NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-Evening Report: Everything you say to an Alexa speaker will be sent to Amazon – starting today

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathy Reid, PhD Candidate, School of Cybernetics, Australian National University

    Amazon

    Amazon has disabled two key privacy features in its Alexa smart speakers, in a push to introduce artificial intelligence-powered “agentic capabilities” and turn a profit from the popular devices.

    Starting today (March 28), Alexa devices will send all audio recordings to the cloud for processing, and choosing not to save these recordings will disable personalisation features.

    How do voice assistants work?

    A voice assistant works by constantly listening for a “wake word”, such as “Alexa”. Once woken, it records the command that is spoken and matches it to an action, such as playing a music track. Matching a spoken command to an action requires what computer scientists call natural language understanding, which can take a lot of computer power.

    Matching commands to actions can be done locally (on the device itself), or sound recordings can be uploaded to the cloud for processing. On-device processing has improved substantially in recent years, but is still less accurate than using the cloud, where more computer power is available.

    Amazon is making two changes today

    Alexa devices send recordings to the cloud by default. However, some high-end Echo models previously supported a setting called “Do not send voice recordings”.

    If this setting was enabled, all recordings were processed locally. In practice, only a tiny fraction of Echo users (around 0.03% had this turned on.

    In the first change, this setting is being disabled, and all recordings will be sent to the cloud.

    Once in the cloud, recordings can be deleted or saved.

    Saved recordings are used for Amazon’s Voice ID feature, which distinguishes between speakers in the same household and aims to provide a personalised experience.

    Alexa users also have a setting called “Don’t save recordings”, which, if enabled, deletes cloud recordings once they’re processed. In the second change, if the “Don’t save recordings” setting is enabled, Voice ID will stop working, and with it, access to personalised features such as user-specific calendar events.

    This two-step change means Alexa users need to make a trade-off between privacy and functionality.

    Alexa loses a lot of money

    Put simply, Amazon needs Echo devices to start making money.

    As US voice assistant expert Joseph Turow has detailed, Amazon began selling Echo devices very cheaply as a “loss leader”. Amazon says it has sold more than 500 million Alexa devices, but between 2017 and 2021 alone the company lost more than US$25 billion on the project.

    Amazon is looking to generative AI to turn the business around, with a US$8 billion investment in OpenAI competitor Anthropic.

    Amazon has invested US$8 billion in AI developer Anthropic.
    Amazon

    In February, Amazon launched a new AI-powered Alexa+ system. It promises more natural interaction and the ability to carry out tasks such as booking flights. Alexa+ is currently only available in the United States.

    “Agentic capabilities” such as booking flights require detailed profile information about the user on whose behalf they are acting. This would include details such as preferred products or services.

    Voice ID and data from spoken commands assist Amazon in tying preferences to a particular person.

    An AI-powered intermediary

    How will Alexa+ help Amazon make money? The first way is via direct subscription fees: the service will eventually only be available to Amazon Prime members or people who pay US$19.99 per month.

    But what may prove more important is that it will help Amazon to position itself as an intermediary between buyers and sellers. This is what Amazon already does with its existing e-commerce platform.

    It’s easy to see the system in action when you search for a product on Amazon’s website. Alongside items sold directly by Amazon, you are presented with products from multiple sellers, each of whom pays Amazon to be listed.

    Everybody pays the platform

    Agentic capabilities are likely to have a similar business model. Service providers – such as airlines or restaurant reservation companies – would pay Amazon when Alexa+ refers customers to them.

    Amazon’s move is part of a broader phenomenon termed “platform capitalism”. This takes in the crowdsourced content of social media platforms, “sharing economy” businesses such as AirBnb, and the automated gig work of the likes of Uber.

    Platform capitalism has delivered benefits for consumers, but in general the greatest benefits flow to those who own the platforms and design their infrastructure, services and constraints.

    How to protect your privacy

    After receiving a US$25 million fine from the US Federal Trade Commission for retaining childrens’ voice recordings in contravention of US laws, Amazon has overhauled Alexa’s privacy settings.

    The settings can be viewed and changed from the Alexa app on your smartphone, under “More > Alexa Privacy”. Alexa users may wish to review the settings in “Manage
    your Alexa Data” to choose how long recordings are saved for and which
    voice recordings to delete. Recordings may also be deleted using a voice
    command.

    As Alexa+ becomes available more widely, users will need to decide whether they are comfortable sharing data about their preferences with Amazon to enable agentic capabilities.

    Some Alexa privacy settings are still available.
    Amazon

    What are the alternatives?

    For users who are uncomfortable with the privacy settings now available with Alexa, a private voice assistant may prove a better choice.

    The Home Assistant Voice Preview is one example. It gives people the option to have voice recordings processed on-device, but offers less functionality than Alexa and can’t work with as many other services. It’s also not very user-friendly, being aimed more at technical tinkerers.

    Users may face a trade-off between privacy and functionality, both within Alexa itself and when considering alternatives. They may also find themselves grappling with their own place in the increasingly inescapable systems of platform capitalism.

    Kathy Reid receives funding from the Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) for her doctoral work and is a recipient of the Florence Violet McKenzie scholarship.

    She currently contracts on a part-time basis to Mozilla Common Voice as a linguistic engineer. She is a past President of Linux Australia, Inc., an organisation dedicated to supporting open source communities and practices in the region. She was previously Director of Developer Relations at Mycroft.AI, a privacy-focused voice assistant, and held shares in the company, which is now dissolved. She has previously contracted with NVIDIA as a speech data specialist. NVIDIA provided hardware for Echo devices prior to 2021.

    – ref. Everything you say to an Alexa speaker will be sent to Amazon – starting today – https://theconversation.com/everything-you-say-to-an-alexa-speaker-will-be-sent-to-amazon-starting-today-252923

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Fitting the ‘missing puzzle pieces’ – research sheds light on the deep history of social change in West Papua

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dylan Gaffney, Associate Professor of Palaeolithic Archaeology, University of Oxford

    Tristan Russell, CC BY-SA

    Owing to its violent political history, West Papua’s vibrant human past has long been ignored.

    Unlike its neighbour, the independent country of Papua New Guinea, West Papua’s cultural history is poorly understood. But now, for the first time, we have recorded this history in detail, shedding light on 50 millennia of untold stories of social change.

    By examining the territory’s archaeology, anthropology and linguistics, our new book fits together the missing puzzle pieces in Australasia’s human history. The book is the first to celebrate West Papua’s deep past, involving authors from West Papua itself, as well as Indonesia, Australasia and beyond.

    The new evidence shows West Papua is central to understanding how humans moved from Eurasia into the Australasian region, how they adapted to challenging new environments, independently developed agriculture, exchanged genes and languages, and traded exquisitely crafted objects.

    Archaeological evidence shows that people migrating from Eurasia into the Australasian region came through West Papua.
    Dylan Gaffney, CC BY-SA

    Early seafaring and adaptation

    During the Pleistocene epoch (2.5 million to 12,000 years ago), West Papua was connected to Australia in a massive continent called Sahul.

    Archaeological evidence from the limestone chamber of Mololo Cave shows some of the first people to settle Sahul arrived on the shores of present-day West Papua. There they quickly adapted to a host of new ecologies.

    The precise date of arrival of the first seafaring groups on Sahul is debated. However, a tree resin artefact from Mololo has been radiocarbon dated to show this happened more than 50,000 years ago.

    Genetic analyses support this early arrival time to Sahul. Our work suggests these earliest seafarers crossed along the northern route, one of two passages through the Indonesian islands.

    Human dispersal to West Papua during the Pleistocene epoch (about 50,000 years ago) and during the Lapita period (more than 3,000 years ago).
    Dylan Gaffney, CC BY-SA

    Interestingly, the first migrants carried with them the genetic legacy of intermarriages between our species, Homo sapiens, and the Denisovans, a now extinct species of hominins that lived in eastern Asia. Geneticists currently dispute whether these encounters took place in Southeast Asia, along a northerly or southerly route to Sahul, or even in Sahul itself.

    In the same way modern European populations retain about 2% of Neanderthal ancestry, many West Papuans retain about 3% of Denisovan heritage.

    As the Earth warmed at the end of the Pleistocene, rising seas split Sahul apart. The large savannah plains that joined West Papua and Papua New Guinea to Australia were submerged around 8,000 years ago. Much of West Papua’s southern and western coastlines became islands.

    Social transformations during the past 10,000 years

    As environments changed, so did people’s cuisine and culture.

    We know from sites in Papua New Guinea that people developed their own agricultural systems between 10,000 and 6,000 years ago, at a similar time to innovations in Asia and the Americas. However, agricultural systems were not universally adopted across the island.

    New chemical evidence from human tooth enamel in West Papua shows people retained a wide variety of diets, from fish and shellfish to forest plants and marsupials.

    One of the key unanswered questions in West Papua’s history is when cultivation emerged and how it spread into other regions, including Southeast Asia. Taro, bananas, yams and sago were all initially cultivated in New Guinea and have become important staple crops around the world.

    Moses Dialom, an archaeological fieldwork collaborator from the Raja Ampat Islands, examines excavated artefacts at Mololo Cave.
    Tristan Russell, CC BY-SA

    The arrival of pottery, some 3,000 years ago, represents movements of new people to the Pacific. These are best illustrated by iconic Lapita pottery, recorded by archaeologists from Papua New Guinea all the way to Samoa and Tonga.

    Lapita pottery makers spoke Austronesian languages, which became the ancestors of today’s Polynesian languages, including Māori.

    New pottery discoveries from Mololo Cave suggest the ancestors of Lapita pottery makers existed somewhere around West Papua. Finding the location of these ancestral Lapita settlements is a major priority for archaeological research in the territory.

    Rock paintings provide evidence of social change in West Papua.
    Tristan Russell, CC BY-SA

    Other evidence for social transformations includes rock paintings and even bronze axes. The latter were imported all the way from mainland Southeast Asia to West Papua around 2,000 years ago. Metal working was not practised in West Papua at this time and chemical analyses show some of these artefacts were made in northern Vietnam.

    At all times in the past, people had a rich and complex material culture. But only a small fraction of these objects survive for archaeologists to study, especially in humid tropical conditions.

    People settled diverse environments around West Papua, including montane cloud forests (upper left), lowland rainforests (upper right), mangrove swamps (lower left) and coastal beaches (lower right).
    Dylan Gaffney, CC BY-SA

    Living traditions and the movement of objects

    From the early 1800s, when West Papua was part of the Dutch East Indies, colonial administrators, scientists and explorers exported tonnes of West Papuan artefacts to European museums. Sometimes the objects were traded or gifted, other times stolen outright.

    In the early 1900s, many objects were also burned by missionaries who saw Indigenous material culture as evidence of paganism. The West Papuan objects that now inhabit museums in Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand are connections between modern people and their ancestral traditions.

    Sometimes these objects represent people’s direct ancestors. Major work is currently underway to connect West Papuans with these collections and to repatriate some of these objects to museums in West Papua. Unfortunately, funding remains a central issue for these museums.

    Many West Papuans continue to produce and use wooden carvings, string bags and shell ornaments. Anthropologists have described how people are actively reconfiguring their material culture, especially given the presence of new synthetic materials and a cash economy.

    A montage of images showing West Papuan archaeologists in the field. (A) Klementin Fairyo, left, is setting up a new excavation. (B) Martinus Tekege excavating pottery. (C) Sonya Kawer with wartime archaeology. (D) Abdul Razak Macap, right, sieving for archaeological artefacts at Mololo Cave.
    Klementin Fairyo, Martinus Tekege, Sonya Kawer, Abdul Razak Macap, CC BY-SA

    Far from being “ancient” people caught in the stone age – a stereotype propagated in both Indonesian and international media – West Papuans are actively confronting the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

    Despite our new findings, West Papua remains an enigma for researchers. It has a land area twice the size of Aotearoa New Zealand, but there are fewer than ten known archaeological sites that have been radiocarbon dated.

    By contrast, Aotearoa has thousands of dated sites. This means West Papua is the least well researched part of the Pacific and there is much more work to be done. Crucially, Papuan scholars need to be at the heart of this research.

