipients’ work to create more than 7,500 units over the next three years.

“The Innovative Housing Incentive Program Is making a measurable difference in Colorado’s housing supply, and we know that impact will grow over time ,” says Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT. “We’re proud of the work these companies are doing to address Colorado’s housing shortage and help us ensure that our state has housing for every budget.”

All three grant recipients are based in Colorado, with awards ranging from $100,000 to $722,000 in performance-based funding. Recipients include:

3D West – Colorado Springs- 3D West offers modern building technologies and pre-manufactured building methods for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), affordable housing and multifamily units. The company plans to build their first four units in partnership with Alquist 3D and StructureBot, both companies that have been supported by OEDIT programming to expand in the state. 3D West is approved for up to $100,000.

BYLD – Commerce City- This software and hardware company is transforming the construction industry with its unique paint-by-numbers approach, which significantly reduces labor costs and accelerates construction timelines. This innovative method streamlines the building process, enhancing efficiency and productivity. BYLD is approved for up to $722,000 in per-unit cash rewards for constructing over 350 units across Colorado over the next three years.

Studio Shed – Louisville- Established in 2008, Studio Shed is a leading manufacturer of panelized kit buildings, specializing in backyard sheds, ADUs and multifamily housing. Studio Shed has been at the forefront of innovative, scalable building solutions and has been approved to receive up to $180,000 in performance-based grant funding, at $1,500 per unit. The company plans to in turn share a $1,500 discount with its customers.

About the Innovative Housing Incentive Program

The Innovative Housing Incentive Program (IHIP) helps address Colorado’s housing shortage by supporting the development and expansion of the state’s innovative housing manufacturing businesses. IHIP is part of an emerging suite of OEDIT-affiliated programs that offer housing financing tools to help increase the supply of affordable and attainable housing across Colorado. These programs include the Proposition 123 Affordable Housing Financing Fund, staffing of the Middle Income Housing Authority and work by the Colorado Creative Industries Division via the Community Revitalization and Space to Create programs.

About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Cannabis Business Office; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; Employee Ownership Office; and Rural Opportunity Office. Learn more at oedit.colorado.gov.

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Speech for the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, at the Canadian Climate Institute and Net-Zero Advisory Body’s Fourth Annual Climate Conference
Source: Government of Canada News

Speech for the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, at the Canadian Climate Institute and Net-Zero Advisory Body’s Fourth Annual Climate Conference
October 10, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

Check against delivery. This speech has been translated in accordance with the Government of Canada’s official languages policy and edited for posting and distribution in accordance with its communications policy.

Hello.

Thank you Gaëtan for that great scene-setting intro.

I would first like to recognize the fact that we are on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People.

I am grateful to the caretakers of this land and water, and I ask that you join me in honouring the connection that the Anishnaabeg People have had to this land for millennia.

This conference comes at a pivotal time.

Building a cleaner and stronger economy in Canada is the course we are on.

It is why we are all gathered here – we share a collective understanding and appreciation for both the economic opportunities and the environmental necessity in front of us.

Now, I see many familiar faces around the audience.

I know many of you have likely come from out of town.

There are lots of hard-working people constructively working to attract and steer investment.

Building a clean economy, like anything that is transformational, requires a vision and clear, bold steps to advance toward it.

In every sector, we can see examples of that leadership—those stepping up with real vision.

I think we just heard some great examples of that vision from the previous keynote.

Two and a half years ago, the Government of Canada launched its climate plan, the most comprehensive plan in our history.

We did our homework, building on the work of our predecessors, to give Canada a truly credible path towards carbon neutrality.

Sector-by-sector, we showed how we could do it – how we could really do it – together.

And since then, with the help of everyone in this room, we’ve put that plan into motion.

Combine industry leadership, with a careful but ambitious balance of investments and regulatory tools: we are bending the curve on Canada’s emissions.

I can tell you this is something I hear all the time.

But more importantly our plan is working. Evidence of progress is rolling in.

Recently, the Canadian Climate Institute, showed our country’s net emissions are starting to drop, between 2022 to 2023.

The Institute also found that Canada’s economy continued to grow while emissions declined—what we call “decoupling.”

What does that mean?

It means growing the economy in 2024 does not mean more pollution.

In fact, it points to the larger transformation underway.

Now, Canadians may best associate our climate plan with carbon pricing.

Could you blame them?

But there are in fact over 100 measures we have put in place as part of our climate plan that serve as the foundation of a cleaner economy for Canada.

Those measures have taken us from a place where, in 2015, we were projected to blow past our emission targets for 2030, to where we are now.

Our emissions are now at their lowest point in 25 years.

Never have we seen a drop in emissions, while our economy is chugging at full steam.

This progress should not be taken for granted.

We need to keep our horse in the race of a global economy that is moving faster than ever.

I’m very pleased to share some exciting news from yesterday on how we’re trying to move the dial further on developing a clean energy economy.

First: yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister Freeland announced the guidelines for a Made-in-Canada sustainable investment taxonomy and mandatory climate disclosures for the largest Canadian private businesses.

The sustainable investment taxonomy gives investors certainty on whether their investments are consistent with meeting global climate targets.

It provides needed clarity that will boost financing from the private sector for sustainable activities across the Canadian economy.

That includes things like building EV batteries, generating clean energy and decarbonization projects in heavy industries.

The taxonomy will help direct investment to much-needed job-creating activities.

Many of you will have seen the headlines on this…

Simply put: Projects need to be credibly aligned with limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius to be considered a “green” or “transition” investment.

Of course, developing these guidelines do not prevent investors from deciding where they wish to put their money.

They are purely voluntary.

But they do provide a common language on whether investments support climate goals or not.

Similarly, requiring large businesses to provide climate-related financial disclosures to shareholders will help attract investment into sustainable activities across the economy.

Disclosures help investors better understand how large businesses are thinking about and managing risks related to climate change.

And we look forward to fleshing out that regulatory approach.

We are building on the success of our Green Bond program.

Like the taxonomy, Green Bonds direct financial flows towards those business opportunities that are key to reaching our net-zero targets.

We have now launched Green Bonds twice in the market. First in 2022, and again earlier this year.

Both times, the final book orders far exceeded the original offering.

And because of that demand, we re-opened a third Green Bond this week.

I am pleased to report that demand is still strong, and we are well over the offering amount.

So, sustainable finance is the way to go.

Let me give you another more tangible example.

Last year, the Government of Canada delivered on the Clean Fuel Regulations, which encourages oil and gas refineries to lower the carbon intensity of their fuel production.

Because of built-in incentives within this policy, we have already seen significant investments:

Over $53 billion in investments have been announced across Canada in low-carbon intensity fuels such as green hydrogen, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel.

For example, the oil refinery in Come-By-Chance, Newfoundland was converted into a major renewable diesel facility.

The federal government supported Braya Renewable Fuels to commercialize its production of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.

It started operations in February 2024 and now produces up to 18,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel.

Two hundred people work there full-time.

These and similar companies now have the ability to create and sell valuable credits for supplying low carbon fuel to Canada.

That’s progress.

And it comes from creating the right support and incentive structures for the industry.

I was delighted to listen to our previous speaker Adam Auer, the President and CEO of the Cement Association of Canada.

It has taken determination to turn words into action, and guide the change we’ve witnessed in the cement industry over the past two years.

It takes a lot of heat and energy to make cement using conventional processes.

As you heard earlier this morning, the Cement Association of Canada decided they had to change.

This industry released their roadmap to cleaner sources of fuel. And as you heard, they stuck to their plan.

The results were apparent to me this summer, when I visited a green cement plant in St. Marys, Ontario.

This is where carbon pricing—and in this case industrial carbon pricing—really gets a chance to shine.

With money collected by the federal government from carbon pricing system on industry, we re-invested those revenues into an emissions reduction project at St. Marys Cement.

There is so much misinformation coming at us through various channels that not everyone is sure carbon pricing works.

