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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Extension’s Mental Health First Aid Training Offers Hope and Support

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Mental health conversations were virtually nonexistent for many in Generation X and the Baby Boom generation. Today, however, policies, non-governmental organizations, and advocacy efforts have shifted mental health from a taboo topic to an open and ongoing dialogue. This progress has been instrumental in reducing stigma and promoting awareness about mental health challenges.

    One key initiative in this effort is the Mental Health First Aid Training, offered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The program equips participants to assist individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, much like traditional first aid prepares someone to respond to a physical health emergency.

    Maryann Fusco-Rollins, an assistant extension educator with UConn Extension in Tolland County (Kara Bonsack/UConn Photo)

    Maryann Fusco-Rollins, an assistant extension educator with UConn Extension in Tolland County, brings this transformative training to adults through the UConn 4-H program. Supported by the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) Strategic Vision Implementation grant, her mission is both professional and deeply personal.

    Growing up in the 1980s, Fusco-Rollins witnessed a family member struggle with mental health challenges. “There wasn’t as much information available then as there is now, but I was already seeking services and connecting people to get help,” she recalls. This early exposure to mental health advocacy left a lasting impression, inspiring her to pursue work in this field.

    After serving in the Peace Corps in Guatemala, Fusco-Rollins took a job at a crisis hotline, balancing patient intakes by day and hotline calls by night.

    “I took as many professional training and certification classes as I could,” she says. Her drive to learn and help others led to a role as a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills trainer, working with individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. She also served as an on-site supervisor at a residential program supporting individuals with schizophrenia.

    “The DBT skills training opened my eyes to the importance of mental wellness practice for everyone,” Fusco-Rollins shares. “What resonated most with me was the comprehensive nature of DBT. It’s not just about helping the client—it’s about equipping the entire care team with mindfulness tools. It’s like putting your own oxygen mask on first.”

    Fusco-Rollins emphasizes that mental health is about recognizing challenges and taking action when needed. “It’s about getting to know yourself and being honest about when you’re not okay,” she says. Yet, she acknowledges, asking for help can be one of the hardest steps.

    The Mental Health First Aid Training she now teaches is designed to address this hesitation. Participants learn to support someone in crisis or non-crisis situations until professional help is available. The course provides practical, real-world skills, including how to listen non-judgmentally and connect individuals to appropriate resources. Pre-work ensures participants are prepared, while follow-up materials offer continued support.

    “This training is for everyone—whether you have experience or not,” Fusco-Rollins explains. “Like traditional first aid, it doesn’t teach you to diagnose or treat conditions. Instead, it empowers you to act as a bridge, offering crucial assistance during a mental health crisis or emerging concern.”

    Just as wearing a seatbelt or eating healthfully supports physical well-being, prioritizing mental health is essential for overall health.

    Amy Harder, Ph.D., associate dean for extension, is excited to see UConn Extension increasing its efforts in this area.

    “Addressing mental health was reported as a leading priority when we surveyed Connecticut residents last year about their needs, and it’s important that we work on topics that are meaningful to local communities,” shares Harder.

    Participants in the training also learn to care for themselves. The course emphasizes the importance of self-care routines to manage stress and maintain long-term wellness. “The MHFA course trains people to help others in a supportive, non-judgmental way,” says Fusco-Rollins. “By the end, participants feel confident they can help someone in a concerning situation or crisis. They know how to access additional resources, and they leave with a sense of hope. We are not struggling alone—there are people who can help, recovery is possible, and there is hope.”

    This work is supported by CAHNR’s Health and Wellbeing Strategic Vision Implementation Committee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Undergraduate Researcher Studying Homemaker Influencers

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Sometimes an Instagram photo of freshly made strawberry jam, jars lined up symmetrically on a patterned tea towel, isn’t just a picture of preserves, says Kathryn Andronowitz ’26 (CLAS).

    Sometimes a photo like that, in a crisp kitchen with only a dirtied wooden spoon and sticky sweet mixing bowl in the background, represents something far more concerning that threatens the advancements women have made in the workplace and elsewhere outside the home, she says.

    “There’s nothing wrong with being a housewife or homemaker,” Andronowitz says. “I’m not trying to demean these women who are posting about that. My problem is in how some housewife influencers present it and how it’s part of a bigger narrative that, I believe, is ultimately harmful to women because of how it naturalizes women in the home while brushing off feminism as no longer necessary.”

    In her study, “The Business of Domesticity: A Study on Homemaker Influencers on Instagram,” Andronowitz is looking at the four themes she sees as connecting those 20-something-year-old women who’ve built a brand making videos of themselves effortlessly straining off the liquid whey in a batch of homemade ricotta cheese.

    The first is consumer capitalist logic, or how they operate as branded identities and use their platform to promote products. Next is the fantasy idealization aspect of their accounts, or how they present their idealized lifestyle without showing the inevitable drawbacks, fails, and bad days that happen as part of life.

    Kathryn Andronowitz ’26 (CLAS) (Contributed photo)

    Third is their promotion of alternative wellness and health, that is making food, sometimes even ingredients, from scratch. And last is their assertion their values are under attack, or that society believes they shouldn’t be mothers, religious, or stay at home.

    “They present their content in a way that makes sense to the average viewer. If you’re not thinking about it too deeply, it’s presented in a way that depicts the homemaker role as the most natural, fulfilling, even morally correct, path for women,” she says. “It’s only when you take a step back that you see how easy it is for people to get caught up and uncritically romanticize being a homemaker.”

    Andronowitz, a double major in English and sociology, says she started to see posts from tradwives, a term for “traditional housewives” that was popularized around 2020, show up in her social media feed and questioned their promotion of traditional gender roles and denunciation of feminism.

    Such influencers typically adhere to beliefs that were popular in the 1950s, namely that women stay home to raise children and keep house while men serve as breadwinners, Andronowitz explains. Oftentimes, tradwives go as far as saying they should be subservient to their husbands and are depicted in classic dress, with busts pushed up and waists cinched, while performing everyday tasks around the home.

    “It’s certainly valid for women to feel undervalued or caught up in the hustle of a capitalist society,” Andronowitz concedes, “but inspiring women to say to themselves, ‘I’m going to choose to step back into a slow life and leave it to the man to make the money,’ flips the script to an individual solution and turns on collective feminist aims.”

    Her project, being completed as part of a 2024-25 undergraduate research fellowship through the UConn Humanities Institute, looks at Instagram accounts with between 50,000 and 500,000 followers that predominantly feature white women generally without the male head of household anywhere near the camera.

    On these accounts, viewers find beautifully shot videos of zinnia-filled flower gardens, bubbling sourdough bread starter, and homemade beeswax candles that entice them to continue scrolling, she notes.

    “Their identities are complicated by the fact that they are content creators and entrepreneurs, so they display a lot of creativity and agency, which is an interesting contrast to how homemakers are typically perceived,” she says, adding she worries nonetheless about its aestheticized appeal.

    “Young women can be influenced from an even earlier age, long before they make decisions like whether they want to go to college or whether they want to get married,” Andronowitz says. “These very traditional roles can put women in situations that are very repressive.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Science of Music’s Healing Power

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Music can be so omnipresent in daily life – blasting out of tinny Bluetooth speakers at the beach, wafting through the aisles at the grocery store, filling the background of an ad on TV – that many of us give it little thought. But for neuroscientist Ed Large, director of the Music Dynamics Laboratory at UConn, music and thought are inseparable.

