Category: Politics

MIL-OSI: Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp. Announces Definitive Agreement to Merge with YD Biopharma Limited
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

YD Biopharma is a Clinical-Stage Biopharmaceutical Company Focusing on Cancer Prevention Diagnostics and Seeking to Transform the Treatment of a Wide Spectrum of Diseases

Pro Forma for the Transaction, Combined Company is Expected to Have an Estimated Enterprise Value of Nearly $700 Million

The Proposed Merger is Expected to Close by Early 2025; After Closing, the Combined Company is Expected to be Listed on Nasdaq Capital Market

YD Biopharma has Recently Obtained Patents, Technology, and U.S. Authorization for Core Methylation Detection of Pancreatic Cancer, Along with Entering into an Agreement to Acquire Licenses for Breast Cancer Detection Upon the Closing of the Merger

IRVING, Texas, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp. (OTCQX: BRZH, BRZHR, BRZHW) (“Breeze” or the “Company”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with YD Biopharma Limited (“YD Biopharma”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on cancer prevention medical diagnostics and the development of exosome-based therapeutics with the potential to transform the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need. Following the closing, the combined company is expected to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

Using Technology to Detect Health Problems Early On
YD Biopharma specializes in the biopharmaceutical business and serves as a supplier of drugs and medical materials for clinical trials. In 2015, YD Biopharma was appointed as a clinical testing drug supplier by Novartis and has since expanded its offerings to include development and supply of ancillary products post-launch. YD Biopharma’s mission is to create a cancer-free world through advancements in biotechnology.

More recently, YD Biopharma obtained patent and technology authorization from 3D Global Biotech Inc. (“3D Biotech”) to pioneer the application of corneal mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes for treating eye diseases. YD Biopharma has introduced new advanced drugs and treatments for conditions such as dry eye disease, glaucoma, and corneal repair. YD Biopharma aims to optimize the treatment market for eye diseases by distribution through pharmacies, optometrists, and other channels.

Earlier this year, YD Biopharma obtained patents, technology and U.S. market authorization from EG Biomed Taiwan for core methylation detection of pancreatic cancer with high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. This partnership has led to the establishment of an independent laboratory in the U.S. dedicated to pancreatic cancer early detection and monitoring technology that marks a significant expansion of YD Biopharma’s research and development capabilities to collaborate with hospitals, insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies to reach new patients.

YD Biopharma has also recently negotiated related authorizations for breast cancer detection to further expand the Company’s product offerings. YD Biopharma is in the process of acquiring licenses from EG BioMed Taiwan for advanced breast cancer detection technology in the U.S., E.U., and Asia-Pacific that has high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The acquisition of the licenses for EG Biomed’s breast cancer detection technology in the U.S., E.U., and Asia-Pacific is expected to be consummated simultaneously with the closing of the merger with Breeze.

Management Commentary
Dr. Ethan Shen, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of YD Biopharma, has an extensive background in the pharmaceutical industry having worked at a well-known global pharmaceutical company. Inspired by his father’s struggle with cancer and subsequent passing, Dr. Shen is dedicated to eradicating cancer and helping people to avoid chronic and painful treatments through early detection.

Dr. Shen stated the following regarding the proposed transaction, “I’m pleased to announce the next phase of our strategy as we embark on a public listing in the U.S. through the proposed business combination with Breeze. Since our founding in 2013, we’ve made significant strides in expanding our capabilities through organic innovation, licensing agreements, and notable strategic partnerships. We have a strategic roadmap in place for accelerated growth and a compelling story to tell in the U.S. market as we aim to deliver health problem detection at an earlier stage than ever before through minimal intervention.”

J. Douglas Ramsey, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Breeze, commented, “From day one, it has been our mission at Breeze to find a company with innovative and disruptive technology that has the potential to deliver significant growth to our shareholders. We are highly optimistic about the proposed business combination with YD Biopharma, a company that we believe is a true outlier in the biotech industry with strong growth potential in a variety of healthcare markets. We are working closely with their team to expeditiously close the transaction by early 2025 and move forward with YD Biopharma as a publicly traded company in the U.S.”

YD Biopharma Key Investment Highlights
- Proven Capabilities Across a Broad Spectrum of Solutions: YD Biopharma has an extensive suite of solutions ranging from ophthalmology cellular drug development to pancreatic and breast cancer diagnostics to nutritional product sales.
- Notable Strategic Partnerships, Offering Validation and Growth Potential: YD Biopharma is a clinical testing drug supplier for Novartis, a top five global pharmaceutical company, as well as having licensing partnerships with EG BioMed for pancreatic cancer detection and 3D Global Biotech to develop treatment for eye disorders.
- Proprietary Technology Supported by Licensing Agreements and IP Portfolio: Multi-decade, exclusive licensing agreements and owned, patented technology provides YD Biopharma with significant competitive first-mover advantage in each of its clinical markets.
- Large and Underserved Markets for Each Solution Showcase Untapped Growth Potential: Multi-billion-dollar global market sizes and high single digit CAGRs over the next decade provide significant growth potential for YD Biopharma’s solutions.
- Strong Leadership Team with Deep Expertise in Biotech and Finance: YD Biopharma has a founder-led management team with experience in new drug development, medical-grade health product development, pharmacy channel development, and financial management and accounting.
Transaction Overview
Under the terms of the business combination agreement, Breeze and YD Biopharma will each merge into wholly-owned subsidiaries of a newly formed Cayman holding company expected to be named “YD Biopharma Holdings Limited” and is anticipated to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

Assuming no redemptions, the combined company will have an estimated post-transaction enterprise value of $694 million, consisting of an estimated equity value of $715 million, $21.0 million in cash and no debt. Cash proceeds raised will consist of Breeze’s $10.1 million cash in trust (before redemptions and payment of any transaction expenses) and $15 million in anticipated new capital.

YD Biopharma intends to use the proceeds from the transaction to expand production and continue development, approval and launch of new technologies.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both YD Biopharma and Breeze. It is expected to close by early 2025, subject to regulatory and stockholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions. Additional information may be found in the Current Report on Form 8-K that was filed by Breeze Holdings today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Upon completion of the transaction, YD Biopharma will continue to be led by Founder, Chairman, and CEO Dr. Ethan Shen. Wu Cheng-fend will serve as Chief Medical Officer, and May Tsai will serve as Chief Business Officer.

Advisors
ArentFox Schiff LLP and Ogier are acting as legal advisors to YD Biopharma. I-Bankers Securities, Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Breeze Holdings. Woolery & Co. PLLC is acting as legal advisor to Breeze Holdings.

About YD Biopharma
YD Biopharma Limited is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on cancer prevention medical diagnostics and the development of exosome-based therapeutics with the potential to transform the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need. Through continuous effort and innovation, the Company has also become a recognized supplier of clinical trial drugs and has begun developing and supplying post-market auxiliary products.

For more information, please visit www.yd-biopharma.com.

About Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp.
Breeze Holdings is a blank check company organized for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combinations with one or more businesses or entities.

Additional Information and Where to Find It
This press release relates to a proposed business combination transaction involving Breeze Holdings and YD Biopharma. In connection with the proposed transaction, a newly-formed Cayman exempted company expected to be named “YD Biopharma Holdings Limited” (“YD Holdings”) intends to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form F-4 that will include a proxy statement of Breeze and that also will constitute a prospectus of YD Holdings with respect to the ordinary shares of YD Holdings to be issued in the proposed transaction (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”). This document is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus (if and when available) will be delivered to Breeze Holdings’ and YD Biopharma’s stockholders. Breeze Holdings may also file other relevant documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF BREEZE HOLDINGS AND YD BIOPHARMA AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BREEZE HOLDINGS, YD HOLDINGS, YD BIOPHARMA, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.

Investors and security holders of Breeze Holdings and YD Biopharma may obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus (if and when available) and other documents that are filed or will be filed with the SEC by Breeze Holdings through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Breeze Holdings will be available free of charge at Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp., 955 W. John Carpenter Fwy., Suite 100-929, Irving, TX 75039, attention: J. Douglas Ramsey.

Participants in the Solicitation
Breeze Holdings, YD Biopharma and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Breeze Holdings and YD Biopharma in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about Breeze Holdings’ directors and executive officers and their ownership of Breeze Holdings common stock is set forth in Breeze Holdings’ filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC on April 25, 2024 (the “Annual Report”). To the extent that holdings of Breeze Holdings’ securities have changed since the amounts included in the Annual Report, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership of Form 4 filed with the SEC. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC in respect of the proposed transaction when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among other things, statements regarding the anticipated benefits and impact of the proposed transaction on the combined company’s business and future financial and operating results, the anticipated timing of closing of the proposed transaction, the anticipated growth of the industries and markets in which YD Biopharma competes, the success and customer acceptance of YD Biopharma’s product and service offerings and other aspects of YD Biopharma’s operations, plans, objectives, opportunities, expectations or operating results, the expected ownership structure of the combined company and the likelihood and ability of the parties to successfully consummate the proposed transaction. Words such as “may,” “should,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimated,” “target,” “project,” and similar phrases or words of similar meaning that denote future expectations or intent regarding the combined company’s financial results, operations and other matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and other factors, both known and unknown, which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control and that may cause actual results and the timing of future events to differ materially from the results and timing of future events anticipated by the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) the ability of the parties to complete the proposed transaction within the time frame anticipated or at all, which may adversely impact the price of Breeze Holdings’ securities; (ii) the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction or those benefits taking longer than anticipated to be realized; (iii) the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed by Breeze Holdings’ business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain further extensions of the business combination deadline if sought by Breeze Holdings; (iv) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including the adoption of the definitive merger agreement by the stockholders of Breeze Holdings or YD Biopharma, the receipt of any required governmental or regulatory approvals or the failure to meet the Nasdaq listing standards in connection with the closing of the proposed transaction; (v) the lack of a third party valuation in determining whether or not to pursue the proposed transaction; (vi) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the definitive merger agreement; (vii) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or related governmental or regulatory orders ; (viii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on YD Biopharma’s business relationships, performance and business generally; (ix) risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of YD Biopharma and any potential difficulties in YD Biopharma employee retention as a result of the proposed transaction; (x) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against YD Biopharma or Breeze Holdings related to the definitive merger agreement or the proposed transaction or any product liability or regulatory lawsuits or proceedings relating to YD Biopharma’s products or services; (xi) the ability to maintain the listing of YD Holdings’ securities on the Nasdaq Capital Market after the closing of the proposed transaction; (xii) potential volatility in the price of Breeze Holdings’ securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which YD Biopharma operates, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting YD Biopharma’s business, and changes in the combined company’s capital structure; (xiii) the ability to implement business plans, identify and realize additional opportunities and achieve forecasts and other expectations after the completion of the proposed transaction; (xiv) the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industries in which YD Biopharma operates or the markets that YD Biopharma targets; (xv) the inability of YD Biopharma and its current and future collaborators to successfully develop and commercialize YD Biopharma’s products and services in the expected time frame or at all; (xvi) the risk that the combined company may never achieve or sustain profitability or may need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; and (xvii) the costs of the proposed transaction. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to additional risks, uncertainties and factors, including those described in Breeze Holdings’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Breeze Holdings from time to time. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a predictor of future performance as projected financial information and other information are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to various significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date hereof. Forecasts and estimates regarding YD Biopharma’s industry and end markets are based on sources we believe to be reliable, however there can be no assurance these forecasts and estimates will prove accurate in whole or in part. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.

