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Category: Education

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why rating your pain out of 10 is tricky

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Pate, Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney

    altanaka/Shutterstock

    “It’s really sore,” my (Josh’s) five-year-old daughter said, cradling her broken arm in the emergency department.

    “But on a scale of zero to ten, how do you rate your pain?” asked the nurse.

    My daughter’s tear-streaked face creased with confusion.

    “What does ten mean?”

    “Ten is the worst pain you can imagine.” She looked even more puzzled.

    As both a parent and a pain scientist, I witnessed firsthand how our seemingly simple, well-intentioned pain rating systems can fall flat.

    What are pain scales for?

    The most common scale has been around for 50 years. It asks people to rate their pain from zero (no pain) to ten (typically “the worst pain imaginable”).

    This focuses on just one aspect of pain – its intensity – to try and rapidly understand the patient’s whole experience.

    How much does it hurt? Is it getting worse? Is treatment making it better?

    Rating scales can be useful for tracking pain intensity over time. If pain goes from eight to four, that probably means you’re feeling better – even if someone else’s four is different to yours.

    Research suggests a two-point (or 30%) reduction in chronic pain severity usually reflects a change that makes a difference in day-to-day life.

    But that common upper anchor in rating scales – “worst pain imaginable” – is a problem.

    People usually refer to their previous experiences when rating pain.
    sasirin pamai/Shutterstock

    A narrow tool for a complex experience

    Consider my daughter’s dilemma. How can anyone imagine the worst possible pain? Does everyone imagine the same thing? Research suggests they don’t. Even kids think very individually about that word “pain”.

    People typically – and understandably – anchor their pain ratings to their own life experiences.

    This creates dramatic variation. For example, a patient who has never had a serious injury may be more willing to give high ratings than one who has previously had severe burns.

    “No pain” can also be problematic. A patient whose pain has receded but who remains uncomfortable may feel stuck: there’s no number on the zero-to-ten scale that can capture their physical experience.

    Increasingly, pain scientists recognise a simple number cannot capture the complex, highly individual and multifaceted experience that is pain.

    Who we are affects our pain

    In reality, pain ratings are influenced by how much pain interferes with a person’s daily activities, how upsetting they find it, their mood, fatigue and how it compares to their usual pain.

    Other factors also play a role, including a patient’s age, sex, cultural and language background, literacy and numeracy skills and neurodivergence.

    For example, if a clinician and patient speak different languages, there may be extra challenges communicating about pain and care.

    Some neurodivergent people may interpret language more literally or process sensory information differently to others. Interpreting what people communicate about pain requires a more individualised approach.

    Impossible ratings

    Still, we work with the tools available. There is evidence people do use the zero-to-ten pain scale to try and communicate much more than only pain’s “intensity”.

    So when a patient says “it’s eleven out of ten”, this “impossible” rating is likely communicating more than severity.

    They may be wondering, “Does she believe me? What number will get me help?” A lot of information is crammed into that single number. This patient is most likely saying, “This is serious – please help me.”

    In everyday life, we use a range of other communication strategies. We might grimace, groan, move less or differently, use richly descriptive words or metaphors.

    Collecting and evaluating this kind of complex and subjective information about pain may not always be feasible, as it is hard to standardise.

    As a result, many pain scientists continue to rely heavily on rating scales because they are simple, efficient and have been shown to be reliable and valid in relatively controlled situations.

    But clinicians can also use this other, more subjective information to build a fuller picture of the person’s pain.

    How can we communicate better about pain?

    There are strategies to address language or cultural differences in how people express pain.

    Visual scales are one tool. For example, the “Faces Pain Scale-Revised” asks patients to choose a facial expression to communicate their pain. This can be particularly useful for children or people who aren’t comfortable with numeracy and literacy, either at all, or in the language used in the health-care setting.

    A vertical “visual analogue scale” asks the person to mark their pain on a vertical line, a bit like imagining “filling up” with pain.

    Modified visual scales are sometimes used to try to overcome communication challenges.
    Nenadmil/Shutterstock

    What can we do?

    Health professionals

    Take time to explain the pain scale consistently, remembering that the way you phrase the anchors matters.

    Listen for the story behind the number, because the same number means different things to different people.

    Use the rating as a launchpad for a more personalised conversation. Consider cultural and individual differences. Ask for descriptive words. Confirm your interpretation with the patient, to make sure you’re both on the same page.

    Patients

    To better describe pain, use the number scale, but add context.

    Try describing the quality of your pain (burning? throbbing? stabbing?) and compare it to previous experiences.

    Explain the impact the pain is having on you – both emotionally and how it affects your daily activities.

    Parents

    Ask the clinician to use a child-suitable pain scale. There are special tools developed for different ages such as the “Faces Pain Scale-Revised”.

    Paediatric health professionals are trained to use age-appropriate vocabulary, because children develop their understanding of numbers and pain differently as they grow.

    A starting point

    In reality, scales will never be perfect measures of pain. Let’s see them as conversation starters to help people communicate about a deeply personal experience.

    That’s what my daughter did — she found her own way to describe her pain: “It feels like when I fell off the monkey bars, but in my arm instead of my knee, and it doesn’t get better when I stay still.”

    From there, we moved towards effective pain treatment. Sometimes words work better than numbers.

    Joshua Pate has received speaker fees for presentations on pain and physiotherapy. He receives royalties for children’s books.

    Dale Langford has received honoraria and research support from the Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trials, Translations, Innovations, and Opportunities Network (ACTTION), a public-private partnership with the United States (US) Food & Drug Administration. She has also been supported by the US National Institutes of Health.

    Tory Madden works for the University of Cape Town, where she directs the African Pain Research Initiative. She receives funding from the US National Institutes of Health. She is affiliated with the University of South Australia, KU Leuven, and the Train Pain Academy not-for-profit organisation.

    – ref. Why rating your pain out of 10 is tricky – https://theconversation.com/why-rating-your-pain-out-of-10-is-tricky-246140

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Presses NIH Nominee on Mass Firings, Trump Attempts to Cut Billions from Biomedical Research, Unprecedented Halt on NIH Advisory Council Meetings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Meeting with NIH Nominee Jay Bhattacharya

    ICYMI: Republicans Block Murray Amendment to Reverse Devastating and Illegal Cuts to NIH Research

    *** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s FULL questioning HERE***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chairof the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, questioned Dr. Jayanta “Jay” Bhattacharya, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at a HELP committee hearing on his nomination. Murray pressed Dr. Bhattacharya on the state of crisis at NIH, with Trump and Elon Musk’s wide-ranging attacks on biomedical research and NIH’s mission—from the unprecedented grant freezes, to the halting of advisory committee meetings and clinical trials, and the indiscriminate and senseless mass firings being carried out by Musk’s “DOGE.” Murray also pressed Dr. Bhattacharya on the Trump administration’s recent attempt to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent—a move Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked. Senator Murray met with Dr. Bhattacharya last month.

    Murray began by pressing Dr. Bhattacharya on Elon Musk’s unprecedented influence on NIH and the massive, indiscriminate firings of skilled scientists and researchers—over 1,100 employees at NIH have already been fired, many of whom held critical research positions. “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that right now, President Trump and Elon Musk are really putting a lot of lifesaving research at risk,” Senator Murray said. “We’ve had grant freezes, pauses on  advisory meetings, pauses on clinical trials, mass firings being carried out by the so-called DOGE, and it is really threatening our ability to treat childhood cancers, to mitigate the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and to better understand and treat women’s health issues.”

    “Do you support the recent researcher firings and grant freezes that have been implemented by Trump and DOGE?,” Murray asked.

    Dr. Bhattacharya said he was not involved in those decisions and that, if confirmed, he would “fully commit to making sure that all the scientists at the NIH and the scientists that the NIH supports have the resources they need to meet the mission of the NIH.”

    “Do you support further cuts at NIH funding, or staff?,” Murray pressed.

    “I don’t have any intention to cut anyone at the NIH,” Bhattacharya responded.

    “How about all the grant freezes and the pauses on the all the advisory committee meetings, all the pauses that are now in effect on clinical trials that are happening there right now?” asked Murray.

    Bhattacharya responded that he had only read the press accounts of it and had “not interacted with people in the agency.”  

    “Well if you’re confirmed, Day One, what will you do about that?” Murray pressed. Bhattacharya said he would assess it and “understand what resources the whole NIH needs and make sure that the scientists that are working at the NIH have the resources to do the lifesaving work that they do… the personnel decisions are hard to talk about unless I’m actually confirmed.”

    “Well I’ll just tell you right now, I am deeply concerned about the funding there, the research that’s been stopped, and all that’s going on. And I want a very strong assurance that you will get that moving again, Day One,” Murray replied.

    “Absolutely, I’m going to be looking very carefully at the personnel decisions; I want the NIH to be staffed absolutely appropriately to match the mission of the NIH,” Bhattacharya replied.

    Next, Murray asked about the Trump administration’s illegal plan to cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, which Senator Murray has forcefully decried. “It amounts to a massive funding cut for research institutions, large and small, red and blue states, everyone,” Murray explained. “And it brings a lot of lifesaving research to a screeching halt—sick kids wouldn’t get treatment, and clinical trials shut down.”

    Murray asked Dr. Bhattacharya about the effect a drastic 15 percent cap on indirect costs would have on critical research at Stanford—his own institution—and what he would say to his former colleagues, researchers in Washington state, and other scientists about the Trump administration’s attempt to illegally impose a 15 percent cap on indirect costs. In his response, Dr. Bhattacharya referred to indirect costs as “a tip” and claimed: “I don’t know where that goes, I think a lot of it likely goes to things that are worthwhile… But there’s a lot of distrust about where the money goes because the trust in the public health establishment has collapsed… I think transparency regarding indirect costs is absolutely worthwhile.”

    Finally, Murray pressed Dr. Bhattacharya on whether he would “get the research committees going again, the Advisory Councils immediately on Day One.” Bhattacharya replied: “yes, if I’m confirmed I want those Advisory Councils, I want all that to go.”

    “Well I think we should all recognize that NIH is the largest medical researcher in the world, they’re a global leader, we should be extremely proud of what they do. Nearly a third of all the Nobel Prizes to date have been awarded to scientists at NIH and supported by NIH funds,” Murray concluded. “I’m extremely concerned by the dramatic cuts and firings and stopping of the research that’s going on at NIH right now.”

    As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has long fought to boost biomedical research, strengthen public health infrastructure, and make health care more affordable and accessible. Previously, over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Workers’ Right to Organize, Blast Trump and Musk for Attacks on Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray helped author and introduce the PRO Act in the 116th Congress
    Murray: “Reintroducing the PRO Act is more important now than ever. This is about making sure we are not just pushing back—but also pushing forward, charting a positive vision for workers, and daring Republicans to make their actions match their words.”
    ***VIDEO HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to reintroduce the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, comprehensive legislation to protect workers’ right to come together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. Joining Senator Murray at the press conference for the bill reintroduction today were Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D, NY-08), House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), HELP Committee Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), House Education Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D, VA-03), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01), and union worker Kieran Cuadras.
    Large corporations and the wealthy continue to capture the rewards of a growing economy while working families and middle-class Americans are left behind. From 1979 to 2023, annual wages for the bottom 90 percent of households increased just 44 percent, while average incomes for the wealthiest one percent increased more than 180 percent. Unions are critical to increasing wages and creating a strong economy that rewards hardworking people. Through the power of bargaining, the typical union worker earns 16 percent more than the typical non-union worker. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 70 percent of Americans approve of labor unions—near record highs. But despite growing support for unions, billionaire- and special interest-funded attacks on workers’ unions and labor laws have eroded union density and made it harder for workers to organize. The share of American workers who are union members has fallen from roughly one in three workers in 1956 to a new low of 9.9 percent in 2024. The PRO Act restores fairness to the economy by strengthening the federal law that protects workers’ right to join a union and bargain for higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces.
    “Right now, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are attacking workers, including mass firing people by the tens of thousands, left and right, regardless of how important that work is,” said Senator Murray. “Reintroducing the PRO Act is more important now than ever. This is about making sure we are not just pushing back—but also pushing forward: charting a positive vision for workers, and daring Republicans to make their actions match their words. Who do you stand with—the billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump—whose favorite two words are ‘you’re fired?’ Or, do you stand with hard working American women and men. People who just want fair pay, decent treatment, and a government that works to make their lives better, not worse? That should not be too much to ask! I’m going to keep fighting, come hell or high water, to make it easier for workers to join together and fight for the better pay and working conditions they deserve.”
    The PRO Act protects the basic right to join a union and:
    Holds employers accountable for violating workers’ rights by authorizing meaningful penalties, facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements, and closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors.
    Empowers workers to exercise their right to organize by strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights, protecting workers’ right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring workers’ unions can collect “fair share” fees, and authorizing a private right of action for violation of workers’ rights.
    Secures free, fair, and safe union elections by preventing employers from interfering in union elections, prohibiting captive audience meetings, and requiring employers to be transparent with their workers.
    The PRO Act is supported by: AFL-CIO, American Federation of Musicians (AFM), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Department of Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC), International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), National Nurses United (NNU), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO (TWU), United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and United Steelworkers (USW).
    Throughout her career, Senator Murray has championed workers’ rights and fought to protect their right to join and form a union in order to stand together and demand better pay, benefits, and working conditions. Senator Murray first introduced the PRO Act in the 116th Congress and she also leads the Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act, comprehensive legislation to put hard-earned wages back in workers’ pockets and crack down on employers who unfairly withhold wages from their employees. Murray also introduced the CHILD Labor Act last Congress, new legislation to protect children from exploitative child labor practices and hold the companies and individuals who take advantage of them accountable. Among many other pieces of pro-worker legislation, Murray also leads the Paycheck Fairness Act to combat wage discrimination and help close the wage gap, and has helped lead the fight for paid family and medical leave since she first joined Congress.
    The full text of the PRO Act is HERE.
    A fact sheet on the PRO Act is HERE.
    A section-by-section summary of the PRO Act is HERE.
    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered at today’s press conference, are below and video is HERE:
    “The difference in values between Democrats and Republicans, the difference in who we are fighting for, could not be more clear, or more stark.
    “Right now, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are attacking workers—including mass firing people by tens of thousands, left and right—regardless of how important their work is or the skill and pride with which they are doing it.
    “In fact, he fired NLRB Member Gwynne Wilcox—leaving workers in limbo simply due to President Trump’s unprecedented and illegal firing!
    “Meanwhile, I want you to know, Democrats are fighting for workers—we’re fighting to protect those who are being attacked by Trump and Musk and fighting to empower workers across our country to better advocate for themselves and wield their rights at this pivotal moment.
    “That is why reintroducing the PRO Act is more important now than ever. This is about making sure that we are not just pushing back—but also pushing forward, charting a positive vision for workers, and daring Republicans to make their actions match their words.
    “Who do you stand with—the billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump—whose favorite two words are ‘You’re fired?’
    “Or do you stand with hard working American women and men—people who just want fair pay, decent treatment, and a government that actually works to make their lives better, not worse? That should not be too much to ask!
    “I’m very proud to be a leader of this bill, and I want you to know, I will keep fighting—come hell or high water—to make it easier for workers to join together and fight for the better pay and working conditions they deserve. Thank you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Creative Australia’s decisions should be peer reviewed and at arm’s length. Where did things go wrong?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jo Caust, Associate Professor and Principal Fellow (Hon), School of Culture and Communication, The University of Melbourne

    For the past three weeks the arts have been dominated by a recent decision made by the board of Creative Australia. On February 7 it was announced Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino had been chosen as the artistic team to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale in 2026.

    One week later, the board announced Sabsabi and Dagostino would no longer be representing the country because their selection would cause “a prolonged and divisive debate”.

    This about-turn represents a low point in the relationship between artists and their funding body, Creative Australia.

    Creative Australia (known as the Australia Council until 2023) has historically endured many attacks from the public, the media and political parties. This past weekend, for example, The Weekend Australian published three different stories critiquing Creative Australia and its arts funding processes.

    While the amount of money Creative Australia receives is minuscule in relation to overall government spending (in 2023–24 it received A$258 million), the arts themselves enjoy a profile much greater than their monetary value.

    So how does Creative Australia operate? And what does this decision on Sabsabi mean for its relationship with artists?

    What is the peer review system?

    Funding decisions at Creative Australia are based on two key principles: peer review, and arm’s length funding.

    Peer review means decisions on who is funded are made by artists and arts workers with a deep understanding of the artform at hand.

    Arm’s length funding means that, while the government funds Creative Australia, artists are supported free from direct political intervention.

    The Australia Council, established in 1975, was originally structured around several artform boards, made up of peers from each of the artform sectors. These peers were given the task of overseeing their artforms and making funding decisions. Peers were selected by the government, usually after nomination by the Australia Council, and served terms of between two to five years.

    Membership of an artform board was seen as an honour as well as a duty by those selected: a way of influencing funding decisions, but also a way of giving back to the sector.

    As a result of an internal review in 2012, the process of peer decision making changed dramatically. The Australia Council in 2013 removed the artform boards (with a couple of exceptions) and introduced an ad hoc peer system where individuals were asked to self-nominate if they wanted to be part of the selection process. Staff then chose individuals, from a large pool of peers, to sit on a panel for each funding round.

    As a result of the 2013 reforms the relationship with the minister for the arts was also changed. Up till then, the minister only had the power to appoint the members of the Australia Council board and the members of the various artform boards. In 2013 the act was changed so the minister could also give policy direction to the Australia Council.

    In 2019, another category of selector was introduced. Industry advisors advise on multi-year funded applications, with the final decision made by Creative Australia staff.

    The changing make-up of decision makers

    The membership of the Australia Council’s governing board was historically more politicised, but its members were also often leading figures in the field.

    The chair position was usually a leading figure from the arts and cultural field, including writers Donald Horne, Rodney Hall and Hilary McPhee, and music specialist Margaret Seares.

    In the 2000s this changed under the Howard government, with the re-framing of the arts as businesses. This led to the appointment of business-people onto the board, particularly as chairs. Chairs this century have included business leaders David Gonski, James Strong, Rupert Myer and now Robert Morgan.

    This meant priorities other than artform quality were introduced into the overall decision making.

    The Venice Biennale process

    Australia has been participating in the Venice Biennale since 1954.

    Until 2019 there was a commissioner responsible for the selection of the Australian artist. The role was occupied by notable individuals in the arts world, such as philanthropist and art collector Simon Mordant. Artists would be individually invited by the commissioner to be the Venice representative.

    In 2019 the Australia Council took over the role, and the process changed to an application system where artists were assessed by a panel of experts, before the final representatives (such as Sabsabi and Dagostino for 2026) were selected from a shortlist of six.

    While all of the details of what happened in the lead up to rescinding Sabsabi’s invitation are unknown, some facts have been laid out: The Australian published an article criticising his selection; Coalition arts spokesperson Claire Chandler asked about his selection in Question Time; and Arts Minister Tony Burke phoned Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette.

    That night, Collette and the board decided Sabsabi’s invitation would be rescinded.

    Who gets a say in the arts?

    It seems now the funding model that Australia has created for the arts may no longer be serving the artists. The board’s decision following Burke’s phone call to Collette calls into question the principles of peer review and arm’s length funding.

    The structure and decision-making processes of Creative Australia should now be reviewed as a matter of urgency. The peer system works remarkably well if structured appropriately. At present it would seem it is not.

    Artists deserve a body that defends their rights, so they are not sacrificed for political needs.

    Jo Caust has previously received funding from the Australia Council. She is a member of NAVA and the Arts Industry Council(SA). She also worked at the Australia Council in the 1980s.

    – ref. Creative Australia’s decisions should be peer reviewed and at arm’s length. Where did things go wrong? – https://theconversation.com/creative-australias-decisions-should-be-peer-reviewed-and-at-arms-length-where-did-things-go-wrong-251153

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils resilient growth target with strong policy support

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China has set an economic growth target of around 5 percent for 2025, reflecting a sound economic outlook despite increasing global uncertainties, as policymakers are determined to secure steady recovery through decisive and effective measures.
    Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday announced the goal when delivering the government work report to the annual session of the National People’s Congress for deliberation. The report outlines an array of other key development goals for this year, including a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 percent, over 12 million new urban jobs, and an around 2 percent increase in the consumer price index.

    This photo shows the booth of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited at the 22nd Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, Nov. 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)
    The country achieved economic growth of 5 percent in 2024 as an impactful policy package, along with other pro-growth measures, helped fuel strong economic momentum.
    As 2025 marks the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period and is crucial for crafting the next five-year blueprint, observers believe that the government policies will not only drive sustained growth this year but also lay the groundwork for the country’s modernization drive in the long run.
    REASONABLE, ACHIEVABLE GOAL
    Why has the Chinese government maintained the growth target at around 5 percent?
    The premier explained that the goal, backed by growth potential and favorable conditions, meets the need to stabilize employment, prevent risks and improve the people’s wellbeing, while also being well aligned with the country’s mid- and long-term objectives.

    An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 6, 2025 shows a view of the Shichengzi photovoltaic power station in Hami City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Feng Yang/Xinhua)
    Huang Qunhui, a national political advisor from the Institute of Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, described this year’s economic growth target as scientifically grounded and realistic.
    “In the face of a challenging global environment, the proactive and resilient goal suggests that China is braving uncertainties with a clear, determined approach to growth,” he said.
    On a global scale, an around 5-percent growth rate places China among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with the economic increment equating to the annual output of a mid-sized nation.
    “Achieving this year’s targets will not be easy, and we must make arduous efforts to meet them,” the premier said, citing challenges from an increasingly complex and severe external environment, including rising unilateralism and protectionism, and domestic difficulties, such as insufficient effective demand.
    The premier called for facing difficulties head-on with stronger confidence in development.
    According to the report, China will adopt a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately loose monetary policy.

    This photo taken on Nov. 13, 2024 shows exhibits related to low-altitude economy at Airshow China in Zhuhai, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)
    Specific measures include a new government debt increase to enable a notably higher level of spending, with 5.66 trillion yuan (about 790 billion U.S. dollars) of government deficit, up 1.6 trillion yuan from a year ago, and the issuance of 4.4 trillion yuan of local government special-purpose bonds, an increase of 500 billion yuan over last year.
    The monetary policy will ensure adequate liquidity by making timely cuts to required reserve ratios and interest rates, and offering more support for innovation, green development, consumption, private businesses and small firms, as well as the real estate and stock markets.
    The policy mix will play a crucial role in ensuring that the strong economic momentum seen in the fourth quarter of 2024 will be sustained this year, said Tian Xuan, a national lawmaker and president of the National Institute of Financial Research of Tsinghua University.
    Recently, the International Monetary Fund, Nomura, and other global institutions raised their growth forecasts for China.   

    A person uses DeepSeek app on a mobile phone on Feb. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
    Lu Ting, chief China economist at Nomura, said the forecast upgrade was due to the better-than-expected economic performance in the fourth quarter of 2024, growing investment in emerging sectors from AI to cloud computing, a stock market rally, and the improving real estate market.
    China’s mid-March economic data will show a solid start for 2025, a Citi Research report said, highlighting a rebound in consumer confidence.
    MORE DYNAMIC, SUSTAINABLE
    Fostering high-quality development is a key focus on this year’s government agenda, with priorities ranging from stimulating domestic demand to developing new quality productive forces.
    “We will take a people-centered approach and place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending,” the premier said.

    Consumers learn about relevant policies during a consumer goods trade-in event in Qingdao City, east China’s Shandong Province, May 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)
    Domestic demand will be made the main engine and anchor of economic growth, the report said. Ultra-long special treasury bonds totaling 300 billion yuan will be issued to support consumer goods trade-in programs.
    New quality productive forces will be nurtured in line with local conditions, according to the report. China aims to foster emerging and future industries, such as quantum technology and the low-altitude economy, accelerate the upgrading of traditional industries, and combine digital technologies such as AI with manufacturing and market strengths.
    The pursuit of new momentum has led to renewed vitality in the Chinese economy since the start of the year, with a vibrant consumer market mirrored by Chinese animated blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” and major breakthroughs in cutting-edge technology, including the rise of DeepSeek.
    Analysts highlighted the resilience of China’s tech industry amid a complex international landscape and the vast potential of the domestic market.

    People watch “Ne Zha 2” in 4D at a cinema in Dongcheng District in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)
    The new economic trend is also creating fresh opportunities for foreign investors and businesses.
    Reaffirming China’s commitment to opening up, the report laid out a series of initiatives, including expanding trials to open telecom, medical services, and education, supporting foreign enterprises in joining industrial chain collaboration, and ensuring national treatment in fields such as government procurement.
    Foreign-funded businesses actively embraced these measures.
    The report sent a strong signal that the country will continue to expand opening up and improve its business environment, said Nancy Liu, president of luxury travel retailer DFS China.
    China’s opening up has created enormous opportunities for the company, which has made its largest single investment in 60 years in the country’s southern Hainan Province, Liu said. “We are fully confident in the long-term development of the Chinese market.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: James Curran on Trump, Ukraine, shifting tectonic plates, and a bigger Australian defence bill

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The Trump presidency is turning much of the world order on its head. Tne United States president is arm-twisting Ukraine, playing nice with Russia, and using protection as an economic and political weapon.

    The Australian government is pessimistic about escaping American tariffs on aluminium and steel when a decision is announced next week. Meanwhile, the message from the US is clear: we need to boost defence spending.

    To discuss Trump Mark 2 on the world stage and what that means for Australia, we’re joined by James Curran, professor of modern history at the University of Sydney.

    Curran says,

    One gets the sense that we are looking at the kind of tectonic plates of world politics shifting before our very eyes.

    Trump is about might is right. He does have an expansionary view of American power in the western hemisphere if we are to judge him by his statements on the Panama Canal and Greenland. But I think more broadly, his interpretation of American power is to simply “get out of America’s way”.

    In terms of economic implications, [it’s] a confirmation that we are looking at the permanence of protectionism in the United States. This administration, along with the Biden administration and the first Trump administration, have been putting a wrecking ball through the multilateral trading system and the WTO. And that is certainly a not a good thing for free trade and for countries like Australia.

    Curran explains what America’s expectation that countries need to spend more on defence would mean for Australia,

    This has been the great concern, if you like, over a number of years – that Australia has got defence on the cheap, that it’s put so much of its national wealth into the middle class and welfare and infrastructure and developing the nation that it’s been able to rely on the American blanket of protection while it pursues its prosperity.

    So if [defence spending] is to rise to 3% [of GDP], then that’s going to mean, firstly, a concentration on what are the lower cost alternatives to defend this continent? And secondly, where will the trade offs come? What will be sacrificed from the national budget? And what political leader in this country will front the Australian people and squarely and honestly and earnestly have a conversation about these dramatic strategic circumstances and why greater sacrifice is required from Australians to enable a higher defence expenditure.

    Is the Trump world the new normal, or will this be over when Trump eventually leaves the White House?

    I’m a little bit sceptical about this idea that we grit our teeth and close our eyes and hope that the nightmare is over in four years time. There is a really big question mark over how America can snap back in terms of its institutional robustness. The pressure that the courts, the media and the Congress are under. Does this all just snap back in four years time? Do we really think that either a Republican or a Democrat successor to Trump will ride into Washington, down Pennsylvania Avenue in a glittering chariot of liberal internationalism? To say everyone shouldn’t worry because the liberal international order is back and it’s gleaming and it’s working.

    I really think this is up to America’s allies, both in Europe and in East Asia, to continue to protect as many of those rules and those institutions that have worked so well for so many of us, as much as they possibly can.

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

    – ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: James Curran on Trump, Ukraine, shifting tectonic plates, and a bigger Australian defence bill – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-james-curran-on-trump-ukraine-shifting-tectonic-plates-and-a-bigger-australian-defence-bill-251486

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Capitol Hill Highlights Key Pillars of President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress in Op-Ed Blitz

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    America Is Back. President’s Joint Address Will Celebrate ItU.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)
    The last four years were a dumpster fire—a total disaster. “Sleepy Joe” was worn slap out as soon as he got up in the morning. Thinking back on it now, I really don’t know how our country survived. It’s a miracle that we made it through those dark days. One thing is for sure: President Trump’s address will be nothing like the clown show we endured the last four years.
    But today, America is ready to usher in its golden age under President Donald J. Trump. We’re only a month and a half in, and President Trump is well on his way to renewing the American dream by reversing some of the Democrats’ most destructive policies. Most importantly, President Trump is keeping his promises to the 77 million Americans who voted for him and his “America First” agenda. A recent poll showed 70 percent of Americans believe President Trump is doing what he said he would do.
    Read full op-ed here.
    It’s Time To Take Trump’s Win On Women’s Sports To The Next LevelU.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS)
    Democrat politicians and extreme woke ideologues have shrugged their shoulders at the humiliation and disenfranchisement of millions of young women and girls, even though 80% of Americans agree with President Trump’s view that biological boys should not compete in girls’ sports.
    I believe America’s women and girls deserve to know that someone is fighting to protect the integrity and fairness of their competitive sports and standing up for their right to safe and protected spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms.
    Thankfully, President Trump has taken up the mantle. Last month, he signed an executive order protecting women’s and girls’ sports.
    Read full op-ed here.
    Renewing the American Dream for the American WorkerU.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN)
    President Trump is renewing the hope of the American Dream from the ashes of an historic low point. Our nation has emerged stronger with a leader and an administration whose defining feature is their commitment to working families.
    Despite the downturn in prosperity and security America faced over the last four years, the American Dream is not an outdated ambition.
    Under President Trump, the possibility of achieving the American Dream is back and within the grasp of every hard-working American.
    Already, President Trump has made good on a range of his promises, reinvigorating American society across the board—an achievement that’s unheard of for a president only 44 days into his term.
    Read full op-ed here.
    President Donald Trump is keeping his promise to Jewish studentsHouse Committee on Education and Workforce Chairman, U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05)
    Columbia [University] leaders have made public and private promises to Jewish students, faculty, and Members of Congress that the university would take the steps necessary to combat the rampant antisemitism on its campus. Columbia has failed to uphold its commitments. But that is coming to an end. Now, the Committee and Jewish students and faculty have a strong ally in the White House. During the campaign Trump promised his administration would combat antisemitism on American campuses.
    On day one, the Trump administration signed an executive order to combat antisemitism. As part of the executive order, the Department of Education has launched investigations into five universities for tolerating “widespread antisemitic harassment” in violation of Title VI.
    The disease of antisemitism must be rooted out before it spreads to the next generation. President Trump’s firm hand on this issue is the remedy we need. We owe it to our youth to ensure they never face harassment, threats, or violence because of their faith. This is a promise we should always honor because it goes hand in hand with the promise of the American Dream. Thankfully, President Trump is delivering on this promise.
    Read full op-ed here.
    America is backU.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09)Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, President Donald J. Trump has worked tirelessly to restore border security, enforce our nation’s laws and make clear that your constitutional rights shall not be infringed. Following four years of chaos, Trump has sent a clear message: America is back, and he’s just getting started.
    After just one month back in office, Trump reestablished the successful “Remain in Mexico” policy, restarted construction of the border wall, ramped up deportation flights of criminal illegals, and ended the dangerous Biden-era “catch-and-release” policy. These are just a few of the actions Trump has taken to regain control of our border and crack down on illegal immigration.
    Trump’s efforts to secure the border have been nothing less than historic, including sharply reducing illegal border crossings in just his first 11 days back in office. This is the “Trump Effect” in action, and it’s only just the beginning.
    Read full op-ed here.
    Under President Trump, America’s Borders Are Secure AgainU.S. Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)
    In a few weeks, Donald Trump has done what his prevaricating predecessor declared to be impossible: he has brought the border under control.
    The policies of Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas will forever be a stain on America. The border is now almost completely controlled by America, not Mexican drug and human trafficking cartels. That only has happened because President Trump has the will and leadership skills to allow our law enforcement to actually enforce the law. Trump said he would do it. He is doing it.
    America is safer now. Our borders are better now. Trump is delivering on one of his signature campaign promises. While the Left in America is face-melting, the majority of us recognize the success on the border of President Trump.
    Read full op-ed here.
    Trump Gives America A Much-Needed Shot Of OptimismU.S. Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05)
    We’re now 44 days into President Donald Trump’s second term, and a renewed sense of optimism is sweeping across America, reminiscent of the enduring promise of the American Dream. Central to this resurgence is the administration’s policies aimed at reigniting prosperity for small businesses, particularly evident in South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District.
    President Trump has been keen on drawing back the red tape in the federal bureaucracy and reminding everyone in the swamp that our government is supposed to serve the American worker, not the other way around.
    Last night the president made it clear: ‘We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in 4 years…and we are just getting started!’
    Read full op-ed here.
    Trump is Reviving the American Dream and Common SenseU.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01)
    Tuesday night, President Donald Trump did what he does best — he told it like it is. He reviewed his administration’s impressive accomplishments, laid out his action plan to put our economy back on track, urged Congress to deliver additional funding for the United States Border Patrol, and shared his bold vision to bring peace and stability around the world.
    Only weeks ago, the president signed an executive order keeping men out of women’s sports. I attended the signing, and it was a sight to see — the president with dozens of female athletes and young women who would now have a level playing field because of Republicans’ commitment to this cause — Trump’s commitment to this cause.
    The president reiterated this commitment Tuesday night when he spoke on this issue, highlighting the story of Payton McNabb, saying, “When her girls’ volleyball match was invaded by a male, he smashed the ball so hard in Payton’s face, causing traumatic brain injury … ending her athletic career.
    This story has become all too common. When Trump told Payton’s story, not a single Democrat stood in solidarity.
    Read full op-ed here.
    Ending Biden’s disgraceful erosion of American deterrence U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (TX-01) andU.S. Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03)
    With Trump back in the White House, alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and national security adviser Mike Waltz, we’re setting a clear path forward for the U.S.: rebuild the military, restore our warrior ethos, and reestablish American deterrence.
    Unlike his predecessors, who viewed the military through the lens of social experimentation, Hegseth recognizes that the Department of Defense has one primary mission: to produce the most lethal fighting force on Earth. Under his leadership, we’re already seeing a renewed focus on combat training, eliminating wasteful programs, and stripping away ideological distractions.
    Read full op-ed here.
    Congress Must Act to Solidify Trump’s Border WinsU.S. Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08)
    For the past four years, the most powerful nation in the history of the world has been under attack. Deadly cartels, gangs, human smugglers, and other criminal aliens flooded American communities and harmed our citizens. This chaos was an orchestrated attack led by the last administration not only on our nation, but on the American dream.
    But on January 20th, a new era of leadership began. After being sworn into office, President Trump wasted no time taking action to take back our country and set our nation back on course.
    Last night, President Trump said, “The media and our friends in the Democrat Party kept saying we needed new legislation to secure the border. But it turned out that all we really needed was a new president.” And he is exactly right.
    President Trump’s decisive action and bold leadership has drastically changed the state of our border for the better.
    Read full op-ed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall to NIH Director Nominee Dr. Bhattacharya: We Need to Get to the Bottom of the Chronic Disease Epidemic