    In November, Large was recognized at the Music Has Power Symposium in New York City, organized by The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), for his work in understanding the power of music to boost brain function. The symposium, which brought together scientists and musicians alike, was the perfect forum for Large, who went from playing bluegrass to being recognized for his groundbreaking work regarding the ability of musical rhythms to synchronize and train brain rhythms.

    Large’s primary contribution to the field of music cognition is neural synchronization. The neuroscientist – who is also a professor in the departments of Psychological Science and Physics – derived equations that describe how the brain works when it synchronizes to rhythms, and soon enough, experiments began to support his hypotheses.

    In one of those experiments, Large and Psyche Loui, a professor at Northeastern University, based their hypotheses in part on research from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that directly stimulated the hippocampus of mice with genetically engineered Alzheimer’s disease. Loui asked whether adding light to Large’s models of synchronization to musical rhythms could create an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s. After four years and $4.5 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), their work has improved memory in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease.  

    The type of music that best activates the brain is music that people pick themselves, Large says. Even compared to music that patients are very familiar with, Large observes, “If they chose the music themselves, it actives certain areas of the brain, more than any other kind of music.”

    Large discovered his passion for the scientific field of music cognition while in graduate school. Large started his undergraduate studies as a math major, but, choosing to follow his dream of being a professional musician, switched to studying classical guitar performance. After earning his degree from Southern Methodist University and performing for a few years, he went to graduate school at Ohio State University to study artificial intelligence and cognitive science. While there, he learned about the field of music cognition and immediately knew it was what he was supposed to be doing.

    “I wasn’t meant to be a performer; I was born to do this,” Large says.  

    The IMNF, which recognized Large’s work in New York this year, was founded by Concetta (Connie) Tomaino, a music therapist, and Oliver Sacks, a neurologist and best-selling author. Large became involved with the IMNF while he was teaching in Florida, and Tomaino asked if he would join their Scientific Advisory Board. Although hesitant at first, he went to New York to learn about the work she had been doing.

    Tomaino had been treating patients with debilitating brain damage, causing aphasia, a disorder that makes it difficult to speak, read, and understand language. Large observed two main types of patients: older adults who had strokes, and younger adults who had survived gunshot wounds to the head. And it was a drum circle among these patients that was a turning point in Large’s thinking about music therapy. An atmosphere of depression and negativity, he recalls, was replaced by a sense of happiness and satisfaction following vigorous participation in the 30-minute drum circle.

    “If that is all music therapy does for patients, that is enough,” Large says. “But it turns out, it can do a lot more.”

    Next for his research is Phase 2 Clinical Trials. In these next trials, Large will expand his research by testing a greater number of Alzheimer’s patients. And Large continues to do basic research in the lab, looking at the synchronization of brain rhythms to musical rhythms. He aims to be able to target specific areas of the brain with specific frequencies of stimulation using music and possibly synchronized light. 

    “If we can do this much with what we know now, there is so much more we can do,” he says. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Stardust Power Inc. Announces Pricing of $5.75 Million Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stardust Power Inc. (NASDAQ: SDST) (“Stardust Power” or the “Company”), an American developer of battery-grade lithium products, today announced the pricing of its “reasonable best efforts” public offering for the purchase and sale of up to 4,792,000 shares of common stock (or common stock equivalents in lieu thereof) and warrants to purchase up to 4,792,000 shares of common stock at a combined offering price of $1.20 per share and accompanying warrant (the “Offering”). The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $5.75 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses, and assuming no exercise of the warrants. The warrants will have an exercise price of $1.30 per share, will be exercisable immediately and will expire five years from the issuance date.

    “We are proud that we have priced this round of financing with investment from a large institutional investor, representing their support for the Stardust Power story. This financing continues building on our progress towards the FID stage for our large central lithium refinery. The capital provides stability for the company to continue to execute against our business plan,” noted Stardust Power Founder and CEO, Roshan Pujari.

    The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about January 27, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, as well as to satisfy amounts due under certain existing promissory notes of the Company.

    A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as the sole placement agent for the Offering.

    The securities described above are being offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-284298) previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on January 15, 2025, which was declared effective on January 23, 2025. This Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. A preliminary prospectus relating to the Offering has been filed with the SEC. An electronic copy of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained, when available, on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov and may also be obtained from A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, 590 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by telephone at (212) 624-2060, or by email at prospectus@allianceg.com.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Stardust Power Inc.

    Stardust Power is a developer of battery-grade lithium products designed to bolster America’s energy leadership by building resilient supply chains. Stardust Power is developing a strategically central lithium refinery in Muskogee, Oklahoma with the anticipated capacity of producing up to 50,000 metric tons per annum of battery-grade lithium. The Company is committed to sustainability at each point in the process. Stardust Power trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SDST.”

    For more information, visit http://www.stardust-power.com

    Stardust Power Contacts

    For Investors:
    Johanna Gonzalez
    investor.relations@stardust-power.com

    For Media:
    Michael Thompson
    media@stardust-power.com

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecasted,” “projected,” “potential,” “seem,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or otherwise indicate statements that are not of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the Offering, the timing of the anticipated closing of the Offering and the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the ability of Stardust Power to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; risks related to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Stardust Power; risks related to the price of Stardust Power’s securities, including volatility resulting from changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Stardust Power plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting Stardust Power’s business and changes in the combined capital structure; and risks related to the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and identify and realize additional opportunities. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

    Stockholders and prospective investors should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in documents filed by Stardust Power from time to time with the SEC.

    Stockholders and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which only speak as of the date made, are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, assumptions and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Stardust Power. Stardust Power expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the expectations of Stardust Power with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Silicon Motion Confirms Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAIPEI, Taiwan and MILPITAS, Calif., Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (NasdaqGS: SIMO)(“Silicon Motion” or the “Company”), a global leader in designing and marketing NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices, confirms today its quarterly cash dividend.

    On October 28, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company declared payment of an annual dividend of US$2.00 per ADS1, equivalent to US$0.50 per ordinary share, which will be paid in four quarterly installments of $0.50 per ADS, equivalent to US$0.125 per ordinary share.  According to the previously announced record and payment dates, the next quarterly installment will be paid on February 27, 2025 to all shareholders of record on February 13, 2025. Our depository bank’s DR Books will be closed for issuance and cancellation on February 13, 2025.

    The declaration and payment of future cash dividends are subject to the Board’s continuing determination that the payment of dividends is in the best interests of the Company’s shareholders and are in compliance with all laws and agreements of the Company applicable to the declaration and payment of cash dividends.