No Offer or Solicitation
This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or to buy any securities or a solicitation of any proxy, consent, vote or approval with respect to any securities in respect of the proposed transaction and is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any other document that Breeze Holdings may file with the SEC or send to Breeze Holdings’ or YD Biopharma’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. No offer, sale, issuance or transfer of securities shall be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer, sale, issuance or transfer would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

Contacts:

YD Biopharma Limited
Bob Chiu
bobc95@udn-pharm.com

Breeze Holdings Acquisition Corp.
Investor Relations
Cody Slach and Cody Cree
Gateway Group

(949) 574-3860
BREZ@gateway-grp.com

The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: Historic racism still negatively affects the way paintings of black people are perceived – as our study shows

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tobiasz Trawinski, Lecturer in psychology, Liverpool Hope University

There is little doubt that historic racism has influenced the content and composition of several famous figurative paintings. In March 2024, this could be seen in the debate around the exhibition of the Rex Whistler mural, The Expedition in Pursuit of Rare Meats (1927), at the Tate Britain. Critics asked whether such artworks should remain on public display.

There are several shocking elements of Rex Whistler’s mural, originally commissioned by the Tate as “decoration for the new refreshment room”, including the image of a black child chained to a horse and cart as it moves at speed. The debate raises the question – does the ongoing presence of artworks like this in public spaces serve to confront or maintain historic racist views?

In some instances, the racist attitudes behind such paintings have been explicitly expressed by artists or painting owners, making them well-documented. Take, for example, John Trumbull (1715–1787), a painter who had several enslaved people living in his household. Another example is Gilbert Winter Moss (1828–1899), a banker who owned Richard Ansdell’s painting The Hunted Slaves (1861). According to the UCL Legacies of Slavery database, Moss’s family was deeply involved in the slave trade. In other cases, things aren’t so clear-cut.

But even if not explicitly expressed, racist attitudes may have been implicitly held, to an extent that they were able to influence the creative process. Implicitly held racial attitudes are mental associations that, when triggered by race, can guide people’s judgment and actions. As a researcher in psychology, I wanted to explore if implicitly held racial attitudes affect the viewing of paintings when the images themselves make no suggestion of racial inequality.

Alongside my colleagues, I have explored this question in a series of recent studies of portraits of black and white people. In one study, we used gaze-mapping technology to measure the eye movements made by visitors to the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

The measurement of when and where our eyes move, and how long they focus on specific objects, provides a time-sensitive index on what is important to viewers. We measured the eye movements of the visitors to the gallery who agreed to take part in our study as they looked at a set of five portraits of black sitters (including Two Jamaican Girls by Augustus John, 1937) and five portraits of white sitters (including Interior at Paddington by Lucian Freud, 1951).

Their task was to say how much pleasure they experienced when looking at each painting. We also assessed the visitors to the gallery on their implicit racial attitudes and actual contact with different racial communities.

Our results

Our study showed that visitors to the gallery who reported little contact with black people and who held negative implicit racial attitudes reported experiencing little pleasure when viewing paintings showing black sitters.

Perhaps more surprisingly, though they reported little pleasure, these visitors focused their attention more on the faces of the black sitters than others did. The results suggest that little contact with black people, combined with holding negative implicit racial attitudes, can be associated with an undue focus on black faces when viewing these paintings.

We believe our findings suggest that negative implicit racial attitudes have not only influenced the historic content and composition of some paintings, but continue to exert an influence on the viewing of paintings in the present day. Moreover, the influence of negative implicit racial attitudes on the viewing of paintings exerts its effect even when the images themselves are quite neutral.

Whether or not racist paintings are removed from public spaces, our results show that implicit racial attitudes will, for some viewers, continue to exert an influence on their perception of paintings representing black people and culture.

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

Tobiasz Trawinski 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. Historic racism still negatively affects the way paintings of black people are perceived – as our study shows – https://theconversation.com/historic-racism-still-negatively-affects-the-way-paintings-of-black-people-are-perceived-as-our-study-shows-227007

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: OpenAI’s Strawberry program is reportedly capable of reasoning. It might be able to deceive humans

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Shweta Singh, Assistant Professor, Information Systems and Management, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

OpenAI, the company that made ChatGPT, has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) system called Strawberry. It is designed not just to provide quick responses to questions, like ChatGPT, but to think or “reason”.

This raises several major concerns. If Strawberry really is capable of some form of reasoning, could this AI system cheat and deceive humans?

OpenAI can program the AI in ways that mitigate its ability to manipulate humans. But the company’s own evaluations rate it as a “medium risk” for its ability to assist experts in the “operational planning of reproducing a known biological threat” – in other words, a biological weapon. It was also rated as a medium risk for its ability to persuade humans to change their thinking.

It remains to be seen how such a system might be used by those with bad intentions, such as con artists or hackers. Nevertheless, OpenAI’s evaluation states that medium-risk systems can be released for wider use – a position I believe is misguided.

Strawberry is not one AI “model”, or program, but several – known collectively as o1. These models are intended to answer complex questions and solve intricate maths problems. They are also capable of writing computer code – to help you make your own website or app, for example.

An apparent ability to reason might come as a surprise to some, since this is generally considered a precursor to judgment and decision making – something that has often seemed a distant goal for AI. So, on the surface at least, it would seem to move artificial intelligence a step closer to human-like intelligence.

When things look too good to be true, there’s often a catch. Well, this set of new AI models is designed to maximise their goals. What does this mean in practice? To achieve its desired objective, the path or the strategy chosen by AI may not always necessarily be fair, or align with human values.

True intentions

For example, if you were to play chess against Strawberry, in theory, could its reasoning allow it to hack the scoring system rather than figure out the best strategies for winning the game?

The AI might also be able to lie to humans about its true intentions and capabilities, which would pose a serious safety concern if it were to be deployed widely. For example, if the AI knew it was infected with malware, could it “choose” to conceal this fact in the knowledge that a human operator might opt to disable the whole system if they knew?

Strawberry goes a step beyond the capabilities of AI chatbots.
Robert Way / Shutterstock

These would be classic examples of unethical AI behaviour, where cheating or deceiving is acceptable if it leads to a desired goal. It would also be quicker for the AI, as it wouldn’t have to waste any time figuring out the next best move. It may not necessarily be morally correct, however.

This leads to a rather interesting yet worrying discussion. What level of reasoning is Strawberry capable of and what could its unintended consequences be? A powerful AI system that’s capable of cheating humans could pose serious ethical, legal and financial risks to us.

Such risks become grave in critical situations, such as designing weapons of mass destruction. OpenAI rates its own Strawberry models as “medium risk” for their potential to assist scientists in developing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons.

OpenAI says: “Our evaluations found that o1-preview and o1-mini can help experts with the operational planning of reproducing a known biological threat.” But it goes on to say that experts already have significant expertise in these areas, so the risk would be limited in practice. It adds: “The models do not enable non-experts to create biological threats, because creating such a threat requires hands-on laboratory skills that the models cannot replace.”

Powers of persuasion

OpenAI’s evaluation of Strawberry also investigated the risk that it could persuade humans to change their beliefs. The new o1 models were found to be more persuasive and more manipulative than ChatGPT.

OpenAI also tested a mitigation system that was able to reduce the manipulative capabilities of the AI system. Overall, Strawberry was labelled a medium risk for “persuasion” in Open AI’s tests.

Strawberry was rated low risk for its ability to operate autonomously and on cybersecurity.

Open AI’s policy states that “medium risk” models can be released for wide use. In my view, this underestimates the threat. The deployment of such models could be catastrophic, especially if bad actors manipulate the technology for their own pursuits.

This calls for strong checks and balances that will only be possible through AI regulation and legal frameworks, such as penalising incorrect risk assessments and the misuse of AI.

The UK government stressed the need for “safety, security and robustness” in their 2023 AI white paper, but that’s not nearly enough. There is an urgent need to prioritise human safety and devise rigid scrutiny protocols for AI models such as Strawberry.

Shweta Singh 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. OpenAI’s Strawberry program is reportedly capable of reasoning. It might be able to deceive humans – https://theconversation.com/openais-strawberry-program-is-reportedly-capable-of-reasoning-it-might-be-able-to-deceive-humans-239748

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: Did COVID come from an animal market? Here’s what the new evidence really tells us

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mark Woolhouse, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, The University of Edinburgh

The argument about the origins of COVID has always been heated, and nowadays it feels more like a brawl than a scientific debate.

Some say that ground zero for the pandemic was a live animal market in Wuhan, China. Others argue that SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that causes COVID) leaked from a nearby laboratory that was studying similar viruses. Both are plausible scenarios.

Proponents of the market hypothesis have been aggressively vocal in recent weeks. In August, an anonymous editorial in a leading medical journal talked about the “hubris needed to underpin alternative hypotheses” and “fanciful ideas … more in keeping with popular movies”.

A commentary in another journal lamented that scientists were being harassed for rejecting the lab leak hypothesis. With breathtaking hypocrisy, the same commentary then attacked a junior researcher who favours that hypothesis, dismissing her work as “conjecture, correlation and anecdote”.

We can at least agree that the virus was present in the Wuhan market. Samples collected from market stalls and drains in early January 2020 contain SARS-CoV-2 genetic material. A recent analysis of this material, published in the journal Cell, claimed to show that the common ancestor of the viruses at the market was the common ancestor of the whole pandemic.

That sounds compelling, until you realise that all of these samples were collected weeks after the pandemic began and none came from a live animal. Unaccountably, no samples were collected before the market was closed and the animals destroyed. Primarily for this reason, most commentators – including me – consider these latest results suggestive but not definitive.

The lack of samples from animals is a problem. No one believes that this virus originated in Wuhan. The natural reservoirs of SARS-like coronaviruses are horseshoe bats, and no infected colonies have been found within 1,500km of the city.

So it must have been brought into the market from somewhere. Yet no SARS-CoV-2 has been found along the supply chains for the animals sold there.

Could a person rather than an animal have brought SARS-CoV-2 into the market in late 2019? That’s entirely possible. Many of the viruses near the base of the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral tree came from people with no links to the market. Several, including a cluster from Guangdong Province, were not even from Wuhan.

Despite the many uncertainties and unanswered questions, it would be much easier to accept the market hypothesis if the pandemic had begun in one of the hundreds (or possibly thousands – no one seems to know for sure) of other Chinese cities that had similar markets in 2020.

After all, the 2002 outbreak of the original SARS coronavirus (a very close relative of SARS-CoV-2) began in a market selling civet cats and other animals in, as it happens, Guangdong.

Yet the epicentre of the COVID pandemic was less than 20 kilometres from China’s pre-eminent coronavirus research lab, the Wuhan Institute of Virology. That is an extraordinary coincidence, and you’d need compelling evidence that the market was the source (or that the lab wasn’t) to dismiss it. The evidence we have simply isn’t that strong.

That said, there is no evidence – at least, not that the Chinese authorities have shared – that SARS-CoV-2 was present in the Wuhan Institute of Virology, though some closely related viruses were. I cannot know if it was or wasn’t, but it didn’t have to be.

Scientists from the institute went on coronavirus-hunting expeditions to places such as Guangdong. Scientists from the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention – just a five-minute walk from the market – were making their own expeditions, too. There’s an obvious and plausible alternative route to the first human case.

Dismissed as a conspiracy theory

Yet as far back as March 2020, on a bare minimum of evidence, the idea that a lab was involved in any way was already being dismissed as a conspiracy theory.

Two years ago, one of the most strident proponents of the market hypothesis claimed that his latest research “lays to rest the idea that the virus escaped from a laboratory”. An author of the new analysis in Cell says alternative explanations are “fanciful” and “absurd”.

Who is all this bombast supposed to win over? Not scientists who can read the research papers, take note of the caveats and make their own judgments. Not politicians who have taken an ideological stance on the issue, particularly in the US. And not the intelligence agencies who many believe are our best hope for getting at the truth.

I have studied the origins of human viruses for 25 years but, having examined the evidence, I still don’t know how the COVID pandemic began. I do know that the question is important and that debating it should be encouraged, not stifled.

Mark Woolhouse receives funding from the European Union and the Wellcome Trust. He is a member of the Scottish Government’s Standing Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and has advised the Scottish and UK governments, and the WHO, on pandemic preparedness and response.