It does, and here’s how:

With money collected by the federal government from industrial pollution pricing, we re-invested in an emissions reduction project at St. Marys Cement.

New kiln technology was installed that uses low-carbon fuels.

This new process reduces the use of high-priced carbon-intensive fuels by up to 30%.

This means less climate pollution and cleaner air for the town.

It also increases the company’s long-term competitiveness and sustainability. And pride!

Take a town like St. Marys with a population of under nine thousand people.

A major employer in that town makes a significant low-carbon change in its production process.

From that, we get direct positive results:
- First, the sustainability of the jobs at the cement plant.
- Second, the drop in greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to 9,400 gas-powered cars off the road for a year.
- Third, they are saving energy costs for their business.
Examples like this play out in countless communities across the country.

Government has an important role in mobilizing the investments to get these projects underway.

But how does Canada keep up the momentum? Well, let’s just look at the growing clean energy sector.

Internationally, this sector has achieved lift-off.

I mean, Europe is now at three quarters of renewable and clean energy sources. It’s incredible.

Clean sources of power are reliable, they are increasingly cheaper to build and the energy generated is cheaper to store.

Clean energy enterprises are in a state of super-evolution.

In New Brunswick, the Burchill Wind Energy Project is one of the largest battery energy storage facilities in Atlantic Canada.

It’s just outside of Saint John and is overseen by the Tobique First Nation.

When I visited earlier this year, Tobique First Nation Chief Ross Perley, said it best:

“One of our traditional values as a nation is to take care of the environment.

Green energy projects are going to start taking over, and they’re going to dominate, and that’s the way to the future.”

Chief Perley got it right.

And it’s no coincidence that Indigenous Peoples in Canada are playing such a major role in the clean energy revolution. We see it from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

Canada is already in a good position with the vast majority of our electricity from non-emitting sources.

We know that demand will likely double over the coming decades.

It is no longer a matter of doing the “right thing for the environment” but also the “right thing for business”

Across the countries, companies are shifting investment towards cleaner industry to meet our future energy demands.

That’s why we launched new investment tax credits for clean electricity production, which add to a range of programs supporting electricity.

Labour groups have endorsed these credits because for employers to receive their full value they must commit to fair payment of good-paying union-level jobs.

And we will launch the clean electricity regulations that back our strategy for a cleaner grid in Canada.

There are so many opportunities awaiting, nationwide.

You’re in this room because you have seen a business pivot or you have guided a business to respond to events, to adjust, to morph, to reinvent itself.

Changing the way we power our daily lives and our Canadian society really starts with changing the way that we THINK.

The federal government is here to guide growth, to support the science and to spark investment.

Canada’s robust, clean economy will allow us to enjoy prosperous lives while respecting the natural environment, instead of destroying or exploiting it.

The climate crisis requires us to be innovative together, to encourage each other, and to keep the conversations going.

Thank you for your time, your thoughtfulness and for the perspective you’ll bring back home from this conference.

Enjoy the day.
MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DOE and NREL Launch Programa Acceso Solar (Solar Access Program) Providing Subsidized Solar Panels and Battery Storage to Puerto Rican Households

Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Effort To Increase Grid Resilience and Energy Access for Low-Income Communities in Puerto Rico Enters Its Next Phase

After Hurricane Fiona in October 2022, President Joe Biden visited Puerto Rico and pledged to leverage the technical support of federal agencies to improve the archipelago’s electric grid.

In December 2022, President Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act into law, which included $1 billion to establish the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund (PR-ERF) to drive key investments in renewable and resilient energy infrastructure in the commonwealth. The fund also supports Puerto Rico’s goal of meeting 100% of its electricity needs with renewable energy by 2050. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Grid Deployment Office launched the PR-ERF in February 2023 to alleviate both the energy cost and grid resilience challenges that Puerto Ricans face.

In the summer of 2023, DOE issued a funding opportunity announcement—a public notice to fund installations and consumer protection for its new Programa Acceso Solar, an initiative to connect low-income households across Puerto Rico with subsidized rooftop solar and battery storage systems. The funding opportunity announcement gave solar companies, nonprofits, energy cooperatives, and governmental bodies a chance to apply for federal funding. DOE also launched the Solar Ambassador Prize, a complementary competitive funding opportunity for organizations in Puerto Rico to help identify, engage, and assist with the intake processing of qualifying households for residential solar and battery installations. Currently, 14 solar ambassadors selected through the prize are actively working to identify eligible households for subsidized solar and battery storage installations through Programa Acceso Solar.

The Programa Acceso Solar and the Solar Ambassador Prize make up the first round of PR-ERF funding. In July 2024, DOE announced the second phase—the Programa de Comunidades Resilientes (Resilient Communities Program)—to increase energy resilience for community healthcare facilities and shared spaces within subsidized multifamily housing. These PR-ERF programs will be implemented over the next few years with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) continued support of the program design.

Building Energy Resilience Through Collaborative Success of the Programa Acceso Solar

Applications are currently open for Puerto Rican households to apply to the Programa Acceso Solar, and solar installers have already begun installing subsidized solar and battery storage systems for low-income homeowners. The Programa Acceso Solar provides these installations with zero upfront costs, including education and support on how to use and maintain the systems through partnerships with several installers and community-based organizations.

“The impact of the Programa Acceso Solar will be incredible,” NREL Project Lead Mike Campton said. “Thousands of people will be able to access reliable and affordable electricity for their homes. I am incredibly proud to say that NRELians played a huge role in delivering this positive impact to Puerto Ricans.”

NREL’s team helped DOE determine which homes qualified for solar and battery installation and facilitated outreach and intake efforts. NREL’s Caleigh Isaacks, project manager, led the team assisting DOE’s Grid Deployment Office in developing, implementing, and managing the prize since the program’s inception. In addition, the NREL team has also contributed to outreach efforts, including webinars and training sessions, and played a key role in shaping the funding structure and rules.

“It is truly special to be a part of such an important project,” Isaacks said. “The team’s efforts in collaborating with local community-based organizations for outreach and directly assisting homeowners across Puerto Rico are critical to rebuilding the grid there.”

Thousands of low-income households across Puerto Rico are eligible for solar and battery storage systems through the Programa Acceso Solar. This includes households in areas most affected by frequent and prolonged power outages, as well as those with residents dependent on electricity-powered medical equipment.

Energy analysts and software engineers at NREL, like Brian Mirletz, lead the research efforts to support the Programa Acceso Solar. Mirletz evaluated potential designs for residential solar-plus-battery storage systems using NREL’s System Advisor Model™. With this model, Mirletz determined how factors such as the energy needs of equipment for people with disabilities could impact the systems’ ability to meet critical loads during power outages.

Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and the Mayor of Loíza, Julia Nazario Fuentes, talk with a homeowner who received one of the first solar and battery storage systems through the Programa Acceso Solar in July 2024. Photo by DOE

In early July, inspectors from partner installers evaluated the first applicants’ homes to receive systems through Programa Acceso Solar. One inspected home now awaits the installation of an almost 6-kilowatt solar and battery system. The program will cover the majority of the homeowner’s nearly $200 monthly electricity costs. Once the system is installed, the homeowner will pay only $20 per month to cover maintenance expenses.

“I’m thrilled to hear about the first of those systems being installed!” Mirletz said. “It is amazing to see a physical realization of the analysis work our team has done for this project in the last year and what it will mean for communities in Puerto Rico in the future.”

Learn more about the Puerto Rico Grid Resilience and Transitions to 100% Renewable Energy Study and the Solar Ambassador Prize. Read about NREL’s grid modernization research.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Lycoming County Disaster Recovery Center To Close
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Lycoming County Disaster Recovery Center To Close

Lycoming County Disaster Recovery Center To Close
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The joint Disaster Recovery Center located in Lycoming County will permanently close Friday, October 18 at 6 p.m.

Residents who continue to need the services available at a DRC can visit the other center:
- Valley Christian Church, 146 Maple Street, Westfield, Tioga County.
The center is open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Individuals and households impacted by Tropical Storm Debby from August 9-10 in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Union counties can visit any DRC to receive help and information.

Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance can apply at a Disaster Recovery Center, apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on your phone, or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

The deadline for applying to FEMA for disaster assistance is November 12.

You can visit a DRC for help with other parts of the disaster recovery process. If you received a letter from FEMA about your application status, visit a DRC to learn more about next steps. DRC staff can help you submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process your application. At a DRC you can also meet with representatives from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania agencies and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

For more information on Pennsylvania’s disaster recovery, visit the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Facebook page, fema.gov/disaster/4815 and facebook.com/FEMA.

###

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
erika.osullivan
Wed, 10/16/2024 – 16:38

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: School-based nurseries plan kicks off with £15 million funding
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

First round of funding launches for up to 300 school-based nurseries – part of government’s Opportunity Mission to give every child the best start in life
Thousands of families are one step closer to accessible, affordable and high-quality early years provision in their local area, as the first stage of the government’s plan to deliver 3,000 school-based nurseries begins today (17 October).

Primary schools can now apply for up to £150,000 of £15 million capital funding, with the first stage of the plan set to support up to 300 new or expanded nurseries across England.

This comes as 321,462 additional children are now accessing 15 hours of government-funded early education per week, since the government delivered on the promises made to parents for the second phase of the childcare rollout last month.

The work forms part of the government’s Opportunity Mission, which will break the unfair link between background and opportunity – starting with giving every child the best start in life and resetting the relationship with the early years sector to boost life chances for children and work choices for parents.

The delivery of this phase has been in no small part due to the brilliant joined-up efforts of local authorities and providers. The Secretary of State has promised a new era of child-centred government and will work alongside the sector to deliver meaningful long-term reform of early years, whilst building the places and workforce that are required for the next more challenging phase.

Importantly, this will be done in a way that makes the hours accessible and affordable for all families that need them. That’s why the government is taking action to tackle reported instances of parents facing very high additional charges on top of the funded entitlement hours.

These could include mandatory extra charges for nappies, lunch or other ‘consumables’ – and should not be made a condition of accessing a funded place.

In the coming months, the government will be engaging with local authorities and providers to clarify our statutory guidance on charging, including on so-called ‘top up fees’ and consider how we better support local authorities to protect parents from overcharging.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

All children should have the opportunity of a brilliant early education, no matter who they are, where they’re from or how much their parents earn.

Our new school-based nurseries will provide thousands of additional places where they are needed most, plugging historic gaps and making sure geography is no barrier to high quality childcare.

Whilst some parents may not get their first-choice place next September, I’m determined that every parent is able to access and afford the hours that they are entitled to.

According to the Department for Education’s latest projections, around 70,000 additional places and 35,000 early years educators will still be needed to deliver the expansion to 30 hours next September, with some of the most disadvantaged areas in need of the largest uplifts.

Published for the first time, the projections show that around half of local areas need to increase their capacity by between 10% and 20% to meet demand for September. Some need an uplift of more than 20% – with areas that see traditionally lower household incomes including Northumberland, Plymouth and Rotherham all in this group.

That’s why the government is taking action now, and providing schools, private providers and local authorities a clear picture of the department’s understanding of demand, and where there are gaps in supply.

Providers and schools are urged to consider the latest data in their bids for the school-based nurseries programme, and work closely with local authorities to outline how proposals will respond to local need and subsequently contribute to the government’s plan for an early years system that breaks down barriers to opportunity for children across the country.

While all parts of the sector are valuable to delivering the quality care that our children need, schools are at the heart of our communities. Proportionally, school-based nurseries currently look after more children with special educational needs and offer a higher number of places in the most deprived areas.

School-based nurseries currently have lower turnover and the option to use some staff more flexibly between reception and early primary, and the government is working with the early years sector through our expanded recruitment campaign to attract more people to a career in early years.

To make sure the programme is delivered in a way that continues to support or most vulnerable children and builds on the important offers of the existing market, the school-based nursery funding will be available to projects that are school-run or delivered by private and voluntary providers or childminders.

So that the government can ensure new provision is in the right places and meets the needs of parents, children and schools, schools who are interested in expanding but are not currently ready to apply will be able to register an interest for future phases of the programme.

We expect funding to be allocated to successful schools in Spring 2025 to support delivery for the first cohort of places for the September rollout.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leader’ union, NAHT said:

School-based nurseries play a vital role in the early years sector. It makes sense that where there is spare capacity in schools and demand in the local area, that the government looks to expand school-based provision.

It will be important that interested schools are well supported through this process, both practically and financially, and that the government continues to focus on building a strong and sustainable early years workforce.

We would encourage schools that are ready to expand or open a nursery to apply for this grant, and for those who may be interested in future to register their interest with the DfE.

Justine Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Mumsnet said:

Accessible, affordable childcare is vital economic infrastructure, enabling women who would otherwise have been forced out of the workforce to choose to stay in work, and benefitting not just them and their families but also the wider economy.

The increase in the funded entitlement hours is welcome recognition of this fact, but we still hear all too often from parents on Mumsnet who struggle with top up costs or face shortages of childcare places in their area.

These measures will help ensure that all families can access the childcare they need when and where they need it.

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Published 17 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Discusses Colorado’s Leadership on Transit, Housing, and Workforce, Visits Governor’s Bright Spot Award-Winning School

Source: US State of Colorado

WESTMINSTER – Today, Governor Polis discussed Colorado’s leadership in transit, housing, and workforce, and visited Colorado STEM Academy in Westminster, a Governor’s Bright Spot Award-Winning Middle School.

Governor Polis discussed Colorado’s leadership in creating more housing Coloradans can afford and expanding transit access remotely at the Vision Zero 2024 Conference in New York. Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed legislation to break down barriers and expand access to housing Coloradans can afford, by giving Coloradans the freedom to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their own property, expanding housing near transit and job centers, eliminating costly parking requirements and discriminatory occupancy limits, and creating more housing supply that’s affordable to fill critical gaps in our communities. The Governor also signed legislation to expand transit access in Colorado.

“Colorado is breaking down barriers to access to housing Coloradans can afford while continuing to expand transit opportunities across the state, helping people get where they want to go while saving time and money,” said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis then attended the 2024 Americas Leadership Luncheon, hosted by the Biennial of the Americas, where he discussed the importance of state and national collaboration on the issues that matter most to Coloradans and people around the world. He then spoke at the Apprenticeships for America convening, and focused on the state’s work to strengthen Colorado’s workforce by increasing apprenticeship opportunities to help Coloradans gain skills needed to fill good-paying jobs and power Colorado’s already thriving economy. To continue building on the progress of apprenticeships in Colorado in the public and private sector, Governor Polis signed House Bill 24-1439, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Eliza Hamrick, and Senators James Coleman and Rachel Zenzinger, which invested $2 million in Scale Up grants so that businesses interested in apprenticeship had the cash to build a great program. Additionally, Governor Polis signed legislation creating $15 million in refundable tax credits to help employers hire and retain apprentices in their business.

“Apprenticeships are a great way for Coloradans to build skills that will lead to a career and earn money while doing it. In Colorado we are committed to making our workforce even stronger, and ensuring Coloradans have the skills needed to fill in-demand jobs and businesses have the talent needed to drive our economy forward,” said Governor Polis.

The Governor then toured the Colorado STEM Academy, a Governors Bright Spot Science Award Recipient. The Bright Spot Award recognizes schools that excelled academically since 2019. Providing Colorado students with a high-quality education remains a priority for Governor Polis. As Chair of the National Governors Association, Governor Polis’s Chair Initiative “Let’s Get Ready: Education All Americans For Success” focuses on ensuring that students and Americans have the skills needed to power the economy.

“I was excited to visit the Colorado STEM Academy and see all the amazing things Colorado students are learning and collaborating on. Education is the foundation to success, and Colorado is committed to ensuring every student and teacher has the resources needed to thrive in and outside of the classroom,” said Governor Polis.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: 10.16.2024 Cruz, Cramer, Capito File Bicameral Amicus Brief to Overturn FHWA’s Unlawful Emissions Rule

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and several Republican colleagues in filing a bicameral amicus brief against the Biden-Harris administration’s greenhouse gas emissions rule on highways.
The Members of Congress requested that the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit uphold the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas’s decision to vacate the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) final rule requiring states to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the highways.
In the brief, the members argued, “Congress considered, and ultimately rejected, providing [FHWA] with the authority to issue a GHG performance measure regulation, but [FHWA] contorted ancillary existing authorities to impose one anyway. In doing so, [FHWA] impermissibly usurped the Legislative Branch’s authority and promulgated the GHG performance measure without statutory authority delegated by Congress.
“Put simply, when [FHWA] established a GHG performance measure regulation, it exceeded the powers Congress authorized. And it did so both at the expense of separation of powers and in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act.”
Sens. Cruz, Cramer, and Capito were joined by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Ark.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) in filing the brief.
The senators were also joined by Reps. Sam Graves (R-Mo.-6) and Rick Crawford (R-Ark.-1) in filing the brief.
Read the full amicus brief here.
BACKGROUND
In November 2023, the FHWA adopted a final rule requiring state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to measure GHG emissions on the highway system and set declining targets. Sen. Cruz previously joined a bipartisan Congressional Review Act joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the rule. The resolution passed the Senate in April by a vote of 53 to 47, reiterating Congress’s opposition to FHWA’s overreach.
Shortly after the rule was finalized, 21 state attorneys general, including Texas, filed litigation challenging the regulation. The U.S. District Court found the Biden-Harris administration rule to be illegal, but FHWA appealed the decision to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and it remains under further consideration.
The bicameral amicus brief requests the Appeals Court uphold the District Court’s decision vacating the rule. The brief argues that Congress debated and rejected granting the FHWA the authority to issue GHG performance measure rules and the FHWA then intentionally misconstrued Congressional intent to justify its improper exercise of authority. It also argues the rulemaking is not consistent with recent Supreme Court decisions paring back Executive Branch overreach, and FHWA is bypassing principles of federalism to further its own policy agenda.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Barragán, García, and Horsford Introduce Resolution to Recognize September 22, 2024, as National Hispanic Nurses Day

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

15 October 2024

Contact: Kevin G. McGuire, 202-538-2386 (mobile)

Kevin.McGuire@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44), alongside Reps. Jesus “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Steven Horsford (NV-04), introduced a resolution to designate September 22, 2024, as “National Hispanic Nurses Day” and to recognize the work of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) as the leading organization in representing and advocating for Hispanic Nurses.

The designation of National Hispanic Nurses Day would raise awareness of the significant contributions of Hispanic nurses in their communities and the country, recognizing the importance of culturally and ethnically competent care within the nursing profession, particularly within underserved communities.

The resolution also shows support for the goals and ideas of NAHN, including the promotion of health care equity and the elimination of health care disparities within the United States. Since 1975, NAHN has been the nation’s leading professional society for Latino nurses. With a growing membership and more than 40 local chapters, the non-profit organization represents the voices of Latino nurses throughout the United States.

“As the sister of a nurse, I see firsthand the hard work of Hispanic nurses within all of our communities,” said Rep. Barragan. “Hispanic nurses play a critical role in advancing healthcare for under resourced communities and add much needed diversity to the nursing profession. As we close out National Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the history and contributions of all Hispanic Americans, I am proud to reintroduce this resolution to recognize the unique care provided by Hispanic nurses as well as NAHN’s work to support our current workforce and future nursing generations. Today, and every day, we must advocate for increased honor and support for our healthcare professionals.”

“Hispanic nurses are key advocates for our community’s health care needs,” said Rep. García. “They provide care through culturally sensitive practices including speaking the language our community prefers. Their efforts uplifting appropriate treatments and approaches to address Latino community needs is critical to policy-making and resource allocation across federal, state and local agencies. On National Hispanic Nurses Day I’m proud to co-lead this resolution recognizing their work.”

“Hispanic nurses often serve as the backbone of our healthcare system, leading the charge in providing lifesaving care and reducing health disparities in underserved communities,” said Rep. Horsford. “By recognizing National Hispanic Nurses Day, we can honor their commitment and contributions to the well-being of millions. I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating the essential role Hispanic nurses play in creating a healthier, more equitable future.”

“The collective strength of Hispanic nurses is rooted not only in our professional expertise but also in our unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Veronica Vital, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, President. “The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) has played a pivotal role in advancing health equity, promoting higher education, and empowering our members to become influential leaders shaping health policy. As a rich, diverse mosaic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and safe environment where every voice is heard and valued.”

In addition to García and Horsford, the National Hispanic Nurses Day resolution is cosponsored by 13 original cosponsors: Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Luis Correa (CA-46), Jim Costa (CA-21), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Rául Grijalva (AZ-7), Delia Ramirez (IL-3), Andrea Salinas (OR-6), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Darren Soto (FL-9), Mark Takano (CA-39), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

The resolution is endorsed by the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

# # #

Congressmember Nanette Barragán represents California’s 44^th District.  She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and works on environmental justice and healthcare issues.  She is also Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Nigerian president confirms over 100 killed in gasoline tanker explosion

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

The death toll of a gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria’s northern state of Jigawa early this week exceeded 100, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman said Wednesday.

A statement issued Wednesday evening by Bayo Onanuga, a senior presidential spokesman, on behalf of Tinubu, described as “devastating” the night inferno in Majiya, a town in the Taura local government area of Jigawa late Tuesday.

According to the statement, the Nigerian leader directed a delegation of senior officials to condole with the families of the deceased, assess the situation at the scene of the incident, and visit scores of injured people in the hospital. He also directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the victims receiving treatment and others affected by the tanker fire.

While assuring the citizens of the government’s better commitment to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country, Tinubu further directed the road safety police to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms to prevent recurrences of the incident.

Earlier the police had confirmed at least 90 people killed and 50 others injured following the explosion. The victims were mostly people who had rushed to the scene to collect gasoline after the tanker lost control and overturned, a police spokesman earlier told Xinhua.

A mass burial for the deceased was held Wednesday morning, said Shi’isu Lawan Adam, the spokesman for the police in Jigawa.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Palestine condemns continued Israeli siege of N. Gaza

Source: China State Council Information Office

The Palestinian presidency condemned on Wednesday the Israeli army’s ongoing siege of northern Gaza, which has continued for the 11th consecutive day.

In a press release published by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, presidency spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh called Israel’s siege and ongoing military operations that force residents to evacuate their homes “war crimes punishable under international law.”

“It is unacceptable to allow the continuation of Israeli aggression while the UN Security Council remains paralyzed due to U.S. policies that support Israel and its actions, which defy international will,” he said.

Abu Rudeineh stressed that these U.S. policies “have violated all prohibitions of international law and provided the criminal occupation forces with all forms of financial and military support, encouraging them to commit heinous crimes against our people and the peoples of the region.”

Witnesses told Xinhua that the Israeli army is besieging dozens of families, primarily consisting of women and children, preventing them from leaving the northern areas and putting them at risk of death.

The Israeli army has been conducting a large-scale offensive and imposing a tight siege on Jabalia and the surrounding areas since October 6, allegedly to target militants and their infrastructure in Jabalia and prevent Hamas from regrouping there.

“This operation to systematically dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the areas will continue as long as required in order to achieve its objectives,” the army said.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Victorian students will get ‘anti-Tate’ lessons – but much more is needed to tackle gendered violence in schools

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Wescott, Lecturer in Humanities and Social Sciences, Monash University

Monkey Business Images/ Shutterstock

The Victorian government has announced new teaching resources to tackle the influence of “manosphere” figures, such as Andrew Tate, in the state’s schools.

This follows ongoing reports of disturbing events involving sexist abuse by students in both independent and government schools in Victoria and around the country.

But while this week’s announcement is a welcome and necessary step, we need a more comprehensive plan to eliminate gender-based violence in our schools.

What is the ‘manosphere’?

The “manosphere” is an overlapping collection of extreme men’s communities on social media that are anti-women and against women’s empowerment. This includes Tate, the “misogynist influencer” who is facing trial in Romania on charges of human trafficking and rape (which he denies).

Our recent research found women teachers are increasingly exposed to sexism, misogyny and sexual harassment as the result of boys’ exposure to “manfluencer” ideas and behaviours. These problems are further compounded by the infiltration of far-right sentiments into schools, which has been linked to far-right online forums.

At the same time, women teachers report they are not being supported by school leadership.

Read more:
We research online ‘misogynist radicalisation’. Here’s what parents of boys should know

What’s in the Victorian resources?

The new teaching resources were developed by education academics Helen Cahill and Debbie Ollis, in consultation with teachers, students and parents.

They aim to give students skills to counter the influence of “Tate-types”, and to navigate issues such as consent, sextortion, pornography and gender-based bullying.

They will be part of respectful relationships education, which is mandatory in Victorian government schools (following a recommendation of the 2015 Royal Commission into Family Violence).

Problems with respecful relationship education

There have been implementation issues with respectful relationships education.

A 2022 review (of which one of us, Naomi Pfitzner, was an author) found problems with the funding, quality of resources and training supplied to schools, and with schools’ levels of commitment

Previous research also suggests teachers may be hesitant to engage with controversial or tricky topics. There is a risk some issues are being left out of classroom discussions.

Crucially, respectful relationships is not mandatory in all Victorian schools — independent and faith-based schools in Victoria need to opt in.

In other Australian states and territories, respectful relationships education is not compulsory in any school system.

We need more information

Education departments around the country collect various forms of data about school life, such as learning and attendance. But we don’t have accurate national data on the prevalence of gender-based violence in schools.

Without the full picture of how widespread gender-based violence is in Australian schools, it is difficult to resource and design an appropriate response.

Gender-based violence in schools is inextricably connected to the endemic levels of violence against women in Australia.

We cannot separate a broader culture that enables gendered slurs, misogyny and gender inequity — known enablers of gender-based violence — from attitudes towards women and girls in schools.

We need more information about the experiences of female students and staff in Australian schools.
Monkey Business Images/ Shutterstock

What now?

Women have been raising the alarm about sexual harassment of female teachers for decades. But on top of already slow or inadequate responses, the problem has become more complex.

The proliferation of online misogynist content requires a new, tailored approach.

Our current project with Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety is examining how online misogyny in the manosphere influences young boys and men in Australia. We will then create resources to support teachers and help make schools safer for all young people.

It is shameful many girls’ first experience of gendered violence happens as students at school. And teachers deserve a safe workplace free from misogyny and sexism.

Stephanie Wescott receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS).

Alexandra Phelan receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS).

Naomi Pfitzner has received funding from the Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, the Victorian and Queensland governments and the Australian government. She was an author of the review into Respectful Relationships Education in Australia mentioned in this article.

Sarah McCook receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS).

Steven Roberts receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), the Australian government and the Australian Research Council. He is a Board Director at Respect Victoria, but this article is written wholly independently from that role.

– ref. Victorian students will get ‘anti-Tate’ lessons – but much more is needed to tackle gendered violence in schools – https://theconversation.com/victorian-students-will-get-anti-tate-lessons-but-much-more-is-needed-to-tackle-gendered-violence-in-schools-241473

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Final of China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 held in Shanghai

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

Final of China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 held in Shanghai

Updated: October 17, 2024 09:31 Xinhua

The project of Xidian University is introduced during the final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 15, 2024. The final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 was held in Shanghai on Tuesday, during which six teams from home and abroad competed for the champion. The project of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University won the champion. Since this May, altogether 5.14 million projects from 5,406 colleges of 153 countries and regions have been registered to take part in the competition. [Photo/Xinhua]

Representatives of contestants are seen during the final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The project of Shanghai Jiao Tong University is introduced during the final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Representatives of contestants are seen during the final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The project of Shanghai Jiao Tong University is displayed during a college students’ innovation achievements exhibition in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A college students’ innovation achievements exhibition is held in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A model of the project of Wuhan University is displayed during a college students’ innovation achievements exhibition in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The representative of the project of the University College London is questioned during the final of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2024 in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Green transition key for agri-food sector

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

The venue of the 2024 World Agri-food Innovation Conference (WAFI 2024) is seen in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
A global panel of agrarians has called for the innovation-driven green transition of the world’s agri-food system, as part of efforts to curb carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change on food production.
While some food-producing regions have initially benefited from warmer weather, the substantial uncertainties caused by global warming are disrupting agriculture across Asia, Africa and South America, the experts said.
They made the remarks on the sidelines of the 2024 World Agri-Food Innovation Conference, held in Beijing earlier this month. The event was organized by China Agricultural University.
Sun Qixin, president of China Agricultural University and an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, told China Daily that mainstream models indicate a 6 to 8 percent decrease in food production for every 1 C increase in global temperatures, unless technological innovations are introduced to alleviate these effects.
“However, the impact of a warmer climate is not uniform across the globe,” he said.
Despite instances of warmer and wetter climate boosting food production in some areas that were previously cold and prone to drought, the sudden and extreme shifts in weather patterns are causing widespread disruptions in food production globally, Sun noted.
Given that the green transition necessitates a substantial reduction in agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, it is crucial to invest in research and technological innovations to ensure that these reforms do not result in decreased output, Sun said.
“We must proceed in this direction despite the challenges,” he added.
An estimate by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations body for evaluating climate science, showed that the agri-food sector, covering the entire cycle from food cultivation to consumption, contributes one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Fu Wenge, a professor at China Agricultural University, said that innovations facilitating green transition do not always require groundbreaking scientific discoveries, adding that sometimes, minor and cost-effective reforms in management models and other fields can bring significant changes.
Fu cited the university’s Science and Technology Backyard project, which encourages students to live and work alongside smallholding farmers in rural areas as part of their education programs. The arrangement aims to help promote high-yield crop varieties and environmentally friendly farming practices among rural farming communities. “This model has been implemented in Africa and other regions,” he said.
Ismahane Elouafi, executive managing director of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, or CGIAR, a global partnership that unites research groups for a food-secure future, said that the green transition could be achieved through innovations that span technological, policy and institutional levels and include models for countries to work together.
“The impact of climate change is multiplying every day, and the only way forward for us is to adopt innovation in its broad sense to really transform the agriculture system,” she said.
The experts also called for greater awareness of increasing food production with reduced carbon footprint and more care for the environment.
Patrick Caron, vice-chair of the CGIAR system board, said that humans have managed to increase food production throughout history, as living conditions improved and consumption patterns changed.
“However, at the moment, we are looking at the increase of production with a different angle,” he said, referring to greater care to avoid climate change and degradations of land, water and biodiversity.
Makers of food policy point to China as a source of hope amid the gloomy outlook of increasing food insecurity worldwide, citing the country’s ambitious goal to boost its annual food production capacity to approximately 700 million metric tons by 2030, up from the 695 million tons in 2023.
Elouafi, the CGIAR executive managing director, said, “I think China really is a bright spot in the global picture, and not only in increasing productivity in a very smart way, but also in reducing poverty and hunger.”
Despite a recent reversal in global progress, the world made significant strides in alleviating hunger and poverty between 2000 and 2017, largely because of China’s efforts, she said.
Elouafi noted that China’s adoption of technologies and innovations in the agri-food sector, along with its initiatives to enhance rural incomes, played a pivotal role in the success.
Wednesday marked World Food Day, which has been celebrated annually on Oct 16 since 1981 to raise awareness and promote action for fighting hunger and ensuring food security for all.
At a news conference on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that as the world’s largest food producer, China attaches great importance to global food security.
“China has provided more funding and experts and undertaken more projects than any other developing country under the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s South-South Cooperation Programme,” she said.
Mao added that China is willing to continue strengthening cooperation on food security with all parties to strive for a world free of hunger.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: With reports Kamala might join Joe Rogan for a chat, the US election is showing the power of podcasting

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lea Redfern, Lecturer, Discipline of Media and Communications, University of Sydney

Call Her Daddy/YouTube

It was big news in the podcasting world when US Vice-President Kamala Harris recently sat down with Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy for an extended interview. This was not just because it was one of the few times Harris has opened herself up to direct media scrutiny, but also because it signalled podcasting’s coming of age.

Now there are fresh reports she could sit down with Joe Rogan for his top-rated show. Former president Donald Trump has also said he’ll record with Rogan before election day.

High-stakes interviews are no longer solely the domain of legacy media. Politicians, like celebrities with a story to tell or a film to sell, can pop onto a podcast with a hopefully sympathetic host to reach vast and potentially new audiences. (That said, Harris also did interviews with CBS News, 60 Minutes, The View and CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert the same week.)

So for the VP and Democratic presidential candidate, is this about finding new audiences or answering to a different, perhaps softer style of interview?

Call her who?

If you haven’t heard of Call Her Daddy, note the show’s emphasis is on sex and female empowerment. Cooper’s listeners are 70% women and 76% of them are aged under 35. It is often compared to the Joe Rogan Experience, a comparison Cooper hates. Cooper has also been called the Oprah Winfrey of her generation, which may say something about her interviewing skills or her market value.

The comparisons to Rogan are hard to avoid. Call Her Daddy has been running since 2018. In 2020, Cooper split with her co-host and took the program to Spotify, also home to the Joe Rogan Experience. There, Call Her Daddy rose to be the second most-listened-to podcast globally, behind Rogan, with an average of 5 million weekly listeners. Spotify gave Cooper US$60 million to Rogan’s rumoured $250 million. This particular gender pay gap was recently reduced when Cooper took the podcast to SiriusXM for $125 million.

A Harris appearance on Rogan’s podcast could give her a larger audience than Cooper’s and parallel access to young male listeners.

‘Here’s the thing …’

Soft or smart?

Harris’ decision to be interviewed on a podcast aimed at young women brought criticism from those who saw it as the “soft option”, as well as those who don’t rate young women or approve of talk of sex.

The same commentators seem to have overlooked that for the last year, Trump has been wooing the “manosphere” and has called in to friendly bro-casts such as This Past Weekend with Theo Von. In other podcasts like Full Send, Trump has had scope for friendly freewheeling banter on topics from Ice Spice to golf.

Cooper says she also invited the former president onto her show to discuss women’s rights.

In the journalistic tradition of podcasts since Serial, Cooper revealed her process and opened her interview with Harris by sharing the reasoning behind her line of questioning. “Let’s be real, I’m probably not the one to be having the fracking conversation,” she deadpanned.

Harris said she went on the podcast “to be real, you know, and to talk about the things that people really care about”. There were moments of genuine emotion, such as anger and compassion at the death of a young woman, Amber Thurman, in Georgia in the wake of the US’s newly restrictive abortion laws. Yet at times Harris still sounded rehearsed, in the manner of people in the public eye required to repeatedly answer similar questions and give similar speeches.

The risk to a politician is that the authenticity and intimacy for which podcasting is known could just as well work against them – a lack of “realness” becomes amplified through headphones, straight into the listeners’ ears.

While Harris’ cadence sounded like familiar speechifying near the end, perhaps her anecdotes were new to sections of Cooper’s audience. For all the claims that a focus on the concerns of women made for a “soft interview”, it was also a timely reminder of the centrality of reproductive freedom to women’s lives and the election.

The risks of the interview were more Cooper’s, who hinted at the prospect of losing listeners by interviewing a politician while wanting Call Her Daddy to be “a place where everyone feels comfortable tuning in”. This is a pertinent concern for her as much of the program’s initial popularity was built on Barstool, a media company known for its conservative leanings.

A different listener

The question remains: is appearing on extremely popular podcasts with young audiences a good political strategy for Harris? The positives of appearing on Call Her Daddy were clear, given Cooper’s main audience of young women is generally more politically engaged and motivated to vote than young men.

Rogan’s audience is 81% male with 34% aged 18–35. Making a connection with young men could prove trickier for Harris within the “bro-ey”, jokey framework of the Joe Rogan Experience than it was with Cooper.

A lot will depend on Harris’ interaction with the host, but Rogan is not known for hostile interviewing and Harris is experienced in connecting with people from a range of backgrounds. And her recent spot on shock jock Howard Stern’s radio show gave her a chance to share her love of car racing.

In a tight election, which could come down to swing voters in six or seven states, such skills, showcased in the podcasting space, could impact the election. The potential gains seem worth any risks.

Lea Redfern 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. With reports Kamala might join Joe Rogan for a chat, the US election is showing the power of podcasting – https://theconversation.com/with-reports-kamala-might-join-joe-rogan-for-a-chat-the-us-election-is-showing-the-power-of-podcasting-241462

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust Files Initial Public Offering Final Prospectus and Sets Closing Date for Offering

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

The final long form prospectus is accessible through SEDAR+

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust (the “REDT”) announced today that it has received expressions of interest and commitments that in the aggregate are expected to achieve the maximum offering amount of C$82 million and has filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, and obtained a receipt for, a final prospectus (the “Prospectus”) for an initial public offering of its trust units (the “Offering”).

It is expected that the Offering will close on October 29, 2024.

The REDT is a newly created, unincorporated investment trust and was established for the primary purpose of indirectly owning an interest in a mixed-use, transit-oriented development project (the “Project”) located in Burnaby, British Columbia. The Project comprises 372 condominium units, 200 market rental units, 73 non-market, affordable rental units, 176 hotel suites and 4,881 square feet of retail space. The Project is currently beneficially owned by a subsidiary of Anthem Developments (Canada) Ltd. and its non-managing, co-investment partner.

CIBC World Markets Inc. (the “Agent”) is the sole agent for the Offering.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities of the REDT in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities of the REDT in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This Offering is only being made to the public by prospectus. Access to the Prospectus and any amendment to the Prospectus is provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a prospectus and any amendment. The Prospectus is accessible on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.com. An electronic or paper copy of the Prospectus and any amendment to the Prospectus may be obtained, without charge, from CIBC World Markets Inc. by telephone at 1-416-956-6378 or by email at mailbox.canadianprospectus@cibc.com, by providing such contact with an email address or address, as applicable. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision.

Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust

Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust was formed for the primary purpose of indirectly owning an interest in the development of a mixed-used, transit-oriented development project in Burnaby, British Columbia expected to develop and operate a building containing 372 condominium units, 200 market rental units, 73 non-market, affordable rental units, 176 hotel suites and 4,881 square feet of retail space.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of the REDT regarding future events, including statements concerning commitments and expressions of interest in connection with the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the timing of closing of the Offering, and expectations with respect to the development of the Project. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “occur”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “seek”, “aim”, “estimate”, “target”, “project”, “predict”, “forecast”, “potential”, “continue”, “likely”, “schedule”, or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

Material factors and assumptions used by management of the REDT to develop the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the REDT’s current expectations about: real property ownership and revenues; construction and development risk; obtaining necessary building permits for the Project; the realization of property value appreciation and timing thereof; the inventory of mixed-use properties; competition from developers of mixed-use properties; the Burnaby, British Columbia real estate market; government legal and regulatory changes; property encumbrances relating to the Project; significant fixed expenditures and fees in connection with the maintenance, operation and administration of the Project; closing and other transaction costs in connection with the acquisition and disposition of the Project; the availability of financing and current interest rates; revenue shortfalls; assumptions about rental growth rates, hotel occupancy and average daily rates in the Canadian mixed-use real estate market; demographic trends; fluctuations in interest rates; litigation risks; the relative illiquidity of real property investments; the Canadian economic environment; the geographic concentration of the REDT’s business; natural disasters and severe weather; demand levels for mixed-use properties in the metro Vancouver area and local economic conditions; negative geopolitical events; public health crises; the capital structure of the REDT; distributions; capital depletion; potential conflicts of interest; reliance on the good faith and ability of the Project’s project manager to manage and operate the Project; reliance on property management companies; the limited operating history of the REDT; the limited experience of management of the REDT with respect to managing a reporting issuer; the limited liquidity of the Class A Units and Class F Units; and tax laws. While management of the REDT considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on currently available information, they may prove to be incorrect.

Although management believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable and represent the REDT’s internal projections, expectations and beliefs at this time, such statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities may not be achieved. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond the REDT’s control, could cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from current expectations of estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include the risks identified in the Prospectus, including under the heading “Risk Factors” therein. Readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable Canadian securities laws, the REDT undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Additional information regarding Anthem Citizen Real Estate Development Trust is available at http://www.citizenbyanthemdevtrust.com and on http://www.sedarplus.com.

About Anthem Properties

Anthem is a real estate development, investment and management company that strives, solves and evolves to create better spaces and stronger communities, with more than 385 residential, commercial, and retail projects. Founded in 1991, Anthem is a team of 800 people, with a diverse portfolio consisting of 41,700 homes, 11.5 million square feet of retail, industrial and office space and has developed more than 60 communities across 9,800 acres of land across in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and California. We are Growing Places.

Contact:

Elisha McCallum
Vice President, Communications
Phone: 604.488.3612 Mobile: 778.668.0185
Email: emccallum@anthemproperties.com

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Brighton Man Sentenced To 90 Months In Connection With Gun Incident That Injured Bystander At Gaylord Hotel

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Sonny Perez, age 33, of Brighton, was sentenced to 90 months in prison, and four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to the plea agreement, on May 29, 2023, Perez was at the Gaylord Hotel in Aurora to sell methamphetamine. According to security footage, when Perez exited the hotel, he had his right hand in his pants pocket. Individuals outside the hotel reported hearing a loud sound and seeing a bystander with blood dripping down his leg. That person received medical treatment for a gunshot wound to the leg. Investigators traced Perez to his home, where they found narcotics, evidence of drug distribution, and ammunition. Perez has a prior felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing ammunition.

“Felons should be on notice—they will face long sentences if they continue to arm themselves,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “I thank our partners for joining us in the fight to keep guns and ammunition out of the hands of felons and drugs off our streets.”

“Violent, illegally-armed, drug-trafficking felons present a persistent and serious danger to innocent citizens everywhere,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “ATF, in close partnership with the Aurora Police Department and the RAVEN Task Force, relentlessly pursue these violent criminals every day with the full force of local, state, and federal law enforcement resources.”

“I am grateful for the swift actions of our officers and detectives that led to the arrest of the suspect just two days after the initial shooting,” said Aurora Police Investigations Divisions Chief Mark Hildebrand. “This outcome reflects our agency’s commitment to public safety and our determination to hold those who endanger our community accountable.”

“This case exemplifies the commitment of the RAVEN Task Force, it’s member agencies, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold those who commit gun violence accountable. RAVEN is at work every day to protect our communities,” said Lieutenant DJ Tisdale, RAVEN Task Force Commander.

Judge Regina M. Rodriguez presided over the sentencing. The ATF, the RAVEN Task Force, and the Aurora Police Department handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Celeste Rangel and Brian Dunn handled the prosecution.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Case Number: 1:23-cr-00334-RMR-1

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Presents Stone on Behalf of President Biden at the Cathedral of the Pines Peace Memorial

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

Published: 10.16.2024

(Rindge, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) delivered remarks and read a letter from President Joe Biden before presenting a stone from the President’s home state of Delaware to the Cathedral of the Pines. The Cathedral of the Pines is an interfaith memorial dedicated to the memory and honor of all Americans who serve the nation in search of peace. Photos from today’s event can be found here.

“Including stones representing nearly every president going back to Harry Truman, the Cathedral of the Pines’ Altar of the Nation is a powerful memorial to those who have died fighting for peace,” said Senator Shaheen. “Today in Rindge, I was delighted to help keep this special tradition going by presenting a stone on behalf of President Biden from his home state of Delaware.”

In May of 2016, Shaheen presented a stone from Pearl Harbor on behalf of former President Barack Obama to the memorial. It is a longstanding tradition for stones to be placed in the Altar of the Nation, a Congressionally recognized memorial to all American war dead, which includes stones from nearly every president going back to Harry Truman.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Ex-Mexican Secretary of Public Security Genaro Garcia Luna Sentenced to Over 38 Years’ Imprisonment

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Former Highest Ranking Law Enforcement Official in Mexico Took Millions of Dollars in Bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel and Enabled Transportation of More Than One Million Kilograms of Cocaine to the United States

Genaro Garcia Luna, the former Secretary of Public Security in Mexico from 2006 to 2012, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan to 460 months’ imprisonment and a $2 million fine for his decade-long assistance to the Sinaloa Cartel in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes. Following a four-week trial in February 2023, Garcia Luna was convicted by a jury of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, international cocaine distribution conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to import cocaine and making false statements.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Anne Milgram, Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Katrina W. Berger, Executive Associate Director, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced the verdict.

“Today’s sentencing of Genaro Garcia Luna is a critical step in upholding justice and the rule of law. His betrayal of the public trust and the people he was sworn to protect resulted in more than one million kilograms of lethal narcotics imported into our communities and unleashed untold violence here and in Mexico. This sentence sends a strong message that no one, regardless of their position or influence, is above the law.” stated United States Attorney Peace. “After years of destructive narcotrafficking and deceit, Garcia Luna will spend nearly 40 years where he belongs: federal prison.”

“Today’s sentencing of Mexico’s former Secretary of Public Security, Genaro Garcia Luna, sends a clear message to corrupt leaders around the world who use their positions of power to help the cartels: no amount of power will shield you from justice,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Garcia Luna accepted millions of dollars in bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel to allow millions of kilograms of cocaine to flood the streets of the United States. Instead of protecting the citizens of Mexico, Garcia Luna was protecting drug cartels. The DEA will continue to relentlessly pursue drug trafficking organizations and those who protect them.”

“Today’s sentencing sends a powerful message that no one is above the law,” said HSI Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger. “HSI continues its partnered commitment to disrupting and dismantling the criminal networks responsible for bringing deadly narcotics into the U.S.”

As proven at trial, from 2006 to 2012, Garcia Luna was Mexico’s top law enforcement official, serving as Secretary of Public Security and, in that capacity, controlled Mexico’s Federal Police Force. Previously, from 2001 to 2005, the defendant was the head of Mexico’s Federal Investigative Agency (AFI). The defendant used his official positions to assist the violent Sinaloa Cartel (the Cartel) in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes. Garcia Luna’s conduct included facilitating safe passage of the Cartel’s drug shipments, providing sensitive law enforcement information about investigations into the Cartel and helping the Cartel attack rival drug cartels, thereby facilitating the importation of multi‑ton quantities of cocaine and other drugs into the United States.

In exchange for bribes, the defendant’s Federal Police Force acted as bodyguards and escorts for the Cartel, allowing Cartel members to wear police uniforms and badges and helping to unload shipments of cocaine from planes at Mexico City’s airport, then delivering the cocaine to the Cartel. The defendant was paid in U.S. currency, stuffed variously in suitcases, briefcases and duffel bags. The bribe amounts increased over the years as the Sinaloa Cartel grew in size and power through the assistance of the defendant. Former members of the Cartel testified that bribe money was handed off to the defendant in a variety of locations, including at a “safe house” located in Mexico City where large amounts of cash were hidden in a false wall, at a car wash in Guadalajara and at a French restaurant in Mexico City across the street from the U.S. Embassy. Further, in exchange for the millions of dollars in bribes, the defendant’s Federal Police Force leaked sensitive information that enabled the Cartel to evade detection by law enforcement or use the information in attacks on rival traffickers. Finally, after moving to the United States in 2012, Garcia Luna submitted an application for naturalization in 2018, in which he lied about his past criminal conduct on behalf of the Cartel in an attempt to become a U.S. citizen.

In connection with post-trial proceedings, the Court also found that, while he was awaiting sentencing, Garcia Luna obstructed justice when he sought to bribe fellow inmates to provide false testimony in an attempt to overturn the jury’s verdict.

The investigation was led by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. The Strike Force is based at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, New York City Police Department, New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, United States Marshals Service, New York National Guard, Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

HSI New York’s El Dorado Task Force (EDTF) played an important role in this investigation. The EDTF is comprised of more than 200 law enforcement personnel representing approximately thirty-five (35) federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the DEA.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Saritha Komatireddy, Erin Reid, Ryan C. Harris, Philip Pilmar and Adam Amir are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Huda Abouchaer and Melissa Bennett.

The Defendant:

GENARO GARCIA LUNA
Age: 56
Miami, Florida

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-576 (S-1) (BMC)

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Full Text: Remarks by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

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

Full Text: Remarks by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 17 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday delivered a speech at the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The following is the full text of the speech:

Remarks by H.E. Li Qiang

Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China

At the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of

Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Islamabad, October 16, 2024

Your Excellency Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,

Colleagues,

It is a great pleasure to meet you in Islamabad, the beautiful “city of gardens.” At the outset, I wish to express my appreciation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government of Pakistan for your meticulous preparations and thoughtful arrangements for this meeting. I welcome Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko of Belarus, a new member state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Over the past year, governments of the member states of the SCO have actively responded to and implemented the common understandings of the Council of Heads of State, carried out solid cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, security and people-to-people exchanges, reached dozens of cooperation documents, and formulated more than 10 reform measures. Fruitful outcomes have been achieved. The member states have forged ahead steadily and side by side on a collective journey to promote security and development. Unlike most international organizations, the SCO has both a Council of Heads of State and a Council of Heads of Government. As it happens, the specific institutional design, with the Council of Heads of State drawing up the blueprint and the Council of Heads of Government focusing on implementation, has been effective, practical and efficient, and has made the SCO an important platform for maintaining peace and stability in the region and promoting development and prosperity of nations.

At the Astana Summit held last July, President Xi Jinping and fellow leaders of member states reached important understandings on jointly building a common home of the SCO featuring solidarity and mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good-neighborliness and friendship, and fairness and justice. This endeavor to build a common home is driven by the values we all share; it focuses on the tough issues we all face, and will help create a future we all desire. In my view, this common vision entails efforts in the following five aspects:

First, efforts to build an even more solid political foundation. The fundamental reason why the SCO has stayed vibrant since its inception is that we have upheld the Shanghai Spirit, a vital political consensus, and endeavored to be trustworthy and reliable partners for each other. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, SCO cooperation in various fields will move forward steadily as long as the Shanghai Spirit remains entrenched.

Second, efforts to provide more reliable security safeguards. As we speak, geopolitical conflicts, power politics and acts of bullying continue to undermine regional peace and stability, while on such fronts as cyber security and biosecurity, new threats and new challenges continue to emerge. No country is immune, and the only true security is security for all. Only by further improving the mechanisms and tools to tackle threats and challenges can we provide better safeguards for common development.

Third, efforts to foster closer economic bonds. The SCO’s continuous expansion of membership in recent years has created more notable economic complementarity among member states. By deepening our economic ties, resisting external attempts of pulling us apart, and tapping into and pooling our respective strengths in resources, market and industries, we will be able to foster even stronger synergy for development.

Fourth, efforts to cultivate stronger emotional bonds. Our region is home to diverse and splendid civilizations, where different nations and cultures have interacted and converged with each other throughout the course of history and coexisted in harmony. This has been the source of popular support for cooperation among SCO member states. We need to further promote mutual learning among civilizations and cultural exchanges so as to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of SCO member states.

Fifth, efforts to boost coordination in multilateral fora. Embracing 26 countries from three continents, the SCO family is a constructive force that carries important global influence. With our commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, and our enhanced communication and coordinated actions, SCO member states will better rally the developing world in promoting a more just and equitable global order.

As president of the SCO for 2024-2025, China has introduced “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move” as our slogan. The goal is to engender effective actions among ourselves to deliver on the agreement of our heads of state and realize the vision of building a common home featuring solidarity and mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good-neighborliness and friendship, and fairness and justice. In this connection, China proposes the following four points.

First, enhancing strategic synergy for our shared purpose. Pursuing peaceful development is the abiding purpose of the SCO. We should stay grounded in the fundamental and long-term interests of the region, bear in mind the big picture and keep external disruptions at bay. Our best efforts must be directed toward mapping out the SCO’s development strategy for the next decade and drawing up roadmaps for cooperation in various areas. Member states should step up strategic communication, bridge differences and boost mutual trust through dialogue, and pool strengths for unity.

Second, expanding practical cooperation in line with development needs. The year 2025 will be the SCO Year of Sustainable Development. China stands ready to deepen cooperation with all sides in poverty reduction, digital economy and green development, to generate sustained momentum for development. We should continue to draw impetus from openness and cooperation, boost the region’s trade and investment facilitation and connectivity, and maintain stable and smooth industrial and supply chains. Active efforts should be made to establish an SCO development bank in order to provide financing support for countries in their pursuit of development.

Third, proactively addressing major risks. Our region continues to face grave security issues. The fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism remains a long-term, arduous task, and various challenges lie ahead in such areas as safeguarding information security and combating transnational organized crime. China stands ready to work with all sides to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint operations, move faster to build a universal center to address the challenges and threats to the security of SCO member states and the Anti-Drug Center, and strive for major outcomes at next year’s summit, so that we can put in place new platforms and a new architecture for regional security cooperation.

Fourth, expanding people-to-people exchange to meet popular expectations. We should fully leverage the role of the SCO Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, develop an effective SCO digital education alliance, organize excellent events under our flagship programs such as the Forum on People-to-People Friendship and the Forum on Friendship Cities, the Forum on Women, and the Art Exhibition of Young Artists, and increase our peoples’ participation and sense of fulfillment, to keep people-to-people friendship strong for generations to come.

Colleagues,

As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “Those who take real actions are more likely to succeed, and those who hit the road are more likely to reach the destination.” Let’s continue to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, pull together, and take practical and determined steps. Let’s get on the move to deliver on our responsibility, build prosperity and usher in a better future for our common home.

Thank you.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 2024 China Toy Expo kicks off in Shanghai

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

2024 China Toy Expo kicks off in Shanghai

Updated: October 17, 2024 10:15 Xinhua

Staff of an exhibitor promote their products through live-streaming during the 2024 China Toy Expo in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 16, 2024. The three-day 2024 China Toy Expo kicked off at Shanghai New International Expo Centre Wednesday, attracting more than 2,500 companies of the toy industry from home and abroad. [Photo/Xinhua]

A visitor walks past a car model display cabinet during the 2024 China Toy Expo in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Visitors are seen at the exhibition booth of a jigsaw enterprise during the 2024 China Toy Expo in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A staff member (2nd R) of an exhibitor introduces their products to customers during the 2024 China Toy Expo in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Visitors are seen at the exhibition booth of a wood toy enterprise during the 2024 China Toy Expo in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A visitor touches a stuffed squirrel toy during the 2024 China Toy Expo in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Visitors play an educational board game during the 2024 China Toy Expo in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Visitors look at miniatures displayed during the 2024 China Toy Expo in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 16, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025