    ABOUT SILICON MOTION:

    We are the global leader in supplying NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices.  We supply more SSD controllers than any other company in the world for servers, PCs and other client devices and are the leading merchant supplier of eMMC and UFS embedded storage controllers used in smartphones, IoT devices and other applications.  We also supply customized high-performance hyperscale data center and specialized industrial and automotive SSD solutions.  Our customers include most of the NAND flash vendors, storage device module makers and leading OEMs.  For further information on Silicon Motion, visit us at http://www.siliconmotion.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Although such statements are based on our own information and information from other sources we believe to be reliable, you should not place undue reliance on them. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual market trends or our actual results of operations, financial condition or business prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the unpredictable volume and timing of customer orders, which are not fixed by contract but vary on a purchase order basis; the loss of one or more key customers or the significant reduction, postponement, rescheduling or cancellation of orders from one or more customers; general economic conditions or conditions in the semiconductor or consumer electronics markets; the impact of inflation on our business and customer’s businesses and any effect this has on economic activity in the markets in which we operate; the functionalities and performance of our information technology (“IT”) systems, which are subject to cybersecurity threats and which support our critical operational activities, and any breaches of our IT systems or those of our customers, suppliers, partners and providers of third-party licensed technology; the effects on our business and our customer’s business taking into account the ongoing U.S.-China tariffs and trade disputes; the uncertainties associated with any future global or regional pandemic; the continuing tensions between Taiwan and China including enhanced military activities; decreases in the overall average selling prices of our products; changes in the relative sales mix of our products; changes in our cost of finished goods; supply chain disruptions that have affected us and our industry as well as other industries on a global basis; the payment, or non-payment, of cash dividends in the future at the discretion of our board of directors and any announced planned increases in such dividends; changes in our cost of finished goods; the availability, pricing, and timeliness of delivery of other components and raw materials used in the products we sell given the current raw material supply shortages being experienced in our industry; our customers’ sales outlook, purchasing patterns, and inventory adjustments based on consumer demands and general economic conditions; any potential impairment charges that may be incurred related to businesses previously acquired or divested in the future; our ability to successfully develop, introduce, and sell new or enhanced products in a timely manner; and the timing of new product announcements or introductions by us or by our competitors. For additional discussion of these risks and uncertainties and other factors, please see the documents we file from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2024. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not intend, and do not undertake any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this press release.

    1 One ADS is equivalent to four ordinary shares.

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Take a MINUTE | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Spirituality #Mindfullness

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE3mBXsX1Sk

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: All Hands on Deck for the Energy Transition | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    With the global targets of tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 fast approaching, it is critical to accelerate the implementation, build political momentum and monitor progress.

    How can countries and industries close this gap and what tools are at their disposal?

    Speakers: Ursula von der Leyen, Fatih Birol, Morten Wierod, Dina Ercilia Boluarte, Mirek Dušek, Gurdeep Singh, Lars Rebien Sorensen

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2YrBr-YlRg

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Keller-Sutter to attend ceremony marking 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Finance

    On 27 January, around 40 heads of state and government and heads of international organisations will join Holocaust survivors at a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. The President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, will represent Switzerland at the event. She will be accompanied by two Swiss survivors.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 8th Expert Meeting on Statistics for Sustainable Development Goals & 2024 Workshop on Statistics for SDGs

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The 2024 Workshop & Expert Meeting on Statistics for Sustainable Development Goals is aimed at experts from national statistical offices, international organizations and other stakeholders involved in the production, communication and coordination of the reporting of statistics for SDGs. The meeting focuses on strategic issues and serves as a platform to share experiences, good practices and lessons learned; to showcase innovative solutions to the challenges faced; and to identify priorities for future methodological and capacity-development work in this area.

    The meetings will be held in person. The Workshop will take place on 15 October 2024 and the Expert Meeting on 16-17 October 2024. 

    Find out more about UNECE’s work on Statistics for SDGs here.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Polish fugitive arrested in the Netherlands thanks to a tip received via EU Most Wanted website

    Source: Europol

    The fugitive was wanted in connection with multiple serious offenses across Poland and Germany. These included his suspected involvement in a fatal violent incident in Poland in December 2021, in which the victim succumbed to his injuries. He was also convicted in Poland for a violent offence in 2019, for which he was sentenced to one year in prison, and…

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Columbia Man Indicted on Sex Trafficking and Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges Involving 11 Victims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 22-count indictment against defendant Leon-Bobby Jones-Hubbard, 31, of Columbia, charging him with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; two counts of sex trafficking of a minor; nine counts of production and attempted production of child sexual abuse materials; nine counts of coercion and enticement of a minor into illegal sexual conduct; and one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material.

    The indictment alleges that from at least June 2023 to present, Jones-Hubbard used social media platforms including Facebook to target, recruit, and exploit 10 minor victims who ranged from 5 to 16 years old and were located in Arkansas, Michigan, Alabama, Wisconsin, and Texas. The indictment further alleges the defendant paid money through Cash App, PayPal, and Meta Pay to induce and entice minors into illegal sexual conduct, including sex trafficking and the production of child sexual abuse material.

    An adult with a severe developmental disorder was also targeted and exploited, according to the indictment, by Jones-Hubbard using an intermediary to coerce the victim into sex acts through physical restraint, physical force, and violence in exchange for money.

    Jones-Hubbard faces a penalty of up to life in prison. He also faces mandatory minimum penalties of 15 years, 10 years, and five years in prison on various counts charged.  He faces fines of up to $250,0o0 per count, a special assessment of $5,000 per count, mandatory restitution payable to any victims who suffered loss in connection with criminal conduct, court-ordered supervision of life to follow any term of imprisonment, and federal and state sex offender registration requirements.

    Jones-Hubbard was arraigned in federal court on Jan. 23 and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing before United States Magistrate Judge Paige J. Gossett on Jan. 28 at 2:30 p.m.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and E. Elizabeth Major are prosecuting the case.

    U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wood burning stoves are a serious problem for your health – and the environment

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Asit Kumar Mishra, Research Fellow in School of Public of Health, University College Cork

    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    There is something cosy and appealing about settling down next to a roaring fire in winter but, every year, nearly 61,000 premature deaths in Europe are caused by air pollution as a result of people burning wood or coal to heat their homes.

    Wood-burning stoves are often considered safer, cleaner and more attractive than open fires. This may, in part, explain why from 2021 to 2022, sales of wood-burning stoves increased by 40% in the UK.

    However, burning wood is not necessarily a healthier or greener alternative to coal or gas for home heating.

    Wood burning produces a complex chemical mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gases, which can be breathed deep into the lungs. The specific contents vary based on the type of stove and the type of fuel, but chemicals can include carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and a range of volatile organic compounds, such as cancer-causing formaldehyde and benzene.

    Exposure to wood smoke affects the heart, blood vessels and the respiratory system – and PM2.5 is considered to be the biggest threat. Wood smoke increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes and can exacerbate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Exposure to PM2.5 from wood burning can also cause premature death.

    Exposure to this pollution also leads to loss of work days, reduced productivity, higher expenses on healthcare and increased hospital admissions.

    The risks are higher for people over 65, children, pregnant women and people with existing heart or lung conditions. Chronic wood smoke inhalation has been associated with systemic inflammation, which can make the lungs more vulnerable to infections, such as flu and COVID.

    In the UK and Ireland, solid fuel heating is the main source of outdoor PM2.5 during wintertime. While wood is the dominant solid fuel in the UK, peat burning is regularly found to make the largest contribution to PM2.5 in Ireland.

    Under cold, stagnant weather conditions, air pollution, even in small rural towns, can be as high as that found in very polluted parts of north India.

    Exposure to outdoor air pollution caused by wood burning is an obvious health risk. But the pollution also finds its way into homes, worsening indoor air quality. Also, when lighting or refuelling a wood stove, large quantities of PM2.5 escape into the indoor air. Depending on how effective the home ventilation is, the PM2.5 levels can take hours to reduce.

