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  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn 4-H’s Teen Council Provides Youth with Statewide Leadership Experience

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A host of research studies have found that youth with leadership experience have advantages later in life, including cognitive ability, salary, and gender equity. UConn 4-H, which is a program administered by UConn Extension, understands how important leadership experience is, and its programs assist youth in acquiring leadership experience, along with knowledge, and life skills.

    Nationally, 4-H uses the thriving model to help youth with developmental and long-term outcomes. Programming opportunities include community clubs, individual projects, after-school programs, and camps, among others.

    UConn 4-H’s State Teen Council works to educate and enhance 4-H in Connecticut through statewide activities, civic engagement, and facilitating programs that occur at the club, county, and state levels. The Teen Council consists of two youths from each of Connecticut’s eight counties. Council members meet monthly and conduct community service, leadership, and civic engagement activities for UConn 4-H members statewide to build leadership, community, and connection among the county 4-H programs.

    UConn 4-H youth participate in Citizenship Day activities. (Contributed photo)

    Rylee Judson of Tolland joined UConn 4-H at age seven after visiting the 4-H fair. She is currently a member of the UConn 4-H Teen Council, serves on the Tolland County 4-H Fair Board, and is a member of the Paca Pals 4-H Club, a club devoted to alpacas.

    During Judson’s 10 years as a 4-H member, she’s shown alpacas, had a poultry project, and this year she had a small engine project too.

    “Being able to bond with the alpaca and almost train them is rewarding,” Judson says. “They listen to you once you make a bond.”

    The 4-H model helps youth progressively build upon their experiences and offers teens regional and national opportunities. Youth work together at national events on issues affecting their communities, while also gaining valuable leadership and civic engagement experiences.

    Judson represented UConn 4-H at Citizenship Washington Focus and was one of four delegates from Connecticut at the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C., this past April. In November, she’s attending the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta.

    “It’s so amazing being able to connect with people from throughout the United States and America Samoa too and seeing their beliefs and what 4-H means to them,” Judson says.

    The Teen Council helps plan state 4-H programs, including Citizenship Day, held each April in Hartford. This year, the Council presented a community-building workshop on civic engagement for attendees and a leadership workshop for UConn 4-H members at the UConn Storrs campus where youth participated in mock meetings.

    “Teen councils are vital for empowering young leaders and enhancing the impact of 4-H in our communities,” says Maryann Fusco-Rollins, an assistant extension educator in 4-H and youth development. “In 2019, I was first approached about starting a UConn 4-H Teen Council by two 4-H members who had recently returned from several national trips. They recognized the potential for a teen council in Connecticut, inspired by what they had seen in other states. Together, we worked with the UConn 4-H team to bring this vision to life.”

    The Teen Council’s initiatives and role help ensure the youth voice is present and drives programming, creating authentic programs that address the needs and current issues youth members are facing.

    “This is my first year in Teen Council; I want to build my leadership and public speaking skills, connect counties, and pass that on to younger 4-Hers so they can get involved,” Judson says.

    The Teen Council is once again offering leadership workshops and community service projects statewide. Past initiatives include trail and county cleanups. Overall, the Teen Council members want more youth seeking offices in their clubs and on the county fair associations. Judson believes that her involvement has helped her with forming connections and relating to others, skills that will also help as she pursues a nursing career.

    “You can make lifelong friends in 4-H and have so many great experiences,” Judson says. “4-H is unique from other youth organizations because it gives youth the opportunity to learn life skills in agriculture, public speaking, and leadership, and have the power and a voice in their club or county.”

    Selection is underway for UConn 4-H’s Teen Council for the 2024-2025 academic year. To become involved as a youth or adult volunteer, visit the UConn 4-H website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester to host 2025 UK Space Conference

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Space professionals from organisations across the UK will descend on Manchester in July 2025 for the UK Space Conference.

    Sponsored by the UK Space Agency, the biennial event brings together organisations with an interest in space to meet, network, discover business opportunities and help shape the future of the space sector. The event will be held at Manchester Central on 16 to 17 July 2025.

    Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

    Following successful conferences in Newport and Belfast, and after opening new satellite offices across the UK this year, we are excited to host the UK Space Conference in Manchester, the world’s first industrial city.

    We look forward to welcoming attendees from across the UK, forging new collaborations and championing the benefits of the space industry as a key provider of jobs, prosperity and innovation.

    The UK space sector generates £18.9 billion and employs 52,000 people – and supports critical national Infrastructure, including energy grids and healthcare services. 

    Colin Baldwin, Executive Director of UKspace, official trade association of the UK space industry, said:

    UKspace is delighted to be supporting the 2025 UK Space Conference. This biennial event, organised by and for the sector through our strong and connected ecosystem, brings us together to discuss key issues and opportunities including addressing skills challenges, supporting fit-for-purpose regulation, spreading sustainability standards and promoting private investment – all of which underpins the long-term health of the sector.

    This first UK Space Conference under the new government will enable the sector to showcase how it plays a significant role in the delivery of the Government’s five missions – high growth, safer streets, clean energy, opportunity for all and a society that is fit for the future.

    In the early 19th century, the rapid growth of Manchester’s cotton industry drove the town’s expansion, putting it at the heart of new, global networks of manufacturing and trade.  The city is now the heart of the wider region’s thriving space sector, which comprises over 180 organisations and over 2,300 space professionals – collectively termed the North West Space Cluster.

    Companies based in Manchester include graphene specialists Smart IR, who are using breakthrough technology to control infrared thermal radiation and Graphene Innovations Manchester, who have ambitions to develop human rated graphene space structures. MDA Space UK is expanding their workforce and operations in all their UK locations, including their site near Manchester Airport, where their growing team designs and delivers digital systems and payloads for telecoms satellites.

    A night time view of Manchester from space. Image: NASA

    The North West sector has been supported by investment from the UK Space Agency’s Local Growth initiative and STFC’s (Science and Technology Facilities Council) industrial cluster development, which is helping to drive its expansion, accelerate innovation and seize commercial opportunities.

    STFC’s Alan Cross, Development Manager, North West Space Cluster, said:  

    From Jodrell Bank’s early breakthroughs to launch vehicle testing at Spadeadam in Cumbria, the North West has a proud legacy of driving space exploration and innovation. Today, as the UK reaches for new frontiers, the North West’s space sector is thriving.  

    Manchester’s satellite manufacturing and the University of Liverpool’s missions to the International Space Station are just two standout examples of this, and the UK Space Conference 2025 in Manchester will showcase this vibrancy and progress.

    Dr Phil Carvil, Head of STFC’s North West Cluster Programmes said: 

    As we leverage space to tackle 21st-century challenges and prepare for humanity’s return to the Moon, the North West Space Cluster is excited to welcome the UK Space Conference 2025 to Manchester.  

    Our businesses and institutions across the region are leading the way in space innovation and collaboration, inspiring our next generations that they too can take part in shaping the future of space and benefiting society as a whole.

    Renowned for being the birthplace of scientists James Joule and John Dalton, and sparking their discoveries in thermodynamics, meteorology and atomic theory, the region now boasts world class expertise in materials science and has unique capabilities in nuclear materials for deep space applications. A University of Manchester lab holds a world-leading range of equipment for simulation of and experimentation into material behaviours in the extreme conditions of space exploration.

    The largest scientific instrument in Human history, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, is headquartered in Cheshire alongside the University of Manchester’s prestigious Jodrell Bank Observatory. With investment from both the UK and European space agencies, the National Nuclear Laboratory is also developing the next generation of deep space power systems in Cumbria.

    Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group said:

    The UK space sector is growing, unlocking significant opportunities for economic growth throughout the UK whilst delivering innovative solutions to domestic and global challenges.

    I’m delighted to see the UK Space Agency take its biannual conference to Manchester and we look forward to the event as an integral part of the space sector calendar.

    In 2023 the UK Space Conference was hosted at the ICC in Belfast and brought over 1,700 leaders together from national and international industry, government and academia to Northern Ireland for three days and generated a direct economic impact of £1.7 million through visitor spend alone. Local stakeholders in Northern Ireland reported that bringing the conference to Belfast provided Northern Ireland with a unique opportunity to promote its capabilities to an influential global space audience as well as to exchange ideas, plans and encourage development and success in the emerging space age.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes England visit promotes strength of partnership work in hitting housing targets Sheffield welcomed Homes England to the city so development partners could come together and see progress on the latest projects and discuss future opportunities. 26 September 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    Sheffield welcomed Homes England to the city so development partners could come together and see progress on the latest projects and discuss future opportunities.

    Homes England Chief Executive Officer Peter Denton visited five sites across Sheffield alongside senior Sheffield City Council representatives and other development partners. The visit was arranged to see first-hand some of the developments that either have recently been completed or are ongoing and has been achieved by those multiple partners.

    The visit was born from the ongoing work of the Sheffield Together Housing Growth Board, which is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of Sheffield City Council and includes Homes England, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the Sheffield Property Association and the South Yorkshire Housing Partnership.

    This partnership is key for the area in bringing housing experts together to find ways of hitting housing targets and making sure the demand for good quality, safe, affordable homes across Sheffield is met.

    The group visited three different housing sites last Monday (16th September) as well as the newly opened largest purpose-built food hall in Europe, Cambridge Street Collective – which has recently been crowned British Food Hall of the Year 2024 at the British Street Food Awards.

    The trip culminated in a stay at Sheffield city centre’s latest hotel development at the Radisson Blu – part of the ongoing Heart of the City II development.

    The first visit of the day was at the Capital & Centric-developed Eye Witness Works, the former cutlery factory in the city centre’s Devonshire Quarter.

    Here, Sheffield City Council Chief Executive Kate Josephs joined Mr Denton and representatives of Homes England and Capital & Centric to tour the development of apartments and town houses and see some of the new properties available to rent for families and professionals in the city centre.

    After a walk across Sheffield city centre which took in the Pound’s Park development, the visit stopped at Cambridge Street Collective to see the thriving food hall up and running that has recently been crowned British Food Hall of the Year 2024 at the British Street Food Awards.

    WATCH: Homes England visit highlights the benefits of partnership working in hitting targets

    From here, the next stop was the Together Housing development on Meadowsweet Close and Sorrel Way, just off Ferrars Road in Tinsley.

    Here, Council leader, Cllr Tom Hunt, ward councillors, local MP Clive Betts and Homes England representatives were shown around the development by Together Housing Chief Executive Kevin Ruth and other members of the housing association to see how partnerships such as this can build affordable housing for those in Sheffield that need it.

