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News Release

Former Republican FCC Chair Joins Growing Chorus Calling for Hearing into License Renewal Application for Fox Philadelphia

Raynor Ave.

Former Republican Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman and broadcast licensee Alfred Sikes today joined the Media and Democracy Project (MAD) and media veterans Ervin S. Duggan and William Kristol to support a petition to deny the broadcast license renewal application for FOX Corporation-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF-TV). “The FCC has allowed the public interest responsibility of broadcast licensees to become a bureaucratic construct,” said Alfred Sikes. “The behavior of Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, highlighted in the MAD petition, raises a first principles question. Is truthful conduct a part of the standard?” Nominated by President George H.W. Bush, Alfred Sikes served as the FCC Chairman from 1989-1992. Prior to his service as Chair, Sikes was nominated by President Reagan to become Assistant Secretary of Commerce and director of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. As FCC Chair, Sikes supported providing Rupert Murdoch with critical FCC waivers needed to launch Fox Broadcasting Company. Throughout his tenure at the FCC, Sikes opposed the advocacy of Murdoch’s competitors seeking to block efforts to create America’s fourth broadcast network. “It is noteworthy that Fox News declared Biden the winner in 2020; it was after all paying expert analysts to parse data to help it project winners and losers,” Sikes says in the objection. “And then much of its prime-time news coverage and opinionators fell in behind the Donald Trump version, not the Fox version of the outcome. They choose fiction over non-fiction to make many of its listeners and viewers happy. They knew the facts and decided to ignore them.” The objection concludes by saying, “The FCC has allowed the pledge to operate in the public interest to become perfunctory at best. If the public interest means anything, the FCC must designate for a hearing the application of the Murdochs and FOX for renewal of their license to operate station WTXF, Philadelphia.” On July 3, 2023, MAD filed a petition to deny the broadcast license renewal application for Fox Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF-TV). MAD is calling on the FCC to initiate an evidentiary hearing into FOX’s conduct to examine whether FOX and its leadership have violated the character requirements expected from public trustees granted a broadcast license. As an FCC broadcast licensee, WTXF-TV, one of 29 FOX subsidiary broadcast stations, has a basic statutory duty to conduct its operations in the “public interest.” A copy of Alfred Sikes informal objection is available here. A link to MAD’s initial Petition to Deny is available here. For media inquiries, please contact Aaron Alberico at aalberico@raynoravenue.com. Alfred Sikes is a former Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration during the Reagan Administration. He was nominated by President George H.W. Bush to the Federal Communications Commission where he served as the Republican Chairman from 1989-92. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.raynoravenue.com/

August 21, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast, Hillsdale in Miami County and the City of Paola Announce Multi-Million Dollar Project to Deliver High-Speed Internet to Homes and Businesses Across the Area

Comcast Greater Kansas City

Comcast announced it is expanding its smart, fast, reliable fiber-rich network – the Xfinity 10G Network – to homes and businesses in the city of Paola and the area of Hillsdale in Miami County to further enhance broadband connectivity and better serve its citizens with fast, reliable internet service. Working with the City of Paola and Miami County, Comcast will bring secure gigabit broadband service to more than 4,000 homes and businesses and will invest millions in a two-year project to expand its fiber-rich Xfinity 10G Network infrastructure over 107 miles in the area. As part of its commitment to bring connectivity to more homes in Kansas, Comcast worked closely with the City of Paola and Hillsdale in Miami County to make fast internet a reality for over 4,000 homes and businesses. The expansion will bring residential broadband speeds faster than 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and business speeds up to 100 Gbps. In the last three years, Comcast has invested nearly $40.3 million in the State of Kansas including more than $11.4 million in technology and infrastructure, such as network upgrades to deliver innovative, reliable and affordable broadband service to everyone in the Comcast service area in Kansas. “Comcast’s announcement to expand further south into Miami County provides additional service options to some customers but also brings service to some areas currently without any high-speed provider,” said Janet McRae, Economic Development Director for Miami County. “The need for our residents and businesses to have high speed internet options is only going to continue to increase in the future. We look forward to the opportunities this investment in our county will bring.” "We are excited for Comcast's commitment to bring high-speed internet to our residents and businesses. Members of our staff have already begun meeting with Comcast to help streamline their construction needs and hopefully minimize any disruptions that may occur,” said Randi Shannon, City Manager, City of Paola. “High-speed internet supports so many parts of our daily lives. Increased access benefits not just those who work from home or enjoy digital entertainment, but it also brings vital healthcare and similar services into the homes of our most vulnerable residents. We are grateful for Comcast's investment and are excited to see the opportunities it brings." “Comcast is proud to partner with Paola and Hillsdale to connect businesses and residents to our reliable, high-speed Xfinity 10G Network,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President for Comcast. “As the world we live in becomes increasingly digital, we remain focused on not only bringing our broadband network to more homes and businesses in Kansas, but also on future-proofing our network to meet the ever-increasing appetite for education, business and entertainment.” Residential customers will be able to take advantage of Xfinity’s full suite of internet products, including the company’s Internet Essentials program that provides low-cost, high-speed broadband for income-constrained households. Since its inception in 2011, the program has connected more than 6,400 Kansas residents. Comcast also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying households with a $30 monthly credit toward internet and mobile services. Powered by the Xfinity 10G Network Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes and businesses today and into the future: Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect nearly 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. The Xfinity 10G Network with the next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: More than a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products, and symmetrical gig speeds are planned to come to the first homes later this year. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful Xfinity WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas, with plans for an offering of increased support for in-home WiFi through a “boost guarantee” later this year. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network – the Xfinity 10G Network – that passes 60 million homes and businesses and counting. The company plans to launch a new device that is “storm ready” with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity 10G Network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. For local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, cybersecurity, managed solutions and Comcast Business Mobile products designed specifically for their employee’s needs. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable and Internet provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading providers to larger organizations in the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Corporation Jill Hornbacher jill_hornbacher@comcast.com Venice Communications Jayne Siemens jsiemens@vencomm.com Company Website https://corporate.comcast.com/

August 15, 2023 07:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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IAPC Decries Assassination of Ecuadorian Presidential Candidate

International Association of Political Consultants

The International Association of Political Consultants (IAPC) released the following statement regarding the murder of Build Ecuador Movement Presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio: “The assassination or even harassment of a political candidate is an affront to the democratic process,” said Matt Klink, President of the IAPC. “Violence has no place in a democracy. You can disagree with a politician’s point of view, you can demonstrate, but the place to exercise your voice is at the ballot box.” “Democracy is fragile, and when violence is used to silence voices, everyone suffers.” “We must focus our democratic energy on ensuring fair, open elections that allows for the fullest participation of all points of view. As political consultants we encourage our candidates and clients to be tolerant, respectful, and civil to voters and the opposition.” “The IAPC’s mission is to support democracy around the world. We must continue to be vigilant in protecting democratic values against threats from those that try and thwart and subvert the will of the people.” Established in 1968, The International Association of Political Consultants is committed to fostering democracy and the democratic process throughout the world. Members span a variety of political backgrounds and activities fostering the growing and diverse profession of political consulting as well as the practical aspects of democratic elections. Contact Details President, International Association of Political Consultants Matt Klink +1 310-283-6267 matt@klinkcampaigns.com Vice-President Communications, International Association of Political Consultants Marcel wieder +1 416-907-2126 Company Website https://www.iapc.org

