NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Federal electoral divisions in the Northern Territory formalised [4 March 2025]

    Source: Australian Electoral Commission

    AECMedia

    Updated: 4 March 2025

    The next federal election will be conducted on new electoral division boundaries in the Northern Territory after a notice was published today in the Commonwealth Government Notices Gazette.

    While final names and boundaries for House of Representatives seats in the Northern Territory were announced on Tuesday 7 January 2025, today’s gazette is the step that formally sets them in place and provides people with further information about the new boundaries.

    The final redistribution report will be available after the Minister has tabled material in both houses of Parliament.

    Northern Territory households notified of seat change ahead of the 2025 federal election

    Approximately 2,000 households in the city of Palmerston that were previously in the electoral division of Lingiari will now be in the division of Solomon for the federal election. In the coming few weeks, the AEC will be notifying these households of that change.

    AEC Northern Territory Manager Geoffrey Bloom said that a federal election date could be announced any day, and that it must be held sometime in either April or May.

    “With a federal election coming it is important that voters know whether they’ll be voting in either Lingiari or Solomon for the House of Representatives,” Mr Bloom said.

    “There will be an automatic change made on their enrolment record but the action required by voters is simply to know what their seat is ahead of time so they can be prepared when they’re thinking about who they might vote for.”

    Editor’s notes:

    • People on the electoral roll who are affected by the redistribution will now be moved into their new federal electoral division in readiness for the 2025 election. No action is necessary.
    • Further information about the redistribution process
    • Households can expect to see letters arriving in the coming weeks.
    • Enrol, update or check enrolment: aec.gov.au
    • Northern Territory federal redistribution

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: UPDATED: Primary care funding a positive step in the right direction, says College of GPs

    Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

    This statement has been updated to reflect the Minister’s latest announcement made at 1pm today. The updated text is bolded–
    The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners has welcomed the Health Minister’s funding announcement saying it is a big step in the right direction towards building a well-resourced and sustainable primary care workforce.
    Increased investment in primary care has long been at the forefront of our members’ concerns and the College’s advocacy work, particularly improving access to GP, rural hospital and primary care services and growing, and retaining, the workforce.
    College President Dr Samantha Murton says, “Any additional funding for primary care will ultimately benefit our patients and improve health outcomes, and as specialist GPs and rural hospital doctors who work in the community, this is our priority.
    “As we know there are many areas in primary care that need permanent solutions and further investment, and the Minister has shown that he is willing to invest broadly. I hope that by incentivising primary care to nursing graduates they will see the value in what our workforce does and choose to stay in it for the long-term. This will help alleviate nursing workforce challenges especially in rural communities. Pay parity between primary and secondary nursing is what we still need to aim for.
    “Providing timely and accessible care for all New Zealanders and the increased availability of telehealth will be beneficial, but it needs to be offered alongside improved support for face-to-face primary care services to ensure continued patient safety. Telehealth fills a niche, not a void,” says Dr Murton.
    College Chief Executive Toby Beaglehole says, “Enabling more overseas doctors to gain general registration in primary care in New Zealand and gain valuable first-hand experience will boost the workforce pipeline. That said, we cannot take our focus off supporting our homegrown workforce. New Zealand needs to attract and retain 300 general practice registrars per year just to maintain GP numbers and investment in the training programme is critical to this.
    “The Minister’s latest announcement to increase our homegrown workforce is welcomed by the College. These medical graduates who choose to train in primary care will see firsthand just how important and impactful continuity of care can be at a community level and, we hope they follow the rewarding pathway of becoming a specialist GP.
    “Additional support will also be needed for our current specialist GPs who will be supervising these graduates on top of their already busy workloads.
    “Investment in strong, future focused and sustainable primary care will reduce the pressure on secondary care. We look forward to further engagement with Minister Brown on lasting solutions that increase access to specialist general practitioners for New Zealanders and thank him sincerely for the steps he has announced.
    “The College is pleased to see our ongoing advocacy has been reflected in the Minister’s decisions and we look forward to learning the specifics of this additional funding.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript-radio interview-ABC South East NSW Breakfast

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    EDDIE WILLIAMS: Bega will become home to a new Medicare urgent care clinic, while the existing clinic at Batemans Bay will see its hours extended under an election promise from the Labor Government. It’s part of a $644 million commitment to open another 50 urgent care clinics across the country. The Member for Eden-Monaro is Kristy McBain. Good morning. 

    KRISTY MCBAIN: Good morning, Eddie. 

    WILLIAMS: How do these clinics work?

    MCBAIN: These clinics are aimed at trying to free up emergency departments for real emergencies. Those urgent matters like cuts that need stitches, burns, a sprain at the local football on the weekend, minor breaks. Those things can all be done through the Urgent Care Clinic, so that you’re not waiting in an emergency department, and you’re leaving the resources there for people who need emergency care. 

    WILLIAMS: Have they been effective in that? Or do patients often end up being referred to the emergency department anyway? 

    MCBAIN: There are times where patients do get referred to the emergency department. I was at an Urgent Care Clinic yesterday, and previously they had referred someone who had chest pains to the emergency department. They do refer patients that are in emergency situations anyway, that’s what they’re required to do. It’s our health system working to its best, where we’ve got GPs taking care of those routine appointments, where you’ve got Urgent Care Clinics dealing with people that have got, urgent medical needs. Then you’ve got the emergency department dealing with those serious emergency issues in our hospitals. 

    WILLIAMS: Why Bega as a location for one of these clinics? 

    MCBAIN: We went to the last election with a commitment to open 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and we’ve delivered 87. We know that they’ve been incredibly effective, but the locations of the additional 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics were determined based on advice from the Department of Health and Aged Care. The exact locations of those will be worked through with an independent commissioning process, which is the same process that has delivered the previous 87. That commissioning process is run by the primary health networks or state and territory governments, independent of the Commonwealth. We’re looking at the data which shows where these clinics are best located, and making sure we’re giving people more options and more choice for healthcare. 

    WILLIAMS: When you say, you know that they’re working, the Royal Australian College of GPs says there’s been no sign of an evaluation to show whether they are actually providing value for money or helping keep people away from hospital. Is this really the best use of $644 million, or would, more support for GPs be a better bang for buck? 

    MCBAIN: Obviously, we’ve strengthened Medicare rebates over the last three years. We’ve tripled that bulk billing incentive, and worked really closely with GPs on a whole range of things. The announcement we made to strengthen Medicare by a further investment of $8.5 million not only provides additional rebates in the Medicare system, it also provides more Commonwealth supported places at universities to train doctors. It provides scholarships to nurses and nurse practitioners to upskill themselves to get further qualifications. It provides incentives to get those medical graduates to take up the GP specialisation so that we can get more doctors into our system. That’s on top of waiving HECS for doctors and nurse practitioners who go out and practice in rural and remote Australia. We’re really focused on that workforce issue, as well as strengthening Medicare, as well as providing more healthcare options across our communities. 

    WILLIAMS: Yeah. Does that work for workforce issue going to be a challenge here as well? How difficult will it be to staff these clinics? 

    MCBAIN: The workforce issue has been there for many decades. What we’re doing is concentrating on how we can get more people studying medicine at university. As I said, more Commonwealth supported places. We’ve worked with communities across the country to put in rural medical schools and training options into our regional hospitals so that people, when they come out and train in a regional area, are more likely to stay there. We are continuing to focus on that workforce issue with a number of the incentive programs that we’ve got now for doctors and nurse practitioners to go out into our region. We’ll continue to focus on the training option as well as strengthening the rebates, as well as making sure we’ve got more care options. It’s incredibly important that we continue to keep those focuses on all aspects of healthcare. 

    WILLIAMS: When would you hope that this clinic in Bega would open? 

    MCBAIN: Obviously following the next election that independent commissioning process will be undertaken by the Primary Health Network or the state government, depending on who we partner with at that time. Hopefully we’ll see one up and running very soon. 

    WILLIAMS: You’re hearing from Kristy McBain, the Member for Eden-Monaro. Labor’s also promising to freeze the excise on beer. The Coalition’s committed to the same. Will you consider freezing the tobacco excise as well?

    MCBAIN: We’ve listened to communities and I’ve spoken to numerous publicans and club managers across our community. What we don’t want to see is people not going out to socialise. We don’t want to see some of our small businesses that provide social connection in our community fail because of the excise, which goes up by CPI twice a year. We’ve campaigned really heavily to make sure that this announcement was made. It’s incredibly important that we continue to focus on how we can assist people with cost of living. This is another way, along with our cheaper medicines policy, the cheaper childcare policy. At this stage, we haven’t discussed the excise on tobacco. 

