Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong toured the largest Portugese science and technology park and incubator during his visit to Lisbon, Portugal, yesterday.
Prof Sun, together with a delegation of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) sector, explored Taguspark to ascertain its latest effort in pooling technology companies to move in, developing applied science and technology and promoting economic activities.
He then met representatives of the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency where he received a briefing on its work in promoting the municipality’s economic growth and attracting investment.
He also exchanged views with the agency on the collaboration between the innovative parks of Hong Kong and Portugal, as well as investment and exchanges among enterprises in the two places.
In the evening, the technology chief met Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Portuguese Republic Zhao Bentang.
He briefed Mr Zhao on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s initiatives to promote I&T and develop new industrialisation in its quest to support the city’s economic growth. They also explored ways to enhance Hong Kong’s co-operation with Portugal in I&T.
The 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference (GDEC)’s International Cooperation Forum series was held in Barcelona, Spain, on March 4.
GDEC’s International Cooperation Forum series held in Barcelona, Spain, on March 4. [photo provided to China.org.cn]
Themed “Integration, Innovation, Win-Win: Co-creating a New Blueprint for the China-Europe Digital Economy,” the Digital Economy Cooperation Forum was hosted by the GDEC Organizing Committee, and organized by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology (BMBEIT).
The event attracted more than 150 government representatives, corporate executives, industry association leaders from China, Spain and other European countries, and more than 60 overseas companies and institutions participated in it.
During the forum, the organizer held more than 20 government-enterprise matchmaking events, and the parties had in-depth exchanges on cutting-edge issues in the digital economy and reached a number of cooperation intentions.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. The forum, with the digital economy as the link, has effectively promoted China-EU digital friendly exchanges and practical cooperation.
In the Barcelona forum, Meng Yuhong, consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Barcelona, said that China is willing to share development opportunities with the world and advocate inclusive economic globalization.
Facing the opportunities and challenges brought by digitalization, the international community should strengthen dialogue and exchanges, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and work together to build a more fair, reasonable, open, inclusive, secure, stable and vibrant cyberspace, Meng added.
Jiang Guangzhi, the BMBEIT chief, delivered an opening speech in the form of digital human. In his address, Jiang said that the capital city of China, as a pioneer in the global digital economy, actively implements the national digital economy development strategy, and Barcelona, as the core hub of the European digital economy, has obvious advantages in science and technology industry clusters. The two cities have broad prospects for cooperation in the field of digital economy.
Mario Rubert, director of Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, said in his speech that the Barcelona City Government regards China as a strategic priority. Nearly 20 years ago, the local government was very forward-looking and became the first Spanish public institution to establish a Chinese commissioner, laying a solid foundation for the long-term friendly cooperation between the two sides.
Joan Romero, executive director of ACCIÓ, an agency of the Government of Catalonia to promote business competitiveness through innovation and internationalization, said China is a leading country in science and technology and a benchmark, expressing the hope that the Catalonia region can strengthen cooperation with China in the economic, technological and social fields.
The Barcelona forum was the first time that GDEC had set up a branch venue in Europe. It was held in the Spanish city at the same time as Mobile World Congress. It was the first time that the two major international conferences joined hands, creating a new paradigm for cooperation.
On the sidelines of the forum, BMBEIT also held a business and investment promotion activity called “Night of Beijing” in the Spanish city.
Relevant persons in charge of the BMBEIT promoted Beijing’s leading digital technology solutions in key digital economy industries such as autonomous driving, smart logistics, smart home, digital healthcare, and value-added telecommunications, combining core technologies, application scenarios, international promotion, and effectiveness cases.
Those participating in the activity think that it promoted the precise connection between industry-leading enterprises and leading technologies between China and the West, and between China and the EU, and it also provided innovative ideas and practical samples for the development of the global digital economy.
The GDEC has been successfully held for four sessions since 2021. It is committed to promoting more comprehensive international cooperation in the digital economy industry and promoting the friendly and sustainable development of the global digital ecology. The 2025 GDEC will be held in Beijing in July.
China will accelerate efforts to research and reserve new supportive policies to stabilize foreign trade, which will be introduced promptly when needed, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told a press conference Thursday.
The policies aim to address pressing challenges while promoting high-quality trade development, Wang said, stressing all-out efforts to stabilize foreign trade.
China’s local government debt risks have been effectively mitigated, Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an told a press conference on Thursday.
As of Wednesday, local governments had issued bonds totaling 2.96 trillion yuan (about 413 billion U.S. dollars) aimed at replacing existing debt, said the minister.
The bonds issued last year for the replacement of 2 trillion yuan of local government debt saw an average reduction in interest rates by over 2.5 percentage points, said Lan.
It is estimated that these bonds will reduce interest payments by over 200 billion yuan over five years, significantly easing the funding pressures and interest costs for local governments, Lan noted.
In 2011, as Cyclone Yasi approached the Queensland coast, I sat in my home in the tropical far north of the state and worried what the future would hold. Would my family be OK? Would our home be destroyed? Would my workplace be damaged and my job uncertain? Would my community be devastated?
Now, as we wait for Cyclone Alfred to make landfall, I am watching on from my new home in Melbourne. I am safe. But last night, I couldn’t sleep. I’m having intrusive thoughts, remembering what it was like when Cyclone Yasi barrelled into us. I feel agitated, distracted and anxious. The news coverage of the impending cyclone makes my heart race, so I have turned off the television.
As someone who has researched the impact of disasters for more than 20 years, I recognise what I am feeling now is similar to how I felt all those years ago. Again, I am experiencing the normal range of stress reactions common after living through a disaster, even though I am not directly impacted by this one.
This is known as retraumatisation, where we re-live stress reactions experienced as a result of a traumatic event when faced with a new, similar incident.
As a researcher in emergency responses to a broad range of disasters, I understand why I am feeling like this.
However, many people may not realise the stress they are experiencing right now is related to an earlier disaster or traumatic event in their life. That earlier disaster could be another cyclone, or a different event, such as a flood or bushfire.
Some signs and symptoms of retraumatisation might be:
intrusive thoughts (for example, I keep remembering my fear of the predicted tidal surge of water rushing up at me in the darkness as Cyclone Yasi made landfall)
nightmares and having trouble sleeping
hypervigilance (for example, feeling “on edge” all day)
sensitivity to triggers (for example, the sound of intense wind and windows creaking can trigger intense feelings because they remind me of the night we lived through Cyclone Yasi passing over the top of us)
feeling isolated
thinking about, planning or attempting suicide
panic atacks
using/abusing substances, such as alcohol and other drugs
increase in unhealthy behaviours (for example, being more prone to aggression or violence).
For many of us, Cyclone Alfred is awakening memories and feelings, and the re-emergence of those stress reactions can be confronting. It can feel like re-opening a wound that hasn’t quite healed.
Disaster upon disaster take their toll
We are now beginning to understand the effects of being exposed to multiple disasters – bushfires, cyclones, floods, and let’s not forget the COVID pandemic – that erode our resilience.
This type of multiple exposure influences our feelings of safety, security and even our hope for the future, all increasing the risk of poorer mental health.
For people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), retraumatisation may cause people to relive their past traumas in intense detail. It can feel like past traumatic events are happening all over again.
What to do now, and in the future
However, there are steps we can take to help build our resilience in the face of multiple disasters.
For now
Right now, it is useful to understand how we respond to trauma. We may notice a range of physical responses (for example, my heart has been racing), psychological reactions (for example, I am feeling more anxious than usual) and social impacts (for example, I cancelled dinner plans last night as I did not want to leave the house).
So, even though I stayed home last night, I was on a group chat discussing the Real Housewives of Sydney with friends, which helped reduce both the physical and psychological stress reactions I was experiencing.
Staying connected to friends, family, neighbours and other supports will help. Caftor/Shutterstock
For later
In the longer term, it is useful to develop and implement a self-care plan that includes activities to support our emotional, physical and spiritual health.
Self-care means taking the time to do things that help your wellbeing and improve your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage the stress reactions that may emerge as part of retraumatisation. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
Today, I made the time to go for a short walk in the park and listened to some of my favourite music. It helped in the moment, but it also helps me in the longer term when I routinely include these small acts of self-care in my daily life.
Most importantly, we need to understand that the way we are feeling is normal. Be patient with yourself and look for small opportunities to take control of your reactions.
I am keeping the television turned off (except when the Real Housewives is on).
Some resources
The website blueknot, from the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma, gives more information about how we respond to trauma. The Black Dog Institute guides you through developing a self-care plan.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Erin Smith does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The White House
CREATING A STRATEGIC BITCOIN RESERVE AND DIGITAL ASSET STOCKPILE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, positioning the United States as a leader among nations in government digital asset strategy.
The Order creates a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve that will treat bitcoin as a reserve asset.
The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve will be capitalized with bitcoin owned by the Department of Treasury that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings. Other agencies will evaluate their legal authority to transfer any bitcoin owned by those agencies to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
The United States will not sell bitcoin deposited into this Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which will be maintained as a store of reserve assets.
The Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce are authorized to develop budget-neutral strategies for acquiring additional bitcoin, provided that those strategies impose no incremental costs on American taxpayers.
It also established a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, consisting of digital assets other than bitcoin owned by the Department of Treasury that was forfeited in criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings.
The government will not acquire additional assets for the U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile beyond those obtained through forfeiture proceedings.
The Secretary of the Treasury may determine strategies for responsible stewardship, including potential sales from the U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile.
Agencies must provide a full accounting of their digital asset holdings to the Secretary of the Treasury and the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets.
This Order ensures a strategic approach to managing digital assets under U.S. control.
ADDRESSING A CRYPTO MANAGEMENT GAP:
Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, is referred to as “digital gold” because of its scarcity and security, having never been hacked.
With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, there is a strategic advantage to being among the first nations to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
The United States currently holds a significant amount of bitcoin but has not maximized its strategic position as a unique store of value in the global financial system.
Premature sales of bitcoin have already cost U.S. taxpayers over $17 billion.
The Executive Order begins to resolve the current disjointed handling of cryptocurrencies seized through forfeiture by, and scattered across, various Federal agencies.
Currently, no clear policy exists for managing these assets, leading to a lack of accountability and inadequate exploration of options to centralize, secure, or maximize their value.
Taking affirmative steps to centralize ownership, control, and management of these assets within the Federal government will ensure proper oversight, accurate tracking, and a cohesive approach to managing the government’s cryptocurrency holdings.
This move harnesses the power of digital assets for national prosperity, rather than letting them languish in limbo.
DELIVERING ON PLEDGE TO MAKE AMERICA THE CRYPTO CAPITAL OF THE WORLD: President Trump is fulfilling his promise to position America as the global leader in cryptocurrency.
President Trump promised to make the United States the “crypto capital of the world,” emphasizing the need to embrace digital assets to drive economic growth and technological leadership.
In his first week in office, President Trump signed an Executive Order to promote United States leadership in digital assets such as cryptocurrency.
President Trump has consistently advocated for a forward-thinking approach to crypto, stating: “I am very positive and open minded to cryptocurrency companies, and all things related to this new and burgeoning industry. Our country must be the leader in the field.”
President Trump promised to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Assets Stockpile.
President Trump appointed a “crypto czar” and is hosting the first-ever crypto summit at the White House, just a few of the many ways this Administration is demonstrating its strong commitment to this digital asset.
Source: The White House
class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Background. Bitcoin is the original cryptocurrency. The Bitcoin protocol permanently caps the total supply of bitcoin (BTC) at 21 million coins, and has never been hacked. As a result of its scarcity and security, Bitcoin is often referred to as “digital gold”. Because there is a fixed supply of BTC, there is a strategic advantage to being among the first nations to create a strategic bitcoin reserve. The United States Government currently holds a significant amount of BTC, but has not implemented a policy to maximize BTC’s strategic position as a unique store of value in the global financial system. Just as it is in our country’s interest to thoughtfully manage national ownership and control of any other resource, our Nation must harness, not limit, the power of digital assets for our prosperity.
Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. It is further the policy of the United States to establish a United States Digital Asset Stockpile that can serve as a secure account for orderly and strategic management of the United States’ other digital asset holdings.
Sec. 3. Creation and Administration of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile. (a) The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish an office to administer and maintain control of custodial accounts collectively known as the “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” capitalized with all BTC held by the Department of the Treasury that was finally forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings or in satisfaction of any civil money penalty imposed by any executive department or agency (agency) and that is not needed to satisfy requirements under 31 U.S.C. 9705 or released pursuant to subsection (d) of this section (Government BTC). Within 30 days of the date of this order, each agency shall review its authorities to transfer any Government BTC held by it to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and shall submit a report reflecting the result of that review to the Secretary of the Treasury. Government BTC deposited into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve shall not be sold and shall be maintained as reserve assets of the United States utilized to meet governmental objectives in accordance with applicable law. (b) The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish an office to administer and maintain control of custodial accounts collectively known as the “United States Digital Asset Stockpile,” capitalized with all digital assets owned by the Department of the Treasury, other than BTC, that were finally forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings and that are not needed to satisfy requirements under 31 U.S.C. 9705 or released pursuant to subsection (d) of this section (Stockpile Assets). Within 30 days of the date of this order, each agency shall review its authorities to transfer any Stockpile Assets held by it to the United States Digital Asset Stockpile and shall submit a report reflecting the result of that review to the Secretary of the Treasury. The Secretary of the Treasury shall determine strategies for responsible stewardship of the United States Digital Asset Stockpile in accordance with applicable law. (c) The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce shall develop strategies for acquiring additional Government BTC provided that such strategies are budget neutral and do not impose incremental costs on United States taxpayers. However, the United States Government shall not acquire additional Stockpile Assets other than in connection with criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings or in satisfaction of any civil money penalty imposed by any agency without further executive or legislative action. (d) “Government Digital Assets” means all Government BTC and all Stockpile Assets. The head of each agency shall not sell or otherwise dispose of any Government Digital Assets, except in connection with the Secretary of the Treasury’s exercise of his lawful authority and responsible stewardship of the United States Digital Asset Stockpile pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, or pursuant to an order from a court of competent jurisdiction, as required by law, or in cases where the Attorney General or other relevant agency head determines that the Government Digital Assets (or the proceeds from the sale or disposition thereof) can and should: (i) be returned to identifiable and verifiable victims of crime; (ii) be used for law enforcement operations; (iii) be equitably shared with State and local law enforcement partners; or (iv) be released to satisfy requirements under 31 U.S.C. 9705, 28 U.S.C. 524(c), 18 U.S.C. 981, or 21 U.S.C. 881. (e) Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Treasury shall deliver an evaluation of the legal and investment considerations for establishing and managing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile going forward, including the accounts in which the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile should be located and the need for any legislation to operationalize any aspect of this order or the proper management and administration of such accounts.
Sec. 4. Accounting. Within 30 days of the date of this order, the head of each agency shall provide the Secretary of the Treasury and the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets with a full accounting of all Government Digital Assets in such agency’s possession, including any information regarding the custodial accounts in which such Government Digital Assets are currently held that would be necessary to facilitate a transfer of the Government Digital Assets to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve or the United States Digital Asset Stockpile. If such agency holds no Government Digital Assets, such agency shall confirm such fact to the Secretary of the Treasury and the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets within 30 days of the date of this order.
Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
THE WHITE HOUSE, March 6, 2025
SpaceX launched the eighth test flight of its giant Starship rocket on Thursday, but lost contact with its spacecraft shortly after launch.
Starship took off from the company’s Starbase facility near Brownsville in the U.S. state of Texas at about 5:30 p.m. Central Time.
About seven minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s Super Heavy booster successfully returned to launch site for a “chopsticks” catch — catching the returning booster using mechanical “chopsticks,” called “Mechazilla,” on the launch tower, according to live broadcast.
But the Starship spacecraft lost altitude control, and lost communication with ground, according to live broadcast.
Jacquard fabrics with traditional Chinese cultural elements and ancient Li brocade crafts caught the eye of global designers at the recently concluded Premiere Vision Paris show.
Joining hands with Shanghai Skytex Fashion Technology Co Ltd, a design innovation team from the College of Textiles at Donghua University, brought new vitality to the ancient craft through a series of jacquard fabrics and handbags at the notable biannual show on Feb. 12.
Boasting a history of over 3,000 years, the brocade is a traditional craft of the Li ethnic group in Hainan province, and is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
The jacquard Li brocade fabrics displayed at the show were described as artworks with Chinese charm. Their exquisite patterns were inspired by the ethnic group’s traditional gourd totem, precisely layered snake scale textures to mark the Year of the Snake, and vibrant colors representing rainforests and good fortune.
Showcasing a balanced blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern aesthetics and techniques, the fabrics captivated attendees and explored new possibilities for this ancient craft.
“These are not only fabrics but also the contemporary cultural expression of millennial Li brocade. Integrating with traditional Chinese culture and modern textile technology, we hope to bring this ancient intangible cultural heritage to the global stage,” says Xue Wenliang, leader of the team and a professor at the College of Textiles at Donghua University in Shanghai.
The collaboration between the team and Skytex dates back to July 2022. Last summer, tracking the path of Huang Daopo, a textile pioneer in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) born in today’s Shanghai, the team journeyed to Hainan province. Immersing themselves in Li ethnic communities, they learned the culture and techniques behind the traditional craft.
Xue says that compared with other renowned ancient Chinese brocades that use silk as the main material, such as the Yunjin and Songjin brocades from Jiangsu province, Li brocade is less known and is made of cotton, which China farmed on a large scale until the late Tang Dynasty (618-907). However, the jacquard fabrics at the Paris show were created with the high-end market in mind.
“Compared with other fabric processing techniques, such as printed fabrics, jacquard fabrics take more time and work. In particular, the making of Li brocade involves handmaking in its processing, such as spinning, dyeing, weaving, and embroidering, making the fabric a luxurious and artistic product,” says Xue.
He adds that integrating handmade craftsmanship, traditional culture and modern technology is a big challenge in passing on such intangible cultural heritage, calling on more students, companies and organizations to take part in the process.
Chai Fangjun, chairman of Skytex, values the collaboration with the team, saying: “The living heritage of Li brocade must speak to the world. With 3D jacquard techniques, we are showcasing new Chinese fashion that has evolved using ancient craftsmanship, in Paris.
“This series not only pays tribute to Li culture but also demonstrates our forward-looking and inclusive attitude to global cultural exchanges and fashion innovation.”
Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
This Week GSA Listed The Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building In Albany And 400+ Other Fed Properties As ‘Designated For Disposal,’ But Mysteriously Removed List On That Same Day – Creating Confusion & Concern Building Could Close And Services Could Get Cut For Capital Region
O’Brien Building Hosts Offices For Social Security, IRS, Military Processing And Its Presence Has Been Essential To Providing Federal Services To Albany Area For Over 50 Years
Schumer: Capital Region Families, Seniors Can’t Have Fed Building Close And Services Cut Off, We Need Answers & Clarity ASAP
After the Trump administration placed the Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building on a list of federal properties “designated for disposal” and abruptly removed that list, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today demanded answers from the General Services Administration (GSA) and assurances that the building will remain open and services uninterrupted for Capital Region residents. Schumer said the building is critical to the Capital Region and that seniors, workers, and families that rely on services in the building need clarity on future plans for this vital hub for services.
“This week, Albany’s O’Brien Federal Building was placed on GSA’s list of federal properties for sale and within a day, that list disappeared, creating confusion, concern, and chaos. Now many are worried this could mean the building will close and services, including a Social Security office, will be interrupted for thousands of Capital Region families, workers and seniors. GSA won’t say what its plans are and ‘DOGE’ is being dodgey about whether this Albany building is next on their chaotic chopping block. This building is where Capital Region families and seniors get help with Social Security checks, where military recruits get processed, where people go with questions on the status of their tax returns, and thousands have gotten help with other vital federal services for 50 years,” said Senator Schumer. “My constituents in the Capital Region deserve to know what caused this chaos and who is making these decisions. They deserve certainty on the future of this building and the vital services it hosts. I am all for cutting waste and making government more efficient, but selling a property for nickels only to have taxpayers pay significantly more to lease and maintain access to these services just isn’t smart business. It’s penny wise and pound foolish, and a giveaway to private landlords. Capital Region families and federal workers have little clarity on what the future holds and we need answers now.”
Albany’s Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building is home to 20 federal government agencies including the Social Security Administration office, a day care for children of federal employees, a U.S. Military Entrance Processing Station, the IRS, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and the senator’s Capital Region office. Schumer said that since it was listed earlier this week for potential disposal, his office has been inundated with inquiries on the future of the building, whether it will be closed or sold and whether services will be cut off. Schumer said it is imperative the building remain open and services are maintained, and is now demanding answers on what happened.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “The Leo O’Brien Building is a hub of vital federal government services, and our residents must have access to these services and the ability to interact with federal agencies — particularly in one of the most underserved census tracts in the entire region. I commend Senator Schumer for demanding answers of this administration and for calling out yet another example of the mismanagement and chaos carried out by DOGE.”
This would not be the first instance of offices that provide vital federal services in NY being potentially shut down by DOGE. Social Security offices in the Hudson Valley have already been listed on the DOGE “wall of receipts” which could impact services for thousands who rely on them to help with payments.
Schumer’s letter to General Services Administration Deputy Administrator and Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian can be found below:
Dear Acting Administrator Ehikian,
I write with deep concern over the Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building in Albany N.Y. appearing on a list of buildings potentially being listed for sale or closure amid cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). On Tuesday, the Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building and over 400 other federal properties were placed on a list of “non-core” properties that the General Services Administration (GSA) said are “designated for disposal.” Later that same day, GSA abruptly removed this list, creating chaos and confusion for the people who work in these buildings. The people of the Capital Region and I need answers on your plans for this building, assurances that it will remain open and that the critical services it hosts will continue uninterrupted for the thousands of New Yorkers who rely on them.
The Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building is home to 20 federal government agencies including the Social Security Administration office, a day care for children of federal employees, a U.S. Military Entrance Processing Station, and my Capital Region office. For 50 years, it has been where Capital Region residents interact with the federal government for essential services like assistance with Social Security checks and the IRS or seeking justice in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. This is where new military recruits from the Capital Region are processed for service. Seeing this building on a list of properties “designated for disposal” created panic for Albany’s federal workers, who are already seeing the federal workforce slashed by DOGE. The list’s sudden removal within hours of first being posted has raised even more questions and caused even more chaos and uncertainty.
Your plans and process for determining the future of the building remain unclear. The GSA is listing the building as a “non-core” property despite the essential services the federal agencies within the building provide on a daily basis. The public has yet to see any cost-benefit studies to justify a potential major sale like this, and many have raised serious concerns that a measure like this would end up costing taxpayers significantly more by forcing federal offices to be leased by a private landlord. To add to the concerns, removing this list with no communication about if or when the list will be re-posted or updated underscores the complete disorganization and inefficiency of a process that potentially impacts jobs and vital services for my constituents. The hard-working federal workers in this building and the communities who rely on their services in New York’s Capital Region deserve clarity and certainty.
In an effort to cut through the confusion, I seek answers on the following:
What factors led to the Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building’s placement on this list of properties “designated for disposal”?
Who is making the decisions on this lease, and what involvement does DOGE have in that process?
Why was this list taken down so quickly? If so, will the list be updated and what criteria are being used for determining whether a property remains on an updated list?
Why did you not follow the standard processes of seeking public input about the loss of a federal building? Please provide any and all cost-benefit analysis studies that have been done relevant to the decision-making process for this property.
If the building is sold, is there an alternative plan for the federal offices located in the building? What assurances can be given that existing services in the building will not be disrupted due to a sale of this property?
This building has been integral to the federal government’s work in the Capital Region for 50 years, and its abrupt closure and sale would disrupt essential services my constituents rely on. We should not be haphazardly selling America’s real estate portfolio and causing chaos and uncertainty for the American people. This process is everything but efficient. I ask for your prompt answers to my questions above and urge you to maintain the Leo W. O’Brien Federal Building in Albany so federal workers can continue to support and serve the Capital Region and all of New York State.
Sincerely,
It’s no surprise there’s confusion in the health sector after the Government today released yet another plan to fix the dire state of Aotearoa New Zealand’s public health system, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.
Health Minister Simeon Brown today outlined his plan to “fix the system” and his five key priorities.
NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says the Minister’s acknowledgement of the issues facing the health system is good for patients and health care workers.
“However, it isn’t clear how this latest plan fits with the plethora of other current health plans, strategies and legislative frameworks including the Government Policy Statement, the Pae Ora Act and the six accompanying Pae Ora Strategies, the health targets and the Health Workforce Plan.
“And this is not to mention Te Whatu Ora Commissioner Dr Lester Levy’s long awaited ‘reset’. It’s no wonder everyone in the health system is confused.”
There was also no mention in the Minister’s plan or priorities of improving the health outcomes of Māori or that of our vulnerable communities, Kerri Nuku says.
“Lifting the health outcomes of Māori, Pacific people and disabled people ultimately benefits all of Aotearoa New Zealand by creating a more equitable health system and improving access to quality health care for all.
“The Minister was also strangely silent on the role of Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs) despite his Government having committed to them previously and his rush to have a locally delivered health system by July. IMPBs are enshrined in the Pae Ora Act and Simeon Brown needs to explain the role he sees them playing in his plan,” Kerri Nuku says.
CALGARY, Alberta, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospera Energy Inc. (TSX.V: PEI, OTC: GXRFF) (“Prospera“, “PEI” or the “Corporation“)
White Tundra Acquisition Prospera Energy is pleased to announce a strategic acquisition aimed at expanding its asset portfolio of low-decline base production with significant production upside. The Corporation has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of White Tundra Petroleum (“WTP”). WTP’s assets produce 30° API medium oil and are located near Loyalist and Hanna, Alberta. The acquisition strengthens PEI’s base production and provides numerous high-impact reactivation opportunities. This transaction is subject to TSXV acceptance.
As part of the transaction, 18,000,000 common shares of PEI will be issued to WTP shareholders, contingent upon WTP achieving 85 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) for three consecutive days across its properties. This condition was achieved based on production levels from February 27th to March 1st. A performance-based bonus of 7,312,500 additional shares will be issued if production of 128 boe/d can be demonstrated for at least seven consecutive days within six months from the acquisition date. The Corporation is also assuming $695,000 in debt as part of the transaction.
Prospera will assume operational oversight of WTP on March 6th, 2025, and immediately deploy a $200,000 workover and reactivation program to optimize production beyond 128 boe/d. The bonus share consideration will be issued following the final statement of adjustments and verification of sustained production levels.
This transaction qualifies as a related party transaction. Shubham Garg serves as Prospera’s Chairman of the Board, the CEO of WTP, and is a shareholder of WTP. The Corporation has relied on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of such insider participation. In addition, the related party director has recused himself from all board discussions including the acquisition’s deal structure, valuation, and decisions in relation to this transaction.
The Corporation has strengthened its corporate governance policies, including full public disclosure of monthly operational updates. These policies are now transparently available on Prospera’s website which include the PEI board mandate, PEI audit committee charter, PEI disclosure policy, ESTMA reports, and PEI related parties policies. This highlights Prospera’s renewed commitment to enhanced transparency, public disclosure, and governance.
Operations Update:
Following the February operations update, PEI production continues to increase, exiting February at 878 boe/d (94% oil) which is up 10% from the previously reported February PEI peak production. On March 3rd, Luseland production reached 130 boe/d (100% oil), the highest since December 2023, while Hearts Hill achieved 208 boe/d (86% oil), marking the field’s highest production since November 2019. These milestones reflect the Corporation’s renewed strategic focus on high certainty, low-cost workovers rather than development drilling programs. The Corporation’s two active service rigs are continuing to bring wells online across its Luseland and Hearts Hill properties.
Convertible Debt Prospera is pleased to announce that it has reached a settlement agreement with its convertible debt holders to address the upcoming maturity of its $1,500,000 convertible debt, along with accrued interest of $559,374.82 as of the note maturity date on March 26th, 2025.
Under the terms of the agreement:
The $1,500,000 principal will be refinanced through the issuance of a 12-month promissory note bearing 12% interest, with monthly principal repayments of $250,000 commencing six months after issuance. Interest will be paid as a balloon payment at the end of the term.
$200,000 of outstanding interest will be settled through a 12-month convertible note at 12% interest, convertible into PEI common shares at $0.05 per share. Prospera retains the right to pay this note in cash by providing thirty days notice, during which the holder retains the right to convert.
The remaining $359,374.82 in accrued interest will be settled through a shares-for-debt agreement at $0.04 per share, subject to TSXV acceptance.
The convertible debt settlement reduces Prospera’s total fully diluted share count by 30,000,000 common shares, resulting in a net reduction of (17,015,630) shares to Prospera’s fully diluted scenario after accounting for the shares for debt and convertible debt transactions. PEI’s capitalization table is available in its corporate deck at ProsperaEnergy.com.
About Prospera Prospera Energy Inc. is a publicly traded Canadian energy company specializing in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Prospera is dedicated to optimizing recovery from legacy fields using environmentally safe and efficient reservoir development methods and production practices. The company’s core properties are strategically located in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including Cuthbert, Luseland, Hearts Hill, and Brooks. Prospera Energy Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PEI and the U.S. OTC Market under GXRFF.
Prospera reports gross production at the first point of sale, excluding gas used in operations and volumes from partners in arrears, even if cash proceeds are received. Gross production represents Prospera’s working interest before royalties, while net production reflects its working interest after royalty deductions. These definitions align with ASC 51-324 to ensure consistency and transparency in reporting.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Corporation and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Corporation, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Although Prospera believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Prospera can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures.
The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Prospera. As a result, Prospera cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward- looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Prospera does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by Canadian securities law.
Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Angus King questioned three witnesses about the adverse impact of the Republican-led House and Senate not passing annual federal spending bills on military capability and production. During the hearing, Senator King spoke with David Berteau, the President and Chief Executive Office of the Professional Services Council; Dr. Christine Michienzi, the former Senior Technology Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; and Dr. John McGinn, the Executive Director of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University’s Costello College of Business.
The exchange comes as Congress has struggled to negotiate a federal spending law that would pass with bipartisan support and be approved by the White House. Now, with less than 10 days to avert a government shutdown, Congressional appropriators are pursuing a continuing resolution that would temporarily fund the government at the previous year’s levels — therefore not adding new policies or investments that the military needs.
“Could we all agree that continuing resolutions absolutely are not part of the solution to this problem,” asked Senator King.
“Franklin Roosevelt did not face a single continuing resolution in the entire buildup to World War II and the entire execution thereof,” replied Berteau.
“I concur,” said Dr. McGinn.
“I concur,” echoed Dr. Michienzi.
“All of you agree with that. That is one of the difficulties we are in now. It creates all kinds of downstream in the industrial base and preparation. Thank you for that. Let the record show, continuing resolutions are not the way to do business, particularly in the defense area,” said Senator King. “All of you have mentioned something very interesting which is allies are part of the solution. It concerns me that we are embarked on a course that is not encouraging to our allies, and in some cases poking our allies in the eye. Talk to me about the importance of allies in dealing with the production necessary for significant conflict whether it is Japan, U.K., Canada, or other countries.”
“Our allies are a key part of our industrial base. We have a number of agreements and collaborative programs. The largest fighter program in the world, the F-35, we have a dozen partner countries I believe,” responded Dr. McGinn.
“We cannot do this by ourselves, correct,” asked Senator King. “All of you are nodding, could you say yes? They don’t show up in the transcript.”
“Yes,” Berteau, Dr. Michienzi and Dr. McGinn agreed unanimously.
A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator King is recognized as an authoritative voice on national security and foreign policy issues who has also been named a “fiscal hero” by government watchdogs for responsible spending. Senator King has previously urged the Department of Defense (DoD) to take advantage of private sector technologies or risk losing access to innovative defense technologies and encouraged the (DoD) to reevaluate its acquisition process of defense technologies.
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today met Houstonian and 13-year-old cancer survivor DJ Daniel, whom President Trump named an honorary Secret Service Agent during his Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday. See photo below.
“I know I’m not alone in saying that 13-year-old Texan DJ Daniel, who proudly wore a Houston Police Department uniform… was one of the highlights of POTUS’ address to Congress. DJ is an inspiration and a great example of resilience. DJ, you are amazing, and I know you will be a fantastic Secret Service agent.”
This image is in the public domain, but those wishing to do so may credit the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn.
Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Budget Committees.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has finalized the “R.O.C. 2025 Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) and Calculation Formulas”, confirming that the official rates remain unchanged from the initial draft, and continues to offer incentives for diverse renewable installations through tariff levels and various subsidies and supporting mechanisms to encourage further expansions. Compared to 2024, the FIT rate for rooftop solar PV installations ranging from 1kW to under 10kW remains the same as the second phase of 2024, while other categories have undergone slight reductions. Furthermore, a new capacity range of 1-100kW has been added for small hydropower to reflect cost differences based on scale. Meanwhile, all existing incentives and supporting mechanisms remain unchanged.
The key points of the officially announced 2025 Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) Rates for Renewable Energy (see details in the attachment) are as follows (same as draft)： 1. Solar PV: Two-phase rates are adopted. The FIT rate for the first phase (first half of the year) ranges from NT$ 3.5337 to NT$ 5.7055 per kWh, while the second phase (second half of the year) ranges from NT$ 3.5037 to NT$ 5.6279 per kWh.
2. Wind Power: Rates remain unchanged. The FIT rate for onshore wind farms with capacities under 30kW is NT$ 7.4110 per kWh, while onshore wind farms with capacities of 30kW and above are at NT$ 2.1286 per kWh. Offshore wind power maintains a FIT rate of NT$ 4.5085 per kWh.
3. Biomass Energy: Rates remain unchanged. The FIT rate for biogas (with anaerobic digestion facilities) is NT$ 7.0192 per kWh. The rate for the solid biofuels and domestic agricultural residues resources is NT$ 5.1407 per kWh, and NT$ 2.8066 per kWH for other biomass categories.
4. Waste to Energy: The FIT rates for energy generated from general and general industrial wastes category remain unchanged at NT$ 3.9482 per kWh.
5. Small Hydropower: The FIT rates for 1-100kW capacity category is NT$ 4.9548 per kWh. The rates for other capacity ranges (100kW-500kW, 500kW-2MW, and 2MW-20MW) remain unchanged at NT$ 4.8936 per kWh, NT$ 4.2285 per kWh, and NT$ 2.8599 per kWh respectively.
6. Geothermal Power: The FIT rates remain unchanged. Facilities with capacities under 2MW will have a FIT rate of NT$ 5.9459 per kWh, while those above 2MW will have a FIT rate of NT$ 5.1956 per kWh.
7. Marine Energy: The FIT rate remains at NT$ 7.3200 per kWh, the same as in 2024.
During the public consultation period, stakeholders expressed concerns over solar FIT reductions, refined capacity ranges for small hydropower, higher FIT rates, and more detailed categories for marine energy and creating floating offshore wind FIT category. However, after careful review based on the principles of FIT, the committee decided to uphold the original proposal while committing to ongoing evaluations for potential adjustments.
The MOEA emphasized that the 2025 FIT review process followed a fair, transparent, and rigorous procedure to ensure that the tariffs aligned with Taiwan’s development environment., The government remains committed to continuously evaluating FIT-related policies to build a solid foundation for Taiwan’s renewable energy development.
Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director-General, Chih-Wei Wu Phone: 02-2775-7750 Mobile: 0922-339-410 Email: cwwu@moeaea.gov.tw
Business Contact (Solar PV, Biomass Energy, Waste to Energy, Small Hydropower): Deputy Director, Shih-Wei Liao Phone: 02-2775-7620 Mobile: 0920-091-081 Email: swliau@moeaea.gov.tw
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ramona Zharfpeykan, Lecturer, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Despite large multinational companies such as Goldman Sachs, Paramount, Google and others removing their diversity, equity and inclusion policies, the evidence is clear: having a diverse team can help businesses make better, more empathetic decisions.
At the top level, a growing body of research shows having more women on corporate boards leads to better decision-making, stronger governance and improved environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.
Women make up 50.8% of the population and hold 40.8% of parliamentary leadership roles. But they hold only 28.5% of board seats and 26.4% of executive roles in the New Zealand’s Stock Exchange (NZX) top 50 companies (the NZX50).
And while businesses are encouraged to disclose gender diversity policies by the NZX, there are no mandatory quotas, leaving progress uneven.
However, change is happening. Our new research looked at the the percentage of female directors in NZX-listed firms between 2016 and 2022.
What we found is positive. Using information from financial infrastructure and data provider LSEG’s database on global financial markets, we identified a rise in the number of female directors on corporate boards. We also saw a corresponding improvement in the firms’ ESG performance.
Despite making up 50.4% of the population, women hold only 28.5% of board seats and 26.4% of executive roles in NZX50 companies. T. Schneider/Shutterstock
Boosting performance
Between 2016 and 2022, the proportion of female directors in NZX-listed firms increased from 26% to 36%. These same businesses saw an average 33% improvement in their ESG performance.
Notably, governance – one of the key ESG pillars – improved significantly, with a 31% increase on average. Governance specifically refers to the effectiveness of the firm’s management systems, board structure and capacity to protect shareholder interests.
While it’s not possible to say outright that having more women on the board directly influenced governance outcomes, we saw a positive relationship between the two. This suggests having more women in leadership strengthens corporate oversight and ethical decision making.
Gender diversity does not have the same level of importance in all contexts. While social and environmental performance also improved, this study found no significant link between a more gender-diverse board and these higher scores in social and environmental performance.
Our findings are supported by overseas research suggesting board diversity does not strongly influence sustainability outcomes when it comes to issues and groups already covered by legislation.
Therefore, New Zealand’s proactive stance on issues such as the environment, poverty and human rights, as well as encouraging private companies to improve sustainability and transparency, may explain why board diversity had no notable impact on social and environmental performance in this study.
What women bring to the business
Our findings align with studies completed overseas.
In the US, one study found women business leaders tended to prioritise transparency, fairness and stakeholder interests. This made them strong advocates for sustainable and inclusive business practices.
It’s clear that addressing the gender gap in corporate New Zealand isn’t just about fairness. It’s about economic success. Businesses that embrace diversity perform better, attract top talent and enhance their reputations.
The solution isn’t simply about enforcing quotas, but ensuring more qualified women are placed in leadership roles. Companies need to move beyond a “compliance mindset” and recognise true diversity strengthens governance, reduces risk and drives long-term success.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, businesses need to realise that increasing female representation at the top isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do.
Ramona Zharfpeykan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Prema Arasu, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, The University of Western Australia
In February, researchers from conservation organisation Condrik Tenerife were about two kilometres off the coast of Tenerife Island, looking for sharks, when they caught sight of something much stranger.
