NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – Spring marks subtle shift in market conditions – QV

    Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

    Spring has sprung, but green shoots of growth remain scarce across New Zealand Aotearoa’s housing market – for the time being.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows the average home decreased in value nationally by 0.4% last month and by 1.6% in the September quarter – compared to a 0.5% monthly decline and a 2% quarterly decline in our August index. The national average is now $901,920, which is just 0.3% higher than the same time last year.

    The latest data also shows that home values have continued to slowly level out across much of the country in the September quarter, with the average three-month rolling rate of reduction slowing in Auckland (-1.7%), Christchurch (-0.8%), Hamilton (-1.2%), Dunedin (-0.8%) and most of the other main urban areas we monitor around the country.

    The most notable exception was Wellington, where home values have reduced at twice the national average rate. The Wellington region’s average home value has reduced by an average of 3.2% in the September quarter – a slightly higher rate of reduction than the 3% decline reported for the August quarter.

    QV operations manager James Wilson commented: “Interest rates have started to come down now, so we’re really starting to see sentiment shift across much of the country. There seems to be a spreading expectation that interest rates can only go one way, and so we’re seeing more people at open homes, in auction rooms, and browsing for property online.

    “And so it certainly seems like a general uplift in property values is now on the horizon, but despite growing confidence and optimism that we’re through the worst of it, the conditions aren’t yet conducive to growth. The cost of borrowing still remains relatively high, the cost of living is restrictive, and there are significant worries about job security – especially in Wellington.”

    Mr Wilson said high levels of stock for sale on the market today were also having a dampening effect on prices. “Generally speaking, those who are in a position to purchase still have a raft of different options to choose from right now, especially within the main centres. So there isn’t so much pressure on prices currently, with more than enough houses for sale to meet the current level of demand.”

    However, he expected that balance to slowly shift over the coming months – particularly if interest rates continue to fall. “All eyes will be on the Reserve Bank’s October announcement. If the Official Cash Rate drops again, as many are expecting it to, it will reinforce the growing perception that now is a decent time to become reacquainted with the property market. A larger cut, like what we saw recently in the US, will only reinforce it even more.”

    “First-home buyers remain very much in the ascendancy right now, but we’re already starting to see more investors coming out of the woodwork. This will ramp up the level of competition in the housing market and help to absorb some of that excess stock. Values will inevitably tighten again when prospective buyers aren’t so spoilt for choice. That hasn’t happened yet,” Mr Wilson concluded.

    Northland

    Home values continue to decline across the wider Northland region at a quicker rate than the national average.

    The average rate of decline slowed somewhat in Whangarei, where the average home value reduced by 2.1% in the September quarter to $714,322 – compared to a 2.6% reduction in the three months to the end of August.

    Otherwise, the average home value decreased in the Far North by 7.3% to $673,508 this quarter, and by 8.6% to $793,395 in Kaipara. These figures remain highly volatile due to continued low sales volumes.

    Auckland

    Green shoots of home value growth remain rare across Tāmaki Makaurau, despite a notable shift in sentiment following recent interest rate cuts.

    Of Auckland’s seven former local government areas, only Papakura (0.4%) experienced a small amount of home value growth on average this quarter. Otherwise, Franklin (-3.3%) saw the largest average decline and Rodney (-1.5%) saw the smallest.

    However, the average rate of home value decline did slow across every Auckland district this quarter. Home values reduced by an average of 1.7% across the wider region – compared to a 2.8% decline average decline throughout the three months to the end of August.

    The average value of a home in Auckland is now $1,228,955, which is 2.6% lower than the same time last year and now 4.4% lower than at the start of 2024.

    Local QV registered valuer Hugh Robson commented: “There are increasing signs that a slow recovery is underway now across the Auckland region, with more developers, investors and buyers in general, all out there looking to buy.”

    Tauranga

    The average rate of home value decline has increased in Tauranga.

    The city’s average home value reduced by 1% in the month of September – compared to a 0.4% reduction in August – with its three-month rolling rate of decline now sitting at 2.1%. This also compares to a 1.6% average decline nationally this quarter.

    Tauranga’s average home value is now $1,005,282, which is still 0.3% higher than the same time last year.

    Waikato

    Modest patches of growth have emerged across Waikato’s residential property market.

    After four consecutive months of decline, home values lifted slightly across the wider region by an average of 0.6% during the month of September, with almost every district recording minor amounts of growth.

    Hamilton was the exception. Its average home value decreased by 0.3% to $772,473 in September. The average home here is now worth 0.5% less than the same time last year and 1.6% less than at the start of 2024.

    Local QV property consultant Marshall Wu commented: “The regional market is mixed. Most of the larger districts – including Thames-Coromandel, Waikato, Matamata-Piako and Waipa – have experienced a quarterly decrease, whereas smaller districts like Hauraki, Otorohanga, and Waitomo are displaying signs of recovery.”

    “The outlook for the housing market remains intertwined with the trajectory of interest rates, economic growth and labour market conditions. Although market activity has increased since the start of spring, overall trends indicate a flat to slightly declining housing market. The high volume of properties currently for sale has strengthened buyers’ positions, leading to extended selling times for vendors, declining asking prices, and lower auction clearance rates,” Mr Wu said.

    “First-time home buyers are benefiting from this environment, adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach ahead of the OCR announcement in October,” he added.

    Taranaki

    There were some very small pockets of growth across the Taranaki region last month but the market remains largely flat overall.

    Average home values in New Plymouth (0.4%) and Stratford (0.8%) increased in September, but reduced by 1.6% in neighbouring in South Taranaki.

    Home values remain 0.4% lower on average across the region for the quarter but 1.2% higher than at the same time last year.

    Hawke’s Bay

    There is little home value growth to speak of in the Hawke’s Bay.  

    Residential property values in Napier ($729,034) and Hastings ($774,635) reduced by 4.2% and 1.8% respectively this quarter – though the latter did record a modest amount (0.7%) of positive home value growth during the month of September itself.

    Once again, only Central Hawke’s Bay managed to buck the trend this quarter, with its average home value increasing by 2.6% to $587,346 throughout the three months to the end of September.

    Palmerston North

    Property values remain relatively steady in Palmerston North.

    The latest QV House Price Index shows the city’s average value decreased by 1.3% to $628,981 in the September quarter – just slightly worse than the 0.8% decline recorded in the August quarter – but that figure is still 0.3% higher on average than at the same time last year.

    Local QV registered valuer Olivia Betts commented: “The real estate market typically picks up when spring begins. However, affordability concerns remain, with many potential buyers facing challenges due to higher interest rates. Although these have dropped in recent times, further drops are required to relive this price pressure.”

    “We’re continuing to see a slight weakening of the centre point of the market, but there has been some solid interest around the mid-$500,000 price bracket from first-home buyers looking for anything modernised in the last 20 years. Properties with older, outdated features are struggling to attract buyers and are often having to sit on the market for extended periods of time,” she added.

    Wairarapa

    The latest housing data continues to be volatile in some areas of the country due to low sales volumes.

    The average home value in Carterton has reduced by 6.9% to $588,340 in the September quarter – well down on the 0.7% decline QV recorded for the August quarter – with Masterton’s average value also reducing by 4.6% to $569,813.

    South Wairarapa recorded a much more modest 1.3% reduction this quarter. Its average home value is now $750,126.

    Wellington

    Home values in Wellington have reduced at twice the average rate nationally.  

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows the region’s average home value decreased by 3.2% to $837,878 throughout the September 2024 quarter – compared to a 3% average decline in the three months to the end of August and a national average quarterly decline of 1.6%.  

    During the month of September, home values reduced by an average of 0.9% across the wider region – compared to a 1.3% average decline in August and a national average monthly decline of 0.4%.

    Breaking it down by district, Kapiti Coast and Hutt City both experienced the largest average home value declines this quarter at 3.6%. Upper Hutt recorded the smallest average quarterly decline at 1.5%, with Wellington City (-3.2%) and Porirua (-2%) sitting in between those three.

    “Home loan serviceability, job sector uncertainty and the general cost of living are all having an impact on existing homeowners and prospective buyers,” said local QV registered valuer Jack Whiteman.

    “Despite having the advantage of choice and competitive pricing, buyers are having to take a cautious approach to the market. Given the current economic circumstances and uncertainty about job security following some public sector redundancies earlier in the year, only those with secure employment are willing to take on debt at this time. This is resulting in a relatively quiet property market.”

    Nelson

    The property market remains relatively flat throughout the Tasman region.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows Nelson’s average home value increased by 0.6% to $776,415 throughout the September 2024 quarter – compared to an even smaller 0.3% average increase in the three months to the end of August.

    In Tasman District, the average home value remained almost completely static this quarter – increasing by just 0.1% to $818,215. Meanwhile, the average home value in Marlborough reduced by 1.4% to $701,622.

    QV Nelson/Marlborough manager Craig Russell said sales volumes remained low throughout the region with properties taking an extended period to sell.

    “There is greater market activity at the lower end of the market, where a combination of first-home buyers and owner-occupiers are active. But properties that are situated in locations that have been deemed high risk are being discounted by purchasers, which is in part due to the uncertainty that these properties have obtaining insurance now and into the future.”

    West Coast

    Home values have done little more than break even across the wider West Coast region this quarter.

    The average home value across the wider region increased by 0.3% in the three months to the end of September. Westland (2.5%) and Grey (1.2%) performed above average, while home values in Buller (-3.2%) experienced a small loss on average this quarter.

    The average home value is $346,295 in Buller, $428,762 in Grey, and $452,068 in Westland.

    Canterbury

    Home values remain almost as flat as the Canterbury Plains.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows the average home value across the wider Canterbury region decreased by just 0.7% throughout the three months to the end of September 2024 – compared to average decreases of 1.1% and 0.7% in the August and July quarters respectively.

    Waimakariri experienced an average quarterly decline of 0.9%, with home values in Selwyn and Hurunui holding up slightly better this quarter with average deficits of just 0.3% and 0.4% respectively.

    In Christchurch, the average home value reduced by 0.8% this quarter, including by 0.4% during the month of September itself.

    QV senior consultant Olivia Brownie commented: “The latest QV House Price Index has seen a little sales slump for Christchurch, with an increase of spring listings tipping the equilibrium slightly to a minor decrease in home values.”

    “With interest rates easing and some increase in spring activity, we may see the Canterbury market have a further slowdown in home value decline, if not some positive movement over the next few months. However, this is all offset by a sizable supply of new builds and stock available, and still some economic uncertainty in some business sectors across the Canterbury region.”

    Otago

    Home values all-but broke even in Dunedin last month.

    The city’s average home value decreased by 0.8% this quarter, including by only 0.1% in September. At $638,297, the average home is now worth 4.6% more than at the same time last year and 1.8% more than at the start of 2024.

    “Dunedin’s number of properties listed for sale appears to have jumped back up after four months of decline, with the average number of days to sell still remaining high. So it’s still obviously a buyers’ market,” said local QV registered valuer Rebecca Johnston.

    “Though vacant land sales remain slow compared to the market’s peak at the end of 2021, they have increased across the city compared to 2022 and early 2023, indicating more positive sentiment for new builds/developments. Well located properties – including in new subdivisions on the Taieri, on the coast, and in Residential 2 and Inner City Residential zoned properties – have the greatest demand.”

    Meanwhile, the average home value increased by 0.5% across the wider Otago region this quarter. Only Dunedin and Central Otago (-0.9%) recorded small average home value deficits, with values increasing marginally in all the other districts.

    Queenstown

    Home values remain flat to gently rising in Queenstown.

    The latest QV House Price Index shows its average home value lifted by 1% in the September quarter to $1,846,833. That is twice as much growth as in the three months to the end of August 2024.

    The average home in Queenstown is now worth 7% more than the same time last year. This compares to an average annual increase of just 0.3% nationally.

    Invercargill

    Residential property values grew by an average of 1.2% last month in Invercargill.

    The city’s average home value is $486,639, which is now 4% higher than the same time last year.

    Local QV registered valuer Andrew Ronald commented: “Market conditions remain flat across all price brackets. There is still steady demand from first-home buyers, and investors are beginning to return to the market with the restoration of interest tax deductibility rules.”

    “However, continued high interest rates appear to be limiting price growth,” he added.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jackson Introduces Legislation to Rename Post Office After Amarillo Legend Jerry H. Hodge

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Last week, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office in downtown Amarillo, Texas as the “Mayor Jerry H. Hodge Post Office Building” to honor the life and legacy of Jerry Hodge. Jerry Hodge was a businessman, rancher, and philanthropist who died peacefully in Amarillo, TX at the age of 81 on July 25, 2024.

    Jackson said: “Jerry Hodge’s legacy is a testament to his remarkable journey. His dedication and passion for Amarillo was unparalleled. From being elected as the youngest mayor in Amarillo’s history, to turning Maxor Drug into a national leader in pharmacy services, to playing a crucial role in bringing the Sod Poodles, the Texas Tech School of Pharmacy, and the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine to Amarillo, Jerry Hodge’s leadership and vision left a permanent mark on the city. Beyond his professional achievements, Jerry cared deeply for his wife Margaret, his family, friends, and community, and I am proud to have called him a friend. His generosity and commitment to excellence were evident to all, which is why I am honored to introduce this legislation to rename the downtown post office as the “Mayor Jerry H. Hodge Post Office Building.”

    Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System said: “Jerry was an extraordinary leader, businessman, and philanthropist who made an incredible impact on the people of Amarillo and the surrounding area. A true trailblazer, he took risks and never hesitated to stand tall for the causes he believed in. Jerry and his wife, Margaret, have been instrumental supporters of the Texas Tech University System and our universities. Without the Hodges, Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center would not have such a crucial presence in Amarillo today. I want to thank Congressman Jackson for his efforts to recognize Jerry’s tremendous contributions to this community.”

    Vance Reed, Chairman of Reed Beverage said: “Jerry Hodge was a man of many facets – a lover of land and longhorns, an admirer of good horses, and above all, a person with sincere devotion to mankind. His legacy is etched not only in the businesses he built, but also in the lives he touched. The impact of Jerry and his wife Margaret’s generosity is visible across Amarillo and the states of Texas and Oklahoma, with numerous buildings bearing their names. In a fitting tribute, thanks to District 13 Congressman Ronny Jackson, there are plans to rename the Downtown Post Office in Jerry’s honor. This gesture will serve as a lasting reminder of Jerry Hodge’s contributions and his choice to call Amarillo, Texas his home.”

    Alex Fairly, Executive CEO of the Fairly Group said: “Jerry Hodge was an extraordinary human being. He loved his community and he shared his time, influence, and wealth in a passionate pursuit of improving it. Amarillo is better because of Jerry’s unselfish leadership and generosity, and Congressman Jackson is right to mark Jerry’s impact on our community with this honor so that we do not forget his example and impact.”

    Richard Ware, Chairman of Amarillo National Bank said: “Amarillo has been blessed and honored to have Jerry Hodge as our leading citizen since the inception of the town. Jerry has served successfully in more positions than anyone – each of these bringing growth and advancement to Amarillo. He was a man of his word and a true friend to many. The Post Office would be a fitting memorial to all that Jerry has done for Amarillo and West Texas.”

    The legislation can be found here. 

    Biography of Jerry H. Hodge: Jerry Hodge was born on September 7, 1942, in Carnegie, OK. His family moved to Amarillo in 1957 where he went on to graduate from Tascosa High School in 1960. He earned a pharmacy degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1965. At 23, he purchased Maxor Drug, over the next 49 years, he grew Maxor from a single downtown location in Amarillo to a nationwide producer of pharmacy services across the country. At 30, Jerry was elected to the Amarillo City Commission and served two terms. At 34, he was elected as the youngest Mayor of Amarillo in 1977 and later won re­election by one of the most substantial total votes in the history of the city.

    In 1991, Jerry met Margaret, the love of his life. Jerry persuaded Margaret to move to Texas following their marriage on July 29, 1994. With Margaret by his side for nearly 30 years, they were an unstoppable team positively influencing the City of Amarillo. Jerry’s passions also included ranching, owning High Card Ranch in Clarendon, TX and Dos Rios Ranch outside of Springer, NM. Jerry was involved in the Coors Ranch Rodeo since it first began in 1988, and the High Card Ranch competes in the Coors Ranch Rodeo to this day.

    After 49 years, Jerry retired as CEO of Maxor in 2016 but continued to serve on the board for an additional 7 years. In 2019, he fulfilled a longtime passion by leading the effort to bring minor league baseball to Amarillo, resulting in the creation of Hodgetown Stadium, named in his honor. In Amarillo, Jerry also played a key role in establishing the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, which is named in his honor, as well as the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, he published his memoir, You’re On, Cowboy, in which he shared life lessons both good and bad with honesty and humor.

    Jerry is survived by his wife, Margaret Hodge, stepmother, Dolores Hodge, his children Heath Hodge (Donna), Ryan Hodge (Kim), Sunny Hodge-Campbell (Michael Flowers), Angela Serio Harney (Seth), former son-in-law Andrew Campbell, grandchildren Jerry Heath, Jordan, and Jacob Hodge; Josh Hodge; Ellen Campbell; Imogene, Geneva, and Violet Harney, and great-grandchildren Hollis, Lawrence, Cecille, Lola, Jett, Jayton, and River. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Health Canada invests $12.29 million in prevention and treatment of cancer for firefighters

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, tabled the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting in Parliament and announced an investment of $12.29 million to advance firefighter health and safety.

    October 7, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada 

    Across Canada, firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe, including by helping to fight wildland fires that have increased in severity in recent years due to climate change. Because of their regular exposure to toxic chemicals from burning materials and firefighting foams, firefighters face a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer, and a higher risk of dying from cancer, than the general public.

    Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, tabled the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting in Parliament and announced an investment of $12.29 million to advance firefighter health and safety.

    New federal actions will focus on raising awareness and promoting information sharing, generating scientific knowledge, and developing guidance and addressing training needs.

    Health Canada will convene stakeholders to raise awareness of cancers linked to firefighting, mobilize partners and identify opportunities for coordinated action. Key actions include establishing a national advisory group with all orders of government, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders, as well as developing online resources of accessible health information.

    In order to track health outcomes across firefighter populations and to better understand firefighter cancer incidence and mortality, the Government will establish a National Firefighter Cancer Registry, led by Statistics Canada, to track health outcomes over time. Health Canada will also initiate targeted research on cancers linked to firefighting to build scientific evidence for underrepresented sub-populations of firefighters.

    New investments will support the development of guidance for diagnostic testing and new tools to address training needs within the health care sector. This could lead to earlier diagnoses that may result in better health outcomes. To address gaps in equipment and health and safety standards, investments will also support the development of standards for wildland firefighters to support improved occupational health and safety for their unique needs. These prevention efforts will reduce the burden and costs to the health care system.

    Following Royal Assent of the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act in June 2023, Health Canada engaged with firefighter organizations, researchers, health care providers, other federal departments, Indigenous partners, and all orders of government to inform the Framework and federal actions. In keeping with the intent of the Framework, Health Canada will continue to convene and engage partners to inspire collective action to better protect all firefighters in Canada from occupational cancers.

    Matthew Kronberg
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
    Minister of Health
    343-552-5654

    Media Relations
    Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manning Statement on the One-Year Anniversary of Hamas’s October 7th Attack Against Israel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06)

    Manning Remembers October 7th Victims, Calls for the Release of all Hostages, and Reaffirms Commitment to Israel’s Security

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s brutal October 7th attack against Israel, which killed over 1,000 innocent civilians in the deadliest single day for Jews since the Holocaust, and saw hundreds taken hostage. 

    “The events of October 7th continue to weigh heavily on Israel and the countless families devastated by Hamas’s brutal attack. The profound pain of those who lost loved ones, coupled with the trauma survivors have endured, cannot be overstated. The incomprehensible atrocities Hamas has inflicted on innocent civilians, alongside its ongoing torment of hostages, should shock the conscience of the entire world. 

    “Since October 7th, Hamas terrorists have brutally murdered over forty American citizens, and four remain held hostage, including Keith Siegel from my home state of North Carolina. Today, I renew my call for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. Their freedom is essential for the international community to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza and to bring about a stable government that is willing to live in peace with Israel. 

    “Israel is our strongest, most dependable, and only democratic ally in the Middle East, and the United States must unwaveringly stand by Israel as it faces relentless attacks from Iran and its proxies. From the unprecedented missile attacks Iran has launched against Israel to the ongoing barrage of rockets from Hamas and Hezbollah, these actions aim to destabilize the region and undermine Israel’s security. The international community must hold Iran and its proxies accountable for their continued provocations. 

    “As we reflect on the horrors of October 7th, I join others in reaffirming America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. The unimaginable cruelty of Hamas’s assault must never be repeated, and I urge Congress to ensure that Israel receives the support it needs to protect its citizens.”  

    Watch Congresswoman Manning’s House Floor remarks on the October 7th anniversary here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ecuador: Libby Green

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Ms Libby Green has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Ecuador.

    Ms Libby Green

    Ms Libby Green has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Ecuador in succession to Mr Christopher Campbell who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Green will take up her appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Elisabeth Clare Green

      2022 to Present New Delhi, Head of Climate and Energy
      2017 to 2020 FCO, Deputy Head of Department, Asia Pacific Directorate
      2015 to 2017 Department of Health, Head of Department
      2012 to 2015 Beijing, First Secretary Health
      2010 to 2012 Beijing, First Secretary Climate and Energy
      2008 to 2010 Copenhagen, Deputy Head of Mission
      2007 to 2008 Copenhagen, Second Secretary
      2006 to 2007 Pre-posting training (including Danish language training
      2003 to 2006 FCO, Desk Officer, Security Policy Department
      2001 to 2003 FCO, Press Officer
      2001 Joined FCO

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pressley’s Statement on Anniversary of October 7th Attack

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Pressley to Spend Day With Impacted Families, Faith Leaders, Advocates to Honor Thousands of Israeli & Palestinian Lives Stolen In Past Year

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement on the anniversary of the horrific October 7th attack by Hamas and Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. This evening, Congresswoman Pressley will join impacted families, faith leaders, and advocates to observe and commemorate the 1,200 Israelis killed by Hamas, the hostages killed and still kidnapped, and the over 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza killed by the Israeli military over the past year.

    “In this moment, from Massachusetts to the Middle East, the grief and trauma runs deep in our communities. For a year now, families in Israel and Palestine have grieved for the murder of their loved ones. We have witnessed devastating losses and held space for the vulnerability that so many grapple with daily. 

    “On the anniversary of the horrific October 7, 2023 attack, I am thinking of the 1,200 Israelis murdered by Hamas. I am thinking of the Israeli hostages who have been killed and those still held captive. I am thinking of the more than 41,000 Palestinians killed by the Israeli military in the last year. I am thinking of the massacres and starvation that Palestinian children, elders, and families have endured.

    “As we reflect on the horrors of the past year, we must remember that we are one human family and our destinies are tied. Death and destruction beget death and destruction. As policymakers, we have a moral, humanitarian, and righteous mandate to save lives, and saving lives—in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and beyond—must remain our priority.

    “For each family member, doctor, and survivor who has sat beside me and shared their personal story in the midst of unimaginable grief this past year, I thank you for your courage and your advocacy. Your loved ones and your patients have been through horrific atrocities, and I carry each of their stories with me daily.

    “On this anniversary, with the violence in the Middle East escalating, I urge the United States and the international community to leverage every diplomatic tool available to push for a lasting ceasefire to save lives, return the hostages, and surge humanitarian aid to the region. The bloodshed must end.

    “Today and always, may we continue to pray for peace, to call for peace, and to pursue a more just, safe, and equitable community, country, and world.”

    Since the horrific October 7th attack, Congresswoman Pressley has consistently and stridently called for a ceasefire to save lives, return all hostages, and surge humanitarian aid to Gaza. To date, over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes and over 100 hostages are still held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East and renewed her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel to prevent a broader regional war. Rep. Pressley has also introduced an amendment to place a one-year moratorium on the transfer of offensive weapons to the Israeli military. 

    Throughout the Israel and Hamas conflict, Rep. Pressley has been a vocal and consistent advocate of diplomacy, de-escalation, and saving lives.

    • Rep. Pressley joined Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) and their colleagues on a resolution condemning Hamas’ brutal attack and hostage-taking, and demanding Hamas immediately release all hostages.
    • Rep. Pressley joined Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), James P. McGovern (MA-02), and 50 colleagues on a letter condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas on the people of Israel, calling for Israeli military operations to follow the rules of international humanitarian law, and continuing to work toward peace in the region.
    • Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues in announcing a resolution urging the Biden Administration to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, to send humanitarian aid and assistance to Gaza, and to save as many lives as possible. She later joined her colleagues and a multi-faith, multiracial coalition of faith leaders and organizers for a prayer and press conference to renew their calls for a ceasefire. Rep. Pressley also joined dozens of rabbis and Members of Congress for a press conference to renew calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
    • Instead of attending Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress, Rep. Pressley spent the day centering people directly impacted by Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza
    • Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she condemned antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate on college campuses.
    • Rep. Pressley joined a coalition of nearly 100 interfaith clergy and faith leaders on a joint statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
    • Rep. Pressley joined Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and nearly 150 colleagues in urging the State Department to use all tools at its disposal help get Americans out of Israel and back home to the United States. She applauded the State Department for heeding her calls on October 12, 2023 and continues to press for the urgent evacuation of Americans in Gaza.
    • Rep. Pressley issued a statement following the safe evacuation of Massachusetts constituents Wafaa and Abood Okal and their one-year-old Yousef from Gaza.
    • Rep. Pressley and Rep. Jamie Raskin led a group of 60 House lawmakers in urging the State Department to affirm the United States’ strong opposition to the forced and permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, and to support an increase in humanitarian aid to the region.
    • Rep. Pressley joined Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mark Pocan (WI-2), Betty McCollum (MN-4) and 20 of their colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden, asking him to support a bilateral ceasefire in Gaza to protect the one million children living there.
    • Rep. Pressley joined a coalition of interfaith clergy and faith leaders for a vigil to mourn the tens of thousands of Palestinians, Israelis, and innocent civilians killed since October 7th, and to renew calls for a ceasefire to save lives, return all hostages, and deliver humanitarian aid to the region.
    • Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues at a press conference to condemn the Israeli government’s pending invasion of Rafah and continued her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
    • Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues in calling for full funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to provide urgent humanitarian relief to Gaza.
    • Rep. Pressley joined Representatives Joaquín Castro, Jamie Raskin, Jan Schakowsky and 33 House Democrats to President Biden urging him to prevent an Israeli ground invasion of Rafah.
    • Rep. Pressley, amid heightened tensions in the region, delivered a floor speech in which she called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East and renewed her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent a broader regional war.
    • Rep. Pressley filed a pair of amendments to increase funding to global humanitarian assistance and place a one-year moratorium on the transfer of offensive weapons to the Israeli military. The amendments were not adopted in the final legislation. 
    • Rep. Pressley voted against HR 8034 to send more offensive weapons and funding to the Israeli military, citing the Israeli military’s callous disregard for human life in Gaza and significant human rights violations.
    • Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the peaceful student protests taking place in Massachusetts and across the country.
    • Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the Boston City Council for passing a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
    • Rep. Pressley joined Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and 54 additional lawmakers in calling on the Biden Administration to use all tools possible to dissuade the Israeli government from moving forward with an offensive invasion into Rafah.
    • Rep. Pressley issued a statement in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement to Parliament: PM statement to the House of Commons on 7 October anniversary and the Middle East: 7 October 2024

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

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer made an oral statement to the House of Commons on 7 October anniversary and the Middle East.

    Delivered on:

    Thank you Mr Speaker. Today we mark a year since the horrific attack on Israel by the terrorists of Hamas.

    It was the bloodiest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. A day of sorrow, a day of grief. Over a thousand people were massacred.

    Hundreds taken hostage in an attack borne of hatred. Targeted not just at individuals but at Jewish communities, at their way of life and at the state of Israel – the symbol of Jewish security to the world. 

    Mr Speaker, 15 British citizens were brutally slain that day, another has since died in captivity. Our thoughts today are with Jewish people around the world, the Jewish community here in the UK and all those we lost a year ago. 

    For so many, the pain and horror of that day is as acute today as it was a year ago. They live it every day.

    Last week I met the families of British hostages and those killed on the 7th of October. I sat with them as they told me about their loved ones. I will never forget their words. 

    Mandy Damari spoke about her love for her daughter, Emily.  She said – and I quote: “My personal clock stopped at 10:24 on the 7th of October…” the moment when Emily sent a desperate, unfinished message as Hamas attacked her Kibbutz. She is still held captive today. 

    We can hardly imagine what hostages like Emily are going through. Nor what the families are going through, the agony, agony – day after day. 

    So, I say again, the hostages must be returned immediately and unconditionally. They will always be uppermost in our minds. 

    And I pay tribute again to the families for their incredible dignity and determination. 

    Mr Speaker today is also a day of grief for the wider region as we look back on a year of conflict and suffering. 

    The human toll among innocent civilians in Gaza is truly devastating. Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed. Tens of thousands orphaned. Almost two million displaced. Facing disease, starvation, desperation without proper healthcare or shelter. It is a living nightmare, and it must end.  

    We stand with all the innocent victims in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and beyond. And we stand with all communities here in the UK against hatred – of Jews or Muslims. Because any attack on a minority is an attack on our proud values of tolerance and respect – and we will not stand for it.  

    Mr Speaker, with the Middle East close to the brink and the very real danger of a regional war, last week the Iranian regime chose to strike Israel. The whole House will join me in utterly condemning this attack.

    We support Israel’s right to defend herself against Iran’s aggression in line with international law. 

    Because let’s be very clear this was not a defensive action by Iran. It was an act of aggression and a major escalation in response to the death of a terrorist leader. It exposes once again Iran’s malign role in the region. 

    They helped equip Hamas for the 7th of October attacks. They armed Hizballah who launched a year-long barrage of rockets on northern Israel forcing 60,000 Israelis to flee their homes and they support the Houthis who mount direct attacks on Israel. And continue to attack international shipping. 

    Mr Speaker, the whole House will join me in thanking our brave servicemen and women who have shown their usual courage in countering this threat. But make no mistake the region cannot endure another year of this. Civilians on all sides have suffered too much. All sides must now step back from the brink and find the courage of restraint. There is no military solution to these challenges so we must renew our diplomatic efforts.

    Together with My Rt Hon Friend the Foreign Secretary I had discussions with the leaders of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, the G7 and the EU and made the case at the United Nations for political solutions to end the fighting.  

    In the weeks ahead we will continue this work focused on three areas. 

    Firstly, Lebanon where our immediate priority is the safety of British citizens, our team is on the ground helping to get people out. We have already brought over 430 people home on chartered flights. We stand ready with additional evacuation efforts, as necessary. 

    And I say again an important message to those British citizens still in Lebanon: you must leave now. 

    Mr Speaker, we are also working to ease the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Last week we provided £10 million of vital support in addition to the £5 million we’re already providing to UNICEF.

    But the situation cannot go on. We will continue to lead calls for an immediate ceasefire and the return to a political plan for Lebanon based on Security Council Resolution 1701, which requires Hizballah to withdraw north of the Litani River. 

    They must stop firing rockets and end this now so that people on both sides of the border can return to their homes. 

    Second, Mr Speaker, we must renew efforts for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. But we cannot simply wait for this to happen. We must do more now to provide relief to the civilian population. That’s why we have restarted aid to UNRWA, we’re supporting field hospitals and the delivery of water, healthcare and treatment for malnourished children.

    But the ongoing restrictions on aid are impossible to justify. Israel must open more crossings and allow life-saving aid to flow. Crucially, they must provide a safe environment for aid workers – too many have been killed, including three British citizens. 

    Israel must act now so that, together with our allies, we can surge humanitarian support ahead of winter. 

    Third, Mr Speaker, we must put in place solutions for the long term to break the relentless cycle of violence. The ultimate goal here is well understood it must be the two state solution. There is no other option which offers stability and security. So we need to build a political route towards it so that Israel is finally safe and secure alongside the long-promised Palestinian state.

    This requires support for the Palestinian Authority to step into the vacuum in Gaza. It requires an urgent international effort to support reconstruction and it requires guarantees for Israel’s security. 

    We will work with our allies and partners to that end. But the key to all of this remains a ceasefire in Gaza now. The unconditional release of the hostages, the unhindered flow of aid. That is the fundamental first step to change the trajectory of the region.

    Mr Speaker, nobody in this House can truly imagine what it feels like to cower under the bodies of your friends, hoping a terrorist won’t find you, mere minutes after dancing at a music festival. 

    Nobody in this House can truly imagine seeing your city, your homes, your schools, your hospitals, your businesses obliterated, with your neighbours and family buried underneath. It is beyond our comprehension and with that should come a humility.

    It is hard even to understand the full depth of this pain but what we can do is remember. What we can do is respect and listen to the voices that reach out to us at these moments. And what we can do, Mr Speaker, is use the power of diplomacy to try and find practical steps that minimise the suffering on the ground and work towards that long-term solution, so that a year of this terrible and bloody conflict can never happen again. 

    That is what we have done on these benches, it’s what the whole House has done and it’s what this Government will continue to do. 

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM statement to the House of Commons on 7 October anniversary and the Middle East: 7 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer made an oral statement to the House of Commons on 7 October anniversary and the Middle East.

    Delivered on:

    Thank you Mr Speaker. Today we mark a year since the horrific attack on Israel by the terrorists of Hamas.

    It was the bloodiest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. A day of sorrow, a day of grief. Over a thousand people were massacred.

    Hundreds taken hostage in an attack borne of hatred. Targeted not just at individuals but at Jewish communities, at their way of life and at the state of Israel – the symbol of Jewish security to the world. 

    Mr Speaker, 15 British citizens were brutally slain that day, another has since died in captivity. Our thoughts today are with Jewish people around the world, the Jewish community here in the UK and all those we lost a year ago. 

    For so many, the pain and horror of that day is as acute today as it was a year ago. They live it every day.

    Last week I met the families of British hostages and those killed on the 7th of October. I sat with them as they told me about their loved ones. I will never forget their words. 

    Mandy Damari spoke about her love for her daughter, Emily.  She said – and I quote: “My personal clock stopped at 10:24 on the 7th of October…” the moment when Emily sent a desperate, unfinished message as Hamas attacked her Kibbutz. She is still held captive today. 

    We can hardly imagine what hostages like Emily are going through. Nor what the families are going through, the agony, agony – day after day. 

    So, I say again, the hostages must be returned immediately and unconditionally. They will always be uppermost in our minds. 

    And I pay tribute again to the families for their incredible dignity and determination. 

    Mr Speaker today is also a day of grief for the wider region as we look back on a year of conflict and suffering. 

    The human toll among innocent civilians in Gaza is truly devastating. Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed. Tens of thousands orphaned. Almost two million displaced. Facing disease, starvation, desperation without proper healthcare or shelter. It is a living nightmare, and it must end.  

    We stand with all the innocent victims in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and beyond. And we stand with all communities here in the UK against hatred – of Jews or Muslims. Because any attack on a minority is an attack on our proud values of tolerance and respect – and we will not stand for it.  

    Mr Speaker, with the Middle East close to the brink and the very real danger of a regional war, last week the Iranian regime chose to strike Israel. The whole House will join me in utterly condemning this attack.

    We support Israel’s right to defend herself against Iran’s aggression in line with international law. 

    Because let’s be very clear this was not a defensive action by Iran. It was an act of aggression and a major escalation in response to the death of a terrorist leader. It exposes once again Iran’s malign role in the region. 

    They helped equip Hamas for the 7th of October attacks. They armed Hizballah who launched a year-long barrage of rockets on northern Israel forcing 60,000 Israelis to flee their homes and they support the Houthis who mount direct attacks on Israel. And continue to attack international shipping. 

    Mr Speaker, the whole House will join me in thanking our brave servicemen and women who have shown their usual courage in countering this threat. But make no mistake the region cannot endure another year of this. Civilians on all sides have suffered too much. All sides must now step back from the brink and find the courage of restraint. There is no military solution to these challenges so we must renew our diplomatic efforts.

    Together with My Rt Hon Friend the Foreign Secretary I had discussions with the leaders of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, the G7 and the EU and made the case at the United Nations for political solutions to end the fighting.  

    In the weeks ahead we will continue this work focused on three areas. 

    Firstly, Lebanon where our immediate priority is the safety of British citizens, our team is on the ground helping to get people out. We have already brought over 430 people home on chartered flights. We stand ready with additional evacuation efforts, as necessary. 

    And I say again an important message to those British citizens still in Lebanon: you must leave now. 

    Mr Speaker, we are also working to ease the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Last week we provided £10 million of vital support in addition to the £5 million we’re already providing to UNICEF.

    But the situation cannot go on. We will continue to lead calls for an immediate ceasefire and the return to a political plan for Lebanon based on Security Council Resolution 1701, which requires Hizballah to withdraw north of the Litani River. 

    They must stop firing rockets and end this now so that people on both sides of the border can return to their homes. 

    Second, Mr Speaker, we must renew efforts for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. But we cannot simply wait for this to happen. We must do more now to provide relief to the civilian population. That’s why we have restarted aid to UNRWA, we’re supporting field hospitals and the delivery of water, healthcare and treatment for malnourished children.

    But the ongoing restrictions on aid are impossible to justify. Israel must open more crossings and allow life-saving aid to flow. Crucially, they must provide a safe environment for aid workers – too many have been killed, including three British citizens. 

    Israel must act now so that, together with our allies, we can surge humanitarian support ahead of winter. 

    Third, Mr Speaker, we must put in place solutions for the long term to break the relentless cycle of violence. The ultimate goal here is well understood it must be the two state solution. There is no other option which offers stability and security. So we need to build a political route towards it so that Israel is finally safe and secure alongside the long-promised Palestinian state.

    This requires support for the Palestinian Authority to step into the vacuum in Gaza. It requires an urgent international effort to support reconstruction and it requires guarantees for Israel’s security. 

    We will work with our allies and partners to that end. But the key to all of this remains a ceasefire in Gaza now. The unconditional release of the hostages, the unhindered flow of aid. That is the fundamental first step to change the trajectory of the region.

    Mr Speaker, nobody in this House can truly imagine what it feels like to cower under the bodies of your friends, hoping a terrorist won’t find you, mere minutes after dancing at a music festival. 

    Nobody in this House can truly imagine seeing your city, your homes, your schools, your hospitals, your businesses obliterated, with your neighbours and family buried underneath. It is beyond our comprehension and with that should come a humility.

    It is hard even to understand the full depth of this pain but what we can do is remember. What we can do is respect and listen to the voices that reach out to us at these moments. And what we can do, Mr Speaker, is use the power of diplomacy to try and find practical steps that minimise the suffering on the ground and work towards that long-term solution, so that a year of this terrible and bloody conflict can never happen again. 

    That is what we have done on these benches, it’s what the whole House has done and it’s what this Government will continue to do. 

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: We’ve worked out a way of understanding how microbial communities shape life on Earth

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Miguel Lurgi, Associate Professor in Computational Ecology, Swansea University

    Microbial communities – vast ecosystems teeming with millions of different cells from different species – play a fundamental role in life on Earth, from producing oxygen to aiding digestion. Despite their importance, it has been a challenge for scientists to fully understand how these intricate communities form and function.

    But in a new study, my colleagues and I have developed a new mathematical framework aimed at explaining how microbial relationships emerge. By better understanding these communities, we could better protect and manage them, which could have profound implications for the health of our planet.

    Most of our understanding of microbiomes – the collections of thousands of microbes that inhabit different environments and organisms – has come from studies on the differences between them. Researchers often investigate the ecological and evolutionary factors that appear to shape these microbial communities.

    But it has been hard to determine whether these factors are actually causing the differences or are merely coincidental. This is why understanding the true drivers behind microbiome formation is so important. It helps us see why these communities exist and how they function.

    If, like me, you’ve ever marvelled at the plants and animals thriving in nature, you’ve seen ecological and evolutionary forces in action, just as Charles Darwin did during the 19th century. The same principles that govern these larger ecosystems also apply to the microbial world.

    So, for our research, my colleagues and I took a leaf out of Darwin’s book. We examined the ecological and evolutionary factors that could lead to the formation of such diverse microbiomes across many multicellular organisms. These included marine sponges, insects, humans and squid. What we found was striking. Despite the vast differences between species, the same basic rules apply to their microbiomes.

    For example, the ability of microbes to move between environments and their rapid rate of evolution are important factors in determining where they live, whether in a plant’s roots or an animal’s gut. There are, of course, exceptions. In giant and red pandas, for instance, diet plays a vital role in shaping gut microbes, while certain plants, like the small brassica Arabidopsis, control their root microbiomes through chemical defences.

    Once we had identified these mechanisms, the challenge was to organise our insights into a coherent framework. This is similar to what Darwin did with his theory of evolution by natural selection. And this is where maths came into play.

    Maths is essential to our understanding of the world around us, whether we’re talking about quantum mechanics or the complexities of life itself. By applying mathematical models, we could make sense of the complex factors that shape microbiomes.

    A new model for microbial ecosystems

    Our framework helps explain puzzling observations, such as why some marine sponges are teeming with microbes while others harbour just a few. Our study is unique because it allows us, for the first time, to think about these intricate symbiotic relationships holistically. It integrates both ecological and evolutionary ways of thinking. We hope our framework will form the basis of future studies investigating other microbial ecosystems.

    We’re currently expanding our research into marine sponges by exploring how the exchange of metabolic products (like vitamins and amino acids) between microbes, affects their community structure. The flexibility of our framework means it can be adapted to study different systems. It could help provide a deeper understanding of the interactions between microbes and their hosts.

    This type of quantitative approach is crucial as humans continue to affect our natural ecosystems. It could help us come up with solutions to those problems.

    Better understanding microbial communities could help us better protect the natural world.
    Damsea/Shutterstock

    For example, we recently demonstrated how microbiome studies can improve coral reef conservation efforts by examining the microbial networks that support coral settlement. By manipulating these networks, we could help to restore coral populations more effectively.

    Of course, challenges remain. For example, we still don’t understand microbial dormancy, which is a strategy some microbes adopt when under stress. They reduce their activity while at the same time increasing resistance to harsh external conditions. It’s a bit like bears hibernating to avoid the winter.

    In spite of issues like those, we’re optimistic that mathematical frameworks like ours will pave the way for future discoveries. It could advance our understanding of ecosystems both large and small – from microbiomes to large ecosystems involving plants and animals. This in turn could help to unlock the secrets of the natural world. That knowledge could be used to preserve biodiversity for future generations.

    Miguel Lurgi receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust under Research Project Grant # RPG-2022-114

    – ref. We’ve worked out a way of understanding how microbial communities shape life on Earth – https://theconversation.com/weve-worked-out-a-way-of-understanding-how-microbial-communities-shape-life-on-earth-238716

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can Kemi Badenoch claim to have ‘become working class’ while working in McDonald’s – and why would she want to?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael Rees, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Nottingham Trent University

    Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch recently caused controversy by claiming that while she was born to a middle-class family, she “became working class” when working in McDonald’s to earn money while she was in college. In fairness to Badenoch, having a diversity of experience is an admirable attribute for an MP – something you wouldn’t associate with someone like recently deposed Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg for example.

    Badenoch, who was born in the UK but spent the first part of her life in Nigeria before returning as a teenager, said her time at the fast food chain helped her understand the life of “single mothers” struggling to make ends meet – insight that might have made her object to the policies enacted by her government that made life harder for the working classes. She said of the job:

    There’s a humility there as well. You had to wash toilets, there were no special cleaners coming in. You had to wash toilets, you had to flip burgers, you had to handle money.

    Badenoch’s assertion – during her bid to become leader of the Conservative party – raises several interesting questions, not least whether you can “become working class”. Part of the issue is that class is increasingly hard to define in 2024.

    Is class subjective and something that we feel (as Badenoch’s claim suggests) or is it something objective that we can measure? This is a question that has been troubling sociologists – and others – for years.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

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    In social sciences, the most widely used measure of social class is the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) national statistics socioeconomic classification (NS-SEC). It is also the measure used by the UK government, most notably to measure social mobility – the movement of people between classes.

    The NS-SEC defines class by placing individuals in one of eight different classes according to their occupation. The scales runs from one (for higher managerial and professional positions) to eight (long-term unemployed).

    The classes are further simplified into three categories of professional/managerial (1 and 2), intermediate (3 and 4) and working class (5 to 7). It’s a hierarchy but it also shows that there is no easily identifiable dividing line between classes. Examples of those in professional/managerial would include directors of major companies, those teaching in higher education and journalists. Those in intermediate professions include travel agents, police officers (sergeant and below) and hotel managers. Those in the working class would include farm workers, building site labourers and workers in the service industry, such as in McDonald’s.

    Using the NS-SEC occupational coding tool, we can place both Badenoch’s parents (a GP and a professor) in social class 1. While she acknowledges that she is from a middle-class background, it is clear that both her parents occupy positions at the top of the social class hierarchy. As an MP, Badenoch herself is now also clearly social class 1. Her previous roles before entering politics, as a digital director for The Spectator and associate director at private bank Coutts return class 2 and 1 respectively. It is evident that Badenoch has lived, and continues to live, a very privileged, and middle-class, life. Given this, why would she claim to be working class?

    Does working in McDonald’s make you working class?
    Shutterstock/Jessica Girvan

    The first thing to note is that Badenoch is not unique in citing a working-class identity of some kind. The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is by now notorious for his frequent references to his father’s job as a toolmaker. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is also regularly photographed in pubs while drinking a pint and smoking a cigarette – something that sociologist Pierre Bourdieu would define as him attempting to evidence a working-class habitus, those tastes and behaviours that we typically associated with members of a particular social class.

    The rationale for this is that Britain is quite unique in its perspective on class. People will often claim they are working class, or have working-class roots. This would be unheard of in other parts of the world, where claiming to be middle class is aspirational.

    People in Britain will continue to claim they are working class even when evidence indicates that they are, and have been, middle class for several generations. This largely seems to be an inheritance of Britain’s history as an industrial country and the national obsession with “getting on” as well as a the country having a reputation for being particularly divided by social class. British people want to prove that they have been successful on merit rather than because of unearned privilege.

    Large fries and a majority in 2029?

    Britain’s changing political landscape is also an important part of the picture, as we look back at Badenoch’s McDonald’s career.

    Throughout the 20th century the dividing line between political parties was evident. The working classes typically voted for the Labour party and the middle classes typically voted for the Conservative party. The dividing lines between political parties have become more complicated in the 21st century, particularly in the post-Brexit years; notably evidenced by Boris Johnson’s 2019 election win and the crumbling of the red wall.

    This helps us understand why Badenoch would want to find a way to show that she is in touch with working-class people – and how she was able to do it, at least according to her own reasoning.

    Votes are always on a politician’s mind – and the increasing willingness of voters to switch allegiances means more votes than ever are up for grabs. The nebulous nature of class and the difficulty we have in defining it, becomes the vehicle for appealing for those votes.

    Badenoch’s claim that she became working class appears to be a longer-term strategy. She is looking ahead to the next election. Nevertheless, it seems difficult to argue that a short period working in McDonald’s made Badenoch working class. An adulthood of privilege also makes her claim rather insulting to those who, in her own words, struggle to make ends meet.

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

    – ref. Can Kemi Badenoch claim to have ‘become working class’ while working in McDonald’s – and why would she want to? – https://theconversation.com/can-kemi-badenoch-claim-to-have-become-working-class-while-working-in-mcdonalds-and-why-would-she-want-to-240638

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Football acts like referees are the issue but they are just following the rules

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Hough, Professor of Politics, University of Sussex

    Football seems to have a problem with referees. Barely a weekend goes by without someone – a manager, a player, a pundit – making it abundantly clear that many of those who officiate are (apparently) not very good at their jobs.

    Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, for example, was furious with referee Michael Oliver for sending off Leandro Trossard during his side’s top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City on September 22. He described it as “really, really worrying” that referees were giving out cards for what Arteta seemed to regard as trivial offences.

    In this case it was Oliver’s decision to award a yellow card to Trossard after the Belgian booted the ball away to stop City taking a quick free kick. On top of a yellow card Trossard had already earned for a foul earlier in the game, the second offence, bringing a second yellow card, added up to a red card, meaning Trossard had to be sent off. Arteta’s criticism came even though it’s crystal clear that such offences merit exactly the punishments that were being meted out.

    The previous week, referee Anthony Taylor was the man in the firing line. He dished out 14 yellow cards (a premier league record) for a range of offences committed during the Chelsea v Bournemouth game on 14 September. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a whole host of self-appointed social media experts were quick to express their dissatisfaction with Taylor’s officiating. As a result, the Premier League is currently investigating a number of those social media posts for allegedly making threats against Taylor and his family.

    A significant part of the story in both of these cases concerns dissent and player petulance. Taylor, in particular, wasn’t standing for any of that, yellow-carding four players for inappropriately chatting back to the referee and one for excessive celebrations following a goal.

    The story, or so one of the narratives around poor referring would have it, is officials are being over-zealous. The players themselves seem to have no agency in this. It’s the referees that are the problem.

    If football is going to stop looking like a game primed for spoilt, stroppy schoolboys, then it’s precisely that narrative that needs to change. As I argue in a new book on integrity and football, there are three dimensions to cases like these.

    Firstly, players continue – again and again, and at all levels of the game – to think that verbally abusing the referee when they make decisions that the player doesn’t like is part and parcel of football. “Shithousery”, to use the contemporary parlance, is frequently seen as a virtue. It shouldn’t be. Players push and push the rules to their limits and yet when they are called out the instinct is often to whine and bleat about how unfair it all is.

    Football doesn’t have to look far to see how this can be done differently. Rugby referees have broadly similar sets of tools at their disposal and yet rugby players treat officials very differently. Diving about to win a free kick, for example, is not just frowned upon in rugby union, players trying it on are openly ridiculed. There is certainly bad behaviour in rugby, but you only very rarely see any players disrespecting the officials.

    One way of shifting the balance is by doing what Taylor did in the Chelsea v Bournemouth fixture, which is to pull players up immediately on what he saw as disrespectful behaviour. A few months of rugby-style refereeing and football will be much the better for it.

    Secondly, fans need to understand not just how difficult a referee’s job is but also to appreciate that regardless of whether referees get decisions right or wrong they, the fans, need to deal with it. Abusing officials and players is now a depressingly predictable part of football’s story.

    And, as the pleayers themselves will tell you, it’s not just the referees who are singled out for abuse. Research by Ofcom and the Alan Turing Institute in 2022 showed that, 34% of all tweets directed at Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark in the first five months of the 2021-22 season were deemed “offensive” by OfCom. OfCom further claimed that an offensive tweet was sent to a premier league footballer once every four minutes across that same time period. Players getting things wrong is part and parcel of the game – verbally abusing them for it should not be.

    Finally, the administrators have a role to play in pushing stakeholders (fans, players, analysts) to show just a bit more spine. The FA needs to come out and explain that football will no longer stand for many of the antics that we currently see on the field. At the beginning of 2023-24 referees started giving yellow cards when players kicked the ball away to stop free kicks being taken. The result was that players for the most part simply stopped doing it. Sadly, no one appeared to tell Trossard.

    The FA has long argued that those within football need to show the game more respect. Yet the FA itself needs to show the backbone to stand up and defend, openly and forcefully, those who try to practically implement all these nice words.

    Whether Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor thought they were fighting for the game’s integrity is largely irrelevant. They were just doing their job by interpreting the rules as they saw them. But there is something about the reaction of players, fans and indeed the FA that says that too many people still don’t really get it. Integrity matters. And it really is about time that they all start to take it seriously.


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

    – ref. Football acts like referees are the issue but they are just following the rules – https://theconversation.com/football-acts-like-referees-are-the-issue-but-they-are-just-following-the-rules-239962

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Chagos islands: what the UK-Mauritius agreement means for displaced Chagossians

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura Jeffery, Professor of Anthropology of Migration, University of Edinburgh

    Coconut palm fronds are an integral part of Chagossian handicraft. Laura Jeffery, CC BY-NC-ND

    After years of negotiations and legal pressure, the UK and the Republic of Mauritius have agreed that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago.

    The Chagos Archipelago is a group of seven coral atolls which comprise more than 60 islands in the Indian Ocean. In 1965, as part of negotiations leading to Mauritian independence, the UK government excised the Chagos Archipelago from colonial Mauritius. The UK kept the islands, which are in a globally strategic location, to make the island of Diego Garcia available to the US military for 50 years, later extended by 20 years.

    The islands have been the subject of a diplomatic dispute for decades, with Mauritius maintaining its sovereignty and arguing it was illegally forced to give the archipelago away in exchange for independence.



    Read more:
    UK hands Chagos Islands to Mauritius, marking the end of a longstanding sovereignty dispute

    Under the new political agreement, the UK will provide financial support to Mauritius, including a new trust fund for displaced Chagossians. Mauritius will be able to resettle the Chagos islands, other than Diego Garcia. This island will remain the site of a US-UK military facility for at least 99 years.

    This is a significant moment for decolonisation (albeit incomplete), and potentially a landmark moment for the displaced Chagossian community. Decades after being forcibly exiled, they may finally be able to resettle on some of the Chagos islands.

    Who are the Chagossians?

    The Chagos Archipelago was unpopulated before European expansion in the Indian Ocean, when it was administered as a dependency of colonial Mauritius. French, and later British, colonists populated the islands. This took place first with enslaved labourers, mostly from east Africa and Madagascar via Mauritius, and later with contract workers, mostly from India via Mauritius.

    The economy relied on coconut plantations, which became central to Chagossian culture. Coconut features in Chagossian cuisine, handicrafts and song.

    The population of the Chagos islands rose over the 19th century. It hovered around 1,000 in the first half of the 20th century.

    At the request of the US, the UK authorities depopulated the Chagos Archipelago to make way for the military base. From 1967 to 1973, they forcibly evicted more than 1,500 islanders to Mauritius and Seychelles.

    They did this first by preventing the return of islanders who had gone on trips to Mauritius and Seychelles. Later, they restricted supplies and wound down work on coconut plantations. Finally, they coerced the remaining islanders onto crowded ships.



    Read more:
    How the US and UK worked together to recolonise the Chagos Islands and evict Chagossians

    By 1973, between 1,328 and 1,522 Chagos islanders had been relocated to Mauritius, and 232 to Seychelles. Their forced displacement led to further economic, psychological and cultural harms.

    The British Overseas Territories Act 2002 and the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 awarded UK citizenship to Chagos islanders and their descendants born in exile. Today, several thousand members of the extended Chagossian community live in the UK, while many still live in Mauritius and Seychelles.

    Since 2002, I have conducted anthropological research with the extended and geographically dispersed Chagossian communities. I have witnessed their chronic marginalisation firsthand.

    My research has studied how members of this dispersed and fractured community have sustained their relationships to Chagos through shared cultural practices.

    One example of this is through music. Chagossian sega songs composed on Chagos paint a nuanced picture of the complexities and turbulence of colonial plantation life. Lyrics protest unfavourable social, political, and economic conditions. They lament personal suffering, depict joyful occasions, or jest via suggestive double entendres.

    Meanwhile, sega songs are now also composed in exile. They contrast depictions of the island as an idyllic paradise, with the community’s subsequent experiences of displacement, dislocation and loss.

    These cultural practices have brought the exiled Chagossian community together, and served as a vehicle for cultural and political mobilisation. They have also, I argue, drawn attention to the Chagossian cause from outside communities.

    Resettlement

    Chagossian activists have long campaigned for compensation for their forcible displacement and their legal right of return. They secured limited compensation from the UK government in 1978 and 1982. But they have not yet achieved resettlement in practice.

    It is not yet clear whether displaced Chagossians will be able to return to the islands under the new agreement.

    Members of the Chagossian community hold differing opinions about resettlement and sovereignty. Some are hopeful that the Mauritian government will facilitate resettlement: something the UK refused to do.

    Some Mauritian citizens and Chagos islanders from Diego Garcia are critical of the exclusion of Diego Garcia from the agreement. And many Chagossians are worried that Mauritius might prioritise the interests of Mauritian citizens over non-citizens, or that it might prioritise its economic and military interests over resettlement.

    Many Chagossians are concerned
    that the negotiations involved representatives of the two governments, but not of the displaced Chagossian community.

    The political agreement is subject to the finalisation of a treaty and supporting legal documents. This means there is still time for the governments to involve Chagossians in the conversation.

    Laura Jeffery has previously received funding for Chagos research from the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

    – ref. Chagos islands: what the UK-Mauritius agreement means for displaced Chagossians – https://theconversation.com/chagos-islands-what-the-uk-mauritius-agreement-means-for-displaced-chagossians-240581

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: NJBiz’s Matthew Fazelpoor on How the Murphy Administration Nurtures the ‘Innovation Economy’

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    https://njbiz.com/deploying-dollars-how-the-state-nurtures-the-innovation-economy/
     

    A number of Strategic Innovation Centers are designed to support R&D, innovation or entrepreneurship

    One of the recurring themes throughout Gov. Phil Murphy’s time in office has been an emphasis on building out what he calls the innovation economy with programs overseen by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. At the core of that strategy has been a focus on assembling public-private partners from industry, academia and other stakeholders to collaborate and help catalyze economic growth.

    That effort has taken shape in a number of Strategic Innovation Centers, facilities that either directly support research and development, innovation or entrepreneurship. They can also help solve specific problems in new and innovative ways through a combination of services such as mentorship, networking opportunities, hands-on training, business support services, education opportunities and/or access to testing, fabrication, or manufacturing facilities and equipment.

    According to the NJEDA, the SICs can be accelerators, incubators or research centers – stressing that having a physical location where entrepreneurs can collaborate will help support new, diverse innovators as well as help drive long-term economic growth.

    A June report analyzed the impact of innovation centers and incubators, finding that the New Jersey BioScience Center Incubator – the largest incubator in the state dedicated to life sciences and biotechnology companies – supported companies that created an average of 2,744 jobs per year. In 2023, resident companies generated $32 million in state and local tax revenue.

    Situated on Route 1, that North Brunswick incubator is part of the 50-acre research park known as the New Jersey Bioscience Center, offering lab space and much more. “Located alongside New Jersey’s Route 1 Research Corridor, the Incubator at the New Jersey Bioscience Center leverages it close proximity to leading universities and corporations to attract, retain, and grow companies of the future that fuel our highly talented workforce,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Since taking office, Gov. Phil Murphy has been committed to creating resources for biotech startups to help bring life-saving products to market, and further New Jersey’s legacy as a leader in innovation, especially within the life sciences sector.”

    “The BCI is one of many ways the NJEDA is supporting biotech and life sciences businesses and startups by providing them with the space and resources to grow their companies, while encouraging collaboration among like-minded entrepreneurs,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “This report shows that New Jersey has what it takes to remain at the forefront of innovation.”

    Some examples of recent and impending SICs NJEDA has partnered or invested in include HAX, a Newark hard tech startup accelerator; the New Jersey Health & Life Science Exchange (HELIX) in New Brunswick; the NJ Fintech Accelerator at Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ FAST) in Hoboken; SciTech Scity on the Liberty Science campus in Jersey City; and the recently announced Aerospace Innovation Center in Egg Harbor Township.

    ‘We’ve got a lot to do’

    NJBIZ recently spoke with Coviello, who joined the agency in 2005 and is central to the state’s innovation economy efforts and ambitions. “Usually, a governor this late in his term, we start to soften the pace a little bit,” she said. “But that’s not the case here. It’s rush, rush – we’ve got a lot to do, before the end of the term.”

    Coviello noted that she has worked under several different administrations, stressing that there is a lot happening at NJEDA in a number of sectors — from the broader innovation efforts to clean energy/offshore wind, manufacturing, film and television, tech, life sciences and more.

    “The organization has put together tremendous toolkits – when you look at each of these segments of the economy that we are supporting, in response to really what we’ve heard from the market,” she explained. “I think, in general, most of what we’ve done has been really well-received. And, if and when needed, we’ll go back and tweak it and get it right. So, yeah, lots of activity.”

    Through the first six months of the year, New Jersey hit a major milestone in the innovation/startup space with a $9.8 billion investment in venture capital money, ranking as the No. 3 state in the nation during that stretch, according to PitchBook.

    “Timing is right for New Jersey. Some of the major hubs that you think of for innovation are struggling a bit more,” said Coviello. “We’ve got the talent. Certainly, when we talk about those Strategic Innovation Centers, we have the locations. When we think about life science, a lot is location-based. Particularly, we saw it during COVID and coming out of COVID. You can’t do genome predicting and drug discovery in your basement. So having all that lab space and all the talent in New Jersey is critical to that industry. We’re seeing it in film as a new resurgence of another innovation economy in the State of New Jersey. I think that the data around venture capital in New Jersey shows that we’re a good value for investors.”

    She said that some of the markets, such as the West Coast, Boston and New York, have “very frothy” deal terms that are overpriced. “But what we find traditionally in New Jersey is you get good value for your investment,” said Coviello. “And we have a lot of investors starting to see that. Of course, the Evergreen Fund, has attracted a lot of national attention. We have investors from California, New York. We just approved an investor from Mexico. Folks are saying – this is a tremendous opportunity to partner with the state and put more capital to work in New Jersey. The Angel Investor Tax Credit program continues to break all kinds of records. Lots and lots of great things going on anywhere you look in the state.”

    Growing life science companies

    Discussing the SICs, Coviello cited the Bioscience Center Incubator, which she described as the NJEDA’s first SCI – before that term was coined – and almost a proof of concept for the current efforts and projects.

    Since 2002, BCI companies have generated over $9 billion in total output and $4 billion in total labor income in the state, according to the recent study. “We’ve had the ability to really prove it out. And that facility came about because the life science industry in the state couldn’t invest in real estate,” she explained. “What I think we’ve proven out there – is the collision that happens when you bring like-minded, innovation-focused, smart people under one roof is really important.

    “We kind of took that and said – that’s a great anchor in the state to point to of where and how we grow life science companies in the state,” said Coviello.

    She reflected on when Murphy first ran for governor and noted that the state sits between two major metropolitan areas. “It’s the great thing about New Jersey – you have access to New York and the investors, and you have access to Philadelphia and D.C.,” she recounted. “But sometimes we get carved out as suburbs of those locations. And if we want to have our own identity, we need to put these pins in a map where we point to: This is where innovation happens in this part of our economy. What we have found as we have built these out is we really want to make sure we have an academic partner, a corporate partner and we have government. So, it’s all about this public-private partnership. And then part of the sauce, as well, is bringing in an activator – someone who’s going to pull all these pieces together; make sure that folks aren’t working in silos; make sure that there is collaboration.”

    Each of the SICs takes on their own identity, Coviello emphasized. “We’ve been very mindful about making sure we play to the strengths of that region,” she added.

    Coviello stressed there has been a deliberate process and focus behind the SICs and their different components and partners. “And that’s the only way it’s going to work. Each one has a very unique structure,” she explained. “Each one has very unique purposely articulated and curated partners – each one has a different focus.”

    Partners on these ventures include heavy hitters such as Nokia Bell Labs, Rutgers University, Hackensack Meridian Health, DEVCO, Plug and Play, Prudential Financial, Stevens, SOSV, RWJBarnabas Health, Bristol Myers Squibb, EY, Sheba Medical Center and others.

    She spoke about the power of partnerships – especially for ventures and initiatives such as these.

    “First off, we don’t have big enough pockets in government to do it alone – and it just wouldn’t be smart to do it alone,” said Coviello. “We don’t do everything. And adding that value in experience of the private sector is critical.”

    Recently, the first phase of HELIX reached a milestone with a topping off ceremony and NJ FAST held a launch event.

    As for other areas of emphasis and focus for Coviello and NJEDA, she pointed to life sciences continuing to be one of the leading sectors as well as technology, especially with Bell Labs at HELIX, and the resurgence of manufacturing. “I think the sky’s the limit. But again, playing to our strengths – fintech, aviation, life sciences, manufacturing,” she said. “And you’ll certainly hear announcements in the next six months about a few more of these centers. We’ve got, I think, 15 months left in the Murphy administration. The total funding pool for innovation centers was $250 million with all of the different appropriations over the years.”

    “We’re working hard to deploy all those dollars.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: NJBiz’s Matthew Fazelpoor Sits Down With New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s CEO Tim Sullivan Ahead of the NJEDA’s 50th Anniversary

    Source: US State of New Jersey

    Sitting down with Sullivan

    With the anniversary in the backdrop, NJBIZ recently caught up with Sullivan to discuss how the agency has evolved, areas of focus under his leadership during the Murphy administration, what’s next and more.

    “Across the state, I think Gov. Murphy’s strategy of focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, small businesses, and key sectors like film and television continues to pay huge dividends,” Sullivan told NJBIZ, noting the state’s third place ranking for VC capital dollars invested in the first six months of this year. “Largely through some of the success of sectors like AI, which Gov. Murphy has been really focused on, our teams are really focused on. Whether that’s continued momentum in film and television – you’re going to see a groundbreaking for the Lionsgate Studio in Newark. Netflix is making tons of progress – it’s sort of invisible – on their ambitions down in Monmouth County. You’re seeing the advancement in things like the 1888 Studios project in Bayonne. So – really good momentum across the board, while continuing to focus on things like our small businesses in our downtowns and the cannabis sector in places that are really core to our main street and our equity agenda.”

    Sullivan has led the NJEDA since 2018. He stressed how vital partnerships are to successful economic development. “It’s very rare, with regard to economic development, that you can pass a law or stand up a program – and just sort of leave it out on the stoop and hope something good happens,” he said. “You’ve got to really work closely with the private sector; with nonprofits; with academia; with investors – to structure transactions and bring them together.”

    He pointed to the recent groundbreaking of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center campus redevelopment project in Newark — a complicated deal that involves a number of stakeholders, partners and moving parts; as well as the recent topping of the New Jersey Health and Life Sciences Exchange (HELIX) in New Brunswick.

    Sullivan described both projects as a “big coalition of the willing.”

    “And that’s what usually brings these big, transformative projects together,” he explained. “In economic development, when it makes sense for us to act and be involved, and usually invest money, it’s because there’s either a market failure or because there is something where we are trying to sort of build or strengthen a competitive advantage for the state. And investment in real estate in our downtown communities, for example, is a good example of market failure – without tax credits, without some of the pretty highly structured stuff that the NJPAC project includes as does things like the HELIX and Loew’s Theater in Jersey City, and various other things.”

    He said that the NJEDA is trying to act on those opportunities, which requires coordination, collaboration and partnerships with a variety of entities. “And it’s not the kind of the thing where the government just waves a magic wand and sort of makes the economy better,” Sullivan said. “The economy is driven by the private sector. We know that. And that’s a critically important part of our approach.”

    Expanding the toolkit

    The CEO credited the governor and Legislature for the expansion of the resources and breadth of what the agency has been empowered to do. “Our toolkit was good – but it was a bit narrow in terms of who our typical partners were,” he explained. “And those are good partners to have. Those are large companies – big real estate developers. Those are important partners. But whether it’s looking at things like child care, food security, small business – broadly. The EDA has always had a small business effort – and that’s important. But we’ve put it on steroids and then some under Gov. Murphy’s leadership. We’re now supporting thousands of businesses, small businesses every year.”

    And whether the NJEDA and other state officials are in Paterson or Camden – or even Canada as was the sight of a recent Choose New Jersey-organized, Murphy-led economic trade mission – Sullivan stressed that the state’s toolkit is as good as any in the country for being able to solve whatever problem or opportunity might present itself.
    “Compared to 2018, we have custom-built tools – 10 or 12 – for small businesses, not just here’s a grant or here’s a loan,” he continued. “We’ve got different sorts of ways to intervene and be helpful. On innovation, we’ve probably got 20 to 25 programs that help companies at different stages of their life cycle. On real estate, we’ve got seven or eight really large-scale programs to support community development. We’ve got manufacturing tools. We’ve got child care supports. We’ve got food security interventions. And so, the range in depth and breadth of what Gov. Murphy and the Legislature have empowered the EDA to do – it’s pretty broad and it’s pretty striking.”

    In discussing the evolution of the agency, Sullivan stressed those efforts responding to the pandemic as well as some of the scrutiny agency faced a few years back, including audits, investigations and hearings into its tax incentive programs.

    “It forced us to get better and get our house in order,” he said. “In regard to how we do things like compliance and making sure that we know what bargain are we signing up for; what bargain is the applicant signing up for. In the comptroller’s audit, the very first sort of major critique of the EDA back in the early days, talked about that we didn’t have a good enough handle on – were the jobs that people said they were creating real, and could we really account for them?”

    That led to a strong technology partnership with the Department of Labor & Workforce Development to address that issue. Sullivan said that’s not only helped NJEDA as a whole, but especially during the pandemic when everything needed to be implemented at scale.

    “The work that was done and continues to happen every single day to make sure we are getting it right on the foundational elements of compliance and oversight and all that builds the foundation and gives us the ability to execute better on a bigger scale,” said Sullivan. “If you can’t do the foundational stuff right, you forfeit the right to do anything – but particularly, big, complicated things.”

    Another major recent development for the agency was moving the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission under the NJEDA’s ambit and the hiring of Jon Crowley as its new executive director in March. The production industry has been growing here, with high-profile projects recently completed or in the works in the Garden State, including the “Happy Gilmore” sequel.

    “The film commission is a hugely important part of the strategy,” said Sullivan. “And the members of the commission are really great advisers to the governor and the state about the needs of the industry and the opportunities in film and TV industry.”

    He stressed that the state has done really well in the film and television industry over the last few years. “And the best is yet to come,” Sullivan said, noting how great it is for stars like Adam Sandler and others to be in New Jersey — and for crew and staff to be spending dollars here and frequenting local spots during production.

    “Because once Netflix, Lionsgate and 1888 are open, they’re going to work really hard to keep those things full – year-round, all-the-time, with permanent jobs. You’re going to have shows – hopefully filming multiple seasons in New Jersey, both inside the soundstage and also out in New Jersey’s locations. Unless you need to film a shot on the moon or in the Sahara, you can pretty much make New Jersey look like anywhere in the world. We’ve got main streets. We’ve got downtowns. We’ve got farms. We’ve mountains and hills. We’ve got the beach.”

    Sullivan, a New Jersey native, said that leading this organization during such a critical time has been a fun challenge to broaden and deepen what the NJEDA focuses on and how it approaches strategic challenges. He said it’s possible because of the governor’s focus and commitment to economic growth and development, especially from an equity standpoint.

    “We have the high-class challenge of more opportunities and more resources to accomplish them,” he said. “But we’re really fortunate to have a great team at the EDA. Some of those are folks that have been here a long time. Some are folks who have joined in the last few years. And we’re supported by a great board. We’ve got great leaders from the private sector and the public sector on our board. And it’s a challenge made possible – or made easier – by great colleagues and lots of support and resources from the governor.”

    Looking ahead

    As for the areas of focus, especially as the governor and his administration enter the final year in office, Sullivan said that Murphy intends to sprint through the tape. “And he means it – I promise. Because he’s working his butt off. And if anything, running harder and running faster in late ’24 than ever before,” Sullivan said. “We will continue to push forward and make sure we can get done and finish up – or kind of get to lift-speed a lot of the different initiatives. AI has been something that we have talked about in the last year or so. There’s a heck of a lot of work left to do on things like the Princeton AI Hub and getting that all buttoned up. Offshore wind will remain a major priority for Gov. Murphy and our team.”

    He said that the outcome of the election will affect the future of offshore wind one way or the other. Sullivan also cited issues like film and television production, child care, economic security, small businesses and more as other areas of focus in this stretch.

    “Making sure we deliver on all of the things we’ve said we were going to do will keep us more than busy for the next 15, 16 months for sure,” said Sullivan.

    He also addressed the agency’s continuing evolution. “I think as we look to the future, no matter who the governor is and no matter what party or ideology she or he might have – both the next governor and 10 to 15 governors to come – the economy’s always going to be incredibly important,” said Sullivan. “It’s the engine that fuels not just prosperity and quality of life in the state – but also the ability to pay for things. Go back to Gov. Murphy’s articulation of a stronger and fairer New Jersey. A stronger New Jersey begets a fairer New Jersey because you have more resources to pay for it – and ways to narrow those inequality gaps. I think that’s going to be a challenge and an opportunity for many, many governors to come.”

    He said the agency is trying to make sure it’s ready to deliver on whatever the strategy of the governor is at the time.

    The conversation closed with Sullivan reflecting on what it has meant to lead NJEDA in his native state during such a critical and notable time.

    “I’ve had the extraordinarily good fortune of a governor and a Legislature that wants to support what we’re doing – and not just in words, but with resources and with programs as well as the ability to work with some really great colleagues,” said Sullivan. “I’m really proud of the work we’ve done. Whether it’s the high-profile stuff or the behind-the-scenes, lower-profile stuff – that I think has just as big an impact as the high-profile stuff.”

    Sullivan said that he believes the Authority has made a huge difference – pointing to the addition of 250,000 jobs since the governor took office while turning the tide on a lot of longstanding challenges in the state economy.

    “But we have real work left to do. No one should expect to see a ‘mission accomplished’ sign on anything anytime soon,” Sullivan stressed. “The work of continuing to close yawning inequalities and disparities between folks who are doing great and folks who just need an opportunity to do great – that work goes on. It’ll take a lifetime of work. I’m really proud of the progress we’ve made – and very, very conscious of the work left to be done.”

    Getting small businesses through tough times

    NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello, who has served at the NJEDA since 2005 through the administrations of Govs. Codey (acting), Corzine, Christie, and Murphy, said that each governor puts their own on touch on things in terms of economic development.

    “And that’s the great thing about democracy. The people elect who the governor’s going to be. The governor sets the policy. The EDA administers the policy set by the governor,” Coviello told NJBIZ. “And have been fortunate to have a lot of governors that have entrusted quite a bit to the EDA. I think the pandemic was a real turning point for the organization.”

    She reflected on the agency working around the clock to step up and help small businesses during the throes of the pandemic.

    “And we’ve done that before as an organization. Superstorm Sandy – EDA was called upon to support those businesses,” she continued. “But it maybe was just starting to get us warmed up for what we saw during the pandemic. And I’m particularly proud of how the organization responded during that time. But what’s great is we now have a much broader view of what economic development is. We’ve really grown our scope.”

    Coviello said that when she joined the organization, it was primarily a lender.

    “Then, we started to get into venture and equity,” she said. “And then under Tim and Gov. Murphy, it’s really a holistic approach. They’ve secured a lot more federal funding. They’ve secured a lot more state funding, which has given us a considerable amount more flexibility.”

    Areas like workforce, child care and small business support, Coviello explained, require more than just a loan.

    “I think our vision has grown tremendously over the 50 years since the organization started,” said Coviello. “But no more so than in the last seven that I have seen.”

    High praise

    In a statement to NJBIZ, Murphy lauded Sullivan and the NJEDA team for their work throughout his administration.

    “Tim Sullivan’s record of achievement as CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority ranks him as one of the finest leaders in the 50-year history of the Authority,” Murphy told NJBIZ. “Tim and his team have created good-paying jobs for New Jerseyans and have provided resources and created opportunities for small businesses to grow and thrive after the pandemic. Under Tim’s leadership, the State has also supported New Jersey’s innovators and attracted major film studios. The incentive programs created by Tim and his team have reignited a growing and expanding film and television industry.”

    “With Tim at the helm of NJEDA, New Jersey’s economic programs are a national model for sustainable and equitable growth,” the governor said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Updates on State Preparedness Efforts for Hurricane Milton

    Source: US State of Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Major General John D. Haas Adjutant General of Florida, Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on preparedness efforts for Hurricane Milton.

    As of 11 a.m. ET, Hurricane Milton is located about 720 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. Milton is forecast to move near or just north of the Yucatan Peninsula today and Tuesday, then cross the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of Florida by Wednesday.

    Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending EO 24-214 and declaring a state of emergency for 51 counties.

    To learn more about navigating hurricane season, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide. For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts.

    State Preparedness Efforts

    • The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 since Tuesday, September 24, for Hurricane Helene, and is at a Level 1 for Hurricane Milton as of October 6, leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
    • The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 600 missions to assist counties in their preparedness efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging resources to deploy for immediate response as soon as it is safe to do so, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
    • FDEM is establishing a 10,000-person base camp at Tropicana Field to support ongoing debris operations and post-landfall responders.
    • FDEM is coordinating the deployment of fuel and EV chargers to pre-stage along evacuation routes to support evacuations.
    • The Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs (FDVA) storm preparations are underway at all State Veterans’ Nursing Homes in anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.
    • All outpatient appointments on Monday will be converted to virtual or rescheduled for the C. W. “Bill” Young VA Medical Center in Bay Pines. The VA Regional Office in St. Petersburg is also closed Monday.
    • The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care to support Florida Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care. Call 1-877-741-3400.
    • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Teams (RLECT) are operational in Tampa, Orlando and Fort Myers.
    • FDLE aviation assets are prepositioned ahead of the storm.
    • The FDLE Sworn Training Unit cut team is on stand-by and ready to deploy. The team helps make temporary, emergency repairs to the homes of first responders so they can quickly get back to work after a storm.
    • Maintenance is complete on all equipment used during Hurricane Helene and Operation Blue Ridge. The equipment, including command buses, sleeping quarters and generators, is ready for deployment.
    • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path.
    • In addition to local officers, approximately 75, FWC officers are ready to deploy and respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as:
      • Airboats
      • Shallow draft boats
      • ATVs/Side-by-sides
      • Larger platform vessels
      • Four-wheel vehicles
      • Specialized high water vehicles
    • FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the state and report on damage after the storm has made landfall.
    • FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.

    Health and Human Services

    • The Florida Department of Health (DOH) deployed nearly 600 emergency response vehicles on the I-4 Corridor in preparation for the storm.
    • The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has initiated an event in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS). Health care providers in the have been requested to provide information on census, available beds, evacuation status, accepting evacuees and generator needs from counties declared under EO-24-114. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
      • 64 health care facilities have reported evacuations. This includes:
      • 21 assisted living facilities
      • 4 Hospitals
      • 33 nursing home
      • 1 residential treatment centers for Children and Adolescents
      • 4 residential treatment centers
      • 1 Hospice
    • AHCA is conducting daily calls with the Florida Hospital Association and Florida Healthcare Association to ensure nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals are prepared and have their needs met ahead of Hurricane Milton.
    • The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is working with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available, and with Florida’s agricultural partners so producers have adequate resources.
    • The Florida Forest Service is staging equipment, like high-water vehicles, dump trucks, bulldozers, and front-end loaders to assist with road clearing.
    • The Florida Forest Service and the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement are supporting efforts to expedite debris removal in the Tampa Bay region.
    • Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals and livestock fleeing Hurricane Milton. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), Mississippi, and North Carolina.
    • The Department is working to connect evacuating horse owners with open public and private facilities across the state.
    • The Florida State Fairgrounds has opened the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center on a first come first serve basis for horse owners that are in the direct path of Hurricane Milton. To learn more and reserve a spot, visit floridastatefair.com/equestrian.
    • The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is contacting all our Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates on their ongoing preparation efforts and gather the status of any unmet needs.
    • The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) continues response and pre-landfall protocols and communication with APD-operated facilities, regions, and providers to provide updates on Hurricane Milton and check the status of clients and residents, while simultaneously anticipating unmet needs in potentially affected areas.
    • The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is preparing for Hurricane Milton and ensuring providers in potentially impacted areas have the resources they need for the storm.
    • The Department has secured supplies to ensure readiness in the event the Hope Bus is needed for deployment after landfall.
    • The State Mental Health Treatment Facilities have activated their disaster preparation plans and are assessing facility readiness.
    • DCF has begun contacting foster families, adult protective services clients, and licensed providers in the storm’s path to ensure preparedness.
    • DCF is making preliminary preparations for staffing shelters, delivering emergency supplies, and directing generators to critical human services infrastructure.
    • DCF has instructed all contracted vendors to deploy their Disaster Preparedness Plan.
    • DCF is providing information about Hope Florida to storm shelters, domestic violence shelters, and Continuums of Care ahead of the storm.

    Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

    • The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Hurricane Milton statewide preparedness efforts include clearing shoulders in preparation for potential Emergency Should Use (ESU):
      • Currently analyzing flooding vulnerabilities for major roadways and bridges.
      • Inspecting and clearing drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone and currently saturated areas, and pre-positioning pumps as appropriate.
      • Monitoring interstate traffic speeds and levels for the potential implementation of Emergency Should Use (ESU) to assist with evacuations if necessary.
      • Securing high mast lighting, maintenance yards, active construction projects, rest areas/welcome centers, service plazas, and weigh stations that had returned to normal since Hurricane Helene.
      • Barges at the Howard Frankland Bridge project is being secured.
      • FDOT has suspended construction projects with lane closures within all counties statewide located on all interstates and Florida Turnpike facilities.
      • Replenishing fuel reserves, checking generator readiness, and pre-positioning assets as appropriate.
      • Completing repairs on malfunctioning vehicles and equipment in preparation for deployment.
      • Initiated communication with modal partners – seaports, airports, railroads, transit, and spaceports. All partners are currently in monitoring posture.
      • Staging ITS trailers, as well as drone teams and equipment are being prepped and ready to deploy as needed.
      • Expanded Road Ranger Service across the impact zones.
    • Resources prepped and staged strategically (close to the projected path for quick implementation)
      • Cut & Toss Ops = 328 team members on standby
      • Over 1,015 generators
      • Over 350 pieces of heavy equipment and trucks
      • 67 pumps pre-positioned
      • Satellite internet equipment= 58 Starlink devices
      • Over 1,900 team members on standby for various emergency response efforts, including, damage assessment, flooding, traffic signals outages, etc.
      • FDOT has 20 drone pilots on standby
      • 8 ITS trailers staged
      • Over 150 bridge inspectors on standby
    • FDOT has removed 139,718 cubic yards of debris statewide (66,278 from state roads and 73,440 from local roads).
    • FDOT is supporting our local communities with supplemental sand and debris removal from local roads on the barrier islands in Pinellas and Manatee counties.
    • At the direction of Gov. DeSantis, FDOT is coordinating debris removal assignments for the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Agriculture, amongst others, who have activated available state personnel and resources to clear and haul remaining debris.
    • Approximately 450 truckloads and 8,100 cubic yards of debris have been removed from Pinellas barrier islands.
    • FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated. Remember to always follow the direction of local law enforcement and emergency personnel.
    • Transportation Modes:
      • Seaports, Airports, Rail, and Transit partners are monitoring storm conditions.
      • Please check with your airline or transportation service provider directly about potential service impacts.
      • Transit agencies in the impacted area are offering evacuation transportation to shelters. Please check with your local transit provider for schedules.
      • SunRail operations will be suspended starting Tuesday, October 8
    • Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm generated solid waste and debris.
    • DEP’s Emergency Final Order also removes barriers for expediting necessary repair, replacement and restoration of structures, including coastal structures, equipment, surface water management systems, works and other systems that may be damaged by the storm.
    • DEP is coordinating with Landfill Strike Teams to assess Disaster Debris Management Sites (DDMS) operating as a result of Hurricane Helene.
    • For counties and local governments in need of additional debris disposal locations, especially ahead of Hurricane Milton, DEP has approved all pending DDMS site activation requests and stands ready to approve the activation of any additional pre-authorized or new DDMSs that may be needed.
      • Currently, 193 DDMS have been authorized to operate.
    • Hurricane Helene kicked up significant amounts of sediment and sand along the coastlines in and along its path. DEP is working with local governments to manage the excess sand and continue removal efforts.
      • For sand that has accumulated on private properties, residents should return it to the beach if it appears clean, smells fresh and is free of debris. If the sand contains debris, residents should contact their local government to find the nearest disposal site. DEP has worked with counties to establish temporary staging areas to properly screen the sand before it is returned to the beach.
    • DEP is working with Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (FlaWARN), the Florida Rural Water Association and other response agencies to ensure preparations are underway to support drinking and wastewater facilities ahead of Hurricane Milton.
    • Florida’s water management districts are engaging local governments and drainage operators throughout the state and are available to provide technical and other support, including deploying temporary pumps to alleviate localized flooding. As part of standard operations, DEP and Florida’s water management districts continue to monitor water systems and river levels as the storm develops.
    • DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated of closures: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.
    • The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has staged high-water rescue vehicles in preparation for landfall of Hurricane Milton.
    • FHP is mobilizing 74 Quick Response Force (QRF) Troopers to stage in preparation for the incoming storm.
    • FHP is providing security at the Pinellas County Landfill and assisting with traffic entering and exiting.
    • All FHP Troops statewide will be going to Alpha/Bravo shifts effective Tuesday., October 8 (Troop C-Tampa area will begin this on 10/7/24 at 6 a.m.). All days off will be canceled.
    • FHP will be assisting with debris cleanup in the Tampa area.
    • FHP is working with its partners at FDOT to prepare and implement the Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) plan for evacuations in the Tampa area.
    • FHP is assisting with traffic control in Taylor County and outside Tropicana Field for debris cleanup crews.
    • FHP is providing security at multiple fuel sites across the state.
    • FHP is assisting with community patrols in Taylor County.
    • FHP air support and drone assets are staged and prepared to deploy when needed.
    • The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is actively preparing mitigation measures by deploying evacuation assets and identifying areas of evacuation. Updates will be made available to the public at http://www.fdc.myflorida.com/weather-updates.
    • The Florida Department of Education (DOE) is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton and is working with school districts as they begin preparation efforts. The Department is also in close contact with districts that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and will assist them with addressing critical needs ahead of the storm. Updates on school closures can be found at FLDOE.org/storminfo.

    Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers

    • The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is staging assets and personnel across 13 offices statewide and is prepared to surge resources to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene that receive a second impact from Hurricane Milton.
    • Updates on business closures and business resources are consistently being updated at FloridaDisaster.biz.
    • FloridaCommerce activated the private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
    • FloridaCommerce is hosting daily private sector coordination calls. Briefings will be provided by Emergency Support Functions and private sector partners. For call information email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
    • VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia, Priceline and Booking.com will remain available to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
    • The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) has pulled their Helene Mobile Assistance Centers from the field and will redeploy once storm conditions have passed.
    • The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued a proclamation to financial institutions and securities professionals. In addition, the OFR offers online resources to Floridians who may need help finding information about their financial services provider(s), including state-chartered banks and credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial businesses and professionals.
    • OIR, in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (DOH), sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-215. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers. Information can be found here.

      For previous updates see below:
      10/6/2024 (1)
      10/6/2024 (2)

      Follow FDEM on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for information relating to Hurricane Milton.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Opening: 7-10 October plenary session

    Source: European Parliament 3

    President Metsola marked the one-year anniversary of terrorist attacks in Israel at the opening of the 7-10 October plenary session in Strasbourg.

    Recalling the horror of that day “that will live in infamy”, President Metsola said nothing could ever justify the indiscriminate mass murder, rape, kidnapping and torture that occurred one year ago. Since then, too few have been able to make it back to their loved ones – “this house will continue to do what we can to help bring them all home”, she said.

    The 7 October attacks triggered a cycle of war, death and devastation that has seen thousands killed in Gaza, and instability across the region, President Metsola stated. In remembering all those lost and taken, the President added that “Parliament’s calls for the immediate release of the remaining hostages will remain steadfast, our calls for ceasefire will remain resolute, and our efforts towards de-escalation will remain strong.” The work for real, dignified, long-term and sustainable peace will remain unwavering, she concluded.

    MEPs held a minute of silence in memory of all the innocent lives lost.

    Changes to the agenda

    Monday

    The sitting is extended to 23:00.

    Tuesday

    The Question Time on the Situation of animal health in Europe: how to prevent and prepare for future sanitary crises in agriculture is postponed. As a consequence, the sitting will finish at 21:00.

    Wednesday

    The Parliament statements on The recent devastating floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with one round of political groups’ speakers, is added as the first point in the afternoon.

    The title of the debate and resolution under Rule 150 on The case of Bülent Mumay in Turkey is adapted to The case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye.

    Information concerning the distribution of votes is available under the section “Priority information”.

    Outgoing MEPs

    Marcin Kierwiński (EPP, Poland) as of 25 September

    Incoming MEPs

    Csaba Dömötör (PfE, Hungary) as of 22 September

    Tomáš Kubín (PfE, Czechia) as of 1 August

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Collaboration between the UK and Guatemala to enhance the armed forces’ strategic capabilities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK Ministry of Defence and Cranfield University will deliver a one-week Strategic Leadership Programme.

    Representatives of the Armed forces and civil ministries of Guatemala will attend the course at the Higher Command of Army Education (COSEDE), starting today 7 October.

    Participants will develop key strategic leadership skills including decision making under pressure, long-term planning and personal development. The course will also address influencing and motivation and building effective relationships within teams. Participants will also discuss strategic leadership as a tool to understand defence capabilities and the challenges faced by leaders in this arena.

    Training will conclude with a certificate presentation by the British Defence Attaché for Mexico and Guatemala, Aviator Colonel Simon Stewart and the British Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Paul Huggins.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Trump’s new golf course is not welcome

    Source: Scottish Greens

    07 Oct 2024 Nature

    Donald Trump and his new golf course are not welcome in Aberdeenshire.

    More in Nature

    Donald Trump and his new golf course are not welcome in Aberdeenshire, says Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman following the announcement that the former US President will be opening his new course in Menie next summer.

    Trump’s existing Aberdeenshire course came under significant fire due to numerous environmental concerns, including the irreversible damage from construction leaving the unique sand dunes, a site of special scientific interest, “partially destroyed”. 

    The new course would join his portfolio of golf venues, with membership at his Ayrshire site costing up to £1,000 per month. 

    In February this year, the New York State Supreme Court found Donald Trump guilty of civil fraud, ordering defendants to pay more than $350 million. They were found to have falsely inflated the value of Trump’s assets, including his existing golf course in the region. Donald Trump was also subsequently convicted by a New York jury on 34 counts of falsifying business records. 

    Maggie Chapman, who represents the North East region, slammed the project, saying: “Another Trump vanity project is the last thing we need. We should be protecting our natural environment, not offering it up to a racist climate change-denier with a long history of lies and dodgy business dealings. 

    “Scotland cannot be a country where anyone with the money is able to buy whatever land and property they want without question. He is a thoroughly discredited and dishonest individual. Any land developed should be in the interest of all people, not only those with an expensive hobby.”

    The Scottish Greens have been urging the First Minister to confirm whether or not Trump will be investigated under an Unexplained Wealth Order, a mechanism which allows investigations into “politically exposed persons” like Trump suspected of involvement in serious crime. 

    Chapman continued: “Time and time again, Donald Trump has proven that he is only interested in one thing: himself. He is not welcome here. He is a serial liar and he should not be allowed to encroach even further on the Aberdeenshire landscape than he already has.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary Oral Statement on the Chagos Islands – 7 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, provided an update to the House of Commons on the conclusion of negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory.

    Location:
    House of Commons
    Delivered on:

    With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on the conclusion of negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory. 

    On Thursday the third of October, my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister and Mauritian Prime Minister Jugnauth made an historic announcement.

    After two years of negotiations,…

    …and decades of disagreement,…

    …the UK and Mauritius have reached a political agreement on the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

    Mr Speaker, the treaty is neither signed nor ratified.

    But I wanted to update the House on the conclusion of formal negotiations at the earliest opportunity.

    Members will appreciate the context.

    Since its creation, the Territory and the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia has had a contested existence.

    In recent years, the threat has risen significantly.

    Coming into office, the status quo was clearly not sustainable.

    A binding judgement against the UK seemed inevitable.

    It was just a matter of time before our only choices would have been abandoning the base altogether.

    Or breaking international law.

    If you oppose the deal, which of these alternatives do you prefer?

    Doing this deal – on our terms – was the sole way to maintain the full and effective operations of the base into the future.

    Mr Speaker, this must be why, in November 2022, the then Foreign Secretary, the Right Honourable Member for Braintree, initiated sovereignty negotiations.

    It’s also why my immediate predecessor, Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton, ultimately continued with those talks.

    Under the previous Government there were eleven rounds of negotiations, the last one held just weeks before the General Election was called.

    So, in July, this Government inherited unfinished business.

    Where a threat was real, and inaction was not a strategy.

    Inaction posed several acute risks to the UK.

    First, it threatened the UK-US base.

    From countering malign Iranian activity in the Middle East to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, it is critical for our national security.

    Without surety of tenure, no base can operate effectively – nor truly deter our enemies.

    Critical investment decisions were already being delayed.

    Second, it impacted on our relationship with the US,…

    …who neither wanted nor welcomed the legal uncertainty,…

    …and strongly encouraged us to strike a deal.   

    I am a trans-Atlanticist.

    We had to protect this important relationship.

    And third, it undermined our international standing.

    We are showing that what we mean is what we say on international law and desire for partnerships with the Global South.

    This strengthens our arguments when it comes to issues like Ukraine or the South China Sea.

    Mr Speaker, further legal wrangling served nobody’s interests but our adversaries’.

    In a more volatile world,…

    …a deal benefited us all,…

    …the UK, US and Mauritius.

    This Government therefore made striking the best possible deal a priority.

    We appointed Jonathan Powell.

    As the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for these negotiations, he has worked closely with a brilliant team of civil servants and lawyers.

    Their goal was a way forward which serves UK national interests,…

    …respects the interests of our partners,…

    …and upholds the international rule of law.

    This agreement fulfils these objectives.

    It is strongly supported by partners,…

    …with Present Biden going so far as to ‘applaud’ our achievement within minutes of the announcement!

    Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin have also backed this ‘successful outcome’ which ‘reaffirms [our] special defence relationship’.

    And the agreement has been welcomed by the Indian government and commended by the UN Secretary-General.

    In return for agreeing to Mauritian sovereignty over the entire islands, including Diego Garcia,…

    …the UK-US base has an uncontested long-term future.  

    Base operations will remain under full UK control well into the next century.

    Mauritius will authorise us to exercise their sovereign rights and authorities in respect of Diego Garcia.

    This is initially for 99 years, but the UK has the right to extend this.

    And we have full Mauritian backing for robust security arrangements…

    …including preventing foreign armed forces from accessing or establishing themselves on the outer islands.

    The base’s long-term future is therefore more secure under this agreement than without it.

    If this were not the case, I doubt the White House, State Department or Pentagon would have praised the deal so effusively.

    This agreement will be underpinned by a financial settlement that is acceptable to both sides. 

    Members will be aware the Government does not normally reveal payments for our military bases overseas.

    And so it would be inappropriate to publicise further details of these arrangements at this stage.

    Mr Speaker, the agreement also recognises the rights and wrongs of the past.

    The whole House would agree that the manner in which Chagossians were forcibly removed in the 1960s was deeply wrong and regrettable.

    Mauritius is now free to implement a resettlement programme to islands other than Diego Garcia.

    The UK and Mauritius have also committed to support Chagossians’ welfare,…

    …establishing a new Trust Fund capitalised by the UK…

    …and providing additional Government support to Chagossians in the UK.

    And the UK will maintain the pathway for Chagossians to obtain British Citizenship.

    Furthermore, Mauritius and the UK will now establish a new programme of visits to the archipelago for Chagossians. 

    This agreement also ushers in a new era in our relations with Mauritius.

    A Commonwealth nation and Africa’s leading democracy.

    We have agreed to intensify cooperation on our shared priorities, including security, growth and the environment. 

    The agreement ensures continued protection of these islands’ unique environment, home to over two hundred species of coral and over eight hundred species of fish.

    Finally Mr Speaker, I want to reassure the House,…

    …and all members of the UK family worldwide,…

    …that this agreement does not signal any change in policy to Britain’s other Overseas Territories.

    British sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and the Sovereign Base Areas is not up for negotiation.

    The situations are not comparable.

    This, Mr Speaker, has been acknowledged across our Overseas Territories.

    Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, vocally supported this agreement…

    …stating that there is “no possible read across” to Gibraltar on the issue of sovereignty.

    Similarly, the Governor of the Falklands has confirmed that the historic contexts of the Chagos Archipelago and Falklands are “very different”.

    The Government remains firmly committed to modern partnerships with our Overseas Territories based on mutual consent.

    After Mauritian elections, the Government will move towards treaty signature.

    And it is then our intention to pursue ratification in 2025,…

    …by submitting the Treaty and a Bill to this House for scrutiny.

    This is a historic moment, a victory for diplomacy.

    We have saved the base.

    We have secured Britain’s national interests for the long-term.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Atlanta Warns Public of Disaster Scams

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    The FBI and the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) remind the public that there is a increased risk for disaster fraud following Hurricane Helene. There have been reports of scammers claiming to work for contractors and insurance companies targeting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Suspected fraudulent activity should be reported to the toll-free NCDF hotline at (866) 720-5721. The hotline is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency reminds those in the disaster zone officials with government disaster assistance agencies do not ask for financial information, and there is no fee required to apply for assistance. If you have Internet access, you can go to fema.gov to apply for assistance directly.

    Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of disaster fraud:

    • Scammers may go door to door to target residents in areas affected by hurricanes. They may also call, text, or e-mail with promises to quickly provide aid. Do not give out personal information without confirming the legitimacy of the person contacting you.
    • Government workers are required to carry official identification and show it if requested. Closely scrutinize any ID you see and call the agency directly to confirm a worker’s identity if you are unsure.
    • Do your homework when it comes to donations. Research charity reviews online, state regulators of charities, and charity reports and ratings via the Better Business Bureau.
    • Never make charitable donations by gift card or wire transfer. Credit cards are safer.
    • Don’t believe your caller ID. Scammers often spoof agency phone numbers. It is always best to research the organization’s telephone number and call directly to verify. Do not be pressured or rushed to donate. If so, it may be a scam.
    • Do not click on links from sources you don’t know. These could be attempts to download viruses onto your computer or cell phone. Manually type out links instead of clicking on them.

    If you think you are a victim of disaster or charity fraud, report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or online at justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson Makes Multiple Sunday Show Appearances

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    This morning, Speaker Johnson joined George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s This Week and Shannon Bream on Fox News Sunday to discuss the federal response to Hurricane Helene, standing with Israel, and the need keep the 2024 election about policy, not politics. 

    Click here to watch ABC interview, here to watch Fox interview

    On the federal response to Hurricane Helene:

    At the federal level, this has been a massive failure, and you could just ask the people there on the ground. I have been there. I was in Georgia, I was in Florida where Hurricane Helene made landfall there on the coast. And then we’ll be going to the hardest hit parts of North Carolina on Wednesday of this week. 

    When you talk to the people who are directly affected, they will tell you that this has been an abject failure. FEMA has lost sight of its core mission I think in so many cases, and the administration has not shown that they were prepared for this eventuality and this terrible disaster. The thing about hurricanes, Shannon, is that we know that they’re coming well in advance. You know, they had more than a week’s notice of this, and yet we still have people who have not been served and even rescued in North Carolina. It is a heartbreaking, tragic, and infuriating situation to have the federal government fail as they have.

    On FEMA funding to house illegal aliens: 

    The streams of funding are different, that is not an untrue statement of course. But the problem is what the American people see and what they’re frustrated by, is that FEMA should be involved – they are the Federal Emergency Management Association – their mission is to help people in times like this of natural disaster, not to be engaged in using any pool of funding from any account for resettling illegal aliens who have come across the border. That’s what the Biden Administration, Kamala Harris, and Secretary Mayorkas have been engaged in this program, and they have spent precious treasure of the American people and taxpayers to do just that. 

    When you see illegals in your local airport and you see them being transported around the country with planes, trains, and automobiles to every community everywhere, every state’s a border stat now because of that. That’s the NGOs, the non-governmental organizations mostly that are transporting those people around. And then they send the receipts to the federal government and Biden Harris and Mayorkas gleefully pay those receipts because they open the border intentionally. The American people are disgusted by this. They’re fed up with it, and so are Republicans in Congress. And it’ll stop after November 5th because we’re going to have unified government with the Republicans in charge and we will bring sanity back to this situation.

    On keeping the 2024 election focused on policy:

    We have to talk about the greatest collection of challenges that this country is facing, probably since World War II, maybe the Civil War. Let’s put all this political nonsense behind us and talk about how we get out of this mess. And I believe the way we do, and I believe a large number of the majority of the American people understand you have to put steady hands at the wheel. You’ve got to put President Donald J. Trump back in the White House because he will bring stability back. 

    He will get the economy going again. He will restore our stature on the world stage at a time where we’re almost on the verge of World War III. You have got to get his leadership back in the White House. That’s why the massive crowds are drawn to these rallies, and that’s why I believe we’re going to win in November.

    On supporting Israel:

    Everything that they have done, since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration, is project weakness on the world stage. And that has put us in the most dangerous situation that we have been in since World War II. Our allies are nervous. Our adversaries do not fear us. They don’t respect us, and that is why China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, terrorists and tyrants around the world are coordinating against us. And that is why you’re seeing the provocations of the war in Israel. 

    Russia moved on Ukraine, China doing all the things they’re doing and threatening Taiwan. None of this happened on President Trump’s watch because he was a steady hand, a strong hand at the wheel. We have got to reelect him so that we can restore the order in the world and project peace through strength again. That’s what we have to get back to, and it cannot happen soon enough.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Loudermilk Joins Georgia’s Congressional Delegation Urging Swift Approval of State’s Federal Disaster Declaration Request

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA)

    Washington D.C. (September 30, 2024) | This week, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), joined Georgia’s entire Congressional Delegation in a letter to President Biden urging swift approval of Georgia’s request for a Major Federal Disaster Declaration, which would unlock key federal disaster relief funding for impacted families, businesses, and local governments from Hurricane Helene.

    Georgia Governor Brian Kemp formally requested President Biden declare a major disaster in the state of Georgia following Georgia’s Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) completed disaster assessment across the state. Following the state of Georgia’s formal request, Georgia’s entire Congressional Delegation including U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Reps. Buddy Carter (GA-1), Sanford Bishop (GA-2), Drew Ferguson (GA-3), Hank Johnson (GA-4), Nikema Williams (GA-5), Rich McCormick (GA-6), Lucy McBath (GA-7), Austin Scott (GA-8), Andrew Clyde (GA-9), Mike Collins (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12), David Scott (GA-13), and Majorie Taylor Greene (GA-14) urged President Biden to quickly approve Georgia’s request, which would provide a range of critical federal assistance programs to counties impacted by the hurricane, including for both impacted individuals and public infrastructure.

    “We write to convey full support for Governor Brian Kemp’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration for the counties in the State of Georgia significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene,” Georgia’s entire Congressional Delegation wrote. “We encourage your team to promptly consider Governor Kemp’s request for a major disaster declaration, and we stand ready to work with you and your Administration to support these critical recover efforts in Georgia.”

    Governor Kemp requested public assistance for the following counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clay, Clayton, Clinch, Cobb, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, DeKalb, Dodge, Dougherty, Douglas, Early, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Fayette, Fulton, Glascock, Glynn, Grady, Gwinnett, Hancock, Henry, Irwin, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Pulaski, Putnam, Quitman, Randolph, Richmond, Rockdale, Screven, Seminole, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson, and Worth.

    Governor Kemp also requested individual assistance for the following counties: 

    Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Bryan, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Newton, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Tattnall, Telfair, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, and Wayne Counties.

    Lastly, Governor Kemp requested President Biden use his discretion under Section 403 and Section 407 of the Stafford Act to increase the Federal cost share of the eligible costs associated with Hurricane Helene.

    President Biden approved Georgia’s Major Federal Disaster Declaration on September 30th. 

    Click here to read the full Georgia Delegation’s letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Auchincloss’ Statement Marking One Year Since the Terrorist Attack on October 7th, 2023

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jake Auchincloss (Massachusetts, 4)

    October 07, 2024

    “The terrorism of 7 October 2023 was an attack against Israel’s right to exist. Israel, though, was not its only target. The barbarity was meant to make Jews of all nations afraid. To Jews here in Massachusetts, it was an earthquake that still reverberates in ways both personal and political. 

    The ongoing response of the free world to October 7th must encompass both international and domestic policy. On the international front, the United States must endeavor to lead the world in supporting Israel as it defends itself against the ring of fire encircling it: Hamas to its south, Hezbollah to its north, proxy terror groups in Iraq and Syria to its east, all fueled by the Islamic Republic of Iran. That support will take various forms – diplomatic, military, counsel – but always, it is deeper than personalities and politics. It draws on shared values and the common conviction that Israel and America are on the same side in the fight for freedom, democracy, and peace. 

    World leaders should forgo false moral equivalency and commit to the side of peace, for the sake of the Israeli people as well as the Palestinian, Lebanese, and Iranian people – and millions more who have been immiserated by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s 50-year campaign of fanaticism and strife.

    On the home front, the United States and every nation must not allow fear to take hold. Antisemitism must be given no quarter in our politics, our education, our society. Jews will need allies in this effort. October 7 apologism, including the despicable dismissal of sexual violence against women, grows in the same illiberal soil that nourishes violence and bigotry in all its hateful forms. All who believe in social justice must uproot all forms of hate, including antisemitism.

    This anniversary arrives during the Jewish High Holidays. In our reflection and remembrance, let us hold close the hostages and their families. The hostages have been brutalized for a year, their families tormented. They must be returned, and there must be justice.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch on Anniversary of October 7 Attack on Israel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ unprovoked and brutal attack on Israel on October 7:
    “It’s been a year since Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack on Israel. Today, people across the world are remembering those lives lost and the Israeli and American hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza. A year on, one would hope the free world would be united in condemning these horrific attacks, and in defense of the Israeli and Jewish people, but unfortunately that is not the case.
    “Iran and its proxies continue to threaten the safety and security of the Israeli people. Hamas continues to hold innocent hostages in Gaza, while Tehran, the Houthis, and Hezbollah fire rockets and missiles towards Israel. Israel has rightly reached the conclusion that a Gaza controlled by Hamas or a Lebanon under the heel of Hezbollah – both designated terrorist organizations – will endanger the lives of Israeli citizens.
    “Some undermine Israel by holding up arms sales, refusing to sanction the International Criminal Court’s politically-motivated prosecution of Israelis, dictating how Israel can conduct military operations, and calling for Prime Minister Netanyahu to be replaced. By doing so, they damage our longstanding alliance with Israel and empower Iran and its proxies to act with impunity. My Republican colleagues and I will continue to do all we can to support our ally Israel.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky Statement Marking One Year Since October 7th Terrorist Attacks in Israel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), released the following statement marking one year since the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel:

    “One year ago today, the world saw the worst perpetration of violence inflicted on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The terrorist organization Hamas took the lives of over 1,200 people in Israel, injured over 3,000 more, and captured over 200 people – including many American citizens.

    “It has been an unbearable year since these devastating attacks. My heart aches for all those who were killed on October 7th and their loved ones who mourn their loss; for the hostages and their families who have endured an incomprehensible year of suffering, and in some cases, even death; and for the thousands of innocent Palestinian families caught in the ensuing war that have lost those dear to them, fleeing homes and communities turned to rubble, living in fear and struggling to survive.

    “Just last month, the Chicago community came together following the devastating news that Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a young man with a bright future ahead of him who was taken hostage by Hamas, was killed. His parents, Jon and Rachel, are from Chicago. His grandmother and aunt are residents of the 9th Congressional District. They have endlessly stepped forward to make their voices heard, tell Hersh’s story, and advocate for the safe return of every hostage.

    “It is time for the Netanyahu government and Hamas leadership to reach a final deal. Right now, the Middle East is teetering on the brink of a catastrophic regional war that would put millions more in danger. The U.S. and our allies cannot allow this to happen. The human cost of this war is staggering, and it must end now.

    “This evening, I will gather with community members in Skokie to mark this solemn anniversary. As we mourn, grieve, and reflect, my top priorities remain bringing the hostages home now, ending the violence once and for all, and bringing long-term peace, justice, and security to Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Statement on Anniversary of October 7 Attack

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan released the following statement to mark the anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7:

    “One year ago today, Hamas terrorists launched a horrific attack on Israel – during which they murdered 1,200 innocent people, including entire families, used rape and sexual violence as weapons, and took 251 hostages, including American citizens, some of whom still remain in Hamas captivity. October 7th was the worst single day of violence against Jews since the Holocaust. We cannot forget this day, nor can we forget the Americans and other hostages still held by Hamas – and we must do everything that we can to bring them home. I grieve with the families of the victims, the families of the hostages, and all of those who continue to be affected by the war.

    “In this same year, antisemitism has surged, in both word and deed, at home and abroad. As we mark this anniversary, Americans from across the political spectrum should stand united against hate, including antisemitism.

    “Iran’s missile strikes against Israel just last week also demonstrate the threat that Israel continues to face and why it is critical that we continue to support Israel’s ability to defend itself from attacks. We must also work to avoid a broader regional conflict by de-escalating and negotiating a ceasefire to save innocent civilian lives, allow for the return of hostages, and expand humanitarian aid.

    “A long and painful year has passed since October 7, but America’s friends and foes alike should know: We will not waver in our resolve to save the hostages, bring the perpetrators to justice, and secure a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, dignity, and security.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in affordable housing and the future

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Alberta’s government is committed to the safety, security, health and well-being of Albertans living in affordable housing. Through the Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program, the province is working to repair affordable housing units that require renovation and preventative maintenance. This program also prioritizes suite renewals to ensure housing units are available for Albertans in need of housing as quickly as possible.

    Through Budget 2024, the government is investing nearly $121 million over three years to maintain and repair government-owned and supported housing units across Alberta, supporting about 4,250 units in 2024-25. This funding goes toward repairing units through projects like replacing windows, repairing roofs and improving interior environments to help bring units up to date and ensure they can continue to be used for years to come.

    “The Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program is a critical part of keeping government-owned housing units safe and up to date. Like all homes, these buildings need repairs as they age to keep them in good condition and able to continue operating as affordable housing for Albertans. A maintenance strategy will help government work with housing operators to ensure we are making the right repairs at the right time.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

    “Lethbridge Housing Authority is grateful for the Government’s of Alberta’s continued commitment to prioritizing preventative and ongoing maintenance. By reviewing processes and ensuring units can be available in a timely manner, we are able to offer homes that are affordable and well maintained to Albertans in need.”

    Robin James, chief administrative officer, Lethbridge Housing Authority

    Improvements made by Alberta’s government in 2023-24 resulted in more competitive pricing and faster turnaround times of vacant suites, reducing from three months to 33 days. Alberta is also continuing to work with housing providers to implement building condition assessments for government housing assets, ensure priority projects receive funding, provide training, and improve internal processes and data collection.

    Investing in the future

    Alberta’s 10-year affordable housing plan, Stronger Foundations, recommended the creation of a long-term maintenance strategy to help ensure existing government-owned assets continue to provide suitable housing that meets the needs of the community and make effective use of taxpayer dollars.

    In 2022-23, Alberta’s government undertook an external review of the Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program to ensure government-owned affordable housing remains safe and identify ways to further improve the program. A summary of the review’s recommendations can be found online. Alberta’s government will continue to implement these recommendations.

    To help continue this work, the government is now issuing a request for proposal to help improve the program with a future-focused maintenance strategy. This strategy will be based on engagement with housing providers and operators to ensure that the maximum longevity and availability of housing units. The request for proposals is open from Oct. 7 to Nov. 4.

    Quick facts:

    • Budget 2024 provides over $40 million in Capital Maintenance and Renewal Funding in 2024-25 to preserve existing affordable housing.
    • Examples of projects include:
      • Repairing and replacing roofs;
      • Upgrading windows and building systems to improve energy efficiency;
      • Upgrading and modernizing elevators in seniors apartment buildings;
      • Replacing or upgrading furnaces, boilers, ventilation and hot water systems; and
      • Suite renewals.
    • Since 2019, Alberta’s government has invested almost $850 million to build more than 5,100 affordable units and close to 900 shelter spaces. This includes projects government has committed to, that are in progress and that are complete.

    Related information

    • Request for Proposal
    • Review recommendations summary

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Whale sharks on collision course as warming seas may force them into shipping lanes – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Freya Womersley, Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Marine Biological Association

    Global warming has the potential to reshuffle the spaces used by life on Earth, across all ecosystems. And our new research shows whale sharks – the world’s largest fish – could be at risk, as warming oceans may force them into busy human shipping lanes.

    More than 12,000 marine species are expected to redistribute in future as seas warm up. Those animals that are unable to move to remain within suitable environments risk being wiped out entirely.

    But things are different for larger and highly mobile animals that can move freely to find conditions that suit their needs. For them, changing ocean conditions may not be such a huge threat in isolation, as they can migrate to cooler seas. Rather, shifting conditions may force species into new and more dangerous areas where they come into contact with ship propellers and other direct human threats.

    We fear this will happen with whale sharks. These huge sharks can reach up to 18 metres – about four cars end to end – but despite their size and robust appearance, their numbers have already declined by over 50% in the last 75 years.

    Whale sharks are big and slow (and are sharks not whales).
    Sean Steininger / shutterstock

    In previous research we discovered this decline may be partly due to collisions with large ships. Whale sharks are particularly vulnerable as they cruise around feeding on plankton and other tiny organisms, rarely needing to swim faster than human walking pace. While spending long periods moving slowly near the surface, they’re often struck by ships and killed.

    Our new research builds on this previous work. We find that climate change will put these docile giants in even greater danger as their preferred habitats move in into new areas with heavy ship traffic.

    An uncertain future

    The research was carried out by an international team of over 50 scientists from 18 countries involved in the Global Shark Movement Project, using 15 years’ worth of satellite tracking data from almost 350 individually tagged whale sharks.

    Movement tracks were matched to temperature, salinity and other environmental conditions at the time to determine what sort of habitat the sharks preferred. These relationships were then projected forward in time based on climate models (powerful computer programmes that simulate the climate) to reveal which parts of the ocean may in future have similar conditions to those used by the species today.

    Our state-of-the-art approach uncovered totally new areas that may be able to support whale sharks in future, such as US waters in the Pacific in the region of the California bight, Japanese waters in the eastern China Sea and the Atlantic waters of many west African countries. We quickly realised that these regions are home to some of the world’s busiest sea ports and shipping highways, so we overlaid our maps of habitat preference with those of global shipping to determine sharks are expected to run into ships.

    The world’s main shipping lanes, with the busiest lanes coloured yellow. Areas C (US west coast), D (west Africa) and E (east Asia) are expected to become more suitable for whale sharks as the oceans warm.
    Womersley et al / Nature Climate Change, CC BY-SA

    Through this we project that co-occurrence between sharks and ships will be be 15,000 times greater by the end of this century if we continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels, compared to only 20 times greater if we follow a sustainable development scenario.

    This does not mean that collisions will increase by 15,000 times, or even by 20 times, as we can only predict where whale sharks will be in future and the precise number of ships will vary. However, if the sharks do move into these new areas and their busy shipping lanes, increased mortality is a very real possibility.

    We’ve already recorded shark-attached satellite tags abruptly stopping transmissions in shipping lanes, with depth-recording tags showing the sharks slowly sinking – likely dead – to the seafloor.

    Changing tack

    Our results are alarming but highlight that we do have the capacity to change the population trajectory for whale sharks. In this case, through mitigating climate change, we can also indirectly ensure that the ocean is a safer place for some of its largest residents.

    We already know which strategies to trial for limiting collisions between ships and sharks. In February 2024 a meeting of signatories to the UN’s convention on the conservation of migratory species put forward a series of recommendations with specific focus on whale sharks. These include slowing speeds and re-routing around key sites, and setting up a collision-reporting network. It is now up to individual governments to take action.

    It’s possible that other species will experience similar pressures as a result of climate change. For example, heat waves in the oceans may force other sharks into cooler surface waters which are being exploited by longline fisheries, or into deeper depths where there is less oxygen.

    It’s time to shift our focus on to these interacting stressors in future, so that we can start to quantify the mosaic of threats that marine animals must endure in the oceans of tomorrow and protect those most at risk.

    Freya Womersley receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) through a University of Southampton INSPIRE DTP PhD Studentship. She is affiliated with the Marine Biological Association (MBA) in Plymouth, UK and the Global Shark Movement Project, which is based at the MBA.

    David Sims receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the European Research Council (ERC), and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. He is affiliated with the Marine Biological Association (MBA) in Plymouth, UK, and the Global Shark Movement Project, which is based at the MBA.

    – ref. Whale sharks on collision course as warming seas may force them into shipping lanes – new study – https://theconversation.com/whale-sharks-on-collision-course-as-warming-seas-may-force-them-into-shipping-lanes-new-study-240727

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Healey, Massachusetts Leaders Move Forward on $350 million for Cape Cod Bridges Construction

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    October 07, 2024
    Transfer of $350 million in federal funding secured by lawmakers to FHWA moves MassDOT further toward replacing the Sagamore Bridge
    Boston, MA – Continuing the momentum on replacing the Cape Cod Bridges, the Healey-Driscoll Administration signed a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the U.S. Department of the Army and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to move forward on rebuilding the Sagamore Bridge. Senator Warren has led efforts to secure these funds for the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges, pressing the federal government to take action to replace these crucial pieces of infrastructure. 
    Under the agreement, the USACE will transfer $350 million in federal funding secured through the 2024 appropriations bills to the Federal Highway Administration. The FHWA Eastern Federal Lands Division will use the funds to construct a portion of the new Sagamore Bridge as part of MassDOT’s overall replacement project.
    The Sagamore Bridge is vital infrastructure supporting the economy of Cape Cod and surrounding communities and ensuring safe and reliable travel for residents, workers, and millions of annual visitors. The new MOA will help to further the current plan to begin construction on the Cape. The Sagamore Project is Phase 1 of the Cape Cod Bridges Program, rebuilding both the Sagamore and the Bourne Bridges while also making investments in other transportation infrastructure along the Cape Cod Canal and expanding travel options.  
    “We’re one step closer to replacing the Cape Cod Bridges—a decades-overdue project that will lift up the entire region,” said Senator Warren. “An investment this big is made possible only by teamwork, and it’s thanks to our strong federal, state, and local partnership that we were able to secure over $2 billion for the bridges. I’ll keep working closely with Senator Markey, Representative Keating, Governor Healey, and the delegation to get this crucial project to the next stage.”
    “We continue to make important progress in our efforts to rebuild both Cape Cod Bridges. After securing $1.72 billion in federal funding, we’re now moving forward with an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Army and the Federal Highway Administration that will allocate a crucial piece of that funding and allow us to begin construction on the Sagamore Bridge,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful to our MassDOT team, as well as our Congressional delegation and federal partnerships for their continued partnership and commitment to delivering this project for the people of Massachusetts.” 
    The project will help to spur economic growth and development, improving safety and quality of life for both the region and state. This project is critical to the Cape Cod economy, and the bridge will be a connector to other assets on a local, state, and national level. 
    Senator Warren, Senator Markey, Congressman Keating, and the Massachusetts delegation secured a total of $1.72 billion in federal funding for the bridge replacement project. In July, MassDOT won $1 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) Bridge Investment Program, and in December 2023, MassDOT won $372 million from the BIL’s Federal Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Program. Senator Warren, along with the Massachusetts Delegation, secured $350 million for the bridges in the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, which was signed by President Biden. Governor Healey has also pledged $700 million in state support. 
    “This project has always been about partnership, and we thank the Healey Administration, the Congressional delegation and the Biden-Harris Administration for their unwavering support and funding. We look forward to working with partners and stakeholders in the region to begin the next steps to making this project a reality,” said Massachusetts Transportation Secretary & CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. 
    Senator Warren has long advocated for federal investments in the Cape Cod Bridges project and other critical infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth: 
    In July 2024, Senator Warren, along with Senator Ed Markey, Rep. Bill Keating, and Governor Maura Healey, announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) had awarded the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and Army Corps of Engineers a billion-dollar grant to replace the Cape Cod Bridges under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Bridge Investment Program.
    In March 2024, the entire Massachusetts congressional delegation sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, reaffirming their support for Massachusetts’ billion-dollar Bridge Investment Program (BIP) grant application to replace the Cape Cod Bridges, in light of the $350 million in funding from the FY 2024 funding package signed by President Biden and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s $372 million Mega grant.
    In March 2024, Senators Markey and Warren and Congressman Keatingsecured $350 million for the Cape Cod Bridges in the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act.
    In December 2023, following the advocacy of the delegation, the Department of Transportation awarded Massachusetts a $372 million grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) program toward the replacement of the Sagamore bridge. 
    In May 2023, Senators Warren and Markey and Representatives Keating and Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, urging him to exercise his authority to support installation resilience in order to provide funding for the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges.
    In March 2023, Senators Warren and Markey announced and applauded the inclusion of $350 million, toward a commitment of $600 million, in President Biden’s budget for the Bourne and Sagamore bridges. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister on investment in public transit in Toronto

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today’s announcement is really what happens when different levels of government, the city and the federal government, work together for the people who we represent.

    September 27, 2024

    We are here with Team Scarborough, with three outstanding Scarborough MPs, Gary, John and Jean. I want to say to everyone here in Scarborough, they love this amazing community. And it’s really great to have two great Scarborough city councillors, Jamaal and Parthi, and as I said, wonderful to be here with the mayor. Today’s announcement is really what happens when different levels of government, the city and the federal government, work together for the people who we represent. 

    Every single elected person here is elected by people in Toronto to represent them. And I think we’re also glad to be coming together to talk about something that we’re doing together to make life better for people here. 

    I want to start by talking just for a minute about some good economic news we’ve been having in Canada in recent weeks. Inflation in August was 2 per cent. That’s a bull’s eye right in the middle of the Bank of Canada’s target range for inflation. 

    And in fact, inflation has been within the Bank of Canada’s target range all of this year. We have now had three interest rate cuts. Canada was the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the first time. We were the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the second time. And we were the first G7 country to cut interest rates for the third time. That is real relief for Canadians.

    Wages have outpaced inflation for the past 19 months in a row. We have also, over the past two weeks, seen some real progress on mortgages and on housing affordability.

    Our government has announced that we will be raising the level for insured mortgages from $1 million to $1.5 million—really relevant in a city like Toronto—and increasing the amortization for first-time homebuyers and for people buying a newly built home to 30 years.

    What that means practically is, if you are a first-time homebuyer, if you’re buying a newly built home, you’re going to be able to do that with a lower down payment and you’re going to have lower payments every single month, because we know how important it is that the dream of homeownership needs to remain in reach for people living in this amazing city. 

    And then, we had some more good news for people with mortgages. And that is the announcement by OSFI this week that if you already have a mortgage and you are renewing it and it is an uninsured mortgage, you do not have to requalify with a stress test to switch banks upon renewal. 

    That’s a really big deal. It is going to give people who see a renewal up ahead and are worried about it some real choice, some real options. If you have an insured mortgage, it is already the case that you don’t need to requalify with a stress test upon renewal. You can look around for the best deal you can get. 

    So that’s some really good news for Canadians. It’s really good news for the people of Toronto. 

    I am really happy that inflation was 2 per cent in August. For the past eight months in a row, inflation has been within the Bank of Canada’s target range, and the Bank of Canada has already reduced its policy rate three times.

    And then we have even more good news that we’re here to highlight: an announcement about the TTC and electric buses. And I really want to start by thanking all of the people at the TTC who have made this possible, who run this incredibly important transit system every single day. It really is the circulatory system of our city. 

    And I want to give a special shout-out to an amazing guy I met this morning. His name is Tony, he’s an electrical technician, he’s worked here for 40 years. He’s the guy in charge of these amazing charging stations that we are about to see in operation. And he was so proud to tell me about the work that he and his colleagues have done putting this system in place and making this system work. And he also was proud to tell me about his family. He has three beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. And he does this work so that they can live in an amazing city and to support them and build a wonderful family here. He’s been working here for 40 years. Thank you very much Tony. 

    So the good news. Thanks to the hard work of Tony and his friends and colleagues here, and thanks to investments by the City of Toronto and the Government of Canada, we’re making a $700 million joint investment of which the federal government is contributing half, the City of Toronto half, in 340 zero emission buses and the amazing charging system that we see here behind us. The first two vehicles are here today.

    We’re going to get on them and show them off and I am really looking forward to it. This is so important. This is about providing great transit for people in Toronto. It means you can get to work, you can get to school, you can get to see your friends and have fun. It means doing it in a way that is clean and green, and I’m really glad that there are some people here from Nova because we’re also supporting great jobs in Canada building these amazing buses.

    Today’s investment builds on sustained investment by the federal government in this amazing city, including in public transit. Since 2015, we have invested more than $10 billion, $10.4 billion to be exact, in public transit in Toronto. We are really, really proud to do that, and we’ve invested $30 billion in transit projects across the country. We’re a growing country and we need to be investing so people can get around. 

    So it’s such a great pleasure to be here, to congratulate and to thank the amazing people who work here and to celebrate what we’re doing together with the City of Toronto, with my Toronto caucus colleagues, to improve the lives of Canadians, of Torontonians.

    Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Canada News –