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today participated in the confirmation hearing for President Donald Trump’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director nominee, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, in the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP).
    Dr. Bhattacharya, M.D., PhD, is a professor of health policy at Stanford University, where he directs the Center for Demography and Economics of Health and Aging. Having published 135 articles in top peer-reviewed scientific journals, Dr. Bhattacharya’s research has focused on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations with a particular emphasis on the role of government programs, biomedical innovation, and economics. Most recently, Dr. Bhattacharya focused on the epidemiology of COVID-19 and evaluated policy responses to the epidemic, advocating for focused protection over widespread lockdowns.
    Senator Marshall questioned Dr. Bhattacharya on scientific progress, the concept of ‘Food is Medicine,’ and his strategy to tackle the chronic disease epidemic America is facing.
    You may click HERE to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks. 
    Highlights from Dr. Bhattacharya’s confirmation hearing include: 
    On humility as the key to scientific progress:
    Senator Marshall: “As I listen to the conversation today, I’m reminded that we all should doubt our own infallibility, and we should doubt the infallibility of the NIH as well. I’m flabbergasted as I listen to this conversation of people that really have never been involved in the scientific process and that they don’t understand infallibility.”
    Dr. Bhattacharya: “I agree with you about humility. That’s the key to scientific progress. We have to as scientists say we might be wrong, because when we meet data that disagrees with us, where we have ideas that we disagree with, maybe that other idea is right, and we’re the one that’s wrong. It’s only if I’m confirmed as NIH Director, I want to make sure that all the range of hypotheses are supported. That’s how you make progress. One of the reasons I think that we have not made progress in Alzheimer’s as much as we ought to have is because the NIH has not supported a sufficiently wide range of hypotheses.”
    On the chronic disease epidemic and the concept of ‘Food is Medicine’:
    Senator Marshall: “Let’s talk about chronic disease just for a second. The NIH has spent a disproportionate amount of money on research on diseases that impact a very small, minuscule amount of Americans. Meanwhile, 60% of Americans have a chronic disease. Speak a little bit about your vision of researching for figuring out the causes and treatments of chronic disease, specifically how food is medicine might be intertwined in your in your vision.”
    Dr. Bhattacharya: “Senator, I think the chronic disease problem is something that the NIH ought to have done a better job in the last several decades. The mission of the NIH is to address the health needs the American people have, and to expand life expectancy of the American people and we have not achieved that. It’s flat-lined.”
    “I think we should expand the set of ideas to address a problem that we don’t know how to address. The chronic disease problems in the United States are so broad. We need to have a lot more tolerance that the top scientists who control the ideas in their fields may be wrong. We need to allow other scientists who have other ideas, and food as medicine might be one of them, to have support.”
    Senator Marshall: “Are you committed to helping us figure out the causes of these chronic diseases?”
    Dr. Bhattacharya: “I absolutely am, Senator…That is the heart and soul of the Make America Healthy Again movement, and millions and millions of Americans have been looking to us to do that. If I’m confirmed, I absolutely commit to you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Applauds Final Approval of Legislation on Special Education and Nonprofit Funding

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement regarding final approval of two bills by the Connecticut General Assembly today that invest an additional $40 million in special education services for municipalities and $3 million for nonprofit organizations during this current fiscal year:

    “The improved versions of these bills that the legislature passed today maintain the fiscal discipline and adhere to the sound fiscal management practices that we need to keep our state on the right track. I appreciate legislative leaders for maintaining an open dialogue and understanding our important responsibility of sustaining a balanced budget. I look forward to signing these bills into law.”

    The legislation is House Bill 7163, An Act Concerning Emergency Grants to Municipalities for Special Education, and Senate Bill 1453, An Act Concerning Emergency Nonprofit Assistance.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Announces that Department of Commerce has Agreed to Renegotiate Maine Sea Grant

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins today announced that the Department of Commerce has agreed to renegotiate funding for Maine Sea Grant. At the urging of Senator Collins, Secretary Lutnick is directing NOAA to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the work to be performed by Maine Sea Grant to ensure that it focuses on advancing Maine’s coastal economies, working waterfronts and sustainable fisheries. The announcement comes following a conversation Tuesday between Secretary Lutnick and Senator Collins in which Senator Collins explained all that is at stake for Maine’s coastal communities with the loss of Sea Grant funding.

    “I appreciate the Secretary’s willingness to work together to ensure that Maine Sea Grant can continue to conduct research, support a robust pipeline of skilled labor, and ensure that our coastal economies remain profitable hubs for fishermen, lobstermen, and hospitality workers. It is important that Maine Sea Grant can continue to provide valuable services for communities across the state for years to come,” said Senator Collins.

    In a memo from the Department of Commerce, Vice Admiral Nancy Hann said, “After productive conversations with Senator Susan Collins and her staff, the Department of Commerce is committed to engaging in bilateral negotiations to modify the Year 2 award requirements and related funding of the Maine Sea Grant Omnibus Award.

                “Through these bilateral negotiations, the Department will ensure that the American people, including hardworking Mainers like lobstermen and fishermen, receive the benefit of the bargain consistent with the Administration’s priorities and continued relevance to program objectives.”

    Read the full memo here.

    “I am so grateful for Senator Collins’ unwavering dedication to sustaining our fisheries, working waterfronts, and local communities,” said Gayle Zydlewski, Director, Maine Sea Grant.

    “We deeply appreciate Senator Collins, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and NOAA for restoring funding to Maine Sea Grant. This investment ensures continued collaboration between scientists and fishermen, supporting sustainable fisheries and Maine’s coastal communities. UMaine remains committed to advancing research that strengthens our blue economy and marine industries,” said University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.

    Maine Sea Grant is a direct investment in Maine’s coastal communities, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting fisheries and the seafood industry, including local businesses like Ready Seafood:

    “Maine Sea Grant has been supporting Ready Seafood since we started as a small lobster company on Hobson’s Pier in Portland in 2004, and helped propel our business to become the largest lobster processing company in the world,” said Curt Brown, lobsterman and marine biologist for Ready Seafood. “Senator Collins’ tireless leadership has once again delivered a huge victory for Maine’s coastal communities. From Kittery to Cutler, Maine’s coastal economy is stronger today, thanks to her efforts!” 

    Senator Collins has been in contact with the Trump Administration and University of Maine leadership since the news broke Friday evening that the program was being defunded. Tuesday, Senator Collins met with the Director of Maine Sea Grant and other program advocates in her office. She spoke with Commerce Secretary Lutnick later that day.

    Facts about Maine Sea Grant:

    • Maine Sea Grant contributed to $23.5 million in documented economic benefits in 2023 alone. For every $1 of funding, there’s a $15 return.
    • Sea Grant has more than 700 established partnerships with businesses, researchers, community organizations, and local and county governments.
    • In 2023, Sea Grant created or supported 332 businesses and 565 jobs.
    • Sea Grant supports American Seafood Competitiveness by enhancing the sustainability and profitability of Maine’s $600 million lobster industry and growing aquaculture sector, helping maintain American leadership in global seafood markets.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Questions NIH Director Nominee on Cap on Indirect Research Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    Click here to watch and here to download video of Senator Collins’ questioning.

    Washington, D.C. – At a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on the nomination of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Senator Susan Collins questioned Dr. Bhattacharya on the Trump Administration’s decision to impose a cap on indirect costs for certain NIH funded research. Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a statement in February opposing the decision, which could halt critical biomedical research like that taking place in Maine at the Jackson Laboratory, the University of Maine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, the University of New England, and MDI Biological Laboratory. Senator Collins has also been in direct contact with Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who committed to her that he would reexamine this directive.

    Today, a federal judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction, blocking the implementation of this cap.

    Below is the transcript of their exchange:

    Senator Collins:

    I am strongly opposed to the Administration’s ill-conceived and completely arbitrary proposal to impose a 15% cap on indirect costs for NIH grants. Research labs and universities across the State of Maine have contacted me to describe the devastating impact that this cap would have on lifesaving and life-enhancing biomedical research, on ongoing clinical trials, and on Maine’s research-related jobs.

    In 2023, NIH supported 1,470 jobs in this field in the State of Maine alone. I think it’s important that we all acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all approach makes absolutely no sense, and that is why NIH negotiates with the individual grant recipient what the indirect cost cap should be. And it’s legitimate to say that we should take another look at that. Are we doing the right amount for Stanford versus Jackson Laboratories or the University of Maine? Those are legitimate questions. But to impose this arbitrary cap makes no sense at all.

    Furthermore, and I really want to stress this, this is against the law. Since 2018, we have had language in the Labor-HHS appropriations bill that specifically prohibits the indirect cost formula from being changed. And yet, that is what has been done without congressional intent, or agreement, or consent. And the language has been carried every single year, including in the continuing resolution that we’re now operating under. So, I’m not surprised that a judge has stayed the order.

    So, if confirmed, will you work immediately to rectify and reverse course on having a one-size-fits-all 15% cap on indirect costs?

    Dr. Bhattacharya:

    Senator, if confirmed, I absolutely commit to following the law, to addressing this issue very directly. I think that this is one of these issues—to me, it’s an indicator of distrust that some have of universities and of the scientific process. And so, I want to make sure that we address those concerns as well, but I absolutely commit to following the law. And I’ll consult with agency counsel immediately and work with you, Senator, as we spoke of in our meeting, to make sure that your concerns are addressed as well.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Baldwin Presses Trump Nominee for NIH on Stalled Cancer, Alzheimer’s Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) questioned President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, on this Administration’s continued efforts to stop funding for research into cures for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The halt on funding for this research comes as the NIH continues to cancel necessary meetings to approve funding, cut grant specialists, and fire doctors, scientists, and nurses who support clinical trials for patients.

    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are slashing research for Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer so billionaires don’t have to pay their fair share,” said Senator Baldwin. “The NIH does truly lifesaving work, and the world’s premier biomedical research agency needs a leader who will help keep people healthy and find the cures for diseases – not one who will take away families’ hopes and dreams of having a cure for diseases that take their loved ones too soon.”

    On Monday, Senator Baldwin called out the Trump Administration for stopping $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 by the NIH because the Trump Administration continues to cancel NIH Advisory Council meetings, which are the final required step in the grant approval process. She also slammed the Trump Administration for halting all grant funding through NIH for ten days last month, despite two court orders directing the Trump Administration to end its unlawful efforts to freeze all federal grants.

    In addition to frozen funding for critical research, Senator Baldwin also has raised alarms on staffing cuts to 1,200 research scientists, nurses, pharmacists, ethics specialists, police officers, data scientists, budget analysts, and patient care technicians at the agency, including critical patient care specialists at the NIH Clinical Center. The NIH Clinical Center is the nation’s largest hospital devoted entirely to clinical research, treating about 10,000 patients with rare and severe diseases every year. Mass firings of Clinical Center staff threaten patient safety and may shut down ongoing clinical trials, cutting off access to treatments and cures for patients who have nowhere else to go.

    These impacts are being directly felt in Wisconsin, where research institutions and patients are dealing with the fallout from this administration arbitrarily capping indirect cost rates at 15%, which will slash funding that helps research institutions, like the University of Wisconsin, conduct research, operate their facilities and labs, pay staff, and buy equipment needed for groundbreaking work to find cures for diseases and treatments for patients.

    A full recording of Senator Baldwin’s questions is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AI pioneers Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton win 2025 Turing Award for groundbreaking contributions to reinforcement learning

    Source: US Government research organizations

    NSF funded Barto’s research journey from basic science to pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence

    The computing world is celebrating a major milestone as Andrew Barto, professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Richard Sutton, professor of computer science at the University of Alberta, Canada, have been awarded the 2024 Association for Computing Machinery A.M. Turing Award — often called the “Nobel Prize of computing” — for “developing the conceptual and algorithmic foundations of reinforcement learning.”

    The legacy in reinforcement learning

    Barto and Sutton are widely recognized as pioneers of the modern computational reinforcement learning (RL), a field that addresses the challenge of learning how to act based on evaluative feedback. Their work has laid the conceptual and algorithmic foundations of RL, shaping the future of artificial intelligence and decision-making systems.

    The influence of RL extends across multiple disciplines, including computer science (machine learning), engineering (optimal control), mathematics (operations research), neuroscience (optimal decision-making), psychology (classical and operant conditioning) and economics (rational choice theory). Researchers in these fields continue to be profoundly shaped by the contributions of Sutton and Barto.

    From NSF Grants to AI Breakthroughs

    Barto’s contributions were made possible through a series of U.S. National Science Foundation-funded projects that sustained AI research long before its recent boom. His research was supported through grants from NSF programs including the National Robotics Initiative, Robust Intelligence, Collaborative Research in Computation Neuroscience, Human-Centered Computing, Biological Information Technology and Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science, which have driven the long-term, fundamental advances in machine learning that we see today.

    “Barto’s research exemplifies the power of foundational computational research that has not only advanced state-of-the-art decision-making machines and intelligent systems but has also provided critical insights into understanding intelligence itself,” said Greg Hager, NSF assistant director for Computer and Information Science and Engineering.

    “Andy Barto’s work laid the foundation for modern reinforcement learning, influencing generations of researchers, including myself. His insights with Rich Sutton into how agents can learn and adapt in complex environments form the backbone of how automated behavior is generated in the field of artificial intelligence. Without his pioneering research, many of today’s — and tomorrow’s — AI breakthroughs wouldn’t be possible,” said Michael Littman, director for the NSF Division of Information and Intelligent Systems.

    The impact of Barto and Sutton’s work

    For decades, NSF has supported fundamental research in AI, with Barto’s work being among the most influential. Barto and Sutton formalized RL concepts through decades of research, beginning with Sutton’s time as Barto’s first doctoral student. Their collaboration continued as Sutton later joined Barto at the UMass Amherst as a senior research scientist from 1995 to 1998 and beyond, producing many of the foundational RL approaches that remain in use today.

    Reinforcement learning methods built on Sutton and Barto’s work today underpin:

    • Chatbots: Conversational AI agents learn to answer questions helpfully and accurately with the help of a technique called reinforcement learning from human feedback, as deployed in ChatGPT and other leading bots.
    • Games: From Jeopardy to Go to video games, RL algorithms have made it possible for computer players to achieve world-class performance and have even influenced the strategies of the best human players.
    • Robot motor skill learning: RL enables robots to learn autonomously through trial and error how to carry out intricate tasks.
    • Microprocessor layout and circuit design: RL systems make decisions for composing components that make up computer chips
    • Personalized recommendations: Online services like Netflix and YouTube rely on RL techniques to tailor recommendations.
    • Autonomous vehicles: RL models help self-driving cars learn how to navigate complex traffic environments.
    • Supply chain optimization: RL-enabled systems learn what items need to be stored where so that customers can receive goods quickly and cheaply.
    • Algorithm design: Researchers have broken new ground and solved long-standing problems with the help of RL systems.

    Breakthroughs in RL have fueled a multibillion-dollar industry, with major companies like DeepMind and OpenAI relying on RL as a core technology. Additionally, many major tech firms now have dedicated RL research teams. It is also recognized as a core topic of study. For example, RL was added to the Computer Science Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools earlier this year.

    Bridging AI and neuroscience

    The influence of Barto and Sutton’s work extends far beyond computer science and AI, forging crucial connections between RL and brain sciences, including cognitive science, psychology and neuroscience. Their research has provided groundbreaking insights into how learning can occur, both in machines and in the human brain.

    One of their earliest breakthroughs came in 1981 when they showed that temporal difference (TD) learning could explain certain learning behaviors that the existing Rescorla-Wagner model couldn’t. This discovery opened the door to a new way of understanding how learning happens. Building on this idea, a 1995 study found a connection between the TD algorithm and how dopamine neurons in the brain behave. This insight laid the groundwork for later experiments that confirmed that TD learning accurately describes how dopamine influences reward-based learning.

    With the 2025 A.M. Turing Award recognizing Barto and Sutton’s lifetime achievements, their legacy underscores the importance of sustained federal investment in basic research — the kind of support that has fueled AI’s breakthroughs over the last four decades.

    For more details on this year’s award, please visit https://amturing.acm.org/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces Superior and District Court Appointments

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces Superior and District Court Appointments

    Governor Stein Announces Superior and District Court Appointments
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein announced the following judicial appointments:

    Judge Stephen C. Stokes to the Superior Court for Judicial District 14A, serving part of Cumberland County. Stokes is filling the vacancy created after Judge Claire Hill retired.

    • Stokes most recently served as a District Court Judge in Cumberland County. He also served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps as a Prosecutor, a Special Assistant United States Attorney, a Defense Attorney in the 82nd Airborne Division, and as an International Law Attorney for the U.S. Army Special Operations, Civil Affairs, and Psychological Operations Commands. Stokes graduated from the U.S. Army Ranger School and Advanced Airborne School, earning his Ranger Tab and Senior Jump Wings. Stokes received his B.S. from Florida State University, dual master’s degrees from Webster University, and his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law, where he was a Virgil Hawkins Fellow.

    Scott Skidmore to the District Court for Judicial District 22, serving Rockingham and Caswell Counties. Skidmore is filling the vacancy created after Judge Chris Freeman was elected to the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

    • Skidmore spent the last three decades as a partner at Farver, Skidmore & Hux, LLP, focusing on criminal defense and real estate. Skidmore received his B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and his J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

    Chris Brooks to the District Court for Judicial District 10F, serving part of Wake County. Brooks is filling the vacancy created after Judge Jennifer Bedford was elected to the Superior Court. 

    • Brooks has served in the Transportation Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice since 2006 and previously served in the Department’s Criminal Division. He received his B.S. from the University of North Carolina and his J.D. from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University.

    “These public servants have a wealth of legal experience to draw on, and I am pleased to appoint them to serve as judges,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am confident in their judgment and expertise, and I look forward to their service on the Superior and District Courts.” 

    Mar 5, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australian university workers: ‘We will not be silenced over Palestine’

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Markela Panegyres and Jonathan Strauss in Sydney

    The new Universities Australia (UA) definition of antisemitism, endorsed last month for adoption by 39 Australian universities, is an ugly attempt to quash the pro-Palestine solidarity movement on campuses and to silence academics, university workers and students who critique Israel and Zionism.

    While the Scott Morrison Coalition government first proposed tightening the definition, and a recent joint Labor-Coalition parliamentary committee recommended the same, it is yet another example of the Labor government’s overreach.

    It seeks to mould discussion in universities to one that suits its pro-US and pro-Zionist imperialist agenda, while shielding Israel from accountability.

    So far, the UA definition has been widely condemned.

    Nasser Mashni, of Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, has slammed it as “McCarthyism reborn”.

    The Jewish Council of Australia (JCA) has criticised it as “dangerous, politicised and unworkable”. The NSW Council of Civil Liberties said it poses “serious risks to freedom of expression and academic freedom”.

    The UA definition comes in the context of a war against Palestinian activism on campuses.

    The false claim that antisemitism is “rampant” across universities has been weaponised to subdue the Palestinian solidarity movement within higher education and, particularly, to snuff out any repeat of the student-led Gaza solidarity encampments, which sprung up on campuses across the country last year.

    Some students and staff who have been protesting against the genocide since October 2023 have come under attack by university managements.

    Some students have been threatened with suspension and many universities are giving themselves, through new policies, more powers to liaise with police and surveil students and staff.

    Palestinian, Arab and Muslim academics, as well as other anti-racist scholars, have been silenced and disciplined, or face legal action on false counts of antisemitism, merely for criticising Israel’s genocidal war on Palestine.

    Randa Abdel-Fattah, for example, has become the target of a Zionist smear campaign that has successfully managed to strip her of Australian Research Council funding.

    Intensify repression
     The UA definition will further intensify the ongoing repression of people’s rights on campuses to discuss racism, apartheid and occupation in historic Palestine.

    By its own admission, UA acknowledges that its definition is informed by the antisemitism taskforces at Columbia University, Stanford University, Harvard University and New York University, which have meted out draconian and violent repression of pro-Palestine activism.

    The catalyst for the new definition was the February 12 report tabled by Labor MP Josh Burns on antisemitism on Australian campuses. That urged universities to adopt a definition of antisemitism that “closely aligns” with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition.

    It should be noted that the controversial IHRA definition has been opposed by the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) for its serious challenge to academic freedom.

    As many leading academics and university workers, including Jewish academics, have repeatedly stressed, criticism of Israel and criticism of Zionism is not antisemitic.

    UA’s definition is arguably more detrimental to freedom of speech and pro-Palestine activism and scholarship than the IHRA definition.

    In the vague IHRA definition, a number of examples of antisemitism are given that conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism, but not the main text itself.

    By contrast, the new UA definition overtly equates criticism of Israel and Zionism with antisemitism and claims Zionist ideology is a component part of Jewish identity.

    The definition states that “criticism of Israel can be anti-Semitic . . . when it calls for the elimination of the State of Israel”.

    Dangerously, anyone advocating for a single bi-national democratic state in historic Palestine will be labelled antisemitic under this new definition.

    Anyone who justifiably questions the right of the ethnonationalist, apartheid and genocidal state of Israel to exist will be accused of antisemitism.

    Sweeping claims
     The UA definition also makes the sweeping claim that “for most, but not all Jewish Australians, Zionism is a core part of their Jewish identity”.

    But, as the JCA points out, Zionism is a national political ideology and is not a core part of Jewish identity historically or today, since many Jews do not support Zionism. The JCA warns that the UA definition “risks fomenting harmful stereotypes that all Jewish people think in a certain way”.

    Moreover, JCA said, Jewish identities are already “a rightly protected category under all racial discrimination laws, whereas political ideologies such as Zionism and support for Israel are not”.

    Like other aspects of politics, political ideologies, such as Zionism, and political stances, such as support for Israel, should be able to be discussed critically.

    According to the UA definition, criticism of Israel can be antisemitic “when it holds Jewish individuals or communities responsible for Israel’s actions”.

    While it would be wrong for any individual or community, because they are Jewish, to be held responsible for Israel’s actions, it is a fact that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former  minister Yoav Gallant for Israel’s war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    But under the UA definition, since Netanyahu and Gallant are Jewish, would holding them responsible be considered antisemitic?

    Is the ICC antisemitic? According to Israel it is.

    The implication of the definition for universities, which teach law and jurisprudence, is that international law should not be applied to the Israeli state, because it is antisemitic to do so.

    The UA’s definition is vague enough to have a chilling effect on any academic who wants to teach about genocide, apartheid and settler-colonialism. It states that “criticism of Israel can be antisemitic when it is grounded in harmful tropes, stereotypes or assumptions”.

    What these are is not defined.

    Anti-racism challenge
     Within the academy, there is a strong tradition of anti-racism and decolonial scholarship, particularly the concept of settler colonialism, which, by definition, calls into question the very notion of “statehood”.

    With this new definition of antisemitism, will academics be prevented from teaching students the works of Chelsea Watego, Patrick Wolfe or Edward Said?

    The definition will have serious and damaging repercussions for decolonial scholars and severely impinges the rights of scholars, in particular First Nations scholars and students, to critique empire and colonisation.

    UA is the “peak body” for higher education in Australia, and represents and lobbies for capitalist class interests in higher education.

    It is therefore not surprising that it has developed this particular definition, given its strong bilateral relations with Israeli higher education, including signing a 2013 memorandum of understanding with Association of University Heads, Israel.

    It should be noted that the NTEU National Council last October called on UA to withdraw from this as part of its Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions resolution.

    All university students and staff committed to anti-racism, academic freedom and freedom of speech should join the campaign against the UA definition.

    Local NTEU branches and student groups are discussing and passing motions rejecting the new definition and NTEU for Palestine has called a National Day of Action for March 26 with that as one of its key demands.

    We will not be silenced on Palestine.

    Jonathan Strauss and Markela Panegyres are members of the National Tertiary Education Union and the Socialist Alliance. Republished from Green Left with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Markey Reintroduce Legislation to Fund Sea Turtle Research and Rescue Assistance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) reintroduced their bipartisan and bicameral Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act, legislation to establish funding at the Department of Commerce for the rescue, recovery and research of sea turtles in Texas and across the United States. Text of the bill can be found, here.

    “Sea turtle strandings are rising at an alarming rate along the Texas Gulf Coast,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This bill would help identify the causes of these strandings and invest in rescue and recovery efforts to better protect Texas’ endangered and storied sea turtle population.”

    “Sea turtles are the canaries in the coal mine. Right now, every known species of sea turtles found in US waters is either threatened or endangered and faces extinction and environmental wipeout due to the human-caused climate crisis. We have the responsibility to act,” said Sen. Markey. “I am reintroducing the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act to financially support ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts of our shelled friends.” 

    The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Cory Booker (D-NJ, and Tom Tillis (R-NC). In January, Representative Bill Keating (MA-09) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
     

    Background:

    In 2000, fewer than 50 sea turtles were found stranded on the beaches of Cape Cod; by 2022, that number had skyrocketed to 866. During the 2021 cold snap in Texas, more than 12,100 turtles were cold-stunned, and rescue organizations were able to save and return only 4,000 of the stranded turtles to the wild. Rescue efforts are predominantly volunteer led and underfunded despite sea turtles facing increasing environmental and human-caused threats that make strandings more likely, including rapid temperature changes, red tide events, and entanglement in marine debris. This bill would provide stability and support to efforts that rehabilitate and aid in the recovery of sea turtles along the coastal US. Specifically, the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act would create a new grant program to fund rescue, recovery, and research of sea turtles in the U.S., and authorize $5 million annually for awarding of grants to further that purpose from 2025 through 2030. 

    The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act is endorsed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the New England Aquarium, the National Aquarium, ABQ BioPark, Acadia Institute of Oceanography, Adventure Aquarium, Allied Whale – College of the Atlantic, Assateague Coastal Trust, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Aquarium of the Pacific, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Audubon Nature Institute, Bird River Beach Community Association, Blank Park Zoo, Brevard Zoo / East Coast Zoological Park, Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Buttonwood Park Zoo, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, Conservation Council For Hawaii, El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Georgia Aquarium, Georgia Sea Turtle Center / Jekyll Island Authority, Georgia Wildlife Federation, Gladys Porter Zoo, Gulf World Marine Institute, Healthy Ocean Coalition, Houston Zoo, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Jenkinson’s Aquarium, John Ball Zoo, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Kansas City Zoo, Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Marine Education – Research & Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. (MERR), Marine Conservation Institute, Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Mass Audubon, Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, National Marine Life Center, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Newport Aquarium, New York Marine Rescue Center, North Carolina Aquariums, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, OdySea Aquarium, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Racine Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo, SEA LIFE Aquariums, Sea Turtle Recovery, Inc., Seattle Aquarium, Seatuck Environmental Association, SeaWorld Parks, Sociedad Ornitologica Puertorriquena Inc., South Carolina Aquarium, South Carolina Wildlife Federation, Sunset Zoo, Surfrider Foundation, Texas Conservation Alliance, Texas Sealife Center, Texas State Aquarium, The Florida Aquarium, The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, The Ocean Project, The Turtle Hospital, Upwell Turtles, Vancouver Aquarium, Virgin Islands Conservation Society, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Whitney Lab for Marine Bioscience at University of Florida, WIDECAST: Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network, Wildlife Restoration Foundation, and Woodland Park Zoo. 

    “We are grateful for Sen. Markey’s continued partnership as he reintroduces the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 in the U.S. Senate. Each year, the New England Aquarium rescues and rehabilitates hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles that wash onto the beaches of Cape Cod Bay. This bill would help fill a critical gap in sea turtle conservation efforts by providing much-needed financial support to organizations across the country like ours that help return these endangered animals to the ocean,” said Vikki N. Spruill, President and CEO of the New England Aquarium. 

    “The National Aquarium applauds the reintroduction of the bicameral, bipartisan Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act. We are proud to be part of the nationwide network of organizations engaged in sea turtle conservation and in educating the public on the challenges facing these threatened and endangered species. Sea turtle strandings are on the rise, as are the expenses related to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing them back to their ocean home. The level of voluntary contribution from stranding network partners is not sustainable. We thank the champions in the House and Senate for their leadership in creating a much-needed federal grant program to support this important work,” said John Racanelli, President & CEO of the National Aquarium. 

    “Each year, aquariums, zoos and other organizations selflessly rescue and rehabilitate thousands of stranded and injured sea turtles with little to no federal support. They do it because it is the right thing to do,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “This bipartisan Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act would help to fill a critical gap in support for these federally protected sea turtles.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Precautionary school closures in Northern NSW as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Precautionary school closures in Northern NSW as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches

    Published: 5 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Education and Early Learning, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

    Schools across the North Coast of NSW will be non-operational for the next two days to safeguard students and staff as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches.

    Due to potential impacts of the cyclone, including a heightened risk of flooding, more than 230 public schools, 29 Catholic schools, five independent schools and 16 TAFE campuses, along with two additional TAFE campuses being used as evacuation centres, are closed. The closures are expected to impact schools from Wednesday 5 March, through to Friday 7 March 2025.

    Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to cross the coastline north of Brisbane as a Category 2 cyclone late on Thursday or early Friday.

    Substantial flooding is expected with up to a metre of rain forecast to fall in southern Queensland and north-eastern NSW over several days.

    Because of these risks, families have been asked to not send children to school for the next two days.

    At this stage schools are expected to resume operations on Monday 10 March 2025.

    The department has a stock of essential products ready to be dispatched to support our school communities, including gloves, paper towels, pump soap, tissues, toilet paper, bottled water and personal insect repellents. Additional blow-drying units and air purifiers are also available.

    The Department of Education also requires all early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to operate safely, including during extreme weather events, and is contacting services in affected regions.

    The Department urges services to assess the risk of severe weather in their community and if necessary, activate their emergency plans and procedures. We encourage services to follow the advice of local authorities and the SES.

    The SES has asked families to prepare their homes for strong winds, by putting away loose items around their home, trimming trees away from properties and not parking vehicles under trees or powerlines. 

    Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in flood water, and any avoid unnecessary travel. Download the Hazards Near Me App to stay across the latest warnings and information.

    Call the NSW SES on 132 500 if you need emergency assistance in floods and storms. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000) or visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au

    Visit the Department of Education website for up-to-date list on information on schools that are non-operational. A list of TAFE NSW campuses that are non-operation is available on the TAFE NSW website.

    Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

    “As our communities prioritise their safety and prepare for the arrival of Cyclone Alfred, we are ensuring teachers, students and school staff are not unnecessary placed in harm’s way by attending school.

    “Keeping our students and families safe must always be our top priority.

    “While we usually do not advocate for the closure of schools and places of learning, in these circumstances, an abundance of caution can be what keeps our community safe.”

    Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

    “It is important that at this critical time we plan ahead, and we are asking the community to keep their children home from school.

    “Please follow the advice of emergency services and continue to check the NSW State Emergency Service website for the latest information and, if you haven’t already, download the Hazards Near Me App which includes the latest warnings and information.

    “The NSW Government is doing all we can to prepare ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred crossing the coast later this week and we are asking the community to take steps now to ensure that they are prepared.”

    Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

    “Our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of our staff, students and their families.

    “We are incredibly grateful to our team of dedicated TAFE NSW staff who have a wonderful track record of supporting their communities by ensuring campuses can be turned into evacuation centres during natural disaster events.”

    Deputy Secretary of Public Schools Deborah Summerhayes said:

    “The department is taking a safety-first approach. We know a lot of our North Coast communities have been through difficult periods in recent years –  with the 2022 floods still fresh in their memories.

    “That’s why we are planning for the worst and hoping for the best.

    “We want to do everything we can to ensure our school communities are well supported and our staff and students are safe.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s major sports codes are considered not-for-profits – is it time for them to pay up?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Nichol, Lecturer in Law, CQUniversity Australia

    Not-for-profit organisations support a range of needs and activities, such as financial disadvantage, health and education.

    Governments support these entities through various measures, notably exemption from income tax and other taxes.

    Some of Australia’s major professional sports – such as the Australian Football League (AFL) and its clubs, the National Rugby League (NRL) and its clubs and Cricket Australia – are treated as not-for-profits. This means they do not pay income tax.

    Not-for-profits and charities

    The not-for-profit sector in Australia consists of about 600,000 organisations, 59,000 of which contributed $43 billion to Australia’s economy in 2010 (2010 is the most recent available data).

    Some not-for-profit organisations receive special designation as charities and must have a charitable purpose that benefits the public.

    A charity is not permitted to distribute profits to its members and must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is aware of more than 200,000 entities that receive one or more tax concessions. But only 61,010 are registered charities.

    Professinal sports and tax

    Within the regulation of not-for-profits exists professional sport.

    Sports receive an exemption from income tax if, under section 50-45 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, a club or association encourages or promotes a game or sport.

    In addition, the organisation must not conduct business for the purpose of profit for members.

    The sports exemption does not differentiate between professional and community (or amateur) sport, as is the case in New Zealand, where charities and taxation law limit a sports charity to an amateur organisation.

    Therefore, major Australian professional sports are considered not-for-profits and do not pay income tax.

    None of these entities are registered charities.

    This raises questions of fairness: these organisations receive revenue that ranges from tens of millions of dollars in the case of clubs to hundreds of millions and even billions for leagues.

    When the sports exemption was introduced in the 1950s, it was designed to assist small community clubs. This might include the local golf club that operates on a public course and has operating revenue of $10,000, or the local tennis or football club with similar revenues.

    The big business of pro sports

    In recent years, the revenues of professional sport have ballooned, primarily due to lucrative broadcasting deals.

    For example, in 2023, the AFL had revenues of $1.06 billion and recently announced its 2024 profit of $45.4 million, putting it in Australia’s 30 largest charities by income.

    In 2023, the revenues of the AFL’s clubs ranged from $50.4-$105.7 million.

    The NRL earned $744.9 million in revenue in 2024.

    Also, the AFL and NRL receive a percentage of the income of betting agencies, reportedly $30 million a year for the AFL and $50 million for the NRL.

    Half of the NRL clubs are sponsored by betting companies and three NRL stadiums are named after betting agencies.

    Some non-Victorian AFL clubs, such as Brisbane and Greater Western Sydney, have gambling sponsorships, but Victorian clubs have signed up to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s “Love the Game, Not the Odds” program.

    This reliance on sports betting revenues raises issues as to the public benefit of these organisations and whether they should receive tax exemptions.



    Read more:
    Will the government’s online gambling advertising legislation ever eventuate? Don’t bet on it

    The issue of unrelated business income

    The issue of unrelated business income (the income a not-for-profit earns from commercial activities not related to its charitable purpose), especially from gambling and poker machines, raises concerns.

    North Melbourne was the first Victorian AFL club to sell its poker machines in 2008. In 2016, it was the only club without pokies.

    Collingwood sold its machines in 2018 and Hawthorn sold its two poker machine venues in 2022. But Carlton, Essendon, Richmond and St Kilda earned a collective $40 million from poker machines in 2022/2023.

    The profits of poker machines by Victorian AFL clubs can be distinguished from sports clubs in New South Wales, where not less than 0.75% of poker machine profits must be distributed to charities under community development and support expenditure.

    Poker machine venues are a considerable source of revenue in the NRL. In 2021, rugby league received $9.8 million from regional licensed clubs – $7.28 million to grassroots rugby and $2.52 million to NRL clubs.

    Metropolitan venues gave $29.67 million to rugby league – $17.09 million to grassroots rugby and $12.58 million to NRL clubs.

    A possible solution

    Unrelated business income tax (UBIT) is a tax on the unrelated business income of not-for-profits. Related business income for a not-for-profit is membership fees and services directly related to the members such as restaurants or meals.

    However, the major source of unrelated business income for sports are sponsorship and income from gambling companies and poker machines.

    A UBIT has a long history in the United States and was proposed by the Gillard government in 2011, only to be postponed in 2013 and eventually abandoned by the Abbott government in 2014.

    In the context of professional sport, a UBIT would fairly treat leagues and clubs, which increasingly engage in commercial activities outside their charitable activities, with a public benefit without removing the tax exemption.

    For example, a UBIT would tax the profits of clubs with poker machines. It would also tax some of Australia’s most profitable professional sports clubs and leagues for revenue not related to promoting the sports.

    It would also help distinguish between “real” not-for-profits and professional sports.

    In doing so, it would also create a fair regulatory environment for the operation of for-profit and not-for-profit businesses.

    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. Australia’s major sports codes are considered not-for-profits – is it time for them to pay up? – https://theconversation.com/australias-major-sports-codes-are-considered-not-for-profits-is-it-time-for-them-to-pay-up-250914

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Provides Guidance to Schools on Efforts to Support Equal Access to Education Opportunities

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a multistate coalition, issued guidance to educational institutions regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on race-conscious admissions policies at institutions of higher education. The guidance comes in response to concerns from educational institutions stemming from U.S. Department of Education’s Dear Colleague letter targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies and programming in schools. The guidance emphasizes that efforts to seek and support diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible in schools are not illegal and that the federal government cannot prohibit these efforts via a Dear Colleague Letter. 

    “By bringing diverse perspectives to their campuses, schools foster a culture of learning, debate, and growth that benefits their students for the rest of their lives,” said Attorney General Bonta. “It shouldn’t matter where you live, how much money your parents make, the color of your skin, who you love, or how you identify. Every person deserves an equal access to a public education.”

    Educational institutions should continue to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility among their student bodies. Longstanding legal precedent has established that educational institutions may take steps to build student bodies that are meaningfully diverse across numerous dimensions, like geography, socioeconomic status, race, and sexual orientation and gender identity, among others. Nothing in the Dear Colleague letter changes existing law and well-established legal principles that encourage – and even require – schools to promote educational opportunity for students of all backgrounds.

    According to the standard set by Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, it is not unlawful for a school generally to take race into account in its operations and programming. It is also not unlawful for educational institutions to implement a race-neutral policy in order to increase racial or other forms of diversity. The President cannot change longstanding legal precedent by executive order, and a Dear Colleague letter certainly cannot do so.

    Attorney General Bonta previously issued guidance to help businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations understand the viability and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policies and practices in creating and maintaining legally compliant and thriving workplaces.

    Attorney General Bonta is committed to ensuring California schools remain a welcoming, inclusive, safe place for all students. Last month, Attorney General Bonta responded to the Trump Administration’s executive order targeting transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and gender nonconforming students, reiterating that federal and state protections against discrimination remain firmly in place. In the wake of new concerns of immigration enforcement on school campuses, the Attorney General highlighted guidance to students, families, educators, and school officials that provides practical guidance on how to respond if an immigration officer comes to campus and on students’ educational rights and protections under the law.

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont in issuing this guidance.

    A copy of the guidance for schools is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 7)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the draft federal law “On ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Belarus, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus on cooperation and exchange of information, including confidential information, in the field of supervision and (or) control over the financial market”

    The bill aims to ratify the agreement signed in Moscow on August 6, 2024.

    2. On amendments to certain acts of the Government of the Russian Federation (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Government Commission for the Development of Housing Construction and the Assessment of the Efficiency of the Use of Land Plots Owned by the Russian Federation)

    The draft act is aimed at granting the commission the authority to make decisions on the transfer of federal property to another level of public ownership.

    On Amendments to Certain Acts of the Government of the Russian Federation (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Government Commission for the Development of Housing Construction and the Assessment of the Efficiency of the Use of Land Plots Owned by the Russian Federation)

    The draft act is aimed at granting the commission the authority to make decisions on the transfer of federal property to another level of public ownership.

    3. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (in terms of improving the submission of reports by non-profit organizations)

    The bill is aimed at simplifying the procedure for submitting reports by non-profit organizations, including charitable, volunteer and socially oriented NPOs.

    4. On Amendments to the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 28, 2018 No. 885 (in terms of amending the Regulation on the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science)

    The draft resolution is aimed at empowering Rosobrnadzor to determine the minimum number of points confirming successful completion of testing in a state or municipal general education organization by foreign citizens and stateless persons on knowledge of the Russian language, sufficient for mastering educational programs of primary general, basic general and secondary general education.

    Moscow, March 5, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Politics- Open letter to the Prime Minister: on marmite sandwiches and healthy school lunches

    Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

    Today, Health Coalition Aotearoa, Child Poverty Action Group and NZEI sent an open letter to Prime Minister Chris Luxton, Hon David Seymour (Associate Minister of Health) and Hon Erica Stanford (Minister of Education).
    In the letter, we raise concerns about the Prime Minister’s comment about “marmite sandwiches and an apple” regarding the litany of problems with the Ka Ora Ka Ako school lunch programme.
    We also propose some solutions to the problems.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Elon Musk thinks the US should leave the UN – what if Trump does it?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Ogden, Associate Professor in Global Studies, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Getty Images

    When Donald Trump’s benefactor and cost-cutter-in-chief Elon Musk recently supported a call for the United States to quit NATO and the United Nations, it should perhaps have been more surprising.

    But the first months of the second Trump presidency have already seen key parts of the current international order undermined. Musk’s position fits a general pattern.

    Aside from the tilt towards a multipolar world order, the US now refuses to recognise the International Criminal Court, has slashed its foreign aid contributions, and has withdrawn from the World Health Organization, the UN Human Rights Council and the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA.

    With Trump’s domestic politics displaying a clear autocratic edge, the rejection of the founding principles and ideals of the UN comes into sharper relief. The intolerant and impatient negotiating approach he displayed with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky also belies a disregard for cooperative and consensus-based diplomacy.

    The drive to slash the federal deficit dovetails with this general abandonment of expensive international commitments. If the Trump regime follows through on its apparent strategy of manufacturing crises to advance its agenda, then leaving the UN entirely is a logical next step.

    Undermined ideals

    This is all in stark contrast to the central role the UN has traditionally played within the US-led international order since 1945.

    Along with other institutions, the UN allowed the US to shape the international system in its own image and spread its domestic values and interests across the world. Along with NATO, the UN was designed as a global security institution to produce global stability.

    In theory at least, the political and economic values of the US and other democracies enabled the construction of the postwar order. According to political scientist John Ikenberry, this was based on “multilateralism, alliance partnerships, strategic restraint, cooperative security, and institutional and rule-based relationships”.

    But by the 21st century, US actions had undermined many of these principles. The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 bypassed the authority of the UN, causing then secretary-general Kofi Annan to declare that “from the charter point of view [the invasion] was illegal”.

    This undermined the legitimacy of the UN and America’s place within it. But it also diminished the organisation as a force for maintaining international security and national sovereignty in global affairs.

    The subsequent human rights violations by the US through its use of rendition, torture and detention at facilities such as Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib further weakened the UN’s credibility as a protector of liberal international values.

    The US has also been a regular non-payer of UN fees, owing US$2.8 billion in early 2025. And it is one of the lowest contribtuors of military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping operations, despite paying nearly 27% of the overall budget.

    US versus UN

    Since the 1990s, several Republican politicians have argued for the US to withdraw entirely from the UN. In 1997, senator Ron Paul introduced the American Sovereignty Restoration Act, aimed at ending UN membership, expelling the UN headquarters from New York and ending US funding.

    Although it received minimal support and never reached committee hearings, Paul reintroduced the act in every congressional session until his 2011 retirement. It was then taken up by other Republicans, including Paul Broun and Mike Rogers.

    In December 2023, senator Mike Lee and representative Chip Roy led the introduction of the “Disengaging Entirely from the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act”.

    Roy referenced the perceived negative treatment of Israel, the promotion of China, “the propagation of climate hysteria” and the US$12.5 billion in annual payments. Lee added:

    Americans’ hard-earned dollars have been funnelled into initiatives that fly in the face of our values – enabling tyrants, betraying allies, and spreading bigotry.

    Public polling in 2024 also showed only 52% of Americans had a favourable view of the UN. This opposition has deeper historical roots, too.

    In 1920, US isolationists blocked the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles, and with it US participation in the League of Nations (the predecessor to the United Nations). Although the US would interact with the League of Nations until the UN’s formation in 1945, it never became an official member.

    Criticism of the UN also has a bipartisan angle, with the US withdrawing funding of UNRWA in 2024 during Joe Biden’s presidency after Israel accused the agency of links to Hamas.

    A diminished UN

    If Trump harnesses these historical and modern forces to pull the US out of the UN, it would fundamentally – and likely irrevocably – undermine what has been a central pillar of the current international order.

    It would also increase US isolationism, reduce Western influence, and legitimise alternative security bodies. These include the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which the US could potentially join, especially given Russia and India are both members.

    More broadly, the reduced influence of the UN will endanger general peace and security in the international sphere, and the wider protection and promotion of human rights.

    There would be greater unpredictability in global affairs, and the world would be a more dangerous place. For countries big and small, a UN without the US will force new strategic calculations and create new alliances and blocs, as the world leaps into the unknown.

    Chris Ogden is a Senior Research Fellow with The Foreign Policy Centre, London.

    – ref. Elon Musk thinks the US should leave the UN – what if Trump does it? – https://theconversation.com/elon-musk-thinks-the-us-should-leave-the-un-what-if-trump-does-it-251483

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five best articles in Russian for 05.03.2025

    MIL Analysis: Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis includes five key articles prioritized at the moment.

    Long-term bank deposits are relevant in today’s analysis, but inflation is still high.

    Social infrastructure is productive. The Moscow Metro is improving every year, and it is again celebrating its results for the last two years on the Great Ring Line. In addition, there is a new function on the portal “Recognize Moscow” to facilitate information about the city of Moscow.

    Moscow is preparing for International Women’s Day, and you can already see decorations around the city in the form of posters and exhibitions dedicated to the women of Russia.

    From March 1 to May 31, 2025, applications are accepted for the All-Russian contest called “Golden Names of Higher Education”. The contest is open to faculty members.

    Below you can read one of the entries.

    1. Term matters – Russians are shifting their savings to long deposits.

    How did the bank deposit market change at the beginning of 2025?

    Russians’ demand for long deposits started to grow in January 2025 – customers are trying to lock in a high rate for a long term. According to the data of the platform “Finuservices” for the first two months of the year:

    • the share of deposits for 6 months decreased by 1.5 p.p., amounting to 54% of total deposits – the term is still the most popular;
    • the share of deposits for 3 months decreased by 1.3 p.p. to 25.2%;
    • the share of deposits for 3 months decreased by 1.5 p.p. to 25.2%. – to 25.2%;
    • the share of 1-month deposits also decreased by 1.3 p.p. to 3.1%;
    • the share of deposits for one year, on the contrary, increased by 3 p.p. to 13.7%;
    • deposits with maturity over one year also show insignificant growth.

    2. We invite GUU teachers to participate in the All-Russian contest “Golden Names of Higher Education”.

    From March 1 to May 31, 2025 applications are accepted for participation in the All-Russian Contest “Golden Names of Higher School”. We invite the professorial and pedagogical staff of the State University of Management to participate in the Contest.

    The contest “Golden Names of Higher School” is held by the Interregional Public Organization “League of Higher School Teachers” with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation since 2017. It is aimed at identifying and supporting talented teachers and scientists who have made a significant contribution to the development of Russian higher education and science. Over 7 thousand teachers have participated in the Contest throughout its history.

    3. Moscow Metro celebrates two years of through traffic on the Great Ring Line, having served more than 740 million passengers.

    The Moscow Metro celebrates the second anniversary of the launch of through traffic on the Great Ring Line (BCL), a monumental achievement in the city’s transportation infrastructure. Since its full launch two years ago, the BCL has served more than 740 million passengers, changing the way Muscovites travel around the city.

    4. Everything about your capital city: how the personal account of the “Learn Moscow” portal has been updated.

    A new function has appeared in the user’s personal cabinet on the “Learn Moscow” portal. Now in the “Favorites” section you can create your own selections of online routes, articles about museums, monuments and buildings, as well as materials about people who have left their mark on the culture and history of the capital. This will make it easier for users to systematize information about the places they want to visit and find the content they like faster.

    5. “Such different girls, girls, women”: Glavarkhiv invites to the exhibition for March 8.

    The exhibition “Such Different Girls, Girls, Women” dedicated to International Women’s Day opened on Chistoprudny Boulevard and in Ekaterininsky Park. The exhibition includes photographs from the funds of the Moscow Glavarkhiv from the 1900s to the 1980s. The photos depict girls of different professions. The exhibition can be viewed until April 4.

    Learn more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Budget 2025: Investing in Alberta’s future | Budget 2025 : Investir dans l’avenir de l’Alberta

    As Alberta continues work to address increasing domestic and international economic pressures, Budget 2025 works to strengthen Alberta’s economy. This budget helps build communities, secure Alberta’s southern border and boost investments in the province’s economic future.

    “While we work closely with partners to find solutions to a possible trade conflict, we will continue our work to make sure Alberta’s economy is strong – in and outside of the energy sector – so that we can manage any turbulence that comes our way. Budget 2025 carves our path forward in the face of this uncertainty.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Budget 2025: Supporting a strong workforce

    Alberta’s workforce is the backbone of the provincial economy. Budget 2025 continues the commitment to training and developing a skilled and resilient labour force to further grow Alberta’s economy and help businesses succeed, including: 

    • $26.1 billion over three years from the Capital Plan, to support about 26,500 direct and 12,000 indirect jobs each year through 2027-28.
    • $135 million for skilled trade programs such as apprenticeship and adult learning initiatives to help Albertans gain the skills and training needed for successful careers, and support access to job opportunities.
    • $2 billion in 2025-26 to support and expand early learning and child-care system so parents and caregivers can participate in training, education or work opportunities.  

    Budget 2025: Securing our borders

    • Alberta’s government is committed to being a good neighbour and trading partner, and part of this commitment involves taking measures to secure the Alberta-US border. Budget 2025 includes $29 million in 2025-26 for a new Interdiction Patrol Team within the Alberta Sheriffs to tackle illegal drug and gun smuggling, human trafficking, apprehension of persons attempting to cross the border illegally, and other illegal activities along Alberta’s international land border. Budget 2025 also includes a $15 million investment over two years for three new vehicle inspection stations located near borders to the USA.

    Budget 2025: Investing in post-secondary education

    Budget 2025 invests a total of $7.4 billion in post-secondary education, with an operating budget of $6.6 billion in 2025-26. This includes:

    • $78 million per year over the next three years to create more seats in apprenticeship classes across the province to build skilled trades and apprenticeship education that will respond to the needs of industry, support the economy and connect Albertans with jobs.
    • $113 million to support greater demand for scholarships and the Alberta Student Grant, with $60 million funded from the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund.
    • $4 million to the First Nations Colleges Grant which is distributed equally across five colleges in rural and remote Indigenous communities.

    “Our government is ensuring that Alberta students have the skills and training they need to meet the needs of today while preparing for the economy of the future. Budget 2025 makes foundational investments to meet the challenge of a rapidly growing population while supporting a sustainable post-secondary education system.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

    Budget 2025: Building communities

    Alberta’s vibrant communities make Alberta the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family. Budget 2025 invests in stronger communities across Alberta, including:

    • $17.2 million to increase grants made to municipalities in lieu of property taxes on government-owned property to 75 per cent, up from the current 50 per cent. By next year, the province will cover 100 per cent of the amount that would be paid if the property was taxable.
    • $820 million this year and $2.5 billion over three years in Local Government Fiscal Framework capital funding to help fund local infrastructure priorities.

    Budget 2025: Supporting trade and diversification

    Alberta continues to champion economic growth and policies that support productivity. Through Budget 2025, Alberta’s government will continue to build on current successes through:

    • Attracting more investment through low corporate income taxes. At eight per cent, Alberta’s corporate income tax rate is 30 per cent lower than the next lowest province.
    • Providing greater incentive for small- and medium-sized firms that increase their spending on research and development, with Alberta’s Innovation Employment Grant.
    • Promoting Alberta as a reliable partner in supporting North American and global energy security to investors. The province will optimize new and existing infrastructure to access new markets for Alberta’s energy and mineral resources.
    • Supporting Alberta’s agriculture producers and value-added processors, addressing barriers to trade by cultivating export markets, and working to increase market access for Alberta products.
    • Reinforcing Alberta as a critical contributor to North American energy security by continuing to advocate for our remarkable energy sector across Canada, the U.S., Germany, Japan and the rest of the world.

    Budget 2025: Investing in business and industry

    Budget 2025 continues to find ways to help Alberta’s economy grow through investments in business and industry and help our economy grow, including:

    • Support to attract investment in Alberta’s energy and mineral resource sector to accelerate opportunities in emerging resources.
    • $45 million over three years for the Investment and Growth Fund to attract investment into Alberta’s economy.
    • $1.8 million in Western Crop Innovations for industry-leading crop research.
    • $780,000 to support small- and medium-sized meat processors.
    • $3.1 million for the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to expand toward a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory. This will give livestock producers and vets access to quicker, more affordable livestock diagnostics closer to home.

    “Budget 2025 builds a stronger Alberta by growing industries, creating high-quality jobs and expanding opportunities for workers and families. With strategic investments in innovation, infrastructure and workforce development, Alberta is rising to the challenge, strengthening our province for many years to come.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    “We are advancing cutting-edge research in agriculture and supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, we are strengthening our agricultural infrastructure, ensuring quicker and more affordable services for livestock producers and veterinarians. We’re supporting innovation, attracting investment, and building a resilient economy for the future.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Related information

    • Budget 2025

    Related news

    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge (Feb 27, 2025)
    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge in health and education (Feb 27, 2025)

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    • Watch the Budget address
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    Le budget de 2025 relève le défi de l’incertitude en matière de commerce et de sécurité en mettant l’accent sur l’économie.

    À mesure que l’Alberta continue de répondre aux pressions économiques intérieures et internationales, le budget de 2025 vise à renforcer l’économie albertaine. Il contribue à bâtir des communautés, à assurer la sécurité de la frontière au sud de la province et à renforcer les investissements dans notre avenir économique.

    « Alors que nous travaillons en étroite collaboration avec des partenaires pour trouver des solutions à un différend commercial potentiel, nous poursuivons notre travail pour nous assurer que l’économie de l’Alberta est forte, dans le secteur de l’énergie et ailleurs, afin de pouvoir gérer toute perturbation. Le budget de 2025 trace la voie à suivre face à cette incertitude. »

    Nate Horner, président du Conseil du Trésor et ministre des Finances

    Budget 2025 : Soutenir une main-d’œuvre solide

    La main-d’œuvre albertaine est l’épine dorsale de l’économie provinciale. Le budget de 2025 maintient l’engagement envers la formation et le perfectionnement d’une main-d’œuvre qualifiée et résiliente de sorte à faire croître l’économie et aider les entreprises à réussir : 

    • 26,1 milliards de dollars sur trois ans provenant du plan d’immobilisations afin d’appuyer environ 26 500 emplois directs et 12 000 emplois indirects chaque année jusqu’en 2027-2028.
    • 135 millions de dollars pour des programmes de métiers spécialisés, comme des initiatives d’apprentissages et d’éducation des adultes de sorte à aider les Albertains à acquérir les compétences et à suivre la formation nécessaires pour mener des carrières fructueuses, ainsi qu’à soutenir l’accès aux possibilités d’emploi.
    • 2 milliards de dollars en 2025-26 pour appuyer et élargir le système d’apprentissage et de garde des jeunes enfants afin que les parents et les gardiens tirent parti de possibilités de formation, d’éducation ou d’emploi.  

    Budget 2025 : Assurer la sécurité de nos frontières

    • Le gouvernement de l’Alberta est résolu à être un bon voisin et un bon partenaire commercial, ce qui implique la prise de mesures pour assurer la sécurité de la frontière entre l’Alberta et les États-Unis. Le budget de 2025 prévoit 29 millions de dollars en 2025-26 pour une nouvelle équipe de « patrouille d’interdiction » (Interdiction Patrol Team) qui fait partie des shérifs de l’Alberta et sera chargée de lutter contre le trafic de drogue et d’armes et la traite de personnes, d’appréhender les personnes qui tentent de traverser la frontière illégalement et de surveiller d’autres activités illégales le long de la frontière internationale de la province. Le budget de 2025 comprend en outre un investissement de 15 millions de dollars sur deux ans pour trois nouveaux postes d’inspection de véhicules près de la frontière des États-Unis.

    Budget 2025 : Investir dans l’enseignement postsecondaire

    Le budget de 2025 investit en tout 7,4 milliards de dollars dans l’enseignement postsecondaire, le budget d’exploitation étant de 6,6 milliards de dollars en 2025-2026. Cette somme comprend :

    • 78 millions de dollars par années sur trois ans pour créer un plus grand nombre de places dans les cours d’apprentissage de toute la province en vue de renforcer les métiers spécialisés et les formations en apprentissage qui répondront aux besoins de l’industrie, soutiendront l’économie et mettront les Albertains en rapport avec des emplois.
    • 113 millions de dollars pour contribuer à satisfaire à la demande croissante de bourses et appuyer la bourse aux étudiants de l’Alberta (Alberta Student Grant), dont 60 millions de dollars provenant de l’Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund.
    • 4 millions de dollars pour la subvention aux collèges des Premières Nations (First Nations Colleges Grant), cette somme étant répartie également entre cinq collèges dans des communautés autochtones rurales et éloignées.

    « Notre gouvernement veille à ce que les étudiants en Alberta possèdent les compétences et la formation nécessaires pour répondre aux besoins actuels, tout en se préparant à l’économie future. Le budget de 2025 réalise des investissements fondamentaux de sorte à relever les défis posés par une population en pleine croissance, tout en appuyant un système d’éducation postsecondaire durable. »

    Rajan Sawhney, ministre de l’Enseignement postsecondaire

    Budget 2025 : Bâtir des communautés

    Les communautés dynamiques de notre province font de l’Alberta le meilleur endroit au Canada où vivre, travailler et élever une famille. Le budget de 2025 investit dans des communautés plus fortes partout en Alberta :

    • 17,2 millions de dollars pour augmenter de 50 % à 75 % les subventions accordées aux municipalités en remplacement d’impôts fonciers à l’égard des propriétés qui appartiennent au gouvernement. D’ici l’année prochaine, la province couvrira 100 $ du montant qui serait versé si la propriété était imposable.
    • 820 millions de dollars cette année et 2,5 milliards de dollars sur trois ans en dépenses en capital du cadre fiscal des administrations locales (Local Government Fiscal Framework) afin d’aider à financer les travaux d’infrastructures prioritaires.

    Budget 2025 : Soutenir le commerce et la diversification

    L’Alberta continue de favoriser la croissance économique et des politiques qui appuient la productivité. Par l’entremise du budget de 2025, le gouvernement de l’Alberta continuera de tirer parti des réussites actuelles en faisant ce qui suit :

    • Attirer plus d’investissements grâce à un faible taux d’imposition sur le revenu des sociétés. En Alberta, le taux de 8 % est de 30 % inférieur à celui de la province qui se classe deuxième.
    • Offrir de plus grands stimulants aux petites et moyennes entreprises qui augmentent leurs dépenses en recherche et développement, par l’entremise de la subvention pour l’emploi et l’innovation (Alberta’s Innovation Employment Grant).
    • Promouvoir l’Alberta en tant que partenaire fiable pour soutenir la sécurité énergétique nord-américaine et mondiale auprès des investisseurs. La province optimisera les infrastructures nouvelles et existantes afin d’accéder à de nouveaux marchés pour les ressources énergétiques et minérales de l’Alberta.
    • Soutenir les producteurs agricoles albertains et les transformateurs à valeur ajoutée de l’Alberta, s’attaquer aux obstacles au commerce en cultivant les marchés d’exportation et s’employer à améliorer l’accès au marché pour les produits de l’Alberta.
    • Renforcer la position de l’Alberta en tant que contributrice essentielle à la sécurité énergétique de l’Amérique du Nord en continuant de promouvoir notre secteur énergétique remarquable au Canada, aux États-Unis, en Allemagne, au Japon et dans le reste du monde.

    Budget 2025 : Investir dans les entreprises et les industries

    Le budget de 2025 continue de trouver des moyens de favoriser la croissance de l’économie albertaine en investissant dans les entreprises et les industries :

    • Soutien visant à attirer des investissements dans le secteur de l’énergie et des ressources minérales de sorte à accélérer les possibilités dans le domaine des ressources émergentes.
    • 45 millions de dollars sur trois ans pour le fonds d’investissement et de croissance (Investment and Growth Fund) en vue d’attirer des investissements dans l’économie albertaine.
    • 1,8 million de dollars versés à Western Crop Innovations au titre de la recherche de pointe sur les cultures.
    • 780 000 $ pour appuyer les petites et moyennes entreprises de transformation de viande.
    • 3,1 millions de dollars pour la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l’Université de Calgary en vue d’un agrandissement menant à un laboratoire de diagnostic vétérinaire complet. Les éleveurs de bétail et les vétérinaires auront alors accès à un diagnostic plus rapide, plus abordable et plus proche.

    « Le budget de 2025 bâtit une Alberta plus forte en développant les industries, en créant des emplois de haute qualité et en élargissant les possibilités offertes aux travailleurs et aux familles. Grâce à des investissements stratégiques en innovation, infrastructure et perfectionnement de la main-d’œuvre, l’Alberta relève le défi pour être plus forte pendant de nombreuses années à venir. »

    Matt Jones, ministre de l’Emploi, de l’Économie et du Commerce

    « Nous faisons progresser la recherche de point en agriculture et nous appuyons les petites et moyennes entreprises. De plus, nous renforçons notre infrastructure agricole pour offrir des services plus rapides et plus abordables aux éleveurs de bétail et aux vétérinaires. Nous soutenons l’innovation, nous attirons les investissements et nous bâtissons une économie résiliente pour l’avenir. »

    RJ Sigurdson, ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Irrigation

    Le budget de 2025 relève le défi auquel fait face l’Alberta grâce à des investissements continus dans l’éducation et la santé, une baisse des impôts pour les familles et un accent sur l’économie.

    Renseignements connexes

    • Budget 2025

    Nouvelles connexes

    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge | Budget 2025 : Relever le défi (27 février 2025)
    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge in health and education | Budget 2025 :  Relever le défi dans la santé et l’éducation (27 février 2025)

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  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Scott, Schumer, Jeffries, Murray, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect the Rights of American Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    WASHINGTON, March 5 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Congressional and labor leaders, today reintroduced the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), comprehensive labor legislation to protect the rights of workers to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits and safer workplaces. The legislation was renamed in honor of former AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka.

    Joining Sanders, Scott, Schumer, Jeffries and Murray on the PRO Act are Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), as well as 210 cosponsors in the House.

    “Never before in the history of our nation have income and wealth inequality been greater than today. Workers are falling further and further behind. In response, millions of Americans have expressed their desire to join a union,” said Sanders. “However, the billionaire class is fighting with all its might to put down attempts by workers to exercise their constitutional right to unionize. That includes the decision by President Trump to illegally fire National Labor Relations Board Member Gwynne Wilcox and effectively shut down the NLRB. Without a functioning NLRB, corporate bosses can illegally fire unionizing workers, flagrantly violate labor laws and render free and fair union elections near impossible. Supporting the immediate reinstatement of Member Wilcox and the swift passage of the PRO Act would be major steps toward building real worker power. The PRO Act is long overdue and I am proud to be introducing this bill in the Senate.”

    “Unions are essential for building a strong middle class and improving the lives of workers and families. Regrettably, for too long, workers have suffered from anti-union attacks and toothless labor laws that undermined their right to form a union,” said Scott. “As union approval remains at record highs, Congress has an urgent responsibility to ensure that workers can join a union and negotiate for higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces. The PRO Act is the most critical step Congress can take to uplift American workers. I urge my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in advancing the most significant update for workers’ labor organizing rights in over eighty years.”

    “As we speak Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies are stealing the American dream away from working families, rigging every lever of society in favor of the billionaire class,” said Schumer. “That’s why we need the PRO Act, to empower hardworking Americans to bargain for better wages, benefits, and safer working conditions. I’ve been involved in this fight for a very, very long time, and I will stay in this fight for as long as it takes – until every worker gets the wage they deserve, until the right to organize is protected and encouraged and secure, and until we finally make the PRO Act the law of the land.”

    “Right now, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are attacking workers, including mass firing people by the tens of thousands, left and right, regardless of how important that work is,” said Murray. “Reintroducing the PRO Act is more important now than ever. This is about making sure we are not just pushing back—but also pushing forward: charting a positive vision for workers and daring Republicans to make their actions match their words. Who do you stand with—the billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump—whose favorite two words are ‘you’re fired?’ Or do you stand with hard working American women and men. People who just want fair pay, decent treatment, and a government that works to make their lives better, not worse? That should not be too much to ask! I’m going to keep fighting, come hell or high water, to make it easier for workers to join together and fight for the better pay and working conditions they deserve.”

    “When our unions are strong, the United States of America is strong,” said Jeffries. “While Republicans are focused on giving handouts to their billionaire donors, Democrats will continue to fight to make sure that every American worker can organize and thrive and fight for better wages, better pay, better safety conditions and better benefits. Thanks to the leadership of Ranking Member Bobby Scott, that is exactly what the PRO Act does and we will not rest until we get this legislation across the finish line.”

    “Billionaires know there’s no greater threat to their power than a union card,” said Clark. “That’s why they’re using miles of red tape to deny the American people their basic, constitutional right to organize. We can cut that red tape for good. The PRO Act is yet another chance for Republicans to show where they stand: with working people or their billionaire donors.”

    “The PRO Act will safeguard the fundamental right of American workers to collectively bargain and organize and will ensure workers receive fair treatment while holding their employers to just standards,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.). “I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to strengthen the right of our nation’s hardest-working men and women to organize and negotiate for better wages, benefits, and conditions. A strong workforce is the foundation of a strong nation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see this vital legislation through.”

    “Americans believe in the power of unions and tens of millions of working people would become union members tomorrow if they could. But American labor law is broken, weighted on the side of the bosses and against the workers. In too many workplaces, in too many industries across the country, big corporations and billionaire CEOs still retaliate against us for organizing. They refuse to negotiate our contracts, force us to sit through hours of anti-union propaganda, and engage in illegal union-busting every day. Now they have an unelected, unaccountable, union-buster trying to illegally fire tens of thousands of our fellow workers in federal jobs and an administration rolling back the workplace protections. The PRO Act is long overdue, and the American people agree. We urge elected leaders of both parties to move this critical legislation forward so that all workers have the chance to stand together and build better lives for themselves and their families,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

    Large corporations and the wealthy continue to capture the rewards of a growing economy while working families and middle-class Americans are left behind. From 1979 to 2023, annual wages for the bottom 90% of households increased just 44 percent, while average incomes for the wealthiest 1% increased more than 180 percent.

    Unions are critical to increasing wages and creating a strong economy that rewards hardworking people. Through the power of collective bargaining, the typical union worker earns 16 percent more than the typical non-union worker.

    The American people’s support for unions is surging. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 70 percent of Americans approve of labor unions — remaining at near record highs. Despite growing support for unions, billionaire- and special interest-funded attacks on the rights of workers, unions and labor laws have eroded union density and made it harder for workers to organize. The share of American workers who are union members has fallen from roughly one in three workers in 1956 to a new low of 9.9 percent in 2024. The PRO Act restores fairness to the economy by strengthening the federal law that protects the right of workers to join a union and bargain for higher pay, better benefits and safer workplaces.

    The PRO Act would protect the right to organize and collectively bargain by:

    • Bolstering remedies and punishing violations of the rights of workers through authorizing meaningful penalties for employers that violate their rights, strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights and authorizing a private right of action for violation of the rights of workers.
    • Strengthening the rights of workers to join together and negotiate for better working conditions by enhancing their right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring unions can collect “fair share” fees, modernizing the union election process and facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements.
    • Restoring fairness to an economy rigged against workers by closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors and increasing transparency in labor-management relations.

    More than 18 organizations endorsed the PRO Act, including the AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Autoworkers (UAW), United Steelworkers (USW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), National Nurses United (NNU), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), the American Federation of Musicians, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).

    Read the bill text here.

    Read a fact sheet here.

    Read a section-by-section summary here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Introduces Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, President Trump’s Nominee to Lead NIH

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    March 5, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, President Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Senator Ricketts said the following of Dr. Bhattacharya:

    “He showed great intellectual honesty and courage because he offered alternative suggestions about how to handle the pandemic…” Sen. Ricketts said. “Dr. Bhattacharya helped give me a perspective and certainly demonstrated that he was thinking not just about how does the virus impact people but if we do lockdowns and so forth how will that impact people’s health? And there were other impacts from doing those shutdowns.” 

    When he was Governor, Ricketts consulted with Dr. Bhattacharya to develop Nebraska’s highly successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Politico ranked Nebraska as having the best COVID response of any state considering health, economic, social, and educational factors.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 6 March 2025 New home, new outlook on life Cece felt like she’d struck it lucky when she walked into her new Kāinga Ora home in Christchurch after living in emergency housing.

    Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

    “When they showed me the house I was crying. I felt like I was living in a dream and that I’d won Lotto. I moved in here on December 17 just in time for Christmas,” she says.

    Cece and her dog Ray Charles are now happily settled into their new home, which Cece has tastefully furnished with community donations and colourful op shop finds. Even the garden is sprinkled with bright ornaments.

    “When I moved in here, I only had two plates and Ray [the dog]. I’m so thankful for all the donations of furniture I’ve received,” she says.

    In 2011, Cece was walking across a pedestrian crossing on her way to work one morning when she was hit by a car and broke her hip. After having a hip replacement, she now lives with chronic back pain and uses a mobility scooter to get around when she’s not at home.

    Cece and Ray Charles

    When Cece had to move out of a private rental home three years ago, she struggled to find another suitable place to live. Emergency housing was the only option until she was matched to her new Kāinga Ora home.

    Cece says her new home is perfect for her. It has a concrete path up one side that allows her to drive her mobility scooter straight inside the gate to her house. There is also space inside her front door to park her mobility scooter if she needs it and the bathroom has a walk-in shower.

    Cece is also loving being part of a community in the new development where she lives, which includes several family homes. Until recently, she was a child and youth worker specialising in arts and crafts.

    Just a few days after moving into her new home, Cece held an impromptu arts and crafts session for her neighbours’ kids in the development’s communal area. “I’ve been given so much that I want to give it back. After the Christmas party, the kids left a gift on my doorstep on Christmas Day,” Cece says.

    Now that she’s settled into her new home, Cece is thinking about what to do next. “I’m planning to get another job and have been looking at teacher aide jobs. Or I might do my master’s degree,” she says.

    In the meantime, she’s enjoying every moment in her new home.

    “This house is such a blessing. Every morning, I clean any spot I can see. It’s a privilege to have this house.” 

    Page updated: 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Rigetti Computing Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BERKELEY, Calif., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI) (“Rigetti” or the “Company”), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Highlights

    • Revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2024 were $2.3 million
    • Operating expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2024 were $19.5 million
    • Operating loss for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $18.5 million
    • Net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $153.0 million, including $135.1 million of non-cash charges for the fair value change in the earn-out and derivative warrant liabilities
    • For the year ended December 31, 2024, revenues were $10.8 million, operating expenses were $74.2 million, operating loss was $68.5 million and net loss was $201.0 million, including $133.9 million of non-cash charges for the fair value change in the earn-out and derivative warrant liabilities
    • As of December 31, 2024 cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities totaled $217.2 million
    • Received net proceeds of $153.3 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 from the sale of 88.1 million shares of common stock through a registered direct offering and completion of our at-the-market equity offering
    • Prepaid in full all remaining amounts owed under our loan agreement with Trinity Capital, Inc.

    Business & Strategic Collaboration Updates

    New strategic collaboration with Quanta Computer
    Rigetti has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Quanta Computer, Inc. (“Quanta”), a Taiwan-based Global Fortune 500 company and the global leader of computer server manufacturing, with the goal of accelerating the development and commercialization of superconducting quantum computing. The companies have committed to investing more than $100 million each over the next five years pursuant to the collaboration agreement, with both sides focusing on their complementary strengths to develop superconducting quantum computing technologies. In addition, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, Quanta will invest $35 million to purchase shares of Rigetti common stock, subject to regulatory clearance. The agreements were signed on February 27, 2025.

    “Quanta’s collaboration with Rigetti is designed to strengthen our position in this flourishing market. Our companies’ complementary strengths — Rigetti as a pioneer in superconducting quantum technology, with open, modular architecture enabling integration of innovative solutions across the stack, and Quanta as the world’s leading notebook/server manufacturer with $43 billion in annual sales — will support us in our goal to be at the forefront of the quantum computing industry,” says Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO.

    Montana State University purchases a Novera QPU
    Rigetti sold a Novera QPU to Montana State University (MSU) in December 2024, which was the Company’s first QPU sale to an academic institution. The Novera will be located at MSU’s QCORE to educate and train scientists and engineers on quantum computing technologies, in addition to being used to create a testbed for quantum computing R&D. MSU’s QCORE is a new center of excellence for quantum enabling technologies established to accelerate workforce development and the regional quantum innovation ecosystem.

    Technology Milestones

    84-qubit Ankaa-3 system launches with record high fidelity
    Rigetti launched its 84-qubit Ankaa™-3 system in December 2024. Ankaa-3 features an extensive hardware redesign that enables superior performance. Rigetti achieved major two-qubit gate fidelity milestones with Ankaa-3: successfully halving error rates in 2024 to achieve a 99.0% median iSWAP gate fidelity and demonstrating 99.5% median fidelity with fSim gates. Rigetti’s newest flagship quantum computer continues to feature Rigetti’s scalable, industry-leading chip architecture with 3D signal delivery while incorporating major enhancements to key technologies.

    Ankaa-3 is available to Rigetti’s partners via the Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform (QCS®) and to the general public via Microsoft Azure and Amazon Braket.

    “We believe that superconducting qubits are the winning modality for quantum computers given their fast gate speeds and scalability. We’ve developed critical IP to scale our systems and remain confident in our plans to scale to 100+ qubits by the end of the year with a targeted 2x reduction in error rates from the error rates we achieved at the end of 2024. We believe our leadership in superconducting quantum computing continues to be reinforced as we push the boundaries of our system performance, as evidenced by the success of Ankaa-3,” says Dr. Kulkarni.

    Successful AI-powered calibration of a Rigetti QPU
    AI-powered tools from Quantum Elements and Qruise remotely automated the calibration of a Rigetti QPU integrated with Quantum Machines’ control system. This work was part of the “AI for Quantum Calibration Challenge” (the “Challenge”) hosted at the Israeli Quantum Computing Center. The two companies participating in the Challenge, Quantum Elements and Qruise, automated the calibration of a 9-qubit Rigetti Novera™ QPU integrated with Quantum Machines’ advanced OPX1000 control system and NVIDIA DGX Quantum, a unified system for quantum-classical computing that NVIDIA built with Quantum Machines. This achievement showcases the potential of AI in quantum computer calibration and also highlights the growing collaboration within the quantum computing ecosystem.

    Quantum Elements, Cruise, and Quantum Machines are members of Rigetti’s Novera QPU Partner Program — an ecosystem of quantum computing hardware, software, and service providers who build and offer integral components of a functional quantum computing system.

    “We believe that another advantage we leverage is our modular approach to developing our technology. By enabling our partners to integrate their technology with ours, we can explore and advance creative and flexible ways to improve quantum computing capabilities,” says Dr. Kulkarni.

    Research demonstrating optical reading technique published in Nature Physics
    Joint research with QphoX and Qblox demonstrating the ability to readout superconducting qubits with an optical transducer was recently published in Nature Physics. This approach to qubit signal processing could have benefits in building scalable quantum computers as it could be a more compact, modular approach for measuring qubit performance in quantum computing systems that rely on microwave amplification. Current qubit readout techniques used by superconducting quantum computer systems in cryogenic environments can be resource intensive from a thermal and power usage perspective. A potential solution to this problem may be to replace coaxial cables and other cryogenic components with optical fibers, which have a considerably smaller footprint and negligible thermal conductivity. To demonstrate the potential of this technology, QphoX, Rigetti and Qblox connected a transducer to a superconducting qubit, with the goal of measuring its state using light transmitted through an optical fiber. It was discovered that the transducer is capable of converting the signal that reads out the qubit and the qubit can also be sufficiently protected from decoherence introduced by thermal noise or stray optical photons from the transducer during operation.

    Conference Call and Webcast
    Rigetti will host a conference call later today, March 5, 2025, at 5:00 pm ET, or 2:00 pm PT, to discuss its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results.

    You can listen to a live audio webcast of the conference call at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/5jaikwa8/ or the “Events & Presentations” section of the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://investors.rigetti.com/. A replay of the conference call will be available at the same locations following the conclusion of the call for one year.

    To participate in the live call, you must register using the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIc3642ee5e70e4bea9d3311a88c4e128a. Once registered, you will receive dial-in numbers and a unique PIN number. When you dial in, you will input your PIN and be routed into the call. If you register and forget your PIN, or lose the registration confirmation email, simply re-register to receive a new PIN.

    About Rigetti
    Rigetti is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The Company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. In 2021, Rigetti began selling on-premises quantum computing systems with qubit counts between 24 and 84 qubits, supporting national laboratories and quantum computing centers. Rigetti’s 9-qubit Novera QPU was introduced in 2023 supporting a broader R&D community with a high-performance, on-premises QPU designed to plug into a customer’s existing cryogenic and control systems. The Company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides high-performance integration with public and private clouds for practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The Company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Learn more at https://www.rigetti.com/.

    Contacts

    Rigetti Computing Investor Contact:
    IR@Rigetti.com

    Rigetti Computing Media Contact:
    press@rigetti.com

    Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company’s future success and performance, including expectations with respect to future revenues and the timing, availability and impact of government programs relating to quantum information science; expectations regarding the advantages and impact of the strategic collaboration agreement with Quanta Computer on our operations, technology roadmap, milestones, and our position in the industry; the expectation that Rigetti and Quanta will each invest more than $100 million over the next five years; expectations regarding Quanta’s anticipated $35 million investment in Rigetti through a purchase of Rigetti’s common stock; anticipated regulatory clearance; expectations related to the Company’s ability to achieve milestones including the development of future generations of hardware, including any future generations developed to achieve our targeted fidelities and qubit counts, or to demonstrate narrow quantum advantage or broad quantum advantage, each of which is an important anticipated milestone for our technology roadmap and commercialization of our quantum computers; expectations with respect to scaling to create larger qubit systems without sacrificing gate performance using the Company’s modular chip architecture, including expectations with respect to the Company’s anticipated systems and targeted error rate reduction; expectations with respect to future sales or leases of the Novera QPU, customer adoption of the Ankaa-3 systems and Novera QPU; the possibility that reading out superconducting qubits with an optical transducer could have benefits in building scalable quantum computers; the possibility that replacing coaxial cables and other cryogenic components with optical fibers could result in less thermal and power usage; expectations with respect to the Company’s partners and customers and the quantum computing plans and activities thereof; and expectations with respect to the anticipated stages of quantum technology maturation, including the Company’s ability to develop a quantum computer that is able to solve practical, operationally relevant problems significantly better, faster, or cheaper than a current classical solution and achieve quantum advantage on the anticipated timing or at all. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner and the availability of government funding; the potential of quantum computing; the ability of the Company to expand its QPU sales and the Novera QPU Partnership Program; the success of the Company’s partnerships and collaborations, including the strategic collaboration with Quanta Computer; the Company’s ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which the Company competes; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives and expansion plans; the expected use of proceeds from the Company’s past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; unfavorable conditions in the Company’s industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including rising inflation and interest rates, deteriorating international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare and terrorist attacks; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

    RIGETTI COMPUTING, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands, except number of shares and par value)
               
      December 31,   December 31,
      2024   2023
    Assets          
    Current assets:          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 67,674     $ 21,392  
    Available-for-sale investments – short-term   124,420       78,537  
    Accounts receivable   2,427       5,029  
    Prepaid expenses   3,156       1,938  
    Other current assets   9,081       771  
    Total current assets   206,758       107,667  
    Available-for-sale investments – long-term   25,068       —  
    Property and equipment, net   44,643       44,483  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   7,993       7,634  
    Other assets   325       129  
    Total assets $ 284,787     $ 159,913  
               
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Current liabilities:          
    Accounts payable $ 1,590     $ 5,772  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   8,005       8,563  
    Current portion of deferred revenue   113       343  
    Current portion of debt   —       12,164  
    Current portion of operating lease liabilities   2,159       2,210  
    Total current liabilities   11,867       29,052  
    Debt, less current portion   —       9,894  
    Deferred revenue, less current portion   698       —  
    Operating lease liabilities, less current portion   6,641       6,297  
    Derivative warrant liabilities   93,095       2,927  
    Earn-out liabilities   45,897       2,155  
    Total liabilities   158,198       50,325  
    Commitments and contingencies          
    Stockholders’ equity:          
    Preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding   —       —  
    Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 283,546,871 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 147,066,336 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023   29       14  
    Additional paid-in capital   681,202       463,089  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   105       244  
    Accumulated deficit   (554,747 )     (353,759 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   126,589       109,588  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 284,787     $ 159,913  
                   
    RIGETTI COMPUTING, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in thousands, except per share data)
     
                   
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Revenue $ 2,274     $ 3,376     $ 10,790     $ 12,008  
    Cost of revenue   1,271       860       5,093       2,800  
    Total gross profit   1,003       2,516       5,697       9,208  
    Operating expenses:                      
    Research and development   13,657       12,787       49,750       52,768  
    Selling, general and administrative   5,840       6,936       24,457       27,744  
    Restructuring   —       —       —       991  
    Total operating expenses   19,497       19,723       74,207       81,503  
    Loss from operations   (18,494 )     (17,207 )     (68,510 )     (72,295 )
    Other income (expense), net                      
    Interest expense   (446 )     (1,268 )     (3,255 )     (5,779 )
    Interest income   1,546       1,330       5,113       5,076  
    Change in fair value of derivative warrant liabilities   (90,885 )     3,160       (90,168 )     (1,160 )
    Change in fair value of earn-out liabilities   (44,256 )     1,413       (43,742 )     (949 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt   (426 )     —       (426 )     —  
    Total other expense, net   (134,467 )     4,635       (132,478 )     (2,812 )
    Net loss before provision for income taxes   (152,961 )     (12,572 )     (200,988 )     (75,107 )
    Provision for income taxes   —       —       —       —  
    Net loss $ (152,961 )   $ (12,572 )   $ (200,988 )   $ (75,107 )
    Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted $ (0.68 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (1.09 )   $ (0.57 )
    Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted   226,364       140,537       184,666       131,977  
                                   
    RIGETTI COMPUTING INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
    (in thousands)
       
      Year Ended December 31,
      2024   2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:          
    Net loss $ (200,988 )   $ (75,107 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
    Depreciation and amortization   6,906       7,426  
    Stock-based compensation   13,069       12,409  
    Change in fair value of earn-out liabilities   43,742       949  
    Change in fair value of derivative warrant liabilities   90,168       1,160  
    Change in fair value of forward contract   —       2,229  
    Impairment of deferred offering costs   —       836  
    Accretion of available-for-sale securities   (3,622 )     (3,121 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt   426       —  
    Amortization of debt issuance costs, commitment fees and accretion of final payment fees   844       1,453  
    Non-cash lease expense   1,909       1,682  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
    Accounts receivable   2,602       1,206  
    Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets   (2,434 )     (259 )
    Deferred revenue   468       (618 )
    Accounts payable   (1,036 )     895  
    Accrued expenses and operating lease liabilities   (2,681 )     (1,719 )
    Net cash used in operating activities   (50,627 )     (50,579 )
    Cash flows from investing activities:          
    Purchases of property and equipment   (11,098 )     (9,059 )
    Purchases of available-for-sale securities   (224,764 )     (109,252 )
    Maturities of available-for-sale securities   157,500       119,084  
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (78,362 )     773  
    Cash flows from financing activities:          
    Principal repayments and prepayment and final payment fees of notes payable   (23,328 )     (8,333 )
    Net payments of tax withholdings on sell-to-cover equity award transactions   (6,272 )     —  
    Proceeds from sale of common stock through Common Stock Purchase Agreement   12,838       20,544  
    Proceeds from sale of common stock through At-The-Market (ATM) Offering   97,500       —  
    Proceeds from sale of common stock through registered direct offering   96,000       —  
    Payments of offering costs   (1,833 )     (107 )
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and warrants   554       1,126  
    Net cash provided by financing activities   175,459       13,230  
    Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   (188 )     80  
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   46,282       (36,496 )
    Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period   21,392       57,888  
    Cash and cash equivalents – end of period $ 67,674     $ 21,392  
    Supplemental disclosures of other cash flow information:          
    Cash paid for interest $ 2,350     $ 4,340  
    Non-cash investing and financing activities:          
    Capitalization of deferred costs to equity upon share issuance   —       13  
    Purchases of property and equipment recorded in accounts payable   466       3,612  
    Purchases of property and equipment recorded in accrued expenses   150       1,019  
    Non-cash addition to operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liability   2,268       —  
    Unrealized gain on short term investments   66       325  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Micron Appoints Mark Liu and Christie Simons to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOISE, Idaho, March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Micron Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MU) today announced it has appointed two experienced business leaders, Mark Liu and Christie Simons, to its board of directors.

    Liu spent over 30 years with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), where he held increasingly important leadership positions, including senior vice president (2004-2012), co-chief operations officer (2012-2013), president and co-CEO (2013-2018), and executive chairman (2018-2024). Under his leadership, TSMC became the world’s largest semiconductor foundry. Currently, he is the founder and chairman of J&M Copper Beech Ventures, a multi-strategy investment fund. Liu began his career at Intel Corporation as part of the company’s development of its 32-bit microprocessor technology. He then moved to AT&T Bell Laboratory where he conducted fundamental high-speed electronics research. Liu’s other board commitments include the University of California, Berkeley Engineering Advisory Board. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from National Taiwan University, and master’s and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley.

    “Mark is a visionary leader with deep technical expertise and business acumen. He has decades of experience leading one of the world’s most advanced and sophisticated semiconductor companies, with fab operations at the largest scale,” said Micron Chairman, President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra. “His experience will help guide Micron as we scale our business to address the growing opportunities unleashed by AI — from the data center to the edge.”

    Simons is a senior audit and assurance partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP. She is retiring from the company in May with nearly 30 years of experience serving technology clients worldwide. She has held several significant leadership roles at Deloitte while leading teams to address clients’ most challenging problems, including global equity and debt offerings and enterprise-wide digital transformations. Simons recently led Deloitte’s Global Semiconductor Center of Excellence, integrating the organization’s multifaceted capabilities to serve global semiconductor clients across consulting, advisory, tax, and assurance. She also recently served as the U.S. Technology, Media, and Telecommunications industry leader for Deloitte’s audit and assurance practice. Simons holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and finance from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado, Boulder, is a Certified Public Accountant in California, and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs.

    “Christie’s extensive experience in global technology and finance will provide invaluable insights as we continue to optimize Micron’s business to focus on innovation and growth,” said Mehrotra. “Her specific experience with the semiconductor industry will be a great asset as our board continues to shape Micron’s strategy to address the opportunities ahead.”

    “I am very pleased to welcome Mark and Christie to the Micron board of directors,” said Lynn Dugle, Micron’s lead independent director. “Mark’s executive experience with the world’s largest semiconductor foundry and Christie’s work delivering an array of services to global semiconductor companies bring additional strength to our board. We look forward to their contributions as we continue to position Micron for long-term success.”

    About Micron Technology, Inc.
    We are an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. With a relentless focus on our customers, technology leadership, and manufacturing and operational excellence, Micron delivers a rich portfolio of high-performance DRAM, NAND and NOR memory and storage products through our Micron® and Crucial® brands. Every day, the innovations that our people create fuel the data economy, enabling advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and compute-intensive applications that unleash opportunities — from the data center to the intelligent edge and across the client and mobile user experience. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), visit micron.com.

    © 2025 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Micron, the Micron logo, and all other Micron trademarks are the property of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Micron Media Relations Contact
    Mark Plungy
    Micron Technology, Inc.
    +1 (408) 203-2910
    mplungy@micron.com

    Micron Investor Relations Contact
    Satya Kumar
    Micron Technology, Inc.
    +1 (408) 450-6199
    satyakumar@micron.com

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  • MIL-OSI Global: Ending US birthright citizenship could have consequences for LGBTQ+ couples, lower-income parents and the surrogacy market

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Ashley Mantha-Hollands, Max Weber Fellow, Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies, European University Institute

    The first month of US President Donald Trump’s second term saw an onslaught of executive orders. The order aiming to change how birthright citizenship – the constitutional guarantee of citizenship to most children born within US territory – is granted could be the most consequential. Federal judges in Maryland, Washington state, Massachusetts and New Hampshire have issued nationwide injunctions against the order, and the San Francisco-based US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected the Trump administration’s appeal.

    To date, most media outlets, civil and human rights organisations, and activist groups have expressed concern about how a change to birthright citizenship would impact undocumented people and their children. However, a change could also have a series of further consequences, particularly for children of LGBTQ+ couples and children born through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as surrogacy.

    There are at least three related outcomes to consider: tension between federal and state definitions of parentage, a heightened administrative burden for establishing proof of citizenship, and the potential harm to what is the world’s largest surrogacy market.

    Who are the parents? Not so simple

    In countries where children obtain citizenship based on the citizenship of their parents, the legal parameters of the family are of utmost importance. For this reason, countries often provide specific definitions of who “counts” as a parent. In the US, this responsibility falls to the states, which provide their own definitions. One common practice is known as the “parturient” rule, which holds that the person giving birth is the legal “mother” and her spouse the legal “father”. This practice is increasingly contested. With the rise of ART and, in particular, surrogacy, the person giving birth is not always the intended parent. In fact, at least 14 US states have recognized that the parturient rule does not encompass many types of family arrangements and have altered their administrative frameworks so that “intended parents” can be immediately placed on birth certificates.

    While the establishment of parentage occurs at the state level, establishing citizenship is a federal responsibility. As a result, the federal government also provides its own legal definition of parenthood. This definition includes the following family roles: a genetic parent, a non-genetic gestational parent, a non-genetic and non-gestational spouse of a genetic and/or gestational parent, and parents of an adopted child. By contrast, the definitions in Trump’s executive order would spark a return to traditional heteronormative definitions of parentage. The mother is defined as “the immediate female biological progenitor” and the father as “the immediate male biological progenitor”. Such definitions leave out not only most LGBTQ+ couples, but also some families seeking ART, because children born through these modalities may not be biologically related to the intended parents.

    If the order comes into force, it would result in a mismatch between federal and state definitions of parentage and likely invite many legal disputes, while leaving some children born through ART at risk of statelessness if their parents are unrecognized as such. Citizenship is vital to an individual’s personal security: stateless children can, in some cases, be separated from their intended parents. Moreover, without a legal status, children and their families cannot benefit from the full range of federal and state services, including access to the child welfare system, funding opportunities for higher education and health care. For example, according to officials in 24 states, children would lose benefits from the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which all US-born babies are currently eligible to receive.

    The bureaucratic burden

    The administrative burden of citizenship recognition for newborns is another overlooked issue in discussions about Trump’s order. In most cases, a birth certificate from a US state is sufficient to prove one’s citizenship status. After a child is born, hospitals normally transmit birth-certified information to the local municipality. The child’s birth certificate is then issued three-to-five business days later. The certificate suffices for recognition of citizenship and for federal documentation such as a passport.

    The executive order would increase the administrative burden for recognising citizenship. It is unclear, however, whether this burden would fall on the states or the federal government.

    In the first scenario, state bureaucracies would need to check the parents’ immigration status prior to issuing a birth certificate. This would undoubtedly cause confusion, as each state would need to provide new guidance and training to local bureaucrats on the medley of US immigration statuses and their attendant rights. The processing times for issuing birth certificates would increase, as verification procedures would require additional documentation. The fees for issuing certificates, currently between $7 and $35, would likely rise as well, since bureaucrats would need to investigate each birth rather than issue certificates automatically.

    If the administrative burden falls on the federal government, birth certificates would be issued in the same way and at the same cost by the states, but they would no longer be sufficient to prove a child’s citizenship. In this case, the government would need to issue citizenship certificates, which are normally reserved for proof of citizenship for children born abroad. Each case would require an individual investigation rather than being automatic, and while it’s hard to say how much fees could rise, current fees for citizenship certificates for children born abroad are north of $1,300. The processing of passport applications would take longer and likely be more costly, too, because a system to verify the immigration status of a child’s parents will need to be set up.

    In 2012, the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) released a report that outlined the potential impacts of ending the current approach to birthright citizenship. The report estimates, based on the costs of US citizenship certificates for children born abroad, that changing the existing law – which Trump’s order seeks to reinterpret – would cost parents “approximately $600 in government fees to prove the citizenship status of each baby and likely an additional $600 to $1,000 in legal fees”. The report describes these costs as a “tax” on “each baby born in the United States”.

    Alternately, the US could establish a new national ID card system, but this would also have bureaucratic costs. This type of ID card is common in European countries: with some variation between systems, cards can be used for travel within the EU (as an alternative to a passport) and are generally used to prove citizenship status to vote or receive certain social services. But unlike in the European states that issue these cards, the US government has no registry of vital records and would need a new administrative structure to create one. When the UK government discussed such a system in 2007, its total cost was estimated to be at least 5.75 billion pounds.

    The NFAP report mentions the federal systems that rely on the current practice of state-administered birth certificates and automatic citizenship to function. These systems include the Social Security Administration, which handles retirement, disability and family benefits, and the E-Verify system, which determines whether a person has authorisation to work in the US. The report states that systems such as E-Verify “have cost the American taxpayer billions of dollars. There is no reason to believe that a change to the Citizenship Clause requiring the verification of parents’ immigration status would be any less expensive.”

    Costs to the US surrogacy market

    The US surrogacy industry is the largest in the world. It is valued at over $20 billion (and is expected to grow to $195 billion by 2034), and attracts families from European and Asian countries where surrogacy is not as prevalent or is illegal. An important factor in the size of this market is the attractive environment for surrogacy arrangements. First, surrogacy is relatively mainstreamed in the US, and there are many companies that help with finding donors, surrogates and with navigating the legal process. Second, intended parents have the security of knowing their children will have immediate access to travel documents, such as a US passport, after birth. If a new definition of parentage goes into effect, thus removing the guarantee of US citizenship, the status of children born through surrogacy could be at risk. The attractiveness of the US surrogacy market would likely suffer, because parents would face time-consuming and costly steps to secure status and immigration documents to allow travel between the US and their home country.

    An unclear fate

    The approach to parenthood in the executive order on birthright citizenship aligns with the Trump administration’s overall push toward pronatalism and traditional heterosexual family models. Trump has also signed another executive order expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) for “longing mothers and fathers”. The definition of parentage in this order also leaves out same-sex couples, who often receive IVF treatments.

    The fate of the birthright citizenship order is unclear, and it will likely end up reaching the Supreme Court. Legal debates must include the constitutionality of denying automatic citizenship to US-born children, the effect on children born via assisted reproductive technologies, and the bureaucratic and financial burdens placed on states and parents. While an end to birthright citizenship would immediately affect the children of undocumented people, taking a step back reveals other consequences that could impact the broader US public for generations to come.

    Les auteurs ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possèdent pas de parts, ne reçoivent pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’ont déclaré aucune autre affiliation que leur organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Ending US birthright citizenship could have consequences for LGBTQ+ couples, lower-income parents and the surrogacy market – https://theconversation.com/ending-us-birthright-citizenship-could-have-consequences-for-lgbtq-couples-lower-income-parents-and-the-surrogacy-market-250846

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –