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  • MIL-OSI Global: Drug prices improved under Biden-Harris and Trump − but not for everyone, and not enough

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut

    Negotiations to reduce drug prices can sometimes shift costs onto consumers. rudisill/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    When it comes to drug pricing, the Trump and Biden-Harris administrations both have some very modest wins to tout.

    As director of the Health Outcomes, Policy, and Evidence Synthesis group at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, I teach and study about the ethics of prescription drug prices and the complexities of drug pricing nationally.

    Delving into the presidential candidates’ successes on a number of drug-pricing policies, you’ll see a continuation of progress across the administrations. Neither the Trump administration nor the Biden-Harris administration, however, has done anything to truly lower drug prices for the majority of Americans.

    $35 insulin

    Insulin is a necessity for patients with diabetes. But from January 2014 to April 2019, the average price per unit went from US$0.22 to $0.34 before dropping back slightly by July 2023 to $0.29 per unit. Since dosing is weight-based, insulin costs for someone weighing 154 pounds would have risen from $231 to $357 a month from 2014 to 2019 and dropped to $305 a month by 2023. Price increases have led some patients to space out their medications by taking less than the dose they need for good blood sugar control. One study estimated that over 25% of patients in an urban diabetes center were underusing their insulin.

    In July 2020, the Trump administration enacted a $35 cap on insulin copayments via executive order. In effect, it made participating Medicare Part D programs limit the price of just one of each type of insulin product to $35. For instance, if there were six short-acting insulin products on an insurance plan’s approved drug list, the insurer had to offer one vial form and one pen form at $35.

    These price changes did not go into effect during Trump’s presidency. By 2022, only about 800,000 people – or around 11% of the more than 7.4 million people in the U.S. who use insulin to regulate their blood sugar – saw their prices reduced.

    Millions of Americans need insulin to manage their diabetes.
    Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    In August 2022, the Biden-Harris administration signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. This maintained the $35 insulin cap with the same stipulations but made the program mandatory for all Medicare Part D and Medicare Part B members. This expanded the number of people who could benefit from cheaper insulin to 3.3 million.

    This still doesn’t help a majority of diabetics. If you don’t have Medicare, the $35 reduction does not apply to you. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies are not responsible for lowering insulin costs under these policies, but health plans are on the hook for lowering copayments. Costs could be passed along to beneficiaries in future Medicare premiums.

    Importing Canadian drugs

    Americans pay nearly 2.6 times more for prescription drugs than people in other high-income countries. One way regulators have tried to reduce prices is to simply import drugs at the prices pharmaceutical companies charge those countries rather than those charged to U.S. consumers.

    In July 2019, the Trump administration proposed importing drugs from Canada as a way to share Canadians’ lower drug costs with American consumers. He signed an executive order allowing the Food and Drug Administration to create the rules under which states could import the drugs. When President Joe Biden came into office, he left the executive order in place and the rulemaking process continued.

    Some Americans have traveled across borders for cheaper medications.
    Jeff Haynes/AFP via Getty Images

    No state under the Trump or Biden-Harris administrations has yet been able to successfully import a Canadian drug product. In January 2024, however, the Food and Drug Administration approved Florida’s plan to import Canadian drugs, the first state to receive the green light. Colorado, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Texas have applications pending as of September 2024.

    Unfortunately, it is unlkely that Canada would allow their prescription drugs to be shipped in large quantities to American consumers, not without imposing high tariffs as a disincentive. That is because drug manufacturers could limit supplies to Canada and cause shortages if drugs are moved to the U.S. Manufacturers could also be less willing to negotiate lower prices for Canadians if that will hurt U.S. profits.

    Negotiating with the pharmaceutical industry

    Be it prescription drugs or cars, both buyer and seller must agree on a price for a successful sale to occur. If the potential buyer is unwilling to walk away from negotiations, you will not get the seller’s best price. One reason U.S. drug prices are higher than other countries’ is because the government is not a shrewd negotiator.

    Negotiations that result in major reductions in drug prices frequently result from the drug manufacturer losing access to patients on a certain health plan or ending up in a higher drug tier that substantially raises a patient’s copay. However, if the buyer refuses the seller’s final offer, their members or citizens lose access to those drugs. While major private health plans and pharmacy benefit managers are able to directly negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers, often with substantial savings, Medicare was prevented from doing so by federal law until recently.

    In May 2018, the Trump administration released a so-called blueprint for reducing prescription drug prices that included negotiating Medicare prescription drug prices with the pharmaceutical industry. This plan wasn’t enacted during his term.

    In August 2022, under the Biden-Harris administration, the Inflation Reduction Act enabled price negotiation and specified the number of drugs that negotiations could include in a year.

    The Inflation Reduction Act allowed Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the first time.

    The first negotiation between Medicare and the pharmaceutical industry took place over the summer of 2024, lowering costs for 10 Medicare Part D drugs, which include the blood thinner Xarelto and the drugs Farxiga and Jardiance, which treat Type 2 diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease. The resulting $1.5 billion in savings will be extended in 2026 to the approximately 8.8 million Medicare Part D patients who are taking these drugs. The prices for these drugs are still twice what they are in four other developed countries.

    Prices will be negotiated for another 15 Medicare Part D drugs in 2027. Thereafter, drug negotiations could include Medicare Part D drugs, which you pick up from your pharmacy, and Medicare Part B drugs, which are administered or received from your doctor’s office.

    Another aspect of the Inflation Reduction Act is capping out-of-pocket expenses at $2,000. This won’t go into effect until 2025, however, and simply shifts costs above the cap onto taxpayers.

    Continuation of progress

    It is often challenging to attribute policy successes to one administration versus another when assessing complex issues such as drug pricing. There were ideas initiated during the Trump administration that did not come to fruition until the Biden-Harris administration implemented and expanded on them.

    For example, Medicare price negotiation, proposed in a Trump administration “blueprint,” was codified in law by President Biden, but the fruits of this policy will not be seen until the next administration. And regardless of who you attribute this success to, only a portion of people on Medicare will see any relief from high drug prices as a result.

    Truly lowering the costs of prescription drugs would require identifying the maximum price the nation is willing to pay for benefits, such as cost per quality adjusted life year at the federal, state and private payer levels, and being willing to walk away from negotiations if the price exceeds that level. This would not be a panacea, though, especially for patients with rare and ultrarare diseases, and would need to be eased in over time to avoid bankrupting the industry.

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

    – ref. Drug prices improved under Biden-Harris and Trump − but not for everyone, and not enough – https://theconversation.com/drug-prices-improved-under-biden-harris-and-trump-but-not-for-everyone-and-not-enough-238407

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the US government can stop ‘churches’ from getting treated like real churches by the IRS

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer, Professor of Law, University of Notre Dame

    Uniformed members of Trail Life USA present the colors at the Family Research Council’s 2018 Values Voter Summit. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    The Family Research Council is a conservative advocacy group with a “biblical worldview.” While it has a church ministries department that works with churches from several evangelical Christian denominations that share its perspectives, it does not represent a single denomination. Although its activities are primarily focused on policy, advocacy, government lobbying and public communication, the Internal Revenue Service granted the council’s application to be treated as “an association of churches” in 2020.

    Concerned that the IRS had erred in allowing the council and similar groups to be designated churches or associations of churches, Democratic members of the House of Representatives sent the Treasury secretary and the IRS commissioner letters in 2022 and 2024 expressing alarm. The House Democrats pointed to what appeared to be “abuse” of the tax code and asked the IRS to “determine whether existing guidance is sufficient to prevent abuse and what resources or Congressional actions are needed.”

    As a professor of nonprofit law, I believe some groups that aren’t churches or associations of churches want to be designated that way to avoid the scrutiny being a charitable organization otherwise requires. At the same time, some other groups that should qualify as churches may have difficulty doing so because of the IRS’ outdated test for that status.

    Together with my colleague Ellen P. Aprill, I recently published a paper outlining two main arguments in favor of revising the federal government’s definitions of churches as they pertain to tax law.

    No 990s means less scrutiny

    All charitable nonprofits, including churches, get the same basic benefits under federal tax law. This means they don’t have to pay taxes on their revenue and that donors can deduct the value of their gifts from their taxable income – as long as they itemize deductions on their tax return.

    Unlike other tax-exempt charities, churches don’t have to file 990 forms. That means the public does not have access to churches’ staff pay, board membership and funding details, which are in this publicly available tax form that all other charities must complete every year. The availability of 990 forms enhances the transparency and accountability of the nonprofit sector.

    And churches and associations of churches are unlikely to get audited by the IRS. Federal law requires that a senior IRS official “reasonably believes” the church or association has violated federal tax rules before beginning an investigation. This means that an official must have reason to believe the organization has violated federal tax law before obtaining any information from the organization.

    This standard is higher than what’s needed before an audit can begin for all other tax-exempt organizations and indeed all taxpayers. For everyone else, the IRS is free to begin an examination based only on a suspicion of a violation or even based on random selection.

    Also, unlike other tax-exempt charities, churches and church associations are automatically eligible for their tax-exempt status. They don’t have to apply for it.

    Why churches get special treatment

    Congress has passed laws granting churches and what it calls “integrated auxiliaries” and “conventions or associations of churches” special protections because the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects religious freedom.

    Churches include houses of worship ranging in size from a handful of parishioners to megachurches with 10,000 or more people attending weekly services. Houses of worship of all faiths, including synagogues, mosques and temples, count as churches, according to the IRS.

    Integrated auxiliaries are church schools and other organizations affiliated with churches or conventions and primarily supported by internal church sources, as opposed to by the public or government.

    Conventions or associations of churches are organizations that have houses of worship from either a single denomination or from multiple denominations as their members. Most denominational bodies, such as the executive committee of the Southern Baptist Convention and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, are likely conventions or associations of churches, although the IRS does not publish a list of such entities.

    Not every religious nonprofit belongs in one of these categories.

    For example, the University of Notre Dame, where I teach law students and conduct legal research, and World Vision, a global humanitarian group, are both religious organizations that do not fall into any of these categories. This makes sense, because Notre Dame and World Vision are primarily engaged in activities other than fostering a religious congregation or coordinating the activities of churches within a single denomination.

    The IRS has long relied on a 14-factor test to distinguish churches from the other religious nonprofits. Examples of those factors include having ordained ministers, a formal doctrine, a distinct membership and a regular congregation attending religious services.

    It’s not necessary for all the factors to apply to pass this test.

    Yet for almost as long, courts have been uncomfortable with this test because it draws heavily on the traditional characteristics of Protestant Christian churches, as the U.S. Court of Federal Claims explained in a 2009 ruling. This system therefore may be a poor fit for houses of worship of other faiths, especially given the increasing diversity of faith communities.

    These courts have instead adopted an “associational test.” It focuses on whether the organization’s congregants hold religious services on a regular basis and gather in person on other occasions.

    With the growth of virtual and televised religious services, an update of this test is overdue.

    A couple get married in May 2020 in a mostly empty church, with a screen set up so guests can watch over Zoom.
    Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    Proposed solutions

    Aprill and I recommend that the IRS change its definition for churches to the associational one adopted by some courts in rulings as early as 1980. As the U.S. Court of Federal Claims explained in that 2009 ruling, this test focuses on whether a body of believers assembles regularly to worship. Given technological advances, the IRS should also make it clear that this test can be satisfied through remote participation in religious services using interactive, teleconferencing apps such as Zoom.

    This definition would be also better suited for congregations of all faiths because some faiths do not prioritize many of the factors included in the IRS test, such as having a formal code of doctrine or requiring members to not be associated with other houses of worship or faiths. And it would better reflect how some Americans participate in religious services today.

