Category: Business

MIL-OSI China: China strongly opposes US tariff hike: commerce minister

Source: China State Council Information Office

China is strongly dissatisfied with the United States’ decision to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods on the grounds of fentanyl-related issues, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks in a letter to Howard Lutnick, the newly appointed U.S. secretary of commerce, congratulating him on taking office.

China and the United States have engaged in extensive, in-depth cooperation on fentanyl control, and significant outcomes have been achieved, Wang said, adding that the unilateral tariff increase imposed by the United States has disrupted normal economic and trade relations between the two countries.

China hopes to address the concerns of each other through equal dialogue and consultation, he said.

Economic and trade relations are a crucial component of China-U.S. relations. As the world’s two largest economies, strengthening economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States is crucial for the development of both countries and for global economic growth, according to Wang.

Over recent years, the two countries’ commerce departments have played an important role in promoting and facilitating bilateral economic and trade cooperation, he said.

China is willing to work with the United States to enhance dialogue, manage differences and promote cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, thereby creating a fair and predictable policy environment for practical cooperation between the business communities of both nations, Wang said.

MIL OSI China News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Tax breaks give tech edge to nation

Source: China State Council Information Office

A robot makes coffee at a booth at the 26th China High-Tech Fair (CHTF) in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, Nov. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The industrialization rate of invention patents among Chinese enterprises has been steadily rising, with medium and small-sized enterprises making a growing contribution, China’s top intellectual property regulator said on Wednesday.

According to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), Chinese enterprises in 2024 achieved an industrialization rate of 53.3 percent for effective invention patents, marking a 2 percentage point increase from the previous year.

Notably, medium and small-sized enterprises have outperformed the overall average, with their rates reaching new record highs of 61.4 percent and 57.8 percent since 2021.

The industrialization rate of micro-enterprise invention patents reached 36.7 percent, which also marks a new record over the past four years.

The high-tech sector has been one of the major driving factors pushing growth. In 2024, the industrialization rate of effective invention patents in national high-tech enterprises reached 61.2 percent, marking an increase of 3.6 percentage points from the previous year and surpassing the overall enterprise level by 7.9 percentage points, said Liang Xinxin, a senior CNIPA official, at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

While the electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing industry boasts the highest rate of invention patents, Liang noted that companies involved in strategic emerging industries and future industries also performed well. The average income from industrializing invention patents in these sectors was 8 percent and 30.3 percent higher, respectively, than that of average enterprises, demonstrating the strong vitality of these sectors.

Data also revealed that enterprises have shown a strong willingness to industrialize green technology. According to Liang, almost half of Chinese enterprise patent holders have already initiated or are considering launching innovations in green technology.

By the end of 2024, Chinese domestic enterprises held over 3.5 million valid invention patents, representing 73.7 percent of the national total, up 2.6 percentage points from the previous year.

MIL OSI China News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China reveals cases on military facilities’ protection

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

China’s top court disclosed five influential cases involving the protection of military facilities to further enhance the public awareness of national defense and the rule of law.

“Military facilities are an important component of national defense construction, serving as the foundation of the military to fulfill its missions, and providing crucial support for national strategic capabilities and military operations,” the Supreme People’s Court said on Wednesday.

“The disclosure of the cases not only emphasizes the significance of protecting military facilities, but also demonstrates the steadfast determination and relentless efforts of Chinese courts in safeguarding national defense interests,” it added.

It revealed that crimes involving the destruction of military facilities, such as military optical cables, have occurred from time to time in recent years. “Such actions endanger military security and affecting the military ability to carry out its missions, so they must be severely punished,” it noted.

One disclosed case showed that a defendant surnamed Xu was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the crime of sabotage of military communications.

Xu, who worked for an information technology company, was responsible for the daily inspection and maintenance of optical cable lines. He used metal pliers to cut a military optical cable during one inspection with the intention of selling it, causing the interruption of critical business systems for over two hours and disrupting military communications for three units that were conducting exercises.

Xu’s actions resulted in economic losses of more than 40,000 yuan ($5,490), and the loss of the involved optical cable amounted to over 9,000 yuan.

“Military communication is the method by which the armed forces use communication tools or other means to transmit information for command purposes,” the top court said, stressing that military optical cables are vital military communication facilities.

“In the information age, the damage to military optical cables can have significant adverse effects on military communications and activities, not only causing financial losses but also severely influencing the readiness and training of troops, thereby endangering national defense interests and national security,” it added.

It praised the conviction and sentence given to Xu, noting that the ruling has shown the judicial high-pressure on those who harm national defense interests and military combat effectiveness.

While requiring courts nationwide to continue the fight against such crime, it has also called on more people from all walks of life to strengthen the protection of military facilities.

MIL OSI China News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: With Whyalla steelworks forced into administration, Australia has crucial decisions to make on the future of its steel industry

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Geoffrey Brooks, Professor of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology

Alex Cimbal/Shutterstock

Whyalla is a proud steel town. The steelworks physically dominates the townscape, and most jobs in the town are either directly at the steelworks or heavily reliant on it.

In recent months, however, the steelworks have lurched from one setback to another, from serious technical problems that forced shutdowns to rising debts owed to suppliers and the state government.

On Wednesday, the South Australian government forced Whyalla steelworks into administration. To do so, it quickly passed amendments to the Whyalla Steelworks Act. Current owner GFG Alliance will no longer operate the site.

For me, someone intimately involved in the steel industry, the news that the steelworks has been put into administration is not a shock. This has been coming for some time.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a A$2.4 billion rescue package.

A portion of this money will be used to address immediate debt issues and keep the plant afloat. But $1.9 billion has been earmarked for major, long-term infrastructure upgrades under a new owner.

The next steps will be crucial if this vital component of Australia’s manufacturing infrastructure – and heart of the town of Whyalla – is to survive.

How we got here

Whyalla’s steelworks was founded by BHP and opened in 1941, originally concentrating on ship building. It later transitioned to producing structural and rail products during the 1970s and ‘80s.

After the steel division was spun out of BHP in 2000, the steelworks operated under the OneSteel banner, which was renamed Arrium in 2012.

The plant has been in decline for a couple of decades. Its products have had difficulty competing against overseas imports and there have been issues with the scale of production and costs.

GFG Alliance took over Whyalla’s struggling steelworks in 2017, to great fanfare and optimism.

GFG is led by Indian-born British billionaire Sanjeev Gupta, who owns steel plants across the world. Until recently, he was a relatively unknown figure in the steel industry, but rapidly built up a steel empire after buying his first major steel plant in the UK in 2013.

Gupta’s business practices have recently drawn close scrutiny from regulators in the UK, particularly the financing arrangements for several of his businesses. GFG’s largest lender, Greensill Capital, collapsed in 2021.

A failure to turn things around

Upon purchasing the plant in 2017, GFG promised to invest in upgrading the equipment and move the steelworks towards “green” steel production.

But these investments never materialised, and the operations have continued to lose money. There have also been significant operational issues over the past year, resulting in months of no production.

These challenges have been compounded by what appears to be poor management of key equipment in the plant, particularly the blast furnace.

The steelworks has been beset by technical issues over the past year.
Adwo/Shutterstock

Keeping blast furnaces running smoothly is one most important technical issues facing any steelmaker.

A string of recent breakdowns, resulting in major production shutdowns in 2024, does not reflect well on GFG.

On Wednesday, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said the state government had been forced to step in, given debts of more than $300 million owed by GFG and reports workers weren’t being paid.

Still a valuable asset

The town of Whyalla will be watching the outcome of the state and federal governments’ rescue plan with bated breath. If it’s not to be GFG, who should be trusted with taking over and running the steelworks?

In such times, it is worth pointing out some of the key advantages of the plant that could make it an attractive asset to prospective owners.

Whyalla has good port facilities, a major iron ore deposit (Middleback Range) nearby, and abundant renewable energy.

It also has an experienced and trained workforce, with established product lines that are in demand (particularly rail steel).

Bluescope has been touted as one potential new owner. But there is also likely to be foreign interest, given the potential for linking steel production to renewable energy in Whyalla.

Taking Whyalla into the future

The current scale of the Whyalla steelworks, about 1.2 million tonnes of raw steel per year, is simply too small to be competitive. It is operating in a market where plants producing more than 3 million tonnes per year are common.

The plant’s product range could be broadened and raised in value by investing in key steelmaking equipment.

The general shift towards green production routes also presents opportunities for Whyalla. The local abundance of solar energy is likely to be a significant advantage for the plant’s future.

However, converting from the plant from its current coal-based technology to non-coal based technology (such as hydrogen ironmaking) will take significant investment and technical skill.

Whyalla is close to iron ore deposits in the Middleback Range.
Adwo/Shutterstock

Opportunities for Australia

Could Australia simply let the steelworks shut down and import its rail steel instead?

That would draw parallels with Australia’s car manufacturing sector, which the government ultimately allowed to collapse. But I believe this position is unlikely to attract much support.

For one, there would be an enormous human cost to the people of Whyalla. The town of 20,000 people would be economically devastated by the plant’s closure.

There’s also a fear such a move would further weaken Australia’s ability to generate long-term wealth. Historically, the steel industry has been an important generator of long-term jobs and national wealth.

And it would certainly be demoralising for our manufacturing sector. Australia has plentiful ore, energy and a huge railway network. We should be able to run a sustainable steel plant specialising in rail and structural steel.

All these challenges need investment and strong technical leadership. The decisions taken by the state and federal government in the next few months will be vital for Whyalla’s future.

Geoffrey Brooks receives funding from the HILT CRC, ARC Steel Innovation Hub and Victorian Hydrogen Hub for fundamental research into steelmaking. The Liberty GFG company and other steel companies financially invest into these research bodies and directly support some of his steelmaking research. He is also the Chairman of the Association of Iron and Steel Technology Australian and New Zealand Chapter. This organisation organises conferences and seminars on steelmaking topics. His activity in this Chapter is on a voluntary basis.

– ref. With Whyalla steelworks forced into administration, Australia has crucial decisions to make on the future of its steel industry – https://theconversation.com/with-whyalla-steelworks-forced-into-administration-australia-has-crucial-decisions-to-make-on-the-future-of-its-steel-industry-250317

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Two in five scientists in our survey reported harassment and intimidation. Often, the perpetrators are inside the institution
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hales, Director, Centre for Sustainable Enterprise, Griffith University

Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

The goal of science is to uncover truths and create new knowledge. But this is not always welcome. Increasingly, scientific findings are being attacked or downplayed. And scientists themselves face intimidation or harassment.

In our global study of more than 2,000 scientists across six areas of science, two-fifths (41%) of respondents had, as a result of their work, been harassed or intimidated at least once over a five-year period.

Intimidation efforts included online abuse, physical threats, and threats to budgets or employment. Harassment, while personal, could be meted out by superiors, colleagues or outsiders. Some scientists felt their leaders had thrown them under the bus to protect the institution’s reputation.

Who’s doing the intimidation? Strikingly, a majority of cases of intimidation and harassment actually came from inside the institution for most fields. That is, it was perpetrated by senior colleagues or managers. But for climate scientists, most intimidation efforts came from outside.

Intimidation of scientists doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In recent years, there has been a rise in populist leaders who pour scorn on “elites” and evidence. Scientific issues are increasingly politicised. Disinformation is rampant. This atmosphere adds to the pressure faced by scientists, especially those working in politically sensitive areas such as climate science or COVID.

Harassment and intimidation can silence or isolate scientists.
Hayk_Shalunts/Shutterstock

What did we find?

We used an online database of scientists to find and contact experts publishing in six fields: climate science, medical health, humanities and social science, food and plant science, astronomy, and other STEM areas.

More than 2,000 responded to our survey on whether they had experienced various types of intimidation or harassment. We asked respondents for more detail on the perpetrators, what triggered the incident, and what effect it had on them.

Many respondents had a clear view as to what the intimidation or harassment was meant to do. The motivations of perpetrators varied greatly. But the most common reasons were to damage their reputation, to stop them from publishing certain types of research, or to “put me in my place”.

Specific fields of science were more prone to harassment and intimidation – in particular climate science, and humanities and social science.

Among those scientists who had been intimidated, climate scientists reported online abuse three times more often than astronomers. Climate science is politically charged, because climate change is clearly linked to pollution from some of the world’s largest industries – oil, gas and coal. Astronomy is not. Half of the climate scientist respondents experiencing intimidation saw the bad behaviour as a way to discourage them from undertaking specific research and speaking about it.

Researchers from humanities and social sciences faced similar levels of online abuse to climate scientists.

When it came to personal harassment, there was a clear gender dimension. Among those who reported experiencing harassment, female scientists were more than four times more likely to report “unwelcome or inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature” than their male counterparts. Women were affected almost twice as much as men by non-sexual forms of personal harassment.

Our findings follow earlier research finding similar rates of intimidation. For instance, a 2021 survey of 321 scientists working on COVID-19 found 15% had received death threats and 22% received threats of sexual violence.

Intimidation and harassment are damaging

The consequences of intimidation are profound and far-reaching. Many scientists told us the experience had caused lasting damage, whether to wellbeing, career prospects or research activities.

More than 40% of those affected said their career prospects had worsened following incidents of harassment. Just over a third (34%) reported a decline in their desire to work in science. Scientists who experienced intimidation often cut back their collaboration with colleagues (35%), leaving them more isolated.

Many of our respondents described flow-on effects such as decreased access to funding (35% of respondents) and less public communication from their institution about their work (23%).

Scientists targeted with multiple types of harassment reported very damaging effects, from difficulty finding their next job to poor mental health.

Intimidation slows progress

Intimidation and harassment have a chilling effect on science. This, in turn, could hinder progress on crucial issues such as climate change, public health and technological advancements.

The disproportionate impact on women and researchers in politically sensitive fields threatens to undermine diversity and inclusivity in science.

Without targeted interventions, women in science may continue to suffer disproportionate levels of harassment and intimidation. This will have long-term implications for gender diversity in scientific leadership and the direction of research in various fields.

In the United States, the Trump administration’s withdrawals from the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization are likely to further embolden anti-science movements. Many American scientific institutions are engaged in anticipatory obedience of the Trump administration’s demands that diversity and anti-discrimination programs be abolished, or climate change stop being mentioned. Many even go beyond what is explicitly sought.

Female scientists are targeted in different ways.
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

What can be done?

Science and academia is often seen as a bastion of free inquiry and open discussion. One of our most surprising findings was how common intimidation was within scientific institutions.

The key to beating intimidation is organisational support and clear strategies, not obedience. These include:
- genuine commitment to institutional policies protecting scientists from both internal and external intimidation
- formal, well-resourced support systems for researchers facing harassment or pressure (not the HR office)
- programs to increase public understanding of the scientific process to build trust and resilience to misinformation
- boosting international collaboration between scientists and policymakers to ensure resilience against country-specific efforts to undermine science
- educating the public on the importance of scientific independence and of fostering respectful dialogue around contentious topics.
As populist movements gain traction in many countries, scientists working on controversial issues will face heightened scrutiny – and potentially more intimidation.

Climate science is likely to remain a particularly contested field. As the damage wrought by climate change becomes more and more apparent, it will get even more contentious.

Over the last few centuries, science has produced breakthroughs in many areas. But the integrity of science is not guaranteed. Harassment and intimidation from both inside and outside institutions has a very real effect on scientists.

The future of evidence-based decision-making and ability to tackle global challenges depends on fostering an environment where scientists can work free from fear and undue pressure.

Robert Hale receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

David Peetz undertook research over many years with occasional financial support from governments from both sides of politics, employers and unions. He has been and is involved in several Australian Research Council-funded projects, including this one.

Ian Lowe was president of the Australian Conservation Foundation from 2004 to 2014.

Carolyn Troup and Georgina Murray do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Two in five scientists in our survey reported harassment and intimidation. Often, the perpetrators are inside the institution – https://theconversation.com/two-in-five-scientists-in-our-survey-reported-harassment-and-intimidation-often-the-perpetrators-are-inside-the-institution-248013
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Helping charities and strengthening communities
Source: Australian Treasurer

The Albanese Government is helping Australia’s 62,000 charities by ensuring that states and territories collaborate effectively with the federal government – reducing unnecessary paperwork.

We’re taking the practical step of including representatives from all states and territories on the advisory board of the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission (ACNC). This will include the greatest representation from state and territory governments since the Board’s inception in 2013.

This move builds on the substantial body of work that Labor has done to support charities, and aligns with recommendations in the Productivity Commission’s landmark Future Foundations for Giving report.

These strategic appointments aim to ensure the diverse interests of our communities are effectively represented, fostering a consistent national approach to regulatory and policy matters within the charity sector.

The ACNC Advisory Board supports the Commissioner by offering informed advice on matters affecting charities and strengthening the governance and effectiveness of the sector.

The new ex‑officio appointments will provide an additional layer of regulatory expertise, complementing the sector‑based members and enhancing the Board’s role as a forum supporting charity law, policy and regulatory reform.

The new appointments to the ACNC Advisory Board are:
- New South Wales – Ms Natasha Mann, Commissioner of Fair Trading and Deputy Secretary of Fair Trading and Regulatory Services, Department of Customer Service
- Northern Territory – Ms Amanda Nobbs‑Carcuro, Executive Director, Industry Capability, Licensing and Migration, Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
- Queensland – Ms Victoria Thompson, Deputy Director‑General, Harm Prevention and Regulation, Department of Justice
- South Australia – Mr Brett Humphrey, Commissioner for Consumer and Business Services
- Tasmania – Ms Robyn Pearce, Executive Director of Consumer, Building and Occupational Services, Department of Justice
- Victoria – Ms Nicole Rich, Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Executive Director of Regulatory Services, Department of Government Services
- Western Australia – Ms Patricia Blake, Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Department of Energy, Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety
The ACT is already represented on the board, with David Crosbie, CEO of the Community Council for Australia, reappointed in July 2023.

This ensures that all states and territories will be represented in the national conversation about helping charities and reconnecting communities.

These appointments reinforce the Government’s commitment to fostering a robust, well‑regulated charity sector that serves communities across Australia. It builds on our achievements to date. Since coming into government, the Australian Government has:
- Improved the deductible gift recipient system by creating a new pathway for community foundations to access tax deductible status.
- Streamlined the deductible gift recipient application process for environmental organisations, harm prevention charities, cultural organisations, and overseas aid organisations.
- Introduced legislation to give the ACNC greater discretion to comment publicly on harmful breaches of compliance, to better support public trust and confidence in the regulatory framework.
- Appointed a widely respected charity sector expert, Sue Woodward, to head the ACNC.
- Refreshed the ACNC Advisory Board to be more representative of the charity sector, bringing First Nations, CALD and youth voices onto the Board.
- Sent a clear signal that charitable advocacy is supported and welcomed by this government.
- Worked with state and territory governments to streamline and harmonise fundraising rules across jurisdictions.
- Funded a new General Social Survey with new questions on participation in volunteering and involvement in cultural events and cultural activities, and providing insights reflecting the impact of giving, participation, and purpose driven activity.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Charities, Dr Andrew Leigh MP

“Labor wants to minimise the time that Australia’s great charities spend doing paperwork, so we can maximise the energy they devote to helping the vulnerable, cleaning up the environment, helping people stay active, and connecting neighbours.

“One of the best ways of achieving this is to ensure that all jurisdictions are working together on charitable regulation.

“Bringing sector experts and regulators from all states and territories onto the advisory board of the charities commission will help charities by reducing regulatory overlap, and ensuring jurisdictions are working together to help charities and non‑profits thrive.”

MIL OSI News –
February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: NZ has long suffered from low productivity. A simple fix is keeping workers happy

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dougal Sutherland, Clinical Psychologist, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

bbernard/Shutterstock

The low-productivity bogeyman has long haunted New Zealand, with people working longer hours for lower output than other comparable countries. The country is now one of the least productive in the OECD.

At its most basic level, productivity measures how much output can be produced with a set of inputs. The inputs can be the work of staff, as well as technical innovation, research and development and automation to encourage more efficient processes.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has committed to resolving this persistent productivity crisis with science sector reforms and overseas investment.

But after decades of lagging behind the rest of the world, a growing body of research shows the answer could lie in greater support for workers’ mental health.

Linking productivity and mental health

For many, increasing productivity equates to people working “harder” for longer hours – the implication being that if only we “pulled finger” and “knuckled down” the country’s productivity would magically increase.

Instead, could the answer to our productivity crisis be in improving the psychological functioning and mental health of our workforce?

There is a substantial body of evidence showing poor mental health is related to poor productivity. Recent New Zealand data show workers with the poorest mental health lost more than three times the number of productive workdays annually (71 days) than those with the highest mental health (19 days).

Poor mental health can take a toll in the form of time away from work (absenteeism), loss of focus, and emotional exhaustion (presenteeism).

Conversely, measures taken by employers to improve the mental health of workers show a strong positive relationship with increased productivity.

Data from more than 1,600 publicly listed companies in the United States found employee wellbeing predicts higher company valuations, return on assets, gross profits and stock market performance.

Of those interventions used to improve mental health and productivity at work, the most promising appear to target leadership capability, health screening and psycho-socially healthy working environments.

One of the more notable initiatives happened in our own backyard. Andrew Barnes from Perpetual Guardian has been a vocal proponent of four-day work week.

This doesn’t mean packing a 40-hour week into four days instead of five. Rather, its central tenet is reducing the working week (usually to 32 hours), keeping workers’ salaries at 100%, and continuing productivity at 100% (at least) of its existing level.

Results from a pilot with 61 companies in the United Kingdom show an average increase of 36% per annum in revenue for participating businesses, with over 90% of UK businesses that have trialled the programme choosing to continue with it.

Similarly positive results came from a widespread trial of a shorter working week (at full pay) in Iceland, involving 1% of the working population, including office workers, teachers, and healthcare workers.

The four-day work week trial in Iceland has been heralded as a success.
Canadastock/Shutterstock

More than a ‘nice-to-have’

But despite the need to improve productivity and the growing business case for improving employee wellbeing, demand for organisational mental health services has dipped.

Anecdotally, organisations involved in supporting the mental health of New Zealand workplaces have reported a decrease in demand, with many businesses and government agencies citing budget constraints as a major barrier to investing in this area.

This is likely a sign of the economic times, with more than three-quarters of New Zealand business leaders citing economic uncertainty as a key threat to their organisation in 2025.

To some, providing psychological support to workplaces may appear frivolous at worst, and a “nice-to-have” at best. Understanding the mechanisms by which these interventions can boost productivity may help dispel these doubts.

If we consider some of the core symptoms of poor mental health at work – namely exhaustion, reduced focus and greater sickness absence – it’s easy to see how improving workers’ mental health can improve the productivity of a business.

Maintaining workers

The idea of sustainable labour practices isn’t new or radical, nor is it just another attempt to load businesses with extra responsibility for worker mental health.

It is a way to enable people to work more efficiently in the time they have, and to keep them in their jobs for longer. In turn, this improves overall company performance and, crucially, improves population health.

For many businesses, people are their biggest asset. Ensuring your biggest asset is functioning well is as essential to enhancing productivity as regular maintenance and capital expenditure on physical machinery and buildings.

Like any business strategy worth its while, it’s not always easy. But there is too much at stake not to get it right.

Dougal Sutherland is an Honorary Teaching Fellow at Te Herenga Waka. He is also Principal Psychologist at Umbrella Wellbeing.

Dr Amanda Wallis from Umbrella Wellbeing contributed to this article

– ref. NZ has long suffered from low productivity. A simple fix is keeping workers happy – https://theconversation.com/nz-has-long-suffered-from-low-productivity-a-simple-fix-is-keeping-workers-happy-248752

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: National Energy Dominance Council Paves Way for Unleashing American Energy

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
Last week, President Donald J. Trump established the National Energy Dominance Council — a cornerstone in the Trump Administration’s pursuit of unleashing American energy. Led by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, the Council will play a key role in the Trump Administration’s work to lower energy prices, meet the rising demand for affordable energy, strengthen economic security, and ensure the American energy industry is best positioned as a global leader over the next century.
The move was hailed by lawmakers, workers, and industry:
House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY): “Energy security is national security. By utilizing our domestic energy resources to create baseload power, we can lower prices, secure our grid, and provide the energy needed to grow manufacturing, heat our homes, and fill our gas tanks. The creation of this council under the leadership of Secretary Wright and Secretary Burgum is a strong step toward securing our energy future, and ensuring we have the resources necessary to meet the demands that AI will place on our grid. President Trump is continuing to fulfill his promise to the American people to return our nation to energy dominance, and I look forward to working together to achieve that goal.”
American Exploration and Production Council: “Our nation is stronger, more secure, and more prosperous when America is the world leader in energy production, and AXPC applauds the Trump administration’s recognition that a whole of government approach is necessary to address the challenges related to American energy dominance. Sound energy policy across agencies will support our ability to meet rising national and global demand for affordable, reliable energy. We will continue to work with Congress and the Trump administration and the new National Energy Dominance Council on sensible, durable policies that allow American energy companies to continue to innovate and produce the energy America needs.”
North America’s Building Trades Unions: “North America’s Building Trades Unions look forward to engaging with the National Energy Dominance Council recently established by the White House. This effort, chaired by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and vice-chaired by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, comes at a critical moment for our nation. As our country’s energy demands continue to rise and we work to meet the needs of artificial intelligence, confront rising adversarial powers, and provide our citizenry with stable and affordable energy, we at NABTU are ready to meet the moment. The men and women of the Building Trades have built the existing energy infrastructure of this nation and are eager to partner with this Council to provide the highly skilled workforce necessary to advance America’s all-of-the-above energy strategy and bring about the next generation of expanded, domestic and affordable power supply.”
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson: “We are thrilled that President Trump has established the National Energy Dominance Council to tackle some of the biggest energy policy challenges facing our nation. Electricity demand is skyrocketing, yet due to bad policy decisions, always-available baseload power is being forced to retire before it can be reliably replaced. As a result, much of the country faces an increased risk of energy shortfalls over the next decade. Under the leadership of Chairman Doug Burgum and Vice Chairman Chris Wright, the Council is perfectly positioned to address the growing threats to reliable and affordable power. We believe the Executive Order’s focus on improving key processes, including those for permitting, producing and distributing American energy, is exactly the right place to start.”
United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters General President Mark McManus: “The men and women of the United Association are the best trained and most highly skilled craftspeople in the energy industry, and for generations we have built the critical infrastructure that delivers affordable domestic energy to our homes and businesses across the nation. We are now poised to deliver the next generation of energy production at this critical point in our nation’s history, but all too often government red tape and environmental activist groups stand in the way of these good paying and family-sustaining jobs. We look forward to working with President Trump and the new National Energy Dominance Council to cut government red tape and modernize our permitting processes to boost domestic production of critical energy like oil, gas, hydrogen, carbon capture, and nuclear, and to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy.”
Power The Future Executive Director Daniel Turner: “The National Energy Dominance Council is a long-overdue course correction that prioritizes American energy workers, revitalizes domestic production, and ensures affordability for families. The NEDC has the opportunity to right the many wrongs of the Biden administration’s failures by working alongside the private sector to create policies that increase production, drive down costs, and protect the environment. By cutting through burdensome regulations and anti-energy mandates, the NEDC will unleash America’s full energy potential and pave the way for an era of prosperity, affordability, and innovation.”
National Association of Manufacturers President Jay Timmons: “President Trump is moving quickly to unleash America’s full energy potential by establishing the National Energy Dominance Council, setting America up to lead on energy and secure our energy independence. This action demonstrates President Trump and his administration’s commitment to ensuring manufacturers have the energy they need to drive economic growth. […] The National Energy Dominance Council, under the leadership of Interior Secretary Burgum and Energy Secretary Wright, will help power the future of manufacturing in America because when manufacturing wins, America wins.”
Competitive Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Marlo Lewis: “This is welcome news. Unlike the previous administration, which increased US reliance on oil imports from OPEC and critical minerals from China by rigging domestic markets against reliable energy from fossil fuels, President Trump seeks to emancipate all sources of reliable American energy to compete in domestic and overseas markets. The president also seeks to accelerate the permitting of new energy infrastructure, including the power plants needed to support hundreds of new data centers and US leadership in artificial intelligence. President Trump is correct that clearing away impediments to America’s global leadership in energy production and exports will lower energy prices, enhance US economic security, create millions of new well-paying jobs, and strengthen US competitiveness in advanced technologies such as AI.”
Growth Energy: “#ICYMI last week @POTUS established the National Energy Dominance Council, noting that #biofuels ‘reduce our dependency on foreign imports, and grow our economy’ – #ethanol producers are ready to deliver for American consumers and the president’s priorities!”
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council: “The National Energy Dominance Council is greatly needed to promptly reduce onerous barriers and rules that work against an abundant energy supply. Rather than federal government agencies finding ways to expand their regulatory turf and stymie the energy sector, the Council is tasked with reducing outdated red tape and moving with speed on recommendations and action, which will facilitate the significant investment needed for big projects. A modern regulatory system and commitment to U.S. energy supremacy will generate quality jobs, economic vibrancy and growth, and innovations that will yield efficiencies and cleaner energy. As both energy consumers and as significant players in the U.S. energy sector, small businesses will greatly benefit. SBE Council thanks President Trump for prioritizing this critical sector and for his commitment to more affordable, reliable and abundant energy for America.”
Americans for Prosperity: “Coupled with earlier Executive Orders signed by President Trump, with this Order, the current administration is well on its way in laying the groundwork for a future where energy abundance can become a reality. Americans for Prosperity applauds President Trump’s actions in this Executive Order and anticipates a bright future for energy production in this country.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Urges Action at Senate Judiciary Hearing on Children’s Safety Online

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, today delivered the following opening statement at the Judiciary Committee hearing on Children’s Safety in the Digital Era: Strengthening Protections and Addressing Legal Gaps.

A transcript of Klobuchar’s full opening statement is available below and a video can be downloaded here.

Senator Klobuchar: Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman, and I am truly looking forward to working with Senator Blackburn on this important Subcommittee. As many of you know, Senator Lee and I chaired the Antitrust Subcommittee for a long time, but I actually think this situation right now, with the possibility of moving on these bills, is going to be a very positive development.

As Senator Blackburn just pointed out, despite the strong support that we have had from Senator Durbin and Senator Grassley and Senator Graham when he chaired this Committee, or was the ranking on this Committee, we’ve just continued to run into roadblocks to passing these laws, and it’s getting absolutely absurd.

Senator Grassley is well aware of the antitrust tech bill that he and I lead, that hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars are spent against it in TV ads, and despite the fact that the companies, FAANG [Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google] as we call them, have agreed in other countries to some of these consumer protections that did not happen in America.

I think that this piece of it—whether it’s Instagram’s promotion of content that encourages eating disorders, frightening rise of non-consensual AI-generated pornographic deep fakes, or the tragic stories of kids losing their lives to fentanyl-laced pills—will most likely be leading the way as we continue to push our antitrust and privacy and news bills.

Just this month, this committee heard from Bridgette Norring of Hastings, Minnesota. Her son, Devin, was struggling with migraines, and bought what he thought was a Percocet over Snapchat to deal with the pain. But it really wasn’t a Percocet, it was a fake pill laced with fentanyl. And with that one pill, as we say, “one pill kills,” he died at age 19.

For too long, the companies have turned a blind eye when young children joined their platforms; used algorithms that pushed harmful content—they have done that; and provided a venue for dealers to sell deadly drugs like fentanyl.

We know that social media also increases the risk of mental illness, addiction, exploitation, and even suicide among kids. I will never forget the testimony of the FBI Director telling us that in just one year, I believe it was 2023, over 20 kids had committed suicide just because of the pornography and the images that had been put out there when they were innocently sending a picture to who they thought was a girlfriend or a boyfriend.

That’s why this committee has taken this on on a bipartisan basis, and I am hopeful that this hearing will be the beginning of actually passing these bills into law.

Representative Guffey, you and I met through Senator Cruz, and the bill that he and I have, the TAKE IT DOWN Act. We have an additional bill that Senator Cornyn and I have that’s really important, that’s passed through this committee, the SHIELD Act. And as you know all too well, the threat of dissemination alone can be tragic, especially for kids. We need to enact the Kids Online Safety Act, which, thanks to Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn, [has] passed the Senate on a 91-3 vote. As we know, some of these are stalled out in the House.

We need to get the federal rules of the road in place for safeguarding our data. According to a recent study, social media platforms generated $11 billion in revenue in 2022 from advertising directed at kids and teenagers, including $2 billion in ad profits derived from users age 12 and under.

I am supportive, as was mentioned by Senator Durbin, of the legislation that he and Senator Graham and Hawley and many others have to open the courtroom doors to those harmed by social media by making those reforms to Section 230. That legislation was enacted long before any of this was going on.

And somehow, with respect to other industries, we’ve been able to make smart decisions to put more safety rules in place. Just ask those passengers that were on that flight that flipped upside down in Toronto, who were in those seats that were the result of safety rules that were put in place. And yet, when it comes to this, we just put up our hands and say, “no, they’re lobbying against us,” or “they have too [much] money,” or “we like some of the people that work there.” And we do nothing.

And by doing nothing, instead of reaching some reasonable accommodations of settlements or things we can do on legislation, we just let them run wild at the expense of our kids’ lives. Thank you.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Child poverty reduction must remain a priority

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

The latest child poverty statistics show child poverty reduction must remain a priority for the Government.

“Children should not be living in poverty, and the latest statistics are hugely concerning,” Labour child poverty reduction spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said.

“There are huge challenges that families are facing right now, with high cost of living, high unemployment and housing – and significant work is needed to lift more children out of poverty.

“Labour is staunchly committed to child poverty reduction, and I am proud that it remained a priority for us throughout our time in government, even with the immense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. But there is still so much more work to do.

“The Government must put our tamariki first. Now is not the time to be bending over backwards for landlords and tobacco companies, instead we must focus on alleviating the struggle for families and their children who need our support most.

“Denying funding to food banks, stopping families from accessing emergency housing, and building no new public homes will only exacerbate these statistics. Stagnating benefits by tying increases to inflation instead of wage growth will mean less money for many families over time. Going against official advice on minimum wage increases means many of our poorest workers are going backwards.

“These statistics come after a recent report showing half of Pacific children sometimes go without food, and homelessness is increasing.

“I urge the Government to take these statistics seriously. Diminishing the child poverty targets to make it easier to achieve is a worrying sign they’re not.

“We made changes that lifted tens of thousands of children out of poverty while in government. Child poverty reduction must remain a priority for this Government too,” said Carmel Sepuloni.

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MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Top court reveals cases involving military facilities’ protection

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

China’s top court disclosed five influential cases involving the protection of military facilities to further enhance the public awareness of national defense and the rule of law.
“Military facilities are an important component of national defense construction, serving as the foundation of the military to fulfill its missions, and providing crucial support for national strategic capabilities and military operations,” the Supreme People’s Court said on Wednesday.
“The disclosure of the cases not only emphasizes the significance of protecting military facilities, but also demonstrates the steadfast determination and relentless efforts of Chinese courts in safeguarding national defense interests,” it added.
It revealed that crimes involving the destruction of military facilities, such as military optical cables, have occurred from time to time in recent years. “Such actions endanger military security and affecting the military ability to carry out its missions, so they must be severely punished,” it noted.
One disclosed case showed that a defendant surnamed Xu was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the crime of sabotage of military communications.
Xu, who worked for an information technology company, was responsible for the daily inspection and maintenance of optical cable lines. He used metal pliers to cut a military optical cable during one inspection with the intention of selling it, causing the interruption of critical business systems for over two hours and disrupting military communications for three units that were conducting exercises.
Xu’s actions resulted in economic losses of more than 40,000 yuan ($5,490), and the loss of the involved optical cable amounted to over 9,000 yuan.
“Military communication is the method by which the armed forces use communication tools or other means to transmit information for command purposes,” the top court said, stressing that military optical cables are vital military communication facilities.
“In the information age, the damage to military optical cables can have significant adverse effects on military communications and activities, not only causing financial losses but also severely influencing the readiness and training of troops, thereby endangering national defense interests and national security,” it added.
It praised the conviction and sentence given to Xu, noting that the ruling has shown the judicial high-pressure on those who harm national defense interests and military combat effectiveness.
While requiring courts nationwide to continue the fight against such crime, it has also called on more people from all walks of life to strengthen the protection of military facilities.

MIL OSI China News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Abu Dhabi to enhance trade, investment with China

Source: China State Council Information Office

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is currently leading a high-level delegation of 140 government and business leaders on an official visit to China. The visit, which commenced on Feb. 17, aims to further strengthen partnership with a leading economy and cement Abu Dhabi’s stature as a global magnet for talent, businesses and investment.

The delegation is meeting with senior government officials, key businesses and investors in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong to explore business opportunities and foster strategic relations with their Chinese counterparts.

During the visit, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the Abu Dhabi Global Market hosted the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Beijing on Feb. 18 under the theme “Invest with Abu Dhabi.” Meanwhile, an additional session of the forum will be held in Shanghai on Feb. 20.

The ADIF features a comprehensive agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions and bilateral meetings with delegates representing various sectors of Abu Dhabi’s economy. Industry experts, including executives from institutions such as Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Mubadala, HSBC and Gulf Capital, provided in-depth insights into the emirate’s investment landscape, showcasing opportunities in technology, financial services, health care and trade.

Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, held the Business Connect-Abu Dhabi-Shanghai in Shanghai on Feb. 19. The event focused on strengthening economic relations and partnerships between the business communities in Abu Dhabi and China.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, said: “Our longstanding relations with China are going from strength to strength, as reflected by the growth of bilateral trade and mutual investments over the past few years, and we are doubling down our efforts to take it to the next level by deepening cooperation and exploring new opportunities in various sectors to create more partnerships.”

He added: “We are eager to enable investors and businesses to benefit from ample opportunities provided by our soaring ‘Falcon Economy,’ which is harmonizing between advanced technologies, sustainability, human development and economic diversification as we accelerate the transition towards the next phase of Abu Dhabi’s development.”

According to the data from ADDED, bilateral trade between China and the United Arab Emirates is projected to reach $200 billion by 2030. Abu Dhabi is already home to many of the over 6,000 Chinese companies operating in UAE’s key sectors including technology, financial services and energy. As such, the emirate continues to reinforce its position as the main gateway for Chinese investment in the Middle East and beyond.

MIL OSI China News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony of CARICOM 48th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government [as delivered]

Source: United Nations – English

our Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, all protocol observed.

It is a joy to be with you in Barbados and an honour to be back in the Caribbean.

I am delighted to meet Prime Minister Mottley again so soon after the African Union Summit in Ethiopia, where you delivered such a powerful message on the legacies of slavery and colonialism, and reparatory justice.

Excellencies,

The exquisite beauty of the Caribbean is famed the world over.

But there is trouble in paradise.

Wave after wave of crisis is pounding your people and your islands – with no time to catch your breath before the next disaster strikes:

Geopolitical tensions fuelling uncertainty…

The scarring effects of COVID-19 leaving a trail of socio-economic crisis…

Soaring debt and interest rates, on top of a surge in the cost of living…

All amidst a deadly swell of climate disasters – ripping development gains to shreds, and blowing holes through your national budgets…

And all as you remain locked-out of many international institutions – one of the many legacies of colonialism today.

Excellencies, Dear Friends,

The cure for these ills is global.

International solutions are essential to create a better today and a brighter tomorrow for this wonderful region, and for the world.

We have progress on which to build – hard-won global commitments to address the immense challenges we face.

But we need the world to deliver.

The irrepressible strength of a unified Caribbean, and commitment to multilateralism – which have done so much to advance global progress – is vital to achieving that aim.

And your theme for this year – Strength in Unity – is truly a theme for our times.

I see three key areas where, together, we must drive progress.

First, unity for peace and security…

Particularly to address the appalling situation in Haiti – where gangs are inflicting intolerable suffering on a desperate and frightened people.

CARICOM, and the Eminent Persons Group, have provided invaluable support.

We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections.

And I will soon report to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Haiti, including proposals on the role the UN can play to support stability and security and address the root causes of the crisis.

It is my intention to present to the Security Council a proposal that is very similar to the one that we have presented for Somalia, in which the UN assumes the responsibility of the structural and logistical expenditures that are necessary to put the force in place. And the salaries of the force are paid through the trust fund that already exists.

And if the Security Council will accept this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive.

And I urge you to continue your work and advocacy to tackle the weapons and drug trafficking that is fuelling violence across the region, including through prevention.

But let’s be clear: to fight drug trafficking or to fight weapons trafficking, we also need to address the countries of origin and the countries of destination. Without their cooperation, we will never be able to win this battle, and the people of the Caribbean are paying a heavy price for the lack of cooperation that unfortunately, we still face.

Second, unity on the climate crisis.