    Looks aren’t everything

    In surveys carried out in Ireland and the UK, it was found that most people using solid fuel stoves did it for the aesthetics and the “homely feel”. The desire to save money or necessity came next.

    Most people who use indoor wood burning in London are in wealthier neighbourhoods, while those most affected by the consequent air pollution are in poorer areas.

    Educational campaigns regarding the effect of wood-burning stoves on health and the environment can be an important tool to reduce their usage. New initiatives, such as the Clean Air Night held in the UK and Ireland, are valuable in raising awareness and possibly changing long-term heating habits.

    Encouraging users to move to more efficient and renewable heating technologies like heat pumps can reduce emissions and harm to health. This move even works out to be cheaper, except for people who source their own wood.

    Communities can also be provided with information on their local air quality, allowing them to visualise real-time effects of their actions. For example, the PM2.5 sensor network map for Cork is freely accessible to the community and identifies locations and times when PM2.5 pollution is unhealthy.

    If you have a wood burner, you could check that the pollution levels aren’t too high before you fire it up.

    How to reduce emissions

    People who rely on solid fuel stoves as their only source of home heating can adopt the following measures to reduce emissions. Use low-emission labelled stoves that reduce pollution. When burning, have small hot fires, with enough air supply and do not let the fire smoulder.

    Choose carefully what is burnt, in compliance with relevant regulations. Do not burn garbage, plastics, cardboard, treated or painted wood in your stoves. These items increase exposure to toxic pollutants.

    Ensure that stoves are installed and maintained annually by professionals. And, when lighting up or refuelling, make sure that the room the stove is in is well ventilated. This means open windows, no blocked vents, and exhaust fans or kitchen hoods can be used for additional ventilation.

    People who use solid fuel stoves as a secondary source of heating could consider using the stove less or even stopping using it altogether. That really would be a breath of fresh air.

    Asit Kumar Mishra is a DOROTHY co-fund Fellow and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow and receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101034345.

    John Wenger has previously received funding from several governmental organisations in Ireland for research into solid fuel burning, including the EPA and Irish Research Council.

    – ref. Wood burning stoves are a serious problem for your health – and the environment – https://theconversation.com/wood-burning-stoves-are-a-serious-problem-for-your-health-and-the-environment-245737

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why peat is a key ingredient in whisky and the climate crisis

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Toby Ann Halamka, Postdoctoral Researcher in Organic Geochemistry, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol

    Kondor83/Shutterstock

    Burnt. Smoky. Medicinal. Each of these represents a subcategory of “peaty” whisky in the Scotch Whisky Research Institute’s brightly coloured flavour wheel.

    A more chemistry-focused flavour wheel might include names like lignin phenols, aromatic hydrocarbons or nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Perhaps less appealing, but these chemicals define the flavours of Scotch whisky and represent just a few of the many types of organic carbon that are stored in peatlands.

    However, when peat is burned for the production of whisky, ancient carbon is released into the atmosphere. Approximately 80% of Scotch whisky is made using peat as a fuel source for drying barley during the malting process. The aromas of the burning peat, or “reek” as it is known in the industry, are steeped into the grains providing the intense smoky flavours associated with many Scotch whiskies.

    Historically, peat was a critical fuel resource for Scotland – a nation famously rich in peatlands with few trees for wood-burning. But as the industry has modernised, peat burning in whisky manufacturing has become less a story of adapting to resource limitations and more one of tradition and distinctive flavouring.

    There is little debate about the importance of peat burning in generating some of the most highly sought-after flavours in the world of whisky. Some enthusiasts identifying as “peat heads” track the parts per million (ppm) of peaty compounds in their favourite brands. The ppm measure represents phenol concentrations (a group of aromatic organic compounds) in the malted barley. But this does not represent how peaty your whisky will taste as much will get lost in subsequent processes. Nor does the ppm represent how much peat was burned in production.

    Most of the peat that is extracted in Scotland is used in horticulture as compost to grow things like mushrooms, lettuce and houseplants. However, both the Scottish and UK governments are making efforts to reduce peat extraction for gardening needs.

    The Scotch whisky industry makes up about 1% of total peat use in Scotland. But, as horticulture practices change, this may represent a larger portion of peat use in the future.

    In 2023, the Scotch whisky industry outlined a long-term sustainability plan that expresses goodwill but lacks clearly defined goals towards peatland restoration.

    Such policies that ban or limit the use of peat in certain industries have followed an increased awareness of how important peatlands are to locking carbon away instead of releasing it into our atmosphere. Despite making up only about 3% of Earth’s land surfaces, peatlands store more carbon than all the world’s forests.

    So, should you worry about the climate consequences of peat use in Scotch whisky?

    No matter how you slice it, harvesting peat is not good for the environment – and getting your hands on a nice dry slab of peat to extract those smoky flavours is no easy task. Peat is formed by waterlogged, oxygen-poor conditions that slow the natural breakdown process of plant material.

    While it is critical for healthy peatlands, excess water is not ideal for burning or transporting peat. Hence, peat extraction usually involves the extensive draining of peatlands. This halts the natural peat accumulation process and releases greenhouse gases from the now-degraded peats into the atmosphere.

    More than 80% of Scotland’s peatlands are degraded.

    Some recovery efforts are being made, and it has been suggested that the whisky industry can offset their peat degradation by investing in peat restoration. But, peatland restoration is a long-term and imprecise solution that might take decades to properly assess, while existing peatlands are needed as a natural carbon sink now.

    Flavour innovations

    There are reasons for “peat heads” (both whisky fans and climate warriors) to feel optimistic about the future of this industry.

    For decades, the barley malting industry has focused on extracting the most flavour out of the least peat. Innovations in enhanced peat burning efficiency and investigations into peat flavouring alternatives are just some of the ways that the whisky industry is decreasing its peat footprint.

    Change in this sector takes time. Any innovations in whisky made today must age for at least three years before being ready for the “flavour wheel”. This delay underscores the urgency of developing new methods as it will take time to find the perfect eco-friendly recipe that compromises neither the taste nor tradition of Scotch whisky.

    In the meantime, whisky drinkers can seek out distilleries that are taking active steps to decrease their environmental impact and try drinking peat-free or peat-efficient whiskies.

    To continue celebrating the uniqueness of peat as a flavour in whisky, we need to better acknowledge the effect it has on peatland degradation and continue to advocate for positive changes in the industry.

    The story of peat use in Scotch whisky will continue to evolve. But while experimenting with future flavours, Scotland must preserve one of this nation’s most precious environmental resources.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Toby Ann Halamka receives funding from the CERES (Climate, Energy and Carbon in Ancient Earth Systems) UKRI grant at the University of Bristol.

    Mike Vreeken 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. Why peat is a key ingredient in whisky and the climate crisis – https://theconversation.com/why-peat-is-a-key-ingredient-in-whisky-and-the-climate-crisis-245497

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Trumps want you to buy their meme coins, but history should make us cautious about the hype

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emmanuel Mogaji, Associate Professor in Marketing, Keele University

    Just before assuming office as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump introduced his meme coin – $Trump. The digital token attracted lots of attention, and a couple of days after its launch the combined value of the coins was nearly US$8.5 billion (£6.9 billion).

    Trump venturing into meme coins is perhaps not surprising, given his history of branding everything from sneakers to bibles. The first lady followed suit with a meme coin of her own ($Melania, which briefly outperformed her husband’s coin).