– ref. Did COVID come from an animal market? Here’s what the new evidence really tells us – https://theconversation.com/did-covid-come-from-an-animal-market-heres-what-the-new-evidence-really-tells-us-239533

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: Why building new towns isn’t the answer to the UK’s housing crisis

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amrita Kulka, Assistant Professor, Political Economy and Public Economics, University of Warwick

The UK is aiming to build 1.5 million homes over five years. Nick Beer/Shutterstock

The UK’s new government is intent on building 1.5 million homes over the next five years. It’s all part of the plan to address the housing supply and affordability crisis.

Many of these homes are to be built in the form of large communities or new towns of more than 10,000 housing units each. Some English new towns built after the second world war, such as Milton Keynes, Harlow and Basildon, have been successful economically. But the building of new towns has ground to a halt since the 1990s.

The importance of large developments for housing supply in the UK has increased dramatically in the last 25 years. We have put together new evidence that reveals a significant shift in the source of housing supply. These days, an increasing share of new homes are coming from large developments.

At the turn of the century, very large developments of at least 500 units made up only single digits of the total percentage of potential housing supply. Today, such developments represent 38% of permitted housing units. These very large projects only made up 0.2% of applications over the 25 years, but make up a disproportionately large chunk of new housing supply.

This graphic shows the share of permitted new homes from 2000 to 2023 for applications of different development sizes across the UK.

Proportion of new homes by development size

Our research, undertaken with the support of our research assistant Alex Gallagher, explores the barriers that developments face in terms of paperwork and waiting time for a decision. We show that the amount of paperwork increases dramatically with the size of the project, going from one application for projects involving one unit, to more than eight applications for projects involving 500 or more units.

The additional paperwork is generated by things like environmental surveys, infrastructure needs and public utilities.

Northstowe in Cambridgeshire, which was planned to be the largest new town since Milton Keynes was built in the 1960s, also required funding for local infrastructure. Developers were obliged to contribute more than £120 million, most of which went to the construction of local schools. The development was left in limbo for around four years due to a delay to the expansion of the A14 trunk road, upon which the new town was entirely dependent. It is still not complete, with residents frustrated at the lack of infrastructure.

In the case of Buckshaw Village, a new Lancashire development built on a former munitions factory, developers had to decontaminate the site. This required a £10.5 million contract to decontaminate more than 850 buildings.

Of course many of these requirements are necessary, and beneficial for long-term planning. But it demonstrates that building a new town goes far beyond constructing houses.

Decade-long delays

In our research we also find that the time taken to reach a planning decision rises dramatically from projects involving one unit to projects involving two to nine units, and keeps rising for larger projects. The average time from the first application to the last decision is just over four years and four months for projects with more than 500 units. But even projects involving just one unit can expect to wait nearly a year.

For bigger projects, waiting times for a decision are over 11 years in some cases (the most delayed 10%). One example is Ebbsfleet Valley – another newly planned town near London with large potential – which has seen only 4,000 of 43,000 planned homes built since planning began in 1996.

The time taken for a planning decision plays a role in this delay. The borough councils resolved to grant outline planning permission (which lets a developer know if its plans are acceptable in principle) in 1998, two years after the application was submitted. But outline planning permission was not actually granted until November 2002. And then the need to supply more plans caused further delays, which meant building did not start until 2006 – 10 years after the original outline was filed.

The long wait times for decisions, added to the fact that bigger developments must file additional applications, mean that housing supply from large projects is slow to be realised.

These barriers have important implications for developers, which have to weigh the cost savings of large developments against the increased chance of obstacles that these larger developments are likely to throw up. So are new towns the most effective way to build a large amount of housing units in a short space of time?

New towns are most comparable to the large-scale developments that represent an increasing share of residential units in the UK since the early 2000s.

While these development schemes can deliver large amounts of housing alongside local infrastructure (at the developer’s expense rather than local government), they are unlikely to do so in the short term as they also face the toughest barriers under planning regulations.

Therefore, so-called infill developments (that is, new buildings on unused or under-used land) as well as smaller and medium-sized developments, should not be neglected.

Urban extensions and new neighbourhoods in the sites we’re already living in may provide ways to keep costs and uncertainties of new infrastructure to a minimum – even while planning larger developments or the new towns of the future.

Amrita Kulka receives funding from Research England.

Nikhil Datta receives funding from the British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, Economic and Social Research Council, and Research England.

– ref. Why building new towns isn’t the answer to the UK’s housing crisis – https://theconversation.com/why-building-new-towns-isnt-the-answer-to-the-uks-housing-crisis-238635

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/LEBANON – Middle East Council of Churches: “comprehensive aggression” against Lebanon. Father Zgheib: attack in a village a few kilometers from the Maronite Patriarchate

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

UNHCR

Beirut (Agenzia Fides) – The ongoing military escalation in Lebanon has developed into a “comprehensive aggression against various Lebanese regions, resulting in the martyrdom of thousands of citizens and the displacement of hundreds of thousands from southern Lebanon and the BekaaValley. These are “crimes” that “show the disregard for the principles of international law, the rules of the Geneva Conventions and all conventions governing on armed conflicts”. This is emphasized by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), based in Beirut, which in a statement released yesterday called on the international community to “intervene as soon as possible and issue a clear position condemning the war crimes against civilians by launching raids, and the systematic destruction of property and the interruption of food and health supplies.”In light of the tragic events in Lebanon, the Council held an emergency meeting of the General Secretariat chaired by the Secretary General, Lebanese Orthodox Christian Professor Michel Abs. Participants in the meeting prayed together for peace and discussed “urgent humanitarian issues and ways to support families.” Without mentioning the Israeli army by name, the MECC in its communiqué “strongly condemns the killing of innocent people, children, women, the elderly, and other civilians, and deplores the attacks carried out by aggressor forces on densely populated areas that have led to the death of some 500 people in one day and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of citizens from their areas”. The text also urges “the provision of international protection for civilians so that organizations and associations can supply them with the necessary materials for a decent life”.During the meeting, the participants also set up a working group to coordinate local initiatives to support families displaced from their areas.”We all live in a situation where fear, pain, anger and anxiety are mixed,” said Maronite priest Rouphael Zgheib, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Lebanon and professor at the Jesuit University “Saint Joseph”, to Fides. “The uncertainty about what awaits us weighs on everything. It is not clear who can stop all this and whether the attacks are just the beginning.” The Israeli army’s bombings are directed against targets identified as possible bases of the Shiite Hezbollah Party. A strategy that has also been hitting small Shiite enclaves and villages in predominantly Christian areas for days. “This morning,” Father Rouphael Zgheib told Fides, “the small Shiite village of Maaysra in the Keserwan area, a historical settlement area of Catholic communities, was bombed. It is a village just a few kilometers from the headquarters of the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerké.”The bombings in central Lebanon are causing fear among the population. Mistrust and suspicion are also increasing after the deadly danger also came from pagers and walkie-talkies, making it dangerous to speak to or approach people belonging to the Shiite community and directly or indirectly linked to Hezbollah. “This uncertain situation,” adds Father Zgheib, “is also affecting the relief efforts for the displaced and injured. Hospitals are collapsing, they were not prepared to treat the many people wounded in the face and eyes by pagers that became bombs.” “Churches and schools are opening to welcome the displaced, and there are many individual initiatives of solidarity with Christians and Muslims fleeing the south and other affected areas,” he affirms. “However, this spontaneous solidarity is accompanied by mistrust. The propaganda and political polarization of recent years have fueled distrust and triggered mutual attacks between the various parties, who accuse each other of betraying Lebanon and being a disaster for the country. The economic crisis has also limited the willingness to help those in need. This leads many to help only members of their own family network and confessional group,” the priest concludes. (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 25/9/2024)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Africa: Minister welcomes initiative to support investment in water sector

Source: South Africa News Agency

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has welcomed an initiative by Just Water Partnerships (JWPs), which supports investments in water resilience and sustainability in low- and middle-income countries.

While participating in a panel discussion at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America, the Minister said there is a need for partnerships in the water sector to ensure that people have access to clean and fresh water.

“As the government of South Africa, we support a growing cohort of partners who are interested in developing the concept of Just Water Partnerships.

“We also believe that carefully and collaboratively structured JPWs can protect existing water resources and will leave no one behind regarding the provision of water and sanitation services, and ensure that water supplies are managed sustainably,” Majodina said on Wednesday.

The JWPs concept was formulated following a report by the Global Commission for the Economics of Water (GCEW), which highlighted that traditional economics have failed the water sector, and that a new approach to the economics and governance of water should be taken to achieve a more sustainable, just and prosperous future for all.

JWPs are thus conceived as platforms that facilitate financial and governance actors (multilateral development banks, regional development banks, development finance institutions, national governments, city and local authorities, and public development banks) to support investments on their own balance sheets, as well as to catalyse greater private finance.

The Minister said the JPW concept mirrors the Department of Water and Sanitation’s commitment to build public-private partnerships to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone in the country.

This is in line with achieving Sustainable Development Goals 6.1 and 6.2, which aim to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all and ensuring access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, and end open defecation.

“Therefore, this confirms a need for such a platform to not only ensure that investments are used efficiently and transparently, but also in a way that prioritises women, girls and others facing marginalisation globally,” Majodina said. –SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Confederation closes its Mastodon case

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

Source: Switzerland – Federal Chancellery

Federal ChancelleryBern, 25.09.2024 – The Mastodon instance that the Federal Chancellery has been managing for the Federal Administration for a year will be closed. Its duration was limited to one year. The conditions for its continuation have not been met.The Federal Chancellery and the Federal Administration have been using social media for their communication for many years, in accordance with their statutory information mandate. To fulfill this mandate, they are constantly reviewing whether other platforms that have not yet been used would be suitable for their communication.In September 2023, the Conference of Intelligence Services (CSI) decided to launch a pilot experiment on the decentralized Mastodon platform. The Federal Chancellery therefore opened the «social.admin.ch» instance on which members of the Federal Council and the departments could manage their official accounts. The duration of the experiment was limited to one year.Mastodon has some of the characteristics for government-level communication. Thanks to its decentralized organization, the platform is not subject to the control of a single company or state censorship authorities. Its source code is publicly accessible, complies with data protection and is not controlled by algorithms. Few active usersA total of five accounts were operated by three departments on the «social.admin.ch» instance, and an additional account was operated by the Federal Chancellery for the entire Federal Council. The six accounts of the Confederation had around 3,500 followers. On platforms such as X or Instagram, the Federal Council and the Federal Administration have significantly more followers for the same number of accounts. In addition, the contributions from the Mastodon accounts of the Federal Council and the Administration had a rather low interaction rate (likes, shares, comments). And last but not least, the number of active users on Mastodon is once again decreasing worldwide. The CSI therefore believes that the conditions for a continuation of the pilot are not met. The Mastodon accounts of the Federal Council and the Federal Administration are closed from today, while the «social.admin.ch» instance will be closed at the end of the month.Address for enquiriesUrs BrudererHead of the Communications Section058 483 99 69urs.bruderer@bk.admin.chPublished byFederal Chancelleryhttps://www.bk.admin.ch/bk/it/home.html

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Signs Concession Agreements with Governments of Angola and Zambia to advance Zambia Lobito Rail Project

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

NEW YORK, United States of America, September 25, 2024/APO Group/ —

In a significant milestone for the Zambia Lobito Rail Project, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has signed concession agreements with the governments of Angola and Zambia for the financing, construction, ownership and operation of the transformational railway project. The agreements, which were signed yesterday in a ceremonial signing hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and the Biden Administration’s G-7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), paves the way for the Corporation to spearhead and complete the development of the railway.

Last year, AFC was appointed lead developer on the Zambia Lobito rail project in collaboration with the United States Government, the European Union, the African Development Bank and the governments of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The project involves the construction of approximately 800km greenfield rail line connecting the Benguela rail line in Luacano, Angola, to the existing Zambia Railways Line in Chingola, Zambia. Once completed, the trade corridor will facilitate the efficient movement of goods and promote investments in agriculture, health, digital infrastructure, mining, and electricity access along the corridor.