Photographer David Jara Boguñá filmed a humpback anglerfish (Melanocetus johnsonii, a species of black seadevil) swimming near the surface in sunlit waters. These fish have never before been seen alive in daylight, as they normally dwell in the “twilight zone” at depths from 200m to 600m.
The video has provoked an enormously empathetic response on social media, with some seeing the fish as a feminist icon or an Icarus-like figure who swam too close to the Sun. The reaction shows our views of the deep sea – long ignored or seen as a realm of monsters – may at last be changing.
The strange lives of anglerfish
Anglerfish are much smaller than you probably think they are. The specimen Boguñá filmed was a female, which typically grow up to 15cm long.
The creatures are named for their bioluminescent lure (or esca). This modified dorsal fin ray can produce a glow used to fish (or angle) for prey in the dim depths of the sea. The bioluminescence is produced by symbiotic bacteria that live inside the bulbous head of the esca.
Male anglerfish lack the iconic lure and are much smaller, usually reaching a length of only 3cm.
A male anglerfish spends the first part of his life searching for a female to whom he will then attach himself. He will eventually fuse his circulatory system with hers, depending on her entirely for nutrients, and live out his life as a parasite or “living testicle”.
It is unknown why this fish was swimming vertically near the surface. Researchers have speculated that the behaviour may have been related to changes in water temperature, or that the fish was simply at the end of her life.
Watchers observed the fish for several hours, until it died. Its body was preserved and taken to the Museum of Nature and Archaeology in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where it will be further studied.
I like to think she is a respected old grandmother who has dreamed her entire life of seeing the sunlight and the world above the water. She knows her time is nigh so she bade farewell to her friends and family and swam up towards the light and whatever it might hold for her as her life as an anglerfish comes to a close.
One person described the fish as her “feminist Roman Empire”, in the sense of an inspirational obsession that filled the same role for her that the Roman Empire supposedly does for many men.
Boguñá and Condrik Tenerife have since commented on the public reaction. (The original post is in Spanish, but Instagram’s automated English translation is below.)
He’s become a global icon, that’s clear. But far from the romanticisation and attempt to humanise that has been given to its tragic story, I think that what this event has been for is to awaken the curiosity of the sea to PEOPLE, especially the younger ones, and perhaps, it also serves that messages about marine ecosystem conservation can reach so many more people.
From horrors to heroes
The outpouring of empathy for the anglerfish is unexpected. With their glowing lures and fang-filled mouths, the creatures have long been archetypal horrors of the abyss.
As I have written elsewhere, the anglerfish’s extreme sexual dimorphism and parasitism, along with its unsettling anatomy, have made it the “iconic ambassador of the deep sea”. Anglerfish or angler-inspired aliens have appeared as antagonists in films such as Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Finding Nemo (2003), The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004) and Luca (2021).
Star Wars film The Phantom Menace features a large anglerfish-inspired sea monster. Disney
The reception of “Icarus” (as some call her) in popular culture indicates a perhaps surprising capacity for empathy toward animals that aren’t conventionally cute or beautiful. It stands in stark contrast to the fate of the deep-sea blobfish Psychrolutes marcidus, which in 2013 was voted the world’s ugliest animal.
Perhaps the name is a clue: people have seen in the fish a creature striving to reach the light, who died as a result of her quest.
But does our projection of human emotions and desires onto non-human animals risk misunderstanding scientific reality? Almost certainly – but, as US environmental humanities researcher Stacy Alaimo has argued, it may also have benefits:
Deep-sea creatures are often pictured as aliens from another planet, and I think that gets people interested in them because we’re all interested in novelty and weirdness and the surreal […] I think that can be positive, but the idea of the alien can also cut us off from any responsibility.
Prema Arasu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) led Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in sending a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, raising concerns about reports that Elon Musk’s social media company “X” (formerly Twitter) is leveraging his influential position in the Trump Administration to extract revenue from advertisers and enrich himself. If Musk uses his government position to interfere with federal antitrust enforcement, allegedly threatening to stall or block an advertiser’s merger if they do not pay up, then he risks running afoul of criminal ethics laws.
In 2023, a wave of advertisers withdrew ads from X after Musk “endorsed an antisemitic post” and loosened content moderation rules in ways that increased inflammatory content on the platform, reportedly costing the company as much as $75 million in ad revenue that year.
In 2024, as Musk prepared to begin his new role in the federal government, an attorney at X allegedly demanded that the advertising conglomerate Interpublic Group “get its clients to spend more on Elon Musk’s social-media platform, or else.”
Interpublic has reportedly interpreted these communications to mean that Musk will leverage his influence over President Trump to stall or block Interpublic’s $13 billion deal to merge with advertising competitor Omnicom Group,” weaponizing federal antitrust enforcers, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In the first letter, the Senators raise concerns that “X officials could … be attempting to strike a quid-pro-quo deal, pressuring Interpublic to get its clients to spend a certain amount on advertising on X in exchange for directing President Trump to use his antitrust enforcement agencies to allow Interpublic’s merger with Omnicom to proceed.”
“The fear that the FTC and DOJ could be used in such a way is not unfounded. There is precedent for the Trump Administration weaponizing federal antitrust enforcers to punish his perceived opponents. During his first term, President Trump allegedly interfered with the AT&T-Time Warner merger, in which the DOJ sued to block the merger, to punish CNN for the news agency’s reporting on the President,” wrote the Senators.
The Senators request that the FTC and DOJ inform the undersigned of any attempts made by Elon Musk or his associates to interfere with federal antitrust enforcement writing, “The federal government’s antitrust enforcers should be prioritizing lowering costs for American consumers, empowering workers, and supporting small businesses. They should not be weaponized by wealthy business owners to put more money in the hands of billionaires or retaliate against American businesses.”
Additionally, in a related letter sent today, the senators urge Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Special Government Employee Elon Musk if he uses his government position to protect those who engage in business with him as he would risk violating criminal ethics laws.
“Musk is not above the law by virtue of being the world’s richest man,” continued the senators. “If evidence emerges that Musk is, in fact, using his official role to coerce advertisers or is participating in particular matters in which he has a financial interest, we ask that DOJ investigate the potential violation of federal ethics laws, as the Department should for any other federal employee who appears to be breaking the law.”
To read the full text of the letter, click here and here.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–During a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing to consider the nomination of Michael Faulkender to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) praised Mr. Faulkender’s qualifications, saying, in part, “Based upon your public and private sector experience, academic credentials and areas of focus and training, you are highly qualified to serve as Deputy Treasury Secretary in this Administration,” adding that he looked forward to supporting his nomination.
During the hearing, Chairman Crapo underscored the importance of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending. Mr. Faulkender outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of financial systems, modernizing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to better serve taxpayers and strengthening federal accountability measures.
Watch Senator Crapo’s opening statementhereand line of questioninghere.
On President Trump’s efforts to improve government efficiency
Crapo:I am sure you have noticed the daily news on President Trump’s efforts to improve the efficiency of the federal government and get rid of waste, fraud and abuse. Though I understand you have a very limited role currently in advising Secretary Bessent on these issues, I would like to give you an opportunity to provide your perspective on these efforts. For example: what is your understanding of the focus of the President’s efforts? How does one ensure that taxpayer money is well spent?
Faulkender: . . . It’s my understanding that the objective is to improve the effectiveness of those systems and provide modern levels of customer service, privacy and collections at the IRS. . . . The purpose of [these improvements] is to help departments’ matrices better understand how money is being spent and be more accountable to Congress and the American people for those funds.
On IRS modernization
Crapo: . . . I understand the President and Treasury Secretary Bessent are interested in taking a different approach at the IRS, both by trimming waste and also planning for and investing in real technological change. I also understand that all evaluation and modernization work will be undertaken using usual and customary safeguards, including not exposing any taxpayer’s personally identifiable information. I also understand Secretary Bessent is fully committed to ensuring tax filing season will not be disrupted by these processes. Can you confirm my understanding and provide additional detail about efficiency and modernization activities at the IRS?
Faulkender:Yes, Mr. Chairman, the Secretary’s objective is to ensure that the American people realize a “2025 experience” when they interact with the IRS, and he has prioritized collection, customer service and privacy. The challenge that we have is that both Democrat and Republican Administrations have recognized that the technology at the IRS is built on top of 1960s systems. . . . What we’re doing is asking for a review of what systems are being built at the IRS. We have people who have worked with financial institutions and technology companies who understand how to build modern systems architecture . . . to ensure that the right systems architecture is being created to provide that level of 2025 service to the American people.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has charged three male youths in relation to a crime series that commenced on Monday in the Greater Darwin Region.
Strike Force Trident detectives have conducted extensive investigations to identify the perpetrators of multiple thefts and unlawful entries whilst using a stolen motor vehicle.
About 1:40pm on Monday, police allege a male youth and a female youth attended a shopping centre in Yarrawonga and stole small items from a business.
The following day at about 3:15pm, the same male youth involved in the incident the day before allegedly returned to the same shopping centre and stole further items from a separate business whilst in the company of other male youths.
Three male youths then attended a recreational on The Boulevard where they stole car keys to a blue Nissan X-trail from a worker.
The group of three subsequently met up with the male youth who was involved in both shopping centre thefts, located the vehicle and drove off from the location.
The group of four males went on to unlawfully enter four separate businesses in Winnellie, Berrimah and Holtze before attempting to unlawfully enter a fifth business.
About 1am the following morning on Wednesday, the same group allegedly attempted to unlawfully enter a further two businesses within the Bellamack Business Precinct before being disturbed by police in the area.
The stolen vehicle was recovered at 5am that morning and has been seized for forensic analysis.
Yesterday morning, Strike Force Trident detectives arrested and charged three male youths, aged 13, 14 and 16 with:
Drive/Ride/Use MV without consent
4 x Aggravated Burglary
3 x Attempted Burglary
7 x Damage to Property
3 x Theft
Trespass
The 13 and 14-year-old males received an extra charge of Breach Bail.
Further charges were laid on the 13-year-old in relation to the incidents, including two extra counts of shoplifting and Drive Unlicenced.
Investigations remain ongoing with Strike Force Trident working to arrest the remaining offenders.
Anyone with information is urged to make contact on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If there is one thing we can thank US President Donald Trump for, it is this: he has decisively stripped away the ridiculous notion, long cultivated by Western media, that the United States is a benign global policeman enforcing a “rules-based order”.
Washington is better understood as the head of a gangster empire, embracing 800 military bases around the world. Since the end of the Cold War, it has been aggressively seeking “global full-spectrum domination”, as the Pentagon doctrine politely terms it.
You either pay fealty to the Don or you get dumped in the river. Last Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was presented with a pair of designer concrete boots at the White House.
The US president looked like a gangster as he roughed up Zelensky. But he wasn’t the one who stoked a war that’s killed huge numbers of Ukrainians and Russians. Image: www.jonathan-cook.net
The innovation was that it all happened in front of the Western press corps, in the Oval Office, rather than in a back room, out of sight. It made for great television, Trump crowed.
Pundits have been quick to reassure us that the shouting match was some kind of weird Trumpian thing. As though being inhospitable to state leaders, and disrespectful to the countries they head, is unique to this administration.
Take just the example of Iraq. The administration of Bill Clinton thought it “worth it” – as his secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, infamously put it — to kill an estimated half a million Iraqi children by imposing draconian sanctions through the 1990s.
Under Clinton’s successor, George W Bush, the US then waged an illegal war in 2003, on entirely phoney grounds, that killed around half a million Iraqis, according to post-war estimates, and made four million homeless.
Those worrying about the White House publicly humiliating Zelensky might be better advised to save their concern for the hundreds of thousands of mostly Ukrainian and Russian men killed or wounded fighting an entirely unnecessary war — one, as we shall see, Washington carefully engineered through Nato over the preceding two decades.
Henchman Zelensky All those casualties served the same goal as they did in Iraq: to remind the world who is boss.
Uniquely, Western publics don’t understand this simple point because they live inside a disinformation bubble, created for them by the Western establishment media.
Henry Kissinger, the long-time steward of US foreign policy, famously said: “It may be dangerous to be America’s enemy, but to be America’s friend is fatal.”
Zelensky just found that out the hard way. Gangster empires are just as fickle as the gangsters we know from Hollywood movies. Under the previous Joe Biden administration, Zelensky had been recruited as a henchman to do Washington’s bidding on Moscow’s doorstep.
The background — the one Western media have kept largely out of view — is that, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US tore up treaties crucial to reassuring Russia of Nato’s good intent.
Viewed from Moscow, and given Washington’s track record, Nato’s European security umbrella must have looked more like preparation for an ambush.
Keen though Trump now is to rewrite history and cast himself as peacemaker, he was central to the escalating tensions that led to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In 2019, he unilaterally withdrew from the 1987 Treaty on Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces. That opened the door to the US launching a potential first strike on Russia, using missiles stationed in nearby Nato members Romania and Poland.
He also sent Javelin anti-tank weapons to Ukraine, a move avoided by his predecessor, Barack Obama, for fear it would be seen as provocative.
Repeatedly, Nato vowed to bring Ukraine into its fold, despite Russia’s warnings that the step was viewed as an existential threat, that Moscow could not allow Washington to place missiles on its border, any more than the US accepted Soviet missiles stationed in Cuba back in the early 1960s.
Washington pressed ahead anyway, even assisting in a colour revolution-style coup in 2014 against the elected government in Kyiv, whose crime was being a little too sympathetic to Moscow.
With the country in crisis, Zelensky was himself elected by Ukrainians as a peace candidate, there to end a brutal civil war — sparked by that coup — between anti-Russian, “nationalistic” forces in the country’s west and ethnic Russian populations in the east. The Ukrainian President soon broke that promise.
Trump has accused Zelensky of being a “dictator”. But if he is, it is only because Washington wanted him that way, ignoring the wishes of the majority of Ukrainians.
Reddest of red lines Zelensky’s job was to play a game of chicken with Moscow. The assumption was that the US would win whatever the outcome.
Either Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bluff would be called. Ukraine would be welcomed into Nato, becoming the most forward of the alliance’s forward bases against Russia, allowing nuclear-armed ballistic missiles to be stationed minutes from Moscow.
Or Putin would finally make good on his years of threats to invade his neighbour to stop Nato crossing the reddest of red lines he had set over Ukraine.
Washington could then cry “self-defence” on Ukraine’s behalf, and ludicrously fearmonger Western publics about Putin eyeing Poland, Germany, France and Britain next.
Those were the pretexts for arming Kyiv to the hilt, rather than seeking a rapid peace deal. And so began a proxy war of attrition against Russia, using Ukrainian men as cannon fodder.
The aim was to wear Russia down militarily and economically, and bring about Putin’s overthrow.
Zelensky did precisely what was demanded of him. When he appeared to waver early on, and considered signing a peace deal with Moscow, Britain’s prime minister of the time, Boris Johnson, was dispatched with a message from Washington: keep fighting.
That is the same Boris Johnson who now breezily admits that the West is fighting a “proxy war” against Russia.
Hmm, maybe someone can help me.
How was Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine entirely ‘unprovoked’, when the British leader in charge at the time, Boris Johnson, now admits Nato viewed Ukraine as the battlefield for a ‘proxy war’ against Russia? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/VS6jRE03gH
His comments have generated precisely no controversy. That is particularly strange, given that critics who pointed this very obvious fact out three years ago were instantly denounced for spreading “Putin disinformation” and Kremlin “talking points”.
For his obedience, Zelensky was feted a hero, the defender of Europe against Russian imperialism. His every “demand” — demands that originated in Washington — was met.
Ukraine has received at least $250 billion worth of guns, tanks, fighter jets, training for his troops, Western intelligence on Russia, and other forms of aid.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian and Russian men have paid with their lives — as have the families they leave behind.
Mafia etiquette Now the old Don in Washington is gone. The new Don has decided Zelensky has been an expensive failure. Russia isn’t lethally wounded. It’s stronger than ever. Time for a new strategy.
Zelensky, still imagining he was Washington’s favourite henchman, arrived at the Oval Office only to be taught a harsh lesson in mafia etiquette.
Trump is spinning his stab in the back as a “peace agreement”. And in some sense, it is. Rightly, Trump has concluded that Russia has won — unless the West is ready to fight World War III and risk a potential nuclear war.
Trump has faced up to the reality of the situation, even if Zelensky and Europe are still struggling to.
Trump’s overt ‘genocidal’ warning over Gaza. Video: TRT World News
But his plan for Ukraine is actually just a variation of his other peace plan — the one for Gaza. There he wants to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian population and, on the bodies of the enclave’s many thousands of dead children, build the “Riviera of the Middle East” — or “Trump Gaza” as it is being called in a surreal video he shared on social media.
In telling the “people of Gaza”, they will be “DEAD” if the hostages aren’t released – something they can’t decide – Trump is expressing clear genocidal intent. He’a also sending the arms to make that genocide possible.
Similarly, Trump now sees Ukraine not as a military battlefield but as an economic one where, through clever deal-making, he can leverage riches for himself and his billionaire pals.
He has put a gun to Zelensky and Europe’s head. Make a deal with Russia to end the war, or you are on your own against a far superior military power. See if the Europeans can help you without a supply of Washington’s weapons.
Not surprisingly, Zelensky, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron huddled together at the weekend to find a deal that would appease Trump. All Starmer has revealed so far is that the plan will “stop the fighting”.
That is a good thing. But the fighting could have been stopped, and should have been stopped, three years ago.
Money, not peace It is deeply unwise to be lulled into tribalism by all this — the very tribalism Western elites seek to cultivate among their publics to keep us treating international affairs no differently from a high-stakes football match.
No one here has behaved, or is behaving, honourably.
A ceasefire in Ukraine is not about peace. It’s about money, just as the earlier war was. As all wars are, ultimately.
An acceptable ceasefire for Trump, as well as for Putin, will involve a carve-up of Ukraine’s goodies. Rare earth minerals, land, agricultural production will be the real currency driving the agreement.
Zelensky now understands this. He knows that he, and the people of Ukraine, have been scammed. That is what tends to happen when you cosy up to the mafia.
If anyone doubts Washington’s insincerity over Ukraine, look to Palestine for clarity.
In his earlier presidency, Trump tried to bring about what he termed the peace “deal of the century” whose centrepiece was the annexation of much of the Occupied West Bank.
The hope was that the Gulf states would ultimately fund an incentivisation programme — the carrot to Israel’s stick — to encourage Palestinians to make a new life in a giant, purpose-built industrial zone in Sinai, next to Gaza.
That plan is still simmering away in the background. At the weekend, Israel received a green light from Washington to revive its genocidal starvation of Gaza’s population, after Israel refused to negotiate the second phase of the original ceasefire agreement.
The Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are now spinning their own bad faith as Hamas “rejectionism”.
They and the echo chamber that is the Western media are blaming the Palestinian group for refusing to be gulled into an “extension” of what was never more than a phoney ceasefire — Israel’s fire never ceased. Israel wants all the hostages back, without having to leave Gaza, so that Hamas has no leverage to stop Israel reviving the full genocide.
The people of Gaza are still being fed into the Washington mafia’s meatgrinder, just as the Ukrainian people have been.
Trump wants them out of the way so he can develop a Mediterranean playground for the rich, paid for with Gulf oil money and the so-far untapped natural gas reserves just off Gaza’s coast.
Unlike his predecessors, Trump doesn’t pretend that Ukraine and Gaza are anything more than geostrategic real estate for Washington.
The big shakedown Zelensky’s shakedown did not come out of the blue. Trump and his officials had been flagging it well in advance.
Two weeks ago, the industrial correspondent for Britain’s Daily Telegraphwrote an article headlined “Here’s why Trump wants to make Ukraine a US economic colony”.
Trump’s team believes that Ukraine may have rare-earth minerals under the ground worth some $15 trillion — a treasure trove that will be critical to the development of the next generation of technology.
In their view, controlling the exploration and extraction of those minerals will be as important as control over the Middle East’s oil reserves was more than a century ago.
And most important of all, the US wants China, its chief economic — if not military — rival excluded from the plunder. China currently has an effective monopoly on many of these critical minerals.
Or as the Telegraph puts it, Ukraine’s “minerals offer a tantalising promise: the ability for the US to break its dependence on Chinese supplies of critical minerals that go into everything from wind turbines to iPhones and stealth fighter jets”.
A draft of the plan seen by the Telegraph would, in its words, “amount to the US economic colonisation of Ukraine, in legal perpetuity”.
Washington wants first refusal on all deposits within the country.
At their Oval Office confrontation, Trump reiterated this goal: “So we’re going to be using that [Ukraine’s rare earth minerals], taking it, using it for all of the things we do, including AI, and including weapons, and the military. And it’s really going to very much satisfy our needs.”
All of this means that Trump has a keen incentive to get the war finished as quickly as possible, and Russia’s territorial advance halted. The more territory Moscow seizes, the less territory is left for the US to plunder.
Self-sabotage The battle against China over rare-earth minerals isn’t a Trump innovation either — and adds an additional layer of context for why Washington and Nato have been so keen over the past two decades to prise Ukraine away from Russia.
Last summer, a Congressional select committee on competition with China announced the formation of a working group to counter Beijing’s “dominance of critical minerals”.
The chairman of the committee, John Moolenaar, noted that the current US dependence on China for these minerals “would quickly become an existential vulnerability in the event of a conflict”.
Another committee member, Rob Wittman, observed: “Dominance over global supply chains for critical mineral and rare earth elements is the next stage of great power competition.”
What Trump appears to appreciate is that Nato’s proxy war against Russia in Ukraine has, by default, driven Moscow deeper into Beijing’s embrace. It has been self-sabotage on a grand scale.
Together, China and Russia are a formidable opponent, and one at the centre of the ever-growing Brics group — comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. They have been seeking to expand their alliance by adding emerging powers to become a counterweight to Washington and Nato’s bullying global agenda.
But a deal with Putin over Ukraine would provide an opportunity for Washington to build a new security architecture in Europe — one more useful to the US — that places Russia inside the tent rather than outside it.
That would leave China isolated — a long-time Pentagon goal.
And it would also leave Europe less central to the projection of US power, which is why European leaders — led by Keir Starmer — have been looking and sounding so unnerved over the past few weeks.
The danger is that Trump’s “peacemaking” in Ukraine simply becomes a prelude to the fomenting of a war against China, using Taiwan as the pretext in the same way Ukraine was used against Russia.
As Moolenaar implied, US control over critical minerals — in Ukraine and elsewhere — would ensure the US was no longer vulnerable in the event of a war with China to losing access to the minerals it would need to continue the war. It would free Washington’s hand.
Trump may be behaving in a vulgar manner. But the gangster empire he now heads is conducting the same global shakedown as ever.
Jonathan Cook is an award-winning British journalist. He was based in Nazareth, Israel, for 20 years and returned to the UK in 2021. He is the author of three books on the Israel-Palestine conflict, including Disappearing Palestine: Israel’s Experiments in Human Despair (2008). In 2011, Cook was awarded the Martha Gellhorn Special Prize for Journalism for his work on Palestine and Israel. This article was first published in Middle East Eye and is republished with the author’s permission.
U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media Thursday that tariffs on Mexico will be paused until April 2, applying to anything covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement. This Agreement is until April 2nd,” Trump said in a post on “Truth Social.”
“I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum,” Trump said, noting that “our relationship has been a very good one.”
Earlier that day, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC that more one-month tariff exemptions under USMCA are “likely.”
“It’s likely that it will cover all USMCA compliant goods and services, so that which is part of President Trump’s deal with Canada and Mexico are likely to get an exemption from these tariffs,” Lutnick said.
Trump’s latest announcement on Mexico tariffs came one day after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president is granting a one-month exemption to three major automakers from the newly imposed 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trade agreement negotiated, signed, and ultimately enacted during Trump’s first term, aimed at replacing the former North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
On Feb. 1, Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25 percent tariff on products imported from Mexico and Canada, with a 10 percent tariff increase on Canadian energy products. On Feb. 3, Trump announced a 30-day delay in implementing the tariffs on both countries and continued negotiations. According to this decision, the relevant tariff measures took effect on March 4.
Canada has announced retaliatory measures, while Mexico has signaled its intent to implement tariffs and other economic countermeasures. Businesses are increasingly concerned about the rising costs due to these tariffs, which could drive up consumer prices and contribute to an economic slowdown.
The stock market has shown significant volatility in response to the new tariffs, with investor uncertainty mounting as fears of potential economic repercussions grow.
The escalating tensions and economic uncertainties might have prompted Trump to reassess his trade policies.
Trump has yet to make announcement on an overall pause on Canada tariffs. In a post on Truth Social Thursday, he accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of using the tariff problem to further his reelection bid.
Trudeau, meanwhile, said on Thursday that Canada will continue to be in a trade war with the United States for the foreseeable future.
E tū is deeply concerned by comments made by NZME investor and billionaire James Grenon, that he wants to replace the board of directors with four new people – including himself.
Grenon owns a 9.3% stake in NZME, and has been a controversial figure in the media landscape.
NZME delegate Isaac Davison said the takeover proposal created significant uncertainty about the company’s potential direction and the newsroom’s editorial independence.
“Our top priority is preserving the impartiality of our journalism and the independence of the newsroom,” Isaac says.
“E tū journalists follow a code of ethics which includes a commitment to reporting and interpreting the news with “scrupulous honesty” and without fear or favour.
“While the intentions of the potential new board members remain unclear, we are concerned about an apparent record of backing news ventures which lack transparency.
“Further, NZME is in the last stages of a major change process which has had a profound impact on staff morale. We believe it is a time for consistency and stability rather than more uncertainty.”
E tū Director Michael Wood says that Grenon has a clear agenda to use NZME for his own interests.
“Mr Grenon clearly wants to use his financial clout to steer the editorial direction of one of New Zealand’s largest and most important media networks,” Michael says.
“While changes to media ownership in New Zealand are common, there is not any recent example of an extremely wealthy individual seeking to use an ownership stake to steer public discourse in the way that Mr Grenon, based on his track record, seems to be attempting.
“These concerns are heightened by a lack of transparency. When his initial stake in NZME was revealed, Mr Grenon indicated that he was not intending to make any further moves, yet within a week it has been reported that he is working closely with an NZ On Air board member and a high-profile businessman to take over the board.
“The idea that a shadowy cabal, backed by extreme wealth, is planning to take over such an important institution in our democratic fabric should be of concern to all New Zealanders.”
Michael calls on the current board to re-affirm its commitment to the editorial independence of NZME’s publications.
“While there is clearly a commercial process to play out, we must protect the rights of NZME journalists to report free from undue interference. We urge other shareholders to think carefully about the impact on the value and standing of NZME if they allow it to be turned into a plaything for the agendas of billionaires like Mr Grenon.”
BusinessNZ has welcomed the Government’s commitment to better management of the health system.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said a high-functioning health system was critical for enabling New Zealanders to lead healthy, productive lives.
“Getting clear targets for things like GP access and elective surgery wait times, getting better value from health expenditure by working with private sector health providers, and ensuring adequate investment in health infrastructure indicates a serious approach is being taken to this critical sector.
“Successful outcomes for patients is a key consideration where New Zealanders want to see responsible, competent use made of public funding,” Mrs Rich said.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
PERTH, Australia, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canyon Resources Limited (ASX: CAY) (‘Canyon’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that the Board of CAMRAIL SA (‘Camrail’) has approved Total Energies Marketing Cameroun SA (‘Total Cameroon’) and Societe d’Exploitation des Bois du Cameroun (‘SEBC’) to enter into two share sale agreements with the Company’s wholly owned in-country subsidiary Camalco Cameroon SA (‘Camalco’). The agreements will see Camalco acquire a strategic 9.1% investment in Camrail as well as secure a position on the Camrail Board upon the completion of the two acquisitions.
Camalco acquired a 3.8% equity interest in Camrail from SEBC for an upfront cash consideration of XAF 575,700,000 (approximately A$1.4 million) and this unconditional acquisition was completed on the 28th of February 2025. Camalco will separately acquire a 5.3% equity interest in Camrail from Total Cameroon for an upfront cash consideration of XAF 812,850,000 (approximately A$2.0 million). Completion of this acquisition from Total Cameroon is subject to the remaining condition precedent of internal approval by the Apex Committee of Total Cameroon, which is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025. The total consideration of approximately A$3.4 million for the 9.1% holding in Camrail will be paid from the Company’s existing cash reserves.
Establishing and accessing a transport network within the region, notably within the mine and from mine-to-port is a key focus area for Canyon, and the execution of these agreements and investment in Camrail which operates Cameroon’s rail network (refer to Image 1), has further de-risked the Company’s position in securing and optimising the logistics solution for its world-class, flagship Minim Martap Bauxite Project (‘Minim Martap’ or ‘the Project’).
Minim Martap ranks among the world’s richest bauxite deposits, with an Ore Reserve of 109Mt at 51.1% Al2O3 and 2.0% SiO2 and a JORC Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,027Mt at 45.3% Al2O3.
Mr Jean-Sebastien Boutet, Canyon Chief Executive Officer commented: “This investment in Camrail is a major milestone for Canyon, as we continue to work on establishing an optimal logistics plan for the Minim Martap Project
“Minim Martap is a standout, tier-one bauxite project, which Canyon believes has all the required characteristics to become a long-term, low-cost operation, supplying a high-quality product into a growing and constrained market. To unlock the significant value potential of Minim Martap, Canyon has been focused on progressing and completing key discussions with with Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Transport, the Port Authority of Douala, Camrail and other relevant authorities to sign agreements for rail and port and secure logistics support.
“We welcome the Board of Camrail’s approval of the 9.1% stake sale previously held by Total Energy and SEBC, to Camalco and look forward to working alongside the current shareholders in Camrail, State of Cameroon and Africa Global Logistics.
“This acquisition is a significant step forward in gaining access to rail infrastructure and delivering on our logistics objectives in the first half of 2025, and I would like to take the time to recognise the ongoing hard efforts of the Canyon team as we rapidly develop Minim Martap towards production.”
Image 1:Camrail transport route (source: http://www.camrail.net/)
This announcement has been approved for release by the Canyon’s Board of Directors.
Forward looking statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “opportunity”, “plan”, “potential”, “project”, “seek”, “believe”, “could”, “future” and other similar words that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on an assessment of present economic and operating conditions, and on a number of assumptions regarding future events and actions that are expected to take place. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, its directors and management that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or anticipated in these statements.
The Company cannot and does not give any assurance that the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement will actually occur and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update or revise forward-looking statements, regardless of whether any new information, future events or any other factors affect the information contained in this announcement, except where required by applicable law and ASX requirements.
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves
The information in this announcement that relates to the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves at the Minim Martap Bauxite Project has been extracted from the ASX releases by Canyon entitled ‘Minim Martap Mineral Resource Estimate upgrade adds Measured Resource’ dated 11 May 2021, and ‘Positive BFS for Canyon’s Minim Martap Bauxite Project’ dated 21 June 2022, available at www.canyonresources.com.au and www.asx.com (Canyon Releases). Canyon confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the Canyon Releases and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the Canyon Releases continue to apply and have not materially changed.
Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced on Thursday that Canada will halt the second wave of tariffs on U.S. goods until April 2.
“The United States has agreed to suspend tariffs on CUSMA (Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement)-compliant exports from Canada until April 2nd,” LeBlanc said in his social media account shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the tariff delay.
“As a result, Canada will not proceed with the second wave of tariffs on 125 billion Canadian dollars of U.S. products until April 2, while we continue to work for the removal of all tariffs.”
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said Canada’s retaliatory measures remain, even after Trump’s latest move to delay tariffs on some Canadian and Mexican goods until April 2.
According to local media, more than half of Canadian imports aren’t covered and would likely still face the new tariffs because they’re not USMCA compliant.
“As long as the threat remains, the pressure stays on,” Champagne was quoted as saying in CTV News. “The Prime Minister has been clear on that. The only way you make that work is to keep the pressure.”
On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order to delay tariffs on goods covered under the CUSMA.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) shakes hands with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in front of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, March 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The United Kingdom (UK) has finalized a 30 million pounds (38.70 million U.S. dollars) deal with defense tech company Anduril to supply Ukraine with advanced attack drones, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Thursday.
The agreement was secured during UK Defense Secretary John Healey’s visit to Anduril’s Washington D.C. facility ahead of talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.
Under the deal, Ukraine will receive Altius 600m and Altius 700m drones, classified as “loitering munitions” capable of surveilling designated areas and striking targets. Deliveries of drones, launchers, and spare parts will commence in the coming months, the statement said.
The deal is funded through the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), which is supported by pledges from 10 nations, now totals 1.3 billion pounds, with the UK contributing 500 million pounds.
The agreement comes amid concerns over the U.S. decision to halt intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, potentially hampering Kyiv’s access to critical data.
The UK has emphasized its continued military support for Ukraine. Since July 2024, the UK has provided over 5.26 billion pounds in military and financial aid to Ukraine, including 10,000 drones already deployed. (1 pound = 1.29 U.S. dollar)
Some 50 years ago, on March 1 1975, Australian television stations officially moved to colour.
Networks celebrated the day, known as “C-Day”, with unique slogans such as “come to colour” (ABC TV), “Seven colours your world” (Seven Network), “living colour” (Nine Network) and “first in colour” (0-10 Network, which later became Network Ten). The ABC, Seven and Nine networks also updated their logos to incorporate colour.
For most viewers, however, nothing looked much different. The majority owned a black and white TV, while a coloured broadcast required a colour TV set.
Advertisers were initially reluctant to accept the change, which required them to re-shoot black and white commercials with colour stock at a significantly higher cost.
Many reasoned viewers were still watching the ads in black and white. And initially this assumption was correct. But by nine months later, 17% of Australian homes had a colour receiver. This rose to 31% by July 1976.
By 1978, 64% of Melbourne and 70% of Sydney households owned colour TV sets, making Australia one of the world’s fastest adopters of colour TV.
According to the Federation of Australian Commercial Television Stations (FACTS) annual report for 1975–76, colour TV increased overall viewership by 5%, with people watching for longer periods.
The 1976 Montreal Olympics also led to an increase in TV sales, with the colour broadcast shared between the ABC, Seven and Nine.
Highlights from the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games marathon event.
A late start
With the United States introducing colour TV from 1954, it’s peculiar that Australia took so long to make the transition – especially since conversations about this had been underway since the 1960s.
In 1965, a report outlining the process and economic considerations of transitioning to colour was tabled in parliament.
Feedback from the US highlighted problems around broader acceptance in the marketplace. Colour TV sets were expensive and most programs were still being shot in black and white, despite the availability of colour.
Networks were the most hesitant (even though they’d go on to become one of the most major benefactors). In 1969, it was estimated transitioning to colour would cost the ABC A$46 million (the equivalent of $265,709,944 today) over six years.
The federal government, led by then prime minister Robert Menzies, decided to take a cautious approach to the transition – allowing manufacturers, broadcasters and the public time to prepare.
The first colour “test” broadcast took place on June 15 1967, with live coverage of a Pakenham country horse racing event in Victoria (although few people would have had coloured TV sets at this point).
Other TV shows also tested broadcasting in colour between 1972 and 1974, with limited colour telecasts aired from mid-1974. It wasn’t until March 1975 that colour TV was being transmitted permanently.
‘Aunty Jack Introduces Colour’ was a one-off television special of The Aunty Jack Show, broadcast on the ABC on February 28 1975.
The cinema industry panics
Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War created further urgency to televise in colour. With the war ending in April 1975, Australians watched the last moments in colour.
Other significant events broadcast in colour that year included the December federal election, in which Malcolm Fraser defeated Gough Whitlam after the latter was dramatically dismissed as prime minister on November 11.
With the public’s growing interest in colour TV, local manufacturers began lobbying for higher tariffs on imports to encourage domestic colour TV production.
In the mid 1970s, a new colour set in Australia cost between $1,000 and $1,300, while the average full-time annual income was around $8,000. Still in the throes of a financial recession, customers began seeking out illegally-imported colour TV sets – which were appearing at car boot markets across the country.
British childrens show The Wombles came to Australian screens shortly after colour TV was introduced.
The government also created an advertising campaign warning the public of scammers who would offer to convert black-and-white TVs to colour. These door-to-door “salesmen” claimed to have a special screen which, when placed over a TV, would magically turn it colourful.
By 1972, the estimated cost of upgrading broadcasting technology to colour had reached $116 million. The cinema industry, in a panic, even questioned whether colour TV could damage a viewer’s eyesight.
The industry had previously suffered huge losses in cinema attendance with the introduction of black-and-white TV from 1956. Cinemas had a monopoly on colour and were petrified over what the introduction of colour to television could do to their attendances.
Such fears were founded. In 1974 Australia had 68 million admissions to the cinema. By 1976, there were just 28.9 million admissions. Never again would yearly cinema admissions reach above 40 million.
But despite the complaints – from the cinema industry, advertisers, broadcasters and manufacturers – audiences were ready for colour. And any network that dared to program in black and white would subject itself to a barrage of annoyed viewers.
Colour TV was here to stay.
Stephen Gaunson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) reintroduced the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act, bipartisan legislation to ban individuals and entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing agricultural land and businesses located near U.S. military installations or sensitive sites. The PASS Act is cosponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).
“Nevada is home to many sensitive sites that are critical to our national security,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It is common sense that we should not allow our foreign adversaries to buy agricultural land next to these locations. This bipartisan bill will keep Nevadans safe and protect American national security.”
“Our near-peer adversaries such as China are looking for any possible opportunity to surveil our nation’s capabilities and resources,” said Senator Rounds. “One example occurred in 2021 when the Fufeng Group purchased 300 acres of land in North Dakota, located near the Grand Forks Air Force Base. We can’t risk this happening again. The PASS Act would prevent entities of foreign adversaries from purchasing agricultural land and businesses near our military bases and sensitive sites. I am hopeful that with President Trump’s recent National Security Presidential Memorandum on this issue, we can finally get it across the finish line.”
Specifically, the PASS Act would:
Ban purchases of agricultural land near military installations and sensitive sites by individuals/entities controlled by North Korea, China, Russia and Iran.
Make the Secretary of Agriculture a voting member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for transactions involving the purchase of agricultural land, biotechnology, and any other transaction related to the agriculture industry in the United States.
Give the U.S. Department of Agriculture the ability to refer cases to CFIUS for review if there is reason to believe an agriculture land transaction may raise a national security concern.
The full text of the bill can be found here.
Senator Cortez Masto has consistently advocated for strengthening American national security and standing up to our foreign adversaries. She recently introduced legislation to promote innovative businesses in direct competition with Communist China. Earlier this year, she introduced the HONOR Act to prevent businesses from claiming a foreign tax credit or deduction against taxes paid to fund the Russian government’s war machine. Cortez Masto has also led legislation to strengthen American partnership with Pacific Island nations to counter growing Chinese influence in the region.