    History shows us that speculative hypes like this are not new. Hype can distort rational decision-making, with investors often neglecting due diligence and failing to ask the usual important questions of their investment.

    In 17th-century Netherlands, tulip bulbs became status symbols. Rare varieties could fetch six times a typical salary – until the bubble burst, leaving many financially devastated. Similarly, the South Sea Bubble of the 18th century saw the South Sea Company’s stock price skyrocket based on speculative frenzy (and a high-profile figurehead in King George I) before crashing back down. And the dotcom bubble of the early 2000s saw unproven tech startups achieve sky-high valuations on sheer optimism until the inevitable crash.

    The rise of meme coins, including the Trump ventures, bears similarities to the frenzy surrounding these past phenomena. They are driven by hype, the perception of scarcity and the promise of high returns. These factors can inflate the value irrationally and lead to significant financial risks for those who invest.

    Meme coins thrive on the power of hype. Prominent figures like Trump and viral sensations such as internet star Haliey Welch’s failed cryptocurrency have the power to generate enormous buzz. Like the tulip mania of the 1600s, these digital tokens don’t hold any intrinsic value but instead rely on public sentiment to drive prices up. The hype can quickly make them seem indispensable and highly valuable, even though they have no physical existence.

    The ease of access to meme coins also boosts their popularity. People can buy them online using simple apps or websites – much like shopping for any other product – without the need for a broker or intermediary. This autonomy appeals to modern investors, allowing them to manage their assets from the comfort of their homes. However, the simplicity and convenience often mask the high risks involved.

    Social media amplifies the excitement surrounding meme coins, creating a community vibe that fuels their popularity. The constant buzz on platforms and among influencers generates Fomo (fear of missing out), pressuring people to join the bandwagon in pursuit of the potential gains. But this rush can lead to ill-informed decisions.

    Meme coins are seen as opportunities for quick and substantial profits – an anonymous buyer (the so-called Lucky Crypto Trader) reportedly made US$100 million within hours on Trump’s coin. But these successes are rare and unpredictable. For most consumers, investing in meme coins is like gambling, with no guarantees of returns and a high likelihood of losses.

    Is it ethical?

    As a researcher in financial services marketing and fintech, I focus on the ethical and financial implications of meme coins.

    Cryptocurrencies remain largely unregulated, leaving investors without protection. So the influence of prominent figures like the Trumps hyping these assets raises questions of accountability and fairness. This lack of oversight puts inexperienced consumers at significant financial risk, which only serves to underline the need for caution.

    The parallels with past speculative bubbles offer valuable lessons. From tulip mania to the dotcom bust, history shows us the dangers of unchecked hype and speculative investments. Consumers should learn from these events to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the cryptocurrency era. There are some basic principles would-be buyers should bear in mind.

    To navigate the risks associated with meme coins and cryptocurrencies, consumers should find out more about the technology and become more aware of the trends and performance of the coins. Managing expectations is crucial; speculative investments are unpredictable and the hype can die away quickly. Diversifying investments rather than concentrating all funds in one asset or market can spread risk and provide greater financial stability.

    Education is equally important – taking the time to read the fine print on investment opportunities, such as Trump’s coin disclaimer that it is not an investment vehicle, is essential to understanding the true nature of these assets.

    Trump’s venture into meme coins is the latest in a long history of speculative financial trends, and he will probably not be the last to capitalise on this craze.

    But until regulatory frameworks catch up, consumers should tread carefully, ensuring that their pursuit of profits does not come at the expense of their financial security.

    Emmanuel Mogaji 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. The Trumps want you to buy their meme coins, but history should make us cautious about the hype – https://theconversation.com/the-trumps-want-you-to-buy-their-meme-coins-but-history-should-make-us-cautious-about-the-hype-248057

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Learn about Kindergarten registration in the Yukon

    Learn about Kindergarten registration in the Yukon
    jlutz
    January 22, 2025 – 8:47 am

    The Department of Education is hosting a Zoom webinar to provide information about Kindergarten registration and Early French Immersion Kindergarten programs for the 2025–2026 school year.

    The session will be held on Wednesday, January 22, at 7 pm.

    All Yukon parents and guardians are invited to attend this information session to learn about the registration process, program details and to have their questions answered by department staff.

    Yukon children who will be five years old by December 31, 2025, are eligible to start Kindergarten this coming school year.

    Kindergarten registration details:

    • Whitehorse Schools: Online registration opens Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This includes French Immersion Kindergarten programs (at École Selkirk Elementary and École Whitehorse Elementary), First Nation School Board schools (Takhini Elementary and Grey Mountain Primary) and Catholic schools (Christ the King Elementary and Holy Family Elementary)
    • Registration for all Whitehorse schools is online at yukon.ca/register-child-school.
    • French Immersion Kindergarten programs: The deadline to register is Sunday, February 16, 2025.
    • Rural Schools: Registration is in person at the school and can be done at any time before the school year starts.
       

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Almost 2 million people in the UK didn’t have the right ID to vote in 2024

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ralph Scott, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in Politics, University of Bristol

    The 2024 general election was the first in the UK’s history to be run under a system of voter ID. When heading to the polling station, people could only vote if they proved their identity first. This was the result of a law brought in in 2023 and that had already applied to local elections in England that year.

    Using data from the British Election Study, we tracked people eligible to vote between 2023 and 2024 and found that 5% of people eligible to vote – nearly 2 million people – didn’t own any recognised voter identification. This lack of ID was concentrated among poorer and less educated voters.

    Of course, lacking photographic ID is not necessarily a permanent state. Some people will have been in the process of renewing passports and driving licences during this period. All of these people would also have been eligible for a voter authority certificate, a form of identification brought in with the new law – although we found take up of these was low.

    We found that around 0.5% of all voters reported being turned away at polling stations as a result of lacking ID in the local elections of 2023. We also found that four times as many people (around 2%) reported not voting because they knew they didn’t have the right ID.

    The equivalent figures were slightly lower at the general election of 2024, but a meaningful contingent still did not participate. Around 1.3% of electors – or over half a million people – were turned away or didn’t show up at all because of voter identification requirements.

    While administrative records can provide accurate numbers about how many people were turned away at the polling station, they tell us little about people who were discouraged from even trying to vote because they didn’t have the right ID. So it is clear from our analysis that the impact of voter ID on turnout is likely larger than previous estimates based on polling station returns.

    Who benefits?

    We also found that the Conservatives were more likely to benefit from the voter ID law than other parties.

    This is not surprising when we consider demographic factors. As our research shows, Conservative voters are more likely to own ID, because they are more likely to be older and more affluent. Despite changes in social patterns of party support since the 2016 Brexit referendum, this pattern still holds true.

    The types of identification which are allowed under the new law – and especially the decision to allow older people but not younger people to use travel passes – exacerbates these differences.

    Who didn’t have ID?

    Percentage of party supporters (general election vote intention) without photo ID, May 2023 (lighter column) and 2024 (darker column)
    British Election Study, CC BY-ND

    The chart above shows the percentage lacking photo ID by general election vote intention, as measured in May 2023 (lighter bars) and May 2024 (shaded bars), shortly before the general election was called.

    In 2024, only 2.4% of Conservative supporters were likely to not have photo ID, while 3.8% of Labour supporters and 4.1% of Reform supporters were lacking.