    We recommend that the IRS revisit its test for being a church and that Congress pass a law that would change the definition of church associations. The new law could limit associations of churches to organizations that represent a single denomination, as Congress likely initially intended.

    This latter change would make it harder for religious organizations that are primarily involved in bringing churches from multiple faiths together to engage in advocacy or other activities to obtain this status and the lack of transparency and accountability that come with it. We believe Congress, not the IRS, should make this change because of the potential political tensions that narrowing the definition could create.

    We don’t think the changes would impinge upon the special role that churches have in our society. Indeed, the revised test for qualifying as a church would better fit with both the increasing variety of faiths in our country and technological advancements.

    Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer is affiliated with the University of Notre Dame, a tax-exempt religious nonprofit corporation. Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer is also affiliated with South Bend City Church, a tax-exempt religious nonprofit corporation that is classified as a church for federal tax purposes.

    – ref. How the US government can stop ‘churches’ from getting treated like real churches by the IRS – https://theconversation.com/how-the-us-government-can-stop-churches-from-getting-treated-like-real-churches-by-the-irs-237922

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Big lithium plans for Imperial Valley, one of California’s poorest regions, raise a bigger question: Who should benefit?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Manuel Pastor, Distinguished Professor of Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

    The edge of the Salton Sea, a heavily polluted lake with large geothermal and lithium resources beneath it. Manuel Pastor

    Imperial County consistently ranks among the most economically distressed places in California. Its Salton Sea, the state’s biggest and most toxic lake, is an environmental disaster. And the region’s politics have been dominated by a conservative white elite, despite its supermajority Latino population.

    The county also happens to be sitting on enough lithium to produce nearly 400 million batteries, sufficient to completely revamp the American auto fleet to electric propulsion. Even better, that lithium could be extracted in a way consistent with broader goals to reduce pollution.

    The traditional ways to extract lithium involve either hard rock mining, which generates lots of waste, or large evaporation ponds, which waste a lot of water. In Imperial Valley, companies are pioneering a third method. They are extracting the mineral from the underground briny water brought up during geothermal energy production and then injecting that briny water back into the ground in a closed loop. It promises to yield the cleanest, greenest lithium on the planet.

    The hope of a clean energy future has excited investors and public officials so much that the area is being rechristened as “Lithium Valley.”

    In a region desperate for jobs and income, the prospect of a “white gold rush” is appealing. Public officials have been working to roll out the red carpet for big investors, including trying to create a clear plan for infrastructure and a quicker permitting process. To get community groups’ support, they are playing up the potential for jobs, including company commitments to hire local workers.

    But Imperial Valley residents who have been on the butt end of get-rich schemes around water and real estate in the past are worried that their political leaders may be giving away the store. As we explore in our new book, “Charging Forward: Lithium Valley, Electric Vehicles and a Just Future,” the U.S. has an opportunity to ensure that these residents directly benefit from the lithium extraction boom, which is an important part of the global shift to clean energy.

    Possibilities and perils in ‘Lithium Valley’

    Imperial Valley is emblematic of the potential and the risks that have long faced impoverished communities in resource-rich regions.

    To understand the possibilities and perils in Imperial Valley, it’s useful to remember that the world is not just moving away from fossil fuel extraction but toward more mineral extraction. Today’s battery technology – necessary for electric vehicles and energy storage – relies on minerals including cobalt, magnesium, nickel and graphite. And mineral extraction is often accompanied by obscured environmental risks.

    A prototype for CTR’s lithium-producing geothermal facility, in the Hell’s Kitchen area of Imperial Valley.
    Manuel Pastor

    In Imperial Valley, environmental and community organizations are worried about lithium extraction’s water use, waste and air pollution as production steps up and truck traffic increases. When your region’s childhood asthma rate is already more than twice the national average, and dust from the drying lake is toxic, kicking up a “little extra dust” is a big deal.

    Comite Civico del Valle, a long-established environmental justice organization in Imperial Valley, has sued to slow down a streamlined permitting process for Controlled Thermal Resources, a company planning lithium extraction there. The group’s concern is that inadequate environmental reviews could result in harm to residents’ health. Both the company and public officials are warning that the lawsuit could stop the lithium boom before it begins.

    Local communities are also concerned about how much benefit they will see while the industry profits. They note that the electric vehicle boom driving lithium demand occurred precisely because of public policy. Tesla, for example, has benefited from multiple rounds of state and federal zero-emissions vehicle incentives, including the sale of emissions credits that accounted for 85% of Tesla’s gross margin in 2009 and rose to US$1.8 billion a year by 2023.

    Behind these policies and financial incentives have been public will and taxpayer money.

    Young advocates with the Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition have been spreading their concerns through the community.
    Chris Benner

    We believe that local residents, not just companies, deserve a return. Rather than promising to just pay for community “benefits,” such as environmental mitigation, contributions to municipal coffers or jobs, the companies could pay “dividends” directly to local residents and communities.

    There are models of this dividend approach. For example, the Alaska Permanent Fund gives an annual amount to all residents of that state from revenues obtained from the oil beneath the ground.

    In Imperial Valley, the actual ownership of the lithium is complex, involving a mix of privately owned subsurface rights, public lease rights obtained by companies and public rights held by the regional water district to whom companies will pay royalties.

    Given the ownership complexities and the desire to benefit as development takes place, local authorities and community organizations persuaded the state in 2022 to pass a per-metric-ton lithium tax to address local needs.

    Controlled Thermal Resources CEO Rod Colwell, right, walks near the Salton Sea with a colleague.
    AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

    That “flat tax” was bitterly resisted by some in the emerging industry on the grounds that it could make Imperial Valley’s less-polluting extraction method too costly to compete with environmentally damaging imports; after the vote, CTR’s CEO called the legislators “clowns.” Meanwhile, CTR has also agreed to hire union workers in the construction phase. Everyone – companies, communities and government officials – is struggling to balance economic viability with accountability.

    Lessons for a just transition

    The hesitance of low-income Imperial Valley residents to immediately buy into the lithium vision is deeply rooted in history.

    Decades of racial exclusion, patronizing practices and broken promises have led to deep distrust of outsiders who assert that things will be better this time.

    Irrigation at the turn of the last century was supposed to bring an agriculture boom, but the early result was a broken canal that released enough water over nearly two years of disrepair to create what is now the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea was then supposed to fuel recreational tourism, but the failure to replenish it with anything but agricultural runoff helped to kill fish, birds and recreation. A more recent scheme to attract solar farms in recent decades delivered little employment and more worries about agricultural displacement.

    You can still find old billboards promising a resort life on the Salton Sea, which today is one of the state’s most polluted lakes. Wind kicks up toxic dust when the water is low.
    Manuel Pastor

    Building the supply chain here, too

    In recent years, some people have pinned their hopes on lithium. The main site so far in Imperial Valley has been CTR’s Hell’s Kitchen. It’s a fitting moniker on summer days when temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees.

    Ensuring that the surrounding communities benefit from this new lithium boom will require thinking about how to attract not just companies extracting the lithium but also those that will use it. So far, Imperial County has had limited success in attracting related industries. In 2023, a company named Statevolt said it would build a “gigafactory” there to assemble batteries. However, the company’s previous efforts – Britishvolt in the United Kingdom and Italvot in Italy – have stalled without any volts being produced. Imperial County will need serious suitors to make a go of it.

    A potentially promising future for modern transportation and energy storage may be brewing in Imperial Valley. But getting to a brighter future for everyone will require remembering a lesson from the past: that community investments tend to be hard-won. We believe that ensuring everyone benefits long term is essential for achieving a more inclusive and sustainable future.

    Research for the book from which this article draws was supported by the James Irvine Foundation, New Energy Nexus, the California Wellness Foundation, and Open Society Foundations. Manuel Pastor was also supported by a Residency at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center.

    Research for the book from which this article draws was supported by the James Irvine Foundation, New Energy Nexus, the California Wellness Foundation, and Open Society Foundations. Chris Benner was also supported by a Residency at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Center.

    – ref. Big lithium plans for Imperial Valley, one of California’s poorest regions, raise a bigger question: Who should benefit? – https://theconversation.com/big-lithium-plans-for-imperial-valley-one-of-californias-poorest-regions-raise-a-bigger-question-who-should-benefit-238397

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Grocery stores that donate expiring food − instead of price discounting or discarding − make higher profits

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By John Lowrey, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain and Health Sciences, Northeastern University

    This new food pantry opened on Long Island in September 2024. Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images

    All major supermarkets and retailers that sell groceries, such as Kroger, Walmart and Costco, give large amounts of food to food banks and pantries. In 2022, retailers donated close to 2 billion pounds of food across the United States, which amounted to US$3.5 billion that year. The estimated value of donated food was a little less than $2 per pound in 2022.

    Retailers donate products that are typically packaged, palatable and safe for consumption, yet unsuitable for sale due to quality concerns, such as minor blemishes. Since these items can go a long way to feeding hungry people, donations represent one of the best uses of leftover or surplus food.

    Donations are also technically acts of charity, and the companies responsible for them get tax breaks. This means that donations boost profits by lowering costs. There’s a second effect of donations on a store’s bottom line: They improve the quality of food on the store’s shelves and increase revenue from food sales.

    As a supply chain scholar who studies food banks, I worked with a team of economists to estimate the effects of retail food donations. We used sales data for five perishable food categories sold by two competing retail chains, with stores located in a large, Midwestern metropolitan area. We found that stores that remove items on the brink of expiration, donate them to food banks and fill up the emptied shelf space with fresher inventory get more revenue from sales and earn higher profits.

    Retailers donate 30% of what food banks give their clients

    U.S. food banks, which have been operating for more than 50 years, give away over 6 billion pounds of food annually.

    They get about 30% of that food for free from supermarkets and big-box retailers that sell groceries. Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, retailers supplied more than twice as much food to food banks than the federal government did. The volume of food supplied by federal programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program, have steadily increased since 2020, to now almost match the volume of food donated by retailers.

    In 2022, for example, the network of more than 200 Feeding America member food banks procured about 2 billion pounds from retailers and almost 1.5 billion pounds from government programs.

    The remaining 2.88 billion pounds of food were either purchased directly, provided by farmers, donated by food processing companies or donated by people and organizations in local communities.

    Despite several federal programs that help low-income people get food and the nation’s robust network of food banks and food pantries, nearly 50 million Americans are experiencing food insecurity. That means they can’t get enough nutritious food to eat at least some of the time.

    Retail donation routines are established but inconsistent

    When food on a store’s shelves is on the verge of expiration, store managers have three options. They can donate or discard it, or sell it at a discount.

    Stores that regularly donate food have established routines for when they set aside about-to-expire food to give away. However, these routines are often inconsistent.

    Many stores donate only on a seasonal basis or just give away certain kinds of food. For example, they might donate only meat, baked goods or fruits and vegetables. In many cases, donations take a backseat to more immediate priorities, such as customer service.

    Those realities can increase the likelihood that food will land at the dump instead of on somebody’s table.

    Although millions of Americans struggle to find their next meal, close to 40% of food gets thrown out along the supply chain, as food moves between agricultural producers, factories, retailers and consumers. This is largely due to logistical challenges: It’s hard to transport and distribute highly perishable food.

    Discounted meat is displayed at a San Rafael, Calif., grocery store in September 2024.
    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    Discounts on food can undercut sales

    Stores often prefer to sell food on the brink of expiration at a discount rather than donate it or throw it out due to the money they recoup that way. This option, however, also keeps the discounted food on the shelf, where it takes up valuable space that could otherwise hold fresher inventory.