Concurrent to signing the concession agreements, AFC also signed an agreement to receive US$ 2 million grant funding from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) (https://apo-opa.co/3zINnnM), towards completion of the environmental and social studies for the project. The grant, which marks the first time the Corporation will tap into USTDA funding, will facilitate comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) to ensure that the Zambia Lobito Rail Project aligns with international best practices and environmental standards.

AFC will play the pivotal role of lead developer on the rail project which not only offers an efficient evacuation route for minerals and metals from the region but helps establish a trade corridor across Africa from the Port of Lobito on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the Port of Dar es Salam in Tanzania on the coast of the Indian Ocean, facilitating global and intra-African trade. The railway is expected to create economic benefit of approximately $3 billion across both countries, reduce emissions by approximately 300,000 tons per year and add over 1,250 jobs across construction and operations.

The Honourable Minister of Transport for Angola Mr Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu noted, “We are pleased to partner with Africa Finance Corporation on this transformative project which will deepen our nation’s role as a regional logistics hub, boosting trade not only with Zambia but with the rest of the world.”

Mr Frank Tayali MP, Honourable Minister of Transport for Zambia added, “The Zambia Lobito Rail Project is an important milestone in our efforts to modernise infrastructure, enhance the competitiveness of our economy, and improve the livelihoods of our people. We look forward to partnering with Africa Finance Corporation to deliver on this groundbreaking project.”

“The Zambia Lobito Rail Project represents a game-changing development for the region, unlocking tremendous potential for trade, industrialisation, and socio-economic growth.,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation. “AFC is proud to partner with the governments of Angola and Zambia to deliver worldclass rail infrastructure, which will accelerate industrial development in Africa, promote regional integration and provide a vital export route for copper and other critical minerals for the global energy transition,” he added.

The corridor will provide an alternative strategic route to international export markets for Zambia and DRC. It will offer the shortest route for export and imports, linking key mining regions, agricultural clusters and businesses in Zambia and DRC to the Port of Lobito. It will significantly facilitate the movement of cargo from the Copperbelt and Northwestern Provinces, through Angola to the Western markets.

MIL OSI Africa –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: WTW expands Asia Client Division – CRB N.A. with new China Client Division Leader for North America

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking, and solutions company, today announced the launch of a new China Client Division within Corporate Risk and Broking, North America (CRB NA), marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to expand its presence and broaden offerings focused on the Chinese market.

The new China Client Division is part of the broader Asia Risk Division, established in December 2023, which encompasses country-specific teams for Japan, South Korea, India, and China. These particular groups were created to address the specific cultural and economic dynamics of each country, alongside their distinctive approaches to risk management in each market. All practice groups within the Asia Risk Division report to Christopher Condello, Head of the Asia Risk Division within CRB NA, who spearheads this strategic expansion and focuses on delivering innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of Chinese clients.

This new China client strategy includes the appointment of Jie Yan as China Client Division Leader, effective September 1, 2024. With more than a decade of industry experience, Yan brings a wealth of expertise and cultural understanding of the nuances specific to the Chinese market. She has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and robust market knowledge aligned with driving growth and cultivating deep client relationships, making her the ideal selection to lead this new division and execute the China strategy.

Christopher Condello, Head of the Asia Desk, CRB NA, WTW, commented, “We are excited about the opportunities this new division presents and I am confident that, under Jie’s leadership, we will be able to deliver unparalleled support and service to our Chinese clients with operations in North America. Our focus is on building a market-specific team that can deliver tailored solutions for clients in this key market.”

About WTW

At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance. Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

Media Contacts

Douglas Menelly
Douglas.Menelly@wtwco.com +1 (516) 972 0380

Arnelle Sullivan
Arnelle.Sullivan@wtwco.com +1 (718) 208-0474

The MIL Network –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s Monthly Leasing and Finance Index Shows Originations Down 10% Y/Y, Improved Credit Performance
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA) Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25), a survey of economic activity from 25 companies representing a cross section of the $1 trillion equipment finance sector, reports that in August:
- New business volume (NBV) was $9.2 billion, down 10% from August 2023.
- Month over month, NBV was down 17% from $11.1 billion in July 2024.
- Year to date, cumulative NBV was up 3.5% compared to 2023.
Additional findings include:
- Receivables over 30 days were 2.2%, down from 2.5% the previous month and down from 2.3% in the same period in 2023.
- Charge-offs were 0.4%, down from 0.5% the previous month, and up from 0.3% year over year.
- Credit approvals totaled 76%, unchanged from July.
- Total headcount for equipment finance companies was up 1.2% year-over-year.
Separately, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s Monthly Confidence Index in September is 61.9, up from the August index of 58.4, and the highest level in more than two years.

ELFA President and CEO Leigh Lytle said, “The Fed’s decision to begin lowering interest rates will support demand for equipment, even if some businesses wait for rates to fall further before investing. That wait-and-see approach showed up in our August MLFI as new business volumes declined. However, ELFA members expect acquisitions to pick up once we‘re past the election and interest rates fall a bit further. That sentiment was also reflected in our Foundation’s recent Monthly Confidence Index, which showed that equipment finance executives are very optimistic about their organizations’ prospects over the next four months. Finally, credit conditions remain healthy, which will allow lessors and financiers to service new demand when it shows up later this year.”

Marci Slagle, CLFP, President, BankFinancial Equipment Finance, said, “It appears there is still a slight slowdown in the equipment finance industry, which was heavily weighted in the decrease in origination activity at banks, which led to a dip in new business volume. However, it’s reassuring to hear that portfolio quality is remaining stable, with improvements in receivables and a reduction in losses. What was not baked into these numbers was the Fed rate drop this month. This will help stimulate fourth quarter growth, for both independent lessors and banks. The anticipation of further rate reductions may indeed boost demand, encouraging businesses to invest in capital expenditures. It’s definitely a pivotal time for both independent lessors and banks as we navigate these changes, but I think we are going to start trending in the right direction.”

About ELFA’s MLFI-25
The MLFI-25 is the only near-real-time index that reflects capex, or the volume of commercial equipment financed in the U.S. It is released monthly from Washington, D.C., one day before the U.S. Department of Commerce’s durable goods report. This financial indicator complements reports like the Institute for Supply Management Index, providing a comprehensive view of productive assets in the U.S. economy—equipment produced, acquired and financed. The MLFI-25 consists of two years of business activity data from 25 participating companies. For more details, including methodology and participants, visit www.elfaonline.org/knowledge-hub/mlfi.

About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. ELFA’s 575 member companies provide essential financing that helps businesses acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. Learn how equipment finance contributes to businesses’ success, U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs at www.elfaonline.org.

Follow ELFA:
X: @ELFAonline
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/89692/

Media/Press Contact: Amy Vogt, Vice President, Communications and Marketing, ELFA, avogt@elfaonline.org

The MIL Network –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Africa: Minister Gwarube commits to stabilising the education system

Source: South Africa News Agency

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and her deputy, Dr Reginah Mhaule, have committed to take all necessary steps to stabilise the education system given the budgetary constraints affecting provinces.

The Minister said this while addressing the media on developments regarding budget cuts in the education sector, in Pretoria, on Wednesday.

“The Deputy Minister and I have been in constant engagement with provinces to support them during this challenging fiscal environment. We have committed ourselves to doing everything we can to stabilise the system and have appealed to provinces to retain the basket of posts, in order to not compromise education outcomes,” the Minister said.

She also moved to appreciate the work that the provinces have been doing around the clock to help the sector get to grips with these challenges.

“I have witnessed MECs work tirelessly with their provincial departments to protect teaching and learning in our schools.”

Challenges

The briefing comes weeks after several provincial Departments of Education have been vocal about the budgetary pressures they face.

These, said the Minister, have been years in the making due to the aggressive budget cuts, economic stagnation and fiscal mismanagement which is now set to impact schools.

“These budget pressures are not just numbers on a spreadsheet – they translate into fewer teachers, reduced textbooks, and fewer admin support staff, which means teachers spend more time on admin work, thereby reducing learning and teaching time. In essence, the very fabric of our children’s future is under threat.”

She explained that provinces like the Western Cape have seen the painful decision to reduce the basket of teaching posts for 2025, a move that may result in fewer educators in classrooms.

“This may mean larger class sizes, reduced individual attention for learners, and ultimately, a risk to the achievement of quality education outcomes.”

She added that unfortunately, other provinces throughout the country are in a similar position with many desperately working to find ways of avoiding having to top slice budgets for key services like textbooks, admin support and scholar transport programmes.

“We are faced with a pending national crisis, one that affects not just our learners but our teachers, principals, and broader communities.

“It is crucial to understand that this crisis is not confined to one province or one aspect of the education sector. Every province is grappling with these painful choices.”

Provincial education departments will in the next two to three years, find it increasingly difficult to fund their existing basket of posts and existing programmes within the available budget, unless measures are taken proactively to mitigate this risk.

For instance, she said in the 2025/26 financial year, four provincial departments will battle to cover their budgets; in the 2026/27 financial year, five provinces will battle to cover their budgets. In the 2027/28 financial year, seven provinces will not be able to afford their budgets.

“Several provinces have preserved the same post basket for the past three academic years, despite learner numbers increasing, while other provinces have decreased their posts in the past three years. It is important to note that these have been cuts in posts but not warm bodies.

“Meaning that no person gets retrenched but rather vacancies are not filled,” she said.

Increase in learner numbers

Nationally, the Minister highlighted that the number of learners within the education system has increased by approximately 292,820 over the last five years.

Learner/Educator Ratios have also steadily increased across most provinces.
She explained that an increase in learners’ numbers without increasing the post basket, may affect the quality of teaching which may soon be reflected in the performance of the system.

Largely, she added that the financial constraints have had the largest impact on educator provisioning, leading to a steady increase in Learner/Educator Ratios in most provincial education departments.

“Most provincial Education Departments require between R350 million and R3.8 billion [over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to fully fund their respective basket of posts].

“The numbers are staggering. If we continue down this path, projections indicate that most provincial education departments will not be able to maintain their respective basket of posts,” she said.

Interventions

In response to this potential crisis, Minister Gwarube said she convened two special meetings of the Council of Education Ministers (CEM). These meetings brought together education MECs from across the country and they conducted a thorough analysis of the budget challenges in each province.

MECs from each province have compiled provisional provincial reports with sobering results.

“For the first time in a decade, we now have a clearer picture of where the most significant budget pressures lie and how we need to engage treasury in a bid to address the challenges we see.

“As a result, I have requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of Finance to discuss the matter further. I am grateful to Minister [Enoch] Godongwana for his cooperation and support on this important matter.

“We are also appreciative of Treasury’s willingness to engage with the Education sector. Ultimately a solution must be found in order for us to protect front line services,” the Minister said.

Gwarube has also requested a convening of a political 10X10 meeting between the Minister of Finance and the provincial MECs for Finance, as well as herself and the nine MECs of Education.

“We must work together with all 10 treasuries to unlock additional funds to alleviate the pressures facing the education sector, even if it is for the short term, and to prevent further cuts to teaching posts and critical support services like school nutrition and transport.

“We also need to look at cross-departmental reprioritisation of budgets from departments that have under-performing programmes – ensuring that funding across government is directed to appropriate national priorities,” she said.

The Minister concluded that while the sector faces significant challenges, “these are not insurmountable. But they require decisive action and an unwavering commitment to putting education first.”

Earlier this month, the Department of Basic Education said that the Minister had held meetings with various international partners to reinforce South Africa’s commitment to enhancing the education sector through global collaboration.

READ | Minister Gwarube in talks to enhance education sector

– SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin congratulated Valentina Matviyenko on her re-election

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Sergei Sobyanin congratulated Valentina Matviyenko on her re-election as Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. He wrote about this inon your telegram channel.

“The unanimous support of the senators is not at all surprising. Valentina Ivanovna is a patriot of Russia and, what is important, a true professional in her field and a person of action. I am confident that under the leadership of Valentina Ivanovna, the Federation Council will implement many more useful initiatives for the benefit of our people and the country, and the cooperation between the upper house of parliament and Moscow will remain successful and fruitful,” wrote Sergei Sobyanin.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

The Mayor of Moscow wished Valentina Matvienko the achievement of all her intended goals.

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

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11822050/

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Nations: Implementing Critical Energy Transition Minerals Principles through UNFC and UNRMS

Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

The Principles and Actionable Recommendations for Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETM) developed by the UN Secretary-General’s Panel set a clear mandate for a global transformation in resource governance.

As Clovis Freire, Chief, Commodity Research and Analysis Section, at UNCTAD, emphasized during the UNECE Regional Dialogue on Critical Minerals and Just Energy Transition held during the UNECE Sustainable Energy Week 2024 “The CETMs Principles and Actionable Recommendations go beyond mining, covering the full value chain, with the focus on building and reinstating trust between stakeholders, while keeping human rights and environmental protection at the forefront while protecting the environment.” This call to action directs us towards global, equitable, and sustainable resource governance, which can be supported with tools such as the United Nations Framework Classification for Resource (UNFC), the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS), and implementing partners such as the International Centres of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management (ICE-SRMs) playing key roles. These frameworks, already adopted in regions like the EU and Africa, and recommended for Asia-Pacific, align resource management with global sustainability and social equity.

Equitable Resource Development

The CETM Principles and Actionable Recommendations highlight the need for resource governance to move beyond economic gain. Instead, it must ensure sustainable, transparent, and responsible resource use. This shift requires governance models that integrate social, environmental, and ethical dimensions alongside technical and economic factors.

UNFC, UNRMS, and ICE-SRMs are well-positioned to lead this global transformation, supporting a comprehensive framework that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These governance tools aim to ensure that resource management benefits all, now and in the future, leaving no one behind.

UNFC and UNRMS

UNFC provides a systematic approach for classifying resource-projects, such as the extraction or recovery of critical minerals, based on environmental, social, and economic factors. It lays the foundation for better resource understanding and decision-making. It is also directly linked to CETM Principle 6, which emphasizes that transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures are necessary to ensure good governance. Building on this foundation, UNRMS integrates human rights, environmental safeguards, and social justice into resource governance, ensuring alignment with global sustainability goals.

However, as challenges like climate change, inequality, and resource depletion intensify, classification and management alone are insufficient. The next step—global resource governance—integrates ethical, social, environmental, and economic dimensions ensuring that resources are governed in ways that promote long-term sustainability and social equity.

As Karen Hanghøj, Director of the British Geological Survey and Chair of the UNECE Expert Group on Resource Management, noted: “Governance is essential for our resource future. While classification gives us knowledge, management assures operational efficiency, it is governance that ensures we act responsibly balancing today’s needs with the planet’s long-term survival and prosperity.”

The Role of International Centres of Excellence

ICE-SRMs play a vital role in scaling and operationalizing UNECE’s governance frameworks. These Centres provide technical expertise and regional knowledge, ensuring that UNFC and UNRMS are adopted globally and tailored to local contexts. By fostering collaboration between governments, industries, and civil society, ICE-SRMs promote best practices in resource governance and ensures sustainability, transparency, and fairness in resource use. The ICE-SRMs initiative aligns with and supports implementation of CETM Principle 7, including the recommendation for a High-Level Expert Advisory Group to accelerate benefit-sharing, value addition, and economic diversification in critical minerals value chains as responsible and fair trade, investment, finance, and taxation.

Harmonizing Global Resource Governance

The UNECE Regional Dialogue underscored a key realization: global resource governance offers the potential to mitigate traditional trade-offs between economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Historically, resource management has required balancing these priorities—growth versus sustainability or security of supply versus equitable benefit-sharing. Through application of UNFC and UNRMS, these priorities can be harmonized, creating a governance model in which:

Aligning Global Efforts: UNECE, the UN Principles, and International Cooperation

UNECE’s efforts toward global sustainable resource governance align with other major international frameworks, including the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on CETM Principles and Actionable Recommendations and the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. Both initiatives emphasize transparency, human rights, and sustainability—core tenets of UNECE’s governance frameworks.

The EU CRM Act mandates the use of UNFC to promote global cooperation, circularity and resource efficiency strengthening global efforts to achieve a just and sustainable energy transition.

The UNECE Regional Dialogue held during the UNECE Sustainable Energy Week 2024 marks a step in the global shift toward sustainable resource governance. With UNFC, UNRMS, and the operational support of the ICE-SRMs, UNECE leading this charge. The goal is clear: to ensure that resources are managed responsibly and equitably, benefiting both present and future generations.

To access the report, the list of panel members, and more, please visit: www.un.org/en/climatechange/critical-minerals.

For more detailed information on the Secretary-General’s Panel Report and Actionable Recommendations, please visit the official UN Press Release on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Chêne-Bourg: densification of a building zone on the banks of the Seymaz

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

Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

The Council of State responded to a consultation of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) on the partial revision of the ordinances on road signs (OSR) and regulating admission to road traffic (OAC).

The revision of the OSR concerns in particular the integration of concrete technical standards developed by private law organisations into federal law in order to make them legally binding. It is accompanied by two new ordinances: one on the indication of direction at junctions and interchanges on motorways and semi-motorways, the other on special markings. It also implements the Motion 17.3952 Bühler “Allow bilingual signage on motorways”. In addition, it allows for the imposition of a fine on motorways and semi-motorways, not only for unauthorized overtaking on the right by pulling out and then merging, but also for unauthorized overtaking on the right.

The Geneva government generally approves the proposed changes. However, it is asking that certain characteristics of construction site and hiking signage be coordinated with the new version of the OSR and that it be adapted in order to harmonize the use of paint on cycle paths or lanes to improve cyclist safety.

Regarding the revision of the OAC, the Council of State expresses certain reservations, in particular concerning the traffic theory course (CTC). It opposes the obligation to follow this course before the basic theoretical examination, considering that the CTC takes on its full meaning when the student is directly confronted with the reality of the road.

For further media information: Mr. Santiago Achi, Technical Manager, Arve-Lac Regional Directorate, OCT, DSM, T. 022 546 78 94.

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Decisions of the Grand Council – meeting of September 24

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

Source: Swiss Canton of Vaud – news in French

Breadcrumbs

vd.ch
News
Decisions of the Grand Council – meeting of September 24

Published on 25.09.2024

Every Tuesday, the 150 members of the cantonal parliament elected by the people meet. The debates are public and online. The decisions of the session of June 25 are online.

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Weekly press release from the Council of State of September 25, 2024

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

Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

The Council of State responded to a consultation of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) on the partial revision of the ordinances on road signs (OSR) and regulating admission to road traffic (OAC).

The revision of the OSR concerns in particular the integration of concrete technical standards developed by private law organisations into federal law in order to make them legally binding. It is accompanied by two new ordinances: one on the indication of direction at junctions and interchanges on motorways and semi-motorways, the other on special markings. It also implements the Motion 17.3952 Bühler “Allow bilingual signage on motorways”. In addition, it allows for the imposition of a fine on motorways and semi-motorways, not only for unauthorized overtaking on the right by pulling out and then merging, but also for unauthorized overtaking on the right.

The Geneva government generally approves the proposed changes. However, it is asking that certain characteristics of construction site and hiking signage be coordinated with the new version of the OSR and that it be adapted in order to harmonize the use of paint on cycle paths or lanes to improve cyclist safety.

Regarding the revision of the OAC, the Council of State expresses certain reservations, in particular concerning the traffic theory course (CTC). It opposes the obligation to follow this course before the basic theoretical examination, considering that the CTC takes on its full meaning when the student is directly confronted with the reality of the road.

For further media information: Mr. Santiago Achi, Technical Manager, Arve-Lac Regional Directorate, OCT, DSM, T. 022 546 78 94.

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Signalling and admission to road traffic: support with reservations for the modification of the ordinances

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

Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

The Council of State responded to a consultation of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) on the partial revision of the ordinances on road signs (OSR) and regulating admission to road traffic (OAC).

The revision of the OSR concerns in particular the integration of concrete technical standards developed by private law organisations into federal law in order to make them legally binding. It is accompanied by two new ordinances: one on the indication of direction at junctions and interchanges on motorways and semi-motorways, the other on special markings. It also implements the Motion 17.3952 Bühler “Allow bilingual signage on motorways”. In addition, it allows for the imposition of a fine on motorways and semi-motorways, not only for unauthorized overtaking on the right by pulling out and then merging, but also for unauthorized overtaking on the right.

The Geneva government generally approves the proposed changes. However, it is requesting that certain characteristics of construction site and hiking signage be coordinated with the new version of the OSR and that it be adapted in order to harmonize the use of paint on cycle paths or lanes to improve cyclist safety.

Regarding the revision of the OAC, the Council of State expresses certain reservations, in particular concerning the traffic theory course (CTC). It opposes the obligation to follow this course before the basic theoretical examination, considering that the CTC takes on its full meaning when the student is directly confronted with the reality of the road.

For further media information: Mr. Santiago Achi, Technical Manager, Arve-Lac Regional Directorate, OCT, DSM, T. 022 546 78 94.

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Third allocation 2024 of the cantonal share of the profits of the Loterie romande

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

Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

The Council of State responded to a consultation of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) on the partial revision of the ordinances on road signs (OSR) and regulating admission to road traffic (OAC).

The revision of the OSR concerns in particular the integration of concrete technical standards developed by private law organisations into federal law in order to make them legally binding. It is accompanied by two new ordinances: one on the indication of direction at junctions and interchanges on motorways and semi-motorways, the other on special markings. It also implements the Motion 17.3952 Bühler “Allow bilingual signage on motorways”. In addition, it allows for the imposition of a fine on motorways and semi-motorways, not only for unauthorized overtaking on the right by pulling out and then merging, but also for unauthorized overtaking on the right.

The Geneva government generally approves the proposed changes. However, it is asking that certain characteristics of construction site and hiking signage be coordinated with the new version of the OSR and that it be adapted in order to harmonize the use of paint on cycle paths or lanes to improve cyclist safety.

Regarding the revision of the OAC, the Council of State expresses certain reservations, in particular concerning the traffic theory course (CTC). It opposes the obligation to follow this course before the basic theoretical examination, considering that the CTC takes on its full meaning when the student is directly confronted with the reality of the road.

For further media information: Mr. Santiago Achi, Technical Manager, Arve-Lac Regional Directorate, OCT, DSM, T. 022 546 78 94.

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Yes to strengthening higher vocational training, but not to the detriment of other sectors

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

Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

The Council of State responded to a consultation of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) on the partial revision of the ordinances on road signs (OSR) and regulating admission to road traffic (OAC).

The revision of the OSR concerns in particular the integration of concrete technical standards developed by private law organisations into federal law in order to make them legally binding. It is accompanied by two new ordinances: one on the indication of direction at junctions and interchanges on motorways and semi-motorways, the other on special markings. It also implements the Motion 17.3952 Bühler “Allow bilingual signage on motorways”. In addition, it allows for the imposition of a fine on motorways and semi-motorways, not only for unauthorized overtaking on the right by pulling out and then merging, but also for unauthorized overtaking on the right.

The Geneva government generally approves the proposed changes. However, it is asking that certain characteristics of construction site and hiking signage be coordinated with the new version of the OSR and that it be adapted in order to harmonize the use of paint on cycle paths or lanes to improve cyclist safety.

Regarding the revision of the OAC, the Council of State expresses certain reservations, in particular concerning the traffic theory course (CTC). It opposes the obligation to follow this course before the basic theoretical examination, considering that the CTC takes on its full meaning when the student is directly confronted with the reality of the road.

For further media information: Mr. Santiago Achi, Technical Manager, Arve-Lac Regional Directorate, OCT, DSM, T. 022 546 78 94.

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI: Data Storage Corporation Secures Expanded Contract Servicing a Billion Dollar Insurance Company

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) (“DSC” and the “Company”), a provider of diverse business continuity solutions for disaster-recovery, cloud infrastructure, cyber-security, and IT automation, today announced that its subsidiary, CloudFirst, has secured an expanded agreement through its infrastructure partner, servicing a billion-dollar insurance company.

The client is currently utilizing the Company’s security services for their IBMi system and has now opted to enhance their disaster recovery capabilities by moving to a fully managed hosted target system. Through this agreement, Data Storage Corporation will provide a fully managed hosting solution that includes cloud backup, backup management, and replication management ensuring seamless and reliable data continuity.

Hal Schwartz, President of CloudFirst, stated, “Having served as a reliable and trusted partner for this client’s sensitive data, we’re honored to now expand the scope of our services within this large organization. This hosted solution enables the client to avoid the cost of acquiring new hardware while benefiting from our fully managed services, which ensure the client’s systems are continuously monitored, backed up, and supported for maximum uptime and security. This agreement exemplifies our ongoing commitment to providing reliable and scalable IT solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients.”

Chuck Piluso, CEO of Data Storage Corporation, commented, “This new contract demonstrates how closely we work with our infrastructure partners to create seamless solutions for clients. Our partners, that specialize in Intel and Windows platforms, turn to us for our expertise and to utilize our IBM Power Cloud. By collaborating, we’re able to deliver a unique, fully managed cloud solution that benefits all parties.”

About Data Storage Corporation

Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) is a leading provider of fully managed cloud hosting, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, IT automation, and voice & data solutions. With strategic technical investments in multiple regions, DTST serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, in sectors such as government, education, and healthcare. Focused on the fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar cloud hosting and business continuity market. DTST is recognized as a stable and emerging growth leader in cloud infrastructure, support and the migration of data to the cloud. Our regional data centers across North America enable us to deliver sustainable services through recurring subscription agreements.

For more information, please visit www.dtst.com or follow us on Twitter @DataStorageCorp.

Safe Harbor Provision
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created thereby. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts, although not all forward-looking statements include the foregoing. The forward looking statements in this press release include statements such as continuing to grow revenue and increase profitability as the Company executes on its strategic initiatives, the consolidation of the CloudFirst and Flagship subsidiaries positioning the Company to optimize operations, leverage its technical teams, realize greater efficiencies, and improve internal resource allocation, while capitalizing on extensive cross-selling and upselling opportunities among its customer networks, the two meaningful announced contracts being just the first of many such announcements that will come from the efforts of the combined organizations, having developed a robust business strategy that we will drive growth and secure sustainable profitability while maximizing long term value for shareholders and providing meaningful updates to shareholders as developments unfold. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include the Company’s ability to execute and advance its growth strategies. These risks should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was initially made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

Contact:
Crescendo Communications, LLC
212-671-1020
DTST@crescendo-ir.com

The MIL Network –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: ASIA/LEBANON – Appeal from the Maronite Patriarch: the UN Security Council should intervene to impose negotiations between the parties in conflict

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

Source: The Holy See in Italian

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Beirut (Agenzia Fides) – Faced with the “national disaster” affecting Lebanon, Maronite Patriarch Boutros Bechara Rai appeals to the UN Security Council to “intervene effectively” to force the parties in conflict to “stop the war and begin negotiations”. The appeal, broadcast through the official communication networks of the Maronite Patriarchate, calls for unity of “the entire Lebanese family” and expresses gratitude for all those who open their homes and schools to the displaced and work in hospitals to help the wounded. The Lebanese cardinal also calls on the Lebanese Parliament to urgently elect a new President of the Republic and put an end to the political-institutional crisis that has lasted for years. And let us pray to God “concludes the Patriarch in his brief appeal” so that He may inspire everyone on the path to achieving a just and inclusive peace”. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 25/9/2024) Share:

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

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy Awards Amphibious Multi-Ship Procurement Contracts

Source: United States Navy

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy awarded contracts totaling $9,472,132,620 for procurement of one America-class amphibious assault ship (LHA) and three San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock (LPD) ships, Sept. 24. The award, executed across two separate contracts to Huntington Ingalls Industries, Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, utilized a multi-ship procurement approach. By using this strategy, as authorized by Congress, the Navy is projected to achieve more than $901 million in cost avoidance as compared to the use of annual contracts.

The long-term contract agreements align with Secretary of the Navy Del Toro’s maritime statecraft initiatives to make naval shipbuilding more cost effective while promoting shipyard stability and investment. The agreements provide stable shipyard workload well into the early 2030s, providing a consistent demand signal to vendors.

“The importance of this multiple amphibious ship purchase cannot be overstated with respect to our whole-of-government effort to restore the maritime capabilities of the United States,” said Del Toro. “This purchase sends a steady demand signal to our shipbuilding industrial base that our Navy is actively investing in our shipbuilding infrastructure.”

The awards are consistent with the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ projected force structure requirements and demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to maintaining 31 amphibious ships.

“The Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) is the premier force offering of our Corps,” said Lt. Gen. Eric Austin, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration. “This multi-ship procurement contract ensures the Marine Corps upholds the obligation to meet combatant commander requirements for continuous MEU presence. ARG/MEUs provide our national leadership with combat credible forces that are persistently forward, assure allies and partners, and contribute to deterrence, campaigning, crisis response, and combat operations.”

The America-class of amphibious assault ships operate as the centerpiece of ARG/MEU operations and Marine Expeditionary Brigade with accommodations for ship’s company, troops, vehicles, and equipment. The San Antonio-class of amphibious transport dock ships are designed to embark, transport, and deploy ground troops and equipment.

“This multi-ship procurement provides the long-term stability our shipbuilders and vendors require, enabling them to deliver product effectively, help support and retain a talented and critical workforce, and invest in the infrastructure required to sustain and grow our shipbuilding capability and capacity,” said Assistant Secretary of the Navy Acquisition, Research and Development, Nickolas Guertin.

“This multi-ship procurement will deliver critical amphibious warfare capability to support the Navy and Marine Corps mission,” said Capt. Matthew Tardy, program manager, Amphibious Warfare Program, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “The partnership between the Navy and Ingalls Shipbuilding is important. We are proud to be working with their talented workforce to build and deliver highly capable ships and provide needed stability for the shipbuilding industrial base.”

Program Executive Office Ships (PEO Ships), one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, manages the design and construction of destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, as well as a wide range of boats and craft for U.S. agencies and foreign military sales. These platforms enable our nation and its allies to project presence in peace, power in wartime, and assured access at all times.

– NAVSEA –

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ESFA Update: 25 September 2024

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Latest information and actions from the Education and Skills Funding Agency for academies, schools, colleges, local authorities and further education providers.

Applies to England

Documents

ESFA Update further education: 25 September 2024

HTML

ESFA Update academies: 25 September 2024

HTML

ESFA Update local authorities: 25 September 2024

HTML

Details

Latest for further education

Article	Title
Information:	The updated 16 to 19 study programme guidance is now available

Latest for academies

Article	Title
Information:	Land and buildings collection tool guidance and workbook 2024
Information:	Post-16 schools budget grant
Webinar:	Risk protection arrangement (RPA) members only – contractors workshop

Latest for local authorities

Article	Title
Information:	Post-16 schools budget grant
Webinar:	Risk protection arrangement (RPA) members only – contractors workshop

Published 25 September 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI Russia: Government representatives discussed the organization of children’s recreation with deputies at a joint meeting of the State Duma committees

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dmitry Chernyshenko in the State Duma at an expanded meeting of the Committees on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood, Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs and Control

September 25, 2024

Dmitry Chernyshenko in the State Duma at an expanded meeting of the Committees on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood, Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs and Control

September 25, 2024

Dmitry Chernyshenko in the State Duma at an expanded meeting of the Committees on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood, Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs and Control

September 25, 2024

Previous news Next news

Dmitry Chernyshenko in the State Duma at an expanded meeting of the Committees on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood, Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs and Control

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke in the State Duma at an expanded meeting of the committees on family protection, fatherhood, motherhood and childhood, labor, social policy and veterans’ affairs and control.

The event was also attended by the Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov, the Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko, the Deputy Chairperson of the State Duma Irina Yarovaya, the Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, Social Policy and Veterans’ Affairs Yaroslav Nilov, the Chairperson of the Committee on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood Nina Ostanina, the Chairperson of the Control Committee Oleg Morozov, the Auditor of the Accounts Chamber Dmitry Zaitsev and others.

During his speech, Dmitry Chernyshenko noted the importance of ensuring effective approaches to health promotion, upbringing and additional education in children’s camps.

“The topic that united us all here is summer recreation and health improvement for children. It is extremely important and has significance for ensuring a full future and development of our children. I would like to thank the entire deputy corps and personally the Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin for their special attention to this area and their readiness to resolve pressing issues,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

He expressed confidence that all participants of the joint meeting will make every effort to make an effective approach to strengthening health, developing physical and creative skills of children, providing the opportunity for upbringing and additional education during their vacation and stay at the camp.

Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized that education must correspond to the instructions given by Russian President Vladimir Putin and to domestic spiritual and moral values.

“We are taking a completely sober approach to assessing the situation. We understand how much still needs to be done. We clearly assess the positive dynamics, they are in all areas. It is important to understand whether they are sufficient or not and whether we need to redistribute priorities and make some more efforts. We analyze all these parameters and make sure to refer to them during our regional visits,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

He also thanked Irina Yarovaya for developing the draft law “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On the Basic Guarantees of Children’s Rights in the Russian Federation”, which provides for the preparation of a unified program of educational work in children’s camps.

Minister of Education Sergei Kravtsov reported that the issue of raising the status of the interdepartmental commission on issues of organizing children’s recreation and health improvement to the level of a government commission has been worked out.

“We are discussing the interim results of the past health campaign and talking about the tasks for the future. Currently, there are slightly more than 2 thousand stationary children’s camps operating in Russia. We are building new children’s camps, the International Children’s Center “Artek” is expanding. The construction of the federal center “Pechory” continues. We hope that we will open it next year,” said Sergey Kravtsov.

The head of the Ministry of Education noted that a common strategy for the development of education is needed, which will unite the system of secondary vocational education, general education and children’s recreation.

“Today we are preparing a general strategy for the development of education, where children’s recreation will be one of the components. And we set the task of approving this strategy before the start of the next summer health campaign,” he said.

In addition, Sergey Kravtsov said that all pedagogical universities subordinate to the Ministry of Education have organized training for camp counselors, and their training program has been approved. Today, there are almost 88 thousand camp counselors in Russia. The monitoring of organizations involved in their training is currently being completed. Its results will be presented at the All-Russian forum “Big Meanings” in October of this year.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko reported that issues of medical care for children during summer holidays are legally regulated, and that children’s camps are sufficiently staffed with medical workers.

“In 2024, 20% fewer children fell ill in health camps than the year before. The trend is positive. The health period with the formation of healthy habits and healthy behavior allows us to work with children most effectively, including with physical activity. We must not forget the issue of childhood obesity, introducing programs for proper eating behavior, prevention of bad habits,” the Minister of Health added.

Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Irina Yarovaya noted that the common task of all departments and regions is to help organizers of children’s recreation, to create conditions that will make accidents and any unfavorable consequences impossible. She emphasized that it was precisely these approaches that had yielded their high-quality results.

Irina Yarovaya added that universal formats for raising children in summer camps are needed; counselors should have a tool that will allow them, regardless of their experience and education, having a set of uniform programs, to implement them with equal quality.

During the event, the deputies asked the speakers questions of interest to them about the development of the children’s recreation system.

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

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://government.ru/nevs/52792/

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Russia: Congratulations on Nikolai Omelchenko’s anniversary!

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

Autumn still doesn’t want to come into its own, because we haven’t yet celebrated the 75th anniversary of Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor and Head of the Department of Public Administration and Political Technologies of the State University of Management Nikolai Omelchenko. And it’s today!

Nikolay Alekseevich is one of the most active historians of our university. Having received a higher education at the history department of Lomonosov Moscow State University, in 1991 he began working at the State University of Management (at that time the State Academy of Management, let’s be historically accurate today). He defended his doctoral dissertation within our walls, and in his scientific works he reflected on the ideas of Eurasianism, when it was not yet mainstream, about 30 years ago. At the moment, he has published more than 200 scientific articles and monographs, in which the professor substantiates the uniqueness and originality of Russian civilization and the national model of public administration, explores issues of the influence of political culture on domestic political practice and public administration. That is, Nikolay Alekseevich is relevant as never before.

So let us wish him to remain on the crest of the wave of historical science for many years to come, to continue organizing interesting seminars, to enjoy observing and analyzing a new round of development of Russian statehood and strengthening of sovereignty on the world stage, to be healthy, happy and, as always, to radiate optimism and goodwill.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09/25/2024

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

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Congratulations on Nikolai Omelchenko’s anniversary!

[embedded content]

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: Continuing crackdown on churches and NGOs moves Nicaragua further from democracy to authoritarianism

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Richard Wood, President of the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

A man prays at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, in August 2022. Oswaldo Rivas/AFP via Getty Images

The Nicaraguan government recently shut down more than 1,500 nonprofits – many of them civic and religious groups doing humanitarian work in a country long mired in political violence, economic upheaval and social strife.

The August 2024 closures were the latest in a long-running crackdown on civil society, including religious groups – some of the last influential, independent organizations in the country. That same month, the government revoked churches’ tax-exempt status. Over the past few years, many houses of worship have been closed or had their bank accounts frozen.

As a sociologist, I have worked with Central American scholars to research the role of religion in public life in Central America, including Nicaragua. Several hundred Catholic figures have been detained in an ongoing crackdown under President Daniel Ortega, now 78, who leads the Sandinista National Liberation Front.

Sweeping suppression

Ortega’s FSLN party, as it is known in Spanish, is the authoritarian remnant of the group that led a broad national movement against Anastasio Somoza Debayle’s dictatorship in the 1970s. After overthrowing Somoza in 1979, Ortega and the Sandinistas governed until losing the 1990 election.

Since Ortega returned to power in the 2006 elections, moderates have fled the FSLN, which since then has used oppression and violence for political and social control. In 2013, the National Assembly removed presidential term limits set by the Nicaraguan constitution.

In April 2018, Ortega’s regime began targeting student protesters. Since then, hundreds of citizens — religious leaders, university students, academics, journalists and doctors — have been killed or arrested, gone into hiding or been forced to flee the country.

Ortega’s crackdown has been broad. Universities had their assets confiscated and funding cut, and some have been shut down as the government took control of higher education. Media outlets have been shuttered, and international aid organizations have been expelled.

Paramilitary police officers and prison guards have been accused of engaging in arbitrary killings and torture. Meanwhile, a record number of refugees are fleeing the country.

Parishioners attend Mass at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Miami, which has become the spiritual home of the growing Nicaraguan diaspora.
AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Silencing churches

Among the nearly 5,500 nonprofits that closed in Nicaragua between 2018 and 2024 are Catholic, evangelical Christian and historical Protestant organizations, as well as secular humanitarian ones. Of those, 1,650 organizations and churches were shuttered in August 2024, with government officials claiming their closure was due to ties to private enterprises or a lack of financial records.

Catholic media and radio stations, missionary orders and humanitarian groups have been shuttered, too, as Ortega and the vice president – his wife, Rosario Murillo – have sought to eliminate settings where ideas and information freely flow, and people act independently of the government.

The highest-profile religious leader caught up in the clampdown is Rolando Álvarez, a popular bishop, critic of Ortega, and a prominent Catholic voice of protest. Álvarez was detained in August 2022, accused of “conspiracy and spreading false news,” stripped of his citizenship and sentenced to 26 years in prison.

Police officers and riot police block the main entrance of a church building in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, in August 2022 to prevent Bishop Rolando Álvarez from leaving.
STR/AFP via Getty Images

With international pressure mounting, Alvarez and a group of fellow detained Catholic clergy were released in January 2024 and exiled to the Vatican – where the regime had previously expelled the apostolic nuncio, the pope’s top diplomat in Nicaragua. They are among 245 Catholic figures the country has expelled in recent years. An additional 135 people, including Catholics and evangelicals, were expelled and stripped of their citizenship in September 2024.

Today, 43% of Nicaraguan citizens identity as Catholics. But that percentage used to be much higher, and the country has deep cultural roots in Catholicism.

In Nicaragua, as in much of Latin America, the Catholic Church is the most powerful source of social authority and the largest independent institution for public debate. It represents a key channel through which democratic values may take root, grow and thrive – an obstacle, in the regime’s eyes.

For many years, the church was the only organization to escape Ortega’s grip – but no longer.

Dangerous path

I have witnessed firsthand Nicaragua’s shift from a country with promising seeds of democracy to violent autocracy. As civil war raged between the original Sandinista regime and U.S.-backed Contras in the 1980s, I led travel seminars to Nicaragua for faith groups, journalists, congressional aides and university students. I once personally encountered Ortega, serving as translator during a meeting with American journalists when his official translator failed to show up.

Today, as Ortega continues to consolidate power by crushing opposition, Nicaragua has deteriorated into an oppressive state ruled with an iron fist. This reality reflects broader dynamics globally, from autocratic movements in the U.S. and Western Europe to current regimes in Russia, India, Turkey, Hungary and China.

Nicaraguan citizens wave from a bus after being released from a Nicaraguan jail and landing in Guatemala City on Sept. 5, 2024.
AP Photo/Moises Castillo

Closer to home, Ortega poses a regional threat as a model for other potential autocrats. This is especially the case for neighbors like El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele – the popular, self-described “coolest dictator” – is going down a similar path of turning the nation into an authoritarian state.

I have seen Nicaraguans’ generosity and courage in the long fight for liberty and justice. The closure of democratic spaces, civic institutions and humanitarian organizations, along with the suppression of religious freedom, is a glaring sign that the country is being marched toward more oppression and violence – and, as history shows, risks becoming ripe for revolution.

Only a gradual rebuilding of civil society, I believe, may save Nicaragua from that fate. The tragedy is what Nicaragua could have been: a thriving democratic society, with a commitment to empowering the poor.

From 1983-1987 and part-time from 1987-1992, Richard Wood worked running travel seminars in Mexico and Central America. From 2010-2012, he received funding from the Center on Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California and The John Templeton Foundation for research collaboration with Central American researchers.

– ref. Continuing crackdown on churches and NGOs moves Nicaragua further from democracy to authoritarianism – https://theconversation.com/continuing-crackdown-on-churches-and-ngos-moves-nicaragua-further-from-democracy-to-authoritarianism-238178

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: What America’s history can teach us about debates on religious freedom and its importance for democracy

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Corey D. B. Walker, Dean and Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities, Wake Forest University

The decline in church attendance has not resulted in a diminished Christian presence in American public life. selimaksan/E+ via Getty images.

Supporters of both major U.S. political parties tend to claim their presidential candidate is the “real” Christian or the “better” Christian or just the “true” Christian.

For a majority of white evangelical protestants, Trump is the good Christian. Christians for Kamala, a newly created group of self-identified Christians who support the Democratic nominee, say that her campaign embodies the “compassionate heart of Jesus and his teachings.”

Yet, most American adults agree that religion should be separate from government. This widely shared belief is a cornerstone of religious freedom. As a scholar of religious freedom, I have studied the complex and ever-evolving role of religion in American politics. I argue that this election year, while the Christian character of each candidate is discussed everywhere, religious freedom, one of the core freedoms of American democracy, is not.

The case of Ezra Stiles Ely

America’s history of religious freedom is filled with stories that are instructive for our current moment. One such instructive lesson comes from the early 19th century.

The Second Great Awakening was an intense period of religious revival. Evangelical Christians sought to reform American law and politics to reflect what they considered to be true Christianity. According to legal scholar Geoffrey R. Stone, it was at this time the claim that the “United States is a ‘Christian nation’ first seriously took root.”

Ezra Stiles Ely.
The New York Public Library digital collections

A striking figure from the period is the Philadelphia Presbyterian minister Ezra Stiles Ely. On July 4, 1827, the Yale-educated minister delivered his infamous call for “a Christian political party” in the run-up to the 1828 presidential election.

Ely’s oration, The Duty of Christian Freemen to Elect Christian Rulers, is a 19th-century version of what is today called “Christian nationalism.” In it, Ely lays out his view of a distinctly Christian vision of who should serve as political leaders and how they should govern.

Before an Independence Day audience in Philadelphia’s Seventh Presbyterian Church, Ely declared, “Every ruler should be an avowed and sincere friend of Christianity. He should know and believe the doctrines of our holy religion, and act in conformity to its precepts.” Ely also advocated for “a new sort of union, or, if you will, a Christian party in politics.”

Ely closed his sermon by exhorting Christians to “awake … to our sacred duty to our Divine Master; and let us have no rulers, without our consent and cooperation, who are not known to be avowedly Christians.”

Critiques in defense of religious freedom

While Ely sought to wed Christianity and American politics, others voices responded against this move. Religious freedom was new for the young nation. Yet, its supporters recognized its importance for American democracy.

On Feb. 7, 1828, a pamphlet titled Sunday School Union, or Union of Church and State was placed on the desk of each member of the Pennsylvania Senate. The pamphlet contained excerpts of Ely’s speech that advocated the union of Christianity and politics. Ely’s speech was also the subject of debate in several 19th-century newspapers, including the Harrisburg Chronicle and The Pennsylvania Reporter.

Notable among these voices was Massachusetts-born and Harvard-educated Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story.

In an 1828 speech delivered in Salem, Massachusetts, Story boldly declared his support for religious freedom. He stated: “Religious freedom is the birthright of man; that governments have no authority to inflict punishment for conscientious differences of opinion; and that to worship God according to our own belief is not only our privilege, but is our duty, our absolute duty, from which no human tribunal can absolve us.”

“Wherever religious liberty exist,” he argued, “it will, first or last, bring in, and establish political liberty.”

Politics and American democracy

America is not the same as at the time of the Second Great Awakening. Yet, the role of Christianity in political life is seemingly as alive as ever.

The steady decline in church attendance has not resulted in a diminished Christian presence in American public life. The public square still contains powerful appeals to Christianity rather than a shared democratic heritage.

Former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump recently stated, “We have to bring back our religion. We have to bring back Christianity in this country.”

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has commended the religious convictions of citizens, stating, “People with deep religious convictions may be less likely to succumb to dominating ideologies or trends, and more likely to act in accordance with what they see as true and right. Civil society can count on them as engines of reform.”

A 2023 survey, in which the nonprofit, nonpartisan research and education organization PRRI interviewed more than 22,000 adults, found that approximately 3 in 10 Americans either supported or held Christian nationalist views. Christian nationalists tend “to see political struggles through the apocalyptic lens of revolution and to support political violence.”

In my opinion, the linkage of Christianity and politics in the United States undermines American democracy. Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, a prominent public voice, explains how Christian nationalism undermines both Christianity and American democracy. In her 2024 book “How to End Christian Nationalism,” Tyler writes, “Christian nationalism is the greatest threat to religious liberty in the U.S. today, as well as a clear and present danger to our constitutional republic.”

While debates over the Christian virtues of the candidates may be important for Christian communities, religious freedom is important for American democracy. The response to Christianity and politics is not more Christianity but more democracy. And religious freedom is key.

Corey D. B. Walker does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. What America’s history can teach us about debates on religious freedom and its importance for democracy – https://theconversation.com/what-americas-history-can-teach-us-about-debates-on-religious-freedom-and-its-importance-for-democracy-238174

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: Local government controls your roads, schools and utilities − but that doesn’t mean the US president doesn’t touch your life in important ways

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Zoe Nemerever, Professor of Political Science, Auburn University

The top of the ticket often gets the most attention. Alex Brandon/AP Photo

“All politics is local” is a common refrain – and yet, it is also true that the president has some unique powers.

I am an expert on state policymaking, and I’m teaching presidential politics at Auburn University during this election season. Researching and teaching about both state and national politics has made me keenly aware of the stakes of the different races up and down the ballot this fall.

Power close to home

State and local governments shape our daily experiences in practical ways. State governments determine whether residents have access to expanded Medicaid, reproductive care, parental and family leave, and they set the state property, sales and income taxes, which we are all required to pay.

City councils, county boards and school boards determine the quality of the roads we travel, the selection of books in school libraries and the prices of utilities such as water and sewer service.

Most Americans will have the opportunity to vote for a variety of state and local elected officials this November. Yet many voters find their attention drawn to a more captivating contest: the presidential election.

And it is hard to deny that the president has an outsized influence on American public policy.

Staffing the government

So what does the president do?

It’s a busy job, for sure – including tasks such as signing executive orders, making treaties, vetoing or signing congressional bills, acting as the military’s commander in chief, attempting to build public support for their agenda and fundraising for the party.

But one other big responsibility is often overlooked – that of passing out thousands of positions in the executive and judicial branches.

The president’s appointment power is an enumerated power, meaning that it is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

As the size of the judiciary and federal bureaucracy has grown over the past century, this presidential power has ballooned to include 4,000 appointments that turn over at the start of every administration. That doesn’t even include the vacancies that arise during the president’s term – for example, when a federal judge retires or dies.

Perhaps the most well-known presidential appointment power is the power to nominate Supreme Court justices. These nominations tend to be highly political and dramatic affairs. This is due to their irregular and often sudden timing and to the high stakes of lifetime appointments.

Some presidents don’t get to exercise this supreme power as much as they would like. But they still get to fill many other judgeships across the district courts, appellate courts and other federal courts.

The Founding Fathers were adamant that the executive appointment power was not unilateral, as evidenced in Federalist Paper 76 penned by Alexander Hamilton. For 1,200 of the most consequential positions, the president nominates individuals, who are then confirmed – or not – by the U.S. Senate.

The Founding Fathers perceived this as important for preventing the tyranny of a sole actor, which they had just worked so hard to leave behind under English rule.

Assembling a Cabinet

Some of the most consequential of these appointments are members of the presidential Cabinet.

Much like how a head football coach assembles a team of assistants to enact their vision, the president convenes a team of policy champions to lead the 15 executive departments in the federal bureaucracy.

Each department is run by a “secretary,” nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The president consults with Cabinet members at periodic meetings, but secretaries otherwise enjoy a great deal of autonomy. For this reason, the president tries to pick Cabinet members who share their policy perspective.

Much of the agenda presidents claim credit for is, in fact, achieved by the Cabinet departments. For example, during the current Biden administration, the Department of Labor increased guaranteed overtime compensation, the Department of Health and Human Services recommended making marijuana a legal but regulated drug, and the Department of Education launched an initiative to tackle the post-COVID surge in chronic absenteeism.

Cabinet members often fly under the radar of the media, and consequently voters, with a few exceptions. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg had his moment in the headlines earlier in 2024 when he announced a new federal rule that entitles airline passengers to prompt cash refunds when their flights are canceled or delayed. President Barack Obama’s Secretary of Education Arne Duncan was well known for his bus tours promoting the economic value of education. President George W. Bush’s Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spearheaded the noteworthy 2008 U.S.-India nuclear agreement.

Crisis manager in chief, ad hoc

Presidents also have the power to touch voters’ lives in profound ways by serving as a unifying character during national crises, a role that differentiates the president from other elected officials.

These crises, unforeseen at the time of the election, require the president to swiftly reassure a distressed nation. For example, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush delivered an address that acknowledged the grief of Americans while imparting a stern guarantee that the United States would not cower to terrorists. President Donald Trump provided direction for a national response to an unprecedented global pandemic. President Bill Clinton shared heartfelt remarks at the memorial service of those killed in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. And Obama honored victims of a racially motivated shooting at a church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Presidential candidates of course cannot campaign on their ability to handle unpredictable, emergent situations. Instead, they talk up personal traits that will equip them to carry the nation through the next four years – whatever that may bring.

During the recent 2024 presidential debate between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump, the candidates tried to demonstrate traits such as strength, humor and mental sharpness – all of which would prove invaluable during whatever the next four years throws our way.

This November, voters will consider a diverse spread of candidates, from city mayor to president, each with important responsibilities.

National, state and local governments work together to shape our perceptions, good or bad, about the role public policy plays in our lives – and I’d encourage voters to pay attention to candidates at both the top of the ballot and further down.

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

– ref. Local government controls your roads, schools and utilities − but that doesn’t mean the US president doesn’t touch your life in important ways – https://theconversation.com/local-government-controls-your-roads-schools-and-utilities-but-that-doesnt-mean-the-us-president-doesnt-touch-your-life-in-important-ways-237939

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Global: Why do people still back Trump, after everything? 5 things to understand about MAGA supporters’ thinking

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Alex Hinton, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology; Director, Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights, Rutgers University – Newark

Supporters watch Donald Trump speak at a rally in Uniondale, N.Y., on Sept. 18, 2024. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

For many people, especially those leaning left, Donald Trump’s disqualifications to be president seem obvious, prompting some to question: How could anyone still vote for Trump?

Some of the evidence Trump’s critics cite include his two impeachments, multiple criminal indictments at the state and federal levels and a felony conviction. Opponents also say that Trump is a threat to democracy, a misogynist, racist, a serial liar and a rapist.

About 78% of Democrats and Democrat-leaning independent voters say that Trump broke the law when he allegedly tried to overturn the 2020 election results. But less than half of Republicans think he did anything wrong.

I am an anthropologist of peace and conflict, and I have been studying what I call the Trumpiverse since 2015, when Trump descended a golden escalator and announced his candidacy for president. I later wrote a related book in 2021, called “It Can Happen Here.”

More recently, I have been examining toxic polarization – and ways to stop it. Many efforts to reduce people’s polarized views begin with an injunction: Listen and understand.

To this end, I have attended Trump rallies, populist and nonpartisan events and meetings where Democrats and Republicans connect and talk. Along the way, I have spoken with Trump supporters ranging from the Make America Great Again, or MAGA, faithful to moderate “hold the nose and vote for him” conservatives.

And indeed, many on the left fail to understand who Trump voters are and how they vary. Trump’s base cannot simply be dismissed as racist “deplorables”, as Hillary Clinton famously said in 2016, or as country bumpkins in red MAGA hats. Trump voters trend older, white, rural, religious and less educated. But they include others outside those demographic groups.

Many people have thoughtful reasons for voting for Trump, even if their reasoning – as is also true for those on the left – is often inflamed by populist polarizers and media platforms.

Here are five key lines of reasoning that, in varying combinations, inform Trump voters’ choice.

Donald Trump speaks at a rally on July 31, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pa.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

1. Media distortion

Where those on the left see Trump’s many failings, those on the right may see what some political observers call Trump Derangement Syndrome, sometimes simply called TDS.

According to this line of argument, the left-leaning media dissects Trump’s every word, and the media then distorts what he says. I have found that some Trump supporters think that people who feed too much on this allegedly biased media diet can get TDS and develop a passionate, perhaps illogical dislike of Trump.

I have also heard hardcore Trump supporters argue, with no evidence, that such “fake news” media outlets, like CNN, are part of a larger deep state plot of the federal government to upend the will of the people. This plot, according to those who propagate it, includes not just leftists, government bureaucrats and people who claim to be Republicans, but really aren’t, but also people in law enforcement.

Some Trump supporters also see merit in his contention that he is being wrongly persecuted, just like some see the Jan. 6 defendants being persecuted.

2. Bread on the table, money in the bank

“Are you better off than you were four years ago?”

For many Trump voters, the answer to Ronald Reagan’s famous question is clear: “No.” They accurately remember Trump’s term as one of tax cuts, economic growth and stock market highs.

It is true that overall employment numbers and average pay went up under President Joe Biden. But for some Trump supporters, that economic boost pales in comparison to the massive surge in inflation during Biden’s term, with prices rising almost 20%. While the inflation rate has recently abated, prices remain high – as voters are reminded of every day at the grocery store.

Polls also show that Trump has a strong lead over Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on how they would handle the economy, which is a top concern for voters, especially Republicans.

3. A border invasion

Another reason some Americans want to vote for Trump: immigration.

Like inflation, the number of people illegally crossing the border soared under Biden.

This massive influx of “illegal aliens,” as Trump calls them, dropped to its lowest level in four years in July 2024. This happened after the Biden administration made it harder for immigrants to apply for asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, a policy measure that is in line with many Republicans’ approach.

In 2022, a poll found 7 out of 10 Republicans worried that “open borders” were part of a Democratic plot to expand liberals’ power by replacing conservative white people with nonwhite foreigners.

Trump has played into some people’s mostly false concerns that immigrants living illegally in the U.S. are freeloaders and won’t assimilate, as illustrated by recent – untrue – allegations that immigrants are eating pets in Ohio.

In 2022, 82% of Republicans said they viewed immigration as a “very important” issue. Trump continues to tout his proposed solution, which includes shutting the border, building a wall and deporting 11 million immigrants who are living in the U.S. without legal authorization.

People attend a Donald Trump rally in Uniondale, N.Y., on Sept. 18, 2024.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

4. A proven record

Some Trump voters simply compare the records of Trump and Biden-Harris and find that the tally tilts firmly toward Trump.

And it’s not just about the economy and immigration.

There were no new wars under Trump. Biden-Harris, in contrast, are saddled with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip. Trump supporters’ perception is that American taxpayers foot a large portion of the bill, even though other countries are also giving money to Ukraine, and Israel is actually buying weapons from the U.S.

I have found that Trump supporters also think he is better suited to deal with the rising power and threat of China.

5. The MAGA bull in a china shop

While some Harris supporters lament Trump’s destruction of democracy and decency in politics, I have found that Trump voters see a charismatic MAGA bull in a china shop.

It is precisely because Trump is an unrelenting pugilist, or a fighter – as he showed when he raised a fist after the assassination attempt against him in July – that he should be elected, his supporters believe.

Some even view him as savior – who will save the U.S. from a “radical left” apocalypse.

For such Trump stalwarts, MAGA is not simply a slogan. In the Trumpiverse, it is a movement to save an America that is on the brink of failure.

Alexander Hinton receives funding from the Rutgers-Newark Center for the Study of Politics and Race in America.

– ref. Why do people still back Trump, after everything? 5 things to understand about MAGA supporters’ thinking – https://theconversation.com/why-do-people-still-back-trump-after-everything-5-things-to-understand-about-maga-supporters-thinking-239031

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

September 29, 2024

Category: Politics

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Dmitry Chernyshenko in the State Duma at an expanded meeting of the Committees on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood, Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs and Control

Dmitry Chernyshenko in the State Duma at an expanded meeting of the Committees on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood, Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs and Control

Dmitry Chernyshenko in the State Duma at an expanded meeting of the Committees on Family Protection, Fatherhood, Motherhood and Childhood, Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs and Control

Sweeping suppression

Silencing churches

Dangerous path

The case of Ezra Stiles Ely

Critiques in defense of religious freedom

Politics and American democracy

Power close to home

Staffing the government

Assembling a Cabinet

Crisis manager in chief, ad hoc

1. Media distortion

2. Bread on the table, money in the bank

3. A border invasion

4. A proven record

5. The MAGA bull in a china shop