You face a deplorable injustice:

A crisis you have done next to nothing to create is wrecking economies, ruining lives, and threatening your very existence.

Together, you have fought tooth and nail for the global commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.

This year, countries must deliver new national climate action plans, ahead of COP30, that align with that goal, with the G20 – the big polluters – leading the way.

This is a chance for the world to get a grip on emissions.

And it is also a chance for the Caribbean to seize the benefits of clean power…

To tap your vast renewables potential…

And to turn your back on costly fossil fuel imports.

But this requires finance.

We need confidence that the $1.3 trillion agreed at COP29 will be mobilized.

And we need the world to get serious in responding to the disasters that we know will keep coming.

Adaptation is critical for this region. To save lives. And to make economies resilient.

And we need developed countries to honour their promises on adaptation finance – and more.

And we need meaningful contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.

When the fund was created, the pledges made are equivalent to the new contract for just one baseball player in New York City. Let’s be clear: the Loss and Damage Fund must be a serious thing.

And we must be able to find new, innovative sources of financing and namely, to finally put seriously a price on carbon – and there are different ways to achieve this goal.

Excellencies,

This must be part of broader efforts:

Because, third, we need unity for sustainable development.

Globally, the Sustainable Development Goals are starved of adequate finance, as debt servicing soaks-up funds, and international financial institutions remain underpowered.

Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for change – pioneering bold and creative solutions.

And the Pact for the Future agreed last year, together with the Bridgetown Initiative, now 3.0, marks significant progress – and I thank you all for your support.

The Pact commits to advancing an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year;

And it asks Multilateral Development Banks to consider structural vulnerabilities in access to concessional funds, including through using the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.

With this, or any other instrument, it is absolutely essential that middle-income countries that have dramatic vulnerabilities, especially because of climate change, have access to concessional funding. Without it, it is impossible to recover and to build the resilience that is so much highlighted in this congress.

It also calls for representation in international financial institutions to correct for the world’s vast inequalities and injustices…

And for effective action on debt…

Without debt relief, and without new debt strategies, it will be impossible to fully recover your economies.

At the same time, we need bigger and bolder Multilateral Development Banks, with more capital, more lending capacity and more capacity to also leverage private funding for the kind of investments that are essential to build resilience and to promote sustainable development in countries like the countries of the Caribbean.

We must push the world to deliver on those commitments.

And we must ensure all countries can reap the benefits of technologies for sustainable development – by delivering on the Global Digital Compact.

Excellencies, Dear Friends,

A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force.

I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promise.

And I can guarantee that the United Nations and myself are with you, and will remain with you, every step of the way.

Thank you very much.

MIL OSI Africa –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Luján Calls Out Republican Budget That Will Increase Everyday Costs for American Families

US Senate News:

Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
Senate Republicans are pushing a partisan budget resolution that will make it harder for families to afford their health care, put food on the table, and get a quality education

Video of the speech is available HERE.
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on the Budget, delivered a floor speech calling out Republican plans to dramatically cut funding for programs that all Americans rely on like health, nutrition, and public services. He highlighted the staggeringconsequences for working families, including diminished access to health care and higher costs, at a time when federal employees are being illegally fired.
Senator Luján’s full speech is available below:
Mr. President, over the past week, Elon Musk and Donald Trump have fired thousands of federal workers, many of them in New Mexico, without warning. The calls that I get to my office from constituents all across New Mexico express concern, surprise, and alarm. They don’t know what’s going to happen next. They’re worried about a project.
A professional that I spoke to, who works for the Bureau of Indian Education and has a responsibility to help diagnose and support students with disabilities, asked, “Do I stay and help these kids? What’s going to happen with this stuff?”
Now, whether it’s our neighbors who work to support the national labs to keep us safe, or friends who work at the United States Department of Agriculture helping our farmers and ranchers feed our nation, these illegal mass firings are impacting communities across every corner of New Mexico. Let me sum this up: what I keep hearing from New Mexicans every day is: Please help me. Speak up. Say something. Do something. Bring attention to what’s happening—to the harm that’s being caused in our communities, for all of our constituents.
This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about right or wrong. It’s about real people. Now, instead of protecting these jobs and helping our fellow Americans, Senate Republicans are pursuing a partisan budget resolution that will make it even harder for families to afford their health care, put food on the table, or get an education for their kids.
Now, this is, quite frankly, chaos, and it’s chaos that the American people cannot afford. New Mexicans and Americans from all walks of life rely on the programs that Republicans are now attacking. These are programs that feed seniors, veterans, children, and the disabled. These are programs that house our veterans and keep folks warm during these winter months.
And why are Republicans ripping these services away from people who need them? To fund this Trump tax scam—now it’s 2.0. The American people and constituents across New Mexico told me back in 2017, “This feels like a scam.” What Republicans are saying is that middle-class families are going to get everything in this tax cut. But what we saw play out was that if you were making millions of dollars, you did okay—you got the brunt of everything in this tax scam. Lying to the face of the American people. That’s what happened in 2017, and it certainly feels the same now.
Now, let’s talk about one possible outcome of this budget resolution. In New Mexico, Medicaid covers 75% of births and supports around 92,000 children in my home state. Across the country, nearly 40% of babies are born with the help of Medicaid. For these babies and pregnant women, this program is vital—offering a chance to grow up healthier and have the best opportunity to succeed. We should all want that for our constituents. That’s not partisan.
Now, unfortunately, Republicans have made it clear that they are determined to slash Medicaid. They tried it in 2017. When my Republican colleagues are interviewed and asked the question, “Are you going to cut Medicaid?” they certainly attempt, in every form and fashion, to say, “No, no, no, we’re not going to touch it—we’re just going to leave it up to the states.” Let me translate what that means.
What Republicans in Congress are going to do is work to eliminate every federal dollar for Medicaid. There’s this acronym—FMAP—it’s a federal matching program to make Medicaid work across America. That’s what they’re going after. And if you visit with anyone across America who knows anything about how this program works, they will all tell you—without these federal dollars, this program goes away.
This Republican budget resolution sets the stage for dismantling Medicaid, which could result in pregnant moms and babies losing health care. That’s just one possible outcome.
As I said earlier, the American people deserve honesty and transparency. Look, I understand if my Republican colleagues want to do this. Just own up to it. Tell the American people what you want to do. Let them know. Just be honest with them. That’s the least the American people deserve.
Last week in the Budget Committee, I offered a number of commonsense amendments to help lower costs for families, strengthen border security, safeguard health care, promote American manufacturing and businesses, and invest in public safety.
Top of mind for many Americans, I offered an amendment to ensure that Elon Musk and his companies are not profiting off the same government that he’s dismantling. Elon Musk, who was not elected by the American people, is pursuing an extreme agenda to serve his own interests and greed—all while the American people are paying the price for it.
If Republicans are serious about tackling the issues and lowering costs, let’s work together. You have partners here ready to do this for the American people. But my Republican colleagues know better than I that what’s happening under this president and Elon Musk is that the cost of goods continues to go up.
I don’t know how many of you were at the grocery store this weekend in this chamber, but if you haven’t been—go by. Go by and try to buy some eggs. You will see a sign that limits you to maybe a dozen, maybe two, and you’re going to see the costs going up and up and up. Milk, butter—you look at it, you see it, you name it—it’s all increasing in price.
What happened to President Trump saying on day one he was going to lower the cost of these goods for the American people? It’s not happening.
Look, to sum this up—Americans will not be able to make ends meet if Senate Republicans dismantle the programs that make our country strong and secure to advance yet another tax scam.
Thank you.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Guterres urges Caribbean leaders to keep pushing for peace, climate action and sustainable development

Source: United Nations 2

19 February 2025 Peace and Security

In an address on Wednesday to Caribbean leaders meeting in Barbados, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced a potential plan to support an “effective force” in Haiti as armed gangs continue to terrorize the population.

Mr. Guterres was speaking during the opening of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Meeting in the capital Bridgetown, where he called for unity to achieve progress in peace and security, climate and sustainable development.

“A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force,” he said. “I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promises.”

‘Trouble in paradise’

The Secretary-General noted that the region’s “exquisite beauty is famed the world over, but there is trouble in paradise.”

He told leaders that “wave after wave of crisis is pounding your people and your islands – with no time to catch your breath before the next disaster strikes.”

Caribbean countries are experiencing uncertainty fuelled by geopolitical tensions, the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring debt and interest rates, and a surge in the cost of living.

Global solutions exist

These are all happening “amidst a deadly swell of climate disasters – ripping development gains to shreds, and blowing holes through your national budgets,” and as countries “remain locked-out of many international institutions – one of the many legacies of colonialism today.”

The UN chief insisted that “the cure for these ills is global,” and the world needs to deliver on hard-won global commitments to address the immense challenges the international community is facing.

He listed three key areas “where, together, we must drive progress.”

Peace in Haiti

Mr. Guterres called for unity for peace and security, “particularly to address the appalling situation in Haiti – where gangs are inflicting intolerable suffering on a desperate and frightened people.”

He said CARICOM and its Eminent Persons Group have provided invaluable support in this regard.

“We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections,” he said.

Security and stability

A UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission is currently on the ground to back up the Haitian National Police.

The Secretary-General said he will soon report to the Security Council on the situation in the country, including proposals on the role the UN can play to both support stability and security, and address the root causes of the crisis.

He intends to present a proposal similar to the one for Somalia, in which the UN assumes responsibility for the structural and logistical expenditures necessary to put the force in place. Salaries are paid through a trust fund that already exists.

“If the Security Council will accept this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive,” he said, drawing applause.

© WFP/Fedel Mansour

Hurricane Beryl last July caused devastation on Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Climate crisis opportunity

His second point – unity on the climate crisis – underlined “a deplorable injustice” as Caribbean countries “have done next to nothing” to create it. Moreover, they have “fought tooth and nail for the global commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.”

Mr. Guterres said countries must deliver new national climate plans ahead of the COP30 UN climate conference later this year. The plans must align with the 1.5 goal, with the G20 group of industrial nations leading the way.

“This is a chance for the world to get a grip on emissions,” he said. “And it’s a chance for the Caribbean to seize the benefits of clean power, to tap your vast renewables potential, and to turn your back on costly fossil fuel imports.”

As finance is required, he underscored the need for confidence that the $1.3 trillion agreed at the previous COP will be mobilized. Developed countries also must honour their promises on adaptation finance and make meaningful contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.

“When the Fund was created, the pledges made were equivalent to the new contract for just one baseball player in New York City,” he remarked.

Finance for sustainable development

Meanwhile, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “are starved of adequate finance, as debt servicing soaks-up funds, and international financial institutions remain underpowered.”

The Secretary-General said Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for change, pioneering bold and creative solutions. He said the Pact for the Future, together with the Bridgetown Initiative, marks significant progress.

Mr. Guterres thanked Caribbean leaders for supporting the Pact, which UN Member States adopted last year.

Key deliverables include support for an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion annually and commitment to reform international financial institutions to allow greater participation by developing countries.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony of CARICOM 48th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government [as delivered]

Source: United Nations secretary general

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, all protocol observed.

It is a joy to be with you in Barbados and an honour to be back in the Caribbean.

I am delighted to meet Prime Minister Mottley again so soon after the African Union Summit in Ethiopia, where you delivered such a powerful message on the legacies of slavery and colonialism, and reparatory justice.

Excellencies,

The exquisite beauty of the Caribbean is famed the world over.

But there is trouble in paradise.

Wave after wave of crisis is pounding your people and your islands – with no time to catch your breath before the next disaster strikes:

Geopolitical tensions fuelling uncertainty…

The scarring effects of COVID-19 leaving a trail of socio-economic crisis…

Soaring debt and interest rates, on top of a surge in the cost of living…

All amidst a deadly swell of climate disasters – ripping development gains to shreds, and blowing holes through your national budgets…

And all as you remain locked-out of many international institutions – one of the many legacies of colonialism today.

Excellencies, Dear Friends,

The cure for these ills is global.

International solutions are essential to create a better today and a brighter tomorrow for this wonderful region, and for the world.

We have progress on which to build – hard-won global commitments to address the immense challenges we face.

But we need the world to deliver.

The irrepressible strength of a unified Caribbean, and commitment to multilateralism – which have done so much to advance global progress – is vital to achieving that aim.

And your theme for this year – Strength in Unity – is truly a theme for our times.

I see three key areas where, together, we must drive progress.

First, unity for peace and security…

Particularly to address the appalling situation in Haiti – where gangs are inflicting intolerable suffering on a desperate and frightened people.

CARICOM, and the Eminent Persons Group, have provided invaluable support.

We must keep working for a political process – owned and led by the Haitians – that restores democratic institutions through elections.

And I will soon report to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Haiti, including proposals on the role the UN can play to support stability and security and address the root causes of the crisis.

It is my intention to present to the Security Council a proposal that is very similar to the one that we have presented for Somalia, in which the UN assumes the responsibility of the structural and logistical expenditures that are necessary to put the force in place. And the salaries of the force are paid through the trust fund that already exists.

And if the Security Council will accept this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally have an effective force to defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive.

And I urge you to continue your work and advocacy to tackle the weapons and drug trafficking that is fuelling violence across the region, including through prevention.

But let’s be clear: to fight drug trafficking or to fight weapons trafficking, we also need to address the countries of origin and the countries of destination. Without their cooperation, we will never be able to win this battle, and the people of the Caribbean are paying a heavy price for the lack of cooperation that unfortunately, we still face.

Second, unity on the climate crisis.

You face a deplorable injustice:

A crisis you have done next to nothing to create is wrecking economies, ruining lives, and threatening your very existence.

Together, you have fought tooth and nail for the global commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.

This year, countries must deliver new national climate action plans, ahead of COP30, that align with that goal, with the G20 – the big polluters – leading the way.

This is a chance for the world to get a grip on emissions.

And it is also a chance for the Caribbean to seize the benefits of clean power…

To tap your vast renewables potential…

And to turn your back on costly fossil fuel imports.

But this requires finance.

We need confidence that the $1.3 trillion agreed at COP29 will be mobilized.

And we need the world to get serious in responding to the disasters that we know will keep coming.

Adaptation is critical for this region. To save lives. And to make economies resilient.

And we need developed countries to honour their promises on adaptation finance – and more.

And we need meaningful contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.

When the fund was created, the pledges made are equivalent to the new contract for just one baseball player in New York City. Let’s be clear: the Loss and Damage Fund must be a serious thing.

And we must be able to find new, innovative sources of financing and namely, to finally put seriously a price on carbon – and there are different ways to achieve this goal.

Excellencies,

This must be part of broader efforts:

Because, third, we need unity for sustainable development.

Globally, the Sustainable Development Goals are starved of adequate finance, as debt servicing soaks-up funds, and international financial institutions remain underpowered.

Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for change – pioneering bold and creative solutions.

And the Pact for the Future agreed last year, together with the Bridgetown Initiative, now 3.0, marks significant progress – and I thank you all for your support.

The Pact commits to advancing an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year;

And it asks Multilateral Development Banks to consider structural vulnerabilities in access to concessional funds, including through using the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.

With this, or any other instrument, it is absolutely essential that middle-income countries that have dramatic vulnerabilities, especially because of climate change, have access to concessional funding. Without it, it is impossible to recover and to build the resilience that is so much highlighted in this congress.

It also calls for representation in international financial institutions to correct for the world’s vast inequalities and injustices…

And for effective action on debt…

Without debt relief, and without new debt strategies, it will be impossible to fully recover your economies.

At the same time, we need bigger and bolder Multilateral Development Banks, with more capital, more lending capacity and more capacity to also leverage private funding for the kind of investments that are essential to build resilience and to promote sustainable development in countries like the countries of the Caribbean.

We must push the world to deliver on those commitments.

And we must ensure all countries can reap the benefits of technologies for sustainable development – by delivering on the Global Digital Compact.

Excellencies, Dear Friends,

A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force.

I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promise.

And I can guarantee that the United Nations and myself are with you, and will remain with you, every step of the way.

Thank you very much.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China issues action plan for stabilizing foreign investment in 2025

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

China on Wednesday issued an action plan to stabilize foreign investment in 2025, which was approved by a recent State Council executive meeting.
The action plan was devised by the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission, according to a notice issued by the General Office of the State Council.
Foreign investment is a key aspect of promoting high-standard opening-up, and plays a significant role in fostering new quality productive forces and advancing Chinese modernization, according to the action plan, which was formulated to ensure stable foreign investment in 2025.
Per the plan, China will support pilot regions in effectively implementing opening-up policies related to such areas as value-added telecommunication, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, providing whole-journey services for foreign-invested projects in these sectors.
The country will continue expanding its pilot programs to open up fields such as telecommunication and medical services in a timely manner.
According to the plan, China will seize the initiative by opening its education and cultural sectors further, publish implementation plans, and push those plans forward steadily.
The plan calls for efforts to expand the national pilot program to open the services industry further and promote the orderly opening-up of the biomedical sector.
Additionally, it emphasizes encouraging foreign equity investment in China to attract more high-quality foreign direct investment in the country’s listed companies.
China will lift restrictions on domestic loans for foreign-invested enterprises, allowing these firms to use domestic financing for equity investments, according to the plan.
It highlights key sectors to attract foreign investment. According to the plan, foreign businesses are encouraged to invest in animal husbandry-related fields such as breeding, feeding equipment production and production of feed and veterinary medicine, and enjoy national treatment.
It also supports foreign enterprises to participate in China’s new industrialization, with a focus on high-tech fields. Foreign investment is also welcomed in services sectors such as elderly care, culture and tourism, sports, health care, vocational education, and finance.
It calls for clarifying standards for the government procurement of domestic products, and for measures to ensure products produced by enterprises of different ownership within China participate equally in government procurement activities.
The plan was approved at a State Council executive meeting held earlier this month. The meeting highlighted the important role of foreign-invested enterprises in employment, export stability and industrial upgrading, and urged more practical and effective measures to maintain existing investments and attract new ones.
In 2024, 59,080 new foreign-invested enterprises were established in China, up 9.9 percent year on year. China attracted an annual overseas investment of over 1 trillion yuan (about 139.5 billion U.S. dollars) for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023.

MIL OSI China News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – Where’s wallaby? Free wild food treats back for field days

Source: Northland Regional Council

Free ‘Tex-Mex wallaby quesadillas with parmesan mayonnaise’ will be on the menu at the Northland Regional Council (NRC) marquee at the upcoming Northland Field Days.

About 40 kilogrammes of minced wallaby will be used to create the quesadillas which will be made available to visitors at the upcoming Thursday 27 February to Saturday March 01 Dargaville event.

A joint creation by the NRC, NorthTec | Tai Tokerau Wānanga Level 4 cookery students and their tutor Hughie Blues, the council expects to give away about 1800 portions of quesadillas over the three days of field days from the council’s usual site – I1 and I2.

Council Kaipara constituency representative John Blackwell says last year’s giveaway was venison bruschetta with red onion jam and horopito creme fraiche.

“Over the years the council has transformed a variety of pest animals, plants and even insects into an array of edible field day treats all designed as a fun way to spark added public interest in its broader work.”

The wallaby for the giveaway has been sourced from Blenheim company Premium Game because there’s no local wild wallaby stock.

Councillor Blackwell says while there are no known wallaby populations in Northland, they could potentially spread to the region from nearby areas like Kawau Island and Rotorua Lakes.

“These animals are classified as an ‘exclusion pest’ due to their potential to cause significant environmental and economic harm.” “They threaten native bush by eating seedlings, hindering regeneration, and also impact farming and forestry by consuming pasture and exotic seedlings.”

Councillor Blackwell says the council has successfully collaborated with the hospitality students for field days over a number of years and he’s pleased the two organisations will be working together again this year.

Lisette Buckle, NorthTec | Tai Tokerau Wānanga Pathway Manager- Service Industries, says the relationship between Northtec and the council is yet another chance for Level 4 cookery students to work on something “a little bit out of the ordinary”.

“Students and their chef tutor, Hughie Blues, will be on site over the three days preparing and serving the food.” “It’s always good for our hospitality students to get out and about, catering at events and gaining experience which will help them get into a great career.”

Councillor Blackwell says for anyone keen to try the wallaby quesadillas, the best time to visit is around 10:30am, 12.30pm or 2pm each day.

He says council’s site is on a popular road at field days with other community groups and agencies nearby making it easy for the public to access information and have a chat about all things environmental.

“A key focus for field days this year is biosecurity, including our Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) and this event is the perfect opportunity to engage directly with some of our key stakeholders.”

He says as biosecurity is a focal point, the council will be highlighting the importance of managing pest animals and plants to ensure biodiversity thrives. (This includes addressing issues related to incursions of deer, wallabies, turtles, clams, and other pest species).

“Our usual crowd favourites, pest animals, and pest plants (including how to get rid of weeds) will feature alongside biodiversity information, including updates on dune lakes and bitterns.”

Staff from our land management team will also be on site again, showcasing a catchment model and providing information on the Hill Country Erosion Fund, as well as the use of poplars and willows for erosion control.

Councillor Blackwell says the council’s climate action team will be seeking active participation in one of their ‘serious games’ such as the NIWA climate game and wave simulation.

“They will also be sharing information about the Electrify Northland initiative and conducting climate change surveys and we’ll also have information about other council work, including our Environmental Awards, and other general business.”

A number of regional councillors, including Cr Blackwell, will be on site during the field days and look forward to catching up with those attending the event.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments – New CEO for Grasslanz Technology Limited

Source: Grasslanz Technology

Grasslanz Technology Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Skiffington as its new Chief Executive Officer, starting on 3 March 2025.

Megan’s appointment follows Dr John Caradus’ decision to step down as CEO after 19 years and move to the new role of Chief Technology Officer, so that he can focus on the science side of the business.

Grasslanz Technology is a commercial subsidiary of AgResearch focussed on the development and commercialisation of cutting-edge plant and microbial solutions for the primary sector.

As CEO, Megan will be responsible for leading the organisation into its next phase of development, with a focus on commercial delivery, solving problems for the sector and collaboration. This includes collaboration opportunities arising from the upcoming science system reforms, in which AgResearch will merge with other Crown Research Institutes to form a Public Research Organisation.

Megan brings with her a proven track record of successful partnerships, understanding of the research commercialisation process and strong relationships within the primary industry.

Grasslanz Board Chair Dr Ian Boddy says: “We are thrilled to welcome Megan to the GTL team and look forward to seeing her working with John and the team to continue delivering value for Grasslanz, our shareholders and NZ”.

Megan says she is excited about the opportunity to lead a company that is always innovating and focused on solutions for farmers and New Zealand.

“I’m excited to get alongside the team at Grasslanz to keep delivering innovative solutions for our farmers with our partners.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Active transport boost for Victoria

Source: Australian Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport

Victorians will have more opportunities to walk, cycle and actively move through their communities thanks to support from the Albanese Government.

$21 million will be invested in 19 projects across Victoria to build new or upgrade existing bicycle and walking paths.

Frankston City Council will receive $923,650 to construct a shared path in Frankston South on Towerhill Road. The project will upgrade existing infrastructure to enhance safety by providing dedicated paths to enable cyclists to avoid the busy roadway.

Further south, on Phillip Island, $980,000 will be invested in the Bass Coast Shire Council’s new shared path to link the townships of Cowes and Ventnor for visitors and locals alike.

$266,000 will go towards the Ararat Rural City Council’s ‘Ararat on the Move’ Strategy to design and deliver almost 10km of bicycle routes that will transform the town, connecting residents and visitors with shops, schools, recreational facilities, the Ararat CBD and train station.

In Kilsyth, Yarra Ranges Council will receive $460,000 to create a new 1.7km shared user path along Liverpool Road between Canterbury Road and Mount Dandenong Road in Kilsyth to connect popular destinations such as the Baywater Business Precinct and Pinks Reserve, and feed into nearby trails.

Other projects receiving funding include:

Over $960,000 for Melbourne City Council to upgrade three traffic signals on Rathdowne Street in Carlton to improve the safety of this shared path.
Over $680,000 for Maroondah City Council to convert the footpath along Greenwood Avenue into a shared user path, connecting the railway station in central Ringwood with the regional Jubilee Sports Precinct, Aquinas College and Great Ryrie Primary School.
$900,000 for Horsham Rural City Council to implement safety upgrades to main entry roads into the Horsham Central Activity District to provide safe access for cyclists and pedestrians.

The Albanese Government is making our cities and regions even better places to live, building social infrastructure, connecting place and designing healthier, more liveable towns.

Our new Active Transport Fund is one part of this, providing safe and accessible transport options that are good for the planet and good for ourselves.

This program supports the Government’s commitment to invest in infrastructure planning, design and construction that improves safety outcomes for vulnerable road users under the National Road and Safety Strategy 2021-2030.

For more information visit: investment.infrastructure.gov.au/resources-funding-recipients/active-transport-fund-resources

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“From Melbourne to the Yarra Ranges, we’re investing in active transport options right across Victoria to shape the way locals and visitors move around our great towns.

“Whether you’re on a motor scooter, pushing a pram, walking or cycling, we’re making it easier for people to get to school, work or local services, without having to jump in the car.

“This is about so much more than bike lanes and footpaths, it’s about reshaping our cities and regional centres, connecting our everyday places, and making our towns better to live in and easier to visit.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Dunkley Jodie Belyea:

“The Albanese Labor Government is investing in our community, building a more connected Frankston.

“We’re making it easier for families and students to get around Frankston safely.”

See here for a full list of projects receiving funding in Victoria:

Proponent	Project	Funding amount
Moorabool Shire Council	Gordon Township Active Transport Loop	$678,825
Mount Alexander Shire Council	Design and construction of McKenzie Hill to Parker Street Shared Pathway, Castlemaine	$3,010,600
Hume City Council	Highland Drive Shared User Path Upgrade	$50,000
Hume City Council	Lygon Drive Shared User Path and Cycling Facilities Upgrades	$200,000
Yarra Ranges Shire Council	Design and construction of the Liverpool Road Trail, Kilsyth	$463,938
City of Darebin	BT Connor Reserve Shared Path	$158,000
Maroondah City Council	Design and construction of Greenwood Avenue Shared Use Path	$681,630
Frankston City Council	Construction of Shared User Path on Towerhill Road, Frankston South	$923,650
Hobsons Bay City Council	Kororoit Creek Shared Trail Stages 4 and 5	$5,000,000
Melton City Council	Design and construction of a shared use path along Westwood Drive, Burnside/Ravenhall	$969,527
Melton City Council	Design and Construction of Raised Priority Crossings – Caroline Springs Boulevard and Gourlay Road Corridor, Caroline Springs.	$1,147,093
Moorabool Shire Council	Griffith Street, Maddingley Active Transport Corridor	$1,814,503
City of Port Phillip	Beacon Road Active Transport Safety Upgrade, Port Melbourne	$515,000
City of Glen Eira	Improving Paths, Connecting Communities	$2,336,000
Horsham Rural City Council	Horsham Central Activity District – safe eastern access for cyclists and pedestrians	$900,000
City of Melbourne	Rathdowne Street Traffic Signals Upgrade	$963,095
Bass Coast Shire Council	Design and construction of the Ventnor Road Shared Path, Phillip Island	$980,000
Ararat Rural City Council	Design and Upgrade of the Active Transport Bicycle Network, Ararat	$266,000
Warrnambool City Council	Industrial Precinct Footpath Construction	$266,626

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025

MIL-OSI: First National Bank Alaska announces unaudited results for fourth quarter and full year 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First National Bank Alaska’s (OTCQX:FBAK) net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $19.9 million, or $6.29 per share. This compares to a net income of $16.6 million, or $5.24 per share, for the same period in 2023.

“Fourth quarter results concluded another year of strong financial performance in 2024,” said First National Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer. “Growth in both loans and customer deposits along with repositioning efforts in the securities portfolio enhanced the balance sheet. Growth in noninterest income along with outstanding expense management resulted in record-high net income. As we build on the momentum generated in 2024, I’m excited about where our recently expanded leadership team will take us to further help Alaskans shape a brighter tomorrow.”

Loans totaled $2.5 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024, an increase of $24.3 million during fourth quarter 2024, and an increase of $196.6 million compared to the same period in 2023. Fourth quarter loan quality was strong with nonperforming loans of $4.3 million, 0.17% of outstanding loans compared to $4.7 million and 0.20% as of Dec. 31, 2023. The provision for credit losses totaled $0.7 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared to a $0.9 million benefit for year ended Dec. 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses as of Dec. 31, 2024 totaled $18.0 million, or 0.73% of total loans.

Fourth quarter total interest and loan fee income was $63.4 million, a 6.2% increase from $59.8 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2023. The yield on loans increased to 6.67% compared to 6.25% on Dec. 31, 2023. Interest and fees on loans and interest and dividends on investment securities increased in the fourth quarter on rate and volume improvements.

Assets totaled $5.0 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024, decreasing by $559.5 million due to the repayments during the fourth quarter of the December 2023 advance under the Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program and the July 2024 Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing. Return on assets on Dec. 31, 2024, was 1.22%, fifteen basis points higher compared to 2023.

Deposits and repurchase agreements totaled $4.4 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024, an increase of $47.1 million during the fourth quarter, and an increase of $13.1 million since Dec. 31, 2023. Seasonal outflow was offset by new customer deposits during the fourth quarter of 2024.

Interest expense for the quarter decreased by $0.2 million compared to the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2023, due to repayments of borrowed funds offset by mix changes in interest-bearing deposits. Net interest margin through Dec. 31, 2024, was 3.12% compared to 2.82% for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023.

Noninterest income for fourth quarter 2024 was $7.0 million, an increase of 7.5% compared to fourth quarter 2023. Quarterly income improvement occurred within fiduciary activities and mortgage loan servicing. Noninterest expenses for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased 12.4% compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in salaries and benefits driven by the competitive labor market and health care costs. The efficiency ratio for Dec. 31, 2024, was 53.51% and remains better than First National’s peer groups, both in Alaska and across the nation.

Provision for income taxes was reduced $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting certain state income tax benefits achieved in the securities portfolio.

Shareholders’ equity was $516.6 million as of Dec. 31, 2024, compared to $464.8 million as of Dec. 31, 2023. This $51.8 million increase resulted from a decrease in the net unrealized loss position of the securities portfolio and net income retained in excess of dividends paid. Return on equity as of Dec. 31, 2024, was 13.60% compared to 13.97% as of Dec. 31, 2023. Book value per share as increased to $163.11, compared to $146.77 as of Dec. 31, 2023. The bank’s Dec. 31, 2024, Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 10.54% remains above well-capitalized standards.

ABOUT FIRST NATIONAL BANK ALASKA

First National Bank Alaska files a quarterly financial report with the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council. The bank’s latest Consolidated Report of Condition and Income (Call Report) is filed by the 30th of the month following quarter-end and is subsequently posted at FNBAlaska.com and OTCMarkets.com.

Alaska’s community bank since 1922, First National proudly meets the financial needs of Alaskans with ATMs and 28 locations in 19 communities throughout the state, and by providing banking services to meet their needs across the nation and around the world.

In 2025, Forbes selected First National as the sixth bank in the country on their America’s Best Banks list. In 2024, Alaska Business readers voted First National “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the ninth year in a row, Best Bank/Credit Union for the fourth time running, and Best Customer Service. The bank was also voted “Best of Alaska” in 2024 in the Anchorage Daily News awards, ranking as one of the top three in the Bank/Financial category for the sixth year in a row. American Banker again recognized First National as a “Best Bank to Work For” in 2024, for the seventh consecutive year.

For more than a century, the bank has been committed to supporting the communities it serves. In 2024, for the eighth consecutive reporting period, over a span of twenty-four years, First National Bank Alaska received an Outstanding Community Reinvestment Act performance rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Our dedicated team strives to provide exceptional customer service to meet the banking needs of our neighbors and fellow Alaskans across the state to help shape a brighter tomorrow.

First National Bank Alaska is a Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, and recognized as a Minority Depository Institution by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as it is majority-owned by women.

CONTACT: Corporate Communications, 907-777-3409


Financial Overview (Unaudited)
($ in thousands, except per common share amounts)
	Three months ended									Year ended
	Dec. 31,			Sep. 30,			Dec. 31,			December 31,
	2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Income Statement
Total Interest And Loan Fee Income	$	63,439		$	64,615		$	56,773		$	59,493		$	59,761
Total Interest Expense	$	18,591		$	21,319		$	16,521		$	21,168		$	18,803
Provision for Credit Losses	$	(118	)	$	(432	)	$	(344	)	$	721		$	(930	)
Total Noninterest Income	$	7,011		$	7,293		$	6,522		$	28,233		$	25,426
Total Noninterest Expense	$	27,696		$	25,928		$	24,651		$	104,346		$	98,168
Provision for Income Taxes	$	4,350		$	7,099		$	6,593		$	22,839		$	22,657
Net Income	$	19,931		$	17,994		$	16,580		$	67,048		$	60,010
Earnings per common share	$	6.29		$	5.68		$	5.24		$	21.17		$	18.96
Dividend per common share	$	6.40		$	3.20		$	6.40		$	16.00		$	16.00

Financial Overview (Unaudited)	Quarter Ended
	12/31/2024			9/30/2024			6/30/2024			3/31/2024			12/31/2023
Balance Sheet
Total Assets	$	4,997,767		$	5,557,306		$	5,116,066		$	5,212,976		$	5,730,835
Total Securities	$	1,928,625		$	2,602,519		$	2,197,788		$	2,404,078		$	2,384,951
Total Loans	$	2,469,935		$	2,445,596		$	2,391,593		$	2,369,282		$	2,273,311
Total Deposits	$	3,679,155		$	3,728,181		$	3,698,631		$	3,665,066		$	3,780,018
Repurchase Agreements	$	743,193		$	647,043		$	615,096		$	571,463		$	629,280
Total Deposits and Repurchase Agreements	$	4,422,348		$	4,375,224		$	4,313,727		$	4,236,529		$	4,409,298
Total Borrowing under the Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program	$	–		$	249,868		$	249,868		$	430,000		$	780,000
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax	$	(62,985	)	$	(52,020	)	$	(86,857	)	$	(95,809	)	$	(98,378	)
Total Shareholders’ Equity	$	516,562		$	527,864		$	485,167		$	470,702		$	464,791

Financial Measures
Return on Assets		1.22	%		1.15	%		1.08	%		0.95	%		1.07	%
Return on Equity		13.60	%		12.90	%		12.30	%		11.52	%		13.97	%
Net Interest Margin		3.12	%		3.04	%		2.98	%		2.76	%		2.82	%
Yield on Loans		6.67	%		6.65	%		6.55	%		6.40	%		6.25	%
Yield on Securities		2.55	%		2.49	%		2.33	%		2.36	%		1.66	%
Cost of Interest Bearing Deposits		1.57	%		1.62	%		1.60	%		1.55	%		1.02	%
Efficiency Ratio		53.51	%		53.59	%		54.94	%		56.00	%		54.28	%

Capital
Shareholders’ Equity/Total Assets		10.34	%		9.50	%		9.48	%		9.03	%		8.11	%
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio		10.54	%		10.39	%		11.12	%		9.96	%		9.85	%
Regulatory Well Capitalized Minimum Ratio – Tier 1 Leverage Ratio		5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%
Tier 1 (Core) Capital	$	579,547		$	579,884		$	572,024		$	566,511		$	563,169

Credit Quality
Nonperforming Loans and OREO	$	4,313		$	4,186		$	4,731		$	28,634		$	4,659
Nonperforming Loans and OREO/Total Loans		0.17	%		0.17	%		0.20	%		1.21	%		0.20	%
Nonperforming Loans and OREO/Tier 1 Capital		0.74	%		0.72	%		0.83	%		5.05	%		0.83	%
Allowance for Credit Losses	$	18,025		$	18,550		$	19,000		$	18,800		$	17,750
Allowance for Credit Losses/Total Loans		0.73	%		0.76	%		0.79	%		0.79	%		0.78	%

Net interest margin, yields, and efficiency ratios are tax effected.
Financial measures are year-to-date.

The MIL Network –

February 20, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT MP congratulates Labour MP for pro-freedom bill

Source: ACT Party

Responding to the draw of the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide) Amendment Bill:

“Finally, the House of Representatives will have a chance to debate the wokery in the banking sector that has seen farmers and other unfashionable sectors treated like second-class borrowers,” says ACT Rural Communities spokesperson Mark Cameron, who is also leading an inquiry into rural banking practices.

“The ACT team will be looking at the detail of this bill. We’ll continue to make the case for tackling woke banking practices at its cause. That includes the Net Zero Banking Alliance, which major banks in the United States, Canada, and Australia are rightly fleeing. We’ve also challenged the stupid climate commitments placed on banks by the Financial Markets Authority.

“In the meantime, I’m celebrating the fact that these issues, once only discussed with frustration across the farm fence, are now being addressed in New Zealand’s highest chambers of power.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Markey Statement on Senate Confirmation of Senator Kelly Loeffler as Administrator of the Small Business Administration

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
Washington (February 19, 2025) – Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate vote to confirm Senator Kelly Loeffler to serve as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).
“While I admire Kelly Loeffler’s personal story and work ethic, I am troubled by an unapologetic defense of a Trump agenda that cut off federal funding, has ignored the law, and created chaos and uncertainty for America’s 34 million small businesses,” said Ranking Member Markey. “My goal is to protect small businesses and entrepreneurs and not allow partisan politics to jeopardize their funding or their future. The vibrancy of our communities depends on ensuring small businesses can compete, expand, and create jobs.”
Ranking Member Markey delivered remarks on the floor of the Senate last week to object to the confirmation of Senator Loeffler as SBA Administrator.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Van Hollen, Whitehouse, and Sanders Demand Answers from Justice Department on Forced Resignation of Assistant U.S. Attorney Over Illegal Pressure to Freeze National Green Bank Funding

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (February 19, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) today wrote to Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz about revelations that Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Cheung was pressured to find evidence of a crime as a justification for freezing the release of billions of dollars in congressionally approved federal funds for the National Clean Investment Fund and the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator. These programs, which are part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, leverage private capital to cut energy bills for families and small businesses, improve resiliency against climate change-fueled disasters, and create local economic opportunity while combatting climate change. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also signed the letter.

In the letter, the lawmakers write, “The reports that Ms. Cheung was pressured to circumvent this standard suggest a deliberate attempt to weaponize the Justice Department for political purposes. Indeed, according to one report, ‘Cheung’s resignation came in connection with a Justice Department effort to assist President Donald Trump’s new head of the Environmental Protection Agency, who said last week that he would try to rescind $20 billion in grants awarded by the Biden administration for climate and clean energy projects.’”

The lawmakers continue, “Federal prosecutors have an obligation to comply with the legal ethics rules governing their conduct, including their duty to refuse illegal or unethical orders from superiors. Not even a month into the second Trump administration, several career prosecutors have already resigned rather than participate in legally and ethically questionable actions, igniting a crisis within the Justice Department. The Department must not become an instrument of political retribution or partisan maneuvering.”

The lawmakers urge the Office of the Inspector General, “to immediately open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms. Cheung’s resignation, the directives she received, and the broader pattern of political interference in prosecutorial decisions. The integrity of our justice system depends on the independence of prosecutors and their ability to enforce the law free from political influence. If substantiated, these allegations represent an existential threat to the rule of law and demand swift corrective action.”

Senator Markey secured numerous provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, including the creation of a $27-billion national climate financing network based on the National Climate Bank Act, which he introduced along with Senator Van Hollen. Following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, Senators Markey and Van Hollen and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) — the House lead on the climate financing legislation — welcomed the launch of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in April 2023.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Making False Statements to United States Small Business Administration

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RENIC PALMER, JR. (“PALMER”), age 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 13, 2025, before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier. PALMER previously pled guilty to making or using false writings or documents to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(3), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

According to court documents, PALMER submitted false writings and documents to the SBA, to obtain a Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) Loan. In his application, among other things, PALMER falsely represented that he was the owner of a merchant wholesale hair supply company formed in 2017, and that he was eligible for PPP funds. As a result of these false representations, PALMER obtained $20,832.00 from the SBA.

Judge Barbier sentenced PALMER to three years of probation, restitution of $20,832 to the SBA, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the Special Agents of the Coast Guard Investigative Service for their work on this case. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

MIL Security OSI –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Leads Senate to Confirm Kelly Loeffler as SBA Administrator

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, spoke on the Senate floor ahead of successfully leading her colleagues in confirming the Honorable Kelly Loeffler as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).
The Senate confirmed Loeffler in a bipartisan 52-46 vote.

Watch Ernst’s full remarks here.
After Chair Ernst advanced Loeffler’s nomination out of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, she highlighted Loeffler’s plan to fix the broken SBA and called on her colleagues to confirm Loeffler.
Ernst’s full remarks:
“Mr. President, in just a few minutes we will be asked to decide whether the Honorable Kelly Loeffler should be confirmed as Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
“As Chair of the Small Business Committee, I would like to strongly urge all of my colleagues to vote yes and support her nomination.
“As a successful business leader, Kelly Loeffler is the perfect person to increase transparency and accountability at the SBA and prioritize the needs of small businesses.
“Throughout the Committee’s rigorous nomination process, Senator Loeffler has been thoroughly cooperative and impressive. She passed out of the Committee with a bipartisan vote of 12 to 7.
“Over the course of her career, Senator Loeffler has shown how hard work, grit, and midwestern common sense can take you from Illinois’ soybean fields to CEO of your own company, and now, to lead a government agency.
“I am confident that Senator Loeffler will ensure SBA once again works for all small businesses, and usher in a golden age for America’s small businesses.
“Senator Loeffler is the right person to lead the Small Business Administration – she understands the burdens facing small businesses and recognizes how Washington can often serve as a barrier and a hinderance to their success.
“I have no doubt that she will fight to make sure Main Street is heard.
“Again, I urge all of my colleagues to support her nomination and confirm Senator Loeffler as Administrator of the Small Business Administration.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Charts Path to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) reintroduced his Alan Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act. The legislation takes a three-fold approach to addressing the fentanyl crisis fueled by the expiration of Title 42 during the Biden administration. This legislation would allow the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expedite the processing and removal of migrants illegally entering the country in response to the fentanyl-related public health emergency.

“The former president left a disaster on our southern border that infected communities and families across our nation. A couple of years ago, my friend Alan Shao lost his son to the crisis curated by the Biden administration’s open border policies. This legislation is named in honor of his son to remind us that one life lost is one too many and that we can’t continue to sit idly by allowing devastation to rip through our homes,” said Senator Scott. “I am grateful to lead efforts to put an end to this public health crisis and clean up our border. I look forward to working with the Trump administration to ensure more Americans can live in a safer nation.”

“The fentanyl crisis is a national emergency. It was driven by the Biden administration’s open-border policies and will require decisive, sustained, and specific action to stem. This bill will protect American lives and secure our border. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this critical issue,” said Senator Cruz.

“Sheriffs across North Carolina have told me that every one of our counties is a border county after four years of the Biden administration. To reverse this dangerous situation, I am proud to join Senator Tim Scott’s bill to speed up the removal of illegal aliens who pose safety risks to communities across the nation,” said Senator Budd. “The Trump administration needs more tools to get the southern border under control, and this bill would be another major step in the effort to restore law and order in our country.”

In addition to Senator Scott, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio).

Expedited processing and removal would apply to migrants who:
- Are attempting to enter the US from Canada or Mexico illegally;
- Do not possess necessary travel documents for admittance into the US; and
- Are being held at a point of entry or a Border Patrol station facilitating immigration processing.
BACKGROUND

The Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act is named after the son of Dr. Alan Shao, the former Dean of the School of Business at the College of Charleston. Alan T. Shao II passed away at the age of 27 due to a fentanyl overdose.

Senator Scott’s legislation utilizes powers similar to those under Title 42, which allows the Department of Homeland Security to expedite the processing and removal of migrants illegally entering the country, and applies them in response to the fentanyl-related public health emergency.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the agency seized more than 367 million deadly doses (2 mg of fentanyl equates to a deadly dose) in 2024. More than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses during 2023, with the majority of such deaths caused by fentanyl.

In addition to the Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act, Senator Scott introduced the Securing Our Border Act, which redirects $22.4 billion of unobligated funding passed by Democrats to hire 87,000 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and utilizes it to bolster security measures along our southern border.

Furthermore, he introduced the Stifling Transnational Operations and Proliferators by Mitigating Activities that Drive Narcotics, Exploitation, and Smuggling Sanctions Act – or the STOP MADNESS Act, which would also ensure the president can sanction foreign governments that resist efforts to repatriate their citizens who unlawfully enter the United States.

In April 2024, Senator Scott’s FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which directs the Department of Treasury to use U.S. economic national security tools to choke off the profits of the Chinese precursor manufacturers and the Mexican cartels that push fentanyl across the border, was signed into law.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Crapo, Thune Led Effort to Permanently Repeal the Death Tax

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) led 43 Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, commonly known as the death tax. The Death Tax Repeal Act would end this unnecessary, punitive tax that can significantly impact family-run farms, ranches, and businesses after the death of a family member.

“The death tax unfairly targets Idaho’s multi-generational farms and small businesses by saddling them with a costly tax bill after the death of a loved one. We must stop this madness and protect America’s family-run operations,” said Risch.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of Idaho’s economy, and family farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs have often worked lifetimes to grow their businesses,” said Crapo. “The death tax can be a devastating blow to American families who want to pass down their farm or small business to the next generation. It’s time to permanently provide relief from this unfair tax.”

“Family farms and ranches play a vital role in our economy and are the lifeblood of rural communities in South Dakota,” said Thune. “Losing even one of them to the death tax is one too many. It’s time to put an end to this punishing, burdensome tax once and for all so that family farms, ranches and small businesses can grow and thrive without costly estate planning or massive tax burdens that can threaten their viability.”

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Curtis (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). ?

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major investment to boost growth and cement Britain’s place as cultural powerhouse
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Over £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in major boost for growth
Intervention is next step of Government’s Plan for Change to help boost local economies and increase opportunities to gain creative skills

Comes as Culture Secretary marks the 60th anniversary of the first ever arts white paper

People across the nation will benefit from access to the arts and culture on their doorsteps as a result of a major funding package to boost growth and opportunity.

Hundreds of arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings will receive a share of more than £270 million as part of an Arts Everywhere Fund from the government, supporting jobs and creating opportunities for young people to learn creative skills while helping to boost people’s sense of pride in where they live.

The cash will be targeted at organisations in urgent need of financial support to keep them up and running, carry out vital infrastructure work and improve long term financial resilience.

Today’s announcement will help protect hundreds of jobs in the cultural and heritage sectors. Overall, cultural sectors support 666,000 filled jobs across the country.

Arts and culture are a vital part of our first-class creative industries and are a key part of what makes Britain so great. The creative industries are worth £124 billion to our economy, creating jobs, opportunities and showcasing the best of Britain to the world. That is why the creative industries were identified as one of the eight growth-driving sectors in the government’s Industrial Strategy – with the potential to boost economic growth throughout communities in the UK.

At an inaugural lecture marking the 60th anniversary of the first ever arts white paper by former Minister Jennie Lee, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will gather leaders from across the arts and culture sectors at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon. She will set out how Jennie Lee’s vision of the ‘arts for everyone, everywhere’ will be made a reality as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Arts and culture help us understand the world we live in, they shape and define society and are enjoyed by people in every part of our country. They are the building blocks of our world-leading creative industries and make a huge contribution towards boosting growth and breaking down barriers to opportunities for young people to learn the creative skills they need to succeed.

The funding we are announcing today will allow the arts to continue to flourish across Britain, creating good jobs and growth by fixing the foundations in our cultural venues, museums, libraries and heritage institutions.

As a government that is on your side, our Plan for Change will ensure that arts and cultural institutions truly are for everyone, everywhere.

During the lecture, the Culture Secretary will announce the following funding for the next financial year, beginning in April:

A new £85 million Creative Foundations Fund to support urgent capital works to keep venues across the country up and running;

A fifth round of the popular Museum Estate and Development Fund worth £25 million, which will support museums to undertake vital infrastructure projects, and tackle urgent maintenance backlogs;

A new £20 million Museum Renewal Fund to help keep cherished civic museums open and engaging, protect opening hours and jobs, continue serving communities, and tell our national story at a local level;

An additional £15 million for Heritage at Risk will provide grants for repairs and conservation to heritage buildings at risk, focusing on those sites with most need. This will restore local heritage, such as shops, pubs, parks, and town halls;

A fourth round of the Libraries Improvement Fund worth £5.5 million, which will enable public library services across England to upgrade buildings and technology to better respond to changing user needs;

A new £4.85 million Heritage Revival Fund to empower local people to take control of and look after their local heritage. It will support community organisations to own neglected heritage buildings bringing them back into good use;

An additional £120 million to continue the Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund, which will ensure national cultural public institutions are able to address essential works to their estate;

A 5% increase to the budgets of all national museums and galleries to support their financial resilience and help them provide access to the national collection;

Confirmation that DCMS will be providing £3.2 million in funding for four cultural education programmes for the next financial year to preserve increased access to arts for children and young people through the Museums and Schools Programme, the Heritage Schools Programme, the Art & Design National Saturday Club and the BFI Film Academy.

This package will be integral to ensuring that arts and culture are a catalyst for growth in the Creative Industries and local economies by making sure cultural venues are supported to reach their full potential and attracting more tourists through our cultural institutions.

The Culture Secretary is also set to confirm the advisory panel of experts who will be supporting Baroness Margaret Hodge with her independent review of Arts Council England, as well as the scope of the review within the newly agreed Terms of Reference.

The beneficiaries of the fourth round of the Museum Estate and Development Fund will also be announced, which will see 29 local museums up and down the country receiving a share of almost £25 million to upgrade their buildings.

The news follows another boost for regional growth and regeneration earlier this week, when the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced ten critical culture projects across the UK will receive a total of £67 million. This funding will support exciting projects such as the National Railway Museum in York, the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum in Liverpool, and in Leeds, both the National Poetry Centre and the revamping of ‘Temple Works’, paving the way for it to house the British Library North.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:  

Our Plan for Change promises growth for every corner of the UK, which is why this week I announced more than £67 million for ten major cultural projects that celebrate our nation.

I had the pleasure to visit some of these projects last week and seeing the role they will play in igniting regeneration in their communities and on a national scale. This means more tourism, more growth and more money in people’s pockets.

This comes on top of the £60 million package recently announced by the Culture Secretary at the Creative Industries Growth Summit to support hundreds of creative businesses and projects across the UK. This is the first step towards delivering the Creative Industry Sector Plan, as part of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy. Today’s announcement will build upon this, ensuring that the culture sector is able to achieve its full potential.

More details on how to apply to each of these funds and schemes will be made available in due course.

Supportive quotes

Daniel Evans, Tamara Harvey and Andrew Leveson from the Royal Shakespeare Company, said:

The RSC welcomes the government’s celebration of the anniversary of Jennie Lee’s White Paper for the Arts and its announcement of the £85m Creative Foundations Fund, an urgently needed intervention. Ageing capital infrastructure remains a tremendous drag on the sector’s ability to create the work for which it is globally celebrated and maximise its economic and social contribution. We stand ready to work with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that theatre buildings are effectively maintained and put to the most effective use in creating impactful programmes of work that, true to Jennie Lee’s legacy, make the arts accessible to as many people as possible.

Arts Council England, Chief Executive, Darren Henley said:

Today’s a good news day for arts organisations, museums and libraries. We know how much cultural places and spaces are valued in towns and cities across the land. For years to come, this new investment will help more people in more places to flourish by finding joy and connection with high quality culture close to home.

Baroness Hodge’s review gives all of us at the Arts Council the chance to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to serve audiences right across England – and that we’re nurturing an environment where artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries can create their best work for those audiences. We’re looking forward to working with Baroness Hodge and her advisory panel to make sure that happens for everyone everywhere every day.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive at Historic England, said:

The £15m Heritage at Risk funding will enable us to help regenerate cherished historic buildings in some of our most deprived areas, boosting local pride and wellbeing, as well as stimulating economic growth where it’s really needed.

Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive, National Theatre, said:

The support announced today shows that, like the visionary Jennie Lee, this Government keenly understands the arts ecosystem and its leading role in boosting the economy, enriching local communities and enhancing soft power. Much-needed capital investment will begin the task of enabling arts venues in towns and cities across our country to upgrade their facilities, providing more jobs and training, improving their financial and environmental sustainability, and offering more opportunities for young people and communities. Today’s announcement is further proof that the Government sees the benefit of working long term, in deep partnership with our sector, to break down barriers to growth and opportunity. Capital isn’t about bricks and mortar, it’s about making space for creativity to flourish.

Alex Beard, CEO of Royal Ballet and Opera, said:

I am delighted that Government has recognised the need to invest in the country’s performing arts infrastructure. This one year programme is a vital first step in ensuring that future generations of audience members can continue to enjoy our world leading performing arts sector, which plays such an important role in the Government’s growth and wellbeing agendas.

Gurinder Chadha, Film Director, said:

Time and time again the creative industries have proved how much income they bring into our economy from box office sales to expertise, skills and jobs. I am proud to be a part of the British arts industry that is respected globally. Anything that helps local communities and local artists build their skills, to fulfil their potential and further the cultural economy is something to be applauded.

Kwame Kwei-Armah, Director and Playwright, said:

Today’s announcement by our government to invest in our world leading cultural sector could not have come sooner or at a better time. From personal inspiration to international soft power I, like many, will be overjoyed that our government has seen the cultural sector who we are and what we contribute to Britain and beyond.

James Graham, Playwright and Writer, said:

This new investment is an extremely welcome acknowledgement of the role culture can play in rebuilding local communities.

The sector has been just-about-surviving for too long and such injections mean much-loved local venues can begin planning for the future.

On a personal note, as someone who grew up in a town with very limited access to the arts, the new funding for education programmes is to be celebrated. I only fell in love with theatre because of the passion of the drama teachers in my comprehensive school. It’s deeply encouraging to see that the collapse of culture in education over the last decade can finally turnaround, and unleash the creativity of all young people everywhere.

Adjoa Andoh, Actress and Writer, said:

Arts and culture belong to all the people of our amazing creative nation.

Our drama, our literature, our music, our painting, our history – it’s what we’re known for across the world, so at home everyone should have access to their heritage with no barriers to participation. I am thrilled that with the announcement of this fantastic injection of targeted funding for arts infrastructure and education, locally and nationally, the government recognises that only with their active support can all the people fully share in our wonderful cultural inheritance. I am sure Jennie Lee whose white paper championed the arts 60 years ago, would be proud.