    Finally, Cllr Hunt and the Council’s Chair of the Housing Committee, Cllr Douglas Johnson, met the visit at the Citu-built Little Kelham affordable housing site off Alma Street in Kelham Island to see a range of new affordable homes being built in partnership with Great Places for city residents near to the city centre.

    The visit was a chance to show how, together, partnerships can help regeneration and development projects deliver, increase the number of affordable homes and bring housing and economic growth opportunities to Sheffield.

    Cllr Douglas Johnson, Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Housing Committee, said:

    “The range of partners is really important because the truth is that no single body can produce the amount of new housing that we need in this country right now.

    “We need councils, housing associations, Homes England and private developers to all contribute towards this bigger goal of good quality and imaginative housing for the future so that everyone can have a home they can afford.”

    Kate Josephs, Sheffield City Council’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

    “We’re really proud of the partnership work we’ve led through the Council, with Homes England, with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, with housing associations and the Sheffield Property Association.

    “The Sheffield Together Housing Growth Board is all about delivering the homes we need in our city. Together with all our partners, we are pushing ahead to meet our housing targets and provide great new places for people to live in our city.”

    Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said:

    “Across the city we are working hard to increase the number of new homes in our city. Everyone should have a safe, secure and affordable place to call home. Good quality homes are fundamental for enabling everyone to live happy, healthy lives.

    “It is great to see new housing developments being completed across our city. I am excited to see more homes being developed in the coming months and years ahead.”

    Kevin Ruth, Chief Executive Officer of Together Housing, said:

    “It was great to be part of Homes England’s tour of Sheffield and to meet so many people who are as passionate about driving support and investment into the city as we are at Together Housing.

    “The growing need for affordable housing is affecting so many in the region, which is why we were thrilled to have Peter Denton and Sheffield City Council members visit our newest housing community in Sheffield to see first-hand the impact of investment. We welcome the prospect of more opportunities for developing communities in the region and hope to see the steps that are being taken to do so, continue.”

    Sheffield City Council is in the midst of agreeing its new Housing Strategy for the next 10 years, which is in its draft stage having gone through two rounds of public consultation this year. The final Strategy is planned to be brought before the Council’s Strategy & Resources committee meeting this autumn for full approval and ratification.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Architectural competition winner crowned for Wolverhampton’s St George’s neighbourhood

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    This summer saw City of Wolverhampton Council join forces with social impact developer Capital&Centric and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to challenge competing teams of renowned architects to put forward their ideas to turn the 5 acre former Sainsbury’s site and historic St George’s Church into a new neighbourhood for the city.

    The team made up of Mikhail Riches and Periscope practices has been crowned the winner.

    Locals flocked to a Dragon’s Den style public consultation event at the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls in July, where each of the 4 teams (made up of 12 collaborating architect practices) pitched their ideas, with people able to give their opinions on their favourite. The competition was overseen by Angela Brady, a former RIBA President.  

    Angela Brady OBE said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for architects to be in competition together, working as a team with other architects to reinvent this disused part of Wolverhampton. All teams came up with vibrant ideas, which made it really hard to pick a winner. 

    “The Mikhail Riches and Periscope team had the edge with their vision, particularly with its retrofitting of the Sainsbury’s building in such an imaginative way. Also the 3 distinct zones they pitched could really create a great future for the area. 

    “This sort of collaboration between Council, developer, RIBA competitions office and architects I think allows a more joined up end result and is a model that other areas should follow.”

    The winning submission proposed a vibrant and varied neighbourhood of sustainable new homes, as well as lush outdoors spaces; boulevards and green streets; shops, cafes and bars; and community spaces.

    They proposed to retain and repurpose parts of the former Sainsbury’s building – in turn saving embodied carbon. The practices have also put the St George’s Church at the heart of the community, surrounding it with new public squares for pop up cultural events, intimate courtyards and social spaces for people to come together.

    The winning design will form the basis of the evolving St George’s masterplan, with a pre planning application submission to follow later this year.

    The announcement comes as part of Wolverhampton’s annual Business Week, that this year explores the power to boost economic growth through housing. St George’s also features as one of the major opportunities in the council’s Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus.

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “St George’s is a fantastic opportunity to create a game changing neighbourhood of which the city can be proud. It’s a critical part of our citywide plan to unlock investment in considered development that delivers much needed homes and new opportunities for our communities.

    “The architects teams all produced outstanding design proposals and we are relishing the opportunity to work with the winners, Mikhail Riches and Periscope, to further develop their ideas.

    “It is fitting that this news comes during Wolverhampton’s Business Week, with its flagship event, the Business Breakfast, focusing on economic growth through housing, and we believe St George’s provides the opportunity to set a new design benchmark for brownfield regeneration in the city.”

    Developers Capital&Centric are leading delivery of the St George’s site, drawing on their experience of repurposing historic spaces and building standout new neighbourhoods across the UK, all with an acute focus on social impact. With a competition winner now selected, their next step will be to draw up more detailed designs.

    John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “From start to finish the St George’s architectural competition has been inspiring, from the variety of designs the architect teams put forward, to the people that came out to have their say on the options. The decision was a tough one, but the design by Mikhail Riches and Periscope is a deserved winner. 

    “St George’s is a standout opportunity to take a redundant city site and turn it into something special for the community – retaining some of the existing buildings whilst creating interesting and welcoming new spaces where people want to spend time. We’ll be spending the next few weeks looking over the winning design with the team of architects and the council to fine tune the plans, so it’s primed for us to submit a phenomenal pre-planning application submission.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Welfare not warfare: Labour must scrap disgraceful nuclear weapons

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Sep 2024 Peace

    Labour claim they can’t afford to give pensioners the winter fuel allowance or scrap the two-child benefit cap, while giving the nuclear weapons programme a bottomless pit of money

    More in Peace

    Speaking on the UN International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie has urged the Labour government to scrap the Trident nuclear weapons system and use its funding to reinstate the winter fuel payment, scrap the two-child benefit cap and build a fairer, greener future.

    Since entering office, the Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves has launched a new wave of austerity, cutting the winter fuel payment for pensioners and upholding the cruel two-child benefit cap and rape clause which were introduced by the Tories. However, the Scottish Greens are calling for the UK government to use the money it is pouring into nuclear weapons to reverse these brutal austerity measures.

    Speaking on International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie said: “Nuclear weapons are an obscene moral evil that should have no place in 21st-century society. Yet, there are still vast numbers of warheads scattered across the planet, and hundreds of them are based here in Scotland on the Clyde.

    “The Labour government claim that they cannot afford to give pensioners the winter fuel allowance or scrap the two-child benefit cap, yet they are yet again marching lockstep with the Tories in committing to giving the nuclear weapons programme a bottomless pit of money.

    “The eye-watering sums that are being poured into nuclear weapons would be far better spent lifting children and families out of poverty and tackling the climate crisis, which is the greatest security threat we face.

    “But even if Trident had no cost implications, keeping it would still be totally immoral. There can never be any justification for weapons which are only capable of indiscriminate mass killing, or the brutal legacy such as those left by the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki 80 years ago.

    “If we want to take a stand for global peace, we must lead by example. I look forward to the day when an independent Scotland can rid nuclear weapons from our waters and fully commit to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Status of Digital Financial Literacy in Lakshadweep Islands: Bottlenecks and Way Forward

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Today the Reserve Bank of India placed on its website a research study titled “Status of Digital Financial Literacy in Lakshadweep Islands: Bottlenecks and Way Forward” under the Project Research Study1. The study is based on the primary data collected from all the ten inhabited islands in Lakshadweep – Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy – to analyse the present status of digital financial literacy and digital financial inclusion. While households were the primary unit of enumeration of the survey, SHG members, bank employees, school authorities, students and business-persons in the islands were also interviewed.

    The major findings of the study are the following:

    • All individual respondents in the surveyed islands reported access to bank deposit accounts. Not just access but the usage of deposit accounts was higher with about 90 per cent of the respondents reporting an operation of their accounts for the purposes of savings.

    • Though there was no gender gap in the access to bank deposit accounts, there was a considerable difference between men and women with regard to banking habits in general, usage of deposit accounts in particular. While about 91 per cent of the men operated their accounts by themselves, the corresponding figure among women was 71 per cent.

    • Not just basic literacy but also digital literacy, assessed in terms of possession as well as competency to use mobile phones and computers, was found to be high among the survey respondents.

    • Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) were the most popularly used means of digital banking in the islands. About 90 per cent of the respondents in the islands had ATM cards, while 80 per cent reported an actual usage of these cards. Internet banking was not widely prevalent in the islands and only about 38 per cent of the respondents used mobile banking.

    • Despite a high degree of financial inclusion and digital literacy, a major barrier towards digital financial inclusion in the islands was the poor Internet connectivity; respondents reported apprehensions about digital transaction failures, which often discouraged them from using Internet and mobile banking.

    • Only about 30 per cent of the survey respondents were familiar with digital hygiene habits assessed in terms of usage of public Internet connections, which can be risky; closing of digital payment apps after transactions; and usage of secure passwords.

    In sum, despite being secluded geographically and with limited economic activity primarily surrounding fisheries and tourism, the financial sector in the Lakshadweep islands is well-entrenched primarily on account of banks. Banks have played an important role in the financial inclusion of the islands. Going forward, strengthening of Internet and mobile network connectivity can be a key to expanding digital financial inclusion in the islands.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1162

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Moody’s Affirms Africa Finance Corporation’s (AFC) A3 Rating with a Change from Negative to Stable Outlook

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

    LAGOS, Nigeria, September 26, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today announced that it has received an uplift to its credit ratings outlook from Moody’s Investors Service, with the assignment of a “stable” outlook. This decision further solidifies AFC’s position as one of the highest investment-grade African institutions, with Moody’s affirming the Corporation’s long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings at A3, as well as AFC’s short-term issuer rating at P-2.

    “Notwithstanding increased country risk in several of AFC’s countries of operation over the past year, asset performance has proven resilient amid effective credit protections,” Moody’s analysts stated in its latest report. “The stable outlook also reflects management’s governance track record and early intervention capacity to mitigate materializing risks at an early stage.”