    One notable difference is an increase in Liberal Democrats and non-voters with no photo identification in 2024, although this is almost entirely due to a change in the number of people supporting the Liberal Democrats or deciding not to vote rather than changes in people’s actual ownership of ID.

    Liberal Democrat voters had the lowest proportion of supporters without voter ID in 2023 (1.3%), but in 2024, the Liberal Democrat rate exceeded that of the Conservatives (2.9%).

    There are still opportunities to mitigate the risks posed by voter ID. Ahead of the next election the new government should extend the forms of identification allowed (especially for those younger than state pension age).

    Improving public awareness around the law and the availability of voter authority certificates is another important step. There are also suggestions that a system of allowing people to vouch for others who don’t have voter ID would be an option.

    In an electorate of 49 million, if almost two million aren’t able to vote because they don’t have the right ID, there is a problem. Those interested in building trust in our democracy should consider not only minimising electoral fraud but reducing this number by as much as possible.

    Ralph Scott receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust and has previously received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    Ed Fieldhouse receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    – ref. Almost 2 million people in the UK didn’t have the right ID to vote in 2024 – https://theconversation.com/almost-2-million-people-in-the-uk-didnt-have-the-right-id-to-vote-in-2024-246270

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Yukon issues special warrant to meet critical funding needs

    Government of Yukon issues special warrant to meet critical funding needs
    jlutz
    January 23, 2025 – 2:15 pm

    The Government of Yukon has issued a special warrant to ensure that essential government programs and operations can continue without disruption until the Supplementary Estimates No. 2 for the 2024–25 fiscal year can be introduced and debated in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.

    The special warrant provides budgetary authorization for up to $70.2 million in additional government spending for the 2024–25 fiscal year. These funds address urgent and immediate requirements across key departments.

    The Special Warrant (No. 1) 2024–25 has been issued as an Order-in-Council under the Financial Administration Act. This funding ensures that the departments of Energy, Mines and Resources, Highways and Public Works and Community Services have the financial resources to continue delivering on their mandates.

    Specific funding included in this special warrant is as follows:

    • $51.8 million in operations and maintenance funding in the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources to ensure that the department can continue to deliver on major commitments during this fiscal year. This includes payments included as part of the loan to the Receiver for Victoria Gold.
    • $10 million in capital funding in the Department of Community Services to ensure that the department can continue to advance land-development work, which has seen higher-than-expected productivity across the construction sector this fiscal year.
    • $8.4 million in operations and maintenance for the Department of Highways and Public Works. This funding is essential to maintaining service levels and ensuring the safe, reliable operation of the Yukon’s transportation infrastructure and government-owned buildings. It will help cover rising utility costs and sustain key services for roads and highways following landslides and washouts earlier this year, as well as other critical infrastructure that supports the territory’s transportation network.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on the meeting of First Ministers

    Statement from Premier Pillai on the meeting of First Ministers
    zaburke
    January 23, 2025 – 2:04 pm

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement: 

    “Yesterday, I met with the Prime Minister and Premiers to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to a unified approach to Canada-U.S. relations.

    “Our message remains clear, while Canada and the U.S. are neighbours and we are friends, any tariffs imposed by the United States will harm the citizens of both nations.

    “In our discussions, we focused on strengthening the Canada-U.S. border, advancing internal trade priorities and continuing meaningful engagement with key U.S. Administration, Congressional and business leaders. We are resolute in our determination to protect Canadians, their jobs and our economies in the wake of President Trump’s tariff tax threat.

    “This includes putting Canada first by buying Canadian products, reducing barriers to internal trade within Canada and fostering economic reconciliation through partnerships with Indigenous Peoples.

    “As Premier of the Yukon, I will continue to amplify the voices of northerners in these national discussions. While we have made significant progress in ensuring Yukon businesses have access to markets, investors and procurement opportunities across Canada, there is still work to be done.

    “I will continue to urge the federal government to increase defence spending in the North, invest in dual-use infrastructure and strengthen Arctic partnerships for long-term security and prosperity.

    “I thank the Prime Minister and fellow Premiers for their collective effort to defend Canadian values and protect the best interests of Canadians.”
     

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Westboro Mortgage Investment Fund Announces Bonus Distribution to Unitholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westboro Mortgage Investment Fund is pleased to announce that it has paid a bonus distribution of 58 bps to all unit classes. This bonus distribution equals the excess income earned by the fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and was pro-rated for the number of months an investor had holdings in 2024. The total distribution per unit for the 2024 fiscal year, inclusive of this bonus distribution, was 9.88%. This equates to a total annualized compounded return of 10.34% for the calendar year 2024.

    “We had yet another very successful year in 2024. We ended the year with all-time high totals of mortgage assets and investor capital. We were able to achieve this impressive ROI while simultaneously experiencing minimal mortgage losses. A special thank you to our valued investors, Westboro Broker Nation especially those who qualified for our Private Members Club and to our amazing staff, who are truly best in class,” said Derek Serra, President of Westboro Mortgage Investment Fund.

    About Westboro Mortgage Investment Fund

    The Fund manages a diversified portfolio of residential mortgages, with over 90% in 1st position, located in Ontario. The primary objective of the fund is to provide investors with a consistent and stable risk adjusted return for their investment portfolio. https://westboromic.com/fund-performance/

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, among others, our objectives, our strategies to achieve those objectives, our performance, our mortgage portfolio, and our distributions, as well as statements with respect to management’s beliefs, estimates, and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance, or expectations that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by using forward-looking terminology such as “outlook”, “objective”, “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intent”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “should”, “plans” or “continue” or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management.

    These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based on our estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in our Offering Memorandum under “Risk Factors” (a copy of which can be obtained at https://westboromic.com/fund-performance/).

    Those risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks associated with public health crisis; liquidity; dependence on the Fund manager and the mortgage broker; potential conflicts of interest; no guaranteed return; credit risk; interest rate risk; environmental matters associated with our business; availability of investments; borrowing; limited sources of borrowing; risks related to the renewal of mortgages comprising our investment portfolio; risks related to the composition of our investment portfolio; reliance on borrowers; litigation risks; ability to manage growth; change in legislation; cyber risk; and qualification as a mortgage investment fund. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that actual results and performance will be consistent with these forward-looking statements.

    All forward-looking statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Except as required by applicable law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Scott Roberts
    Vice-President Sales – Funds
    Westboro Mortgage Investment Corp.
    267 Richmond Road, 2nd Floor | Ottawa, ON K1Z 6X3
    Email sroberts@westboromic.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. Announces 2024 Dividend Income Tax Treatment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (the “Company” or “ARI”) (NYSE:ARI) today announced the estimated federal income tax treatment of the Company’s 2024 distributions on its common stock (CUSIP #03762U105) and its 7.25% Series B-1 Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock.

    The federal income tax classification of the 2024 distributions on the Company’s common stock as it is expected to be reported on Form 1099-DIV is set forth in the following table ($ per share):

    Record Date Payable Date Total Distribution Per Share Ordinary Dividend Qualified Dividend Non-dividend Distribution Section 199A Dividend(1)
    12/29/2023 01/12/2024 $0.35000 $0.151978 $0.009218 $0.198022 $0.142760
    03/28/2024 04/15/2024 $0.35000 $0.151978 $0.009218 $0.198022 $0.142760
    06/28/2024 07/15/2024 $0.35000 $0.151978 $0.009218 $0.198022 $0.142760
    09/30/2024 10/15/2024 $0.25000 $0.108555 $0.006584 $0.141445 $0.101971

    (1) May be eligible for a 20% deduction under Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”). Stockholders are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to their specific tax treatment of the Company’s distributions.