    Shelf space dedicated to the sale and promotion of full-priced products competes with that for price-discounted food. Stocking perishable foods that are starting to look iffy – such as bananas with brown spots sold alongside unblemished yellow bananas – could harm a retailer’s image if shoppers start to question the store’s quality.

    In other words, if consumers make judgments based on all the produce that’s on display, then it may be better for stores if they don’t sell sad-looking bananas and instead just give them away.

    My research team calls this practice “preemptive removal.” Increasing the average quality level of food on display does more than improve a store’s appearance. We used panel data with over 20,000 observations, and we included 21 retail stores that compete in a similar market geography. The five fresh food categories were bakery, dairy, deli, meat and produce.

    Stores that donated food, instead of discounting it, may have made better use of the limited room to display fresher inventory. My research team found that food donations can increase average food prices by up to 1%, which corresponds to a 33% increase in profit margins. Profit margins for supermarkets and other food retailers are quite low and typically hover below 3%.

    That means even a small increment in food prices, even a 1% bump up, can translate into significantly higher profits for retailers. At the same time, increasing the volume of retail food donations would get more food to people who need it, limit hunger and reduce food insecurity.

    Prof Lowrey has consulted with several Feeding America member Food Banks on procurement and food-distribution-related supply chain projects. He has also served on an advisory board to the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, focused on supply chain responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in the emergency feeding network. His research has been funded by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (National Institute for Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture).

    – ref. Grocery stores that donate expiring food − instead of price discounting or discarding − make higher profits – https://theconversation.com/grocery-stores-that-donate-expiring-food-instead-of-price-discounting-or-discarding-make-higher-profits-234998

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group Departs Guam

    Source: United States Navy

    During the brief visit to Guam, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), was able to onload more than 700 pallets of parts, food and mail.

    “Guam is a critical logistics hub, and the amount of supplies that the team here was able to process and deliver to us was proof of that,” said Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander, CSG 9. “On behalf of the strike group, thank you to Naval Base Guam and the people of Guam who made this visit such a success. Your work allows us to get back to sea to help maintain deterrence and stability in the region.”

    While in port, Sailors also had the opportunity to go ashore and take advantage of base amenities.

    Carrier Strike Group 9 departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, Jan. 11, 2024 in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    CSG 9 is a multiplatform team of ships and aircraft, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief response. The strike group is comprised of CSG 9 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 staff, Theodore Roosevelt (CVN) 71, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and DESRON 23 ships; the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118).

    For more information about Carrier Strike Group 9 and USS Theodore Roosevelt, please visit:
    Website: https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ccsg9/
    DVIDS: http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSTR-CVN71
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/usstheodoreroosevelt
    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/usstheodoreroosevelt

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Japan: Acquittal of man after more than 45 years on death row highlights ‘irreversible harm’ of death penalty

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Iwao Hakamada retracted ‘confession’ alleging it was made under duress and police violence 

    In 2023, 107 of the 115 people on death row had their death sentences finalised putting them at risk of execution

    Authorities must review all existing death sentences and abolish the death penalty

    ‘We strongly urge Japan to abolish the death penalty to prevent this from happening again’ – Boram Jang

    Responding to the acquittal of Japanese man Iwao Hakamada, who spent more than 45 years on death row, Boram Jang, Amnesty International’s East Asia Researcher, said:

    “We are overjoyed by the court’s decision to exonerate Iwao Hakamada. After enduring almost half a century of wrongful imprisonment and a further 10 years waiting for his retrial, this verdict is an important recognition of the profound injustice he endured for most of his life. It ends an inspiring fight to clear his name by his sister Hideko and all those who supported him.

    “As we celebrate this long overdue day of justice for Hakamada, we are reminded of the irreversible harm caused by the death penalty. We strongly urge Japan to abolish the death penalty to prevent this from happening again.

    “Japanese authorities must also review all existing death sentences, particularly when there are concerns of mental and intellectual disabilities. Only complete abolition of capital punishment will ensure that such grave errors are never repeated, and people not irreversibly and arbitrarily deprived of their lives.

    “Amnesty International will continue to push for the abolition of the death penalty and for reforms that ensure fairness and justice for all.”

    Japan’s death row

    During his first trial Hakamada was convicted of murdering his employer and his employer’s family, largely based on a forced “confession” made after 20-days of interrogation which Hakamada retracted during the trial, alleging police had threatened and beaten him. He was sentenced to death by Shizuoka District Court in 1968 and spent more than 45 years on death row.

    Japan has continued to carry out executions, including of people who had judicial appeals pending, in violation of international safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty. As of 31 December 2023, 107 out of the 115 people on death row had their death sentences finalised and were at risk of execution.

    Those on death row continue to be held in solitary confinement and in the absence of effective safeguards or transparent regular psychiatric evaluations – people with mental health and intellectual disabilities continue to be subjected to the death penalty in violation of international law and standards. The last execution in Japan was carried out on 26 July 2022.

    Amnesty opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception regardless of the nature or circumstances of the crime, guilt, innocence or other characteristics of the individual, or of the method used by the state to carry out the execution.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Energy and Electricity Minister attends BRICS Energy Ministers Meeting

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has called on the BRICS Plus bloc of countries to work together to assist and support member countries to tackle energy challenges.

    The Minister was delivering his opening remarks at the 9th Annual BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Moscow, Russia.

    “We believe that this BRICS group of like-minded country members has a huge potential, and working together will strengthen this resolve through cooperation on energy security.

    “[It will] also provide an opportunity to join efforts to annihilate the challenges diagnosed during the BRICS 2023 Summit held in South Africa, such as addressing the lack or absence of integrated energy policy framework, diversification and beneficiation at source of critical minerals, infrastructure development, manufacturing, technology transfer and intellectual property, scaling up energy efficiency, mobilisation of finance and investment, as well as skills and capacity building, amongst others,” Ramokgopa said.

    He called on the member countries to “tap and dig deeper into various capabilities and strengths” to ensure mutual support in harnessing the individual potential each country has at its disposal.

    “To mention a few opportunities, it is mining and beneficiation of critical minerals, and rare-earth elements required to power the green economy, [expand] hydro power potential, promising hydrogen solutions and its derivatives, gas, nuclear – including small modular reactors, renewables, storage, biofuels, as well as clean coal, and carbon capture utilisation and storage,” the Minister said.

    Ramokgopa highlighted that the meeting of BRICS Energy Ministers comes at a critical time, as countries ponder ways to transition towards low carbon economies.

    “This meeting comes at a critical phase where our countries are grappling with the challenge of balancing developmental goals with energy transition pathways. 

    “We must ensure that these transitions safeguard energy sovereignty and security, promote sustainable economic development, facilitate universal access and respond effectively to environmental imperatives, all the while ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.

    He told the meeting that the expansion of the BRICS bloc of countries is a “clear affirmation of the group’s growing significance and influence in the global energy agenda”. 

    “This is a pivotal moment, positioning BRICS to reshape, refocus, and reset the global energy architecture to ensure energy access, security, affordability, and eradicate energy poverty and promote a just energy transition.

    “For us as South Africa, we see this as an opportune moment to clearly articulate our collective position as the developing nations that will enable us to continue to use our energy resources through innovative technologies that allow us to move from high emitting to low emitting energy systems, and thus achieve carbon-neutrality or net-zero at a pace and scale that is in line with our different national circumstances and capabilities.

    “In this regard, we want to reiterate that our approach to an inclusive and people centred energy transition is informed by the need to maintain energy security in support of socio-economic objectives,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Audius Expands Its Music Marketplace, Enabling Direct On-Platform Payments from Millions of Fans to Thousands of Artists They Love

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via CryptoCurrencyWire — Audius, the largest decentralized music community and discovery platform for artists and their fans, announced today that the game changing monetization feature the company rolled out to select artists last year is emerging from private beta. Now any artist in the world can set their own terms and control the pricing of their music, and fans can support their favorite artists with direct payments. Music fans can seamlessly use their credit card to pay artists in USDC, which can be converted by artists and rights holders to any currency of their choice.

    As part of the expansion of the Audius music marketplace, for the first time, 10% of every payment will now be captured by the Audius community treasury, with proceeds to be used at the direction of on-chain governance. A governance proposal is pending to finalize this change.

    “It’s been very cool and surprising to see how artists have leveraged our music marketplace to engage with their fans while creating an entirely new revenue stream for themselves,” said Audius Co-Founder and CEO Roneil Rumburg. “From selling downloads to creating innovative contests, artists have really stretched the marketplace to fit their needs.”

    Audius first launched its music marketplace in beta in November 2023, opening the monetization feature to more than 100 artists around the world. One early adopter, producer Kato On The Track, immediately leveraged the new feature to generate revenue via download sales of his music and beats.

    “I like being an early adopter of new innovative platforms like Audius,” said Kato. “I can build new communities on Audius, and they have the tools that let me engage with my audience in ways that I can’t do on other music platforms.”

    Another artist, rapper MadeinTYO sold beats on Audius and invited his fanbase to create songs using his stems and upload them back onto the platform. He picked a winner and flew them to Tokyo (where he was raised) to collaborate for a studio session and to enjoy the city with him.

    “Artists today really have to be able to create special, memorable moments for their fans,” said MadeinTYO. “Audius is a unique vessel, which allows me to create unique ways to interact with my fans, while keeping the music first.”

    Many independent record labels and distributors have already signed with Audius to make more money for their artists including DistroKid, EMPIRE, Nettwerk Music, Ninja Tune, Merge Records, Ampsuite, Circus Records, Anjunadeep, Anjunabeats, and others. Just last month the company announced a licensing pact with Kobalt, one of the world’s largest independent music publishers. Earlier this year Audius announced that it had forged pivotal deals with the world’s top performing rights organizations: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR.

    About Audius:
    Audius is a community-owned music marketplace, where for the first time, artists and their fans can find, communicate, and transact with each other directly. Artists are no longer reliant on middlemen, creating a new music economy for a new generation. Backed by an all-star team of investors, Audius was founded in 2018 and serves millions of users every month, making it one of the largest crypto applications ever built. Sign up today at https://audius.co.

    Contacts
    John Vlautin
    SpinLab Communications
    jv@spinlab.net

    Jill Mango
    SpinLab Communications
    jill@spinlab.net

    Molly Sheban
    SpinLab Communications
    molly@spinlab.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Surgent CPE to Premiere 14 New Courses in Q4 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RADNOR, Pa., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Surgent Accounting & Financial Education, a division of KnowFully Learning Group, today announced the premiere of 14 new continuing professional education (CPE) courses debuting in Q4 2024.

    “Surgent’s dedication to providing timely, practical learning is central to our mission of helping accounting and finance professionals thrive,” said Elizabeth Kolar, executive vice president of Surgent. “Our latest course offerings reflect Surgent’s commitment to offering premium content that goes beyond compliance, giving professionals the tools they need to make real-world applications of complex tax laws, business practices and industry regulations.”

    The new course offerings cover a diverse range of subjects, including taxation, client advisory services, financial planning and compliance issues. Many of these courses focus on current tax implications, gig economy trends, executive compensation, and the impact of the upcoming 2024 presidential and congressional elections.

    “The 2024 election and ongoing economic shifts are at the forefront of many of our customers’ concerns,” said Nick Spoltore, Surgent’s vice president of tax and advisory content. “These courses provide timely insights to help practitioners offer more informed advice to their clients, whether they’re dealing with tax planning, client advisory services, or executive compensation.”

    Below is a preview of the new offerings, along with their premiere dates. All courses are worth two CPE credits, except where noted.

    The 14 new CPE courses are scheduled as follows:

    Registration for each course is open now at SurgentCPE.com. All new courses will debut as a live webinar, while some will later be available on-demand.

    About Surgent Accounting & Financial Education
    Surgent Accounting & Financial Education, a division of KnowFully Learning Group, is a provider of the high-impact education experiences that accounting, tax and financial professionals need throughout their careers. For most of the company’s 35-year history, Surgent has been a trusted provider of continuing professional education (CPE), continuing education (CE) and skill-based training that professionals need to maintain their credentials and stay current on industry changes. More recently, Surgent became one of the fastest-growing certification exam review providers, offering predictive learning-based courses that help learners pass accounting and finance credentialing exams faster. Learn more at Surgent.com.

    About KnowFully Learning Group
     The KnowFully Learning Group provides continuing professional education, exam preparation courses and education resources to the accounting, finance and healthcare sectors. KnowFully’s suite of learning solutions helps learners become credentialed, satisfy required credit hours to maintain credentials and stay informed on the latest trends and critical changes in their industries over the course of their careers. The company provides exam preparation and continuing education for accounting, finance, and tax professionals headlined by the Surgent Accounting & Financial Education brand. KnowFully’s healthcare education brands include American Fitness Professionals & Associates, ChiroCredit, Impact EMS Training, Online CE, PharmCon freeCE, PharmCon Rx Consultant and Psychotherapy.net. For more information, please visit KnowFully.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7b56442d-7af7-42c6-b096-7412c5b4a366

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Akamai Technologies, Teradyne, and Wayfair Partner to Purchase Solar Energy in Champaign County, Ill. Through the Net Zero Consortium for Buyers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Through Sustainability Roundtable, Inc.’s Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB), Akamai Technologies (Akamai), Teradyne, and Wayfair LLC (Wayfair) have signed an aggregated virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with BayWa r.e. Americas. This agreement covers the renewable energy credits produced by the 135 megawatt alternating current (MWac) Prairie Solar project in Champaign County, Ill., which is being developed by the BayWa r.e. Americas group and is expected to achieve commercial operation at the end of 2025.

    Prairie Solar is set to make a significant impact in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region of Illinois, which, at only 32% low-carbon energy in 2023, is an especially carbon-intensive grid. Once operational, Prairie Solar will help reduce carbon emissions in this area, which currently relies heavily on fossil fuels.

    By aggregating their demand, Akamai, Teradyne, and Wayfair overcome the challenge of modest energy loads that typically hinder independent procurement of utility-scale renewable energy. This buyer-aggregated approach democratizes access to the financial and environmental benefits of utility-scale renewable energy, making procurement possible for a broader range of enterprises.

    Akamai, the world’s most distributed platform for cloud computing, security, and content delivery, plans to purchase the renewable energy generated by a 30 megawatt (MW) portion of the project to support the company’s commitment to run its distributed platform as efficiently as possible, to be mindful of its power usage, and to minimize the negative environmental impacts of its global operations.

    “Akamai has led the way in innovative renewable energy projects since 2018, when we were a part of the United States’ first corporate aggregated VPPA – a game-changing approach for smaller renewable energy buyers. Today we are proud to continue that legacy by participating in this solar aggregation located in a very carbon intensive grid,” said Mike Mattera, director of corporate sustainability and environmental, social and governance officer at Akamai.

    Teradyne, a leading global supplier of automated test equipment and robotics solutions, will purchase renewable energy generated by a 20 MW portion of Prairie Solar in furtherance of the company’s emissions reduction commitment. Once operational, Teradyne’s portion of the project is expected to deliver renewable energy equivalent to the company’s entire U.S. electric load.

    “Teradyne remains committed to our sustainability initiatives. The NZCB provides one of the many ways Teradyne is working to reduce our environmental impact to benefit all of our stakeholders,” said Debra Pulpi, corporate environment, health and safety manager at Teradyne.

    Wayfair, the destination for all things home, will purchase renewable energy generated by a 20 MW portion of the Prairie Solar project. Once operational, this portion is expected to generate 45,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy, which will cover about 80% of Wayfair’s electricity needs in North America for 2023. This will ultimately contribute to Wayfair’s goal of cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 63% by 2035 (compared to 2020 baseline).

    “We are proud to be part of our second aggregated virtual power purchase agreement in North America,” said Anna Vinogradova, head of sustainability and ESG for Wayfair. “This project will help Wayfair advance towards its Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction goals, aligning with our vision of a more sustainable future. Partnerships like the NZCB harness collaboration to unlock ambitious opportunities for companies to contribute to a cleaner environment.”

    The NZCB separately advised another entity on a VPPA contract for a 50 MW portion of the Prairie Solar project.

    The NZCB has achieved over 90% of its goal of causing a gigawatt of new renewable energy capacity before 2025. Reaching the NZCB’s gigawatt goal would generate enough energy to meet the annual average electricity needs of more than 200,000 U.S. homes while helping mitigate commercial Scope 2 emissions across the business operations of corporate buyers. This transaction demonstrates how the NZCB offers a breakthrough model for commercial collaboration in causing utility-scale renewables, beginning in North America and Europe.

    Sustainability Roundtable, Inc.
    Sustainability Roundtable, Inc. (SR Inc) works to be the world’s most respected strategic advisor in enterprise decarbonization. For more than fifteen years, leaders at over 100 Fortune 500 and global growth companies have trusted SR Inc to provide membership-based strategic advisory and support services. SR Inc helps executives to set goals, drive progress, and report results as they lead their organizations to more sustainable high performance — all to help align business with life. SR Inc’s Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB) is a confidential renewable energy buyers’ community creating transactions favorable for corporate buyers. The NZCB enables enterprises to chart a profitable path to Net Zero emissions globally. SR Inc Member-Clients have made the NZCB the leading transaction platform for corporate aggregated procurement of utility scale renewable energy in North America and Europe.

    Contact Information: srinc@fischtankpr.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP investigates hit and run collision involving pedestrian

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP is investigating a hit and run collision that occurred on September 24, 2024. A pedestrian was transported to the Labrador Health Centre with non-life-threatening injuries.

    The collision occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday on Hamilton River Road near the baseball field. A number of other pedestrians were nearby. The vehicle departed after the collision occurred and did not stop to render assistance to injured individual.

    The vehicle is described as possibly a dark-colored SUV. The investigation is continuing.

    Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP asks the public to check all available surveillance footage and to report any information that could assist police with this investigation.

    Anyone having information about this incident or the involved vehicle or the identity of the driver is asked to contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP at 709-896-3383. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit http://www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs inter-departmental working group meeting on festival arrangements (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         As directed by the Chief Executive, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired the inter-departmental working group meeting on festival arrangements today (September 26) to holistically review and steer the overall co-ordination work of various government departments in welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; and representatives of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, and other relevant Government departments attended the meeting.     At the meeting, Mr Chan instructed various departments to better prepare for receiving visitors during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, actively coordinate and consolidate supporting services of boundary control points (BCPs), traffic and public transport, promptly respond to various emergency situations, and strengthen information dissemination, with a view to providing quality experience to residents and visitors in celebration of the National Day.Estimated visitor flow and preparatory work     According to the Immigration Department (ImmD)’s estimate, around 7.01 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week (October 1 to October 7) this year, among which 5.98 million passengers will pass through land control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will peak on October 1 (Tuesday).     In terms of Mainland inbound visitors, it is estimated that about 1.23 million passengers will visit Hong Kong via various sea, land and air control points during the seven-day Mainland’s National Day Golden Week.     The Travel Industry Authority has reminded travel agents receiving Mainland inbound tour groups to stagger arrival time as far as possible, and will coordinate with agencies such as tourist spots to adopt appropriate diversion measures to enable proper management of the flow of visitors and tour buses, with a view to offering a pleasant travel experience to visitors.     There will be a rich array of celebratory activities before, during and after the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week. Major mega events include the “Celebration of National Day – The Next Generation Chorus Performance” at the West Kowloon Cultural District on September 30 night (Monday) and the 2024 National Day Fireworks Display at the Victoria Harbour on October 1 night (Tuesday). The Hong Kong Police Force (Police) will arrange sufficient police manpower to implement corresponding crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements as necessary to ensure that all celebrations will be conducted in a safe and orderly manner. Various district offices will also closely monitor the flow of visitors within their corresponding districts during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week and strengthen management of the relevant spots having regard to the actual circumstances.Coordinate control points, traffic and public transport facilities     The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre set up by Hong Kong Customs, the Police, the ImmD and other departments will be activated from September 28 (Saturday) to October 7 (Monday) to monitor the real-time situation at various control points, maintain close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanism, and take timely contingency actions to flexibly deploy manpower at the BCPs to ensure smooth operation of the land control points. The Security Bureau will also activate the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre in a timely manner to closely monitor and co-ordinate the public order situation at various BCPs and facilitate interdepartmental follow-up actions where necessary to respond promptly to various kinds of emergencies.     For transport arrangements, the Transport Department (TD) has worked with relevant Mainland authorities and relevant operators to formulate plans to strengthen services at various ports, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus), as well as arranging dedicated public transport lanes at the HZMB Port, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and Shenzhen Bay Port as necessary, with a view to ensuring smooth public transport services. Regarding local public transport services, the TD has approached various public transport operators proactively to enhance the capacity, and reserve vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors. Amongst them, the MTR Corporation Limited will enhance train service of railway lines during September 28 to October 13, with a total of about 950 extra trips, so as to facilitate the travelling of local residents and visitors. The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate 24 hours to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services of different districts including various BCPs and major stations. The TD will adopt various measures including increasing the frequency of public transport services as appropriate so as to cope with the service demand and passenger flow, and will disseminate the latest traffic information through various channels.     As regards the two homeporting calls of a mega cruise ship at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, while the cruise terminal operator will continue to coordinate with the cruise company, transport service operators and travel agents etc. to make proper transport planning, the Tourism Commission (TC) has also liaised with the bus companies and the taxi trade through the TD to provide additional support. Shuttle bus services will also be strengthened subject to demand. As it is anticipated that many Mainland visitors will come to Hong Kong to join cruise itineraries via the land BCPs, the TC has also assisted the trade in coordinating with BCPs to ensure smooth immigration clearance. Direct coach services will be provided to take visitors from the BCPs to the cruise terminal.Weather forecast     The weather in Hong Kong is expected to be generally fine during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, with low chances of being affected by heavy rain and tropical cyclones. A fresh to strong northeasterly monsoon is expected to arrive in Guangdong on the National Day, followed by a couple of days of slightly cooler and drier weather, with a minimum temperature of around 22 degrees Celsius in the urban areas. The above forecast is a preliminary assessment, and the Observatory will update the forecast depending on the latest weather changes.Information dissemination     To facilitate visitors in planning their itineraries, the inter-departmental working group will strengthen information dissemination including the latest inbound visitor arrivals, the situation at various BCPs, information on celebratory events, transport arrangements and the latest weather information, etc, to facilitate residents and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.     The Tourism Board (TB) has also launched a dedicated webpage to consolidate various useful information during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week, including the operating arrangements of major tourist attractions in Hong Kong, details of various unique celebratory events, special discount and promotional activities around the National Day, so as to facilitate residents and visitors to plan their itineraries more conveniently. The TB has also stepped up promotion in the Mainland, including launching special offers with major online integrated tourism platforms in the Mainland, in order to promote large-scale events with characteristics, explore the unique cultural and tourism experiences in Hong Kong through the promotional channel of the platforms and boost spending of more Mainland visitors in Hong Kong as well as enhance visitors’ experience.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Get a grant to study in the UAE

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education informs about the start of accepting applications for a grant for training in higher education programs – bachelor’s programs, master’s programs, postgraduate programs (doctoral studies), as well as for Arabic language courses at the Mohammed bin Zayed University for the Humanities (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates).

    Russian students interested in learning Arabic are eligible to participate. The University provides grants for the following programs: Arabic language courses (30 places), and bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate programs (15 places).

    Information about the programs is posted on the website of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Center for the Development of Education and International Activities (Interobrazovanie)” in the section “Academic Mobility – Programs”.

    All interested candidates should contact the International Cooperation Department of the State University of Management at ab_kasatkina@guu.ru by October 10, 2024.

    The competitive procedure is carried out by the Emirates side. For questions regarding participation in the programs, please contact Rashid Alminhali, Head of the Protocol Department at Mohammed bin Zayed University for Humanities and Sciences, at the email address: rashed.almenhali@mbzuh.ac.ae.

    The deadline for submitting documents is October 20, 2024.

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 09/26/2024

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

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

    Get a grant to study in the UAE

    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 Video: Secretary Blinken meets with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan – 6:20 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New York City, New York, on September 26, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9fYj7Cimmw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Empowering Lives, Fostering Growth: Inspiring Journeys of Workers at Samsung’s Chennai Plant

    Source: Samsung

    Praveen (left) and Selvan (right) taking a break around their favourite spot at Samsung’s Chennai Plant
     
    At Samsung’s Chennai manufacturing plant, where state-of-the-art TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and compressors are produced, the heartbeat of the facility is not just the hum of the machinery—it’s the lives of thousands of dedicated workers whose stories are interwoven with the company’s commitment to their well-being and growth.
     
    The Chennai plant, one of Samsung’s largest in India, has long been known for fostering a worker-friendly environment. It provides continuous training, and numerous welfare programs, all designed to ensure the well-being and development of the workforce.
     
    Employees with an impeccable attendance record get constant incentives, which motivates them to be more present at work. There are awards in four different categories to uplift the morale of employees who continuously thrive to give outstanding performance.
     
    Empowerment through Opportunity
    For over fourteen years, Tamil Selvan has been part of the Samsung family, starting his journey as a apprentice at the plant. Coming from a modest background, he recalls how joining Samsung was more than just a job—it was the start of a transformation.
     
    Tamil Selvan: “At Samsung, it’s not just about doing a job—it’s about being heard, being valued, getting rewarded”
     
    “Fourteen Years… It feels just like yesterday. It is not just about work, I have literally grown from a boy to a man here. Over time, with Samsung’s continuous support and opportunities for growth, I was able to change my life. I have supported my younger sibling’s education, helped with their marriage, got married myself, bought a house, and now I even own a car,” said Tamil Selvan, from the Plant’s Refrigerator divison.
     
    Samsung has been dedicated to empowering its workers since the Chennai plant came into existence in 2007. With a focus on constant upskilling, Tamil Selvan steadily progressed from working on the line to being a Technical Operator.
     
    “The recognition and trust I’ve received here have been incredible,” he adds. “It’s not just about doing a job—it’s about being heard, being valued, getting rewarded, and knowing you’re making a difference,” said Selvan.
     
    A Commitment to Growth and Diversity
    Praveen Singh, another long-standing worker at the Chennai plant, echoes Tamil’s sentiments, though his journey is shaped by a different set of challenges and aspirations. Born and raised in Tamil Nadu but with roots in North India, Praveen has always been motivated by the diversity of the workforce at Samsung.
     
    Praveen Singh: “This feeling of being proud comes from the fact that I represent a brand that cares for me.”
     
    “The fact that people from all over India work together here is something that fills me with pride,” said Praveen, who joined the plant in 2013 as a trainee.
     
    “I’ve learned so much from my colleagues, not just about technology but about different cultures and perspectives. That’s something I don’t think I would have experienced anywhere else.”
     
    For Praveen, who started as a trainee and is now an operator in the process innovation team, the opportunities to learn and grow have been crucial to his success.
     
    “Samsung always encouraged me to learn. Over the years, I picked up Tamil, improved my English, and developed leadership skills that allowed me to move up the ranks,” he shared.
     
    “Samsung doesn’t just invest in its products—they invest in us, their workers. I feel immensely proud when I leave home for work wearing my uniform. This feeling comes from the fact that I represent a brand that cares for me.”
     
    Care, Health & Wellness as part of a People-first Culture
    All workers at the plant have health insurance facilities for upto five family members. From day one of apprenticeship, the plant offers continuous training, mentorship, and development programs designed to help employees grow professionally. The comprehensive health care, flexible work arrangements, and the focus on work-life balance are all part of Samsung’s commitment to creating a people-first culture.
     
    When Praveen’s mother needed knee surgery, the company’s comprehensive health policy ensured she received the best care available.
     
    “Samsung not only supported me in getting her the best doctors, but they also regularly checked in on her recovery. It’s more than a workplace—it’s a family,” he shared.
     
    Samsung’s broader ethos of prioritizing worker well-being and personal development have continuously supported the employees.
     
    Wall art designed by a worker at Chennai Plant
     
    “At Samsung, it’s not just about what we do but how we feel doing it,” Praveen explained. “The environment is supportive, and everyone is treated with respect, regardless of their position. That’s something you don’t find everywhere.”
     
    Tamil agrees, noting how much his job at Samsung has changed his standing in society. “Being a part of Samsung has earned me respect, not only in my professional life but in my community,” he said.
     
    “I’m proud of the work I do here. It’s not just a job—it’s a part of who I am.”
     
    Samsung’s Chennai Plant at Sriperumbudur
     
    A Future Built on Shared Success
    As Samsung continues to push boundaries in technology, the true foundation of its success lies in the success stories of employees. Their journeys are testaments to the company’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and growth-driven workplace where employees are empowered to achieve their best—both at work and in their personal lives.
     
    By investing in its workers, Samsung has created a workplace that doesn’t just manufacture world-class product but also builds futures, strengthens communities, and fosters loyalty.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing enters moderate aging society: official

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Beijing has entered a moderate aging society, with the permanent elderly population in the city reaching 4.95 million by the end of 2023, a civil affairs official said Thursday.
    Guo Hanqiao, deputy chief of the municipal civil affairs bureau, told a press conference that the elderly accounted for 22.6 percent of the city’s total permanent population.
    Guo, also a bureau spokesman, said the city has developed a community-based nursing service model and plans to establish 100 elderly care service centers at subdistrict and township levels. As of Sept. 20, 60 of them had been completed.
    In addition, the city has stepped up professional home care to serve the bedridden elderly at home.
    He Jingtao, deputy director of the city’s commission of housing and urban-rural development, said other measures included elderly-oriented housing modifications, such as installing elevators at outdated residential communities.
    By the end of August, more than 4,200 elevators had been installed for such communities in the city, benefiting approximately 50,000 households, He said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation – 3:45 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in New York City, New York, on September 26, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t40Y6cg0-NU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Gevo Acquires CultivateAI for its Verity Business Unit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) has acquired Cultivate Agricultural Intelligence, LLC (“CultivateAI”) for $6 million in cash, with the opportunity for the sellers to receive additional earn-out payments. Gevo will fold CultivateAI into its wholly owned Verity subsidiary to accelerate Verity’s business development and growth. CultivateAI is a proven business with expected 2024 revenue of $1.7 million and corresponding positive cash flow. CultivateAI provides agricultural data to clients through a software as a service (“SaaS”) platform.

    Gevo expects to combine CultivateAI’s digital agriculture data and analytics platform with Verity’s carbon accounting and tracking solutions to provide the highest quality data-driven solutions for carbon abatement in food, feed, fuels, and industrial markets, while simultaneously helping farmers improve their operations, sustainability, and profitability. CultivateAI’s SaaS platform is a cloud-based, mobile platform that helps farm operators, agronomists, ag-service providers, and researchers make informed, data-driven decisions with real-time analytics.

    “Adding CultivateAI and its inventive approach to Verity will help us grow revenue by providing the most complete set of data-driven analytics services to farmers, agronomists, and researchers,” said Dr. Paul Bloom, Head of Verity and Chief Carbon Officer of Gevo. “With this acquisition, Verity is speeding up our development and increasing the value we will deliver to our customers.”

    Verity is at the forefront of creating the ability to track, verify, and empirically value carbon intensity across the full carbon lifecycle. By adding the tools and existing business from CultivateAI, Verity will benefit from the addition of clients outside the biofuel segment as well as additional revenue streams.

    “We are constantly looking for this kind of development that delivers new streams of untapped revenue to the company,” said Dr. Pat Gruber, CEO of Gevo. “As we accelerate development of Verity, we expect to see these customer relationships and revenue opportunities grow as customers seek out new products and services that help them understand their businesses better. These new business elements support our mission of growing an efficient circular economy, and delivering shareholder returns by adding scalable revenue opportunities now.”

    About Gevo
    Gevo’s mission is to convert renewable energy and biogenic carbon into sustainable fuels and chemicals with a net zero or better carbon footprint. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of products, including sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”), motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials. Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities for these renewable fuels and other products. It currently runs one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States. It also owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo emphasizes the importance of sustainability by tracking and verifying the carbon footprint of its business systems through its Verity subsidiary.

    For more information, see http://www.gevo.com.

    About Verity
    Verity is at the forefront of creating the ability to track, verify, and empirically value carbon intensity across the full carbon lifecycle. Verity Holdings, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gevo, Inc.

    For more information, see http://www.veritytracking.com.

    About CultivateAI
    CultivateAI is a cloud-based, mobile platform that helps its customers make informed, data-driven decisions with real-time analytics. Its trusted insights are designed to help agricultural operations increase production, manage risk, and maximize profitability.

    For more information, see cultivateagi.com.

    Forward Looking Statement
    Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, including, without limitation, CultivateAI and its operations, the integration of CultivateAI into Verity, CultivateAI’s expected financial results and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.

    Media Contact
    Lindsay Fitzgerald
    Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
    PR@gevo.com

    Investor Contact
    Eric Frey, PhD
    Vice President of Finance & Strategy
    IR@Gevo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes GreenPoint Wealth Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC, announced today that financial advisors Jeff Minucci, CFP®, and David Ryzman, CFP®, have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms. They reported having served approximately $150 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and join LPL from Osaic.

    For more than 20 years, Minucci and Ryzman have collaborated in various roles within the financial services industry, eventually becoming business partners in the independent space. They specialize in developing innovative strategies to help meet their clients’ retirement planning objectives and use robust financial education to encourage their clients to better understand their financial portfolios.

    “We believe in a comprehensive approach, which includes designing plans tailored to each individual client to help reduce risk and tax implications, while focusing on long-term performance, sustainable retirement income and effective estate protection,” Minucci said.

    With the move to LPL, the McKinney, Texas-based advisors have launched a new firm, GreenPoint Wealth Management.

    “We wanted to create our own identity and shape our practice on our terms,” Ryzman said. “After a thorough due diligence process, we felt LPL was the ideal landing spot to support our continued growth. We appreciate LPL’s strong reputation as a leading wealth management firm. We’ve also found that LPL has streamlined processes that make it much easier to do business, which then gives us more time to spend taking care of our clients.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “We extend a warm welcome to Jeff and David and congratulate them on the launch of GreenPoint Wealth Management. Through integrated capabilities and comprehensive business management solutions, LPL is driving flexibility and efficiency, enabling independent financial advisors to focus on growth, entrepreneurialism and putting their clients first.”

    Related

    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that LPL should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving more than 23,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,000 institutions and at approximately 580 registered investment advisor firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional. At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business their way. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. GreenPoint Wealth Management and LPL Financial are separate entities.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2023.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (704) 996-1840

    Tracking #633622

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Companjon to enable global car rental company Carwiz to offer its customers the opportunity to cancel their reservations for any reason and receive compensation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • The partnership agreement was signed today by representatives from both parties during Carwiz’s third annual company conference in Zagreb, Croatia
    • The Cancel For Any Reason protection is a first in the global car rental industry and will initially be available for reservations made within the EEA
    • Carwiz customers can receive up to 80% of the value of their booking if they need to cancel – no questions asked, no documentation required
    • Companjon will serve as technology provider, underwriter, and risk carrier

    DUBLIN, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading insurtech Companjon today signed a partnership agreement with Carwiz International, one of the fastest growing car rental franchise companies worldwide, to offer Carwiz customers the ability to cancel their reservations for any reason and recover most of the booking cost. The offering, initially available to customers booking within the EEA, is an industry-first and is a key part of Carwiz’s ambition to deliver top-tier car rental services. Companjon will serve as the technology provider, underwriter, and risk carrier of the cancellation protection.

    Carwiz customers will be able to add-on Cancel For Any Reason at the time of booking for an additional fee that is optimized to the specific details of the car rental. The customer can then seamlessly cancel their booking up to 48 hours before the rental start time – no questions asked, no documentation required – and receive up to 80% of the booking cost. The payout is offered to the customer instantly upon confirmation of cancellation.

    Carwiz CEO, Krešimir Dobrilović, said “We are excited to sign this agreement today, in the presence of the larger Carwiz team, which demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with an exceptional car rental experience. The ability to cancel for any reason, an industry first, creates a new level of flexibility and convenience for customers who are faced with unexpected situations and circumstances. We look forward to continuing our work with Companjon to launch this unique protection to any customer booking from within the EEA in the following weeks.”

    Companjon CEO, Matthias Naumann, said: “We are proud to be Carwiz’s trusted insurtech partner and enable them to raise the standard for customer experience in the car rental industry with our Cancel For Any Reason solution. We share in Carwiz’s ambition to go where no one has gone before and applaud their boldness to set themselves apart from their competition by being ‘right there when life happens’ for their customers. We look forward to launching the offering with them before year’s end and celebrating its success with the Carwiz team in due course.”

    Companjon, established in 2020, seeks to change the way people think about insurance. The company has implemented a variety of tailored, dynamic insurtech products with globally recognized brands in the travel, mobility, live events and entertainment, and fintech sectors. Its unparalleled end-to-end solution design leverages the latest technology, like machine learning and artificial intelligence, to delight its business partners’ customers through protection that enhances flexibility and convenience across 32 countries in Europe and North America.

    About Companjon 

    Companjon is a leading B2B2C insurtech start-up specializing in fully digital, AI-driven embedded insurance. Its modern, end-to-end insurance solutions enable companies to delight their customers and drive more business value from stronger brand loyalty and new ancillary revenue opportunities. Companjon designs, builds, and underwrites its dynamic solutions on a 100% cloud-based platform capable of issuing 32,000 policies per second, integrating API gateways easily, and leveraging the latest advanced technology. It has been recognized as one of the World’s Top Insurtech Companies 2024 by CNBC and one of the world’s most innovative insurtechs by FinTech Global for three consecutive years (2021-2023).

    Companjon seeks to change the way people think about insurance by creating seamless and positive experiences when things don’t go as planned: being right there when ‘life’ happens. The company is registered in Ireland and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

    http://www.companjon.com

    Media Contact:
    Kimberly Littlefield
    +353 (0)86 107 0416
    press@companjon.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wearable Devices Boldly Welcomes Meta’s Neural Control Entry to the AR/VR/XR Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Yokneam Ilit, Israel, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), an award-winning pioneer in AI-based gesture control technology, today applauded Meta’s entrance into the gesture control space with its announcement at Meta Connect 2024.

    “Welcome, Meta. Seriously,” declared Wearable Devices’ Chief Executive Officer Asher Dahan. “Competition only fosters innovation, and we are encouraged to see Meta’s nascent commitment to the neural interface sector which we at Wearable Devices have been advancing and perfecting for over a decade.”

    With its award-winning Mudra Band and Mudra Link neural gesture control devices, both of which empower users with hands-free digital navigation, Wearable Devices long ago redefined the way people interact with technology. The Company has repeatedly demonstrated the transformative nature of neural interface technology, enabling users to control digital environments using their thoughts and intentions, opening new doors for hands-free interaction with devices and digital experiences.

    “Meta’s new move into this field validates the immense potential and growing importance of neural control,” added Mr. Dahan. “Clearly, we at Wearable Devices have been onto something big all along as the trailblazers in neural wearables, and we look forward to continuing to push boundaries alongside other key players in the space.”

    In the past year, the Mudra Band has enhanced the experience of thousands of users, showcasing its proven value. While Meta presented its neural wristband as a ‘Purposeful Product Prototype’ for smart glasses, we offer a versatile solution that controls computers, applications, and smart glasses.

    Wearable Devices has long been at the forefront of gesture control innovation, having won the prestigious ‘Best of CES Innovation Award’ in 2021 for its Mudra Band, the first neural interface wristband.

    For more information, visit http://www.wearabledevices.co.il.

    About Wearable Devices Ltd.

    Wearable Devices Ltd. is a growth company developing AI-based neural input interface technology for the B2C and B2B markets. The Company’s flagship product, the Mudra Band for Apple Watch, integrates innovative AI-based technology and algorithms into a functional, stylish wristband that utilizes proprietary sensors to identify subtle finger and wrist movements allowing the user to “touchlessly” interact with connected devices. The Company also markets a B2B product, which utilizes the same technology and functions as the Mudra Band and is available to businesses on a licensing basis. Wearable Devices Is committed to creating disruptive, industry leading technology that leverages AI and proprietary algorithms, software, and hardware to set the input standard for the Extended Reality, one of the most rapidly expanding landscapes in the tech industry. The Company’s ordinary shares and warrants trade on the Nasdaq market under the symbols “WLDS” and “WLDSW”, respectively.

    Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss the benefits and advantages of the Company’s devices and technology . All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the trading of our ordinary shares or warrants and the development of a liquid trading market; our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 15, 2024 and our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Walter Frank
    IMS Investor Relations
    203.972.9200
    wearabledevices@imsinvestorrelations.com

    Media Contact:

    Steve Schuster
    Rainier Communications
    steve@rainierco.com
    +1-508-868-5892

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: That’s a wrap: deal done for biggest sport and health investment in region

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A mind-boggling 26 leases and other legal agreements, three key sports teams, numerous sports funding and community organisations – the starting pistol has well and truly been fired on the biggest sport and health investment Plymouth has seen since the opening of the Life Centre.

    Plymouth Argyle Football Club, Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, Plymouth Albion RFC, Plymouth City Council and Devonport Community Leisure Limited have now finished the negotiations and deals around parcels of land and buildings in and around the Brickfields site in Devonport.

    With the complex paperwork complete, start on site for this transformational project is about to get underway.

    Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sports and Leisure said: “It’s been a hugely complex scheme and is the most significant sports pitch hub development in Devon and Cornwall. All the players involved have been dedicated to the idea of this transformational sports regeneration scheme – not just for the elite super fit athletes but for creating revitalised facilities for the people of Plymouth – and Devonport in particular – to help them remain healthy and well.”

    To give an idea of the complexities behind the scheme, Devonport Community Leisure Ltd had to relinquish their lease on the Brickfields building to enable the work on the hub to start. The hub is going to be run by Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, who have considerable experience of managing a community hub at Manadon. The athletic club is getting a new club house, but that means the old one will need to be demolished.

    All the facilities had to comply with the exacting standards of the sports organisations in terms of ensuring the pitches are built to the right specifications. The timetabling of planned work is all designed to cause as little interruption as possible to programmed sporting events. Tied into all of these are funding agreements from organisations such as the Football Foundation and the Government’s Youth Investment Fund.

    Part of this massive puzzle has included creating a pétanque terrain nearby for Plymouth Petanque club who had a terrain on the Brickfields site. Ensuring there is capacity for parking for visitors was also another consideration – and an underused car park is to be utilised at weekends for visitors.

    Stoke Damerel Community College is to become the new home of hockey for the west of Plymouth, with a new, 2G sand pitch for both school and community use with modern flood lighting for all year round use. It will also be used for other sports and for the day-to-day PE needs of the college. A smaller rubber-crumb 3G surface is being built for football and contact rugby training and will replace the standing 20-year-old artificial surface. An improved grass playing pitch is also planned.

    Work on these facilities is underway but for now all eyes are on the start of work at Brickfields. At the core of the proposals is a new permanent home for Plymouth Argyle’s youth wing, the Argyle Academy, and Plymouth Argyle Women.

    Extensive community and sport facilities include new grass and all-weather 3G pitches, athletics facilities for the City of Plymouth Athletics Club and other users, play zones exclusively for public use, better public access, landscaped public areas, and parking.

    Work on the community hub on the site of the former Brickfields sports centre has been progressing. The new hub, which will deliver much needed accessible and affordable community space to connect people and offer a wide range of wellbeing services.

    Who is involved: the big players

    • Plymouth City Council
    • Plymouth Argyle FC
    • Plymouth Argyle Community Trust
    • Plymouth Albion RFC
    • Devonport Community Leisure Ltd

    On the team:

    • Livewell South West
    • City of Plymouth Athletic Club
    • Plymouth Petanque
    • Football Foundation
    • Sport England
    • Rugby Football Union
    • England Hockey
    • The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS)
    • Ministry of Defence

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hanwell, Oromocto, St. Stephen — RCMP issue 160 tickets during traffic enforcement operation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A recent RCMP traffic enforcement operation in the Southwestern region of the province has resulted in 160 tickets being issues, and eight vehicles being towed.

    On September 19, 20 and 21, 2024, members of the New Brunswick RCMP’s Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit (TTEU) conducted a traffic enforcement operation in the Hanwell, Oromocto and St. Stephen, N.B., areas.

    In total, police issued 160 tickets and eight vehicles were towed under the New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act. These included 83 tickets for speeding, 26 of which for speeding over 25 km/hr over the posted speed limit.

    Furthermore, 77 tickets for various infractions were issued, including 19 vehicles with no current inspection certificate and 16 tickets for an expired vehicle registration, 17 tickets for not wearing a seatbelt, and eight tickets for using a hand-operated electronic device while driving.

    Police also arrested one individual on outstanding warrants, two individuals for driving while impaired, and one prohibited driver. A number of warnings were also issued.

    “We all have a role to play when it comes to making our roads and communities safer,” says Sgt. Ghislain David with the Tactical Traffic Enforcement Unit.

    The RCMP’s TTEU conducts regular, targeted traffic enforcement on roadways throughout the province with the goals of improving road safety, educating motorists about traffic laws, and to reduce serious injury and fatal collisions.

    The public can also assist in keeping dangerous drivers off the road by reporting them to police. If you see a dangerous or a suspected impaired driver, call 911. Your description of the driver, vehicle, licence plate number and direction of travel can assist police in making New Brunswick roads safer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preparations for the Guild Lounge underway

    Source: City of Preston

    It’ll be alright on the night – Work is full speed ahead at the Guild Lounge

    A team of tradesmen are hard at work behind the scenes to make sure the Guild Lounge venue at the Guild Hall is glitterball ready, ahead of its official opening launch in October.

    The Guild Lounge, formerly the Guild Hall Foyer, will open to the public on Thursday 3 October with its first show in an extensive Winter programme of events – Disco Inferno – an all singing, all dancing celebration of the best of 70’s disco!

    Watch the promotional video and buy tickets for this high energy, Studio 54 revival.

    Councillor Anna Hindle Cabinet Member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council said:

    “It’s full steam ahead behind the scenes as we prepare for opening night. There is a lot to do from new lighting, new heating, re-upholstering chairs, installing a new sound system, upgrading the lighting rigs, painting, woodwork, creating a new stage, new signage, branding, the list goes on, but the professional team are 100% dedicated and on schedule.

    “This marks a new start for the Guild Hall, with a wide variety of shows and entertainment, there’s something here for everyone. Ticket sales are going well and we’re looking forward to sell out nights at the Guild Hall once again.”

    The Guild Lounge is set to breathe fresh life into Preston’s entertainment scene, offering a carefully curated programme that spans a diverse range of performances. From chart-topping tribute acts and live music to theatre productions and community showcases, The Guild Lounge will host events designed to appeal to all audiences.

    As part of the venue’s transformation, a 350-seat studio theatre has been developed to provide an intimate, dynamic setting for performances. A significant step in establishing Preston as a go-to destination for quality live events, helping to re-engage audiences and bring vibrancy back to the city’s nightlife.

    This redevelopment plays a crucial role in the city’s efforts to revitalise its entertainment landscape, ensuring the venue remains a cornerstone of Preston’s cultural scene.

    More shows continue to be added to the Winter programme, and a full list of currently available shows, how to buy tickets and to sign up to a free Guild Lounge newsletter with event news and updates:

    Visit the Guild Hall website for a full list of available shows

    Additional Information

    Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A two-section house with underground parking is being built under the renovation program in Kuzminki

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On Yunyh Lenintsev Street (land plot No. 97/4) in the Kuzminki district, construction of a residential complex under the renovation program continues. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    “Work is underway in the new building to install monolithic structures at the seventh floor level. It will consist of two sections of variable number of storeys. The building also includes underground parking for 57 cars,” Vladislav Ovchinsky specified.

    The sections will contain 188 apartments with improved finishing, fully in line with renovation standards, approved by the decree of the Moscow Government. In order for the house to fit harmoniously into the architectural ensemble of the area, its facades will be made of suspended three-layer wall panels faced with sawn bricks of beige shades. In addition, metal baskets for air conditioners will be installed on the facades, and the entrance groups will be decorated with stained glass.

    The area around the house will be improved and landscaped: trees and bushes will be planted, lawns will be laid and flower beds will be laid out, a children’s playground with a safe rubber surface, a sports ground, as well as an area for quiet recreation for adults will be built.

    The construction of residential buildings under the renovation program is monitored throughout all stages by the Committee for State Construction Supervision of the City of Moscow (Mosgosstroynadzor). As its head noted Anton Slobodchikov, the construction of the house has been underway since May 2023. During this time, inspectors carried out five on-site inspections, during which they assessed the quality of the work and materials used.

    “In addition to concreting, the site is performing waterproofing of the underground parking floor slab and installation of internal utility lines,” added Anton Slobodchikov.

    All information about the renovation program is presented on the mos.ru portal. You can find out more about apartments and houses under the program by link.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It covers about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement, which allowed the resettlement of over 47 thousand people. Sergei Sobyanin instructed speed up the implementation of the renovation program by two times.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. Over the past five years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of housing has doubled: from three million to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found Here.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144475073/

    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 New Zealand: AUT design students have renewed their own backyard

    Source: Auckland Council

    St Paul Street has been upgraded by the people who use it most – students of AUT.

    It’s the first of two semi-permanent street upgrades enabled by Auckland Council, which give design students the chance to influence the renewal of a street in their own neighbourhood.

    The redesign of St Paul Street in the city centre’s Learning Quarter, by AUT spatial design students from the Master of Design programme, is now in place.

    Last year Claire Davis, Principal – Urban Design from Auckland Council’s Tāmaki Makaurau Design Ope (TMDO), joined creative forces with the Material Imaginaries Research Collective at AUT. The task was for students to collaboratively develop a concept design for a new St Paul Street installation, replacing the existing equipment.

    An initial trial helped show how students and staff used the street and what activities needed to be provided for. This month council contractors delivered their innovative, semi-permanent solution, keeping the scope and budget to a ‘no dig’, low disruption execution.

    Waitematā Local Board Chair Genevieve Sage is pleased to see Auckland’s next generation of urban designers has helped shape their university environments.

    “It means we’re creating uni neighbourhoods that better reflect the everyday needs of students and staff, and we’re also giving future spatial designers and planners real world experience as they begin their careers,” she says.

    The students’ design for St Paul Street is anchored by two main elements: a ‘wandering line’ and a series of bench seats. The wandering line echoes the line of the Rangipuke ridge meeting the upper stream of Te Waihorotiu, re-enacting the slow pooling motion of waterways that were once present in the area. Concrete benches rise and fall in wave-like forms.

    “Working on a live, quick-response project in collaboration with Auckland Council was a great way to ground our research students’ practice-based inquiries,” says Dr Carl Douglas, Head of Department at AUT University.

    “Taking part in the St Paul Street project has been an invaluable experience for me. The project provided opportunities to collaborate with various real-life professionals, and as one of the main users of St Paul Street, I enjoyed contributing to the street’s vision to become a more pedestrian-friendly place,” says participating AUT student Emma Choi. 

    Alfred Street

    In a second design school partnership, a group of third year planning students from the University of Auckland are working on concepts for the renewal of Alfred Street.

    Auckland Council’s design team (TMDO) collaborated with the Architecture & Planning School at the University of Auckland to build a concept for the next phase of the Alfred Street project, replacing the temporary plastic planters.  

    Their brief was to create a medium-term, people-focused, healthy and biodiverse streetscape while delivering a lighter, quicker, cheaper execution.

    In April, twelve student groups presented their concept designs to a panel of teaching staff and Auckland Council guest critics. The TMDO will review the student presentations and consolidate them into one streetscape design to be taken forward through detailed design and implementation.

    “Our students have described this project as enlightening and enjoyable.  It is fantastic for the students to get to work on a real-world solution and work with not only creativity but also constraints. I hope that we can continue this collaboration further,” says Zoe Avery, University of Auckland Associate Director of Design.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Modern technologies and high-class care: the medical and diagnostic complex of the A.S. Loginov Moscow Scientific Center turns one year old

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The capital’s oncology service is a shining example of how new standards and approaches improve the quality and accessibility of medical care in the city. Moscow standard of oncological care, which was introduced just a few years ago, has shown very good results. For example, thanks to it, the detection rate of oncological diseases has grown to 67 percent, and it is increasing every year. And thanks to the creation of anchor oncology centers based on the leading capital clinics, the oncology service has received not only a powerful technological base, but also the ability to ensure continuity at each stage of patient treatment – from the moment of suspicion of the disease to subsequent dispensary observation.

    Despite the excellent results, the city does not stop there and continues to actively develop this area. Specialists develop new methods and algorithms, client paths that make the treatment process as transparent and understandable as possible for the patient. The most modern equipment is supplied to hospitals, existing hospital buildings are reconstructed according to uniform standards, new treatment and diagnostic complexes are built.

    A year ago, the new ultra-modern treatment and diagnostic complex of the Moscow Clinical Research Center (MCRC) named after A.S. Loginov received its first patients. Its opening was a key stage in the modernization of the capital’s oncology service. The area of over 75 thousand square meters houses a 24-hour and day hospital, an outpatient oncology care center, rheumatology and endoscopic centers, radiation therapy and radioisotope diagnostics departments, a modern pathomorphology laboratory, a powerful operating block with 18 operating rooms and other services. During the first year of operation, more than 180 thousand patients were treated in the new complex.

    Full cycle of oncological care, high-tech operations and radiation therapy

    The A.S. Loginov MCNC operates an outpatient oncology care center. A full cycle of multidisciplinary oncology care is organized here, from diagnostics and treatment to subsequent lifelong patient monitoring. Since the opening of the new building of the A.S. Loginov MCNC, oncologists of the outpatient oncology care center have conducted about 330 thousand appointments.

    Every week, doctors perform more than 200 high-tech operations in the surgical hospital. Doctors use robotic technologies, X-ray surgical systems and navigation stations. The most complex interventions are performed in a hybrid operating room equipped with an angiograph. Thanks to gentle anesthesia methods, minimally invasive operations and active postoperative recovery, patients return to full life in the shortest possible time.

    The unique technological equipment of the complex made it possible to conduct radiation therapy, which had not been performed at the A.S. Loginov Moscow Scientific Center before. Now there is a radiotherapy department with three state-of-the-art linear accelerators and a brachytherapy system. About 270 patients receive treatment daily. Since the opening of the department, more than 1.7 thousand people have undergone radiation therapy, and over 30 thousand radiotherapy sessions have been conducted. The new complex has modern linear accelerators for antitumor 3D and 4D radiation therapy. They allow procedures to be performed with the highest precision, without affecting the patient’s healthy tissues.

    From a pathomorphological laboratory to an inter-district rheumatology center

    A centralized pathomorphological laboratory operates on the basis of the A.S. Loginov MCNC complex. It conducts histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies, biopsy. The results of the studies allow doctors to establish an accurate diagnosis, determine the stage of the disease, and also correctly and quickly select treatment tactics. Every day, the laboratory receives materials from 300-400 patients and conducts up to 1.5 thousand studies of glass preparations.

    Since the opening of the new medical and diagnostic complex The employees of the pathological anatomy department of the A.S. Loginov Moscow Cancer Research Center have performed more than 100 thousand biopsies (about 450 thousand slides), and the time it takes to obtain the results of such studies has been reduced by one and a half times. The pathomorphological laboratory operates in a digital format: all research materials are scanned and securely stored in a single digital archive, which is replenished with studies from all the anchor oncology centers of the capital. The formation of the largest database has become the basis for the development of artificial intelligence technologies.

    In addition, an inter-district rheumatology center operates on the basis of the A.S. Loginov MCNC. Thus, the patient receives all the necessary assistance – from a comprehensive examination to effective therapy and observation – in one medical organization. Residents of the Eastern, South-Eastern and North-Eastern administrative districts of Moscow receive treatment here. During the time of work in the new building, specialists of the rheumatology center have held appointments approximately 60 thousand times.

    High-tech endoscopy center, multidisciplinary care and more

    At the end of 2023, the A.S. Loginov Moscow Scientific Center began operating Endoscopy center. Specialists perform diagnostic procedures there and, if possible, immediately remove neoplasms or refer the patient for surgical treatment. New modern equipment has been installed in 12 manipulation rooms, ensuring the most accurate diagnostics. Over 10 thousand studies have been conducted in the endoscopic center.

    The consultative and diagnostic department has all the capabilities to provide multidisciplinary care at the highest level. Over the year of work in the new building, more than 85 thousand patients received expert care in various areas, including gastroenterology, proctology, surgery, neurology, urology, gynecology, endocrinology, traumatology, pulmonology and cardiology.

    The most comfortable conditions for patients have been created in the hospital of the new complex of the A.S. Loginov Moscow Scientific Center. In small wards with panoramic windows, a shower and a toilet, multifunctional beds with an electric drive are installed, there is a button to call medical personnel, air conditioning and ventilation systems. A barrier-free environment has been created for people with limited mobility.

    More than 31 thousand patients have already received inpatient treatment in the new complex. In addition, about five thousand people received treatment as part of the day hospital.

    The team of the A.S. Loginov MKNC is represented by the best medical specialists. Among them are world experts, academicians, professors, doctors and candidates of medical sciences.

    Since 2019, a new standard of oncology care has been implemented in the capital. Five anchor oncology centers have been organized on the basis of the A.S. Loginov Moscow Scientific Center, Oncology Center No. 1 of the S.S. Yudin City Clinical Hospital, S.P. Botkin City Clinical Hospital, the Kommunarka Moscow Multidisciplinary Clinical Center, and the Moscow City Oncology Hospital No. 62.

    Sobyanin spoke about the new stage of modernization of the Loginov Clinical CenterAt the level of world standards: how oncological diseases are treated at the A.S. Loginov Scientific Center

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144461073/

    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 USA: Senator Markey Applauds Senate’s Unanimous Consent Decision to Hold Dr. Ralph de la Torre in Contempt of Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Senate’s first passage of criminal contempt resolution in more than 50 years
    Washington (September 25, 2024) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate agreed to hold Steward Health Care CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre in criminal contempt of Congress. The HELP Committee voted unanimously on September 19 to hold de la Torre in civil and criminal contempt of Congress – a first in modern history.
    “Over the past decade, Steward, led by its founder and CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre, and its corporate enablers, looted hospitals across the country for profit, and got rich through their greedy schemes. Hospital systems collapsed, workers struggled to provide care, and patients suffered and died. Dr. de la Torre and his corporate cronies abdicated their responsibility to these communities that they had promised to serve. Extracting hundreds of millions in profit, de la Torre used the suffering of people under Steward’s care to finance his luxury lifestyle, filling his garages and hangars with fancy cars and private planes, and becoming the posterchild of callous corporate greed.
    “I’ve requested Dr. de la Torre’s appearance multiple times in front of members of the HELP Committee to answer for his corporate greed, but time and time again, he has refused and hid behind excuses. I applaud the Senate’s actions today to hold Dr. de la Torre in criminal contempt of Congress. It is long past time that he be held accountable.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Remarks as Delivered

    Thanks, Todd, and thanks for the warm welcome.

    I am very happy to be here in Mississippi.

    In just a few moments, Todd and I will meet with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to talk about the work that everyone is doing to keep Mississippi safe.

    I am grateful that I have the chance to meet with our law enforcement partners here today. You do the work, the most dangerous work, protecting people in Mississippi. You are indispensable partners for us.

    I am very happy to hear that the sheriff’s investigator is okay, and that the perpetrators have been arrested. Just another piece of evidence about how dangerous the work that local law enforcement does, and we are grateful for everything that you do to protect the citizens of these communities and to work with our law enforcement and our U.S. Attorney’s Office on the same mission. Thank you.

    I am also grateful to have the chance to recognize the extraordinary public servants of this office for their extraordinary work and their extraordinary hard work.

    This U.S. Attorney’s Office is the face of the Justice Department here in the Southern District of Mississippi. When people in this District look to see what the Justice Department stands for, they look to this U.S. Attorney’s Office. I have been consistently impressed with the work that you guys do.

    That work, and the work of our state and local law enforcement partners, is making a difference.

    Three-and-a-half years ago, the Justice Department launched an ambitious strategy to combat violent crime. That strategy is rooted in exactly the kinds of partnerships we see around this table. Today, we are seeing results.

    Just earlier this week, the FBI released a report noting an 11.6% drop in homicides last year and one of the lowest violent crime rates nationwide in 50 years.

    And newly released data indicates that this trend is continuing. Earlier this month, the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Reduction Steering Committee announced data from across 88 cities that indicates that violent crime has continued to decline considerably in 2024. That included a further 16.9% drop in homicides.

    But we know that progress in many communities is still uneven. And, of course, there is no acceptable level of violent crime.

    That is why the Justice Department is continuing to work with our partners here in Mississippi and across the country to combat violent crime, and drug trafficking, and gun trafficking.

    Last month, working with the DEA, this office secured a guilty plea from a member of a drug-trafficking organization in California that sent packages of narcotics to Mississippi. During the investigation, we seized more than 5,700 grams of methamphetamine, 236 grams of fentanyl, and 84 grams of cocaine.

    In July – following a joint operation with ATF, DEA, and other federal agencies – this office secured guilty pleas from five men who participated in a scheme to purchase firearms, machinegun conversion devices, and explosives for delivery to Mexico. Three of the men sought to barter the weapons in exchange for cocaine.

    In March – working with the ATF and the Clinton Police Department – this office secured a 10-year sentence for a man who illegally possessed a firearm and fired a weapon at a law enforcement officer during a high-speed chase in Jackson.

    As we work together to reduce violent crime, we know that building and maintaining public trust is essential to public safety. That is why the Justice Department has taken action when that trust has been violated.

    Earlier this year, the Department worked to secure [10 to 40-year] sentences against six law enforcement officers in Rankin County who violated the civil rights of Black men.

    The officers kicked in the door of a home where the men were residing; handcuffed and arrested them without probable cause; called them racial slurs; and punched, kicked, tased, and assaulted them. After one of the officers fired his gun in the mouth of a victim, the group went outside to come up with a cover story.

    Those actions were a betrayal of the community the officers were sworn to protect, a betrayal of their profession, and a betrayal of their fellow officers.

    To help the community rebuild trust, the Justice Department launched a civil pattern or practice investigation to examine allegations that the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department systematically violates people’s constitutional rights. We are committed to working with local officials, deputies, and the community to conduct a comprehensive investigation.

    The Justice Department is also committed to providing resources necessary to support public safety here in Mississippi.

    Earlier this year, the Justice Department added Jackson to its Violent Crime Initiative. That initiative surges law enforcement tools and resources to target gangs and other violent groups that threaten our communities. In particular, it directs prosecutors from the Justice Department’s headquarters Criminal Division to partner with our prosecutors here on the ground in Jackson to target the individuals who are most responsible for the violence.

    In addition to using our investigative and prosecutorial resources, we are also committed to using our grantmaking capabilities to invest in public safety.

    For example, today, the Justice Department awarded nearly $300,000 to enhance the City of Jackson’s forensic science capabilities. We also awarded nearly $900,000 under our Coordinated Tribal Assistance Program, which funds Tribes’ efforts to develop comprehensive and coordinated approaches to public safety.

    These grants are part of the more than $29 million that the Justice Department is awarding to organizations and government agencies in Mississippi this month to support law enforcement activities and community initiatives.

    These funds will, among other things, help law enforcement agencies in Mississippi hire more officers, prevent and combat violent crime and drug trafficking, and improve services for survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes.

    We remain committed to providing our law enforcement and community partners with the resources they need to protect their communities.

    The examples I have shared today are just a snapshot of the extraordinary work that this office is doing every day to protect people in the District, and to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to ensure the rule of law, to keep our communities safe, and to protect civil rights.

    I am very proud of the public servants who make up this office. And I am equally proud of the relationships that they have built with the law enforcement agencies around this table. Those partnerships are the essence of the way in which we combat violent crime and protect our communities.

    I thank you. I am looking forward to our meeting now.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Annual Meeting Opening Remarks by AIIB President

    Source: Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank

    Your Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
    Distinguished Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

    Assalomu alaykum.

    It is my great honor to welcome you all to the Ninth Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. On behalf of AIIB, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Republic of Uzbekistan for the gracious hospitality shown to the delegations for this Annual Meeting, the first in Central Asia.

    Your Excellency President Mirziyoyev, it is with the greatest of pleasure that AIIB has invited its Members to Uzbekistan to witness the accelerating prosperity that is gaining increasing momentum under your visionary leadership and ambitious reform agenda. Your historic visit to AIIB’s Headquarters in January this year was most significant for our bilateral relationship. With your Government’s ambitious program of nation building projects such as New Tashkent, major investments in transport, social infrastructure like hospitals and schools, and boundless potential in renewable energy, I look forward to AIIB doubling or even tripling its investment in Uzbekistan over the next 5 to 10 years.

    Distinguished Governors, we meet today at a storied center of cultural, economic and intellectual exchange. Standing at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, Samarkand’s rising prosperity began with the emergence of the Silk Road which wove across continents, tying Eurasia ever-tighter together.

    With free trade and cross border investment came a steady flow of new wealth, new ideas and new technology – stimulating scientific understanding of the world as it was then known. Underpinning this flourishing prosperity was connectivity: not just physical but, more importantly, intellectual and societal.

    Well-known are the underground ‘karez’ wells which nourished life in this dry climate, and the caravanserai that provided haven for intellectual exchange between travelers beyond commercial and business interests. Along these ancient arteries of infrastructure an intellectual lifeblood pulsed, circulating between nations of this region and spilling over into the wider world.

    It was only several hours from here that the father of algebra,

    Al-Khwarizmi, was born around 780. His ideas and writings spread to nations along the Silk Road, profoundly influencing the advance of mathematics in Europe. Indeed, his Latin name of Algoritmi is the root word for ‘algorithms’, the computations which energize today’s digital economy.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, the ancient Silk Road serves as an inspiration to us all. Such great intellectual achievements remind us that humanity is most productive, most innovative, and most prosperous when human minds meet and mingle. When people come into contact with each other, brilliant ideas sparkle.

    AIIB’s investments intend to bring regions together to ensure that global trade, technology and capital flows will continue without disruption. This helps us push the boundaries of human potential to still further distant areas. In an era of creeping geo-fragmentation, escalating climate chaos, and a hold-up in development, investing in infrastructure that connects Asia with the rest of the world is more important than ever.

    Since its inception nine years ago, AIIB has resolutely supported members amidst the rough-and-tumble of global events. Over this period, AIIB has approved financing to the tune of USD54.7 billion for 285 projects across 37 members. The development outcomes are multifold, and astounding. Our projects have connected people, 710 million strong, to urban mass transport and upgraded over 49,000 kilometers of transportation infrastructure. Thanks to our projects, there are 8.7 million people who now have access to safe drinking water. Less visibly but no less important, 22.8 million tons of CO2 emissions have been quietly averted annually.

    AIIB’s financing growth has been remarkable by historical standards. This is a great credit to the guidance to the Board of Governors and the Board of Directors. It is also a credit to the Bank’s management and staff, who deserve to be fully recognized and appreciated. Let us give them a big round of applause.

    AIIB’s funding position continues to be firmly based on triple-A ratings by all three major credit rating agencies. This year to date, the Bank has successfully issued bonds equivalent to USD 9 billion and AIIB bonds trade in line with MDB peers. Since 2022, the Bank’s administrative expenses have been fully covered by operating income. The Bank’s financial discipline strengthens its enduring ability to grow financial support for Members over time, complementing other measures under consideration from the MDB CAF review.

    Distinguished Governors, AIIB continues to double down on its client centric approach. In June this year, the structure of our investment operations was fine-tuned so as to streamline the Bank’s deployment of technical and financial expertise, and to heighten client relationships with a particular focus for private-sector financing and mobilization.

    AIIB has remained laser focused on developing financial tools which help members withstand shocks and enhance resilience. In June, Climate Policy-Based Financing (CPBF) was introduced to support Members’ efforts to improve the enabling environment for climate action, helping to mobilize private capital to push for national climate plans. The introduction of CPBF marks a new milestone in the Bank’s journey towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    This new initiative underscores our dedication to building resilient infrastructure for all, and our growing role in addressing global challenges. The Bank’s climate financing is expected to exceed 60% of its lending in 2024, well above the target of 50%.

    Excellencies: AIIB is truly a 21st century Bank. It is majority-owned by emerging and developing countries, follows the highest governance standards and relations between its governing bodies and clients are based on trust and client-centricity. This Bank is your Bank! AIIB’s most cherished principle is accountability. We in AIIB hold ourselves, each and every one of us, accountable for our decisions and actions. We adhere firmly to our most ardent vow made at the launch of the Bank’s operations that we will consistently live up to the expectations of our shareholders and stakeholders.

    Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: As we convene for our Ninth Annual Meeting, let us remember that we are building a future for generations to come. The theme of this Annual Meeting, “Building Resilient Infrastructure for All,” is not just a watchword, a call to action. It is the action! As we gather here along the ancient Silk Road, let us strive together to pave the path for sustainable development, regional and global integration, and prosperity for all.

    Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Economics –