    Moody’s A3 rating affirmation reflects AFC’s adherence to its prudential guidelines to safeguard the Corporation’s intrinsic financial strength based on solid capital adequacy and high-quality liquidity buffers. In FY2023, the Corporation recorded outstanding financial performance with Capital Adequacy Ratio increased to 34.5% from 34.3% in 2022 and Cost-to-Income Ratio improved to 19.6%, from 22.7% in 2022. Additionally, the Corporation recorded Liquidity Coverage Ratios (LCR) of 161% and 143% under normal circumstances and a stress scenario respectively, significantly higher than the Corporation’s LCR requirement of greater than 100% in both scenarios.

    The decision by Moody’s is crucial for AFC to continue leveraging its top-tier credit ratings to achieve among the lowest borrowing costs of any institution in Africa, for transformational infrastructure projects in power, natural resources, transport, and technology that drive rapid industrialisation and job creation on the continent. Landmark initiatives include Djibouti’s first wind farm, with AFC as lead developer advancing plans to become the first African country wholly reliant on renewable sources for energy, and the Lobito Corridor rail project, with AFC again as lead developer working alongside the US, European Union and governments of Angola, DRC and Zambia to mobilise industry and connect the Atlantic and Indian oceans.

    “Amidst the current challenging global macroeconomic and financial conditions, we are pleased to receive such strong endorsement from Moody’s, a key lever in our access to global capital markets,” Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, said “It reinforces our position as the resilient and reliable partner for a more prosperous African future and an indispensable ally in mobilising urgently needed capital to build the infrastructure that integrates Africa and enables its industrialisation.”

    “The change in outlook to stable from negative is driven by our expectation that AFC will be able to maintain a stable, if not improving leverage ratio and that the asset performance track record will be preserved.” Moody’s analysts said, commending AFC. “The improved leverage outlook reflects the Corporation’s continued equity raising strategy. The Corporation exceeded its $1 billion target in 2019-23 and aims to raise a similar amount during 2024-28. Moreover, the corporation lowered its dividend payout ratio starting 2023 which will help retain a higher share of earnings and grow the capital base organically in the future,” they reported.

    In the face of uncertainty in the global financial landscape, AFC successfully maintains access to the global capital markets, a testament to the confidence that investors place in the Corporation’s robust credit risk profile and it’s growing global appeal. This year, AFC has completed several pivotal funding transactions including its largest ever debt facility, a US$1.16 billion syndicated loan, attracting new lenders from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

    For the full statement from Moody’s, please click here (https://apo-opa.co/3XGd2FV).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged with murder of man in Haringey

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of a man, whose body was found in a Haringey flat, have charged a man.

    Police were called at about 21:45hrs on Friday, 20 September, following concerns for the occupant of an address in Moselle Avenue, N22.

    Officers attended and forced entry into the flat, where they discovered the man deceased.

    He has been named as 40-year-old Marvin Dickson. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

    On Sunday, 22 September a 36-year-old man, Dante Forrest (15.09.88), of Moselle Avenue, N22, was arrested in the Edmonton area on suspicion of murder.

    He was charged with murder on Wednesday, 25 September and will appear in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 26 September.

    Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation. A special post-mortem examination held on Sunday, 22 September, found Martin’s cause of death to be blunt force trauma.

    Anyone with information that can assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101 and quote reference CAD 8320/20Sep. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – NEW TECHNOLOGY TO CURB INVASIVE COQUI ON OʻAHU

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – NEW TECHNOLOGY TO CURB INVASIVE COQUI ON OʻAHU

    Posted on Sep 25, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
     CHAIRPERSON

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    September 25, 2024

     

    NEW TECHNOLOGY TO CURB INVASIVE COQUI ON OʻAHU

    Drones will control frogs found at higher elevations in the Koʻolau Mountains

      

    (HONOLULU) – Invasive coqui frogs have been found at higher elevations than previous infestations on Oʻahu. The Department of Agriculture confirmed in June, following a report from a citizen, the distinctive chirp of the coqui roughly 200 meters below the summit of Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail on the leeward side of the mountains. Surveys were subsequently performed by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), and the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC).

     

    It is estimated that 13 acres of forest are infested below the Kuliʻouʻou summit on the leeward side. The new infestation site presents several logistical challenges for response efforts. The remote location, steep slopes inaccessible by foot and highly variable weather, prevent crews from using a traditional hose-based spray system to deliver a non-toxic citric food additive mixed with water used to control the frogs.

     

    DOFAW field staffers are planning to use drone technology to apply the citric treatment at these higher elevations. Aloha ʻĀina Drones, a Hilo-based operation specializing in agricultural and conservation drone applications, is contracted to do the work.

     

    In Hawaiʻi, coqui reach densities much higher than in their native Puerto Rico. Their loud calls disturb residents and the invasive frogs have large impacts on local insect communities. Coqui are now widespread on Hawaiʻi Island and are targets of control efforts on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu and Maui.

     

    To date, the frogs have not been detected at lower elevations on the leeward side of the Koʻolau Mountains. Kuliʻouʻou residents and hikers on the Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail and Kuliʻouʻou Valley Trail are encouraged to listen for frog calls. Pest reports can be submitted online at 643pest.org or by calling the 643-PEST telephone hotline. Staff from DOFAW and OISC will be present at the October 2, 2024 meeting of the Kuliʻouʻou Neighborhood Board to share information and answer questions about this project.

     

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    HD Video – Waimānalo Coqui Frog Eradication (May 16, 2022):

    [embedded content]

     

    Photographs – Coqui Frog Eradication Oʻahu (May 2022):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0fcd8b4vp1ef9xppjpupn/APqEluEA1r1n21JX5Lg7XhY?rlkey=iqz60cfjk726dcvn0x4tn36dc&st=4mj0y3cp&dl=0

     

    643pest.org Online pest reporting: https://www.643pest.org/

     

    Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council – Coqui Frogs: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/coqui-frog/

     

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: The Council of State presents its ambitious plan for purchasing power and opposes the so-called 12% tax initiative

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

    Source: Swiss Canton of Vaud – news in French

    Press release from the Council of State

    Published on September 24, 2024

    Partners

    Tax strategy for individuals

    The Council of State presented today its tax reform strategy intended to support, along with other measures, the purchasing power of the people of Vaud. This “Purchasing Power Plan” aims to redistribute nearly 270 million francs per year to the population by 2027 and represents nearly one billion francs cumulatively over the entire current legislature. It is part of the major balances constructed in the legislative program and constitutes one of the most ambitious cantonal tax reforms for individuals, comprising progressive and financially absorbable measures. This plan serves as an indirect counter-project to the popular initiative “Tax cuts for all: restoring purchasing power to the middle class” – deemed excessive – and which the Council of State opposes.

    Since the beginning of the legislature, the Council of State has taken several measures to strengthen public benefits to the population that have a direct or indirect impact on purchasing power and improving the quality of life: pricing policy for mobility, professional training in the field of health and social policy. In this last area, family allowances will increase from 2025.

    In a context where the financial outlook has deteriorated (inflation, successive crises, deterioration of federal finances), the Government wishes to maintain the major balances forged in its legislative programme and proposes to the Grand Council to reject the initiative for a 12% tax cut which, with an estimated impact of around half a billion francs per year in tax revenue reduction, would have too significant an effect on cantonal finances and services to the population. The attractiveness of a canton is not only measured by its taxation, but also by the range and quality of services provided to the population by its public services.

    By presenting its Purchasing Power Plan, the Government is today making its fiscal commitments a reality. This plan has three ambitious objectives:

    Firstly, reduce the tax burden on Vaud taxpayers; secondly, improve the tax attractiveness of the Canton of Vaud in order to attract new taxpayers; thirdly, guarantee the financing of public policies and services to the population.

    The Purchasing Power Plan is made up of a series of measures, some of which have already been submitted to the Grand Council and others will be submitted shortly. Thus, nearly 270 million francs will be indirectly redistributed to the people of Vaud by 2027, or nearly one billion francs cumulatively over the entire current legislature. Specifically, the Council of State is proposing to the Grand Council a reform aimed at reducing income tax by a total of 5% and wealth tax by 5% by the end of the legislature. It also proposes raising tax thresholds and improving the framework conditions for inheritances and donations, in order to promote family inheritance and the transfer of businesses to direct descendants. These measures are in addition to the increase in the deduction for health insurance premiums, the deduction for childcare costs, and the reduction in the taxation of movable assets, all of which will come into force in 2023.

    An amendment to the law on the effects of the tax shield is planned, as is, for companies, an amendment to the directive on the estimation of unlisted securities for the purposes of wealth tax (working tool).

    In a long-term vision aimed at promoting purchasing power, the Council of State is also launching work to reform the tax scales on income and wealth, targeting the middle class, subject to the completion of individual taxation at the federal level.

    The Purchasing Power Plan is ambitious and serves as an indirect counter-project to the popular initiative “Tax cuts for all: restoring purchasing power to the middle class” which the Council of State opposes. Indeed, while it shares the will and objective of the initiators to improve the purchasing power of the people of Vaud, the Council of State considers that progressive and financially absorbable measures are preferable. The Government considers that the initiative for a 12% tax cut would harm the balance of public finances if accepted, which is why it invites the Grand Council in its notice to reject it.

    Information and Communication Office of the State of Vaud

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    PDF version of the press release

    Other press releases

    This page allows you to find all the press releases published since 1997 by the Council of State, the departments of the cantonal administration, the Grand Council and the Judicial Order. Its shortcut is http://www.vd.ch/communiques. The press releases distributed by other State institutions are available on the following pages:

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Decisions of the Council of State of September 24, 2024

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

    Source: Swiss Canton of Vaud – news in French

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    Decisions of the Council of State of September 24, 2024

    Published on 26.09.2024

    The decisions of the Council of State of September 24, 2024 are online.

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

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom requests Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support communities recovering from Park and Borel fires

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 25, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Moving to support the ongoing recovery from July wildfires in Kern, Butte and Tehama counties, Governor Gavin Newsom has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to further assist recovery efforts in communities impacted by the Park and Borel fires.  

    These wildfires both ignited on July 24, 2024, in connection with an extreme heat event in California. The Park Fire burned 429,603 acres, destroyed 709 structures and became the fourth largest wildfire in California history. The Borel Fire burned 59,288 acres and destroyed 223 structures, including the town of Havilah.

    The Major Disaster Declaration request includes FEMA Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs, as well as U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans and U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Loans for residents and businesses affected in Butte, Tehama and Kern counties. 

    A copy of the Major Disaster Declaration request can be found here. 