    The federal income tax classification of the 2024 distributions on the Company’s 7.25% Series B-1 Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock as it is expected to be reported on Form 1099-DIV is set forth in the following table ($ per share):

    Record Date Payable Date Total Distribution Per Share Ordinary Dividend Qualified Dividend Non-dividend Distribution Section 199A Dividend
    03/28/2024 04/15/2024 $0.453125 $0.453125 $0.027483 – $0.425642
    06/28/2024 07/15/2024 $0.453125 $0.453125 $0.027483 – $0.425642
    09/30/2024 10/15/2024 $0.453125 $0.453125 $0.027483 – $0.425642
                 

    Pursuant to Section 857(b)(9) of the IRC, cash distributions made on January 15, 2025, with a record date of December 31, 2024, are treated as received by stockholders on December 31, 2024 to the extent of 2024 earnings and profits. As the Company’s aggregate 2024 cash distributions exceeded its 2024 earnings and profits, the January 2025 cash distributions declared in December 2024 are treated as 2025 distributions for federal income tax purposes and are not included on the 2024 Form 1099-DIV.

    Stockholders are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to their specific tax treatment of the Company’s distributions.

    About Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.
    Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE: ARI) is a real estate investment trust that primarily originates, acquires, invests in and manages performing commercial first mortgage loans, subordinate financings and other commercial real estate-related debt investments. The Company is externally managed and advised by ACREFI Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, Inc., a high-growth, global alternative asset manager with approximately $733 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2024.

    Additional information can be found on the Company’s website at http://www.apollocref.com. Please note that our URL address has changed.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the same. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When used in this release, the words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, plan, continue, intend, should, may or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: high interest rates and inflation; market trends in the Company’s industry, real estate values, the debt securities markets or the general economy; the timing and amounts of expected future fundings of unfunded commitments; the return on equity; the yield on investments; the ability to borrow to finance assets; the Company’s ability to deploy the proceeds of its capital raises or acquire its target assets; and risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements, and other risks, uncertainties and factors are based on the Company’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    CONTACT:     Hilary Ginsberg
    Investor Relations
    (212) 822-0767
         

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier visits old revolutionary base ahead of Spring Festival

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

    HEFEI, Jan. 24 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday visited the old revolutionary base area of the Dabie Mountains, in east China’s Anhui Province, ahead of the Spring Festival.

    Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended his Spring Festival greetings to primary-level officials and residents during the visit.

    In Huangpu Village of Qianshan City, the premier visited the homes of elderly veterans and CPC party members, where he emphasized the importance of accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas by addressing shortfalls in pensions, education and healthcare.

    He also urged efforts to improve rural infrastructure, public services and living environments.

    When inspecting a silkworm and mulberry industrial park in Zhongfan Village, also of Qianshan City, Li said industrial development is key to rural revitalization. He noted that it is essential to leverage the resources unique to local areas, develop multi-functional agriculture, and tap into the diverse values of rural areas to drive the upgrading of the whole industrial chains in rural areas.

    Following the visit, Li chaired a symposium in Hefei, capital city of Anhui, on Thursday, hearing officials’ opinions and suggestions concerning the government work report and the work of the government.

    He called on all levels of government to implement the party’s decisions and arrangements and take proactive and prompt measures to promote sustained economic recovery and growth. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Reskilling for the Intelligent Age | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    With businesses now investing over $240 billion annually in AI and digital infrastructure, the lack of skills remains the top barrier to unlocking the full potential of digital transformation.

    What collaborative effort is needed to bridge the skills gaps and unlock the benefits for competitiveness, growth and productivity?

    Speakers: Omar Abbosh, Vimal Kapur, Adam Grant, Joe Ucuzoglu, Claudia Azevedo, Jayant Chaudhary

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

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

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Proud and safe – a new action plan for equal rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ people

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The Government is announcing a new action plan for an inclusive and equal society. The action plan aims to further strengthen efforts to support rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ people by consolidating, supplementing and mobilising these efforts.

    “LGBTIQ people must be able to live lives in which their rights and identities are fully respected. Although progress has been made, sadly we see that challenges such as discrimination, threats, hatred and violence remain. These are things we will never accept,” says Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg.

    ”All LGBTIQ people have the right to safety and security. It is especially important that we ensure that young LGBTIQ people have the right to a safe and secure upbringing, free from discrimination, violence and other violations. This action plan is an extraordinarily important tool in our continued efforts to gaurantee equal rights and opportunities for all,” says Minsiter for Social Services Camilla Waltersson Grönvall.

    “The Government is continuing its long-term, systematic and strategic work for LGBTIQ rights and freedoms. With the new action plan, we are taking the next steps in our efforts to ensure that everyone can be who they are and love who they want,” says Minister for Public Administration Erik Slottner.

    The new action plan complements the existing strategy for equal rights and opportunities regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, and the efforts will be stepped up with concrete measures until 2027 . 

    Eight focus areas and new strategic agencies

    The following focus areas are considered to be of continued vital importance in efforts to support rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ people: violence, discrimination and other violations; health, health care and social services; working life; young LGBTIQ people; older LGBTIQ people; private and family life; civil society; and cultural life.  

    The new action plan includes goals for each focus area based on various policy areas. To ensure a consolidated, structured and long-term approach to measures within the focus areas, a number of government agencies have been designated as strategic LGBTIQ agencies. These are the Ombudsman for Children in Sweden, the Public Health Agency of Sweden, the Forum for Living History, the Swedish Gender Equality Agency, the Swedish Migration Agency, the Family Law and Parenthood Support Authority, the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society, the Swedish Police Authority, the National Board of Health and Welfare, the Swedish Arts Council, and the Swedish National Agency for Education. 

    The Government has also designated the Swedish Work Environment Authority and the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise as strategic agencies for the working life focus area, which had previously lacked strategic agencies. 

    The Government will also task the Swedish Defence Research Agency with surveying the prevalence of LGBTIQ hostility in digital environments and spreading knowledge compiled within the framework of the assignment. 

    The Public Health Agency of Sweden will be given an expanded assignment to coordinate, support and follow up the work of the LGBTIQ strategic agencies.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: We celebrate the International Day of Education

    Source: European Union 2

    Children and young people should be safe from online dangers and risks such as harassment, bullying, false information, illegal content and/or people pretending to be someone else.
    These two brochures are invaluable resources for educators who want to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get your West Beach tennis courts annual pass now!

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Get your West Beach tennis courts annual pass now!

    An annual household pass to use the West Beach tennis courts in Whitstable for just £35 for the whole year is now available.

    Having purchased the pass, the courts are free to use for up to four sessions a week, for up to two hours a session.

    The pass is designed to make tennis more accessible and affordable and is perfect for players of all ages and skill levels.

    To buy the pass, simply head to the Clubspark website. More information about how the pass works is available by reading the answers to frequently asked questions.

    Published: 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Defra’s Science Advisory Council Chair appointed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Professor Rowland Kao has been appointed as the Chair of Defra’s Science Advisory Council

    The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has appointed Professor Rowland Cao as Chair of the Science Advisory Council (SAC). This will be for a term of 3 years from 8 January 2025 until 7 January 2028.

    The appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Biography

    • Professor Rowland Kao is Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science at the University of Edinburgh. Kao’s research focusses on infectious disease dynamics, mainly with respect to the role of demography in the spread and persistence of infectious diseases in wildlife, humans and livestock.
    • Rowland previously served as a member of the Science Advisory Council (SAC) from 2018 to 2024.

    Notes to editors:

    • Defra’s Science Advisory Council is an advisory non-departmental public body who provide expert independent advice on science policy and strategy to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
    • All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Fo Tan today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Fo Tan today
    Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Fo Tan today
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Fo Tan this afternoon (January 24), in which a male worker, while dismantling a metal I-beam on an elevating work platform, was struck by the suspended dismantled portion of the I-beam and fell from the work platform to the ground. He was certified dead at the scene. The LD is saddened by death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.     The LD’s spokesman said, “We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the dismantling work of I-beams at the construction site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken.”     The spokesman added, “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”                     To protect workers’ safety, the LD reminds contractors that substantive support shall be provided to the structures being dismantled to prevent them from accidental displacement or sudden collapse during dismantling work.      The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.     In regard to today’s accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application “OSH 2.0”, website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers’ unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.     The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees’ compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.     For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

     
    Ends/Friday, January 24, 2025Issued at HKT 21:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: London ETO supports Year of Snake screenings at British Film Institute (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    London ETO supports Year of Snake screenings at British Film Institute (with photos)
    London ETO supports Year of Snake screenings at British Film Institute (with photos)
    ************************************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) partnered with Focus Hong Kong to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a curated selection of Hong Kong films at the British Film Institute (BFI) Southbank in London from January 23 to 26 (London time).     The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, remarked that the office is committed to supporting initiatives that showcase the vibrancy and creativity of Hong Kong’s film industry on the international stage. “The Government will continue to strengthen support to Hong Kong film industry through the Film Development Fund, increase the exposure of the Hong Kong film industry globally, and leverage the cultural influence of films to strengthen tourism promotion and attract more visitors to Hong Kong,” Mr Law added.      The Focus Hong Kong Chinese New Year programme showcases three films at the BFI, namely, the UK Premiere of “True Love, for Once in My Life”, “All Shall be Well” and “Shanghai Blues (4K Restoration)”. 

     
    Ends/Friday, January 24, 2025Issued at HKT 21:40

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO Houston repatriates accused child rapist to Mexico who has illegally entered US 4 times

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston, with assistance from ERO Mexico and the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement Task Force, repatriated Nestor Flores Encarnacion, a 58-year-old undocumented alien, to his home country of Mexico Jan. 23. Flores has illegally entered the U.S. four times and is wanted in Veracruz, Mexico, for rape of a child.

    ICE deportation officers transported Flores from the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas, to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas, and he was transferred into the custody of Mexican authorities.

    “This foreign fugitive brazenly entered the U.S. in violation of our nation’s laws on four separate occasions to evade prosecution in Mexico for allegedly raping a child,” said ERO Houston Field Office Director Bret A. Bradford. “Dangerous foreign fugitives and criminal aliens who are accused of, or have committed, heinous crimes like sexually assaulting a child will find no safe haven in Southeast Texas. Our immigration officers work tirelessly to successfully locate and apprehend undocumented aliens in the Houston area who threaten public safety, national security, and border security, and will not rest until they’re repatriated to their country of origin and no longer a threat to the community.”

    Flores illegally entered the U.S. Feb. 16, 2002, near Roma, Texas. The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Flores and voluntarily returned him to Mexico Feb. 17, 2002. Flores illegally re-entered the U.S. on Feb. 20, 2002, and Feb. 22, 2002. On both occasions, he was arrested by Border Patrol officers and voluntarily returned to Mexico the same day.

    Flores illegally entered the U.S. for a fourth time on an unknown date and at an unknown location. ERO Houston deportation officers successfully apprehended Flores Aug. 23, 2024, at a residence in Houston after receiving an alert indicating that he was potentially illegally residing in the Houston area and wanted in Mexico for rape of a child. Flores was placed into immigration proceedings and granted a voluntary departure under safeguards by an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review Dec. 19, 2024.

    The Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement Program is a fugitive enforcement and information sharing partnership that was created in 2012 to better use subject information derived from local in-country investigative resources and leads to locate, apprehend, detain, and remove individuals residing in the U.S. illegally who were subject to foreign arrest warrants. The SAFE Program operates under the respective host nation’s Assistant Attaché for Removal, which constructs a SAFE task force composed of relevant foreign law enforcement agencies, immigration authorities, attorneys general, and national identification repositories – as well as other regional, national, state, and local government agencies. The managing assistant attaché ensures that each task force member complies with SAFE policies and standards consistent with the program’s standard operating procedures. Once established, the assistant attaché led SAFE task force generates new leads and vets existing SAFE fugitive referrals for ERO action.

    ERO is one of ICE’s three operational directorates and 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 who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how ERO Houston carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Southeast Texas follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EROHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Food Programme (WFP) to purchase and transport approximately 48,000 metric tons of maize on behalf of the Government with World Bank funding

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

    Download logo

    The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Malawi have signed an agreement to import 48,000 metric tons of maize, valued at US$ 35 million and funded by the World Bank Group, to help food-insecure communities affected by the El Niño-induced drought.

    WFP Regional Director for Southern Africa met today with the Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs to discuss the details of the agreement and reaffirm their shared commitment to addressing Malawi’s urgent food needs.

    “This is a significant step in complementing Malawi Government’s efforts in provision of relief assistance to food-insecure households across the country,” said Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs in Malawi. “The gesture reflects the strong commitment of the Government and its partners in alleviating hunger and improve food security as per the call made by the State President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera when he declared state of disaster early last year.”

    “WFP is focused on making sure critical resources reach the people who need them most,” said Eric Perdison, WFP Regional Director for Southern Africa. “This collaboration shows the strength of partnerships in tackling the challenges caused by climate-related crises.”

    “The Word Bank mobilized US$ 50 million earlier this year to help Malawi address the impact of the recent El Niño-induced drought in the country”, said Firas Raad, World Bank Country Manager for Malawi. “We hope this financing will provide greater food security to vulnerable households, and we are proud of our close collaboration with WFP.”   

    This funding comes from the Crisis Emergency Response Component (CERC), of the Food Systems Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa – Phase 3, a World Bank Group programme that helps countries quickly access resources during emergencies. Under this agreement, WFP will procure and transport approximately 48,000 metric tons of maize from Tanzania to Malawi to fill some of the food deficit caused by the El Niño drought. The Government of Malawi will distribute the food to approximately 954,000 households, in a national effort to alleviate hunger and help towards ensuring communities have access to food until the next harvest between April and July.

    Malawi is currently facing acute food insecurity challenges, with 5.7 million people rendered food insecure following the El Niño-induced drought which negatively affected 44 percent of crops. WFP is collaborating closely with the Government of Malawi to address this emergency. Beyond this agreement, WFP is assisting over two million people with food assistance, including malnutrition treatment and school meals. WFP also provides logistics support to help the Government transport maize to distribution points across Malawi.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 25, 2025
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