    The authors 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. Fitting the ‘missing puzzle pieces’ – research sheds light on the deep history of social change in West Papua – https://theconversation.com/fitting-the-missing-puzzle-pieces-research-sheds-light-on-the-deep-history-of-social-change-in-west-papua-250616

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Diopsys, Inc. Agrees To Pay Up To $14.25 Million To Resolve Alleged Federal False Claims Act And State Law Violations Relating To Vision Testing

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Newark, N.J. – Diopsys, Inc., a medical device company based in Middletown, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay up to $14.25 million to resolve allegations that the company violated the federal False Claims Act and various state laws by knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid in connection with certain vision testing services, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced today.

    The settlement resolves allegations relating to Diopsys’ NOVA device, an electrophysiological device that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared for visual evoked potential (VEP) testing.  The United States alleged that, during the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2021, Diopsys caused healthcare providers to submit false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for services in which the NOVA device was utilized for medically unnecessary uses, specifically electroretinography (ERG) vision testing, a substantially different vision test for which the NOVA device lacked FDA clearance.  The government further contended that Diopsys made substantial changes to the NOVA device that it never submitted to FDA for clearance or approval despite knowing that such a submission was required.

    “Today’s resolution reaffirms our commitment to protect the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Health care companies must not encourage doctors to submit claims for payment for medically unnecessary tests.” 

    U.S. Attorney John Giordano

    Under the terms of the settlement, Diopsys will make guaranteed payments of $1,225,000 and contingent payments of up to $13,025,000. The settlement is based on Diopsys’ financial condition.

    The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Dr. Atul Jain, a California ophthalmologist. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.  Approximately $1,120,000 of the guaranteed payment and up to approximately $11,900,000 of the contingent payments constitute the federal portion of the recovery. Dr. Jain will receive at least approximately $207,000 as his share of the federal recovery in this case.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Simunovich of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and Trial Attorney Daniel Meyler of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section.

    The case is captioned United States ex rel. Jain v. Diopsys, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 21-18151 (D.N.J.).

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only.  There has been no determination of liability.

                                                   ###

    Counsel for Diopsys, Inc: Paul Fishman, Newark, NJ

    Counsel for Relator Dr. Atul Jain: Justin Berger, Esq., San Mateo, CA

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: UniSA-led study tackles medication risks in aged care homes

    Source:

    28 March 2025

    As Australia undertakes major aged care reforms to improve medication management and resident safety, a new University of South Australia initiative will trial medication safety rounds in aged care homes to prevent medication-induced harm and improve resident care.

    Funded by a near $1 million MRFF Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission Grant, the new study will equip pharmacists, nurses, and aged care workers with the tools to identify medication issues early and develop safe action plans for residents.

    Conducted in partnership with six aged care providers, and supported by a diverse team of experts in pharmacy, medicine, nursing, aged care, consumer engagement, and health economics, the project directly responds to recommendations in the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to implement pharmacist models of care in aged care homes.

    Medication management problems are the most frequent reason for residential care complaints to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

    Chief Investigator, UniSA’s Associate Professor Janet Sluggett says the new medication safety rounds will lead to improvements in medication use, health, and wellbeing among residents.

    “Aged care residents take multiple medications, and this can increase the likelihood of medication errors and adverse events,” Assoc Prof Sluggett says.

    “Now, as a result of the Royal Commission in Aged Care Quality and Safety, pharmacists are working onsite in aged care homes to help address this issue, but we need to provide them with new tools to proactively address medication safety issues.”

    “The new medication safety rounds draw on the evidence-based principles of nurse-led ‘palliative care needs rounds’, where patients are regularly monitored by a multidisciplinary team of experts to assess and cater for their changing needs.

    “Our rounds will work in a similar way where pharmacists, nurses and other aged care team members engage in monthly meetings to ensure medications are being used safely and effectively.”

    “This pharmacist-led approach will help to identify and address potential problems with medication use, such as drug interactions, inappropriate prescriptions, and opportunities for deprescribing, with any changes identified actioned to ensure optimal resident care.”

    The multisite, two-year project will work collaboratively with health professionals, aged care staff, residents and families to adapt the existing palliative care need rounds model, and codesign implementation processes and resources to inform the delivery of medication safety needs rounds.

    “Australia is one of the first countries to implement onsite pharmacists in aged care homes. Our new, pharmacist-led medication safety rounds initiative will deliver a robust mechanism to address medication safety needs in aged care homes,” Assoc Prof Sluggett says.

    “Working with our partners in aged care homes, we will implement and evaluate the processes and outcomes of medication safety needs rounds and conduct an intervention scalability assessment to inform future testing or scale up.

    “With Australia’s aged care system undergoing major reforms, including the introduction of onsite pharmacists, this project leverages a critical window of opportunity to develop a new care model focused on reducing medication-induced harm and improving resident’s health and wellbeing.”

    Results from the project will be assessed and in time, expanded more widely.

    The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are joining forces to become Australia’s new major university – Adelaide University. Building on the strengths, legacies and resources of two leading universities, Adelaide University will deliver globally relevant research at scale, innovative, industry-informed teaching and an outstanding student experience. Adelaide University will open its doors in January 2026. Find out more on the Adelaide University website.

    Notes to editors:

    • The Chief Investigators for this MRFF Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission initiative include: UniSA’s Assoc Prof Janet Sluggett, Dr Sara Javanparast, Prof Marion Eckert, Prof Debra Rowett, Prof Ian Gwilt, Dr Aaron Davis, and Dr Daria Gutteridge).
    • This project is one of five research grants awarded by the MRFF, with a total value of more than $7 million.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview:  Assoc Prof Janet Sluggett E: Janet.Sluggett@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government backs next wave of semiconductor start-ups to scale up growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Government backs next wave of semiconductor start-ups to scale up growth

    Third cohort of semiconductor start-ups backed by government to drive economic growth.

    Third group of startups selected to bring new semiconductor products to market

    • A third cohort of innovative UK semiconductor businesses are chosen to join ChipStart, to continue driving economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs under the Plan for Change
    • These semiconductor startups are developing technologies that will have a direct impact on everyday life – from improving energy efficiency in devices to advancing smart automation and connectivity
    • The newly renewed scheme will build on the success of an initial two cohorts, which are on track to raise over £40 million in private investment

    New wave of semiconductor start-ups will join ChipStart, a government-backed incubator programme driving our Plan for Change by helping companies scale up, create jobs, and boost growth.

    ChipStart provides technical expertise and commercial support to help UK-based semiconductor innovators grow and create high-skilled jobs. Companies from the first two cohorts are already on track to raise over £40 million in private investment.

    Semiconductors are a cornerstone of the UK’s tech economy, with the sector already worth £10 billion and projected to grow up to £17 billion by 2030. They power the technology we rely on daily, from smartphones and medical devices to electric cars and cutting-edge AI. They control the flow of electricity in electronic systems and as demand for smarter, more efficient tech grows, the UK is well placed to lead, backed by a world-class innovation ecosystem and a thriving entrepreneurial environment. The UK is the number one country in Europe for venture capital investment, has the lowest corporation tax in the G7, and benefits from a highly skilled workforce and leading academic institutions.

    ChipStart – delivered by SiliconCatalyst.UK, leading global start-up accelerator – has successfully helped early-stage semiconductor companies turn their ideas into real-world products by providing expert mentorship, industry connections, and access to cutting-edge design tools.

    As part of our Plan for Change, and the wider Industrial Strategy we are supporting these high-potential companies to reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship, creating the conditions for the next generation of world-changing technologies to thrive and driving growth in communities across the UK.

    Science Minister, Lord Vallance said:

    The UK’s semiconductor industry is vibrant with innovation, and this third cohort shows just how much potential we have with many exciting start-ups.

    This sector holds incredible promise, and with the right partnerships, it will lead us into a future of greater economic growth and technological advancement – a key pillar of our Plan for Change.

    This announcement builds on the UK’s growing momentum in semiconductors, following Vishay Intertechnology’s plans to invest £250 million in the UK’s largest semiconductor factory. Announced by the Chancellor during a visit to South Wales yesterday, this investment will strengthen the UK’s domestic semiconductor supply chain – critical for industries like automotive, renewable energy, and defence. With South Wales emerging as a key semiconductor cluster, this investment underscores the UK’s competitive advantage in advanced chip manufacturing.

    From the successful second cohort, Qontrol, a University of Bristol spin-out, is developing technology that could transform the internet as we know it. Their precision control systems for photonics – the use of light to process data – could lead to faster, more reliable internet connections, helping to bring high-speed connectivity to rural communities and build the networks needed for next-generation digital services.

    This year’s cohort – backed by £1.1 million of government funding – includes RX-Watt, a company pioneering battery-free sensors that can be wirelessly powered using safe microwave signals. Their technology could save industries time and money where they depend on monitoring products and goods in real-time – helping manufacturers prevent costly equipment failures and ensuring critical goods like vaccines are stored at the right temperature throughout the supply chain.

    Companies from the first two ChipStart cohorts are already on track to raise over £40 million in private investment, proving the strength of UK semiconductor start-ups and the impressive return on investment associated with government backing.

    Another example from the second cohort is KuasaSemi, a Cornwall-based company, is revolutionising the design of semiconductors used in electric vehicles and renewable energy. By developing advanced computer tools to work with new types of materials, they are enabling the creation of faster, more efficient power devices. This means electric cars could charge faster, run longer, and perform better – helping to accelerate the shift to greener, more sustainable energy solutions.

    Sean Redmond, Silicon Catalyst UK said:

    We have been delighted with the high quality of new semiconductor startup applications we received for our third cohort of ChipStart from across the UK semiconductor clusters. Our now proven incubation process, that provides no cost design tools and chip manufacturing, will help these competitively selected companies attract the right private investment at the right time, launching them onto the global semiconductor stage.

    With the help of our experienced semiconductor executive advisors, which includes co-founders of Arm, we can help these young companies make great decisions and build the next generation of UK semiconductor unicorns. The next ten years of semiconductors will be a race to a £2 trillion industry. These new UK scale-ups will be in pole position to win that race.

    Wave Photonics, another successful company from the first cohort, is pioneering design technology to accelerate the development and mass production of integrated photonics – circuits that use light instead of electricity. These innovations are paving the way for energy-efficient AI communications, next-generation healthcare sensors, quantum technologies, and more.

    James Lee, co-founder of Wave Photonics said:

    ChipStart was fantastic preparation for raising and deploying our seed round to deploy our new approach to photonics design for quantum technologies, sensing and datacentre applications.

    As well as training and connection to mentors, ChipStart helps you directly plug into the UK semiconductor ecosystem and learn from the successes of the previous generation of UK semiconductor startups.

    Notes to editors

    Full list of the winning cohort.

    1. Chipletti
    2. Ethicronics
    3. Kahu
    4. Kelvin Quantum
    5. Unnamed from the University of Glasgow
    6. Prospectral 
    7. Quantopticon
    8. RxWatt
    9. SiDesign
    10. Smith Optical

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government funds mental health support to help steelworkers

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK Government funds mental health support to help steelworkers

    £3.27 million to boost mental health provision in the local community and help steelworkers into work.

    £3 million for mental health support to help affected steelworkers secure and stay in employment.

    • £3.27 million from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board committed to boost mental health provision in the local community
    • Support will help steelworkers affected by the transition to secure and stay in employment
    • Funding to services includes community and schools mental health support.
    • Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board has already announced more than £50 million to support workers and businesses.

    A fund of more than £3 million will be created by the UK Government in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council to support the mental health and wellbeing of Tata Steel workers and their families in Port Talbot and the wider community.

    Chairing the latest meeting of the Tata Steel Port Talbot Transition Board today (27 March) Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens announced £3.27 million to fund mental health support services in Neath Port Talbot for those affected by Tata Steel’s transition to greener steelmaking.

    The funding, which is flexible and may be increased depending on demand, is planned to cover services including:

    • hiring more counsellors to work directly with affected steelworkers, and providing extra resources and grants to support existing mental health provision
    • expanding availability of community and peer support such as through Men’s Sheds, She Sheds and other community groups
    • funding mental health support in schools where children are affected by the Tata Steel transition
    • Providing specialist advice for steelworkers and their families navigating the welfare system or struggling with debt
    • training council and trade union support workers in suicide awareness and prevention

    The latest funding comes from the UK Government’s £80m Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board fund which, since last July, has announced more than £50 million to help individual steelworkers and businesses in Tata Steel’s supply chain to protect jobs and grow the local economy.

    The latest announcement is the first project to support workers’ mental health and wellbeing. In the coming months, there will be tens of millions more in funding allocated to growth and regeneration projects in Port Talbot, ensuring that secure well-paid jobs are available in the local area.    

    Wellbeing is key to securing and staying in good employment. So this funding will contribute to UK Government’s mission to boost economic growth and raise living standards in Wales, as part of its Plan for Change.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:  

    The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for the steelworkers of Port Talbot, their families and for the wider community but we said we would back them in whatever ways were needed. We are helping people learn new skills but we also need to help protect people’s mental health, because well-being is crucial to getting back into work and staying in work. 

    By boosting direct support services, we are investing in the people of the area and supporting growth in the local economy.

    Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans MS said:

    Working alongside our Transition Board partners, we will continue to make sure that the right assistance and support is in place for those impacted by the Tata changes as well as providing opportunities for growth, investment and employment wherever they arise.

    Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt said:

    Neath Port Talbot Council welcomes the announcement of this funding and the commitment to support the wellbeing of our local communities through this difficult time. We know the impact of change at the steelworks is being felt deeply across the area, and particularly within Port Talbot itself, where every household will know many others directly or indirectly affected.

    This is a vital addition to the support the council is delivering alongside our Transition Board partners, as we adapt to the future of steelmaking in the town and prepare for the new opportunities offered by future investment and developments such as the Celtic Freeport.

    Martyn Wagstaff, Mental Health Advisor said:

    It’s really important that anyone who is struggling with their mental health asks for help. There is support available and talking to someone is the best way to get better.

    This funding from the Transition Board means that people in Neath Port Talbot will be able to access more help when needed.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Address to the National Schools Constitutional Convention, Parliament House theatrette, Canberra

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    Good afternoon everyone,

    Or as Alfred Deakin might have said if he were around today:

    ‘Welcome to the most fiscally fraught federation on earth’

    On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Education Minister, I’m delighted to welcome you to the National Schools Constitutional Convention.

    This year, we have 120 students from schools across the country, including those who have travelled long distances, like students from Katherine High School in the Northern Territory, Hedland Senior High School in WA, and Longreach State High School in Queensland.

    You join over 3,000 students who have participated in this convention since it began in 1995.

    You’re here because of your curiosity, your drive, and your interest in how our country works. Your schools and communities are proud of you, and you should be proud too.

    I want to thank your teachers and acknowledge Emeritus Professor Clement Macintyre from the University of Adelaide, who will be guiding you through these discussions, and recognise Professor Kim Rubenstein, Professor Anne Twomey and Dr Angela Jackson. I also want to thank the National Curriculum Services, who work hard each year to make this event happen.

    You’ve gathered here to tackle a question so complicated, so contentious, and so classically Australian that even the constitutional framers of the 1890s threw up their hands and reached for poetic metaphor. Take Sir Josiah Symon, who declared:

    ‘No human being—I do not believe even an archangel from heaven—could at this moment introduce into the Constitution which it is our mission to frame a provision which would do justice all round upon the financial question.’

    Yes, this is fiscal federalism—the constitutional equivalent of trying to split the bill at a 1901 dinner party where every guest is arguing over who ordered the roasted black swan.

    So, what are we talking about today?

    You’ve been asked to revisit 2 sections of the Constitution: 51(ii) and 90. Both are about money. Which, as we all know, is a topic capable of uniting families… in mutual suspicion.

    Section 51(ii) gives the Commonwealth power to make laws with respect to taxation ‘but so as not to discriminate between states or parts of states.’ That sounds fair. But as with most constitutional promises, the devil is in the drafting.

    Then there’s section 90, which gives the Commonwealth exclusive power over duties of customs and excise. Translation: only the Commonwealth can tax goods as they move through the economy. Which means, more or less, the states can’t. Unless they get… creative.

    And creative they have been. Let me take you on a whistle‑stop tour through a few highlights in the epic saga of Australia’s fiscal tug‑of‑war.

    Chapter 1: the Conventions—where optimism went to die

    Imagine you’re a delegate in the 1890s, sitting through the fifth day of debates in a hot Adelaide chamber. Your brain’s melting, your moustache is drooping, and someone just mentioned ‘surplus revenue’ again.

    Cheryl Saunders gives us this gem of a quote from the 1897 Convention:

    ‘We have had various very able persons who have devoted themselves to the consideration of the proposals made, who have all satisfied themselves as to the conclusions they have arrived at, and they all disagree with each other. I think it is only fair to say that most of us disagree with all of them.’ — Sir John Downer

    That’s not just debate fatigue — that’s fiscal despair.

    The question that haunted them: How do we share the money fairly between the Commonwealth and the States?

    The answer they settled on: a temporary formula for the first 10 years… and a vague hope that future generations would sort it out.

    Spoiler alert: they didn’t.

    Chapter 2: the Deakin Prophecy

    In 1902, Alfred Deakin, Prime Minister, constitutional framer, and certified financial fortune‑teller, warned:

    ‘The rights of self‑government of the States have been fondly supposed to be safeguarded by the Constitution. It left them legally free, but financially bound to the chariot wheels of the central government. Their need will be its opportunity.’

    Mic drop.

    Deakin predicted the states would become reliant on the Commonwealth for money. And he was right. Today, the Commonwealth raises most of the revenue, while the states do much of the spending.

    Chapter 3: Capital Duplicators

    One of the most entertaining cases involving section 90 comes from 1993 and it’s called Capital Duplicators. The ACT government, unhappy with the existence of X‑rated video shops, decided to tax them… heavily. They imposed a 40 per cent ‘licence fee’ on these shops.

    The High Court smelt a rat. It ruled the fee was essentially a sin tax on goods, disguised as a licence. Under section 90, only the Commonwealth can do that. So the ACT lost. In the end, it took technology, not taxes, to get rid of those X‑rated video shops.

    Chapter 4: the Inter‑State Commission—a sleeping giant?

    Or there’s the story of one of the most underappreciated characters in this whole drama: the Inter‑State Commission. Ever heard of it? Don’t worry—most people haven’t.

    The framers of the Constitution imagined it would be a powerful body, helping ensure fairness in trade and revenue distribution across states. For a brief moment in the early 20th century, it flickered to life. But today it mostly lives on in the fine print of constitutional debates and the dreams of reformers.

    Chapter 5: the great fiscal what‑ifs

    Every federation has its quirks — but Australia might just win the gold medal for creative constitutional workarounds. So let’s indulge in some ‘what‑ifs’ — the great might‑have‑beens of fiscal federalism.

    What if the states had kept control over income tax?

    What if the Inter‑State Commission had become a fiscal superhero rather than a constitutional wallflower?

    What if section 94, which says the Commonwealth should return surplus revenue to the states, had teeth?

    And here’s a big one: What if we designed our financial arrangements not just for efficiency or fairness, but for imagination?

    Could we create incentives that make it easier to live and work in regional towns? Could we design a tax system that reflects not just geography, but community needs and future opportunities? Could we balance national priorities with local autonomy?

    These are questions no court will answer, no accountant can solve alone. But they’re exactly the kind of questions that students — and future leaders — like you are here to wrestle with.

    Because when you boil it down, fiscal federalism isn’t about money. It’s about trust. About how we share, how we plan, and how we imagine a better, fairer federation.

    So why does this matter to you?

    You might be wondering: why do a bunch of talented teens need to care about section 51(ii)?

    Well, here’s the thing. Every school you’ve ever been to, every hospital you’ve ever walked past, every train you’ve taken or road you’ve driven on—they all depend on how the money flows in our federation.

    And the system we’ve inherited is full of tension.

    You’re here today because the future of our democracy needs people who ask hard questions, spot the absurdities, and aren’t afraid to imagine something better.

    So yes, there’ll be legal detail today. And yes, someone will probably say ‘vertical fiscal imbalance’ more times than is healthy.

    But I hope you also see the human side of all this. The reason section 51(ii) matters is not because it has a Roman numeral. It’s because it shapes whether your local community can afford better schools, roads, and public services.

    Tonight, the Treasurer will deliver the Budget speech in Parliament. For those of you attending the Budget Speech, it’s a fantastic opportunity to witness a major political event firsthand.

    I hope your time in Canberra sparks your interest in Australian politics—and maybe even inspires some of you to pursue a career in it.

    Let me leave you with one final thought. In 1901, our Constitution was a masterpiece of compromise. It created a nation from 6 colonies who didn’t particularly like each other. But in doing so, it made some assumptions about fairness, money and trust that haven’t aged all that well.

    And so we return to today’s theme: Can we reimagine Australia’s fiscal federalism to embrace regional economic possibilities while still maintaining national priorities?

    I say: that’s your job.

    Let’s get to work.

    Thank you and enjoy the Convention.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Washington Republicans’ Siding with Big Banks in Removing Protections from Junk Fees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Statement on Washington Republicans’ Siding with Big Banks in Removing Protections from Junk Fees

    Senator Reverend Warnock has spent years urging federal financial regulators to crack down on onerous junk fees
    ICYMI from WSBTV: Georgia leaders fighting rule to cap overdraft fees
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Financial institutions shouldn’t be padding their profits on the backs of struggling Georgia families; that is why I am voting no on this resolution, because I will always be on the side of lowering costs for hard working Americans instead of raising profits for big banks”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) released the following statement after the Republican-controlled Senate passed legislation to remove protections from junk fees for working Americans: 

    “I spent years fighting to cap overdraft fees at $5. That cap is finally announced and months away from giving ordinary people some breathing room by saving them some $5 billion a year in overdraft fees, but now, Washington Republicans are serving wealthy banks instead of the working people. Financial institutions shouldn’t be padding their profits on the backs of struggling Georgia families; that is why I am voting no on this legislation, because I will always be on the side of lowering costs for hard working Americans instead of raising profits for big banks,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Oklahoma Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Spring Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low‑interest federal disaster loans to Oklahoma businesses, nonprofits and residents who sustained physical damages and economic losses from the severe storms, tornadoes and straight-line winds occurring from March 3-4. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Kevin Stitt on March 21.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Coal, Garvin, Hughes, Johnston, McClain, Murray, Pontotoc, Pottawatomie and Seminole.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Beginning Monday, March 31, individuals can connect directly with SBA specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

    The DLOC hours of operations are listed below.

    PONTOTOC COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Ada Arts and Heritage Center
    400 S. Rennie Ave.
    Ada, OK  74820

    Opens 9 a.m. Monday, March 31

    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is May 27. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 26.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Issa, Hudson Introduce Bill to Prohibit State Excise Taxes on Firearms

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Representatives Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) today introduced the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act. This bill would prohibit states from implementing excise taxes on firearms and ammunition to fund gun control programs.

    “Blue states that implement an excessive excise tax to fund gun control initiatives are exploiting the Second Amendment,” said Risch. “The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act ensures states do not place a significant financial burden on law-abiding gun owners to advance their anti-Second Amendment agenda.”

    “For too many years, extreme state policies — including from my home state — have targeted our fundamental Second Amendment rights and the American citizens who exercise them,” said Issa. “The latest attack is California’s imposition of a ‘sin tax’ on firearms and ammunition. This outrageous and unfair burden on law-abiding citizens is why Sen. Risch, Rep. Hudson, and I are working to stop this and other attempts to penalize our people and put the price of self-defense out of reach of any American.”

    “Far-left politicians will stop at nothing to undermine the Second Amendment,” said Hudson. “Their latest scheme is an unconstitutional tax that seeks to price you out of your right to keep and bear arms, and this legislation will put a stop to it.”

    In 2024, California implemented a new 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition to discourage the purchase of firearms and fund gun control programs. Colorado is set to implement a 6.5% excise tax in April 2025. Maryland, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and New Mexico have proposed similar taxes. 

    Risch, Issa, and Hudson are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Hoeven (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) in introducing the legislation.

    The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act has received support from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and National Rifle Association (NRA).

    “There is a growing effort among states to levy excise taxes to discourage firearm ownership. California and Colorado have already implemented a gun tax to fund their gun control efforts and dismantle the Second Amendment,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. “Senator Risch’s bill would prevent these blatant and egregious attacks on the rights of Americans, and the National Rifle Association is proud to support this legislation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Understanding the debt deduction creation rules (DDCR)

    Source:

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    If you feel that our information does not fully cover your circumstances, or you are unsure how it applies to you, contact us or seek professional advice.

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    You are free to copy, adapt, modify, transmit and distribute this material as you wish (but not in any way that suggests the ATO or the Commonwealth endorses you or any of your services or products).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Initiates Actions to Reverse Biden-Era Mismanagement of Core 7(a) Lending Program

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, as part of the work to reverse the gross financial mismanagement of the prior Administration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it has restored lender fees to its 7(a) loan program. Waiving lender fees was one of the Biden-era practices that reduced the financial integrity of SBA lending programs at the expense of small businesses and taxpayers. These changes, along with a dramatic reduction in underwriting standards, ultimately drove the SBA’s core 7(a) lending program into negative cash flow for the first time in thirteen years – threatening its zero-subsidy status.

    “Since its inception, the SBA’s 7(a) loan program has launched millions of small businesses, driving economic growth and job creation. But the Biden Administration’s actions to undermine the financial integrity of the program now threaten to leave taxpayers on the hook,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “To safeguard taxpayer-backed capital and small business formation, the SBA is taking immediate action to reverse these policies, starting with the restoration of lender fees to protect the future of the program.”

    As the flagship SBA loan, the 7(a) loan guaranty offered through private lending institutions provides capital to qualified small businesses unable to borrow elsewhere. By statute, it is required to operate at “zero-subsidy,” or zero cost to taxpayers, and is funded through the collection of lender fees. Despite this mandate, the Biden Administration recklessly eliminated lender fees while simultaneously lowering underwriting standards for loans. Over the lifecycle of these loans, the Biden-era changes are projected to cost taxpayers billions.

    After promulgating lax underwriting standards such as “Do What You Do” and approving a host of non-regulated non-bank lenders to originate 7(a) loans, defaults and delinquencies roughly doubled. At the same time, reduced fee revenue left the agency in a shortfall and unable to cover the cost of failed loans. From 2022 to 2024, the SBA projects that the Biden Administration failed to collect on over $460 million in upfront lender fees. As a result, the SBA’s 7(a) loan program saw negative cash flow of about $397M in FY 24 – the first instance of negative cashflow in over a decade.

    Lender fees have gone back into effect starting this week for Fiscal Year 2025. Over the coming weeks, the SBA will announce additional changes to safeguard the future of the 7(a) loan program to restore its zero-subsidy status and ensure it remains a reliable resource for empowering small business growth and formation.

    # # #

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov .

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Introduces Paul Atkins, Trump’s Nominee to be SEC Commissioner

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today introduced Paul Atkins at his nomination hearing to be Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Partial Transcript:
    Thank you Mr. Chairman, and it’s a great honor for me to be with such a wonderful group of nominees today.
    I have a particular pleasure today, though, to introduce a longtime friend of mine. We were roommates in law school. Actually, when I talked with President Trump about Paul, when he was considering his nomination, I begged him not to hold that against Paul, and he certainly didn’t.
    But as I said, I’ve known him for a very long time. And since before I met Paul, I knew about him, and he has been known forever for his character, for his intellect, and his unrelenting work ethic.
    Today, those qualities are going to serve the American people exceptionally well. Given the many years of private practice and his prior service as SEC Commissioner, Paul has developed an unmatched understanding of financial markets and their regulatory challenges.
    And I’ve known Paul not only as a friend, but as a client, because I’ve called Paul and his team in to help the companies that I’ve invested in navigate some of the great challenges of the financial services’ regulatory environment, and his skill has been unwavering.
    Paul knows better than anyone that our nation’s global competitiveness fundamentally rests on the strength of our capital markets. He’s a true public servant and a great American.
    And if you have the opportunity to meet his three sons—two of them are here today that he and Sarah have raised together—you’ll know that Paul is a man of the highest caliber and character.
    Our nation deserves a man of Paul’s caliber steering the SEC. I urge all my colleagues to support his confirmation. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Schakowsky, Lawmakers Press Trump on Illegal FTC Firings, Demand Commissioners be Reinstated

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 27, 2025
    “These purported firings threaten the FTC’s existence as an independent enforcement agency and pave the way for you to use the FTC as a tool for partisan retribution.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), along with lawmakers Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.); Cory Booker (D-N.J.); Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); Ron Wyden (D-Ore.); Kathy Castor (D-Fla.); Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.); Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.); Robin Kelly (D-Ill.); Doris Matsui (D-Calif.); Robert Menendez (D-N.J.); Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.); Lori Trahan (D-Mass.); and Marc Veasey (D-Texas), sent a letter to President Donald Trump strongly opposing his illegal attempt to fire Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter, two members of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These firings could impede the FTC’s ongoing work, including efforts to lower food prices, tackle health care costs, and combat illegal business practices across the economy. 
    “This appears to be yet another decision that you have made to help Elon Musk and other billionaire supporters – and leaves middle-class families stuck with the costs,” wrote the lawmakers.
    Congress created the agency in 1914 as a bipartisan, independent commission, mandating that FTC commissioners could only be removed for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.” The Supreme Court has upheld this decision for nearly one hundred years. 
    “The illegal attempt to fire Commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter is just the latest in your ongoing campaign to hobble independent agencies and watchdogs to shield you and your billionaire donors, including Elon Musk, from accountability to the law,” wrote the lawmakers.
    The lawmakers raised concerns about numerousall of the FTC actions investigations that Trump’s illegal firings could put be at risk based on these decisions, including: by challenging grocery retailer and food manufacturer mergers that raise prices for households struggling to make ends meet; suing to stop agriculture equipment and pesticide monopolists from taking advantage of American farmers; returning moneyover $1.5 billion over four years to Americans ripped off by bad actors ranging from tax preparation companies to corporate landlords; lowering costs for inhalers andfrom $500 to $35 and lowering the cost of insulin; and returning millions in refunds to defrauded servicemembers and veterans, among other actions.
    The lawmakers urge Trump to act quickly to reinstate Commissioners Bedoya and Slaughter to ensure that pending FTC actions, particularly those that help American workers and families, will not be impactedcancelled or otherwise affected by the attempted firings.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Welch Lead Colleagues in Spotlighting Devastating Trump Cuts Jeopardizing Cures for Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancers 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Witnesses, including Former NIH Director, highlight how deep cuts, staffing layoffs, and delayed funding at NIH hurt life-saving research 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) hosted a forum on Capitol Hill titled “Cures in Crisis: What Gutting NIH Research Means for Americans with Cancer, Alzheimer’s, & Other Diseases.”
    The forum featured former Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., two Alzheimer’s disease researchers, and two patients who have benefitted from NIH clinical trials. The forum was hosted by Sens. Baldwin and Welch and attended by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and 15 Democratic Senators.
    Senator Welch and Senator Baldwin lead the Senate’s health care strike team in the Senate, which pushes back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on patients, providers, and medical research across the United States. 
    Watch a livestream of the forum here and view photos from the event below:  
    “The Trump Administration has taken a wrecking ball to the National Institutes of Health without a care about who gets hurt in the process. The first to feel the impact of these cuts will be American patients who rely on NIH’s cutting-edge research to get new therapies and cure diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. DOGE’s mass firing spree has also left our nation’s top scientists on the chopping block, stifling American innovation and weakening our leadership in biomedical science for years to come. These cuts and layoffs mean the difference between life and death for communities in both red and blue states,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join Senator Baldwin and our colleagues today to defend our commitment to science, research, and care across America.” 
    “I truly wish I didn’t need to host this forum but Elon Musk’s Doge and Donald Trump are quite literally on a path to rip away cures to cancer and Alzheimer’s disease – all to make room in their budget for tax breaks for the richest of the rich. Today, we heard from the people who will be paying the price – and I hope my Republican colleagues and the President were listening,” said Senator Baldwin. “Right now, we are wasting precious time that we cannot get back for American families hoping that their loved one has a chance to get better.” 
    “I resigned my post as NIH Director in January of this year. Since then, I have had no insight into how decisions are being made by our current leaders at HHS. I can speak, however, about the downstream effects of their decisions, and some irreparable damage that their policies are producing. To date more than 300 grants terminated; and about $1.5 billion in funding delays and barriers that are preventing NIH’s role of ensuring that funding is delivered to outstanding researchers across the nation,” said Dr. Bertagnolli, former Director of the NIH. “Today, we are just beginning to see progress against devastating diseases which have long been hopeless – Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, even pancreatic cancer – all because of NIH funding. And this has proven to be a great investment for American taxpayers – producing both extraordinary improvements in health, and significant profits for our nation’s economy. How can we afford to see this progress stalled? Overall, the loss to our nation on so many levels will be too great.” 
    “I’m here to emphasize the critical importance of NIH funding in the fight against Alzheimer’s—a disease that is one of our greatest public health and economic challenges. While deaths from heart disease and cancer have leveled off or declined thanks to decades of NIH investment, deaths from Alzheimer’s and related dementias have increased. Over 6.9 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s today—a number projected to double by 2050 without effective solutions,” said Dr. Sterling Johnson, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor and Associate Director of Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. “Our patients who have this progressive disease don’t have the luxury of time to shoulder the unnecessary delays and uncertainty that we are currently experiencing. The clock is ticking for them and their families. Now more than ever we need the continued full resolve and commitment of the federal government to meet their need.”  
    “I am here today as a scientist who has had 2 NIH grants abruptly terminated in the past month. On February 28th my first NIH grant was terminated, which had only 6 months remaining on a 4-year award… While these terminations are devastating for me and my team, particularly junior faculty and students, my primary concern is for the patients, research participants and the families who are already being impacted by the NIH’s recent radical shift in funding priorities,” said Dr. Whitney Wharton, PhD, Emory University Associate Professor and Alzheimer’s Disease researcher. “Termination of my peer reviewed grants, and hundreds of others, which were awarded based on merit, has potentially devastating implications for all Americans. It sets a concerning precedent where scientific inquiry and peer reviewed and awarded projects are turned off and on based on a set of changing priorities. Not only can this cause confusion, but it could also impact the pipeline of new and talented young investigators, and erase entire communities of patients, who are the most impacted by diseases like Alzheimer’s, from research entirely.” 
    “I speak here today not only for myself, but for every patient who has ever held out hope that research would buy them another year — or another decade. Without robust, sustained, and predictable funding from the NIH, those bridges to the next treatment won’t be there when patients need them. The bridge that saved me was built through decades of investment, innovation, and relentless commitment from our nation’s scientific community. But those bridges don’t build themselves,” said Dr. Larry Saltzman, M.D., retired physician living with leukemia and former Executive Research Director for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “I am living proof of what NIH research can do, and I don’t think I would be here today without the commitment that Congress has shown by prioritizing NIH funding over the past many decades. I ask you to protect this funding — so that more people can outlive their expiration dates.” 
    “The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies have been critical in funding groundbreaking research that offers hope to thousands of individuals like me, including by providing access to experimental treatments for ALS. The experimental drug I am taking could not only extend my life but could also lead to a cure. Access to this drug could mean seeing my son and grandson graduate high school and college, something I did not think was possible when I was diagnosed,” said Mr. Jessy Ybarra, veteran living with ALS and Board of Trustees member for the ALS Association. “But now funding cuts and reductions to funding at NIH and other research agencies threaten to derail decades of progress right when we are at the tipping point of finally finding a cure. But to be clear, this isn’t just about me, and everyone else impacted by ALS now and in the future. ALS costs our nation over one-billion dollars a year. Investing in finding a cure is not only fiscally responsible, but very simply, good public policy. I urge Congress to reject these harmful cuts to NIH and support the funding necessary.” 
    Joining Senators Baldwin, Welch, and Schumer at the forum were Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass).  
    Over the last two months, the Trump Administration has attacked, compromised, and gutted research at the NIH for lifesaving cures and treatments, including: 
    Cutting Funding for Research Facilities: NIH announced last month that it was planning to arbitrarily cap indirect cost rates at 15%, which would slash billions of dollars in funding that helps research institutions, like the University of Wisconsin, operate their facilities and labs, pay staff, and buy equipment needed for groundbreaking work to find cures for diseases and treatments for patients. 
    Stopping Funding for Alzheimer’s Disease: The Trump Administration is jeopardizing $65 million in funding for Alzheimer’s disease research at 14 research institutions across the country. 14 of the 35 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) have had their funding halted because the Trump Administration continues to cancel NIH Advisory Council meetings, which are the final required step in the grant approval process. 
    Terminating Grants for Lifesaving Research: The Trump Administration stopped all grant funding at NIH for ten days in February and is continuing to block funding for lifesaving disease research, like finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. This halt in funding is despite two court orders directing the Trump Administration to end its unlawful efforts to freeze all federal grants. This is in addition to Elon Musk indiscriminately terminating hundreds of active NIH grants every week, in direct defiance of federal court orders to stop NIH funding changes amid ongoing litigation. 
    Gutting Critical Staff: Mass layoffs at HHS under Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s direction are impacting everything from research to clinical trials, including scientists, nurses, pharmacists, and experts tracking disease spread. Reports show the NIH is expected to cut between 3,400 and 5,000 positions from its workforce of 20,000.  
    NIH funding contributed to research for roughly 99% of drugs approved between 2010 and 2019, including heart medications, according to the Center for American Progress. The advocacy group United for Medical Research found that in fiscal year 2023, funding from the agency supported more than 410,000 jobs, with 10,000 NIH-supported jobs in some states. In that same year, NIH-funded research fueled nearly $93 billion in economic spending. Overall, the economic benefit of NIH funding is more than twice the investment made through NIH appropriations.  
    For a breakdown of how much funding each state receives from the NIH, click here. A one-pager on President Donald Trump’s actions to gut the NIH and its impacts is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBC Advances Pair of Commonsense Bills to Crack Down on Fraudsters, Support Rural Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

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

    Published: March 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, led by Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), advanced a pair of bipartisan bills to crack down on fraud and expand rural small businesses’ access to critical resources.
    “The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship continues to enact commonsense solutions to help Main Street,” said Chair Ernst.
    Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Ernst’s Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act prevents criminals convicted of defrauding the Small Business Administration (SBA) from receiving future assistance from the agency. 
    “After the previous administration failed to pursue pandemic fraud, we are making up for lost time by holding criminals accountable,” said Chair Ernst.
    “Covid-era programs meant to support small businesses were repeatedly taken advantage of by fraudsters, depriving businesses of much-needed relief. I’m leading this effort to ensure that those convicted of defrauding the SBA will no longer be able to access future financial assistance from taxpayers,” said Young. 
    The Coordinated Support for Rural Small Businesses Act led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) increases coordination between the SBA and U.S. Department of Agriculture to support rural small businesses.
    “In towns across Iowa, small businesses are the lifeblood of the local economies. This bipartisan measure will streamline coordination between government agencies and help ensure that these job creators have access to the resources they need to succeed,” Chair Ernst.
    “Louisiana’s small businesses provide good paying jobs to folks throughout our state and support local economic growth. I’m thankful to my colleagues for advancing this bill to improve support for job creators and I look forward to full Senate consideration,” said Kennedy. 
    Background:
    A recent Government Accountability Office report exposed jaw-dropping incompetence by the Biden SBA in pursuing fraudsters that stole more than $200 billion in pandemic relief designated for small businesses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Murkowski Propose New Tax Credit to Promote Hydropower Facility Upgrades & Keep Energy Costs Affordable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    03.27.25

    Cantwell, Murkowski Propose New Tax Credit to Promote Hydropower Facility Upgrades & Keep Energy Costs Affordable

    Bipartisan legislation creates new federal incentive for dam safety and fish passage improvements, as well as help fund removal of obsolete river obstructions

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), joined Susan Collins (R-ME), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), in re-introducing bipartisan legislation to establish a new 30% federal tax incentive to encourage safety upgrades and improve fish passage at existing hydroelectric facilities, measures that will help ensure clean and affordable hydropower is able to continue power the Pacific Northwest economy. The bill would also create an additional complementary 30% tax credit to remove unused river barriers that do not produce electricity but are harming local ecosystems and outdoor recreation opportunities.

    “Clean and affordable hydropower is the backbone of Washington state’s economy and prosperity,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This measure will help ensure we can meet our urgent emission reduction goals while restoring miles of fish habitat.”

    “Hydropower provides clean, reliable, and affordable baseload energy around Alaska, but we’ve just begun to tap into our potential for this abundant resource,” Senator Murkowski said. “Our common sense legislation incentivizes hydropower along with innovation that will enhance grid resiliency, make our dams safer, and allow our fish habitats to thrive.”

    The Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025;

    • Establishes a 30% federal tax incentive to encourage upgrades to the safety and security of existing dams, investments that expand fish passage infrastructure, and improvements to water quality and recreational use opportunities at hydropower project sites. 
    • Establishes a first ever federal cost-share to encourage the removal of obsolete obstructions that harm river ecosystems and outdoor recreation opportunities.

    Both these tax incentives are available to be accessed by not-for-profit entities.

    The bipartisan Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act is widely supported by a number of key hydropower, utility, and conservation organizations — go HERE for a list of quotes from stakeholders

    Hydropower accounts for 5.7% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation in 2023, including approximately sixty percent of Washington state’s total and is a vital component of state and regional greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. Hydropower also has the unique ability to provide black start capabilities, grid voltage support, and integrate and balance increasing amounts of intermittent renewable energy sources.

    Many hydroelectric dams are decades old and face costly upgrades to keep them operational while providing affordable electricity. The current Investment Tax Credit (ITC) that covers hydropower only applies to investments that produce a marginal increase in power generation.

    This bipartisan legislation helps bridge the gap in current law by incentivizing upgrades that don’t result in power increases but are vitally important like adding fish-friendly turbines, fish ladders, and adding or replacing floodgates and spillways. Private, state, local, and non-profit groups can use the 30% federal tax incentive, with a direct pay option, to support efforts to demolish and remove unnecessary barriers with the owner’s consent.

    A joint proposal from the hydropower and river conservation community estimated that increased support for existing dam removal efforts could double the removal rate over the next ten years. That would result in the removal of 2,000 obsolete river obstructions and restore ecosystem functions essential for salmon recovery by opening up 20,000 miles of free-flowing river habitat.

    Sen. Cantwell has long been a consistent champion for hydropower production and pumped storage, including bipartisan legislation to reduce licensing barriers for small hydropower development, improve the FERC relicensing process to incentivize “early action” by utilities to make upgrades to dams that benefit ratepayers and the environment, maximize hydropower generation capacity where appropriate, and streamline pumped storage project approval.

    Last summer, Sen. Cantwell hosted a Pacific Northwest Energy Summit, to bring stakeholders together to discuss technological and policy solutions that will ensure NW ratepayers and our regional economy continue to benefit from abundant, affordable, and reliable clean energy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Decries Trump Auto Tariffs Expected to Spike Vehicle Prices By $5,000 to $15,000

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    03.27.25

    Cantwell Decries Trump Auto Tariffs Expected to Spike Vehicle Prices By $5,000 to $15,000

    Trump declared today that he’ll impose a 25% tax on imported vehicles & some auto parts starting 4/2; Cantwell: “The Constitution gave Congress this power to set duties and to regulate foreign commerce… It’s time for Congress to reassert that authority”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor excoriating President Donald Trump’s announcement that he’ll impose a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles starting on April 2.

    “We’re going to see the price of cars go up, and the fact that the American public can’t afford grocery costs, health care costs, or housing costs – we certainly don’t need to add in auto costs,” Sen. Cantwell said. “I’m pretty sure it’s a good deal for Elon Musk and Tesla. Don’t know that it’s such a good deal for everybody else.”

    “The framers of the Constitution gave Congress this power to set duties and to regulate foreign commerce. Congress. Commerce, Article One, Section Eight, could not be clearer. It’s time for Congress to reassert that authority. We need checks and balances now more than ever. We need to invest in innovation. We need to invest in skilling and training a workforce. We need to invest in modernizing infrastructure and equipment at our factories, and we need to open foreign markets for exports,” she continued. “American business does not need an endless trade war that creates chaos and raises prices on our consumers.” 

    Following Trump’s announcement today, several Wall Street analysts reported that Tesla – the company owned by Elon Musk – stood to benefit the most, with one analyst calling the company the “clear structural winner” of the new tariff. The “Detroit Big Three” – General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) – stand to take the hardest hit.

    The tariffs could also impact West Coast ports who import automobiles, such as the Port of Vancouver, Wash., which is the largest gateway for Subaru imports in the country. In 2023, 98,000 Subarus came through the Port of Vancouver.

    Last week, Sen. Cantwell joined the Washington Council of International Trade for a Q&A session on the whiplash caused by the administration’s chaotic tariff policies – and how they particularly harm the Pacific Northwest, which is among the most trade-dependent regions in the country. Sen. Cantwell said that the current administration’s approach to trade focuses on punitive tariffs, even with America’s largest trading partners and closest allies, as opposed to innovation and alliance-building. That ethos is fundamentally at odds with how the Pacific Northwest has historically built its trade-oriented economy.

    READ MORE:

    CNBC: Wall Street analysts say Elon Musk is the clear auto tariff winner: ‘Tesla wins, Detroit bleeds’

    KOMO Seattle: Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell says Congress should intervene before a trade war expands.

    The Columbian: Record number of Subarus came through Port of Vancouver in 2023

    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries. More information on how President Trump’s tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China will affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE. Nationwide:

    • A 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico would add an estimated $144 billion a year to the cost of manufacturing in the United States.
    • Tariffs on Canada and Mexico could increase U.S. car prices by as much as $15,000.
    • According to the Yale Budget Lab, Trump’s proposed tariffs would result in the highest U.S. effective tariff rate in more than 80 years, and depending on the level of retaliation by other trading partners, will result in increased costs of between $1,600 and $2,000 per household. According to their analysis, food, clothing, cars, and electronics will all see above-average price increases.

    Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of increased trade to grow the economy and keep prices in check in the State of Washington and nationwide. Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20% retaliatory tariff on American apples, which was imposed in response to tariffs on steel and aluminum and devastated Washington state’s apple exports. India had once been the second-largest export market for American apples, but after President Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum in his first term, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in response and U.S. apple exports plummeted. The impact on Washington apple growers was severe: Apple exports from the state dropped from $120 million in 2017 to less than $1 million by 2023.  In September 2023, following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops which was welcome news to the state’s more than 1,400 apple growers and the 68,000-plus workers they support.

    For the past two months, President Trump has been sowing economic chaos across the country with unpredictable and ever-changing tariff announcements. His back-and-forth announcements and actions, which have whipsawed American businesses and consumers, as well as close neighbors and allies, include:

    • On January 31 — citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs.
    • Last month, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
    • At 12:01 a.m. ET on March 4, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet.
    • Then, on March 5, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month.
    • The morning of March 6, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, later that same afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
    • On March 11, Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum – increasing them to 50% – before reversing himself later the same day.
    • On March 13, he threatened 200% tariffs on alcoholic products from the European Union, including all wine and Champagne.
    • Today, he announced plans to impose a 25% tax on all imported sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, cargo vans, and light trucks, as well as some auto parts, beginning on April 2.

    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s speech is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government addresses Wellington Water concerns

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is accelerating Local Water Done Well for the Wellington region to provide greater transparency at Wellington Water and ensure it is delivering value for money for ratepayers, say Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson. 

    “Over the last few months, I have had serious concerns around Wellington’s water services,” Mr Watts says.

    “Recent reports have shone a spotlight on high costs and unsound financial management at Wellington Water with clear evidence suggesting the ratepayers are not getting good value for money,” Mr Watts says. 

    “I am not satisfied by the progress made to address these glaring problems and without clear and decisive action, Wellingtonians face a decade of hefty rate increases with little to show for it.”

    The Government is bringing forward Local Water Done Well for the Wellington region by imposing early economic regulation on Wellington Water. This means the Commerce Commission will begin its role as a monitor for the Wellington region’s water services sooner than other water services under Local Water Done Well.

    “Given the current issues, Wellingtonians shouldn’t have to wait for the full economic regulation regime to be in place to have greater visibility over how their money is spent on water services,” Mr Simpson says.

    “The Commission will impose foundational information disclosure requirements on Wellington Water. This will require it to report to the public and the Commission on key delivery performance and financial management measures.

    “While the precise disclosure requirements will be set by the Commission, we anticipate it will include indicators that provide a view of value for money, procurement practices, and plans to address the shortcomings outlined in the published reports.”

    Mr Watts says the action today to increase public accountability at Wellington Water is implemented under Local Water Done Well legislation the Coalition Government passed last year.

    “The purpose of economic regulation including information disclosures is to promote the long-term benefit of consumers of water services and to ensure that sufficient information is available to assess whether that is occurring.

    “The foundational information disclosure framework provided for under last year’s Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act means we can ensure a more detailed picture sooner of how Wellington Water intends to address performance shortfalls in key areas.

    “Experience in other sectors shows information disclosure provides greater transparency and is expected to drive a shift in organisational behaviour. The action we are taking will help ensure steps are taken to reduce unnecessary future costs for Wellington ratepayers. 

    “This is consistent with the Government’s Local Water Done Well objectives – financially sustainable water services with strong regulatory oversight, strict rules for water quality and ongoing investment. It is also consistent with our focus on tackling cost of living challenges for New Zealanders.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Six-Month Helene Anniversary, Governor Stein, Commissioner Troxler Call on USDA to Allocate Funds to North Carolina Farmers

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: On Six-Month Helene Anniversary, Governor Stein, Commissioner Troxler Call on USDA to Allocate Funds to North Carolina Farmers

    On Six-Month Helene Anniversary, Governor Stein, Commissioner Troxler Call on USDA to Allocate Funds to North Carolina Farmers
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    On the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Helene, Governor Josh Stein and Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler sent a letter to US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, requesting that USDA approve a block grant to support the recovery efforts of farmers in Western North Carolina. 

    “Agriculture plays a crucial role in the region’s economy, and the farmers of western North Carolina have always demonstrated resilience,” said Governor Josh Stein. “However, Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact has left them in a difficult position, with staggering losses they will not recoup without external assistance.”

    “The damage to farms from Hurricane Helene is almost unimaginable, and it is going to take a lot to put them back together,” said NC Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler. “We will need funds to help with that recovery. We hope USDA will come through with block grant funding to do the things we know are going to be needed.”

    Stein and Troxler are requesting a block grant utilizing funds appropriated in the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025. Conversations regarding the allocation of these funds have begun, and timely approval of funds will be critical for ensuring farmers can quickly return to sustainable production levels.

    Last week, Governor Stein signed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part 1 into law, which provides $200 million for North Carolina farmers who have experienced crop losses or infrastructure damage due to Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein continues to advocate for additional funding that supports farmers in repairing their infrastructure and removing debris from their land. 

    Click here to read Governor Stein and Commissioner Troxler’s letter.  

    Mar 27, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Convicted at Trial for Running Catalytic Converter Theft Ring That Stole Millions of Dollars’ Worth of Converters

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Following a four-day jury trial, George Thomas, 72, formerly of Fresno and Clovis, was convicted today of selling thousands of stolen catalytic converters for more than $2.7 million, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    Thomas was also convicted of structuring the money that he received for the converters out of his bank accounts through cash withdrawals to conceal his activities from the government. Generally speaking, banks are required to report cash withdrawals over $10,000 to the government. Structuring is the intentional withdrawal of cash in increments under $10,000 to avoid that reporting threshold.

    “Catalytic converter theft is a nationwide problem that has affected tens of thousands of Californians,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud of its continuing effort to disrupt and dismantle this type of organized criminal activity that impacts so many victims.”

    “This collaboration exemplifies the power of teamwork between local and federal agencies in combating organized crime and ensuring justice for our community. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Deputy District Attorney Adam Kook for his initiative in engaging with federal authorities to drive a coordinated investigation in this case,” said District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. “Thanks to collaborate efforts of the agencies involved, the ringleader behind the catalytic converter theft operations across the Central Valley is now facing significant fines and jail time for his wrongdoing.”

    “The Fresno Police Department is proud to have participated with our partners, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Clovis Police Department, in this investigation and successful prosecution,” said Chief Mindy Casto. “Mr. Thomas’ criminal actions impacted countless members of our communities, both financially and emotionally. Through solid investigations by officers and detectives and the determined prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Thomas will finally be held accountable.”

    According to the evidence presented at trial, between January 2021 and November 2022, Thomas purchased stolen converters from a group of habitual thieves in the Fresno area who cut the converters off of vehicles. The sales occurred in the parking lots of motels, gas stations, and similar places at all hours of the day and night.

    Thomas gave the thieves instructions on the types of converters that he was looking for and how to best cut the converters off vehicles. Thomas also loaned the thieves money to pay for their motel rooms, saws, and bail. The loans were contingent on the thieves continuing to steal converters for him.

    After an initial search warrant was executed at Thomas’ home in mid-2021, Thomas continued with the illegal sales but tried to cover it up. The cover-up included taking a photograph of the thief and an identification card each time he made a sale, requesting a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the vehicle from which the converter was supposedly cutoff, and having the thief sign a piece of paper stating that the converter was not stolen.

    But Thomas did not actually change anything. For example, Thomas continued doing cash buys in the same places with the same thieves. He allowed the thieves to use fake and stolen IDs and provide him with false VINs. He also completed undercover sales where he said that he did not care where the VINs or converters came from.

    The following is an example of an incriminating photograph taken during the search warrant at Thomas’ home.

    Thomas drove the stolen converters to Oregon where he sold them to a metal recycling company for $2.7 million. The recycling company paid Thomas by wire transfer. He then withdrew the money through 386 cash withdrawals that were each under the $10,000 reporting threshold. He often made the withdrawals on his way to and from Oregon.

    Importantly, after Thomas was arrested in April 2023, reports of converter theft in the Fresno area decreased by more than 60 percent.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the Clovis Police Department, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton and Justin Gilio are prosecuting the case.

    Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 11, 2025. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of his convictions The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: STMicroelectronics Reports on Resolutions to be Proposed at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PR N°C3324C

    STMicroelectronics Reports on Resolutions to be Proposed
    at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

    Amsterdam, March 27, 2025 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, announced the resolutions to be submitted for adoption at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) which will be held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on May 28, 2025.

    The resolutions, proposed by the Supervisory Board, are:

    • The adoption of the Company’s statutory annual accounts for the year ended December 31, 2024, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The 2024 statutory annual accounts1 were filed with the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) on March 27, 2025 and are posted on the Company’s website (www.st.com) and the AFM’s website (www.afm.nl);
    • The distribution of a cash dividend of US$ 0.36 per outstanding share of the Company’s common stock, to be distributed in quarterly installments of US$ 0.09 in each of the second, third and fourth quarters of 2025 and first quarter of 2026 to shareholders of record in the month of each quarterly payment as per the table below;
    • The adoption of the remuneration for the members of the Supervisory Board;
    • The appointment of Werner Lieberherr, as member of the Supervisory Board, for a three-year term expiring at the end of the 2028 AGM, in replacement of Ms. Janet Davidson whose mandate will expire at the end of the 2025 AGM;
    • The reappointment of Ms. Anna de Pro Gonzalo, as member of the Supervisory Board, for a three-year term to expire at the end of the 2028 AGM;
    • The reappointment of Ms. Hélène Vletter-van Dort, as member of the Supervisory Board, for a three-year term to expire at the end of the 2028 AGM;
    • The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. as the Company’s external auditor for the financial years 2026-2029;
    • The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. to audit the Company’s sustainability reporting for the financial years 2026-2027, to the extent required by law;
    • The approval of the stock-based portion of the compensation of the President and CEO;
    • The approval of the stock-based portion of the compensation of the Chief Financial Officer;
    • The authorization to the Managing Board, until the conclusion of the 2026 AGM, to repurchase shares, subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board;
    • The delegation to the Supervisory Board of the authority to issue new common shares, to grant rights to subscribe for such shares, and to limit and/or exclude existing shareholders’ pre-emptive rights on common shares, until the end of the 2026 AGM;
    • The discharge of the members of the Managing Board; and
    • The discharge of the members of the Supervisory Board.

    The record date for all shareholders to participate at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be April 30, 2025. The complete agenda and all relevant detailed information concerning the 2025 AGM, as well as all related AGM materials, are available on the Company’s website (www.st.com) and made available to shareholders in compliance with legal requirements as of March 27, 2025.

    Upon the completion by the Supervisory Board of an on-going nomination and selection process, the Company will further communicate on additional nominations to serve on the Supervisory Board, which will be proposed to the general meeting of shareholders.

    As for rule amendments from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and conforming FINRA rule changes, on US market the standard for settlement is the next business day after a trade or t+1. European settlement rule remains at t+2 for the time being.

    The table below summarizes the full schedule for the quarterly dividends:

                  Transfer between New York and Dutch registered shares restricted:
      In Europe in NYSE      
    Quarter Ex-dividend Date Record Date Payment Date Ex-dividend and Record Date Payment Date: on or after   From End of Business in NY on: Until Open of Business in NY on:
    Q2 2025 23-Jun-25 24-Jun-25 25-Jun-25 24-Jun-25 1-Jul-25   20-Jun-25 25-Jun-25
    Q3 2025 22-Sep-25 23-Sep-25 24-Sep-25 23-Sep-25 30-Sep-25   19-Sep-25 24-Sep-25
    Q4 2025 15-Dec-25 16-Dec-25 17-Dec-25 16-Dec-25 23-Dec-25   12-Dec-25 17-Dec-25
    Q1 2026 23-Mar-26 24-Mar-26 25-Mar-26 24-Mar-26 31-Mar-26   20-Mar-26 25-Mar-26

    About STMicroelectronics
    At ST, we are 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of cloud-connected autonomous things. We are on track to be carbon neutral in all direct and indirect emissions (scopes 1 and 2), product transportation, business travel, and employee commuting emissions (our scope 3 focus), and to achieve our 100% renewable electricity sourcing goal by the end of 2027.

    Further information can be found at www.st.com.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Jérôme Ramel
    EVP Corporate Development & Integrated External Communication
    Tel: +41.22.929.59.20
    jerome.ramel@st.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Alexis Breton
    Corporate External Communications
    Tel: +33.6.59.16.79.08
    alexis.breton@st.com

    1    The Annual Report includes the sustainability statement which is prepared based on the general principles of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Fully Fund the Institute of Museum and Library Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01) are calling on President Donald Trump, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley, and Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Director Alex Meyer to immediately reverse the President’s March 14 Executive Order dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and implement all Congressionally appropriated funds for IMLS and its entities.
    The delegation wrote, in part: “We write with dismay at your attempt to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) ‘to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.’ We urge you to immediately reverse your March 14 Executive Order regarding IMLS and implement all Congressionally appropriated funds for IMLS and its entities. No agency authorized by Congress can be dismantled without another act of Congress. IMLS was established by an act of Congress in 1996.”
    They continued: “The Granite State received more than $1.5 million from IMLS in FY2024 alone, with the money going to statewide initiatives including an interlibrary loan system, the creation of a digital library, and literacy projects like the Summer Reading Program. From the Museum of the White Mountains to the Currier Museum of Art, New Hampshire’s museums are educational assets that make world-class exhibits accessible to students and families. They also power our local economies: The American Alliance of Museums and Oxford Economics estimate that museums supported 3,574 jobs and contributed $265 million to our state’s economy in 2017.”
    They concluded: “American support for IMLS transcends party lines. We urge you to focus on supporting museums and libraries and reconsider your Executive Order that would strip educational, economic, and technical assistance opportunities from our constituents.”
    The full text of the letter can be found here.
    New Hampshire’s federal delegation has been outspoken about the devastating impact that dismantling the IMLS will have on our libraries, communities, and economy. Last week, Congresswoman Goodlander met with Granite Staters at the Colebrook Public Library and heard firsthand the important role our libraries play in our communities. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Slams Republicans for Hypocrisy Over Refusal to Condemn Violence Championed by Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Senator Murray: “You will have to excuse me if I don’t take some Republicans seriously when they make this big show about law and order at the same time they are letting this President stab law enforcement in the back.”
    Once again, Republicans block Senator Murray’s one-line resolution condemning pardons of rioters who violently assaulted Capitol Police
    Senator Murray: “Just this week—mere days ago—President Trump speculated about compensating people who committed crimes on January 6th—about REWARDING their violence with taxpayer dollars. Where is the outrage? Where is the condemnation?”
    ***VIDEO HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, took to the Senate floor to rebuke Republicans for their hypocrisy in jumping to condemn violence directed at Tesla dealerships and the richest man in the world, while refusing to condemn full and unconditional pardons for rioters who violently assaulted police officers on January 6th.  
    Murray’s speech came just after Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) attempted to pass, via unanimous consent, a resolution condemning attacks against Tesla. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) objected to Senator Blackburn’s resolution and in response, attempted to pass via unanimous consent Senator Murray’s resolution that simply condemns the full and unconditional pardons President Trump granted to individuals found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers. Senator Blackburn then blocked the January 6th resolution—marking the second time Republicans have blocked passage of the simple, one-line resolution expressing opposition to the pardons of violent rioters who attacked Capitol Police.
    Senator Murray also sharply criticized recent comments by President Trump about providing financial compensation to January 6th criminals.
    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered on the Senate floor today, are below and HERE:
    “M. President, I have been unequivocal in saying in this country we use our voices, and our votes—not violence—to advocate for change. I have said it many times. I will say it many times more. And I say it today.
    “But you are sorely mistaken if you think I am going to sit here—feet away from our Capitol police officers—and let the Senate say we stand by the richest man on the planet, before saying we stand by the men and women who keep us safe every single day.
    “Where is the solidarity for our officers here? And where—by the way—is the plaque Congress passed into law honoring their sacrifice on January 6th? Do I have to march down to Speaker Johnson’s office and put it up on my own? You can hang it on my door! You just bring the plaque, I’ll get the nails and do it myself.
    “Because I am not going to let anyone ever erase this history—and I am not going to let them paper over it with outrage on behalf of the richest man in the world.
    “I have no problem condemning violence, I will do that any day of the week. I condemn attacks on car owners, and salespeople. I condemn destroying other people’s personal property. This is not a new position for me.
    “But you will have to excuse me if I don’t take some Republicans seriously when they make this big show about law and order at the same time they are letting this President stab law enforcement in the back.
    “I am not going to let some Republicans get by selling a charade. Not weeks after they voted to freeze funding levels for law enforcement—in a bill where House Republicans slashed DC’s budget for police officers.
    “Not months after Trump tried to halt COPS grants and many Republicans didn’t breathe a word about it. Not when Trump is still in the middle of firing just about as many federal law enforcement workers as he can get away with. And certainly not when some of my Republican colleagues are still ignoring how our lawless President continues to champion the very people who attacked our Capitol Police.
    “Just this week—mere days ago—President Trump speculated about compensating people who committed crimes on January 6th—about rewarding their violence with taxpayer dollars. Where is that outrage? Where is the condemnation? What are some of you waiting for?
    “And don’t you try for a single second to say ‘oh he’s not talking about the violent ones.’ Y’all know better—we all know better.
    “Remember when you tried to say that about pardons? Remember how that worked out? Trump pardoned people who violently attacked police! They are back on the streets—except the ones who already committed new crimes.
    “I don’t know how my colleagues keep forgetting what happened on January 6th. I don’t know how on earth it is not burned into their memories.
    “But President Trump is talking about people who attacked this building, our offices, our staffs, our democracy. He’s talking about people who smashed windows in we walk by every day. People who brought bats and other weapons to the halls where we meet our constituents. People who beat the Capitol Police who keep us safe every day, the Capitol Police who are standing guard even now, who sit right outside this chamber!
    “These are violent criminals, and President Trump is talking about them like heroes. He wants us to write them a check!
    “Over my dead body, Mr. President. And I will say it again, and again, and again.
    “And unlike some of my Republican colleagues—I will say it the same for people who burn Teslas and for people who smash windows in here at the Capitol.
    “I’m tired of watching this; I know our constituents are. We need to demand that Speaker Johnson hang that plaque. It is not too much to ask. And I hope that this body recognize: violence is violence, and we should condemn the attacks on January 6th.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Illinois Farm Bureau In Washington

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    March 27, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today met with members of the Illinois Farm Bureau to discuss the state of federal agriculture policy and Illinois’ agricultural priorities.  During the meeting, Durbin heard from Farm Bureau members about the economic uncertainty they are facing with crop prices and production costs, and the financial harms caused by the Trump Administration’s tariffs.  Other topics raised included foreign trade, solutions for migrant workforce shortages, and the importance of permanent E15 markets.
    “Today, I spoke with members of the Illinois Farm Bureau and heard their concerns about the Trump Administration’s trade policies,” said Durbin.  “I will continue to be an ally to Illinois farmers and advocate for policies that support our agricultural sector.”
    Photos of the meeting are available here.
    Members from the following towns attended today’s meeting:
    Alexander, Illinois (Morgan County)
    Wheeler, Illinois (Jasper County)
    Waterman, Illinois (DeKalb County)
    Morrisonville, Illinois (Christian County)
    Delavan, Illinois (Tazewell County)
    Quincy, Illinois (Adams County)
    Victoria, Illinois (Knox County)
    Gillespie, Illinois (Macoupin County)
    Alhambra, Illinois (Madison County)
    New Berlin, Illinois (Sangamon County)
    Woodstock, Illinois (McHenry County)
    Osco, Illinois (Henry County)
    Springfield, Illinois (Sangamon County)
    Lynn Center, Illinois (Henry County)
    Carlinville, Illinois (Macoupin County)
    Williamsfield, Illinois (Knox County)
    Marshall, Illinois (Clark County)
    Earlier this month, Durbin joined 13 of his Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump warning against imposing tariffs as they threaten American farmers, ranchers, businesses, and consumers. 
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces Closing of C$22,850,000 First Tranche of Convertible Debenture Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    TORONTO, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, indirect majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announces that it has closed the first tranche (the “First Tranche”) of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) of secured convertible debentures (the “Debentures”) for aggregate gross proceeds of C$22.85 million. The Company may close a second and final tranche (the “Second Tranche”) of the Offering for gross proceeds of up to C$17.15 million at a later date.

    The outstanding principal amount of the Debentures, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, will become due and payable in full on March 26, 2028 (the “Maturity Date”) and will be payable in cash. Each Debenture consists of C$1,000 principal amount of secured convertible debentures of the Company and is convertible into common shares of the Company (each, a “Debenture Share”) at the option of the holder thereof prior to the Maturity Date at a conversion price equal to $13.00 per Debenture Share (the “Conversion Price”).

    The Company has the right to redeem the Debentures at redemption price equal to 105% of the principal amount of the outstanding Debentures plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date prior to the date of redemption: (a) at any time, should the VWAP of the Company’s common shares exceed 130% of the Conversion Price for no fewer than 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days, or (b) after March 26, 2027.

    The Debentures were issued at an original issue discount equal to 2.5% of the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures and bear interest at a rate of 7.0% per annum from the date of issue, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on June 30 and December 31 of each year following the first interest payment date of September 30, 2026. The Debentures are secured against certain publicly-traded securities owned by the Company.

    The Offering is subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the final approval of Cboe Canada. The net proceeds of the First Tranche are expected to be used for general corporate and working capital purposes. The Debentures and Debenture Shares issuable pursuant to the First Tranche are subject to statutory hold periods of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

    In connection with the Offering, so long as the Debentures remain outstanding, the Company has agreed to not assume any additional indebtedness without the consent of a majority of the holders of Debentures as may be outstanding from time to time, other than: (a) certain permitted debt arrangements of up to C$10,000,000 for working capital or regulatory capital requirements in the normal course of business, and (b) trade indebtedness in the normal course of its business.

    The Company paid eligible finders a total cash commission of C$510,400 in connection with gross proceeds received from subscribers introduced to the Company by such finders.

    A certain holder of greater than 10% of the Company’s common shares acquired $4,000,0000 principal amount of Debentures under the First Tranche (the “Insider Participation”). The Insider Participation constitutes a “related party transaction” as such term is defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). The Company is relying on an exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, on the basis that the Insider Participation does not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company’s market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the Insider Participation at least 21 days before the closing of the First Tranche, which the Company believes is reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the First Tranche in an expeditious manner.

    The securities offered in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

    About Abaxx Technologies
    Abaxx is building Smarter Markets — markets empowered by better financial technology and market infrastructure to address our biggest challenges, including the energy transition. In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is an indirect majority-owner of subsidiaries Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, recognized by MAS as a “recognised market operator” (RMO) and “approved clearing house” (ACH), respectively.

    Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing are a Singapore-based commodity futures exchange and clearinghouse, introducing centrally cleared, physically deliverable commodities futures and derivatives to provide better price discovery and risk management tools for the commodities critical to our transition to a lower-carbon economy.

    For more information please visit abaxx.tech, abaxx.exchange and smartermarkets.media.

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 246 271 0082
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes, but is not limited to: matters related to the Offering and the conversion of the Debentures, statements related to the closing of the Second Tranche including the timing and size thereof, regulatory approvals, the agreement to not assume additional indebtedness except certain permitted indebtedness, and the inability of Abaxx to apply the use of proceeds from the Offering as anticipated. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: the inability to obtain required approvals for the Offering, risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions, protection of intellectual property rights, contractual risk, third-party risk; clearinghouse risk, malicious actor risks, third-party software license risk, system failure risk, risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains, and the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management’s discussion & analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Australians almost never vote out a first-term government. So why is this year’s election looking so tight?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Pandanus Petter, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University

    Now that an election has been called, Australian voters will go to the polls on May 3 to decide the fate of the first-term, centre-left Australian Labor Party government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

    In Australia, national elections are held every three years. The official campaign period only lasts for around a month.

    This time around, Albanese will be seeking to hold onto power after breaking Labor’s nine-year dry spell by beating the more right-leaning Liberal Party, led by Scott Morrison, in 2022.

    Now, he’s up against the Liberals’ new leader, a conservative with a tough guy image, Peter Dutton. It’s looking like a tight race.

    So how do elections work in Australia, who’s contesting for the top spot and why is the race looking so close?

    For Albanese, the honeymoon is over

    Albanese was brought into power in 2022 on the back of dissatisfaction with the long-term and scandal-prone Liberal-National Coalition government.

    At the time, he was considered personally more competent, warm and sensible than Morrison.

    Unfortunately for Albanese, the dissatisfaction and stress about the cost of living hasn’t gone away.

    Governments in Australia almost always win a second term. However, initially high levels of public support have dissipated over the first term. Opinion polls are pointing to a close election, though Albanese’s approval ratings have had a boost in recent weeks.

    At the heart of what makes this such a tight contest are issues shared by many established democracies: the public’s persistent sense of economic hardship in the post-pandemic period and longer-term dissatisfaction with “politics as usual”, combined with an increased focus on party leaders.

    Around the world, incumbents have faced challenges holding onto power over the past year, with voters sweeping out the Conservatives in the United Kingdom and the Democrats in the United States.

    Australia has faced some similar economic challenges, such as relatively high inflation and cost-of-living problems.

    Likewise, Australia – like many other established democracies – has long-term trends of dissatisfaction with major parties and the political system itself.

    However, this distaste with “business as usual” manifests differently in Australia from comparable countries such the UK and US.

    Australia’s voting system

    In Australia, voting is compulsory, and those who fail to turn out face a small fine. Some observers have argued this pushes parties to try to persuade “swing” voters with more moderate policies, rather than rely on their faithful “bases” and court those with more extreme views who are more likely to vote.

    In the UK, by comparison, widespread public distaste with the Conservatives, combined with low turnout and first-past-the-post voting, delivered Keir Steirmer’s Labour Party a dramatic victory. This was despite a limited uptick in support.

    And in the US, turnout in the 2024 election was only about 64%. Donald Trump and the Republicans swept to power last year by channelling a deep anti-establishment sentiment among those people who voted.

    And the country is now so polarised, that the more strongly identifying Democrat and Republican voters who do turn out to vote can’t see eye to eye on highly emotionally charged issues which dominate the parties’ platforms. Independent voters are left without “centrist” options.

    Because Australia’s voting system is different, Dutton is unlikely to follow Trump’s far-right positioning too closely, despite dabbling in the “anti-woke” culture wars.

    It also explains why Albanese’s personal style is usually quite mild-mannered and why he’s unlikely to present himself as a radical reformer.

    However, neither man’s approach has made them wildly popular with the public. This means neither can rely on their own popularity to win over the public.

    Another factor making Australia distinct is that voters rank their choices, with their vote flowing to their second choice if their first choice doesn’t achieve a majority. This means many races in the 150-seat lower house of parliament are won from second place.

    Similarly, seats in the Senate (Australia’s second chamber, with the power to amend or block legislation) are won based on the proportion of votes a party receives in each state or territory. This gives minor parties and independents a better chance at winning seats compared to the lower house.

    This means dissatisfaction with the major parties has in recent years created space for minor parties and a new crop of well-organised independents to get elected and influence policy. In 2022, around one-third of voters helped independents and minor parties take seats off both the Liberals and Labor in the inner cities.

    To win government, Dutton will need to get them back, or take more volatile outer-suburban seats off Labor.

    The big policy concerns

    Against this backdrop, Australian voters both in 2022 and today have a fairly consistent set of policy concerns. And while parties want to be seen addressing them, their messaging isn’t always heard.

    The 2022 Australian Election Study, run by Australian political researchers, revealed that pessimism about the economy and concerns about the cost of living were front of mind when Australians voted out the Liberal-National Coalition government last federal election.

    This time around, one might think some relative improvement in economic factors like unemployment and cuts to interest rates would put a spring in the prime minister’s step.

    However, the public is still very concerned about the day-to-day cost-of-living pressures and practical issues such as access to health care.

    The government’s policy efforts in this direction – for example, tax cuts and subsidies for power bills – have so far not strongly cut through.

    What have the major parties promised?

    Comparing the parties’ platforms, Labor is firmly focused on economic and government service issues to support people in the short term.

    Although expected to announce the election earlier, Albanese was handed the opportunity of delivering an extra budget by a tropical storm in early March. This included spending promises foreshadowed earlier, as well as a new modest tax cut as an election sweetener.

    In the longer term, Labor has promised significant incentives to improve access to free doctor’s visits and focused on investments in women’s health, as well as technological infrastructure.

    Labor is also encouraging more people to fill skill shortages through vocational education and promising to make the transition to renewable energy, while simultaneously supporting local manufacturing.

    The Coalition, for its part, has been critical of these long-term goals and promised to repeal the newly legislated tax cuts in favour of subsidies for petrol. It has focused its message on reduced government spending, while strategically mirroring promises on health to avoid Labor attacks on that front.

    Dutton has also proposed cuts to migration to reduce housing pressures and a controversial plan to build nuclear power plants at the expense of renewables.

    Will these differences in long-term plans cut through? Or are people focused on short-term, hip-pocket concerns?

    This election, whatever the result, will not represent a long-term shifting of loyalties, but rather a precarious compact with distrustful voters looking for relief in uncertain times.

    Pandanus Petter is employed at the Australian National University with funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Australians almost never vote out a first-term government. So why is this year’s election looking so tight? – https://theconversation.com/australians-almost-never-vote-out-a-first-term-government-so-why-is-this-years-election-looking-so-tight-250249

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Wright Acts to Remove Red Tape, Accelerate Mission Execution at America’s National Weapons and Science Labs

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced new actions to ease burdensome permitting rules and regulations for construction projects at the Department’s 17 National Labs. These reforms will accelerate much-needed critical infrastructure improvement projects at DOE’s National Labs, enabling the Department to move faster on important projects while saving hundreds of millions of dollars for the American taxpayer.

    “With President Trump’s leadership, we have a unique opportunity to advance energy abundance, lead the world in scientific and technological innovation, and modernize our weapons stockpiles,” Secretary Wright said. “Unfortunately, over the years, burdensome regulations delayed the important work being done at our National Labs. Currently, many of our nation’s most critical weapons development sites rely on aging facilities, some even dating back to the Manhattan Project.

    “By reforming DOE’s permitting rules and regulations for our National Labs, we can speed up critical infrastructure improvements and make the Energy Department a better steward of taxpayer dollars. President Trump pledged to bring common sense back to our energy policymaking, and that’s exactly what we’re doing today.”

    In Secretary Wright’s Day One Secretarial Order, he highlighted the need to streamline permitting, remove undue burdens on American energy and modernize America’s nuclear stockpile as top priorities for the Department. Today’s action is an important step in fulfilling these priorities for the American people.

    SECRETARIAL ORDER

    FROM: CHRIS WRIGHT, U.S. SECRETARY OF ENERGY

    SUBJECT: Strengthening National Laboratory Efficiency and Mission Execution

    The Department of Energy’s National Laboratory system serves as the backbone of the Nation’s scientific enterprise. Founded as part of a strategic national investment in science during and following World War II, the National Laboratories form the most comprehensive research network of its kind. While most of the National Laboratories’ work is driven by the Department’s primary missions in energy innovation, science discovery, nuclear security, and environmental cleanup, they are a national resource and serve the national interest by addressing challenges extending beyond energy and catalyzing research that spans across sectors.

    As Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) managed through Management and Operating (M&O) contracts, it is imperative that we continually evaluate existing requirements and processes to ensure that the National Laboratories have the necessary authority and flexibility to successfully execute critical missions on behalf of the Department of Energy and the Nation. To that end, I am directing the following actions to be implemented immediately:

    • Revise delegated project authority within DOE Order 413.3B from $50 million to $300 million specific to the National Laboratories managed under M&O contracts. Tailor DOE Order 413.3B to only require DOE independent project reviews at specific critical decision points on projects between $300 million – $1 billion, subject to sustained successful project execution. Capital asset projects with a total project cost of more than $1 billion shall continue to follow the full scope of requirements established in DOE Order 413.3B.
    • Expand the use of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s successful “OSHA-Plus” framework for subcontracted construction projects at the National Laboratories. The framework uses a tailored, graded approach to meet Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 851, Worker Safety and Health Program, which increases competition and reduces costs while maintaining a safe work environment.
    • Assess the benefits and risks of removing construction labor agreement provisions from National Laboratory contracts. Risks to be evaluated include increased potential for labor strikes and local community concerns.
    • Revise National Laboratory contract clauses on Employee Compensation: Pay and Benefits to eliminate requirements that are not mandated by statute/regulation or are not necessary to monitor DOE’s financial liabilities related to defined benefit plans. The National Laboratories must continue to comply with FAR 31.205-6, DEAR 970.5216-7, and DEAR 970.3102-05-6, and will be accountable for pay and benefits decisions subject to annual audits.

    In addition to the above actions for immediate implementation, the Laboratory Operations Board Director shall establish a working group to identify opportunities to streamline and, as necessary, develop new procedures and timelines to ensure greater efficiency and accountability for Strategic Partnership Projects (SPP) and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA). Proposed improvements or streamlining initiatives shall be provided to the Office of the Secretary within 30 days.

    These measures are representative of focused and purposeful actions to prudently streamline our processes, place decision-making authority at the appropriate level, and reduce unnecessary administrative burden on both the laboratories and federal stewards to more efficiently and effectively enable critical mission objectives. It is critical that we implement new delegations and flexibilities as intended, working collaboratively to ensure streamlining efforts have the intended outcome. The Laboratory Operations Board will be responsible for coordinating the necessary actions outlined in this memorandum and tracking implementation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Who Bought Diamond-Studded “Grills” With Fraud Cash Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – A federal district judge in South Florida has sentenced an Orlando man to almost six years in prison for leading a scheme that defrauded California’s Employment Development Department of over $4 million in state and federal unemployment insurance benefit money. The judge also ordered him to pay over $1.2 million in restitution.

    Zachary Kameron Ramyard, 23, of Orlando, Fla. pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in October 2024.

    From August 2020 to August 2022, Ramyard and others submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims to California’s Employment Development Department (EDD). UI payments are intended to provide temporary financial assistance to lawful workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. They purchased the personally identifiable information (PII) of victims (including names, dates of birth, and social security numbers), created counterfeit driver licenses with it, and submitted at least 68 fraudulent UI benefits applications using the victims’ PII.

    Ramyard also withdrew hundreds of thousands of dollars in UI funds from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in different states using fraudulent debit cards. (The EDD typically distributed UI benefits electronically to debit cards that were mailed to claimants.) Ramyard used the cash to buy luxury items like the diamond-studded teeth jewelry, also known as “grills,” pictured above.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne, Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami and Special Agent in Charge Mathew Broadhurst of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Southeast Region announced the sentence.

    HSI Miami and DOL-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Egozi prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster is handling asset forfeiture.

    Additional Background Information: Beginning in or around March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several federal programs expanded UI eligibility and increased UI benefits, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC), and the Lost Wages Assistance Program (LWAP). In the State of California, the EDD administered the UI program.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred. EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website, and the applications were processed, and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA.

    COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force: On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please click here.

    Reporting: 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.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-cr-20382.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Ring Energy to Participate in Water Tower Research Fireside Chat on April 1, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE WOODLANDS, Texas, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSE American: REI) (“Ring” or the “Company”) today announced its participation in a fireside chat with Water Tower Research (“WTR”) on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM Central Time.

    As part of WTR’s ongoing Fireside Chat Series, Jeff Robertson, Managing Director at WTR, will lead an in-depth conversation with Paul McKinney, Ring’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Included in the discussion will be a variety of important topics including the recently announced $100-million acquisition of producing assets on the Central Basin Platform of the Permian Basin and the impact the transaction has on Ring’s outlook for 2025 and beyond. Topics will also include:

    • Acquisition’s impact on Ring’s conventional asset base in the Permian Basin;
    • Funding and the impact on Ring’s financial scale;
    • Economic tradeoff between acquiring production or drilling in current commodity/cost environment; and
    • Strategy to maximize free cash flow to strengthen balance sheet.

    Investors and other interested parties can access the event by registering in advance at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6417430107423/WN_KGfsFAmKQ722yoIPdOKhAw.The presentation will also be available through Ring’s web site, www.ringenergy.com on the “Overview” page under the “Investors” tab.

    About Ring Energy, Inc.
    Ring Energy, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration, development, and production company with current operations focused on the development of its Permian Basin assets. For additional information, please visit www.ringenergy.com.

    SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements involve a wide variety of risks and uncertainties, and include, without limitations, statements with respect to the Company’s strategy and prospects. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which are disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC, including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and its other filings with the SEC. Readers and investors are cautioned that the Company’s actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

    Contact Information

    Al Petrie Advisors
    Al Petrie, Senior Partner
    Phone: 281-975-2146
    Email: apetrie@ringenergy.com

    The MIL Network –