August 10, 2023 03:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time

CardSnacks Launches Group Greeting Cards to Enhance its E-Card Offerings

CardSnacks

Miss passing cards around the office to recognize a colleague’s birthday, celebrate the birth of a child, or show sympathy for a loss? CardSnacks, the leading platform for individuals and businesses to send personalized e-greetings and gift cards, has introduced a group greeting card feature that lets colleagues send a single e-greeting with personalized messages from multiple users. The feature, which is available on iOS and Android devices, fills one of the biggest cultural holes in workplace environments since more companies have gone to hybrid or work-from-home models. “Anyone who has ever worked in the office has signed a group card to show love and appreciation for a colleague, but that is hard to do in the current workplace,” said Mark Wachen, founder and CEO of CardSnacks. “For the first time, our e-greetings allow for collaboration, whether you are near or far from your colleagues, this latest feature brings coworkers together to offer collective support and celebration.” The feature is available now for CardSnacks for Business, which is geared toward employee and client recognition and connection. Additionally, it is also available for CardSnacks’ personal offerings, meaning family members or neighbors can also share a single card, as long as they are a registered user of CardSnacks. Like all CardSnacks e-cards, the greetings are customizable, with the ability to add photos, videos, music, stickers, and more. Customers can also attach one of the 400 gift cards from top retailers and restaurants. More than 5,000 different card covers are available so customers can send group birthday cards, group anniversary cards, group thank you cards, and much more. “Creating shared, collaborative cards has always been a wonderful way to show recognition, support, and love to others,” Wachen said. “This new group greeting card feature is a step forward in allowing people who may be physically far away from one another to show deep connection and support, build culture, and solidify a sense of community.” For step-by-step instructions on how to set up a group greeting card on CardSnacks, visit https://www.cardsnacks.com/business/resources. About CardSnacks CardSnacks is the leading platform for individuals and businesses to send personalized e-greetings, invitations, and gift cards. It is based in New York, with employees in California, London, and Israel. CardSnacks is available in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and on the web. For more information, please visit us at https://www.cardsnacks.com. Contact Details CardSnacks Media press@cardsnacks.com Company Website https://www.cardsnacks.com/

August 08, 2023 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

ASTRO America Announces New Push to Establish Investment Fund for Small Businesses' 3D Printing Development

ASTRO America

Orringer and Gorey meet with top Biden-Harris administration officials and executives of GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, and Stifel to advance new public-private partnership ASTRO now talking with potential partners, investors On the heels of an historic meeting at the Pentagon, Neal Orringer, president of the Applied Science & Technology Research Organization of America ( ASTRO America ), lauded key government and industry partners in their efforts to ensure small U.S. Defense suppliers' access to capital and state-of-the-art additive manufacturing or 3D printing. The focus of the meeting was the potential establishment of a Small Business Investment Fund. "I want to thank the Deputy Secretary of Defense and SBA Administrator for hosting this important meeting with our AM Forward colleagues," said Neal Orringer, president of ASTRO. "Recognizing the fragility in America's supply chains, Lockheed Martin and GE are taking the lead in forming a public-private partnership to help provide small businesses with access to capital for additive manufacturing that will help re-onshore American manufacturing and provide economic development and jobs. If approved by the government to move forward, this fund will be a lifeline to help transition small businesses into 21st century manufacturing." ASTRO is the convener of parties and the implementer of AM Forward, helping partner companies support their suppliers’ adoption of additive manufacturing also known as 3D printing technology, in shops, plants, and factories across the nation. The initiative was launched by President Biden last May. Compact partners include Boeing, GE, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and Siemens Energy. A critical objective of the AM Forward initiative is investment in the full spectrum of the defense ecosystem that will leverage advanced manufacturing techniques to produce innovative capabilities. ASTRO is partnering with Stifel Financial, Lockheed, and GE to identify and potentially invest in lower middle market businesses working to increase American national security supply chain resilience while reducing production costs and timelines for critical components through additive manufacturing "We have secured commitments from strategic partners as anchor investors, and are now starting to approach other large aerospace and defense companies active in the additive and advanced manufacturing sectors, as well as more traditional financial investors,” said Jason Gorey, ASTRO’s Executive Director. “ASTRO helped inform the shape and strategy of the fund and views this as an opportunity for strategic investors to have an active role in helping to shape the future of US additive and advanced manufacturing, while also earning a direct return on their investment.” The meeting, convened in the Deputy Secretary of Defense's conference room, included: The Honorable Isabella Casillas Guzman, SBA Administrator The Honorable Kathleen Hicks, Deputy Secretary of Defense Ms. Bailey Devries, Associate Administrator of the SBA (OII) The Honorable Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense (R&E) Dr. Radha I. Plumb, Deputy Under Secretary (A&S) Dr. Jason Rathje, Director of the Office of Strategic Capital Dr. Joelle Gamble, Deputy NEC Director As well as executives: Ms. Amy Gowder, President & CEO of GE Aerospace Military Systems Mr. Frank St. John, Chief Operating Officer of Lockheed Martin Mr. Victor Nesi, President, Stifel Mr. Neal Orringer, President, ASTRO America Read a statement from Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon regarding the meeting here. Read a release from the U.S. Small Business Association here. For more on AM Forward, click here. ### The Applied Science and Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-partisan Research Institute and Think Tank. It was established in 2018 to advance the public interest through manufacturing technology and policy. Led by manufacturing professionals with broad public and private sector experience, ASTRO America supports collaborations by government agencies and companies to address supply chain challenges in highly regulated industries, including aerospace and defense. Find out more: https://www.astroa.org/ The Applied Science and Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-partisan Research Institute and Think Tank. It was established in 2018 to advance the public interest through manufacturing technology and policy. Led by manufacturing professionals with broad public and private sector experience, ASTRO America supports collaborations by government agencies and companies to address supply chain challenges in highly regulated industries, including aerospace and defense. Find out more: https://www.astroa.org/ Contact Details Elizabeth Heaton +1 202-445-9858 elizabeth@astroa.org Company Website https://www.astroa.org

August 07, 2023 02:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Les partis politiques et la société civile s'unissent sous le nom de "NEXOS" pour plaider en faveur du changement en Guinée équatoriale

Nexos GE

7 août 2023, Madrid - D'éminentes personnalités de l'opposition et des activistes de la société civile de Guinée équatoriale ont lancé aujourd'hui NEXOS, une organisation créée pour dénoncer la violation systématique des droits de l'homme dans le pays et pour contester la négation de ces crimes par le régime du président Teodoro Obiang. NEXOS a été créée à la suite d'un séminaire organisé à Rivas Vacia-Madrid les 3 et 4 août pour évaluer la situation sociopolitique du pays à l'occasion du 44ème anniversaire de la dictature militaire d'Obiang. La plateforme NEXOS sera dirigée par Juan Carlos ONDO ANGUE, ancien président de la Cour suprême de justice de la Guinée équatoriale, et est composée du Mouvement pour l'autodétermination de l'île de Bioko (MAIB), du Mouvement pour la libération de la troisième République de Guinée équatoriale (MLGE 3R), de la Force républicaine démocratique (FDR) et de l'Association pour le développement de la Guinée équatoriale (ADGE), des partis Force républicaine démocratique (FDR) et Union pour la démocratie et le développement social (UDDS), ainsi que de personnalités renommées telles que Jesus MITOGO OYONO, député du parti Citoyens pour l'innovation (CI), l'écrivain Donato NDONGO-BIDYOGO, la défenseuse des droits LGBT Trifonia Melibea OBONO et le directeur de Radio Macuto Jose Maria OYONO ESENG. Juan Carlos ONDO ANGUE a déclaré: « Dans le contexte actuel de récession économique aggravée et de dégradation extrême des libertés politiques et sociales en Guinée équatoriale, les forces progressistes se sont réunies au sein de NEXOS pour dénoncer les violations systématiques des droits de l'homme perpétrées par le régime à l'encontre des dissidents. NEXOS luttera également contre le déni constant de ces crimes contre l'humanité par la dictature militaire au pouvoir, qui font partie d'une politique d'État menée depuis 44 ans sous le président Obiang et même pendant la dictature précédente de Macias Nguema Biyogo. « Avec des liens de plus en plus étroits avec la Chine et la Russie, le régime d'Obiang représente un risque non seulement pour l'avenir de la Guinée équatoriale, mais aussi pour la sécurité régionale et mondiale. Alors qu'Obiang cherche à perpétuer sa dictature par une succession dynastique, NEXOS, une coalition sans précédent, vise à faire prendre conscience à la communauté internationale de l'urgence d'une transition démocratique et pacifique en Guinée équatoriale ». Dans les semaines à venir, NEXOS prévoit de dévoiler ses principales priorités ainsi que les prochaines étapes sa campagne pour les droits de l'homme et la transition pacifique en Guinée équatoriale. Pour toute question, veuillez contacter: info@nexos-ge.org Informations sur la Guinée équatoriale: La Guinée équatoriale (GE) subit actuellement la dictature la plus longue et l'une des plus brutales au monde. Le président Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo a succédé à son oncle au pouvoir en 1979. Mais la santé du président étant chancelante, une transition démocratique est possible. Des rapports fondés sur les services de renseignement américains signalent que la Chine envisage d'établir dans le pays sa première présence militaire permanente dans l'océan Atlantique. La Guinée équatoriale est également l'un des pays où opère l'organisation paramilitaire Wagner Group, liée au gouvernement russe. Près de 200 soldats du groupe Wagner se trouveraient en Guinée équatoriale. La dynastie Obiang a présidé à des décennies de corruption et de violations des droits de l'homme. Son fils et actuel vice-président Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue sera le successeur probable d'Obiang. En France, une enquête de longue date sur les "biens mal acquis" a fait les gros titres de la presse. Plus de 100 objets de valeur et plusieurs biens immobiliers ont été saisis par les autorités françaises dans le cadre de leur enquête sur la corruption et les détournements de fonds. En Espagne, il a été rapporté que des membres haut placés du régime d'Obiang, y compris son fils et son vice-président, avaient prévu de tuer plusieurs dirigeants de l'opposition basés à Madrid. Des investisseurs espagnols ont également perdu des millions d'euros après avoir été escroqués et extorqués par des membres de la famille d'Obiang. Juan Carlos Ondo Angue est l'ancien président de la Cour suprême de justice de Guinée équatoriale. Avocat de formation, il s'est efforcé d'améliorer l'État de droit et la gouvernance en Guinée équatoriale et vit en exil en France depuis 2018. Contact Details Juan Carlos Ondo Angue info@nexos-ge.org

August 07, 2023 07:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Movimientos políticos y sociedad civil se unen bajo "NEXOS" para abogar por el cambio en Guinea Ecuatorial

Nexos GE

7 de agosto de 2023, Madrid - Destacadas figuras de la oposición y activistas de la sociedad civil de Guinea Ecuatorial han acordado hoy la formación de NEXOS, una organización creada para denunciar la violación sistemática de los derechos humanos en el país y desafiar la negación de estos crímenes por parte del régimen del Presidente Teodoro Obiang. NEXOS se constituyó al término de un seminario celebrado en Rivas Vacia-Madrid los días 3 y 4 de agosto para evaluar la situación sociopolítica del país con motivo del 44º aniversario de la dictadura militar de Obiang. La plataforma NEXOS estará encabezada por el eminente jurista Juan Carlos ONDO ANGUE, ex Presidente del Tribunal Supremo de Justicia, y está integrada por el Movimiento para la Autodeterminación de la Isla de Bioko (MAIB), el Movimiento para la Liberación de Guinea Ecuatorial Tercera República (MLGE 3R), los partidos Fuerza Republicana Democrática (FDR) y Unión para la Democracia y el Desarrollo Social (UDDS), así como personalidades públicas de renombre como Jesús MITOGO OYONO, diputado electo del partido Ciudadanos por la Innovación (CI), el escritor Donato NDONGO-BIDYOGO, la defensora de los derechos LGTB Trifonia Melibea OBONO y el director de Radio Macuto José María OYONO ESENG. Sobre la fundación de NEXOS, Juan Carlos ONDO ANGUE declaró: "En el actual contexto de recesión económica agravada y de extrema degradación de las libertades políticas y sociales en Guinea Ecuatorial, las fuerzas progresistas se han unido bajo NEXOS para denunciar las violaciones sistemáticas de los derechos humanos perpetradas por el régimen contra la disidencia. NEXOS también luchará contra la constante negación de estos crímenes contra la humanidad por parte de la dictadura militar imperante, que forman parte de una política de Estado llevada a cabo durante los últimos 44 años bajo la presidencia de Obiang e incluso durante la anterior dictadura de Macías Nguema Biyogo.” "Con sus crecientes lazos con China y Rusia, el régimen de Obiang supone un riesgo no sólo para el futuro de Guinea Ecuatorial, sino para la seguridad regional e internacional. Mientras Obiang pretende perennizar su dictadura mediante una sucesión dinástica, NEXOS, una coalición histórica y sin precedentes, busca concienciar a la comunidad internacional acerca de la urgencia de llevar a cabo una transición democrática y pacífica en Guinea Ecuatorial." En las próximas semanas, NEXOS tiene previsto desvelar sus próximos pasos y prioridades clave en su campaña por los derechos humanos y la transición pacífica en Guinea Ecuatorial. Para cualquier consulta, póngase en contacto con: info@nexos-ge.org Sobre Guinea Ecuatorial: Guinea Ecuatorial (GE) sufre actualmente una de las dictaduras más largas y brutales del mundo. El Presidente Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo arrebató el poder a su tío en 1979. Pero ahora que la salud del Presidente se deteriora, existe una oportunidad para la transición democrática. Informes basados en inteligencia estadounidense advierten de que China planea establecer en el país su primera presencia militar permanente en el océano Atlántico. GE es también uno de los países donde opera la organización paramilitar Wagner Group, vinculada al gobierno ruso. Según informes, cerca de 200 efectivos de Wagner se encuentran en GE. La dinastía Obiang ha presidido décadas de corrupción y abusos contra los derechos humanos. Su hijo y actual vicepresidente, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, será el probable sucesor de Obiang. En Francia, una larga investigación sobre "ganancias mal habidas" ha dominado la prensa. Las autoridades francesas se incautaron de más de 100 objetos preciados y varios bienes inmuebles en su investigación sobre corrupción y malversación de fondos del régimen. En España, se ha reportado que miembros de alto nivel del régimen de Obiang, entre ellos su hijo y vicepresidente, planeaban asesinar a varios líderes de la oposición radicados en Madrid. Inversionistas españoles también han perdido millones de euros tras ser presuntamente estafados y extorsionados por miembros de la familia Obiang. Juan Carlos Ondo Angue es ex Presidente del Tribunal Supremo de Justicia de GE. Abogado de formación, procuró mejorar el Estado de derecho y la gobernanza de GE y vive exiliado en Francia desde 2018. Contact Details Juan Carlos Ondo Angue info@nexos-ge.org

August 07, 2023 07:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Political Parties and Civil Society Unite Under “NEXOS” to Advocate for Change in Equatorial Guinea

Nexos GE

August 7, 2023, Madrid – Prominent opposition figures and civil society activists from Equatorial Guinea have today launched NEXOS, an organisation created to denounce the systematic violation of human rights in the country and to challenge the denial of these crimes by the regime of President Teodoro Obiang. NEXOS was formed following a seminar held in Rivas Vacia-Madrid on 3-4 August to assess the socio-political situation of the country on the 44 th anniversary of Obiang’s military dictatorship. The NEXOS platform will be spearheaded by prominent jurist Juan Carlos ONDO ANGUE, former President of the Supreme Court of Justice, and is composed of the Movement for the Self-Determination of the Island of Bioko (MAIB), the Movement for the Liberation of Equatorial Guinea Third Republic (MLGE 3R), the Democratic Republican Force (FDR) and the Union for Democracy and Social Development (UDDS) parties, as well as renowned public figures such as Jesus MITOGO OYONO, MP for the Citizens for Innovation (CI) party, writer Donato NDONGO-BIDYOGO, LGBT rights defender Trifonia Melibea OBONO and the director of Radio Macuto Jose Maria OYONO ESENG. On the founding of NEXOS, Juan Carlos ONDO ANGUE said: " In the current context of aggravated economic recession and the extreme degradation of political and social freedoms in Equatorial Guinea, progressive forces have united under NEXOS to denounce the regime's systematic violations of human rights perpetrated against dissidents. NEXOS will also fight the constant denial of these crimes against humanity by the ruling military dictatorship, which are part of a state policy conducted for the last 44 years under President Obiang and even during the previous dictatorship of Macias Nguema Biyogo." “With growing ties to China and Russia, Obiang’s regime poses a risk not just to the future of Equatorial Guinea, but to regional and global security. As Obiang aims to perpetuate his dictatorship through a dynastic succession, NEXOS, an unprecedented coalition, aims to make the international community aware of the urgency to bring about a democratic and peaceful transition to Equatorial Guinea.” In the coming weeks, NEXOS plans to unveil its next steps and key priorities in their campaign for human rights and a peaceful transition in Equatorial Guinea. For any enquiries, please contact: info@nexos-ge.org About Equatorial Guinea: Equatorial Guinea (EG) currently suffers under the longest and one of the most brutal dictatorships in the world. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, first seized power from his uncle in 1979. But with the President’s health failing, there is a chance for a democratic transition. Reports based on US intelligence warn that China plans to establish its first permanent military presence in the Atlantic Ocean in the country. EG is also one of the countries where the Russian government-linked paramilitary organisation Wagner Group operates. Nearly 200 Wagner troops were reported to be in EG. The Obiang dynasty has presided over decades of corruption and human rights abuses. His son and current Vice-President, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue will be Obiang’s likely successor. In France, a longstanding enquiry into ‘ill-gotten gains’ has been dominating the press. Over 100 prized objects and several real estate assets were seized by French authorities in their investigation of corruption and misappropriation of funds. In Spain, it has been reported that high-level members of Obiang’s regime, including his son and Vice-President, planned to kill various leaders of the opposition based in Madrid. Spanish investors have also lost millions of euros after being allegedly defrauded and extorted by members of Obiang’s family. Juan Carlos Ondo Angue is the former President of the Supreme Court of Justice of EG. A trained lawyer, he sought to improve the rule of law and governance of Equatorial Guinea and has lived in exile in France since 2018. Contact Details Nexos Juan Carlos Ondo Angue info@nexos-ge.org

August 07, 2023 07:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Trust & Will Completes First eWill in Minnesota with State Senator Bonnie Westlin

Trust & Will

Trust & Will, the leading digital estate planning and settlement platform in the U.S., completed the first electronic will (eWill) in Minnesota in collaboration with State Senator Bonnie Westlin to kick off National Make-A-Will Month. Using the trustandwill.com platform and an electronic signing with a mobile notary and Minnesota resident Mark Fleming, Notary Public at Nationwide Apostille Services LLC (Veteran-Owned), Senator Westlin completed the first eWill on August 1, 2023, creating the state's first end-to-end-digital-estate plan. To make creating and executing a will more convenient and affordable for all Minnesotans, Senator Westlin ushered the Uniform Electronic Wills Act through the legislature. The bill passed both the House and Senate unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz on March 30, 2023. "The Uniform Electronic Wills Act will streamline the estate planning process by leveraging technology to make it easier for people to prepare and execute their wills,” said Senator Westlin. “I’m proud to be chief author of this bill and to see it pass with full bipartisan support.” Minnesota is the 13th jurisdiction to pass eWill legislation, following Nevada, Indiana, Arizona, Florida, Utah, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, North Dakota, Idaho, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Several other states are introducing eWill legislation in the coming months, as less than one-third of Americans have a will. Trust & Will has long been a committed advocate for making electronic wills legally valid nationwide as a part of their mission to make the generational transfer of wealth more accessible, cost-effective, and efficient to all. “Electronic wills remove several barriers inherent in traditional estate planning,” said Cody Barbo, Founder and CEO at Trust & Will. “Every family should have access to justice and legal technology to make their lives easier. Estate planning, a vital element of ensuring the next generation's well-being, should be accessible to everyone.” With the help of a variety of policymakers, Trust & Will has been working to promote the adoption of legislation governing electronic estate plans, including the Uniform Law Commission’s Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act, as well as educating the public about the benefits of electronic estate planning. To learn more about eWills and receive updates, visit: trustandwill.com/electronic-wills. ABOUT TRUST & WILL Trust & Will is simplifying estate planning and settlement with attorney-approved, legally valid documents and processes designed to adhere to individual state guidelines. Since 2017, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of Trust & Will members leave their legacy with an affordable way to create an estate plan or settle the estate of a loved one. Our platform uses bank-level encryption that protects customer data and complies with the highest security standards, including SOC 2 and HIPAA. Trust & Will is the official estate planning benefit provider for AARP members, along with several leading financial institutions, who all believe in our mission of helping every family leave their legacy. Contact Details Danielle Nuzzo +1 631-807-7772 danielle@trustandwill.com Company Website https://trustandwill.com

August 02, 2023 07:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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