    “Many Californians are still feeling the impacts of the devastating Park and Borel fires, and this additional federal assistance would help further their ongoing recovery efforts. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their consideration and continued partnership and support for our state.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “These communities impacted by the Park and Borel fires have been hit particularly hard. Butte County has seen multiple disasters including the 2018 Camp Fire which became the deadliest and most destructive fire in our state’s history,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward.   

    California previously secured federal Fire Management Assistance Grants to support the response to the Borel Fire as well as the response to the Park Fire in Tehama County and in Butte County. Governor Newsom visited and was briefed by federal, state and local officials at the Borel Fire Incident Command Post and the Park Fire Incident Command Post in July. He proclaimed a state of emergency in Butte and Tehama counties due to the Park Fire and in Kern County to support the response to the Borel Fire.

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    Sep 24, 2024

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    Sep 24, 2024

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom issues legislative update 9.25.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 25, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:

    • AB 1785 by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) – California Public Records Act.
    • AB 1864 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Pesticides: agricultural use near schoolsites: notification and reporting.
    • AB 1868 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) – Property taxation: assessments: affordable housing.
    • AB 1874 by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) – Crimes: disorderly conduct.
    • AB 1904 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Transit buses: yield right-of-way sign.
    • AB 1921 by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) – Energy: renewable electrical generation facilities: definition.
    • AB 1979 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Doxing Victims Recourse Act.
    • AB 2005 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – California State University: faculty and employee housing.
    • AB 2143 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Fairs.
    • AB 2251 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Graduation requirements: local requirements: exemptions.
    • AB 2257 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) – Local government: property-related water and sewer fees and assessments: remedies.
    • AB 2300 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) – Medical devices: Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
    • AB 2317 by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove) – Child day care facilities: anaphylactic policy.
    • AB 2340 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Medi-Cal: EPSDT services: informational materials.
    • AB 2350 by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) – Open meetings: school boards: emergencies: notifications by email.
    • AB 2353 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Property taxation: welfare exemption: delinquent payments: interest and penalties.
    • AB 2427 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) – Electric vehicle charging stations: permitting: curbside charging.
    • AB 2455 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) – Whistleblower protection: state and local government procedures.
    • AB 2462 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) – Public Utilities Commission: written reports: energy.
    • AB 2534 by Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Modesto) – Certificated employees: disclosures: egregious misconduct.
    • AB 2552 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) – Pesticides: anticoagulant rodenticides.
    • AB 2597 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Planning and zoning: revision of housing element: regional housing need allocation appeals: Southern California Association of Governments.
    • AB 2661 by Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (D-Fresno) – Electricity: Westlands Water District.
    • AB 2698 by Assemblymember Tri Ta (R-Westminster) – Route 405: Little Saigon Freeway.
    • AB 2750 by Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) – Electricity: procurement: generation from biomass.
    • AB 2803 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) – Campaign expenditures: criminal convictions: fees and costs.
    • AB 2832 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Economic development: international trade and investment.
    • AB 2847 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) – Electrical and gas corporations: capital expenditures: request for authorization or recovery.
    • AB 2875 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) – Wetlands: state policy.
    • AB 2897 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Property tax: welfare exemption: community land trusts.
    • AB 2922 by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) – Economic development: capital investment incentive programs.
    • AB 2968 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – School safety and fire prevention: fire hazard severity zones: comprehensive school safety plans: communication and evacuation plans.
    • AB 3007 by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) – California Environmental Quality Act: record of environmental documents: format.
    • AB 3024 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) – Civil rights.
    • AB 3198 by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) – Joint powers agreements: retail electric services.
    • AB 3251 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Accountancy.
    • AB 3252 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Shorthand court reporters: sunset: certification.
    • AB 3253 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists: licensees: professional land surveyors: surveying practices: monuments and corner accessories.
    • AB 3254 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Endowment care cemeteries: reporting.
    • AB 3255 by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) – Vocational nursing and psychiatric technicians: sunset: licensure.
    • SB 347 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) – Subdivision Map Act: exemption: hydrogen fueling stations and electric vehicle charging stations.
    • SB 632 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Vehicles: off-highway recreation: Red Rock Canyon State Park.
    • SB 739 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) – Construction manager at-risk construction contracts: City of Elk Grove: zoo project.
    • SB 909 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Steven M. Thompson Physician Corps Loan Repayment Program.
    • SB 941 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: scoping plan: industrial sources of emissions.
    • SB 974 by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) – Lithium Extraction Tax: fund distribution.
    • SB 1006 by Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) – Electricity: transmission capacity: reconductoring and grid-enhancing technologies.
    • SB 1099 by Senator Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach) – Newborn screening: genetic diseases: blood samples collected.
    • SB 1140 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Enhanced infrastructure financing district.
    • SB 1142 by Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley/Burbank) – Electrical and gas corporations: restoration and termination of services.
    • SB 1146 by Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) – Mortgages.
    • SB 1221 by Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) – Gas corporations: ceasing service: priority neighborhood decarbonization zones.
    • SB 1270 by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) – Department of Food and Agriculture: farm products: licenses and complaints: fees.
    • SB 1313 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) – Vehicle equipment: driver monitoring defeat devices.
    • SB 1328 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – Elections.
    • SB 1371 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – Alcoholic beverage control: proof of age.
    • SB 1418 by Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) – Hydrogen-fueling stations: expedited review.
    • SB 1420 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Hydrogen production facilities: certification and environmental review.
    • SB 1425 by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) – Oil revenue: Oil Trust Fund.

    The Governor also announced that he has vetoed the following bills:

    • AB 99 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Department of Transportation: state roads and highways: integrated pest management. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 718 by Assemblymember Tri Ta (R-Westminster) – Veterans: mental health. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 828 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Sustainable groundwater management: managed wetlands. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 1975 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Medi-Cal: medically supportive food and nutrition interventions. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2734 by Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) – Agriculture: Cannella Environmental Farming Act of 1995. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2757 by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) – Southeast California Economic Region. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2899 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) – General acute care hospitals: licensed nurse-to-patient ratios. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 2903 by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) – Homelessness. A veto message can be found here.
    • AB 3263 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) – Electrical corporations: financing orders. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 26 by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – Mental health professions: CARE Scholarship Program. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 37 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities Housing Stability Act. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 366 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – The California Water Plan: long-term supply targets. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 954 by Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley/Burbank) – Sexual health. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1020 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – Law enforcement agency regulations: shooting range targets. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1050 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) – California American Freedmen Affairs Agency: racially motivated eminent domain. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1058 by Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) – Peace officers: injury or illness: leaves of absence. A veto message can be found here.
    • SB 1337 by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) – Elections: form of petitions. A veto message can be found here.

    For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

    Recent news

    Sep 25, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Fidencio Guzman, of Imperial, has been appointed Warden at Centinela State Prison, where he has served as Acting Warden since 2023, was Chief Deputy Warden from 2021 to 2023 and was…

    Sep 25, 2024

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 9.25.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 25, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Fidencio Guzman, of Imperial, has been appointed Warden at Centinela State Prison, where he has served as Acting Warden since 2023, was Chief Deputy Warden from 2021 to 2023 and was Correctional Administrator from 2018 to 2021. Guzman held several positions at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison from 2009 to 2018, including Correctional Administrator, Captain, Correctional Counselor II Specialist and Lieutenant. He was a Sergeant at Centinela State Prison from 2006 to 2009. Guzman served as a First Lieutenant in the California Army National Guard from 2002 to 2009. He was a Correctional Counselor I at Calipatria State Prison from 2003 to 2004, where he was a Correctional Officer from 1999 to 2003 and 2004 to 2006. Guzman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $193,524. Guzman is a Republican. 

    Edward Borla, of Paso Robles, has been appointed Warden at the Correctional Training Facility, where he has served as Acting Warden since 2023. Borla was Correctional Administrator at Salinas Valley State Prison from 2015 to 2023. He was a Captain at the Correctional Training Facility from 2012 to 2015. Borla was a Correctional Lieutenant at Avenal State Prison from 2008 to 2012. He held multiple positions at California Men’s Colony from 1997 to 2008, including Correctional Sergeant, Correctional Lieutenant and Correctional Officer. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $193,524. Borla is a Republican.

    Allison Ganter, of Davis, has been appointed In-Custody Death Review Director at the Board of State and Community Corrections, where she has been Deputy Director since 2014 and was Field Representative and Compliance Monitor from 2000 to 2014. Ganter was a Correctional Facility Specialist at the New York Commission of Correction from 1999 to 2000 and Assistant to the Chairman there from 1997 to 1999. She was a Staff Training Assistant and Legislative Aide in the New York State Assembly from 1995 to 1997. Ganter earned a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University at Albany, State University of New York. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $186,876. Ganter is a Democrat. 

    Jennifer Branning, of Susanville, has been appointed to the Board of State and Community Corrections. Branning has been Chief Probation Officer of Lassen County since 2013. She was President of the Chief Probation Officers of California in 2023 and is a member of Lassen Crime Stoppers. Branning earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Studies from California State University, Dominguez Hills. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Branning is registered without party preference.

    Karen Lai, of Berkeley, has been appointed to the Board of State and Community Corrections. Lai has been a Physician at Traditions Behavioral Health since 2019. She was a Resident and Fellow Physician at the University of California, Los Angeles from 2014 to 2019. Lai was a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow at the University of California, San Francisco from 2010 to 2011. She was a Sal Romano Research Fellow at Rutgers University from 2007 to 2008. Lai was a Stanford Public Interest Network Fellow at MetroPlus Health Plan Inc. from 2006 to 2007. She is a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Lai earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Duke University, a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biomechanical Engineering from Stanford University. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Lai is a Democrat.

    Recent news

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    Sep 25, 2024

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    Sep 24, 2024

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024-41 ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ APPLAUDS HAWAIʻI SUPREME COURT DECISION UPHOLDING PROHIBITION OF SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS ON AGRICULTURAL LANDS

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2024-41 ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ APPLAUDS HAWAIʻI SUPREME COURT DECISION UPHOLDING PROHIBITION OF SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS ON AGRICULTURAL LANDS

    Posted on Sep 25, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

    News Release 2024-41

     

    ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ APPLAUDS HAWAIʻI SUPREME COURT DECISION UPHOLDING PROHIBITION OF SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS ON AGRICULTURAL LANDS

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    September 25, 2024

     

    HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez applauds the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court’s unanimous decision of Rosehill v. State of Hawaiʻi, Land Use Commission, where the court held that farm dwellings in the agricultural district cannot be used as short-term vacation rentals under Hawaiʻi law. In making its decision, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court further held that courts must generally defer to agencies when interpreting ambiguous laws, expressly disagreeing with a controversial 2024 U.S. Supreme Court case that overruled the 40-year-old case of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.

     

    The County of Hawaiʻi has an ordinance that generally prohibits short-term vacation rentals in the agricultural district. In 2020, both the County of Hawaiʻi and certain owners of land in the agricultural district of the County of Hawaiʻi petitioned the state Land Use Commission (LUC) for declaratory orders regarding the legality of this prohibition under state law. The LUC held that a short-term vacation rental is not a permitted use of a farm dwelling in the agricultural district.

     

    On appeal, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court agreed with the LUC, holding that a farm dwelling may not be used as short-term vacation rentals because “short-term vacation rentals undermine” agricultural purposes.

     

    In making this decision, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court expressly deferred to the LUC’s interpretation of ambiguous Hawaiʻi law, stating: “In Hawaiʻi, we defer to those agencies with the naʻauao (knowledge/wisdom) on particular subject matters to get complex issues right.” In making this decision, the court expressly disagreed with the reasoning of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 decision of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overruled longstanding principles of federal judicial deference to agency interpretation of statutes.

     

    State leaders praised the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court’s decision.

     

    “Using agricultural lands for genuine agricultural purposes and ensuring that housing is allocated for our residents are two of the most crucial issues facing our state today,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “I commend that Hawaiʻi Supreme Court for making the right decision for the people of Hawaiʻi.”

     

    “Today’s decision makes clear that deference to administrative agencies is a principle with continued vitality in Hawaiʻi,” said Attorney General Lopez. “This decision reaffirms the importance of agency expertise under Hawaiʻi law.”

     

    “This was a win for preserving agricultural lands in Hawaiʻi. Short-term vacation rentals are transient accommodations effectively for vacation or tourist use and do not belong in the agricultural district. That was the LUC’s finding when a dozen Hawaiʻi island landowners applied to rent out their farm dwellings as short-term vacation rentals,” said Special Deputy Attorney General Doug Chin, a former Attorney General of Hawaiʻi and current partner at Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher who argued the case before the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court. “The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court unanimously upheld the LUC’s thoughtful and well-reasoned decision.”

     

    ###

     

    Media Contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
    Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office: 808-586-1252
    Cell: 808-379-9249
    Email:     [email protected] 

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCR News Release – Dedication ceremony for the Women’s Community Correctional Center Expansion Project

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCR News Release – Dedication ceremony for the Women’s Community Correctional Center Expansion Project

    Posted on Sep 25, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

    KA ‘OIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

     

    TOMMY JOHNSON

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

     

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Sept. 25, 2024

     

    Dedication ceremony for the Women’s Community Correctional Center Expansion Project

     

    HONOLULU — Dozens of guests attended a dedication ceremony at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, to commemorate the facility’s expansion project.

     

    The $63 million project that broke ground in July 2021, comprises three new buildings —Administration, Housing and Intake/Visitation — and is the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (DCR) largest capital improvement project to date.

     

    WCCC also hosted the ceremony to celebrate the newly renovated Ho‘okipa Cottage, a $6 million project that include a new multi-purpose building and a renovated structure with a bed capacity of 58 beds for work furlough inmates.

     

    All three new structures and Hoʻokipa are slated to be operational by the end of the year.

     

    Distinguished guests that attended the event include Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) Director Tommy Johnson, Deputy Director Pamela Sturz of the Correctional Institutions Division, Deputy Director Sanna Muñoz of the Rehabilitation Services and Programs Division and Deputy Director Melanie Martin of the Administration Division.

     

    Wardens, administrators, lawmakers, stakeholders, community organizations and more also attended.

     

    Contractors, architects and consultants involved in the expansion project were recognized for their dedication and hard work.

     

    Lt. Gov. Luke, ceremony guest speaker and staunch supporter of criminal justice reform for female inmates, said, “It takes a commitment from the individuals here and it also takes a commitment from the outside community, the community as a whole, to support these women who have gone through many troubles in their lives.”

     

    DCR Director Tommy Johnson, who also addressed attendees at the ceremony, said the changes to WCCC represent “our sincere efforts to provide a positive rehabilitative environment, hope and return dignity to the women housed here while simultaneously improving the working conditions of our staff.”

     

    Johnson also thanked the Women’s Prison Project and many community groups for their unwavering support to better the lives of inmates and prepare them for reentry into the community.

     

    Kahu Pohālelo Loko‘olu Quintero and ‘Ihilani Chu of the Hawaiian Church of Hawaiʻi Nei and Chaplain Tammy Turcios conducted the blessing. Seven inmates of the facility’s hula halau, Halau Hulu Kamaluokukui, also performed.

     

    Providing space for programs and easing overcrowding at the Oʻahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) were among DCR’s goals for this expansion project. WCCC, the only correctional facility for women in Hawaiʻi, will serve as a hybrid prison and jail facility for female inmates on Oʻahu.

     

    The prison population will be in the new Housing building which has a 176-bed capacity — 64 in each of the two dorm units and 48 in the restrictive housing unit. Pre-trial detainees, sentenced misdemeanants, sentenced felons, sentenced felony probationers and parole violators will be housed at other existing buildings at WCCC.

     

    WCCC Warden Ione “Noni” Guillonta said, “Our aim is not merely to house individuals but to offer them an opportunity for transformation. The facility will be a place where the focus extends beyond punishment to encompass education vocational training, mental health support and reentry preparation.”

     

    “We are dedicated to addressing the unique needs of women who face different challenges and required tailored support to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society successfully,” Guillonta added.

     

    The ceremony itself served as training for seven inmates who have been training with staff from ‘Ōlelo Community Media and given the opportunity to film and conduct interviews at the event under the guidance of ‘Ōlelo.

     

    WCCC is preparing to transfer approximately 120 female inmates from the Oʻahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) in Kalihi to the women’s facility in Kailua. The transfer is expected to take up to eight weeks to complete with approximately 10 to 15 inmates to be transferred at a time. The current population at WCCC is nearly 200 as of Sept. 16, 2024.

     

    The newly renovated Ho‘okipa Cottage and construction of an adjacent multi-purpose building will provide a new living environment that will emphasize rehabilitation and provide life skills for a successful transition into the community. Work furlough inmates eligible to be released within one to two years will be housed at Hoʻokipa.

     

    A fact sheet on the WCCC expansion project is attached. Ceremony photos are also available at the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R7wqRNMByyAAfKbjmT8i-v9k7rhWPFb1?usp=sharing.

     

     

    ###

     

     

    Media Contact:

    Rosemarie Bernardo

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

    Office: 808-587-1358

    Cell: 808-683-5507

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR HUNTING ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND, Sept. 25, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR HUNTING ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND, Sept. 25, 2024

    Posted on Sep 25, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
     CHAIRPERSON

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    September 25, 2024

     

    ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES IN EFFECT FOR HUNTING ON

    HAWAIʻI ISLAND

      

    (HILO, HAWAIʻI) – A temporary rule change will go into effect this Saturday, Sept. 27, 2024 for hunting at Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve (Unit F) and Puʻu Anahulu Game Management Area (Unit E) on Hawaiʻi Island. The rule change coincides with the opening of the hunting season for muzzleloaders and shotguns (with slug) and pertains to the makai areas of these hunting units.

    The temporary rules were approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in March 2024. Per the new rules, the daily bag limits for goats will be three, with no requirement for tags. Open hunting days will be Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays throughout the season. Vehicular access to the two hunting areas may change each week, according to management actions in the area.

    Details on updated seasons and bag limits can be found in the Adaptive Rules Management summary on the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) website.

     

    For more information, contact DOFAW’s Hilo office at: 808-974-4221.

     

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    HD Video – Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve (Dec. 2021):

    [embedded content]

     

    Photographs – Puʻu Anahulu aerials (March 2016):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/zrvmbefvqsk3gyjz6l83c/ALthM0XKozQ1buq1XC4iPx0?rlkey=apj4wnwdeh2r8eu6p7db11zcu&st=hqmaa75o&dl=0

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024-42 AG NEWS RELEASE – STATE OF HAWAIʻI FILES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST NORTH SHORE HOMEOWNER AFTER PART OF HOME COLLAPSES INTO THE OCEAN

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2024-42 AG NEWS RELEASE – STATE OF HAWAIʻI FILES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST NORTH SHORE HOMEOWNER AFTER PART OF HOME COLLAPSES INTO THE OCEAN

    Posted on Sep 25, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

    News Release 2024-42

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI FILES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST NORTH SHORE HOMEOWNER AFTER PART OF HOME COLLAPSES INTO THE OCEAN

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    September 25, 2024

     

    HONOLULU – The state of Hawaiʻi filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit on O‘ahu and is pursuing a temporary restraining order against a North Shore property owner after part of a beachfront home collapsed onto state land and into the ocean.

     

    According to the complaint, on or about September 24, 2024, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL) received reports that a dwelling located in Hale‘iwa was being destroyed by the ocean swell and solid material fell from the property onto the state land. DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement officers responded and observed large parts of the structure on state land, as well as debris washing into the ocean.

    The DLNR has jurisdiction over land makai of the shoreline. The subject property is located in the state conservation district. The state owns the land up to the highest wash of the waves.

     

    The complaint details the state’s request for injunctive relief to have all unauthorized solid materials including unauthorized erosion control devices and debris removed from the state land. It also requests an order from the Court that provides the state owns the land clear of interest or claim by the defendant and requests a permanent injunction preventing the defendant from allowing any structures, solid materials, or debris of any kind on state property. The complaint also asks that the Court award damages to the state for repairing the natural resources affected by the defendants’ illegal actions.

     

    “The state has a duty to protect the environment, prevent further degradation of state conservation land, and ensure shoreline and beach preservation for future generations,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez.

     

    “Private landowners take a risk when they allow structures to be so close to the shoreline,” said Deputy Attorney General Danica Swenson, who is the lead attorney for the state on the case. “The people of Hawai‘i are now confronted with the consequences of property owners’ failures to take heed of the ocean’s warning signs of erosion.”

     

    DLNR’s OCCL Administrator Michael Cain says, “The Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands is coordinating with the City and County Department of Parks and Recreation to remove the debris from the shoreline.”

     

    A copy of Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief can be found here.

     

    ###

     

    Media Contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
     Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office:     808-586-1252
    Cell:     808-379-9249
     Email: [email protected] 

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The United States and Partners Mobilize $517 Million to Support Democratic Openings Around the World

    Source: USAID

    Today, USAID Administrator Samantha Power, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, convened bilateral partners, democratic reformist government leaders, philanthropic partners, and civil society to collectively announce over $517 million to support countries experiencing democratic openings globally.

    On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government deepened its commitment to supporting democratic “bright spots” by working with Congress to announce over $73 million towards USAID’s Democracy Delivers Initiative. Administrator Power also announced that Guatemala will join the Initiative, following Fiji’s entry in June, as both countries experience historic windows of democratic opportunity. With this announcement, the Democracy Delivers Initiative now supports Armenia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Guatemala, Malawi, Maldives, Moldova, Nepal, Tanzania, and Zambia. Leaders from these countries joined the event to highlight their countries’ democratic progress and to welcome new investments and collaborations furthering democratic resilience.

    As part of the U.S. commitment, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced over $348 million in newly committed transactions in Moldova, Tanzania, and Zambia, bringing their total investment to over $2.38 billion for projects in Democracy Delivers countries since 2022. The Inter-American Foundation also announced $3.3 million in new investments in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Guatemala.

    Administrator Power announced that like-minded partners – including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom – jointly committed to supporting democratic openings throughout their development and diplomatic agendas and to bolstering information resilience. 

    Expanding the Democracy Delivers Commitment to Action launched at UNGA in 2023, philanthropic partners announced new commitments totaling up to $92.4 million to support Democracy Delivers countries and objectives. As an anchor partner and host for the 2024 event, Ford Foundation announced $8 million to support democratic opportunity, including in Guatemala. The following foundations also made commitments: The Rockefeller Foundation, Chandler Foundation, Focus Central America, Hilton Foundation, Luis von Ahn Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Skoll Foundation, Tinker Foundation, Vodafone Foundation, and WINGS.

    Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Administrator Power launched the Democracy Delivers Initiative in 2022 to bring together a multi-stakeholder coalition of partners and surge resources to countries undergoing moments of democratic renewal to help deliver tangible, lasting progress for citizens. By prioritizing responsiveness to citizen needs and enhancing transparency and accountability, these commitments will strengthen government reform efforts and facilitate improvements to public services. 

    Continuing the momentum of the Summit for Democracy process and building upon previous Democracy Delivers events, the gathering underscored the United States’ continued commitment to convening the world’s democracies in order to galvanize sustained collective action and ensure that democracy delivers opportunity and dignity for all.

    We encourage all organizations to join us.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – KAULUNANI PARTNERS CELEBRATE COMMUNITY FORESTRY, Sept. 24, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – KAULUNANI PARTNERS CELEBRATE COMMUNITY FORESTRY, Sept. 24, 2024

    Posted on Sep 25, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

     

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    NEWS RELEASE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Sept. 24, 2024

    KAULUNANI PARTNERS GATHER TO CELEBRATE COMMUNITY FORESTRY

     

    (HONOLULU) – Community forestry efforts brought the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) Kaulunani program together with partnering educators, nonprofits, agency representatives, cultural practitioners and students at the UH West Oʻahu campus for an empowering, role-celebrating event.

     

    The September 20 occasion started with gentle and cooling nāulu rains and an ānuenue (rainbow) that arched over the space just as people were arriving, setting the stage for a special time. The multi-generational group representing multifaceted programs across the state were in attendance to strengthen each other’s roles in this space, learn from each other, deepen their relationship to ‘āina, and have fun. Participants shared their passion for trees, communities and the environment through art, culture, sustainable practices, and lessons learned in their work. 

     

    “Today is about celebrating our partners and the amazing work that they’re doing around growing trees, growing canopy, but also growing the wellbeing of our communities together,” said Heather McMillen, Kaulunani’s program coordinator. 

     

    Topics covered at the event included project purpose and evaluation, nurturing partnerships, ritualizing tree planting and care and preventing the spread of invasive species. Artists and cultural practitioners included Nalu Andrade, Emma Broderick and Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku, who shared their skills with bamboo stamping (ʻOhe kāpala), weaving (Ulana), and coconut shell cup (ʻApu) making. 

     

    “This gathering of many different folks with plenty mana (power) and responsibility is really special,” said Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku. He explained that this ʻaha (meeting) is not a conference but more a place to come together and be present. “It’s a time to be vulnerable, a time to share your work. It’s a time to also learn and listen.” 

     

    Kaulunani’s purpose is to support community collaboration in efforts to establish, manage and protect trees, forests and green spaces across Hawaiʻi. This event was an example of how it’s about much more. McMillen added, “This work is not only about trees. We think about trees as an entry point, not an end point. It’s an entry point to be able to engage aroundissues of community well-being, education, transportation, health and culture.” 

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES

    HD Video – Kaulunani Celebration – media clips (Sept. 20, 2024):

    https://vimeo.com/1011514371

    Photographs – Kaulunani Celebration (Sept. 20, 2024):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/i40tii8a18suq688p9gyw/ACEOJlvIfADtlJbDLQzJoQM?rlkey=sco2eyxd20x724q9ndc6noxr2&st=831b9hl4&dl=0

    Kaulunani website:

    https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/lap/kaulunani/

     

     

    Media Contacts:

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    [email protected]

    808-587-0396

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power at the Democracy Delivers Event

    Source: USAID

    ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: Thank you. It is wonderful to be here with so many friends and co-conspirators and people who stand for dignity and democracy every day. I feel incredibly privileged, honestly, to be a part of this initiative. 

    I could have no better partner in Darren Walker, our incomparable anchor partner in the Democracy Delivers Initiative – the co-host for the second year in a row. Some of you know that Darren will be departing from his leadership role at Ford [Foundation]. None of us can imagine the thought of him not performing this role. He is such a giant in supporting civil society, in supporting human dignity, individual dignity around the world. But, we were thrilled, Darren, to think of what you will do next and the difference you will make in whatever walk of life you pursue. You are a walking catalyst for change, and we feel incredibly grateful to you and to the Ford Foundation for all that you do everyday. So, thank you. 

    Thanks to everybody here who’s joining, as well as all of those online. This is a club that we wish more people wanted to be a member of – a gathering of nations who are pursuing really tough political reforms and who are doing so in the face of even tougher economic headwinds often.

    Two years ago, we first brought this group together amidst a wave of very familiar pessimism, talk of authoritarians emboldened, and democracies under attack. And, honestly, in looking back, too often this pessimism over recent years has overshadowed the bright spots of democratic progress springing up in many places around the world. And, they will always spring up because citizens will never relent when their dignity is denied and when they lack agency over their futures. So, we have seen it: citizens standing up, demanding change, and electing leaders who they were trusting to deliver on that promise. 

    Of course, if we did not focus on these movements – as I think traditionally, we really had not sufficiently – we weren’t focusing on them as movements and as reform engines. Then, it was also very unlikely we were going to focus our support on them in an intentional way. And, that, as we have seen, is a critical mistake. Because often democratic reformers come into office facing really, really significant challenges: entrenched corruption, weak institutions, often debt burdens that prevent them from making the investments that their people need and that their people expect. For reformers to have a fighting chance of delivering on the change that their people demand, they need allies. And, that is fundamentally what this network is about. 

    So, Secretary [Antony] Blinken and I, on behalf of President [Joe] Biden, launched the Democracy Delivers Initiative to help provide the support these reformers need. Secretary Blinken today, unfortunately, just got pulled into an urgent obligation with President Biden and is sorry to be missing us today. But, he – and we – take note of the fact that since 2022, in the short time this Democracy Delivers Initiative has been underway, USAID alone has increased our funding for the original cohort of nine Democracy Delivers countries by over $300 million. That is an increase of over 38 percent.

    At the same time, we knew all along that the true power of this initiative would be bringing others on board to surge support to these democratic bright spots as well. Because the beauty of democratic progress is that it creates opportunity for all. So, at this event, back in 2022, we rallied companies to invest in countries experiencing democratic openings, knowing that improvements in the rule of law, increased transparency, and unleashed innovation make democracies ideal places for private investment.  

    At this event, then a year later and a year ago, in 2023, we rallied philanthropies, many represented here today, to focus their giving, their investments in these places as well, knowing that democratic openings create opportunities to drive change that endures – in partnership with leaders who are not standing in the way of progress they see as somehow threatening, but instead championing and seeking to scale good ideas. 

    This year, the third of these meetings, we are pleased to be joined by other bilateral government partners who, like us, see the opportunity that democratic openings create and are committed to supporting them in their own foreign policy and in their own assistance. I am pleased to announce that today we are releasing a joint statement endorsed by 12 countries so far: Australia, Estonia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Most of these partners are here with us today, committing all of us in this statement to elevating attention to democratic renewal around the world, and committing to look at the ways in which they can increase support across sectors as we work together to make these openings not just moments but movements. 

    This approach is particularly important now as we continue to see new, promising democratic bright spots emerge. 

    And so, just this past June, we welcomed Fiji to the Democracy Delivers Initiative, following on the heels of the first peaceful transfer of power in Fiji’s history which occurred nearly two years ago. And, today, I’m thrilled as well now to announce that Guatemala will be the newest country joining the cohort. 

    Earlier this year, I traveled to Guatemala for the inauguration of President [Bernardo] Arévalo who’s joining us here today. The anti-democratic forces who had been working for months to prevent the president-elect from taking power tried every procedural maneuver that they could to deny the will of the Guatemalan people, delaying the inauguration for nearly ten hours – was it ten hours? But who was counting? And casting into doubt – genuinely casting into doubt – the peaceful transfer of power. But, the people of Guatemala insisted that their will be respected, and they prevailed. After midnight, technically, the day after the inauguration was supposed to occur, President Arévalo finally took the oath of office to an electric crowd chanting, “sí se pudo” – yes, we did.

    Now, as president Arévalo attempts to overcome those same undemocratic forces to deliver on the change that he promised, many of our partners are already surging support. Just to name a few – and you’ll get to hear from others later on – the Inter-American Foundation is helping Guatemala invest in providing the economic opportunities and security that citizens need to build their futures at home. The Tinker Foundation is investing in Guatemala’s education system. The Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Focus Central America are each investing in Guatemalan civil society organizations advancing democracy and justice. 

    Today, we are going to hear from President Arévalo and other leaders who are taking on extraordinary odds to deliver change for their people. And, we are going to hear commitments that partners around the world are making to support this progress. We have many partners with us. So, to make sure we stay on time and can hear from everyone, our timekeeper, Jacob, will help us stay on track – including helping me stay on track. 

    And, to kick us off, I am pleased to announce that USAID will commit an additional $73 million to support democratic development in Democracy Delivers partner countries. This is on top of our programming that we are doing across sectors that many of you are familiar with. But, this new funding is going to support priorities like energy security in Armenia; job growth in Guatemala and Tanzania; public service delivery in Ecuador, Malawi, and Zambia; and democratic governance and anti-corruption efforts in the Dominican Republic, the Maldives, Moldova, and Nepal. And, in recent months, we’ve announced nearly $6 million to support inclusive democratic systems, sustainable local food production, and climate adaptation in Fiji.

    And now, I would like to introduce the President of Fiji, President [Wiliame] Katonivere. Last year, I had the chance, sir, to visit Fiji and to officially establish USAID’s Mission there on the ground. Next week, USAID Deputy Administrator Isabel Coleman, will be leading an interagency delegation to Fiji and other Pacific Islands to continue strengthening our collaboration.

    Let me officially welcome you and the people of Fiji to this Democracy Delivers Initiative. The floor is yours.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tereos fined for failure to comply with CMA merger procedures

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The CMA has found that Tereos failed to comply with a requirement to produce information in connection with its recent investigation into Tereos’ deal with T&L Sugars.

    The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed a fine of £25,000 on Tereos SCA and Tereos United Kingdom and Ireland Limited (together Tereos) for failing to provide relevant information in relation to the T&L Sugars/Tereos merger inquiry.  

    As part of the CMA’s phase 2 investigation, a notice was sent to Tereos under section 109 of Enterprise Act 2002 (the Act) requiring the production of certain minutes and internal documents in relation to its board and corporate governance. Tereos responded to the notice, however, following further enquires by the CMA it was found that Tereos failed, without reasonable excuse, to provide a full response.  

    In particular, the CMA Inquiry Group found that Tereos’ interpretation of the scope of the notice was unjustifiably narrow and untenable when viewed in the context of the object of the merger inquiry and that the failure was capable of having an adverse impact on the CMA’s investigation.    

    In order to reach sound decisions that benefit consumers and the UK economy as efficiently as possible, it is essential that the CMA is able to gather all the evidence it requires. Parties must therefore comply, on time and in full, with requests for information from the CMA during an investigation.

    Richard Feasey, Chair of the independent inquiry group which led the investigation, said: 

    It’s important that firms respect the UK merger review process – which includes providing all the information we need to promptly progress our investigation.  

    Firms and their advisers must not apply their own narrow, artificial interpretation of our formal information gathering requirements– as Tereos has done so here. Had they responded properly then Tereos could have avoided this fine altogether.

    Currently, where there is a failure to comply, without reasonable excuse, with a requirement of a notice under section 109 of the Act, the maximum fixed penalty the CMA is able to impose is £30,000. This is due to increase to 1% of the total value of a business’s worldwide turnover once amendments introduced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) come into force.  

    For more information, visit the T&L Sugars / Tereos merger inquiry page.

    Notes to editors:   

    1. A copy of the full notice is available via the case page. 

    2. Tereos was represented in the CMA’s investigation by its solicitors, Squire Patton Boggs.  

    3. The CMA received and considered the documents relevant to the notice under section 109 of the Act from Tereos in advance of clearing the merger on 3 September 2024.  

    4. Where a party fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with investigatory requirements such as a notice requiring the production of documents, the CMA may impose an administrative penalty on that party. The CMA has published guidance Administrative penalties: Statement of Policy on the CMA’s approach (CMA4) on the CMA’s approach and powers in relation to imposing administrative penalties. A draft version of an updated version of the guidance, incorporating changes by the DMCCA was recently consulted on and the CMA is currently analysing feedback following the consultation closing on 23 August 2024. 

    5. The DMCCA received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024. It is currently anticipated that the relevant parts (Part 2, section 143(1) and Schedule 10 paragraph 17) of the DMCCA which relate to the amount of a penalty that can be imposed by the CMA under section 111 of the Act will enter into force in December 2024 or January 2025. These amendments to the Act increase the maximum penalty amount that can be imposed on a business for not complying, without reasonable excuse, with a notice under section 109 from £30,000 to 1% of the annual worldwide turnover in the case of a fixed penalty and from £15,000 to 5% of the daily worldwide turnover of the business in the case of a daily amount.  

    6. For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Statement on the situation between Lebanon and Israel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Joint Statement by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar.

    The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.  

    It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.

    Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.  

    Thus we call for an immediate 21 day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement consistent with UNSCR 1701, and the implementation of UNSCR 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza

    We call on all parties, including the Governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately consistent with UNSCR 1701 during this period, and to give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement.  

    We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Interim Director of Housing Transformation

    Source: City of Salford

    Salford City Council has announced the appointment of Alan Caddick to the post of Interim Director of Housing Transformation. 

    Alan joins the council having held a similar role at a local authority in the North East. Previously in his career, he served as the Director of Housing for two of the London authorities and was the Director of Housing and Residential Growth at Manchester City Council. It is also a welcome return for Alan who worked for the council some years ago in the role of Lead Officer for the Charlestown and Lower Kersal New Deal for Communities. 

    Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty said “Alan brings with him an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience of the housing sector, within local authorities, so I’m looking forward to working with him to deliver the quality affordable housing our residents and communities deserve.

    Alan said “I am really pleased to be rejoining Salford City Council. Salford is a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work and visit, so I am looking forward to being a part of the team that helps to transform our communities and provide a range of housing opportunities for all of our residents”.

    “Across the city the demand for suitable housing remains one of our main priorities and I am looking forward to the challenges, and the opportunities that we will encounter as the renaissance of our communities continues.”

    Share this

    Date published
    Thursday 26 September 2024

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Monetary developments in the euro area: August 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    26 September 2024

    Components of the broad monetary aggregate M3

    The annual growth rate of the broad monetary aggregate M3 increased to 2.9% in August 2024 from 2.3% in July, averaging 2.5% in the three months up to August. The components of M3 showed the following developments. The annual growth rate of the narrower aggregate M1, which comprises currency in circulation and overnight deposits, was -2.1% in August, compared with -3.1% in July. The annual growth rate of short-term deposits other than overnight deposits (M2-M1) decreased to 10.6% in August from 11.4% in July. The annual growth rate of marketable instruments (M3-M2) increased to 22.0% in August from 21.4% in July.

    Chart 1

    Monetary aggregates

    (annual growth rates)

    Data for monetary aggregates

    Looking at the components’ contributions to the annual growth rate of M3, the narrower aggregate M1 contributed -1.4 percentage points (up from -2.1 percentage points in July), short-term deposits other than overnight deposits (M2-M1) contributed 3.0 percentage points (down from 3.2 percentage points) and marketable instruments (M3-M2) contributed 1.3 percentage points (up from 1.2 percentage points).

    Among the holding sectors of deposits in M3, the annual growth rate of deposits placed by households increased to 2.3% in August from 2.1% in July, while the annual growth rate of deposits placed by non-financial corporations stood at 1.8% in August, compared with 1.7% in July. Finally, the annual growth rate of deposits placed by investment funds other than money market funds increased to 11.7% in August from 6.3% in July.

    Counterparts of the broad monetary aggregate M3

    The annual growth rate of M3 in August 2024, as a reflection of changes in the items on the monetary financial institution (MFI) consolidated balance sheet other than M3 (counterparts of M3), can be broken down as follows: net external assets contributed 4.0 percentage points (up from 3.8 percentage points in July), claims on the private sector contributed 1.2 percentage points (up from 0.9 percentage points), claims on general government contributed -0.4 percentage points (as in the previous month), longer-term liabilities contributed -1.8 percentage points (up from -1.9 percentage points), and the remaining counterparts of M3 contributed 0.0 percentage points (up from -0.1 percentage points).

    Chart 2

    Contribution of the M3 counterparts to the annual growth rate of M3

    (percentage points)

    Data for contribution of the M3 counterparts to the annual growth rate of M3

    Claims on euro area residents

    The annual growth rate of total claims on euro area residents increased to 0.6% in August 2024 from 0.3% in the previous month. The annual growth rate of claims on general government stood at -1.1% in August, unchanged from the previous month, while the annual growth rate of claims on the private sector increased to 1.2% in August from 0.9% in July.

    The annual growth rate of adjusted loans to the private sector (i.e. adjusted for loan transfers and notional cash pooling) increased to 1.6% in August from 1.3% in July. Among the borrowing sectors, the annual growth rate of adjusted loans to households stood at 0.6% in August, compared with 0.5% in July, while the annual growth rate of adjusted loans to non-financial corporations increased to 0.8% in August from 0.6% in July.

    Chart 3

    Adjusted loans to the private sector

    (annual growth rates)

    Data for adjusted loans to the private sector

    Notes:

    • Data in this press release are adjusted for seasonal and end-of-month calendar effects, unless stated otherwise.
    • “Private sector” refers to euro area non-MFIs excluding general government.
    • Hyperlinks lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Figures shown in annex tables are a snapshot of the data as at the time of the current release.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Immediate measures to step up safeguards against African swine fever from Europe

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The mitigation measures will help to prevent the spread of ASF across the border, protecting the pig sector worth over £8 billion to the UK economy 

    Immediate measures have been introduced to protect pig farmers and industry from an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak. 

    ASF is a highly contagious and deadly disease in pigs and wild boar that can be transmitted through infected meat, but poses no risk to human health. The new safeguarding rules will help protect UK livestock by mitigating its spread across the border to the UK.  

    To safeguard the UK’s pig and farming industries, personal imports of pork and pork products from the EEA (European Economic Area), the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland will be banned from tomorrow (Friday 27th September), unless such products are manufactured and packaged to EU commercial standards and weigh less than a maximum of 2kg. 

    An outbreak of ASF could have a significant impact on the UK’s £8 billion pig industry, as well as its annual pork and pork product exports worth £600 million. It is estimated that an outbreak could cost the UK between £10 million to £100 million.  

    Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said:  

    African swine fever is a deadly disease wreaking havoc in Europe.   

    These new measures will protect British pig farmers and pork products, preventing infected meat from being brought over the border and threatening our biosecurity.

    The UK has never had an outbreak ASF, and commercial meat imports are routinely checked at the border to ensure infected goods do not reach UK shores. 

    Preventing an outbreak of ASF in the UK remains one of Defra’s key biosecurity priorities, and it keeps policy on personal meat and dairy imports under constant review, as well as works closely with devolved governments on contingency planning and preventing an incursion from infected goods. 

    Those found to bring pork or pork products illegally may be fined up to £5,000 in England. Products will be seized and destroyed on arrival.  

    Defra is investing £3.1 million to Dover Port Health Authority for 2024/25 to help Border Force tackle illegal meat imports and keep African Swine Fever out of Great Britain.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Key Carbon & Marex Group Announce Carbon Financing and Investment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia and LONDON, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Key Carbon and Marex Group Plc (“Marex”) today announce a partnership whereby Marex will take a minority stake in Key Carbon and provide financing for carefully-sourced offset projects.

    Key Carbon sources and finances carbon credit projects and provides ongoing governance, monitoring and operational support to ensure its projects are held to the highest quality and integrity standards. The funding from Marex will predominantly be used to help finance the production and distribution of low-emission, affordable cookstoves within Africa through the project developer Global Cookstoves, Key Carbon’s joint venture with BURN Manufacturing (“BURN”). To date, Key Carbon has provided US$45 million in funding to Global Cookstoves to expand the roll out of critical projects across eight African countries.

    This partnership will allow Marex to gain access to a wider carbon client base as well as streams of carbon credits, as it seeks to grow its environmental business and support clients as they transition to a low carbon economy.

    Inclusive of this latest funding from Marex, Key Carbon will have funded over 1.5 million biomass-fuelled cookstoves across 8 countries in Africa, improving the lives of an estimated 7.5 million people. These highly efficient cookstoves, along with other projects funded by Key Carbon, are expected to avoid or remove more than 46 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (“CO2”) or CO2 equivalent.

    Luke Leslie, Co-Founder and CEO of Key Carbon, said: “This latest partnership is a powerful endorsement of our approach to investing in the VCM and demonstrates our ongoing ability to attract meaningful funding in a challenging market through our robust approach to sourcing and governance. Partnerships like this will be critical to accelerating climate action and delivering tangible benefits to vulnerable communities.”

    Bastien Declercq, Head of Environmental at Marex, said: “This partnership will allow us to further diversify our emissions offering and give us access to a new range of market participants that we can service through our comprehensive platform. Reliable access to trustworthy sources of carbon credits has held the market back in the last few years. By moving up the value chain we can play a more relevant role for our clients in helping them to transition to a greener future.”

    About Key Carbon

    Founded in 2021, Key Carbon is a permanent capital vehicle, building a large, diversified portfolio of high-integrity carbon credit streams and royalties for corporates and other organisations on their journey to Net Zero. Since incorporation, the Company has financed several critical projects including the planting of 3.75 million trees and the distribution of clean cookstoves to an estimated 7.5 million people across Africa. The company’s mission is to help combat climate change, improve local biodiversity, soil health and water quality, and benefit some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.key-carbon.com.

    About Marex
    Marex Group plc (NASDAQ: MRX) is a diversified global financial services platform providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients across energy, commodities and financial markets. The Group provides comprehensive breadth and depth of coverage across four core services: Clearing, Agency and Execution, Market Making and Hedging and Investment Solutions. It has a leading franchise in many major metals, energy and agricultural products, executing around 129 million trades and clearing 856 million contracts in 2023. The Group provides access to the world’s major commodity markets, covering a broad range of clients that include some of the largest commodity producers, consumers and traders, banks, hedge funds and asset managers. Headquartered in London with more than 35 offices worldwide, the Group has over 2,000 employees across Europe, Asia and the Americas. For more information visit http://www.marex.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Integrates Unizen DEX Aggregator, Broadening Trading and Liquidity Features

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, announces the integration of Unizen, a multi-chain DEX aggregator, into its Swap feature on mobile and browser extensions. This integration enhances trading options and expands liquidity access, adding Unizen’s capabilities across 13 blockchains and 197 liquidity pools.

    The Swap function in Bitget Wallet aggregates hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, enabling users to perform token swaps, limit orders, and cross-chain services across 50+ blockchains. With the addition of Unizen, users can benefit from a broader selection of trading routes and deeper liquidity pools, which can make decentralized trading more seamless and efficient.

    To further improve the user experience, Bitget Wallet offers advanced features such as real-time market trends, trending token rankings, gas-free trading, automatic slippage adjustments, and Smart Money tracking, allowing users to follow expert traders’ moves. Lightning-fast transaction modes also ensure minimal delays for active traders.

    The integration with Unizen aligns with Bitget Wallet’s vision of providing a unified Web3 trading environment where users can manage, trade, and grow their assets across multiple chains. “We are constantly striving to bring more liquidity and trading options to our users,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “The integration of Unizen supports our goal of creating a multi-chain trading experience, allowing users broader access to the DeFi ecosystem with greater efficiency and transparency.”

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet stands as one of the world’s leading non-custodial Web3 wallets and decentralized ecosystem platform. With the Bitget Onchain Layer, the wallet is poised to develop a burgeoning DeFi ecosystem through co-creation and strategic incubation. Aside from a strong Swap function, Bitget Wallet also offers multi-chain asset management, smart money insights, a native Launchpad, Inscriptions Center, and an Earning Center. Supporting over 100 major blockchains, 250,000+ tokens, and a wide array of DApps, Bitget Wallet is a leading option for asset discovery and Web3 exploration.

    For more information, readers can visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | Discord

    For media inquiries, readers can please contact media.web3@bitget.com

    About Unizen
    Unizen is a leading DEX aggregator, enabling cross-chain swaps and DeFi access to UTXO assets like native Bitcoin and Dogecoin. Utilizing its in-house trade splitting and routing algorithm, Unizen aims to minimize slippage and reduce gas costs, offering advantages over other DEX aggregators.

    Additionally, Unizen aggregates interoperability providers to offer fast and cost-efficient access to liquidity across multiple blockchains, with the goal of optimizing trading outcomes and enhancing user experience.

    In addition to aggregation, Unizen is expanding its ecosystem with the launch of ZenChain, a Layer-1 blockchain that will utilize ZCX, the native token, for gas fees. ZenChain is a foundational part of the evolving Unizen ecosystem, which also includes diverse components such as decentralized governance, the Earn 2.0 staking program, and more.

    Unizen is committed to continually advancing the decentralized financial space, providing fast, more cost-efficient solutions while enhancing the overall DeFi experience.

    Readers can learn more here: Unizen X I ZenChain X I Discord I Telegram I Website I Application I CMC

    Contact

    PR team
    media.web3@bitget.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UXLINK Now Listed on the Crypto.com

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  UXLINK is excited to announce that $UXLINK is now officially listed on the Crypto.com App, one of the leading cryptocurrency platforms in the world. Users can now seamlessly purchase $UXLINK with USD, EUR, and over 20 additional fiat currencies, making it easier than ever to trade and invest in this innovative asset.

    With millions of users globally, Crypto.com provides a secure, user-friendly experience for buying, selling, and managing cryptocurrencies. The addition of $UXLINK to the platform enhances accessibility for both new and experienced traders alike.

    Download the Crypto.com App to trade $UXLINK today:
    crypto.onelink.me/ADTi/d39hnmqo

    For more information on this listing, please visit:
    crypto.com/product-news

    Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates:
    @UXLINKofficial

    Overview of UXLINK:

    UXLINK stands at the forefront of Web3 social platforms and infrastructure, offering a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates social networking with blockchain technology. With over 100 ecosystem partners, UXLINK is dedicated to providing innovative solutions that drive user engagement and growth. The introduction of the SLP system underscores UXLINK’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and dynamic community, enhancing the value of $UXLINK tokens, and setting new standards in the social infrastructure space.

    About UXLINK:

    UXLINK is the world’s largest Web3 social platform and infrastructure provider, connecting a wide array of ecosystem partners and users through a seamless and interactive digital experience. By leveraging blockchain technology, UXLINK aims to redefine social networking, ensuring a secure, transparent, and rewarding environment for its global community.

    Contact Details:
    UXLINK Web: https://www.uxlink.io/
    UXLINK Twitter : https://twitter.com/UXLINKofficial
    UXLINK Telegram: https://t.me/uxlinkofficial

    Contact Information:

    UXLINK
    admin@uxlink.io

    Media Contact:
    Rachita Chettri
    MediaX Agency
    contact@mediax.agency

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by sponsor. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/552cec76-e9fb-40f6-abb6-5c35ac91e7dc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtu Financial Congratulates Women in Finance Award Recipients Leah Goldsberry and Trish McMenamin

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtu Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq:VIRT), a leading provider of global, multi-asset financial services that delivers liquidity and innovative, transparent products across the complete investment cycle to the global markets, is proud to announce that Trish McMenamin, Chief Compliance Officer, and Leah Goldsberry, EMEA Head of Analytics Client Coverage, have both been recognized at Markets Media’s European Women in Finance Awards.

    Trish McMenamin received the Excellence in Legal and Compliance award for her leadership in transforming Virtu’s Dublin-based regulatory program and her collaboration efforts across the global platform and global teams. With over a decade of experience, Trish has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to compliance excellence.

    Leah Goldsberry was awarded the Rising Star honor for her contributions in managing key client relationships and leading Virtu’s EMEA analytics team. Leah’s adaptability, leadership, and client-oriented approach have made her a driving force within the firm’s international growth.

    “Trish and Leah exemplify Virtu’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and teamwork,” said Rob Boardman, EMEA CEO of Execution Services at Virtu Financial. “Their well-deserved recognition is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we are very proud of their achievements.”

    The firm extends its thanks and appreciation to Leah and Trish for the examples they set at Virtu and the financial services industry.

    About Virtu Financial, Inc.
    Virtu is a leading financial services firm that leverages cutting-edge technology to provide execution services and data, analytics and connectivity products to its clients and deliver liquidity to the global markets. Leveraging its global market making expertise and infrastructure, Virtu provides a robust product suite including offerings in execution, liquidity sourcing, analytics and broker-neutral, multi-dealer platforms in workflow technology. Virtu’s product offerings allow clients to trade on hundreds of venues across 50+ countries and in multiple asset classes, including global equities, ETFs, foreign exchange, futures, fixed income and myriad other commodities. In addition, Virtu’s integrated, multi-asset analytics platform provides a range of pre- and post-trade services, data products and compliance tools that clients rely upon to invest, trade and manage risk across global markets.

    Contact:

    Investor Relations and Media Relations
    Andrew Smith
    investor_relations@virtu.com
    media@virtu.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –