NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Security: Adam G. Brief Appointed as Acting U.S. Trustee for Northern Illinois and Wisconsin

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Adam G. Brief has been appointed by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland as the Acting U.S. Trustee for Northern Illinois and Wisconsin (Region 11) effective Sept. 28, the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees announced today. Brief replaces Patrick S. Layng, who is retiring after 36 years of dedicated service to the Justice Department, including the last 14 years as the U.S. Trustee in Region 11. Under 28 U.S.C. § 585(a), the Attorney General may fill U.S. Trustee vacancies by appointing an Acting U.S. Trustee.

    Brief has served as the Assistant U.S. Trustee in charge of the Chicago field office since joining the U.S. Trustee Program in 2015 after 14 years in private practice. Brief’s effective coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has contributed to several successful high-profile criminal prosecutions. In addition to being a frequent speaker at legal seminars and conferences, Brief teaches a lawyering skills course at the University of Illinois Chicago Law School. He received his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Rutgers University Livingston College and his law degree from Seton Hall University. After law school, Brief was a term law clerk for Judge Stephen Stripp of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. For six years before joining the USTP, while still in private practice, he served as an investigator appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to a district ethics committee.

    The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders – debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former FBI Agent Convicted for Stealing From Citizens’ Homes

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    HOUSTON – A former federal agent has admitted to theft of personal property and providing false statements, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

    From March 2022 to July 2023, Nicholas Anthony Williams, 37, Houston, stole money and property from multiple residences while executing search warrants in his official capacity. 

    Williams proceeded to retain the money or property for his personal use. 

    In addition, Williams admitted to providing false statements with regard to several fraudulent charges on his government-issued credit card.

    “Founded on a legacy of steadfast duty since 1908, FBI agents uphold society’s trust by relentlessly pursuing justice and protecting citizens with unwavering integrity,” said Hamdani. “Nicholas Williams betrayed that legacy and the community’s trust when he decided to pad his own pockets at the expense of a citizen’s rights. Because no one is above the law, the system of justice that he once swore to protect will now seek to hold him to account for breaking that oath.”

    Since 2019, Williams worked as an FBI special agent in the Houston field office. He served on both the criminal violent gang and counterterrorism squads.

    U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen will impose sentencing Jan. 13, 2025. At that time, Williams faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

    Williams was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

    The Department of Justice – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Sarina DiPiazza are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Destruction of Property During January 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

                WASHINGTON – An Illinois man pleaded guilty today to felony destruction of property during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Justin LaGesse, 37, of McLeansboro, Illinois, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of destruction of government property before U.S. District Chief Judge James E. Boasberg. Judge Boasberg will sentence LaGesse on Jan. 10, 2025.

                Additionally charged in this matter as a co-defendant is Theodore Middendorf, 36, also of McLeansboro. This matter is ongoing.

                According to court documents, in December 2020, LaGesse and Middendorf made arrangements to travel to Washington, D.C., to protest the results of the 2020 presidential election. As part of their planning, the men had an associate create shirts with the wording “F— ANTIFA” written on the front.

                On Jan. 6, 2021, the two men arrived in Washington, D.C., carrying with them an American and Gadsden flag. LaGesse wore a camouflaged jacket, the aforementioned shirt, a blue baseball cap, and an American flag-style neck gaiter. At approximately 2:51 p.m., LaGesse entered into the U.S. Capitol by climbing through a broken window next to the Senate Wing Door. He then turned around and helped Middendorf through the window. Once inside, the pair moved towards the middle of the Senate Wing Door lobby area and waved their flags while chanting “U.S.A.” with a crowd of rioters.

                After spending some time in the lobby, LaGesse and Middendorf continued to traverse through the Capitol before exiting the building at approximately 3:02 p.m. Once outside of the building, LaGesse partially pulled down his neck gaiter and began to harass several police officers who were protecting the Capitol. Among other things, LaGesse called the officers “f— traitors” and “f— communist scum.”

                By approximately 4:09 p.m., the two men had moved to the north side of the Capitol where a large group of rioters were attempting to breach the building via the North Door. There, police officers defended the door and blocked the rioters’ entry. As the officers held back the rioters, LaGesse and Middendorf approached the nearby exterior window of a room inside the Capitol and struck the glass window several times with the bases of their flagpoles. Their strikes caused visible damage to the glass.

                After the riot, the Architect of the Capitol determined that the total cost of the damage to the window was $41,315.25.

                This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.

                This case was investigated by the FBI’s Springfield and Washington Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 43 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including nearly 550 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: War affects girls and boys differently: what we found in our study of children in the DRC

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Roos van der Haer, Assistant professor of International Relations at the Institute of Political Science, Leiden University

    War has become a regular part of life for many children. Millions are victims and witnesses to the horrors of war. Recent estimates by researchers at the Peace Research Institute Oslo show that one in six children globally lives in a conflict zone, and Africa has the highest number of conflict-affected children.

    Many children are forced to become child soldiers. In other cases, such as during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, violence is aimed at children.

    In recent years, researchers from various fields have been studying the impact on children of growing up in war zones. Psychologists, for example, have been researching how conflict affects children’s mental health and behaviour. Economists have examined, among other issues, how growing up in these environments can limit future earning capabilitites. Other scholars have investigated how war shapes the long-term (political) attitudes of these children.

    Despite this growing body of research, we – a group of researchers who look into the causes and consequences of armed conflict for children – spotted two key gaps.

    Read more: Why some rebel groups force kids to fight: it depends on how they are funded

    First, much of the literature treats children’s experiences as if they were the same across different contexts. Few studies have considered the distinct experiences of girls as soldiers or how these differ from boys’ experiences.

    Second, while some research does explore these gender differences, it often focuses only on what happens during the conflict. It doesn’t consider how these experiences affect social relationships when the conflict ends. This is despite scholars and policymakers highlighting that girls’ experiences in war are fundamentally different from those of boys due to their different status and role in society.

    To address these gaps, we conducted an exploratory study from 2018 to 2019 on the experiences of boys and girls during conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We studied how these gendered experiences might have affected their social relationships after the war. We interviewed 315 children aged between 12 and 18, with different levels of exposure to conflict. This included 186 respondents who had been involved in armed groups.

    Our recently published analysis revealed, as expected, that many children had witnessed or experienced various conflict-related events during their life-time. Most children reported seeing homes and property destroyed, and many had witnessed people being beaten or tortured by armed forces. Fewer children reported being sexually assaulted or raped or injured by weapons such as gunshots or stabbings, though sadly these were not rare occurrences either.

    We found that boys were generally more exposed to conflict than girls. This difference is largely due to boys being more involved with armed groups and more likely to perpetrate violence.

    These experiences of conflict can have lasting effects on children’s relationships with their families, friends, teachers and other important social groups. These connections are crucial for a child’s development and wellbeing.

    The differences between how boys and girls are affected are important considerations in building appropriate and effective psychosocial support programmes, with tools that address gender-specific needs in conflict or post-conflict situations.

    The study

    We gathered information from 315 structured interviews with Congolese children. Some of these boys and girls had been actively involved with armed groups in the eastern provinces of the DRC, while others had less direct exposure to the conflict.

    Conflict and human rights violations are widespread in the DRC. World Vision has called the decades-long conflict in the country “one of the worst child protection crises in the world”. Further, in a recent UN report on children and armed conflict, 3,377 verified grave violations against children in the DRC were identified. Of these, 46% involved the recruitment of children – some as young as five – by armed forces or groups.

    To examine how the armed conflict has affected Congolese boys and girls, we collected data between 2018 and 2019 in the South Kivu province of eastern DRC. We selected our participants with the help and consent of five local child protective organisations.

    Our analysis first explored what the boys and girls had experienced during conflict. Then we associated these gendered experiences with differences in social behaviour. We looked at whether there were gender differences in the children’s key relationships with family, friends (and other social groups) and their teachers.

    Read more: War devastates the lives of children: what the research tells us, and what can be done

    First, we found that war disrupted the family’s ability to provide safety and security, and both children and their caregivers might suffer from the emotional and psychological toll of the conflict. Our study found that girls tended to have a stronger relationship with their family and caretakers compared to boys after conflict. This aligns with previous research suggesting boys may face more challenges in maintaining family relationships. This is particularly the case for those that were active as child soldiers.

    Second, our analysis found that boys tended to have more diverse friendship networks than girls, even when comparing former boy soldiers to girl soldiers. Friendships are vital for a child’s wellbeing. Strong and diverse friendships are linked to better mental health, tolerance and understanding.

    Lastly, we looked at how gender and war experiences might affect relationships between students and teachers. Armed conflict can have devastating effects on the educational attainment of children. Education, however, supports war-affected children and adolescents in several important ways. Structured school rules, regulations and activities establish a sense of normality, which is crucial to the healing process and wellbeing of children. Overall, the children interviewed had a very positive view of their schools or training programmes. They felt safe, enjoyed spending time with their classmates and viewed their teachers as helpful and caring. However, girls – especially former girl soldiers – were significantly more likely than boys to report that their teachers were sympathetic and supportive.

    Why the findings matter

    Our research is one of the first to highlight significant differences in how boys and girls experience war, and how these experiences shape their social relationships.

    Addressing the differences in the needs of boys and girls after conflict not only improves their wellbeing, but is also likely to positively affect entire households, post-conflict regions and post-conflict countries. While our study sheds light on these differences, more research is needed to understand them in greater depth and, most importantly, to explain why they occur.

    Are these differences the result of psychological trauma, behavioural changes, or specific events that happened before or during the conflict? Moreover, we know very little about the long-term effects of war exposure – do these differences fade over time, or do they persist? And how can communities play a role in helping children to overcome these challenges? Do we also observe these differences in other conflicts at other periods?

    Understanding these differences is key for policymakers working to develop effective support programmes. Developing and increasing the availability of gender-responsive approaches can help strengthen the resilience of children after conflict. It may also work to strengthen their agency and resilience before conflict.

    – War affects girls and boys differently: what we found in our study of children in the DRC
    – https://theconversation.com/war-affects-girls-and-boys-differently-what-we-found-in-our-study-of-children-in-the-drc-238789

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Greens call for republic: Monarchy is increasingly ridiculous and unjustified

    Source: Scottish Greens

    24 Sep 2024 Scottish Independence For A Scottish Republic

    We will always stand for an independent Scottish republic.

    More in Scottish Independence

    The UK Monarchy is an increasingly ridiculous, costly and unjustified institution, says Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie, who has long called for an independent Scotland to be a republic.

    Mr Harvie’s comments follow a report by Republic, an anti-monarchy campaign group, which puts the “true cost” of the Monarchy at over £500m a year.

    Mr Harvie said: “The Monarchy is an increasingly ridiculous and unjustified institution. It represents a different and long gone era, and it is impossible to justify the eye watering sums that we spend on it.

    “Lavishing any family with huge privilege, power and wealth as a birthright is a fundamentally undemocratic idea, and it is particularly distasteful during a cost of living crisis which is seeing scandalous levels of child poverty, and pensioners across our country forced to choose between feeding themselves and heating their home.

    “We should always be able to elect or remove our rulers and heads of state at the ballot box. That is a key part of any democracy. If any of the Windsors want to represent the country then they should stand for election.

    “The Scotland I want to see is an independent republic where power rests with the people rather than being treated like a family heirloom.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: War affects girls and boys differently: what we found in our study of children in the DRC

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Roos van der Haer, Assistant professor of International Relations at the Institute of Political Science, Leiden University

    War has become a regular part of life for many children. Millions are victims and witnesses to the horrors of war. Recent estimates by researchers at the Peace Research Institute Oslo show that one in six children globally lives in a conflict zone, and Africa has the highest number of conflict-affected children.

    Many children are forced to become child soldiers. In other cases, such as during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, violence is aimed at children.

    In recent years, researchers from various fields have been studying the impact on children of growing up in war zones. Psychologists, for example, have been researching how conflict affects children’s mental health and behaviour. Economists have examined, among other issues, how growing up in these environments can limit future earning capabilitites. Other scholars have investigated how war shapes the long-term (political) attitudes of these children.

    Despite this growing body of research, we – a group of researchers who look into the causes and consequences of armed conflict for children – spotted two key gaps.



    Read more:
    Why some rebel groups force kids to fight: it depends on how they are funded

    First, much of the literature treats children’s experiences as if they were the same across different contexts. Few studies have considered the distinct experiences of girls as soldiers or how these differ from boys’ experiences.

    Second, while some research does explore these gender differences, it often focuses only on what happens during the conflict. It doesn’t consider how these experiences affect social relationships when the conflict ends. This is despite scholars and policymakers highlighting that girls’ experiences in war are fundamentally different from those of boys due to their different status and role in society.

    To address these gaps, we conducted an exploratory study from 2018 to 2019 on the experiences of boys and girls during conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We studied how these gendered experiences might have affected their social relationships after the war. We interviewed 315 children aged between 12 and 18, with different levels of exposure to conflict. This included 186 respondents who had been involved in armed groups.

    Our recently published analysis revealed, as expected, that many children had witnessed or experienced various conflict-related events during their life-time. Most children reported seeing homes and property destroyed, and many had witnessed people being beaten or tortured by armed forces. Fewer children reported being sexually assaulted or raped or injured by weapons such as gunshots or stabbings, though sadly these were not rare occurrences either.

    We found that boys were generally more exposed to conflict than girls. This difference is largely due to boys being more involved with armed groups and more likely to perpetrate violence.

    These experiences of conflict can have lasting effects on children’s relationships with their families, friends, teachers and other important social groups. These connections are crucial for a child’s development and wellbeing.

    The differences between how boys and girls are affected are important considerations in building appropriate and effective psychosocial support programmes, with tools that address gender-specific needs in conflict or post-conflict situations.

    The study

    We gathered information from 315 structured interviews with Congolese children. Some of these boys and girls had been actively involved with armed groups in the eastern provinces of the DRC, while others had less direct exposure to the conflict.

    Conflict and human rights violations are widespread in the DRC. World Vision has called the decades-long conflict in the country “one of the worst child protection crises in the world”. Further, in a recent UN report on children and armed conflict, 3,377 verified grave violations against children in the DRC were identified. Of these, 46% involved the recruitment of children – some as young as five – by armed forces or groups.

    To examine how the armed conflict has affected Congolese boys and girls, we collected data between 2018 and 2019 in the South Kivu province of eastern DRC. We selected our participants with the help and consent of five local child protective organisations.

    Our analysis first explored what the boys and girls had experienced during conflict. Then we associated these gendered experiences with differences in social behaviour. We looked at whether there were gender differences in the children’s key relationships with family, friends (and other social groups) and their teachers.



    Read more:
    War devastates the lives of children: what the research tells us, and what can be done

    First, we found that war disrupted the family’s ability to provide safety and security, and both children and their caregivers might suffer from the emotional and psychological toll of the conflict. Our study found that girls tended to have a stronger relationship with their family and caretakers compared to boys after conflict. This aligns with previous research suggesting boys may face more challenges in maintaining family relationships. This is particularly the case for those that were active as child soldiers.

    Second, our analysis found that boys tended to have more diverse friendship networks than girls, even when comparing former boy soldiers to girl soldiers. Friendships are vital for a child’s wellbeing. Strong and diverse friendships are linked to better mental health, tolerance and understanding.

    Lastly, we looked at how gender and war experiences might affect relationships between students and teachers. Armed conflict can have devastating effects on the educational attainment of children. Education, however, supports war-affected children and adolescents in several important ways. Structured school rules, regulations and activities establish a sense of normality, which is crucial to the healing process and wellbeing of children. Overall, the children interviewed had a very positive view of their schools or training programmes. They felt safe, enjoyed spending time with their classmates and viewed their teachers as helpful and caring. However, girls – especially former girl soldiers – were significantly more likely than boys to report that their teachers were sympathetic and supportive.

    Why the findings matter

    Our research is one of the first to highlight significant differences in how boys and girls experience war, and how these experiences shape their social relationships.

    Addressing the differences in the needs of boys and girls after conflict not only improves their wellbeing, but is also likely to positively affect entire households, post-conflict regions and post-conflict countries. While our study sheds light on these differences, more research is needed to understand them in greater depth and, most importantly, to explain why they occur.

    Are these differences the result of psychological trauma, behavioural changes, or specific events that happened before or during the conflict? Moreover, we know very little about the long-term effects of war exposure – do these differences fade over time, or do they persist? And how can communities play a role in helping children to overcome these challenges? Do we also observe these differences in other conflicts at other periods?

    Understanding these differences is key for policymakers working to develop effective support programmes. Developing and increasing the availability of gender-responsive approaches can help strengthen the resilience of children after conflict. It may also work to strengthen their agency and resilience before conflict.

    We would like to thank the Gerda Henkel Stiftung for their extensive support of this research.

    Kathleen J. Brown 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. War affects girls and boys differently: what we found in our study of children in the DRC – https://theconversation.com/war-affects-girls-and-boys-differently-what-we-found-in-our-study-of-children-in-the-drc-238789

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen to host Great British Energy HQ in UK-wide clean energy drive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Great British Energy will be headquartered in Aberdeen, with 2 smaller sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

    • Prime Minister confirms Great British Energy will be headquartered in Aberdeen, a world-leader in engineering and infrastructure
    • Edinburgh and Glasgow will host 2 smaller sites, maximising skills and expertise across Scotland
    • the move will kickstart plans for the new publicly-owned company to drive investment in clean home-grown energy, creating jobs and supporting growth across the UK

    Aberdeen has today (24 September) been named the new home of Great British Energy, drawing on the city’s world-leading engineering expertise to kickstart a UK-wide clean energy revolution.

    As the location of the new headquarters, Aberdeen will be at the heart of the company’s plans to scale up clean homegrown power to boost energy independence, create skilled jobs across the UK and to support economic growth.

    Two additional sites will open in Edinburgh and Glasgow, once Great British Energy is up and running, to benefit from local skills and expertise. The company will be initially located in government buildings across the cities, while permanent bases are established.

    This marks the next step to kickstart Great British Energy, as part of its mission to become a clean energy superpower. An interim Chief Executive will soon to be appointed to take the lead on launching the new company and building its Aberdeen base – along with the start-up Chair Juergen Maier, former CEO of Siemens UK.

    Within the first weeks of the new government, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband took immediate action to introduce the Great British Energy Bill to Parliament and – along with the Prime Minister – confirm a new partnership with The Crown Estate, to help accelerate new offshore wind farms. The company – owned by the British people, for the British people – will attract private investment in the UK’s clean homegrown power, backed by £8.3 billion in government funding over this Parliament.

    The move forms part of the government’s plans to support clean energy in the North Sea, ensuring Aberdeen continues to thrive as Scotland’s clean energy capital. The government recently announced the biggest ever investment in offshore wind and continues to progress technologies like carbon capture and storage and hydrogen – as well as ensuring that oil and gas is used for decades to come as part of a fair and balanced transition away from fossil fuels.

    Notes to editors

    On 25 July, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published the founding statement for Great British Energy.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: GB Energy giving more questions than answers for Aberdeen

    Source: Scottish Greens

    24 Sep 2024 Climate

    GB Energy must work in the public interest, not simply as a way to line private pockets

    More in Climate

    The UK government’s plans for GB Energy are leaving more questions than answers says Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman, this follows confirmation from Sir Keir Starmer that it will be based in Aberdeen.

    Aberdeen has a unique role to play in driving our transition to a greener future, added Ms Chapman, who represents North East Scotland, including Aberdeen.

    Ms Chapman has called for greater collaboration between the Labour Government and the MSPs who represent the region, to ensure GB Energy lives up to the challenge of our climate crisis.

    Ms Chapman said: “If done properly, GB Energy could present an important opportunity for Aberdeen – with new jobs, investment, a focus away from the legacy of oil and gas. 

    “We want to be optimistic, but a lot of us are concerned that this will become an investor’s playpen, rather than a genuine driver of new renewables projects.

    “So far the UK government’s statement raises many more questions than answers.

    “It is time for Labour to be clear about its ambitions for this project, and what it will look like. GB Energy should be an organisation that resources the energy sector’s move towards genuine renewable energy, not an excuse for more warm words on oil, gas and nuclear.
     
    “An energy transition without justice for workers and affected communities is the last thing we need. Aberdeen has a unique role to play in driving forward our just transition. It can be the engine that drives the climate action and green economy that are so vital.

    “The UK Government must ensure that GB Energy works for public interests in the region and the sector, and is not simply a way to line private pockets. 

    “I would welcome greater collaboration between the Labour Government and the MSPs who represent the region, to ensure GB Energy lives up to the challenge of our climate crisis.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: High-Level Retreat in New Hampshire as part of Bretton Woods at 80 Initiative

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: IMF – News in English

    September 24, 2024

    WASHINGTON – As part of the previously announced Bretton Woods at 80 Initiative, the IMF and the World Bank Group are hosting a high-level retreat at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, on September 26‒27, 2024.

    This two-day Chatham House Rules event will bring together a small and diverse group of global thinkers—including individuals prominent in the fields of history, international relations, political science, finance, and business—at the location of the 1944 United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference (the “Bretton Woods Conference”).

    The three External Advisors to the Bretton Woods at 80 Initiative, Patrick Achi, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, and Mark Malloch-Brown, will help guide the discussions.

    Senior management and staff from both the Bank and the Fund will be in attendance, including President Ajay Banga and Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

    The purpose of the retreat is to facilitate a discussion on the shape of the world economy 20‒30 years from now, how multilateralism may evolve, and how the Bank and Fund can best continue to support stability and progress on a livable planet.

    This retreat is part of an ongoing series of consultations with IMF and World Bank stakeholders that will continue to be led by the External Advisors at events and engagements over the coming months.

     

     

    Contacts:

    For the IMF: Pavis Devahasadin,media@imf.org

    For the World Bank: David M. Theis,dteis@worldbankgroup.org

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

    Phone: 1 202 623-7100 Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/23/pr24341-high-level-retreat-in-new-hampshire-as-part-of-bretton-woods-at-80- initiative

    MIL OSI

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Ferrada attends the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Belém, Brazil

    Source: Government of Canada News

    As the main forum for cooperation among the world’s leading economies, the Group of 20 (G20) plays an important role in global governance, deepening cooperation between nations to address major global challenges.

    September 24, 2024 – Belém, Brazil

    As the main forum for cooperation among the world’s leading economies, the Group of 20 (G20) plays an important role in global governance, deepening cooperation between nations to address major global challenges. This includes a ministerial meeting that brings together tourism ministers from the G20 and other key nations.

    The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, recently concluded Canada’s successful participation in the 2024 G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Belém, Brazil.

    The G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting gives nations a venue to share best practices, foster international collaboration and use tourism to drive economic growth and cultural understanding. The fight against climate change was a major focus of this year’s meeting. Minister Ferrada shared Canada’s perspectives on climate change—from warm winters to wildfires—as an existential threat to tourism. The Minister also took part in extensive discussions on tourism sustainability and workforce challenges, like training and recruitment.

    Minister Ferrada also represented Canada during several other important activities surrounding the ministerial meeting. She participated in the World Travel & Tourism Council’s public-private sector dialogue, where participants shared their priorities and concerns and identified opportunities for mutual support and greater public-private partnership. Minister Ferrada spoke on behalf of Canada at the UN Tourism sustainability forum, which explored how nations can work together to build an inclusive and sustainable global tourism industry. Finally, the Minister held bilateral meetings with key allies and partners, including the United States, Japan, Germany and Italy.

    Alexander Cohen
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
    alexander.cohen@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
    media@ised-isde.gc.ca

    For easy access to government programs for businesses, download the Canada Business app.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Arrington Introduces Legislation to Counter Unfair Foreign Trade Practices

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19)

    Washington, D.C. – House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced H.R. 9724 – the Axing Nonmarket Tariff Evasion (ANTE) Act – legislation to defend the American economy from nonmarket entities using third countries to avoid U.S. trade enforcement.

    “For far too long, adversaries like China have cheated the American economy and cost the U.S. millions of jobs by utilizing unfair trade practices. President Trump took decisive action to curb this, but more still needs to be done,” said Chairman Arrington. “The Axing Non-Market Tariff Evasion (ANTE) Act would proactively stop foreign, state-owned businesses from using third countries as a backdoor to evade U.S. tariffs and bolster the American economy in the process.”

    “We appreciate Rep. Arrington’s leadership in introducing the Axing Non-Market Tariff Evasion Act. A strong domestic steel industry is necessary to support any of our country’s goals. China’s unfair trade practices are the number one threat to robust domestic production,” said Philip K. Bell, President, Steel Manufacturers Association. “Due to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, our members constantly play Whac-A-Mole attempting to combat dumping and trade cheating, as China moves production around the globe whenever the U.S. implements any action to level the playing field. This legislation provides our government tools to be more proactive in their fight against unfair trade practices. We look forward to working with you and your colleagues to support American workers and ensure our government can rapidly react to constantly evolving threats to our economy.” 

    “Chinese companies have become experts at tariff evasion, finding ways around U.S. tariffs in place to support manufacturing in America,” said James Warren, Forging Industry Association. “The Axing Nonmarket Tariff Evasion (ANTE) Act will proactively target tariff evasion as China uses third-party countries to undermine American manufacturing. It is time our manufacturers stop playing defense, this bill will proactively give policymakers the tools they need to strengthen the manufacturing industrial base.” 

    Background:

    • Highly subsidized state-owned enterprises like SAIC Motor controlled by non-market economies like China are setting up operations in other countries not subject to trade enforcement tariffs to export to the United States and avoid duties. This tariff evasion threatens American businesses, which risk losing market demand to entities that don’t play by the rules. 
    • While the U.S. has trade enforcement tools that address unfair nonmarket practices, there’s no trade law that addresses tariff evasion in a proactive and targeted manner. The Axing Non-Market Tariff Evasion (ANTE) Act would fill this void by amending Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to require the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to investigate whether a planned investment from a nonmarket economy, subject to Section 301 tariffs, into a third country, not subject to Section 301 tariffs, is being established to export to the U.S. and evade these tariffs.
    • If USITC determines that tariff evasion is occurring, it must notify the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) or Congress, which have the ability to apply the Section 301 tariff on the nonmarket economy to the specific third country investment, even before the investment goes into operation.
    • The ANTE Act would allow the U.S. to proactively prevent nonmarket entities from using investments in third countries as a backdoor to avoid U.S. trade enforcement and defend American businesses against bad actors that seek to evade U.S. law.

    Broad Support:

    • In addition to the Steel Manufacturers Association and the Forging Industry Association, the following groups have endorsed Rep. Arrington’s ANTE Act:
      • National Council of Textile Organizations
      • National Tooling and Machining Association
      • American Mold Builders Association
      • Precision Metalforming Association

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Minister Ferrada participates in the G20 Tourism Ministers meeting in Belém, Brazil

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    September 24, 2024 – Belém (Brazil)

    As the leading forum for cooperation among major economies, the Group of Twenty (G20) plays an important role in global governance and strengthening multilateral cooperation to address major global challenges. The G20 Summit includes a ministerial meeting attended by tourism ministers from member countries and other key nations.

    The Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, recently participated in the successful 2024 G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Belém, Brazil.

    Tourism ministers came together to share best practices, foster international collaboration, and drive economic growth and mutual cultural understanding through tourism. This year, addressing climate change was a major topic of discussion. Minister Ferrada shared Canada’s perspective on climate change, from mild winters to wildfires, which pose an existential threat to tourism. She also engaged in in-depth discussions on tourism sustainability and workforce challenges in the sector, including training and recruitment.

    Minister Ferrada represented Canada at several other events on the margins of the ministerial meeting. She notably took part in the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Public-Private Dialogue, where participants discussed priorities and concerns, identified opportunities for mutual support and strengthened public-private partnerships. Minister Ferrada spoke on behalf of Canada at the UN Tourism Sustainability Forum, which discussed how countries can work together to advance inclusive and sustainable tourism globally. Finally, the Minister held bilateral meetings with key partners and allies, including representatives from the United States, Japan, Germany and Italy.

    Quotes

    “Tourism brings people and nations together. This year, at the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, my counterparts and I reiterated our commitment to making tourism a sustainable and future-proof industry. To achieve this, we must develop tourism in an informed manner while combating climate change. Canada will continue to demonstrate leadership on the world stage and work with all other countries to make tourism a force for good.” – The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

    Related links

    Contact persons

    Alexander CohenDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebecalexander.cohen@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Media RelationsInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canadamedia@ised-isde.gc.ca

    Stay Connected

    Follow the Canada Business account on social mediaX (Twitter): @entreprisescan | Facebook: Canada Business | Instagram: @entreprisescdn

    Follow the Ministry on LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

    For easy access to government programs for businesses, download theCanada Business App.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening of the General Debate of the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    r. President of the General Assembly,

    Excellencies,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Our world is in a whirlwind.

    We are in an era of epic transformation – facing challenges unlike any we have ever seen – challenges that demand global solutions.

    Yet geo-political divisions keep deepening. The planet keeps heating.

    Wars rage with no clue how they will end.

    And nuclear posturing and new weapons cast a dark shadow.

    We are edging towards the unimaginable – a powder keg that risks engulfing the world.

    Meanwhile, 2024 is the year that half of humanity goes to the polls – and all of humanity will be affected.

    I stand before you in this whirlwind convinced of two overriding truths.

    First, the state of our world is unsustainable.

    We can’t go on like this.

    And second, the challenges we face are solvable.

    But that requires us to make sure the mechanisms of international problem-solving actually solve problems.

    The Summit of the Future was a first step, but we have a long way to go.

    Getting there requires confronting three major drivers of unsustainability.

    A world of impunity – where violations and abuses threaten the very foundation of international law and the UN Charter.

    A world of inequality – where injustices and grievances threaten to undermine countries or even push them over the edge.

    And a world of uncertainty – where unmanaged global risks threaten our future in unknowable ways.

    These worlds of impunity, inequality and uncertainty are connected and colliding.

    Excellencies,

    The level of impunity in the world is politically indefensible and morally intolerable.

    Today, a growing number of governments and others feel entitled to a “get out of jail free” card.

    They can trample international law.

    They can violate the United Nations Charter.

    They can turn a blind eye to international human rights conventions or the decisions of international courts.

    They can thumb their nose at international humanitarian law.

    They can invade another country, lay waste to whole societies, or utterly disregard the welfare of their own people.

    And nothing will happen.

    We see this age of impunity everywhere — in the Middle East, in the heart of Europe, in the Horn of Africa, and beyond.

    The war in Ukraine is spreading with no signs of letting up.

    Civilians are paying the price – in rising death tolls and shattered lives and communities.

    It is time for a just peace based on the UN Charter, on international law and on UN resolutions.

    Meanwhile, Gaza is a non-stop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it.

    Look no further than Lebanon.

    We should all be alarmed by the escalation. 

    Lebanon is at the brink. 

    The people of Lebanon – the people of Israel – and the people of the world — cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.

    Let’s be clear.

    Nothing can justify the abhorrent acts of terror committed by Hamas on October 7th, or the taking of hostages – both of which I have repeatedly condemned.

    And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

    The speed and scale of the killing and destruction in Gaza are unlike anything in my years as Secretary-General.

    More than 200 of our own staff have been killed, many with their families.

    And yet the women and men of the United Nations continue to deliver humanitarian aid.

    I know you join me in paying a special tribute to UNRWA and to all humanitarians in Gaza.

    The international community must mobilize for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.

    For those who go on undermining that goal with more settlements, more landgrabs, more incitement — I ask:

    What is the alternative?

    How could the world accept a one-state future in which a large a large number of Palestinians would be included without any freedom, rights or dignity?

    In Sudan, a brutal power struggle has unleashed horrific violence — including widespread rape and sexual assaults.

    A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads.  Yet outside powers continue to interfere with no unified approach to finding peace.

    In the Sahel, the dramatic and rapid expansion of the terrorist threat requires a joint approach rooted in solidarity – but regional and international cooperation have broken down.

    From Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Haiti to Yemen and beyond – we continue to see appalling levels of violence and human suffering in the face of a chronic failure to find solutions.

    Meanwhile our peacekeeping missions are too often operating in areas where simply there is no peace to keep.

    Instability in many places around the world is a by-product of instability in power relations and geo-political divides.

    For all its perils, the Cold War had rules.

    There were hot lines, red lines and guard rails.

    It can feel as though we don’t have that today.

    Nor do we have a unipolar world.

    We are moving to a multipolar world, but we are not there yet.

    We are in a purgatory of polarity.

    And in this purgatory, more and more countries are filling the spaces of geopolitical divides, doing whatever they want with no accountability.

    That is why it is more important than ever to reaffirm the Charter, to respect international law, to support and implement decisions of international courts, and to reinforce human rights in the world.

    Anywhere and everywhere.

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,
     
    L’augmentation des inégalités est un deuxième facteur de l’insoutenabilité et une tache sur notre conscience collective.
     
    L’inégalité n’est pas une question technique ou bureaucratique.
     
    Au fond, l’inégalité est une question de pouvoir, aux racines historiques.
     
    Les conflits, les bouleversements climatiques et la crise du coût de la vie étendent ces racines historiques plus profondément encore.
     
    Dans le même temps, le monde peine encore à se relever de la flambée des inégalités engendrée par la pandémie.
     
    Si l’on regarde les 75 pays les plus pauvres du monde, un tiers d’entre eux se trouve aujourd’hui dans une situation pire qu’il y a cinq ans.
     
    Au cours de la même période, les cinq hommes les plus riches de la planète ont plus que doublé leurs fortunes.
     
    Et un pour cent des habitants de la planète détient 43 % de l’ensemble des avoirs financiers mondiaux.
     
    Au niveau national, certains gouvernements décuplent les inégalités en accordant des cadeaux fiscaux massifs aux entreprises et aux ultra-riches — au détriment des investissements dans la santé, l’éducation et la protection sociale.
     
    Et personne n’est plus lésé que les femmes et les filles du monde entier.
     
    Excellences,
     
    La discrimination et les abus généralisés fondés sur le genre constituent l’inégalité la plus répandue dans toutes les sociétés.
     
    Chaque jour, il semble que nous soyons confrontés à de nouveaux cas révoltants de féminicides, de violences fondées sur le genre et de viols collectifs – en temps de paix comme en tant qu’arme de guerre.
     
    Dans certains pays, les lois sont utilisées pour menacer la santé et les droits reproductifs.
     
    Et en Afghanistan, les lois sont utilisées pour entériner l’oppression systématique des femmes et des filles.
     
    Et je suis désolé de constater que, malgré des années de beaux discours, l’inégalité de genre se manifesteet je vous demande pardon de le dire, elle se manifeste aujourd’hui encore, pleinement dans cette enceinte.
     
    Moins de 10 pour cent des intervenants au Débat général de cette semaine sont des femmes.
     
    C’est inacceptable, surtout quand on sait que l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes contribue à la paix, au développement durable, à l’action climatique et bien plus encore.
     
    C’est précisément pour cela nous avons pris des mesures spécifiques pour atteindre la parité hommes-femmes parmi les hauts responsables de l’Organisation des Nations Unies,objectif qui est déjà complété.
     
    C’est faisable.
     
    J’exhorte les institutions politiques et économiques du monde dominées par les hommes à le faire aussi.
     
    Excellences,
     
    Les inégalités mondiales se reflètent et se renforcent jusque dans nos propres organisations internationales.
     
    Le Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies a été conçu par les vainqueurs de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
     
    À l’époque, la majeure partie du continent africain était encore sous domination coloniale.
     
    À ce jour, l’Afrique n’a toujours aucun siège permanent au sein de la principale instance de paix du monde.
     
    Un changement s’impose.
     
    Il en va de même pour l’architecture financière mondiale, mise en place il y a 80 ans.
     
    Je félicite les dirigeants de la Banque mondiale et du Fonds monétaire international pour les mesures importantes qu’ils ont entreprises.
     
    Mais comme le souligne le Pacte pour l’avenir, la lutte contre les inégalités exige une accélération de la réforme de l’architecture financière internationale.
     
    Au cours des huit dernières décennies, l’économie mondiale s’est développée et transformée.
     
    Les institutions de Bretton Woods n’ont pas suivi le rythme.
     
    Elles ne sont plus en mesure de fournir un filet de sécurité mondial, ni d’offrir aux pays en développement le niveau de soutien dont ils ont tant besoin.
     
    Dans les pays les plus pauvres du monde, le coût des intérêts de la dette dépasse, en moyenne, le coût des investissements dans l’éducation, la santé et les infrastructures publiques réunis.
     
    Et à l’échelle du monde, plus de 80 % des cibles des Objectifs de développement durable ne sont pas en bonne voie.
    Excelencias,

    Volver al camino correcto requiere un aumento de financiamiento para la Agenda 2030 y el Acuerdo de París.

    Esto implica que los países del G20 lideren un Estímulo para los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de 500.000 millones de dólares al año.

    Implica reformas para aumentar sustancialmente la capacidad de préstamo de los Bancos Multilaterales de Desarrollo – y permitirles ampliar masivamente la financiación asequible a largo plazo para el clima y el desarrollo.

    Implica ampliar la financiación de contingencia mediante el reciclaje de los Derechos Especiales de Giro.

    E implica promover una reestructuración de la deuda a largo plazo.

    Excelencias,

    No me hago ilusiones sobre las barreras a la reforma del sistema multilateral.

    Los que tienen poder político y económico, o y los que creen tenerlo, son siempre reacios al cambio.

    Pero el status quo ya está agotando su poder.

    Sin reformas, la fragmentación es inevitable, y las instituciones globales perderán legitimidad, credibilidad y eficacia.

    Excellencies,

    The third driver of our unsustainable world is uncertainty.

    The ground is shifting under our feet.

    Anxiety levels are off the charts.

    And young people, in particular, are counting on us and seeking solutions.

    Uncertainty is compounded by two existential threats – the climate crisis and the rapid advance of technology — in particular, Artificial Intelligence.

    Excellencies,

    We are in a climate meltdown.

    Extreme temperatures, raging fires, droughts, and epic floods are not natural disasters.

    They are human disasters — increasingly fueled by fossil fuels.

    No country is spared. But the poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit.

    Climate hazards are blowing a hole through the budgets of many African countries, costing up to five per cent of GDP – every year.

    And this is just the start.

    We are on course to careen past the global limit of a 1.5 degree temperature rise.

    But as the problem gets worse, solutions are getting better.

    Renewable prices are plummeting, roll-out is accelerating, and lives are being transformed by affordable, accessible clean energy.

    Renewables don’t just generate power. They generate jobs, wealth, energy security and a path out of poverty for millions.

    But developing countries cannot be plundered in that journey.

    Our Panel on Critical Minerals has recommended fair and sustainable ways to meet global demand for these resources, which are essential to the renewables revolution.

    Excellencies,

    A future without fossil fuels is certain.  A fair and fast transition is not.

    That is in your hands.

    By next year, every country must produce an ambitious new national climate action plan – or Nationally Determined Contributions.

    These must bring national energy strategies, sustainable development priorities, and climate ambitions together.

    They must align with the 1.5 degree limit, cover the whole economy, and contribute to every one of the COP28 energy transition targets.

    An International Energy Agency report released today breaks this down.

    By 2035, on average, advanced economies must slash energy emissions 80 per cent, and emerging markets 65 per cent.

    The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions.

    They must lead the charge – keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances.

    But this must be a joint effort — pooling resources, scientific capacities and proven and affordable technologies for all to be able to reach those targets.

    I’m honoured to be working closely with President Lula of Brazil – who is both G20 Chair and COP30 host – to secure maximum ambition, acceleration and cooperation. We just met for that purpose.

    Finance is essential.

    COP29 is around the corner.

    It must deliver a significant new finance goal.

    We also need a Loss and Damage Fund that meets the scale of the challenge – and developed countries meeting their adaptation finance promises.

    And we must finally flip the script on a crazy situation:

    We continue to reward polluters to wreck our planet.

    The fossil fuel industry continues to pocket massive profits and subsidies, while everyday people bear the costs of climate catastrophe – from rising insurance premiums to lost livelihoods.

    I call on G20 countries to shift money from fossil fuel subsidies and investments to a just energy transition;

    To put an effective price on carbon;

    And to implement new and innovative sources of financing – including solidarity levies on fossil fuel extraction – through legally-binding, transparent mechanisms.

    All by next year and this taking into account that those who shoulder the blame must foot the bill.

    Polluters must pay.

    Excellencies,

    The rapid rise of new technologies poses another unpredictable existential risk.

    Artificial Intelligence will change virtually everything we know — from work, education and communication, to culture and politics.

    We know AI is rapidly advancing, but where is it taking us:

    To more freedom – or more conflict?

    To a more sustainable world – or greater inequality?

    To being better informed – or easier to manipulate?

    A handful of companies and even individuals have already amassed enormous power over the development of AI – with little accountability or oversight for the moment.

    Without a global approach to its management, artificial intelligence could lead to artificial divisions across the board – a Great Fracture with two internets, two markets, two economies – with every country forced to pick a side, and enormous consequences for all.

    The United Nations is the universal platform for dialogue and consensus.

    It is uniquely placed to promote cooperation on AI – based on the values of the Charter and international law.

    The global debate happens here, or it does not happen.

    I welcome important first steps.

    Two resolutions in the General Assembly, the Global Digital Compact, and the recommendations of the High-Level Body on AI can lay the foundations for inclusive governance of AI.

    Let’s move forward together to make AI a force for good.

    Excellencies,

    Nothing lasts forever.

    But a feature of human life is that it appears otherwise.

    The current order always feels fixed.

    Until it is not.
     
    Across human history, we see empires rising and falling; old certainties crumbling; tectonic shifts in global affairs.
     
    Today our course is unsustainable.

    It is in all our interests to manage the epic transformations underway; to choose the future we want and to guide our world towards it.

    Many have said that the differences and divisions today are just too great.

    That it is impossible for us to come together for the common good.

    You proved that is not true.

    The Summit of the Future showed that with a spirit of dialogue and compromise, we can join forces to steer our world to a more sustainable path.

    It is not the end.

    It is a start of a journey, a compass in the whirlwind.

    Let’s keep going.

    Let’s move our world towards less impunity and more accountability …. less inequality and more justice … less uncertainty and more opportunity.

    The people of the world are looking to us – and succeeding generations will look back on us.

    Let them find us on the side of the United Nations Charter … on the side of our shared values and principles … and on the right side of history.

    I thank you.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Recognized as a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (WASHINGTON, DC) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was recognized by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and was honored as a Guardian of Small Business. This award honors lawmakers who consistently vote in favor of small businesses on key issues identified by business owners. Lawmakers who voted in support of small businesses on key issues during the 118th Congress earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award. A total of 269 members of Congress were recognized as Guardians of Small Business during the 118th Congress.

    “I thank the National Federation of Independent Business and NFIB President Brad Close for this award,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “As a Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, my priority has been to support and champion our small businesses by cutting bureaucratic red tape, lowering taxes, and reducing regulations. We must continue working to create an economic environment where small businesses can invest, expand and thrive, as they are job creators and the backbone of our economy.”

    “The NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award is presented to Members of Congress with a demonstrated record of supporting America’s small and independent business owners,” said NFIB President Brad Close. “This Congress, small businesses faced tough economic headwinds, especially from inflation, burdensome regulations, and threats of tax hikes at all levels of the government. We are proud to recognize the lawmakers from the 118th Congress, including Representative Nicole Malliotakis, who stood up for Main Street by taking pro-small business votes that would reduce taxes, eliminate burdensome government mandates, lower health insurance costs, and fuel the Main Street economy.”

    READ MORE HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly to meet with Yulia Navalnaya in Ottawa

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will host Yulia Navalnaya, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Anti-Corruption Foundation and widow of former Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, in Ottawa, Ontario, on September 17, 2024.

    September 16, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will host Yulia Navalnaya, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Anti-Corruption Foundation and widow of former Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, in Ottawa, Ontario, on September 17, 2024.

    Minister Joly will have a high-level meeting with Ms. Navalnaya to discuss human rights in Russia and the challenges and risks faced by political dissidents.

    Minister Joly and Ms. Navalnaya will also participate in an informal discussion event to exchange perspectives on the role of Canada and the international community in supporting democracy and justice, advocacy for human rights, as well as Ms. Navalnaya’s resilience in the face of immense personal and political adversity, which has made her a powerful voice in the fight for freedom and justice.

    During her visit to Ottawa, Ms. Navalnaya will also meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: FDIC Appoints Jennifer Schoen as Director of the Division of Administration

    Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

    WASHINGTON – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board of Directors has approved the selection of Jennifer Schoen as Director of the Division of Administration (DOA).

    In this role, Ms. Schoen will oversee a wide range of administrative services in support of the FDIC’s business activities, including the operation and management of FDIC facilities, personnel and physical security programs, and acquisition services. She will also provide strategic guidance to ensure the agency is prepared for and effectively responds to emergencies and advise the FDIC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other senior leaders on matters related to facilities, security, capital improvements and maintenance, and procurement. 

    “Jennifer brings vast knowledge and experience to the role of Director,” said Deputy to the Chairman and COO Daniel Bendler.  “I am thrilled that she will be leading the dedicated team in DOA to ensure that the FDIC remains an effective organization that is prepared to carry out its important mission.”

    Ms. Schoen currently serves as an Assistant Director in DOA, where she leads a team of contracting officers in support of various Divisions and Offices, procuring complex services and commodities in support of the FDIC mission. 

    Between June 2023 and May 2024, Ms. Schoen served on a detail as a Corporate Expert supporting the COO Organization on many complex projects.  She joined the FDIC in 2006 as a Procurement Analyst and was instrumental in the implementation of the Automated Procurement System.  She began her federal career at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 2001 as a Procurement Analyst and Contracting Officer, where she supported the cutting-edge research and development efforts of the agency. 

    She has a Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Union College.  She is admitted to the bars of New York and Virginia, and she holds a certification for the Senior Executive Fellows Program from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

    ###

    MEDIA CONTACT: 
    mediarequests@fdic.gov

    FDIC: PR-81-2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: NNIT A/S: Reporting of transactions in NNIT’s shares made by person discharging managerial responsibilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NNIT has pursuant to article 19 of the Market Abuse Regulation received notification of transactions by person with managerial responsibilities in NNIT.

    Reference is made to the attached table showing detailed information about the transactions.

    Contact for further information

    Carsten Ringius
    EVP & CFO
    Tel: +45 3077 8888
    carr@nnit.com

    Media relations
    Tina Joanne Hindsbo
    Media Relations Manager
    Tel: +45 3077 9578
    tnjh@nnit.com

    NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and enterprise sectors in Denmark.

    We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.

    We advise and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.

    We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies, but always driven by business needs rather than technology.

    NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and subsidiaries SCALES, Excellis Health Solutions and SL Controls. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and USA.

    Read more at www.nnit.com

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: OEUK news OEUK: GB Energy must build on Aberdeen’s industrial 24 September 2024

    Source: Offshore Energy UK

    Headline: OEUK news

    OEUK: GB Energy must build on Aberdeen’s industrial

    24 September 2024

    Offshore Energies UK, the leading trade body welcomes the announcement that GB Energy will be located in Aberdeen. The city has been Europe’s energy capital for the last fifty years and with the right energy policies in place to back firms and their workers, it can continue to spearhead the UK’s homegrown energy transition. 

    OEUK says listening to industry’s experts and building partnerships will be key to determining GB Energy’s success. The UK’s transition to cleaner energy is not only the biggest engineering project the UK has seen since the Second World War. It is also the biggest financial undertaking.

    The government’s Office for Budgetary Responsibility (OBR) says net zero will cost the UK £1.4 trillion, and that the lion’s share must come from business.  

    The new government now needs partnerships with industry to put plans into action, unlock investment and kickstart economic growth.  

    While welcoming the announcement, OEUK reinforced its continued concerns over plans by the UK government to increase and extend the Energy Profits Levy.

    OEUK and its members work closely with policymakers of all parties to champion the UK’s energy security and low carbon future.

    David Whitehouse, CEO Offshore Energies UK comments: 

    “Aberdeen is an energy powerhouse and home to brilliant British engineering. It must and should be part of the UK’s energy future. The people of this city are rightly proud of their energy heritage and it’s imperative GB Energy helps to safeguard their jobs and build on their world class expertise to benefit the whole UK.  

    “Where GB Energy is located is important but what really matters is what is does. Success will be built on partnerships with industry unlocking the private sector investment needed to achieve the homegrown energy transition and economic growth we all want. This means listening to expert people across our sector, backing our supply chains and safeguarding the jobs of thousands of skilled workers across the UK.  

    “But I remain concerned the new government’s tax changes will have profound consequences for this sector and its people. The new government committed to safeguarding jobs in its manifesto and must listen to those working in the sector. Today’s announcement is welcomed, but it will do little to alleviate the very real concerns of the impact the government’s tax proposals will have on thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in future economic value.

    “I am asking the government to choose a homegrown energy transition that makes the most of our people and businesses. The alternative is importing ever more energy, skills and infrastructure and subtracting value from our economy.” 

    Ends.

    OEUK is campaigning for a homegrown energy transition that makes the most of the UK’s people and industrial strengths to be a secure, sustainable and skilled future. Download a copy of OEUK’s industry manifesto here.

    Share this article

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Heritage sites key tourist destinations – Mashatile

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Acting President Paul Mashatile has urged the South Africans to seize the opportunity to highlight heritage sites as key tourist destinations, contributing to socio-economic development, fostering people-to-people connections, and promoting social cohesion.

    Mashatile was delivering the keynote address during the Heritage Day commemoration at Meqheleng Stadium, Ficksburg, on Tuesday. 

    “As we celebrate Heritage Month, which coincides with Tourism Month, we should use this opportunity to showcase to the nation the significance of our heritage sites across the country as tourist destinations of choice that have the potential to contribute to socio-economic development, promote people-to-people relations and enhance social cohesion.

    “On this day, we should also celebrate our cultural diversity, our inherited sense of family identity, our traditions, cultural wealth, and artefacts passed down through the generations, particularly since the dawn of democracy,” he said. 

    The Acting President told South Africans to reflect on 30 years of democracy, which in itself is a milestone that underlines the nation’s diversity and heritage. 

    He noted that it is also critical that the country recognise and remember the courageous individuals such as JB Marks and Moses Kotane and many others who gave their all for the great gift of our freedom. 

    The 2024 Heritage Day is celebrated under the theme: “Celebrating the Lives of Our Heroes and Heroines Who Laid Down Their Lives for Our Freedom. 

    Mashatile said the theme is fitting because it allows the country to honour the lives of those who confronted adversity with unflinching bravery, and stood up against injustice and oppression. 

    “The commemoration of our heritage is a result of the sacrifices and efforts of those who came before us, fighting against apartheid and championing social justice and human rights.

    “It is therefore important that we, as a nation, preserve the memory of those who fought for our freedom. They have dedicated and sacrificed their lives to the defence of our country, as well as the assertion of the values and principles that must be upheld. It is because of their bravery, resilience, and resolute commitment that we have a brighter future for generations to come,” he said. 

    Mashatile emphasised the importance of honouring struggle heroes and educating future generations about their sacrifices.

    As part of this process, and in honour of the freedom fighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Mashatile highlighted that the country will be honouring those who have fallen outside of the borders. 

    A homecoming ceremony will take place this Friday in which President Ramaphosa will officially receive the repatriated remains from Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

    As South Africa marks three decades of democracy, the nation reflects on its rich heritage while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality. 

    Acting President also urged citizens to unite and celebrate diversity in the pursuit of a more equal society where opportunities are not dictated by colour, gender, class, or religion.

    “To tackle these ongoing challenges, we must unite and celebrate our diversity while striving to create a more equal society where opportunities are not determined by colour, gender, class, or religion.

    “This would entail increasing people’s skills through access to equal education opportunities, quality health care for all, and provision of basic amenities, as well as facilitating work opportunities and shifting economic ownership patterns,” he said. 

    Furthermore, Mahsatile said government, interfaith, civil society formations and traditional leaders must work together to eliminate persisting inequalities and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) which is prevalent in our communities. He added that all acts of criminality, and GBVF undermine government efforts to foster the culture of social cohesion and moral regeneration.

    “We must not let anybody conceal evil acts of abuse under the guise of one’s belief system and culture. It has to be said that no nation can condone any form of abuse against women, children and those most vulnerable within society, including the LGBTQIA+ community. To demonstrate our commitment to the fight against GBVF, the government has introduced new laws protecting women and children,” he said. 

    He highlighted that on 24 May 2024, the President signed the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill into law.

    This new legislation is a significant step towards protecting women and children from abuse and violence, by way of establishing a council to provide strategic leadership in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

    Mashatile called for the confrontation of issues related to heritage resources in public spaces, which continue to pose a challenge in defining a collective cultural identity and building a nation united in its diversity.

    “In our country, the impact of apartheid remains visible, and the wounds of past divisions and inequalities remain unresolved. Therefore, we need to continue to build on that which unites us and deal with issues that seek to divide us as a nation. 

    “It is through understanding and celebrating our shared heritage that we can begin to bridge the gaps that divide us and move forward as a united and inclusive society,” he said. 

    He added that the reality of the nation’s political climate under the Government of National Unity, also gives an opportunity to collectively re-imagine what the heritage of good governance in South Africa can look like. 

    “Our ability to look beyond our differences and converge on the shared agenda to bring about inclusive growth, job creation and poverty reduction is one of the examples that the government is showing its commitment to uniting through diversity,” he said. 

    Mashatile further called on different sectors of society to collaborate with the South African Heritage Resource Agency to develop community abilities and capacities to help identify and protect heritage resources.

    “We have to guard and protect our heritage from forms of neglect and threats such as natural disasters, urbanisation, globalisation and developments that pose challenges to the preservation of our most treasured landmarks, artefacts, and traditions. 

    “All communities from the Free State Province, including Ficksburg, have the responsibility to protect and preserve historical sites like the Old Prison Cells and the General Fick Museum. We must educate young people about the significance of such sites because they are an important part of who we are and where we come from,” he said. 

    He also called for a renewed commitment to heritage conservation, emphasising its importance not only in preserving the past but also in shaping South Africa’s future. 

    “Our heritage is more than a collection of artefacts; it defines who we are and where we are headed as a nation,” he said. 

    Mashatile stressed the need to protect both tangible and intangible heritage, highlighting the connections among diverse communities through shared living heritage, including oral histories, belief systems, cultural practices, and indigenous knowledge. 

    He noted that these elements are foundational to the nation’s identity, saying, “Preserving intangible cultural heritage is vital to maintaining our integrity, values, and mutual respect.”

    He urged all stakeholders – families, NGOs, traditional and interfaith leaders, educational institutions, businesses, and media to engage in promoting and protecting intangible cultural heritage

    Mashatile encouraged pride in native languages and urged South Africans to learn each other’s dialects to foster mutual understanding and respect.

    The Acting President called on intellectuals and language practitioners, along with organisations like the Pan South African Language Board, to implement programmes aimed at preventing linguistic knowledge extinction, especially among younger generations.

    “As South Africa continues to develop, it is crucial to preserve our heritage for generations to come. We must cherish, protect, and celebrate the monuments, sites, and traditions that define our unique identities, ensuring that they are passed on to future generations.

    “Most importantly, while we celebrate our rich past and unique culture, we must remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for our independence. May we never forget the price paid for our freedom, and may we always remember the lives of our heroes and heroines who sacrificed everything for our country,” he said. 

    In closing, Mashatile called for collective action to preserve the nation’s legacy and shape a better future for all South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor urged to deliver Budget of ‘investment and opportunity’

    Source: Scottish Government

    Pledge to work with UK Government to create ‘the change people need’.

    The UK Autumn Budget should focus on “investment and opportunity”, with more funding for public services, infrastructure and measures to eradicate child poverty, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

    The Finance Secretary pledged to work with the UK Government and devolved administrations to ensure the Autumn Budget on October 30 “works for all four nations and delivers the change that people need”.

    She called for the Chancellor to:

    • change the rules around borrowing to allow for greater investment in public infrastructure and services
    • reverse the forecast cut to capital funding, enabling the Scottish Government to invest more in hospitals, schools and transport
    • abolish the two child limit
    • deliver an Essentials Guarantee providing basic necessities for those who need them most
    • take greater steps towards delivering net zero, including by reforming motoring taxation
    • ensure any changes to tax take account of Scotland’s distinct and devolved tax system

    Ms Robison said:

    “When I met with the Chancellor last month, we were in full agreement that we must put people first in all that we do. This principle must be at the heart of the decisions at the Autumn Budget.

    “I want to work with the Chancellor, and the governments in Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure that we have a Budget that works for all four nations and delivers the change that people need.

    “It does not need to be another Budget of challenge and constraint. Instead it can be a Budget about investment and opportunity.

    “We’re calling for measures to tackle child poverty and grow our economy. We’d like to see new rules around borrowing that support investment in public services. We want the UK Government to work hand in hand with the devolved administrations to provide the funding to deliver on our priorities.

    “These are the choices I encourage the Chancellor to make.”

    Background

    UK Autumn Budget: Letter to UK Government – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    The Finance Secretary also confirmed that the Scottish Budget, outlining the Scottish Government’s proposed tax and spending plans for 2025-26, will be delivered on 4 December.

    The two child limit restricts universal credit and child tax credits to the first two children in most households, if born after April 2017.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Schools to mark National Day

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Education Bureau today held the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country” – Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China & Joint School National Education Activities Kick-off Ceremony.

    The bureau announced that it will collaborate with Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Po Leung Kuk, the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China, the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, Hong Kong Subsidized Secondary Schools Council, Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council, Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association and Subsidized Primary Schools Council to jointly organise the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country 3.0” series of joint school national education activities in the 2024-25 school year.

    Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing and Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin officiated at the kick-off ceremony attended by about 2,500 representatives from school sponsoring bodies and the bureau, principals, teachers, students and parents.

    Addressing the event, Mr Cheuk said that the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country 3.0” joint school national education activities will further expand the scale of the event.

    He noted that participating schools cover kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and sister schools on the Mainland, adding that joint school collaboration not only strengthens exchanges among schools but also combines strengths to develop resources, enabling a patriotic atmosphere and sentiments to extend continuously across school campuses in all districts of Hong Kong.

    Mr Cheuk highlighted that love for the country should be the value and sentiment of every Chinese national, and patriotic education and activities play an important role in nurturing the growth of patriotic sentiments.

    He thanked practitioners from the education sector for remaining steadfast in their roles, noting that through learning inside and outside the classroom, students are given the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the country’s history, culture and values from an early age, and experience the distinctiveness of traditional Chinese culture, thereby fostering their pride in being Chinese and enhancing their national pride and sense of responsibility and ownership.

    The kick-off ceremony featured a variety of rich programmes, including a performance by a 90-member joint school Chinese orchestra. In addition, over 100 students performed lion dances, martial arts and other dances. A choir composed of 75 principals from school sponsoring bodies, school councils and government schools marked the ceremony’s finale with a song to express their warm congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

    Highlights of the kick-off ceremony will be broadcast on RTHK TV 31 at 1.30pm on September 28.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sorensen Announces $250,000 for Kewanee to Support Local Police and Fight Crime

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    MOLINE, IL – As we approach the start of National Crime Prevention Month, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing $250,000 for the City of Kewanee to hire two law enforcement officers to increase community policing and crime prevention efforts.  

    “Our local police departments, especially in our small hometowns, often work under tight budgets with limited resources,” said Sorensen. “And despite these conditions, our brave men and women in law enforcement work around the clock to keep our neighborhoods safe. I am proud to announce this funding for the Kewanee Police Department, so our local police have the tools they need to fight crime and protect our communities. I will always work to bring tax dollars back home to make sure Northwestern Illinois is safe for our neighbors.”   

    “We are grateful for this grant from the COPS hiring program, which will allow us to expand our community policing efforts without placing additional strain on local budgets,” said Chief Stephen Kijanowski of the Kewanee Police Department. “These funds will also help us address local violent crime and the narcotics issues facing our community, enhancing our public safety initiatives and better serving the residents of Kewanee.” 

    The $250,000 in funding for the City of Kewanee is coming from the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, which builds trust between police departments and the communities they serve. These grants allow local police departments to hire community policing professionals, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and train local government leaders to best support their police officers and protect their communities.  

    This past May, Sorensen led a group of 24 of his colleagues in calling on Congress to fully fund the COPS program in direct response to roundtable discussions and meetings he has hosted with law enforcement from across Central and Northwestern Illinois.    

    Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and USAID spotlight local innovations to combat food insecurity in disaster-prone areas in the Philippines

    Source: World Food Programme

    QUEZON CITY – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are hosting the Preparedness and Response Excellence in the Philippines (PREP) Forum on September 24 – 25, highlighting local solutions to tackle food insecurity in disaster-prone areas. Supported by USAID and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this forum aims to enhance the Philippines’ emergency response and management capacities, supporting vulnerable Filipinos during natural disasters.

    “I am incredibly impressed at the speed of innovation in disaster management in the Philippines,” said USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks. “As your friend, partner, and ally, the United States remains committed to strengthening our partnerships and working with the Philippine government to rebuild and restore lives following disasters.”

    Ahead of the forum, WFP launched the PREP Innovation Challenge in July to explore local solutions that tackle food insecurity. Participants in the challenge come from diverse sectors, including national Government, academia, private sector, and non-governmental organizations such as the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards Center, the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, and the Tarabang para sa Bicol, Inc.

    “What makes this year’s Forum special is our focus on innovation. WFP aims for the Forum to be a valuable platform where experts and stakeholders share solutions that will enhance the Philippines’ disaster management capacity. Innovative solutions can empower vulnerable communities to better prepare for and recover faster from climatic shocks and other crises,” said Regis Chapman, WFP Philippines Country Director.

    Going forward, WFP will collaborate with the local innovators to implement their solutions in at least one of the most disaster-prone provinces of the Philippines: Albay, Cagayan, Catanduanes, Dinagat Islands, Isabela, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Surigao del Norte. This joint venture will empower the most vulnerable communities to prepare for and recover faster from disasters and crises.

    The innovation challenge is part of WFP’s mission in the Philippines to help pilot and scale existing innovative approaches to improve food security in some of the most disaster-prone areas in close partnership with and support of the Government, donors, and partners.

    The Philippines is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. For the third consecutive year, the Philippines ranked 1st worldwide due to its exposure and susceptibility to natural hazards. 

    #                 #                   #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Twitter/X @wfp_media @wfp_philippines

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CT State Middlesex Honor Society Award Entries Featured in National Journals

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Sept. 23, 2024 (Middletown, Conn.) — The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society chapter at CT State Middlesex, Beta Gamma Xi, recently published articles in two distinguished academic journals, Civic Scholar: Journal of Undergraduate Community College Research and Change Makers: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Student Leadership.

    “Congratulations to the entire Beta Gamma Xi chapter. We’re proud of your achievement. Your work inspires us and highlights the extraordinary work done by PTK members,” said Susan Edwards, Ed.D., Senior Director of Honors Programs at Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, who notified Beta Gamma Xi c0-advisor, Lin Lin, Ph.D., about the Civic Scholar selection.

    The chapter’s Honors in Action team’s project Civic Scholar entry, “Nostalgia-Inspired Art: Integrating Nostalgia into Recreational Therapy,” was selected for publication as one of the 20 featured articles among 422 entries.

    In the article, the chapter explores the potential needs and well-being of the adult senior population due to advancements in technology that increased their lifespans and population. The PTK students examined how nostalgia, through recreational and music therapy, fosters social connections and improves moods. They partnered with the Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education (MILE) to conduct a session where participants shared happy memories triggered by nostalgic music. Surveys showed that most felt the activity “made the day better.”

    The full Civic Scholar article is available online.

    The chapter’s College Project team’s Change Makers entry, “Understanding the Needs and Interests of Students at Meriden Campus,” was chosen as one of just 17 articles from over 450 submissions featured in the fourth edition of Change Makers.

    “We are incredibly proud of your students’ exceptional servant leadership in collaboration with your college administration for this College Project,” said Jennifer Stanford, Senior Director of Student Leadership at Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

    The goal of the Change Makers article provides insights from student experiences at the Meriden campus to help enhance service quality in line with the CT State Middlesex student-centered mission. This involved an online survey and in-person focus groups, targeting current Meriden students and students in the GEAR UP high school program. The survey addressed academic interests, desired activities and services, and barriers to their class-taking experiences.

    Read the full Change Makers article online.

    “Congratulations to our students and special thanks to Dr. Lin Lin for all she does for our PTK team,” said Kimberly Hogan, CEO, CT State Middlesex.

    Earlier this year, CT State Middlesex’s Beta Gamma Xi Chapter was honored as the Most Distinguished Chapter in the New England Region and recognized among the Top Distinguished Chapters nationally. These projects are part of the chapter’s efforts to achieve and maintain their Five Star Level Chapter status.

    More information about these projects:
    https://www.ptk.org/phi-theta-kappa-publishes-change-makers-student-leadership-journal/
    https://www.ptk.org/phi-theta-kappa-publishes-civic-scholar-undergraduate-community-college-research-journal/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments Investing to Increase Workforce Diversity in Agriculture

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5 million in the new Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (AWEDI) to help minority groups start and build businesses in the agri-food sector.

    Canada and Ontario strengthening entrepreneurial opportunities for under-represented groups in agri-food

    September 24, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1.5 million in the new Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (AWEDI) to help minority groups start and build businesses in the agri-food sector.

    Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), AWEDI provides grants of up to $100,000 to support business ventures led by primary agricultural producers and food processors who are Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, persons with disabilities, youth, women or members of French linguistic minority communities.

    AWEDI is open to applications from organizations, research bodies, municipalities or Indigenous communities. Successful projects will support underrepresented groups in accessing spaces and equipment to grow or process agri-food products, as well as resources to help with financing.

    Applications open on October 8, 2024, and will remain open until December 3, 2024.

    The Sustainable CAP is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

    Annie Cullinan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Carbon Dioxide Removal Market Size Expected to Reach $2.54 Billion By 2033 as Climate Change Concerns Grow

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The carbon dioxide removal market has grown rapidly with the developments in the chemical domain. This industry mainly deals with providing solutions for removing C02 from the environment using natural and artificial methods. The C02 removal strategy is mostly integrated into many climate policies, as CO2 is an important element of climate change. CDR includes several methods that are mainly used on land or in aquatic systems. Land-based methods consist of afforestation, reforestation, and other agricultural practices. The water-based methods include ocean alkalinity enhancement, ocean fertilization, wetland restoration, and some blue carbon approaches. There are several products that are used in the CDR process that mainly include Biochar, Direct Air Capture (DAC), Enhanced/Carbon Mineralization, Ocean Alkalinization, BECCS, Microalgae, and some others. The CDR mainly finds applications in the technology and finance sectors. This industry is expected to grow exponentially with the growth in chemical industries. A report from Precedence Research said: “The global carbon dioxide removal market size was USD 638.73 million in 2023, calculated at USD $733.52 million in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD $2,548.29 million by 2033. The market is expanding at a solid CAGR of 14.84% over the forecast period 2024 to 2033. The rising awareness of reducing CO2 emissions across the world is driving the growth of the carbon dioxide removal market.” Active companies in the markets this week include: BluSky Carbon Inc. (CSE: BSKY) (OTCQB: BSKCF), Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: OXY), Arq, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARQ), Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO), Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE).

    The Precedence Research report continued saying: “The growing developments in the chemical industry are expected to drive the growth of the carbon dioxide removal market. The rising government initiatives for lowering CO2 emissions have driven the market growth. The increasing demand for clean air across the world fosters market growth. The growing investments from public and private sector entities for developing the carbon dioxide removal industry propels the market growth. The rising awareness of a clean environment among the people boosts the market growth to some extent. Increasing adoption of reforestation across the world is expected to boost market growth. The rise in the number of DAC plants in several countries across the world boosts market growth. The ongoing research and development activities related to CDR methodologies have impacted the carbon dioxide removal market growth positively.”

    BluSky Carbon Inc. (CSE: BSKY) (OTCQB: BSKCF) Secures US$105 Million Biochar Sales Agreement – Ten-year contract for agricultural grade soil amendments in Southern USA – BluSky Carbon Inc. (CSE: BSKY) (OTCQB: BSKCF) (FWB: QE4 /WKN A401NM) (“BluSky” or the “Company”), an innovative entry into the carbon removal clean technology sector is very pleased to announce that it has entered into a sales agreement (“Sales Agreement”) with a U.S. based purchaser (“Purchaser”) pursuant to which the Company has agreed to supply, and the Purchaser has agreed to purchase, up to 382,213 tonnes of biochar over a period of 10 years substantially on the schedule and pricing terms as set forth in the press release issued today.

    The Agreement sets forth a delivery schedule (see tables 1 to 3 shown in the current press release today) designed to achieve an initial volume of approximately 22,200 short tons within the first year of operation, scaling up to approximately 40,000 tons per year for the remainder of the of the Agreement. Biochar will be supplied on as-is basis. The moisture content will be verified with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) at delivery. Based upon a negotiated rate of two hundred and seventy-five dollars (US$275) per ton, the sales value under the Agreement is approximately US$105 million.

    Biochar is black carbon produced from biomass sources (i.e., wood chips, plant residues, manure or other agricultural waste products) for the purpose of transforming the biomass carbon into a more stable form (carbon sequestration). It can persist for long periods of time in the soil at various depths, typically thousands of years. Biochar is produced by heating biomass or waste materials containing carbon through pyrolysis. Pyrolysis involves thermal and chemical decomposition of biomass in limited or zero supply of oxygen, typically at temperatures ranging from 300°C to 1000°C. Biochar can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil physical and chemical properties, enhance water retention, and sequester carbon. It also contributes to climate change mitigation by stabilizing carbon in soils for thousands of years, preventing it from being released as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Biochar has shown promise in increasing crop yields, improving soil fertility, and reducing environmental pollution through its ability to retain nutrients and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

    The Company notes that its ability to meet scheduled delivery of biochar beyond year 1 is conditional upon its commissioning and receiving an additional two (2) Vulcan Heavy biomass pyrolysis systems (Vulcan Heavy). The Company anticipates that each Vulcan Heavy will cost approximately US$3 million and take up to nine months to be manufactured and delivered to the job site. BluSky’s ability to commission any Vulcan Heavy will be contingent on its ability to secure financing on acceptable terms, and no assurance can be given this will occur. At present, the Company believes that it will have the ability to produce 15,000 tons annually (with a sales value of approximately US$4 million under the Agreement) once it completes the build out of its “Kiloplex” facility, including testing and optimization of its Vulcan Heavy system. CONTINUED… Read this full press release and more news for BluSky Carbon at: https://bluskycarbon.com/news/

    Other recent developments in the markets of note include:

    1PointFive, a wholly owned subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: OXY), announced recently that the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) will provide up to $500 million to support the development of the South Texas Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hub. The award is a milestone in furthering commercial-scale DAC in the United States and validation of Occidental and 1PointFive’s ability to use their decades-long expertise in carbon management to accelerate the vital climate technology.

    The funding will be provided in multiple tranches. The initial award of $50 million will advance 1PointFive’s ongoing work at the South Texas DAC Hub. Upcoming activities include engineering, permitting, the procurement of long-lead equipment and continued community engagement to further 1PointFive’s community benefits plan. The total award value for the South Texas DAC Hub is expected to be up to $500 million for the initial DAC facility at the site, and potentially increased up to $650 million for the development of an expanded regional carbon network in South Texas.

    Arq, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARQ), a producer of activated carbon and other environmentally efficient carbon products for use in purification and sustainable materials, recently announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 4,770,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“common stock”), at a price to the public of $5.25 per share. All of the shares in the offering are being sold by Arq. The gross proceeds to Arq from the offering, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $25 million. The offering is expected to close on or about September 23, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. In addition, Arq has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 715,500 shares of its common stock in the underwritten public offering.

    Arq intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, capital expenditures, including continued construction of granular activated carbon facilities at Arq’s Red River and Corbin manufacturing facilities located in Coushatta, Louisiana and Corbin, Kentucky, respectively, research and development expenditures, commercial expenditures, debt service costs and repayment, acquisitions of new technologies, products or businesses, and investments.

    Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) recently announced the sale of approximately $20 million in Investment Tax Credits to an undisclosed corporate buyer. This transaction monetizes Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) Investment Tax Credits generated from the commercialization of a renewable natural gas (“RNG”) production facility by Gevo NW Iowa RNG, LLC (“Gevo RNG”) and provides net cash proceeds of approximately $17 million to Gevo after transaction fees.

    The Gevo RNG asset has been optimized to produce approximately 400,000 MMBtus of RNG per year, and Gevo expects to further increase production over time. Additional RNG value could be unlocked through the monetization of Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credits under the IRA, once those rules are defined.

    Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE) recently in response to market commentary regarding the results of the recent Korea Hydrogen Portfolio Standard auction, Bloom said it expects shipment volumes to Korea to be similar in 2024 and the coming years to what they have been in recent years. As disclosed previously, we continue to expect our partner SK ecoplant Co., Ltd. to purchase 500MW of Bloom solid oxide fuel cells between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2027.

    Bloom is the proven leader in solid oxide fuel cell technology, having demonstrated 60% electrical efficiency using hydrogen, and 90% combined heat and power efficiency. Bloom remains fully confident in our partners in Korea, and in the ability for Bloom fuel cells to be transformative to the Korean energy market. The public auction is just one mechanism for the sale of our energy servers into the Korean market. Our partners have other development projects in addition to those emanating from the auction.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Colleagues Introduce Substantive Legislation to Compete with China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined a group of nine Senate Republican colleagues—led by U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee— to introduce the STRATEGIC Act 2024, legislation to set up the United States and its allies and partners for success in the strategic competition against China.
    “We know that China is intent on challenging the U.S. in everything from military strength to economic power, trade relations, and global influence. Competing with the CCP’s influence operations and standing up to their coercive tactics should be a priority across the federal government. The STRATEGIC Act charts a course for a comprehensive approach to competition with China and shows that Senate Republicans are ready to confront China’s malign actions from a position of strength,” Senator Capito said.
    The STRATEGIC Act:
    Addresses predatory Chinese economic practices through a new initiative to counter economic coercion, prohibition of World Bank contracts for Chinese companies, and anti-trust reform. It also expands the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States to cover agricultural investments with national security risks.
    Counters malign Chinese Communist Party influence by enhancing think tank transparency, prohibiting certain gifts and contracts with strings attached to U.S. universities, improving research security, and exposing China’s harassment and abuse of U.S. diplomats.
    Strengthens U.S. support for Taiwan and partner countries facing threats from China, and establishes a U.S. State/Treasury Department “Tiger Team” to start identifying targets for sanctions, export controls, other economic measures well before China takes military action.
    Increases oversight of U.S. government funding for biological research with China.
    Strengthens international security by countering proliferation of Chinese drones in the Middle East and modifying the Missile Technology Control Regime to increase cooperation with key allies like the United Kingdom and Australia.
    Protects U.S. interests in international organizations and support for human rights.
    Reforms the Foreign Agents Registration Act by removing commercial and Lobbying and Disclosure Act exemptions for foreign adversaries and giving the Department of Justice authorities to issue civil investigative demands.
    Authorizes strategic infrastructure initiatives focused on digital, transport, and energy sectors, strengthens supply chain security, and lowers trade barriers in partner countries.
    In addition to Senators Capito and Risch, this bill was also introduced by U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).
    A one-pager of the bill can be found here.
    Full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ISG group of companies in administration: information for employees and creditors

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Eight companies in the ISG group entered administration on 20 September 2024. This page gives information on how to claim redundancy or register as a creditor.

    Eight companies in the ISG group (the ISG Companies) entered administration on 20 September 2024. Timothy Vance, Alan Michael Hudson and Dan Edkins were appointed as joint administrators of the following companies:

    • ISG Central Services Limited 
    • ISG Interior Services Group UK Limited 
    • ISG Fit Out Limited 
    • ISG Engineering Services Limited 
    • ISG UK Retail Limited 
    • ISG Retail Limited 
    • ISG Construction Limited 
    • ISG Jackson Limited 

    This will be a worrying time for employees, as well as their customers and suppliers. Government will do all it can to support them. 

    If you are an employee, customer or supplier of the ISG Companies in administration, this page will provide you with advice and information. 

    Information for employees: 

    In the event of dismissal 

    If you are dismissed, you might be entitled to statutory redundancy pay, arrears of pay, compensatory notice pay and holiday pay  from the Insolvency Service. 

    Information about your rights, how to apply and how we calculate payments is available on GOV.UK. 

    Who is eligible 

    You can apply to the Insolvency Service for redundancy and other payments if you worked for one of the ISG Companies under an employment contract. 

    Workers and self-employed contractors who provided services to the ISG Companies are not eligible to apply. Instead, these individuals should contact the administrator to register as creditors. 

    Company directors 

    Check if you can apply for redundancy payments if you have been dismissed and were a director. 

    How to apply 

    Dismissed employees should contact: 

    isgemployees@uk.ey.com. 

    The administrators will give details about how to apply and will also give you a case reference number (example: CN12345678). Once you have this information, you can apply online. 

    Paying your claim 

    On average it takes 12 days to process and pay claims. However, sometimes we need to get additional information from the individual or from the administrator, which can take a bit of time. We’ll contact you directly if we need anything further from you. We always try to pay eligible claims within six weeks of receiving the application. 

    To allow us to deal with everyone’s application as quickly as possible, please do not contact us to check the status of your application until after the six weeks have passed. 

    Getting help with your application for redundancy payments 

    If you need help completing your application, you can contact the Redundancy Payments helpline on 0330 331 0020. 

    When calling, please have your case reference number (Example: CN12345678) and National Insurance number to hand. If you do not have a case reference number, please contact the administrator. 

    You can also contact us using our online contact form 

    If you need to email us after submitting your claim, only use the email address you gave on your application form. Otherwise, we won’t be able to respond to you for security reasons. 

    Other support available to you 

    Information about helping you find work and claim benefits.   

    Factsheet: finding a new job, managing your finances and benefits available to you (PDF, 487 KB, 2 pages) 

    Information for creditors, suppliers and contractors 

    If you were a supplier or contractor to one of the ISG Companies in administration and are owed money you should register as a creditor. You are a creditor if: 

    • you have not been paid for goods or services you’ve supplied to them 

    • you’ve paid the ISG Companies for goods or services that you have not received 

    The administrators will be contacting all known creditors in due course. If you are a creditor and you have not been contacted by 7 October 2024, you should contact: isgcreditors@uk.ey.com. 

    Further information can be found at: 

    ISG Administrations (in Administration) (“the Company”) – EY – UK. 

    Information for customers 

    If you were a customer of one of the ISG Companies in administration you can find further information at: 

    ISG Administrations (in Administration) (“the Company”) – EY – UK. 

    You can contact the administrators by emailing: 

    isgadministrations@uk.ey.com

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prednicare 1 mg Tablets – Product recall alert

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Product defect recall alert for Prednicare 1 mg Tablets Vm 32742/4034 by Ecuphar N.V.

    Container of Prednicare 1 mg Tablets

    We wish to make wholesalers/distributors, veterinarians and end-users aware that Ecuphar N.V. has initiated a Class II recall for Prednicare 1 mg, 500 tablets.

    This recall is due to the presence of 5 mg Prednicare tablets found in 2 pots of Prednicare 1 mg.  This recall applies to the following batch only:

    Product Batch No. Expiry date
    Prednicare 1mg, 500 tablets 24B01 02/2027

    This contamination involves a clear risk of overdose of 5 times the recommended dose. However, up to today no adverse events linked to the affected batch number and defect were reported.  

    Overdose signs are detailed in the product information leaflet, under ‘Special Warnings’; ‘Overdose’.

    Ecuphar N.V. is contacting distributors/wholesalers and veterinarians to examine inventory immediately and quarantine products subject to this recall.

    End-users should return prescribed tablets of Prednicare 1mg, batch 24B01 only, to their veterinary surgery.

    For further information regarding the recall, please contact Animalcare Ltd via email at info@animalcare.co.uk or telephone 033 0818 9717.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bill to Study Transfer of Weitzman Museum Honoring American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Passes House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    “Jewish communities have made astounding contributions to America’s noble experiment in building a more perfect union. Sharing those achievements with everyone is what the late Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter and I had in mind when we created Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) nearly two decades ago. Educating all Americans, from all over the country, about these amazing Jewish impacts on our nation’s history, not only raises awareness but helps dispel harmful prejudices about our community,” said Wasserman Schultz.

    Washington DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mike Turner (OH-10), Brendan Boyle (PA-2), and Max Miller (OH-7) announced that their bill, H.R. 7764, passed the House of Representatives late last night. H.R. 7764, the Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act, takes a critical step in transferring the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, a highly regarded museum dedicated to the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, to the Smithsonian Institution. The Weitzman, if transferred, would serve as the Smithsonian’s only museum dedicated specifically to the stories of Jewish Americans. Sen. Bob Casey (PA) leads the companion bill in the Senate.

    “Jewish communities have made astounding contributions to America’s noble experiment in building a more perfect union. Sharing those achievements with everyone is what the late Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter and I had in mind when we created Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) nearly two decades ago. Educating all Americans, from all over the country, about these amazing Jewish impacts on our nation’s history, not only raises awareness but helps dispel harmful prejudices about our community,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Taking this critical step to welcome the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History into the larger Smithsonian family would bring that vision closer to reality. This powerful institutional integration signals a strong commitment to address the dramatic rise in antisemitism by helping amplify the myriad ways Jewish Americans enriched a nation who’s very founding, fittingly, traces back to Philadelphia, the Weitzman Museum’s home city.”   

    “Tonight, we took one step closer to the Weitzman Museum becoming part of the world class Smithsonian Institution Museum family,” said Boyle. “The Weitzman is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. The Weitzman’s role in telling the tale of our nation’s history is significant. Bringing the Weitzman Museum fully into the Smithsonian family would give it expanded access to not only artifacts and documents, but robust educational resources, expertise and staff training to aid in the ongoing mission to preserve and promote the culture of American Jews. I encourage my Senate colleagues to pass this bill without delay.”

    “The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to the fabric of the United States,” said Turner. “By bringing this museum and its collections into the Smithsonian, Congress will ensure that the story of Jewish Americans is shared with the widest possible audience.”

    “Now more than ever it is imperative that Jewish-American Heritage be celebrated and exhibited at the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution,” said Miller. “I am pleased to see this bill pass the House of Representatives, especially as we see a rise in antisemitism worldwide.”

    “It pains me to see that antisemitism in the United States has surged to what the FBI Director has described as ‘historic levels.’ We must do more to show the invaluable role Jewish Americans have played in our nation’s story. Now is the time for the Smithsonian to explore adding an American Jewish History Museum to its roster. The Weitzman Museum should be seriously considered as an option to fully recognize and share the whole story of American Jewish History as our preeminent institution dedicated to American Jewish history. I thank Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Boyle for leading us forward by introducing this bill and look forward to my colleagues in the Senate taking this bill up in their chamber,” said Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle.

    “We are elated that the bill has reached this important milestone,” said Phil Darivoff, Trustee and Chair Emeritus of The Weitzman. “The remarkable bipartisan support which enabled this bill to pass thanks to the leadership of Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Mike Turner, Brendan Boyle, and Max Miller—along with nearly 100 co-sponsors on both sides of the aisle—demonstrates to all Americans the significant role that Jewish Americans have played in our nation and how critical it is to teach these stories to counter antisemitism, bigotry, and hate.”

    The Commission to Study the Potential Transfer of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History to the Smithsonian Institution Act would create a commission to study the potential transfer of the Weitzman Museum to the Smithsonian Institution, which is the necessary first step to put the Weitzman Museum on a path toward acquisition by the Smithsonian. Specifically:

    ·      The commission will consist of eight members, with two members appointed by the majority and minority leaders of each chamber..

    ·      The commission will write a report to Congress with a recommendation on whether the Weitzman Museum should be transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. The report will also detail the current collections of the Museum; the impact of the Museum on educational and governmental efforts to study and counter antisemitism; the financial assets and liabilities of the Museum and costs of operating and maintaining the Museum; the governance and organizational structure of the Museum should it be transferred; and the impact such a transfer would have on the Smithsonian Institution.

    ·      The commission will not receive any federal funding and will accept private contributions to pay for its expenses.

    Read the entire bill here.

    ####

    MIL OSI USA News –