Tracy-Ann Oberman, Actress and playwright, said:

Lisa Nandy has shown a huge commitment to the arts. She has been incredibly supportive of my production of “The Merchant of Venice 1936” and the need to tell stories through theatre to bring communities together. I think this announcement shows a real commitment to the arts in the UK and investment in the rich cultural heritage of this country.

Lemn Sissay, Author and Broadcaster, said:

Investing in the arts is an investment in our communities, our creativity, and our future. The creation of the National Poetry Centre is a shining example of this commitment, offering a space where creativity can flourish and voices from all backgrounds are celebrated.

Lisa Nandy’s commitment to providing funding for the arts, for everyone everywhere, ensures that the transformative power of culture reaches every corner of our nation, fostering unity, inspiration, and opportunity for all.

Actors Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal said:

As not only a vital sector for tourism but also for local communities and businesses, it’s encouraging to see British arts and culture being supported in a tangible and constructive way.

Es Devlin, Stage Designer, said:

Now, more than ever, the cultivation of our collective consciousness, our shared imagination, our ability to seek patterns and imagine possible futures is critical, and this investment in the arts and arts education is urgent and most welcome.

Kate Mosse CBT, Novelist, Historian & Playwright, said:

Today marks the 60th anniversary of Jennie Lee’s visionary White Paper that changed everything. The idea – radical at the time and no less important today – that the arts are for everyone, that creativity can be found everywhere and fostered, that books, theatre, dance, music transform lives, these ideas took root because of Lee’s commitment, enthusiasm and passion. She was one of the great transformational politicians of the 20th century and writers – and artists – salute you.

Nicholas Cullinan, British Museum Director, said:

This additional funding is a wonderful investment in the UK’s museums sector. In every corner of the country, our national and civic museums play a vital role protecting our heritage, bringing communities together, and supporting and inspiring the UK’s world-leading cultural sector.

Mary Beard, Trustee of the British Museum:

This is great news. Museums across the country are places where we go to learn, to be challenged, to wonder, to debate and disagree, and to discover times, people and places different from ourselves. They deserve (and need) all the support we can give them.

Doug Gurr, Natural History Museum Director, said:

I really welcome and am grateful for the additional support from the government for the museums sector, providing a vital lifeline to ensure we continue to reach and inspire audiences locally, nationally, globally.

Tom Sleigh, Chair, Norwich Theatre, said:

We really welcome this announcement. There is a pressing need for better investment in cultural infrastructure, and this funding will be incredibly important for many regional arts organisations, who have such an important role to play in their local communities.

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said:

The Libraries Improvement Fund has been transformative in helping library services in England adapt to the changing needs of their users. This new round will broaden that legacy, creating more accessible, sustainable and inclusive libraries across the country. We can’t wait to see the successful projects take shape.

Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive Officer of English National Opera and London Coliseum, said:

We warmly welcome today’s announcement from the Secretary of State of a new Creative Foundations Fund. This will provide critical and transformative support for many performing and visual arts venues across the country, ensuring that they continue to play a vital role at the heart of their communities. These much-needed, urgent interventions in our cultural spaces will support creativity and innovation, locally and nationally – and are an investment in our audiences of today and the future.

Stephen Freeman, Chief Executive, Royal Exchange Theatre said:

Today’s announcement of a new capital fund to support our cultural infrastructure is most welcome. It is deeply encouraging to see the Secretary of State responding to the real and urgent need for support at cultural venues up and down the country. Many of our most iconic institutions are in serious need of capital funds to support the future sustainability of our world class cultural offer.

Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive, Science Museum Group said:

We are delighted with the Government’s continued strong support for national museums and the wider cultural sector. Museums benefit society in many ways, inspiring audiences with engaging stories, contributing to cohesive communities and showcasing creativity that helps drive tourism. The confirmation this week of £15 million Government investment in our ambitious plans for the National Railway Museum is a clear vote of confidence in the transformative work underway across the Science Museum Group.

Jon Finch – Chair of English Civic Museum Network (ECMN) and Head of Culture and Visitor Economy at Barnsley Council said:

On behalf of England’s regional museum sector, the English Civic Museum Network (ECMN) welcomes the Government’s unprecedented announcement of £45M investment to support regional museums. ECMN is delighted that the Government has recognised the compelling case for investment in local museums as part of its growth agenda. Civic museums are a fundamental part of England’s cultural, creative, and social fabric and are a catalyst for growth on our high streets

Michael Eakin OBE, Chief Executive of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic said:

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic welcomes this additional capital funding to support the sector in 2025-26. We are grateful that Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, one of the UK’s great concert halls, has benefitted from such essential support in past years, but we know that it will continue to need investment in the future. Many of this country’s great cultural buildings are urgently in need of capital works to ensure they can continue to function and meet the needs of performances and audiences, and this new funding will be very welcome and helpful in addressing some of those needs.

Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund said:

The £20 million Museum Renewal Fund is a vital lifeline for our civic museums, which have a central place in the lives of local communities. It’s a welcome response to the severe financial pressures museums are facing, particularly those reliant on local authority funding. How appropriate that this crucial investment has been announced to mark the 60th anniversary of Jennie Lee’s visionary first White Paper on the Arts. This investment is an important first step to ensuring financial resilience, economic growth and ensuring our public collections remain accessible for future generations.

Grayson Perry, Artist said:

We should be proud of the brilliant museums and galleries that we have all across the country. It is great to hear that the government understands how important they are and is putting a good chunk of money into maintaining them. These cultural powerhouses give our towns and cities a vital part of their identity, art is a central element of who we are.

Sir Alistair Spalding and Britannia Morton, Co CEOs Sadler’s Wells. Artistic and Executive Directors said:

We welcome today’s announcement. It shows that the Culture Secretary is listening to the needs of the sector and is prepared to act to protect our cultural infrastructure for future generations.

Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust:

Theatres Trust is thrilled that the government has announced its £85million Creative Foundations Fund. We know from our research and industry knowledge that this funding is desperately needed by so many theatres across England. Our diligent team is primed to advise and support theatres up and down the country as they begin their journey on developing and delivering new capital projects, and we encourage people to make use of Theatres Trust’s free impartial expert advice service as they begin their applications.

Rebecca Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer:

The British Library welcomes the extension of the Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund for the next financial year. We hope it will be a vital source of support for addressing some of the most urgent pressures on our buildings and estates, which continue to require substantial ongoing investment to ensure they are well maintained for our users and the national collection. We are also pleased to see the extension of the Libraries Improvement Fund for local authority run library services, who we collaborate with all across the country.

Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate and Chair of the National Museum Directors’ Council said:

Today’s funding announcements are fantastic news for the whole museum sector. We are incredibly grateful to see the Government’s recognition of the importance of our world-class museums.

The increase in budgets for national museums and galleries like my own organisation Tate will be vital in supporting our financial resilience, enabling us to continue caring for and providing access to the national collection and the incredible public benefit we deliver. We also warmly welcome the announcement of additional capital investment for national and regional museums through the Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund and the Museum Estate and Development Fund. This investment is urgently needed right across the museum sector for maintenance and repairs.

In particular, we are delighted to see the announcement of new funding for civic museums, who are facing an unprecedented set of economic pressures. They are some of the finest creative and cultural spaces in the world – caring for internationally significant collections, driving regional tourism and providing vital community services. The new Museum Renewal Fund will help bring civic museums back to a more sustainable position, and we are heartened that Government has listened to calls to protect this key part of our cultural and civic infrastructure.

Andrew Lovett OBE, Chief Executive, Black Country Living Museum

We welcome the financial support announced by the Secretary of State, coming as it does at a challenging economic time for many in the sector. A financial decision is a policy decision and we welcome this policy. On the anniversary of the publication of Jennie Lee’s white paper, this is a timely reminder that Museums and the arts are not only crucial to everyday lives and wellbeing, but are also a vital part of the UK economy and merit sustained investment. We make a mistake when we think museums are in the business of collecting and exhibitions; their business is social cohesion and helping us to better understand the world. And it doesn’t get more important than that.

Notes to editors:

On the review of Arts Council England

Arts Council England is set to undergo a transformative review that will reimagine how we support, develop, and celebrate creativity across every corner of our nation. This landmark independent review, led by Baroness Margaret Hodge, will shine a light on how we can break down barriers, amplify diverse voices, and ensure that arts and culture are truly accessible to everyone, regardless of background or postcode. By examining everything from funding mechanisms to community engagement, we’re taking a crucial step towards building a more inclusive, vibrant, and dynamic cultural landscape that reflects the rich creativity of every community in England.

Cultural organisations and other interested parties are invited to participate in a survey to feed in their views as part of the review.

Read the survey, the advisory panel of experts and the full Terms of Reference for the review.

On the fourth round of the Museum Estate and Development Fund

The Museum Estate and Development Fund enables museums across the country to deliver a better experience for visitors and staff, make access and environmental improvements, unlock income-generating opportunities, and continue to protect treasured buildings and collections for future generations. It is open to museums in England accredited by the Arts Council which are not directly funded by DCMS. This fourth round of funding, worth £24.8 million, will benefit 29 local museums across the country:

North West

Queen Street Mill, Burnley, Lancashire – £813,115

Furness Abbey, Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire – £457,795

Fusilier Museum and Learning Centre, Bury, Lancashire – £81,244

North East

Weardale Museum, Weardale, County Durham – £499,665

Sunderland Winter Gardens, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear – £488,705

Preston Park Museum, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham – £366,300

Hartlepool Art Gallery, Hartlepool, County Durham – £302,383

Yorkshire

Museum of North Craven Life, Settle, North Yorkshire – £798,500

Land of Iron, Skinningrove, North Yorkshire – £655,907

Bankfield Museum, Halifax, West Yorkshire – £441,978

Pickering Beck Isle Museum, Pickering, North Yorkshire – £388,023

Millennium Gallery, Sheffield, South Yorkshire – £315,684

Midlands

Tamworth Castle, Tamworth, Staffordshire – £1,716,238

Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton, West Midlands – £1,695,75

Newstead Abbey, Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire – £1,482,882

Creswell Crags, Worksop, Nottinghamshire – £499,999

East

Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire – £137,745

Sainsbury Centre, Norwich, Norfolk – £1,276,711

Bressingham Steam Museum, Diss, Norfolk – £429,719

Colchester Castle, Colchester, Essex – £1,293,625

Southchurch Hall, Southend-on-Sea, Essex – £423,105

South East

Bletchley Park, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire – £2,451,350

The Lightbox, Woking, Surrey – £319,000

South West

Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Bournemouth, Dorset – £1,500,817

Nothe Fort, Weymouth, Dorset – £1,374,763

Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, Dorchester, Dorset – £940,500

Wheal Martyn Clay Works, St Austell, Cornwall – £707,200

London

London Museum of Water and Steam, Brentford, London – £2,626,277

The Foundling Museum, Camden, London – £319,000

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Published 20 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: OTTAWA BANCORP, INC. ANNOUNCES CASH DIVIDEND

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

OTTAWA, Ill., Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: OTTW), the holding company for OSB Community Bank, announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share, payable on or about March 19, 2025, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 5, 2025.

Ottawa Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for OSB Community Bank which provides various financial services to individual and corporate customers in the United States. OSB Community Bank offers various deposit accounts, including checking, money market, regular savings, club savings, certificate, and various retirement accounts. Its loan portfolio includes one-to-four family residential mortgage, multi-family and non-residential real estate, commercial, and construction loans as well as auto loans and home equity lines of credit. OSB Community Bank was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Illinois. For more information about Ottawa Bancorp, Inc and OSB Community Bank, please visit www.myosb.bank.

Contact: Craig Hepner
                President and Chief Executive Officer
                (815) 366-5437

The MIL Network –

February 20, 2025

Category: Business

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Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

Supportive quotes

Daniel Evans, Tamara Harvey and Andrew Leveson from the Royal Shakespeare Company, said:

Arts Council England, Chief Executive, Darren Henley said:

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive at Historic England, said:

Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive, National Theatre, said:

Alex Beard, CEO of Royal Ballet and Opera, said:

Gurinder Chadha, Film Director, said:

Kwame Kwei-Armah, Director and Playwright, said:

James Graham, Playwright and Writer, said:

Adjoa Andoh, Actress and Writer, said:

Tracy-Ann Oberman, Actress and playwright, said:

Lemn Sissay, Author and Broadcaster, said:

Actors Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal said:

Es Devlin, Stage Designer, said:

Kate Mosse CBT, Novelist, Historian & Playwright, said:

Nicholas Cullinan, British Museum Director, said:

Mary Beard, Trustee of the British Museum:

Doug Gurr, Natural History Museum Director, said:

Tom Sleigh, Chair, Norwich Theatre, said:

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said:

Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive Officer of English National Opera and London Coliseum, said:

Stephen Freeman, Chief Executive, Royal Exchange Theatre said:

Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive, Science Museum Group said:

Jon Finch – Chair of English Civic Museum Network (ECMN) and Head of Culture and Visitor Economy at Barnsley Council said:

Michael Eakin OBE, Chief Executive of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic said:

Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund said:

Grayson Perry, Artist said:

Sir Alistair Spalding and Britannia Morton, Co CEOs Sadler’s Wells. Artistic and Executive Directors said:

Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust:

Rebecca Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer:

Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate and Chair of the National Museum Directors’ Council said:

Andrew Lovett OBE, Chief Executive, Black Country Living Museum

Notes to editors:

On the review of Arts Council England

On the fourth round of the Museum Estate and Development Fund

North West

North East

Yorkshire

Midlands

East

South East

South West

London

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Updates to this page

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:  