    WILLIAMS: Telstra held a community forum in Narooma on Friday. That was something you’d asked them to do after a lot of locals had poor mobile coverage during peak holiday season. How confident are you that things will be better next summer? 

    MCBAIN: It was really good for Telstra to hear directly from community members about the frustrations they had with congested signals and call drop outs, particularly during the summer period. They have assessed the tower that services the main township of Narooma and have found that it is congested and they are looking at putting up additional spectrum on that tower. It’s in addition to the work that they’re doing for a new tower in Dalmeny, and small cells in mystery Bay, which have been funded already. It was incredibly pleasing for community to hear that their concerns were being heard, and that there is more work happening, particularly on that Narooma Tower with additional spectrum. It is important, though, that we continue to tell Telstra when there are problems, so that it can be reported and it can be looked into by the Telstra engineers. We remain open to passing that feedback directly to Telstra for consumers, if that’s what’s required. 

    WILLIAMS: Couple of quick questions from the community on health. Jane asks where’s the funding for dental clinics in the hospital and down at Pambula Community Centre? Or what can the government do when it comes to dental care in the region? 

    MCBAIN: Obviously dental care is provided by Community Health through New South Wales Health. We continue to work with them on how we can provide more options to the community, particularly into dental care. The community health fair in Pambula does a great job, but it takes a while to get an appointment and we continue to work with the New South Wales Health Department on what additional options they can provide.

    WILLIAMS: Robyn in Bega asks, if you have a fracture, wouldn’t a hospital be faster than an Urgent Care Clinic? 

    MCBAIN: At times an Urgent Care Clinic can be faster. We saw over the weekend when I was in Queanbeyan someone that came in with what appeared to be a fracture or a break in the foot. It turned out to be a serious sprain instead. They were in and out of that Urgent Care Clinic within an hour. It’s important to know if you do need to be referred on to emergency department, you will, but in many cases,  it can be dealt with quicker through the emergency care centre. 

    WILLIAMS: Kristy McBain, appreciate your time this morning. Thank you. 

    MCBAIN: Good to be with you. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks by President Trump on Investment Announcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>Roosevelt Room
    2:38 P.M. EST
         THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody.  Thank you very much.
         Thank you very much.  This is a very big day for a lot of reasons, but this gentleman is a very unique man.  I think I can say, in the world of chips, certainly, but in the world pretty much of business, nobody has done what he’s done.  For those of you that are into that world, you would say, “Wow, he’s a legend.”  But he is a legend.  And it’s an honor to be with you.  Very great honor.  Thank you very much.
         MR. WEI:  Thank you, Mr. President.
         THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.
         Welcoming, from TSMC — which is the biggest there is, at a level that you can’t even calculate, frankly — C.C. Wei, to the White House for a very historic announcement.  This is a tremendous thing for our country and, hopefully, for his company. 
         We’re also pleased to be joined by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and White House AI and crypto czar, David Sacks, another two very highly respected people.  It’s great to have you guys involved.  And, David, thank you very much for coming on.
         David is sort of the king of intellect in that world.  We have some good people.     Today, Taiwan Semiconductor is announcing that they will be investing at least $100 billion dollars in new capital in the United States over the next short period of time to build state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing facilities.  I think, mostly, it’s going to be in Arizona, which is what I understand, which is a great state.  I like it because I won it.  But I won most of them — (laughs) — actually.  So — but I did.  We won it, and we won it big.
         The most powerful AI chips in the world will be made right here in America, and it’ll be a big percentage of the chips made by his company.  But, as you know, they’re based mostly in Taiwan.  And they’re far and away the biggest.  There’s nobody even close. 
         This $100 billion in new investment will go into building five cutting-edge fabrication facilities in the great state that we just discussed, Arizona, and will create thousands of jobs — many thousands of jobs, and they’re high-paying jobs.     In total, today’s announcement brings Taiwan Semiconductor investments to about $165 billion — they’ve started already — among the largest new foreign direct investments in United States.
         Apple, as you know, made a big announcement last week of $500 billion, and we have some others that have announced. 
         We have many that want to announce.  But I don’t have time to do all of these announcements, I tell you.  But, for you, I’m doing the announcement.
         MR. WEI:  Thank you.
         THE PRESIDENT:  This will create hundreds of billions of dollars in economic activity and boost America’s dominance in artificial intelligence and beyond. 
         Semiconductors are the backbone of the 21st century economy — and, really, without the semiconductors, there is no economy — powering everything from AI to automobiles to advanced manufacturing.  And we must be able to build the chips and semiconductors that we need right here, in American factories, with American skill and American labor.  And that’s exactly what we’re doing.
         As you know, Taiwan pretty much has a monopoly on that market.  And I think “pretty much” is not a term that’s even appropriate.  They do have a monopoly.  And this is a tremendous move by the most powerful company in the world. 
         It’s a matter of economic security.  It’s also a matter of national security for us.  And, at the same time, Mr. Wei will be able to diversify and have his tremendous presence in another place and a very safe place.  And I want to thank Taiwan Semiconductor for doing the announcement.  
         And I’d like to ask Mr. Wei to say a few words, if you might.
         And I’d also like to ask Howard and David — you can say a couple of words.  But maybe you should go first because, right now, he’s the most important man in the room.  I’m sorry, fellas.
         Please.
         Thank you very much.  Thank you.  Great honor.  
         MR. WEI:  Thank you, Mr. President.
         THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.
         MR. WEI:  I’m a — I’m a little bit nervous, so I have to pull out my piece of paper.
         Mr. President, Secretary Lutnick — and, David, I didn’t know that — your title, but — okay.
         First, I want to thank — say thank you to Mr. President to give me this opportunity to announce our big project in the U.S. 
    TSMC is the world’s largest chip manufacturing, founded by Dr. Morris Chang in 1987.  It’s now at the forefront of semiconductor technology, supporting AI advancement and industry growth. 
         In fact, I would like to wind back the time that in 2020 we have to thank President Trump’s vision and his support.  So, TSMC start the journey of establishing the advanced chip manufacturing in Arizona.  And now, let me proudly say, now the vision become reality.  
         In Phoenix, Arizona, with 3,000 employees, we are producing the most advanced chip made on U.S. soil with the success of our first fab. 
         So, we are now very happy to announce we are going to invest additional 100 billion U.S. dollar in addition to our current 65-billion-U.S.-dollars investment in Arizona.  We are going to build three more new fab — be- — after we promised the three fabs already, and another two very advanced packaging fab, and, most important, an R&D center, also in Arizona. 
         For this, all the investment — $165 billion — is going to create thousand of the high-paid job, as the president just announced.  And we are, most important — actually, we are going to produce many AI chips.  We are going to produce many chips to support AI’s progress and to support the smartphone’s progress. And, again, with that, I want to thank President Trump again for his support.  In addition, I also want to thank my customers in the U.S., such as Apple, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm, Broadcom.  They all support TSMC’s manufacturing in the U.S.  Without their support, we probably cannot make it true. 
    So, again, I want to thank them.  Also, I’d like to thank the TSMC’s employee.  Without their effort, we just cannot make it today. 
    That’s all I want to say.  And thank you. 
    THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  That’s great.  (Applause.)  Thank you very much. 
    Howard, please.  David.
    SECRETARY LUTNICK:  Sure.
    THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you. 
    SECRETARY LUTNICK:  So, I’m thrilled to be here today, because President Trump has made it a fundamental objective to bring semiconductor chip manufacturing home to America. 
    Under the Biden administration, TSMC received a $6 billion grant, and that encouraged them to build $65 billion.  So, America gave TSMC 10 percent of the money to build here.  And now you’re seeing the power of Donald Trump’s presidency, because TSMC, the greatest manufacturer of chips in the world, is coming to America with $100 billion investment.  And, of course, that is backed by the fact that they can come here because they can avoid paying tariffs. 
    So, the idea is: Come to America.  Build greatness in America.  Build for the American customers — the Apple, Nvidia, that whole list that Chairman Wei gave — in order to bring production to America. So, we’re really, really excited.  This continues the most incredible path you’ve ever seen, in these first weeks and months of the Trump administration, of incredible manufacturing coming to America.  The keys that the president has called out are coming here.  They’re coming here in huge size because they want to be in the greatest market in the world, and they want to avoid the tariffs that, if they’re not here, they’d have to suffer. 
    So, I want to congratulate C.C. Wei for bringing in this incredible $100 billion investment, but it’s on the shoulders of our president, Donald Trump, which is why he’s coming. 
    So, thank you.  
    THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.
    David.  
    MR. SACKS:  Thank you, sir.  Well, the products that TSMC makes are literally the most important products in the world.  I mean, these advanced chips power everything.  They power AI.  They power your phone.  They power your cars.  And without them, the whole modern economy would stop, but they’re not made in the United States. 
    So, for TSMC to move here is a huge, huge development, and we owe that to President Trump’s leadership on the economy and Secretary Lutnick as well.  And, C.C., thank you for — for coming here. 
    Thank you.  Yeah.
    THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, David. 
    So, thank you very much.  A big percentage of chips with this investment will be made now — a big percentage.  Worldwide, we had very little.  Almost none.  We used to have a lot with Intel.  But we had very little.  And we’ll be at close to 40 percent of the market with this transaction and a couple of others that we’re doing.  That’s a tremendous leap — like, a leap that nobody would have really said was possible. 
    So, I just want to thank you all for being here.  If you want a couple of questions.
    (Cross-talk.)
    Q    On the — 
    THE PRESIDENT:  Ideally on this subject. 
    Yes, please. 
    Q    — specific number of jobs it will create.   He said thousands —
    THE PRESIDENT:  They — yeah.
    Q    — but do you have a better —
    THE PRESIDENT:  They — you’re probably talking about 25,000 jobs.  But it’ll get bigger and bigger with time.  Knowing this gentleman, it’ll get bigger and bigger.  There’ll be no stopping him.  (Laughs.)
    Q    Mr. President, what more —
    THE PRESIDENT:  Yeah.  Brian, go ahead.
    Q    Right.  In addition to the jobs, you talked about national security, and that’s one thing I think a lot of Americans —
    THE PRESIDENT:  Yeah. 
    Q    — at home don’t understand.  Explain the national security aspect of this. 
    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, without the chips and semiconductors, nothing runs today.  You can’t buy a car without them.  You can’t get a radio, a television, nothing — you can’t get anything.  And we thought it was very important — obviously, business was, but we thought even to terms of national security, to have this large percentage of the chips, semiconductors, and other things that they make — the most important product, and not a product that you can really copy.  It takes years and years.  
    You’re on the needle of a pin is total genius.  I mean, they can put things — I mean, something the size of the needle, the point of a pin, they put information that is just not even believable. 
    So, if you would — 
    (Cross-talk.) 
    If you would see this, it’s just really something. 
    Yes, Brian. 
    Q    Can I — one — one more aspect to that.  Honda —
    THE PRESIDENT:  Yeah. 
    Q    — announced they’re coming to Indiana because of the tariffs.  Once again —
    THE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.
    Q    — you’re bringing additional jobs in manufacturing.  Do you want to comment on that as well?
    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, Honda is coming, and I told you about Apple, that they’re going to be starting to build massively here — $500 billion.  And we have many other companies.  It’s going to be announced, but we had many that have already announced.  And no, it’s going to be great.  It’s looking — it’s looking really strong.  I don’t think this country has ever seen anything like we’re seeing right now. 
    Now, the tariffs, as you know, it will start a week earlier than the reciprocal, which is going to be on — a couple of weeks earlier.  Reciprocal tariffs start on April 2nd.  And I wanted to make it April 1st, but I didn’t want to do — I didn’t want to go April Fool’s Day — (laughter) — because that cost me — that costs a lot of money, but — that one day.  So, we’re going April 2nd.
    But very importantly, tomorrow, tariffs — 25 percent on Canada and 25 percent on Mexico, and that’ll start.  So, they’re going to have to have a tariff.  So, what they’ll have to do is build their car plants, frankly, and other things in the United States — in which case, they have no tariffs.  In other words, you build — and this is exactly what Mr. Wei is doing by building here.  Otherwise, they’ll build — if they did them in Taiwan to send them here, they’ll have 25 percent or 30 percent or 50 percent or whatever the number may be someday.  It’ll go only up.  But by doing it here, he has no tariffs, so he’s way ahead of the game. 
    And I would just say this to people in Canada or Mexico, if they’re going to build car plants, the people that are doing them are much better off building here, because we have the market.  We’re the market where they sell the most.  
    And so, I think it’s going to be very exciting.  Very exciting for the automobile companies.  Very exciting for — I can think of any — as an example, North Carolina, they had the great — I used to go there to buy furniture for hotels, and it’s been wiped out.  That business all went to other countries, and now it’s all going to come back into North Carolina — the furniture manufacturing business.
    Please.  
    Q    Mr. President —
    Q    Is the Ukraine minerals deal now dead, or can it be revived?  What — what’s your —
    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I’ll let you know.  We’re making a speech — you probably heard about it — tomorrow night, so I’ll let you know tomorrow night. 
    But, no, I don’t think so.  I think it’s — look, it’s a great deal for us, because, you know, Biden very, very, foolishly — stupidly, frankly — gave $300 billion and — $350 billion, more accurately — to a country to fight and to try and do things.  And you know what happened?  We get nothing.  We get nothing — just gave it. 
    We could have rebuilt our entire U.S. Navy with $350 billion.  Think of it.  Three hundred and fifty billion, we could have rebuilt our U.S. Navy.
    So, he gave it away as fast as the money could be gone.  And what we’re doing is getting that all back and a lot more than that.  And what we need — it’s very important for this business that we’re talking about here, with chips and semiconductors and everything else — we need rare earths.  And the deal we have is we have the finest rare earths that you can. 
    Q    Sir, on Ukraine.  Sir, on Ukraine.
         Q    Are you going to press back —
    Q    Thank you, Mr. President.  What do you need to see from President Zelenskyy to restart these negotiations?
    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I just think he should be more appreciative, because this country has stuck with them through thick and thin.  We’ve given them much more than Europe, and Europe should have given more than us, because, as you know, that’s right there.  That’s the border. 
    This country really was like the fence on the border.  It was very important to Europe.  And I’m not knocking Europe, I’m saying they’re just — they were a lot smarter than Joe Biden, because Joe Biden didn’t have a clue.  He just gave money hand over a fist, and they should have been able to equalize with us. 
    In other words, if we gave a dollar, they should have given.  Well, we gave $350 billion.  They probably gave 100, but on top of it all, they get their money back, because they are doing it in the form of a loan, and it’s a secured loan.  
    So, when I saw that, which I’ve known about for a little while, I said, “It’s time for us to be smart.”  At the same time, it’s great for them, because they get us in the country taking the rare earth, which is going to fuel this big engine, and especially the engine that we’ve, in a very short time, created.  And we get something, and we’re in the — we’re there.  We have a presence there. 
    With all of that being said, I want one thing to happen: I want all of those young people to stop being killed.  They’re being killed by the thousands every single week.  Last week, 2,700 were killed.  Twenty-seven hundred young — in this case, just about, all young boys from Ukraine and from Russia.  And that’s not young people from the United States, but it’s on a human basis. 
    I want to see it stop.  The money is one thing, but the death.  And they’re losing thousands of soldiers a week, and that’s not including the people that get killed every time a town goes down or a missile goes into a town.
    (Cross-talk.)
    We — and — and I want to see it stop. 
    Yes.  
    Q    Mr. President, are you considering canceling military aid to Ukraine?  And can we get a reaction to what the Kremlin just said, that your administration is bringing U.S. worldview in alignment with Moscow’s?  
    THE PRESIDENT:  So, this is a deal that should have never happened.  This is a deal that would have never happened, and it didn’t happen — for four years, it didn’t happen.  It was never even close to happening.  If I were president, would not have happened.  And October 7th would have — would not have happened in Israel.  And inflation wouldn’t have happened. 
    And Afghanistan, disastrous — the way they withdrew — not the fact that they withdrew but the way they withdrew — would have never happened.  And we would have had Bagram right now instead of China having it.  It was one hour away from where China makes their nuclear weapons.  We would have kept Bagram — one of the biggest air bases in the world. 
    All of these things happened, and it’s a shame.  But it is what it is, and now we’re here.  I want to see it end fast.  I don’t want to see this go on for years and years.
    Now, President Zelenskyy supposedly made a statement today in AP — I’m not a big fan of AP, so maybe it was an incorrect statement — but he said he thinks the war is going to go on for a long time, and he better not be right about that.  That’s all I’ll say.
    Q    Mr. President, is there any —
         Q    Could this project — could this minimize the impact of the U.S. with chips should China decide to isolate Taiwan or China decide to take Taiwan? 
    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, it’s a very interesting point.  It’s a great question, actually.  But this would certainly — I can’t say “minimize.”  That would be a catastrophic event, obviously.  But it will at least give us a position where we have — in this very, very important business, we would have a very big part of it in the United States.  So, it would have a big impact if something should happen with Taiwan.
    Q    And with Russia sanctions, are you looking at relieving Russian sanctions if there is a peace deal?
    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, we’re going to make deals with everybody to get this war, including Europe and European nations.  And they’ve acted very well.  You know, they’re good people.  I know; most of them are friends of mine — the heads of state, the heads of the various countries, prime ministers from the different — I got four prime ministers and five presidents called me over the last two days, and they want to work it out.  They want to get it worked out.  
    And I think they’re also — you know, they’re talking money, but the money is less important than the deaths.  We’re talking thousands of young people a week.  And people would say why do I care about Ukraine, young people; why do I care about — and not all young, but they’re pretty young.  You know, Ukraine is running a little bit low, and they’re getting older.  They’re recruiting older people.  It’s a very, very sad thing that’s happening over there, and we want to get it finished.  We want to stop the death. 
    (Cross-talk.)
    Q    Mr. President, on the tariffs.  Is there any room left for Canada and Mexico to make a deal before midnight?  And should we expect those Chinese tariffs, the extra 10 percent to take effect tomorrow?
    THE PRESIDENT:  No room left for Mexico or for Canada.  No, the tariffs, you know, they’re all set.  They go into effect tomorrow.
    Q    Mr. President, just a follow-up on my colleague’s question.  Hearing —
    THE PRESIDENT:  And just so you understand, vast amounts of fentanyl have poured into our country from Mexico and, as you know, also from China, where it goes to Mexico and goes to Canada.  And China also had an additional 10, so it’s 10 plus 10.  
    And it comes in from Canada, and it comes in from Mexico, and that’s a very important thing to say.
    Yeah, please.  Go ahead.
    Q    Have you decided if you’re going to suspend military aid to Ukraine?  Have you made that decision?
    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I haven’t even talked about that right now.  I mean, right now, we’ll see what happens.  A lot of things are happening right now, as we speak — I mean, literally as we speak.  I could give you an answer and go back to my office — the beautiful Oval Office.  I could go back into the Oval Office and find out that the answer is obsolete.
         It’s like his business.  It’s obsolete.  You come up with a new chip, and it’s obsolete about two minutes later, right?  But that’s what’s good about his business.  That’s why he’s the only one that’s successful in it.  But — 
         Q    And on tariffs, sir.
         Q    Mr. President, just to follow up my colleague’s question from Russia is saying that your foreign policy is largely in line with their vision.  Should that be concerning to Americans? 
    THE PRESIDENT:  Said what?
    Q    Should that be concerning to Americans?
    THE PRESIDENT:  Read the statement.
    Q    That Russia — Russia says that your administration’s foreign policy is, quote, “largely in line” with their vision.
    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I tell you what, I think it takes two to tango, and you’re going to have to make a deal with Russia, and you’re going to have to make a deal with Ukraine.  You’re going to have to have the ascent, and you’re going to have to have the consent from the European nations, because I think that’s important, and from us. 
    I think everybody has to get into a room, so to speak, and we have to make a deal.  And the deal could be made very fast.  It should not be that hard a deal to make.  It could be made very fast. 
    Now, maybe somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, and if somebody doesn’t want to make a deal, I think that person won’t be around very long.  That person will not be listened to very long.  Because I believe that Russia wants to make a deal.  I believe, certainly, the people of Ukraine want to make a deal.  They’ve suffered more than anybody else.  We talk about suffering — they’ve suffered.
    But if you think about it, under President Bush, they got Georgia, right?  Russia got Georgia.  Under President Obama, they got a nice, big submarine base, a nice big chunk of land where they have their submarines.  You know that, right?  Crimea.  Under President Trump, they got nothing.  And under President O-Biden, they tried to get the whole thing.  They tried to get the whole big Ukraine, the whole thing.  If I didn’t get in here, they would’ve gotten the whole thing.  
    So, I can only say — you can go back to Bush, you go back to Obama, and go back to Biden — they took a lot.  The only one they didn’t get — you know what I gave them?  I gave them anti-tank missiles.  That’s what I gave them.  I gave them sanctions on Russia — on Russia.  I gave them Javelins.  You know the Javelins?  You know when they took out all those tanks?
    You know, the tanks were heading to Kyiv by the hundreds, and they were unstoppable, and I gave them Javelins. 
    So, you know, I really — Putin is the one that will tell you this has not been so good for them.  The fact is that I just want fairness.  I want fairness. 
    But think of it.  I gave Russia nothing except grief.  I gave them nothing.  I gave them sanctions and Javelins.  That’s what I gave them. 
    Obama gave them sheets.  And you heard that statement before.  It’s a very famous — Trump gave them Javelins, and Obama gave them sheets.  And then they say how close I am to Russia. 
    Let me tell you, we have to make a deal, because there are a lot of people being killed that shouldn’t be killed.  But remember, Trump gave them nothing, and the other presidents gave them a lot.  They gave them everything.
    Q    Mr. President, on trade.  You met with president — Argentine President Javier Milei at CPAC.  He wants to sign a free trade agreement —
    THE PRESIDENT:  Right. 
    Q    — with the United States.  Is that something that you would consider, even with Argentina, or any other country?
    THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll consider anything.  And Argentina — I think he’s great, by the way.  I think he’s a great leader.  He’s doing a great job.  He’s doing a fantastic job.  Brought it back from oblivion. 
    Yeah, we’ll look at things.  We’re looking at the UK with things.  It doesn’t have to be tariffs.  But tariffs are easy, they’re fast, they’re efficient, and they bring fairness. 
    For instance, when people kill their dollar, their equivalent of the dollar, whatever — whether it’s the yuan or the yen in Japan or the yuan in China — when they drop them down, that gives us — that puts us at a very unfair disadvantage.  So, all I have to do is say, “Howard, we’re going to have to raise the tariffs a little bit.”
    Because I’ve called President Xi, I’ve called the leaders of Japan to say, “You can’t continue to reduce and break down your currency.  You can’t do it, because it’s unfair to us.”  It’s very hard for us to make tractors — Caterpillar — here, when Japan, China, and other places are killing their currency, meaning driving it down. 
    So, all of these things add up, and the way you solve it very easily is with tariffs.  Because when they do that, instead of having to make phone calls every day, like I used to do with certain leaders — President Xi, a little bit — a lot of phone calls talking about the fact that they’re lowering their yuan.  They’re lowering it down.  And that makes it very, very hard for us. 
    So, this way, I just say, “Look, let them do that, and we make up for it with the tariffs.”  But —
    Q    Will you be speaking with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum about tariffs today? 
    THE PRESIDENT:  Yeah, sure, I will.  I have a lot of respect for her.  I have a lot of respect for her. 
    (Cross-talk.) 
    Q    After the 10 percent tariff take ef- —
    THE PRESIDENT:  Yeah. 
    Q    — takes effect, it’ll be 20 percent on China now.  How high are you willing to go against China?
    THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I can’t say.  It depends on what they do with their currency.  It depends on what they do in terms of a retaliation with some kind of an economic retaliation, which I don’t think they’re going to retaliate too much.  
    Hey, look, the United States has been taken advantage of for 40 years.  The United States has been a laughing stock for years and years.  That’s why this gentleman has built in Taiwan, instead of building here.  It would have been better if he built here.  
    If we had a president that knew what they were doing — and we had a lot of them very bad on trade.  Look, I’m a huge fan of Ronald Reagan, but he was bad on trade.  Very bad on trade.  He allowed a lot of people, a lot of businesses, to be taken.  So, I say that with due respect, because I — he was so great on other things, but he was bad on trade. 
    We are setting records right now — records like nobody has ever seen before.  When you have companies like this coming in and almost 40 percent of their company, in one signature, is going to be devoted to what he does, which is one of the most important — important businesses in the world, that’s an unbelievable thing.  When Apple now is going to start building all of their plants here, all because of what we’ve done in terms of — it’s not because he likes me or they like me.  They don’t probably like me at all.  I don’t know.  I think he likes me a little bit, at least.  (Laughter.)
    MR. WEI:  No, I like you.
    THE PRESIDENT:  But you know what?  It’s the incentive we’ve created or the negative incentive.  I mean, it’s going to be very costly for people to take advantage of this country.  They can’t come in and steal our money and steal our jobs and take our factories and take our businesses and expect not to be punished, and they’re being punished by tariffs. 
    It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid, or paid off in some other form.  And now we’re using them.
    Q    Have you spoken with President Xi?
    Q    Agriculture — 
    THE PRESIDENT:  Say it. 
    Q    Have you spoken with President Xi about this this term?
    THE PRESIDENT:  I don’t want to tell you that. 
    Q    On those incentives, sir.
    THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much, everybody. 
    (Cross-talk.) 
    Thank you.  Thank you very much.
                                 END                3:07 P.M. EST

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Honors Wayne Everett of Fultondale as March “Veteran of the Month”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released a video honoring U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Wayne Everett as the March “Veteran of the Month.”

    Excerpts from Sen. Tuberville’s remarks can be found below, and his complete remarks can be found here.

    “Challenges are a part of life that show us what we’re really made of. Corporal Wayne Everett of Fultondale reminds us that while we can’t control what challenges life throws our way, we can control how we respond. 

    He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1965, leaving his small town of East Lake for the jungles of Vietnam. After discharging from the military, Wayne took his young family back home to the Birmingham area to work with his father as a painter for the next decade. His years in active duty taught him lessons he carried with him in raising his family and in his career. 

    Wayne took on the role of caregiver when his wife was diagnosed with cancer, and they were raising young children. Even in the face of tragedy, Wayne’s loyalty never wavered. And despite his wife’s passing, Wayne continued to devote himself to his church and his family. Some years after, he remarried to an old friend where they joined their lives as a blended family.

    He is admired by all who know him, including his stepdaughter Reata, who nominated him for this recognition.

    While Wayne is a man of few words, his character and actions speak volumes.”

    Senator Tuberville recognizes a different Alabama veteran each month for their service and contribution to their community. Constituents can nominate an Alabama veteran and submit their information to Senator Tuberville’s office for consideration by emailing press_office@tuberville.senate.gov. 

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: New centre to protect Fraser Coast turtles breaks ground

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    Work has started on the Fraser Coast Turtle Rehabilitation and Research Centre dedicated to the recovery of sick and injured marine turtles and vital research on the threats they face.

    Led by the University of the Sunshine Coast, the centre on the Hervey Bay foreshore will transform care for many at-risk marine turtles, removing the need to transport them several hours to receive life-saving treatment.

    More than 1,400 turtles have been rescued on the Fraser Coast over the past two years, with more than 300 needing specialist care at the nearest rehabilitation facility on the Sunshine Coast. 

    The project will retrofit existing buildings with a new fit-for-purpose facility including a specialist turtle life support system and indoor tanks to care for sick and injured sea turtles.

    The Centre will also be a hub for researchers investigating the general health of marine life across the wider region, and the emerging threats they face, including a deadly “soft shell syndrome”, which is plaguing the local turtle population.

    The Australian Government is providing $250,000 funding for the works with the Queensland Government allocating $1.17 million.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

    “Queensland is home to some of the world’s most diverse marine wildlife and this $250,000 investment will help safeguard the Fraser Coast’s turtle populations for future generations.

    “This facility will also boost the local economy with an estimated 15 jobs set to be created, along with students, researchers and tourists all set to walk through its doors, which benefits the entire region.”

    Quotes attributable to Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie:

    “We’re proud to partner with the University of Sunshine Coast to deliver this critical infrastructure on the Hervey Bay foreshore. 

    “Queenslanders voted for a fresh start and the State Government is committed to partnering with local government to deliver local projects that create jobs, provide long-term economic benefits and improve the lifestyle of Queenslanders no matter where they live.”

    Quotes attributable to Fraser Coast Mayor, George Seymour:

    “This facility will benefit the region’s wildlife, university students and the broader community, including Butchulla traditional owners.

    “This is an excellent partnership between all three levels of government, community groups and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

    “The turtles are an endangered species, so it is important that we research what has been happening to the local population that has caused the large number of fatalities and casualties.”

    Quotes attributable to University of the Sunshine Coast Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett 

    “We are pleased to formally announce the name for the new centre, which will give our threatened turtles the greatest opportunity for survival, is the ‘UniSC Milbi Centre – Sea Turtle Research and Rehabilitation’. 

    “Milbi is the Butchulla word for sea turtle and the Dayman Park site where the centre is located holds great cultural significance for the Butchulla people and their deep connection with the Milbi and other sea and land creatures. 

    “This is reflected in the design and operation of the centre, where Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers will help to care for rescued sea turtles on country, and science and Indigenous knowledge will combine to fill gaps in our local and global understanding of marine turtles.

    “Six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles are found in the region – all listed as vulnerable or endangered – and are ecologically and genetically linked to other parts of Australia and the wider Pacific region.

    “To rescue and care for marine turtles is vitally important, as is research to better understand the cause of strandings and deaths, and to increase their chances of survival once they are rehabilitated and returned safely to the sea. 

    “This centre will be a hub for vital research that will help to inform local, state, national and international responses to mitigate threats to marine turtles, including disease and climate change.

    “Ongoing funding support from governments, organisations and the community is vital for our endangered sea turtles.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New centre to protect Fraser Coast turtles breaks ground

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Work has started on the Fraser Coast Turtle Rehabilitation and Research Centre dedicated to the recovery of sick and injured marine turtles and vital research on the threats they face.

    Led by the University of the Sunshine Coast, the centre on the Hervey Bay foreshore will transform care for many at-risk marine turtles, removing the need to transport them several hours to receive life-saving treatment.

    More than 1,400 turtles have been rescued on the Fraser Coast over the past two years, with more than 300 needing specialist care at the nearest rehabilitation facility on the Sunshine Coast. 

    The project will retrofit existing buildings with a new fit-for-purpose facility including a specialist turtle life support system and indoor tanks to care for sick and injured sea turtles.

    The Centre will also be a hub for researchers investigating the general health of marine life across the wider region, and the emerging threats they face, including a deadly “soft shell syndrome”, which is plaguing the local turtle population.

    The Australian Government is providing $250,000 funding for the works with the Queensland Government allocating $1.17 million.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

    “Queensland is home to some of the world’s most diverse marine wildlife and this $250,000 investment will help safeguard the Fraser Coast’s turtle populations for future generations.

    “This facility will also boost the local economy with an estimated 15 jobs set to be created, along with students, researchers and tourists all set to walk through its doors, which benefits the entire region.”

    Quotes attributable to Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie:

    “We’re proud to partner with the University of Sunshine Coast to deliver this critical infrastructure on the Hervey Bay foreshore. 

    “Queenslanders voted for a fresh start and the State Government is committed to partnering with local government to deliver local projects that create jobs, provide long-term economic benefits and improve the lifestyle of Queenslanders no matter where they live.”

    Quotes attributable to Fraser Coast Mayor, George Seymour:

    “This facility will benefit the region’s wildlife, university students and the broader community, including Butchulla traditional owners.

    “This is an excellent partnership between all three levels of government, community groups and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

    “The turtles are an endangered species, so it is important that we research what has been happening to the local population that has caused the large number of fatalities and casualties.”

    Quotes attributable to University of the Sunshine Coast Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett 

    “We are pleased to formally announce the name for the new centre, which will give our threatened turtles the greatest opportunity for survival, is the ‘UniSC Milbi Centre – Sea Turtle Research and Rehabilitation’. 

    “Milbi is the Butchulla word for sea turtle and the Dayman Park site where the centre is located holds great cultural significance for the Butchulla people and their deep connection with the Milbi and other sea and land creatures. 

    “This is reflected in the design and operation of the centre, where Butchulla Land and Sea Rangers will help to care for rescued sea turtles on country, and science and Indigenous knowledge will combine to fill gaps in our local and global understanding of marine turtles.

    “Six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles are found in the region – all listed as vulnerable or endangered – and are ecologically and genetically linked to other parts of Australia and the wider Pacific region.

    “To rescue and care for marine turtles is vitally important, as is research to better understand the cause of strandings and deaths, and to increase their chances of survival once they are rehabilitated and returned safely to the sea. 

    “This centre will be a hub for vital research that will help to inform local, state, national and international responses to mitigate threats to marine turtles, including disease and climate change.

    “Ongoing funding support from governments, organisations and the community is vital for our endangered sea turtles.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Announces Cheri Bryer, Medicaid Beneficiary, as her Guest for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced today that she will host Medicaid beneficiary Cheri Bryer of Lebanon as her guest for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday. Eleven years ago, Cheri was battling addiction and other mental health challenges. Thankfully, Cheri was eligible for Medicaid, which allowed Cheri to access residential addiction treatment and enter recovery. Because of the care that Cheri got through Medicaid, she was able to return to work and now gets her health insurance coverage through her employer. Today, Cheri works as a senior perinatal peer support educator and coordinator in the Maternal Health Innovations grant on Dartmouth Health’s Population Health team. The budget proposal from President Trump and Congressional Republicans, which guts Medicaid to pay for tax giveaways for corporate special interests and billionaires, threatens the care for 180,000 Granite Staters – care that helped Cheri enter recovery and re-enter the workforce.

    “As Cheri’s experience demonstrates, Medicaid helps people get and stay healthy, which in turn strengthens our economy and our workforce. If Congressional Republicans and President Trump pass their budget plan to gut Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for corporate special interests and billionaires, it is people like Cheri and the mothers in recovery that she supports who will pay the price,” said Senator Hassan. “I want to thank Cheri for joining me for this year’s Joint Address to Congress, for speaking out about the difference that Medicaid has made in her life, and for her continued work to help pregnant women and new mothers get the care that they need. And I will continue to stand up to attempts to take health care away from the 180,000 Granite Staters who count on Medicaid.”

    “In my work, I have helped hundreds of women gain and sustain recovery. Without access to Medicaid, recovery would have been impossible. As a mom myself who struggled when my children were young, I now support other young mothers. Addiction is a disease and treatment for medical conditions requires medical coverage,” said Cheri Bryer.

    The Congressional Republican budget plan, endorsed by President Trump, threatens to make sweeping cuts to Medicaid in order to pay for tax breaks for corporate special interests and billionaires. More than 180,000 Granite Staters get health care through Medicaid, including nearly 90,000 children. In her role as Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, last week Senator Hassan shared a new Joint Economic Committee analysis showing the impact that Medicaid cuts would have on Granite Staters including the fight to combat the opioid epidemic. Senator Hassan has heard directly from Granite Staters about the importance of safeguarding Medicaid. Last Monday, Senators Hassan and Shaheen hosted a roundtable discussion highlighting the harmful impact of potential Republican cuts to Medicaid. Senator Hassan has also spoken out on the Senate floor about the proposed cuts to Medicaid.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Senate Judiciary Democrats Press Justice Department On Diversion Of Law Enforcement To Purported Immigration Enforcement Initiative

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 03, 2025

    Under the guise of “enhanced immigration enforcement efforts,” Donald Trump and Pam Bondi continue to weaken the Department’s national security and public safety capabilities by reallocating vital resources, reassigning career officials, and purging longtime civil servants

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in pressing Attorney General Pam Bondi on her reallocation of resources from mission-critical Department of Justice (DOJ) projects to purported “immigration enforcement initiatives.”

    The Justice Department recently issued a directive to take legal action against so-called “sanctuary cities,” demanded an increase in immigration-related prosecutions, and reallocated resources away from critical national security and public safety efforts. The Senators request that Attorney General Bondi rescind this memo.

    The Senators begin by summarizing how the directive undermines our country’s national security and public safety capabilities, writing: “We are alarmed at recent changes within the Department of Justice (DOJ) that have significantly destabilized the agency and made America less safe. The shortsighted removal or reassignment of senior career DOJ and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials with national security expertise have diminished the country’s ability to respond to national security or public safety threats. We ask that you rescind the January 21, 2025, Memorandum and reverse any personnel decisions that diverted resources away from the Department’s critical national security and public safety missions.”

    The Senators then criticize the January 21, 2025, memo’s broad directive to divert resources away from vital law enforcement activities to vague immigration enforcement efforts, writing: “We are deeply disturbed that the Department is redirecting resources from the prosecution of violent crimes to the pursuit of dubious claims against so-called ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions. Multiple studies have shown that localities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement do not have higher crime rates.  Reassigning law enforcement officers to ill-defined immigration-focused initiatives, for which they have no expertise, and instructing prosecutors to investigate and potentially pursue charges against sanctuary jurisdictions will not successfully target those who pose an actual threat to public safety. These reassignments drain law enforcement resources from critical missions and create an experience and leadership vacuum in our national security, counterintelligence, and public safety apparatus.”

    The brain drain of the Department’s senior expertise is so severe that all the career officials who attended the daily threats session for years have been removed from their positions, per public reporting. A large number of officials have been reassigned to a newly created “Sanctuary City Enforcement Working Group,” despite the attorneys having no experience in immigration law and the group having no enforcement or litigation authority, which led to forced multiple resignations by veteran attorneys.

    Other reported efforts underway reallocate valuable government resources from critical missions to immigration enforcement matters, including from efforts to fight transnational-organized crime, violent crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

    The Senators then outline the disruption caused by the resource reallocation, writing: “The sweeping changes to personnel assignments and resource allocation across DOJ will lead to widespread disruption and delay in prosecutions, investigations, and sensitive operations… It is irresponsible and dangerous to divert DOJ and FBI law enforcement officials from their primary missions and areas of expertise to bolster the Trump Administration’s mass deportation effort.”

    The Senators conclude with a request to rescind the January 21, 2025, memo, before making a series of information requests with a deadline of March 17, 2025, writing: “DOJ’s extensive focus on immigration enforcement, to the detriment of other vital national security and public safety priorities, intentionally diverts the Department’s resources and will fail to actually move the needle on immigration enforcement. Personnel at DOJ, the FBI, and other component agencies are now limited in their ability to combat threats to public safety and national security, and a dedicated and talented workforce is facing a crisis of morale. To that end, we ask that you rescind the January 21, 2025, Memorandum and reverse any personnel decisions that diverted resources away from critical national security and public safety missions.”

    In addition to Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

    For a PDF copy of the letter sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi, click here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Urges Trump Administration to Take Action to Prevent Higher Housing Prices As A Result of Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) sent a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico to prevent housing prices from rising even further. In her letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, she outlines how President Trump’s tariffs will increase housing costs by driving up the cost of construction materials needed to increase the housing supply and address Nevada’s affordable housing crisis. In the letter, sent before this evening’s expiration of the President’s thirty-day pause on new tariffs, Senator Rosen specifically highlights the role Canadian lumber plays in helping meet the demand to build affordable homes.
    “In Nevada and throughout the nation, exorbitant housing prices are putting a strain on already-tight household budgets. At a time when high interest rates and low inventory are driving up housing costs, the need to build affordable homes is growing more acute by the day,” wrote Senator Rosen. “However, it is simply too expensive to build affordable housing in the current high-cost environment. Labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating material costs all drive up construction costs, making it harder to develop housing that is affordable for low- and middle-income families.”
    “Compounding our nation’s housing affordability crisis through the imposition of reckless tariffs would be devastating and must be reconsidered,” she continued. “To that end, I respectfully ask that you work with the President to exempt critical construction materials, including lumber, from any tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico. Doing so will not harm our national security, but will instead invest in the economic security of Americans across the country who are struggling to afford a home in an era of rising costs.”
    The full text of the letter can be found HERE.
    Senator Rosen is working to lower housing costs and prevent housing prices from increasing further. Earlier this year, she introduced bipartisan legislation to invest in the construction workforce to help lower housing costs. Last year, she urged HUD to increase the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority’s (SNRHA) Housing Choice Vouchers allocation by 10,000 vouchers over five years. Senator Rosen also called on Senate leadership to address rising housing prices and lower costs for Nevada families through a series of Congressional actions she outlined.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis: Trump’s Tariff Tax will Raise Costs For All

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – President Trump plans to implement a new 25% tax on hardworking Americans through his disastrous tariff tax.

    “Unless President Trump pulls back from tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada, starting at midnight, the President’s horrible sales tax will apply to all hardworking Coloradans. Trump’s tariffs are a costly sales tax that will raise the price of groceries, clothes, homes, technology, cars, and everyday items Americans rely on and hurt North American competitiveness. President Trump is playing chicken with people’s pocketbooks, small businesses, and our economy, and it is harmful. While Colorado is pushing ahead to lower costs, the President’s tariffs alone will cause economic devastation across America in their wake,” said Colorado Governor Polis.  

    Governor Polis has been outspoken in opposition to President Trump’s reckless tariff tax.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to sustain international order in an ‘America First’ world

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Daniel Manulak, Postdoctoral Fellow, History, University of Toronto

    The United States is abandoning its traditional role as the anchor of the liberal world order — a set of norms, rules, customs and international institutions designed to maintain global stability and foster peaceful interchange between states.

    From announcing its intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Human Rights Council to threatening allies — including Canada — with annexation and damaging tariffs, U.S. President Donald Trump has launched an assault on the liberal world order that upholds the post-1945 international system.

    Under these circumstances, it’s more urgent than ever that Canada clarifies its vision in world affairs and accepts its responsibility to sustain the rules-based global order. By looking into the past, we can see what Canada can do in the present.



    Read more:
    Like dictators before him, Trump threatens international peace and security

    How Canada made a difference

    The U.S. isn’t the only country with a vested interest in maintaining the liberal international order — even if it has been the only nation with the will and capacity to serve as its safeguard.

    Canada was also present at the creation of the UN in 1945. They, too, played a fundamental part in the development of its specialized agencies — such as the WHO and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

    In fact, Canada has been an engaged member of the international community. The country played a leading role in establishing the UN Emergency Force during the Suez Crisis, fighting apartheid in South Africa and building a coalition to ban anti-personnel land mines in the 1990s, to name a few examples.

    Canada has done so because it’s been in the best interest of the country. A liberal, rules-based international order is a framework in which Canada can make a meaningful difference in global affairs disproportionate to its limited size and capabilities.

    It also makes for a more prosperous, stable and peaceful world. One where norms, rules and institutions constrain aggressive or malevolent world leaders and facilitates co-operation on global problems.

    But what can lessons from the past offer Canada in sustaining global order in an “America First” world. This is a policy espoused by the Trump administration that is focused inwards. It approaches international affairs as a transactional, zero-sum game.

    Learning from the past

    First, Canada is at its most effective when Canadians act in unison towards a common goal.

    During the Ethiopian famine in the 1980s, Canadians of all stripes and levels of government worked in tandem to organize a truly national response to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Regular citizens contributed more than $30 million — potentially saving over 700,000 people from starvation.

    This domestic political consensus also provided the requisite support for the federal government to co-ordinate an international famine relief effort. This was despite the resistance of Canada’s major allies in the U.S. and the U.K., due to the Marxist orientation of the Ethiopian government.

    Granted, few international causes offer such grounds for unity. Political polarization has only made this type of unity more difficult. And yet, as recent events (such as Trump’s threat to coerce Canada into becoming the 51st state) make clear, Canadians are willing to put aside their differences and rally together when there’s a coherent vision for the country rooted in its values and aspirations.

    Second, Canada needs to work closely with like-minded states through multilateral institutions — such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Under Brian Mulroney’s Progressive Conservative government, Canada relied on its membership in nearly every major international association to build and maintain the global coalition against South African apartheid.



    Read more:
    Brian Mulroney’s tough stand against apartheid is one of his most important legacies

    Australia, India, Zambia and Zimbabwe emerged as key partners. Such efforts entailed both political and economic costs. But there was a reason why one of Nelson Mandela’s first visits following his release from prison in 1990 was to Canada.

    By redoubling its engagement in international organizations, Canada can punch above its weight in world affairs and shape global priorities. It also provides a counter to the influence of the United States in Canadian foreign policy.

    Third, the U.S. is more than its president. Canada can still cultivate ties with Americans beyond the White House. Returning to the Mulroney government, Ottawa’s efforts to persuade the Ronald Reagan administration to negotiate restrictions on emissions resulting in acid rain were unsuccessful.

    Nonetheless, by lobbying congressional leaders in impacted states and partnering with environmental non-governmental organizations, Canada and the U.S. eventually agreed to the 1991 Air Quality Agreement.

    Surviving hostile administrations

    Canada should also be realistic about the degree to which it can diversify its economic and diplomatic relationships outside of the U.S.

    In the early 1970s, President Richard Nixon imposed a 10 per cent surcharge on Canadian imports. Then, just as it is now, Ottawa looked for alternative markets to offset Canada’s dependency on the Americans. These initiatives ultimately failed to materialize — but the surcharge was rescinded. Canada-U.S. relations ultimately survived the Nixon administration.

    Similarly, while Trump has offered a stark reminder that Canada needs to take an active role in sustaining the rules-based international order on which it depends, the ties that bind the two countries together are deeper and longer-lasting than any one administration or government.

    Even so, with a world in chaos, Canada needs to step up to defend international norms and institutions. It has done so in the past and can do so again — provided it develops a coherent foreign policy strategy moving forward.

    Daniel Manulak receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. How to sustain international order in an ‘America First’ world – https://theconversation.com/how-to-sustain-international-order-in-an-america-first-world-248364

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Primary care funding a positive step in the right direction, says College of GPs

    Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

    The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners has welcomed the Health Minister’s funding announcement saying it is a big step in the right direction towards building a well-resourced and sustainable primary care workforce.
    Increased investment in primary care has long been at the forefront of our members’ concerns and the College’s advocacy work, particularly improving access to GP, rural hospital and primary care services and growing, and retaining, the workforce.
    College President Dr Samantha Murton says, “Any additional funding for primary care will ultimately benefit our patients and improve health outcomes, and as specialist GPs and rural hospital doctors who work in the community, this is our priority.
    “As we know there are many areas in primary care that need permanent solutions and further investment, and the Minister has shown that he is willing to invest broadly. I hope that by incentivising primary care to nursing graduates they will see the value in what our workforce does and choose to stay in it for the long-term. This will help alleviate nursing workforce challenges especially in rural communities. Pay parity between primary and secondary nursing is what we still need to aim for.
    “Providing timely and accessible care for all New Zealanders and the increased availability of telehealth will be beneficial, but it needs to be offered alongside improved support for face-to-face primary care services to ensure continued patient safety. Telehealth fills a niche, not a void,” says Dr Murton.
    College Chief Executive Toby Beaglehole says, “Enabling more overseas doctors to gain general registration in primary care in New Zealand and gain valuable first-hand experience will boost the workforce pipeline. That said, we cannot take our focus off supporting our homegrown workforce. New Zealand needs to attract and retain 300 general practice registrars per year just to maintain GP numbers and investment in the training programme is critical to this.
    “Investment in strong, future focused and sustainable primary care will reduce the pressure on secondary care. We look forward to further engagement with Minister Brown on lasting solutions that increase access to specialist general practitioners for New Zealanders and thank him for the steps he has announced.
    “The College is pleased to see our ongoing advocacy has been reflected in the Minister’s decisions and we look forward to learning the specifics of this additional funding.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Fewer houses, consents down under National

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The number of building consents issued under this Government continues to spiral, taking a toll on the infrastructure sector, tradies, and future generations of Kiwi homeowners.

    “The latest figures from Stats NZ confirm what the construction sector has been warning for months: building consents are down under the National Government. The slowdown is yet another sign that the Government’s economic mismanagement is making things worse for Kiwi households and businesses,” Labour infrastructure spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

    “The economy remains weak thanks to the government’s cancellation of infrastructure projects, leaving 13,000 construction workers out of a job last year. Every scrapped project means fewer jobs and fewer homes, resulting in rising unemployment, rising homelessness, and the sharpest recession, excluding COVID-19, in 30 years.

    “If the Government was serious about economic growth, it would reverse its cuts and invest in public services, infrastructure, and new homes, not axing funding for schools, hospitals, and public housing,” Barbara Edmonds said.

    In the year ended January 2025, consents fell to 33,812 new homes, down 7.2 percent compared with the year ended January 2024.

    “New homes are getting further from reach thanks to the reckless cuts of this Government. It’s not only public housing that’s been ditched – new privately owned family homes aren’t getting built either. Any promises of homes from Chris Bishop are down the gurgler,” Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said.

    “On top of that, National’s $2.9 billion landlord tax cuts have made things worse. Labour kept interest deductibility for new builds to encourage investment in more housing, but National scrapped that, shifting investment away from new builds and back into existing homes. That means fewer houses being built and house prices likely to increase.

    “It’s simple: build more public houses so people have somewhere to live. Don’t make living so expensive that people can’t build homes. Housing is the bare minimum that people need to live and it also helps grow the economy by getting more Kiwis into work,” Kieran McAnulty said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New free virtual health service opens to all of Sydney

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 4 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Health

    Today, the Minns Labor Government has expanded a new free virtual healthcare service to all Sydney residents.

    Residents from Western Sydney, South West Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains, Central Coast and the Illawarra Shoalhaven local health districts will be able to access free and safe virtual care for non-life threatening conditions, right from the comfort of their own home.

    It is expected to save 85,000 people from an unnecessary wait in an emergency department each year.

    This virtual care service will provide care for urgent but non-life threatening illnesses or injuries including:

    • Coughs, colds, fevers and flu;
    • Respiratory symptoms;
    • Vomiting and diarrhoea; or
    • Minor infections and rashes.

    The service will be available between 8am and 10pm seven days a week for people aged 16 years and older.

    You can access this service by phoning HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where patients will first speak to a registered nurse who will assess your condition, and if appropriate, refer you to the virtual care service.

    The service uses video conferencing technology to connect patients with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, including doctors and nurses, where clinically appropriate.

    Virtual care forms part of a broader range of measures to relieve pressure on the state’s busy EDs, including:

    • $100 million investment for a further two years to continue our urgent care services, providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients;
    • $70 million over 4 years to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours;
    • $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times;
    • $31.4 million over 4 years to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed; and
    • $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identifying patients early that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “Today, we are announcing that virtual care for non-life threatening conditions will now be available to all residents across Sydney.

    “This virtual care service is a free, convenient and safe way to access care right from the comfort of home.

    “People from right across Sydney will be able to avoid for a wait for a GP or in a hospital through this expanded virtual care service.

    “It will relieve pressure on our busy emergency departments by creating more alternative pathways to care outside the hospital.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: First sod to be turned on new Moama Police Station

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 4 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism

    The long-awaited Moama Police Station is reaching a significant milestone today, with the first sod to be turned on site, officially marking the start of construction.

    The $7.9million station will bolster police capabilities and community safety in the growing Murray River region.

    The state-of-the-art facility is being built on the corner of the Cobb Highway and Francis Street and will be a central regional policing hub for the entire district.

    The station will be fitted with modern technology and facilities to support local officers to better serve the district and drive down crime.

    The new Moama Police Station will include:

    • Public front counter
    • Custody area
    • Command and administration offices
    • Highway Patrol and Crime Management Unit areas
    • Detectives area and Task Force room
    • Specialist teams, including Police Prosecutors, and Emergency Management
    • Storage areas for exhibits and investigation materials
    • Vehicle parking for first responders and Highway Patrol
    • General Duty & Duty Rooms
    • Meeting/conference areas
    • Staff amenities, including meal rooms, lockers, and other facilities.

    The new police station is scheduled to be completed in early 2026.

    This facility is a key part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to providing modern policing services and supporting local officers with the resources they need to protect their communities.

    The NSW Government is building a better NSW and ensuring our frontline police have the capability they need to fight crime and support every community.

    Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

    “Our police officers do incredible work keeping our communities safe and this new station will provide them with the modern facilities and resources they need to continue this important work.

    “As Moama and the surrounding regions continue to grow, it’s important that our police have the infrastructure to keep up with the increased demand for services.

    “The new station will bolster the capability of local police to respond to and drive down crime.”

    NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM, Southern Region Commander said:

    “This new fit-for-purpose Moama police station provides a more centralised location for officers to be deployed across the district with improved capacity, in turn improving response times.”

    “We know the population in and around Moama is growing and the current police station is no longer fit for purpose. This modern station will be fitted with the most up to date technology, which means we are better able to serve the local community and its future needs.”

    Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton MP said:

    “This new Moama Police Station will play an important role in the safety of our region.”

    “People might remember that I was quite critical of the delays to this project involving the previous NSW Government and I congratulate the Minns Government for getting on with the job.”

    “We all have a right to feel safe in our homes and on our streets. And as our community grows, it’s essential that our police force grows with us.”

    “Our police officers need proper facilities and equipment to do their jobs and we can all be confident that this new station will help NSW police continue to keep us all safe.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Opposition’s ‘analysis’ ignores regions

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 4 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    In a stunning display of just how out of touch they are, the NSW Opposition have ignored the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast in a desperate attempt to criticise planning reforms that will deliver homes for young people.

    The Opposition Spokesperson for Planning has tried to pass off a flawed examination of the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise planning reforms as ‘analysis’, conveniently leaving out one-in-five locations.

    The Low and Mid-Rise reforms, introduced last week, address the “missing middle” by allowing terraces, townhouse and mid-rise apartments within 800m of 171 stations across Sydney, the Hunter, Central Coast, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven filling the supply gap between high-rise and single dwellings – a planning solution the Opposition were unable to deliver for twelve years when they were in Government.

    The Opposition Spokesperson has claimed that the regional Low and Mid-Rise sites should not be considered in the total number of sites, defying both logic and explanation.

    The majority of Low and Mid-Rise changes are in Labor electorates. Of the top 12 councils taking the largest amount of new housing set through council targets, 10 are council areas represented predominantly by Labor electorates.

    This follows the NSW Opposition also moving a bill in parliament last year to abolish the Transport Oriented Development program, a program that also delivered housing in a majority of Labor electorates.

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “I represent a large regional city called Wollongong.  While the Opposition don’t seem to have heard of it, it is host to three Low and Mid-Rise sites, that is contributing to solving the housing challenge.

    “It is particularly insulting to have the Opposition continue to ignore regional centres like they did in government.

    “I think the Opposition Spokesperson needs to buy a map of NSW and a calculator.

    “Passing off this sort of rubbish as analysis says everything you need to know about the attitude of the NSW Liberals.

    “I would encourage the Opposition Spokesperson to step outside of his Sydney bubble, stop obsessively worrying about the North Shore and speak to people living in regional NSW, struggling to buy a house.

    “As the Shadow Minister for cities, you’d think he’d know there’s more than one city in NSW.”

    Support for the LMR program from stakeholders:

    Property Council NSW Executive Director, Katie Stevenson:

    “These long-awaited reforms bring certainty and confidence to support the industry to deliver more housing, improve affordability, and provide greater choice for homebuyers and renters.”

    Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW CEO, Stuart Ayres:

    “Today’s announcement is welcome and long overdue. UDIA has consistently advocated to increase availability of medium density housing options in locations close to existing services and transport to help tackle a worsening housing supply crisis.”

     

    ALP Electorates

    Liberal Electorates

    Other Electorates

    Total

    Low and Mid-Rise

    80

    69

    22

    171

    The Opposition’s Missing sites:

    1. Erina Fair Centre
    2. Gosford Station
    3. Green Point Centre
    4. The Entrance Town Centre
    5. Tuggerah Westfield
    6. Woy Woy Station
    7. Wyong Station
    8. Cessnock Town Centre
    9. Kiama Town Centre
    10. Belmont Town Centre
    11. Boolaroo Town Centre
    12. Cardiff Station
    13. Charlestown Town Centre
    14. Jewellstown Plaza
    15. Morisset Station
    16. Green Hills Stockland
    17. Maitland Town Centre
    18. Rutherford Marketplace
    19. Adamstown Station
    20. Hamilton Station
    21. Junction Fair Centre
    22. Kotara Station
    23. Mayfield Town Centre
    24. Wallsend Town Centre
    25. Waratah Town Centre
    26. Nelson Bay Town Centre
    27. Raymond Terrace Town Centre
    28. Albion Park Town Centre
    29. Shellharbour Town Centre
    30. Warilla Grove Town Centre
    31. Bomaderry Town Centre
    32. Nowra Town Centre
    33. Corrimal Town Centre
    34. Dapto Town Centre
    35. Fairy Meadow Town Centre
    36. Warrawong Town Centre

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, FBI arrest high-ranking MS-13 leader who controlled gang activities in U.S., Mexico, Europe

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI apprehended an illegal Salvadoran alien charged in his home country with possession of firearm, extorsion and terrorist affiliation when officers arrested David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, 27, in Hyattsville, Maryland, Feb. 27.

    “The apprehension of David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman strikes a significant blow to the leadership and organization of the MS-13 terrorist organization,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “This arrest speaks volumes about the cooperation enjoyed between ICE and the FBI. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from our communities.”

    Orellana is a high-ranking leader in the MS-13 transnational terrorist organization and controlled the operation of MS-13 cliques in the United States, Mexico, and Europe.

    “Maryland is immediately safer because of this arrest. Working together, we took custody of one of the highest-ranking gang members in the United States,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. “David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman is no longer in his alleged position of power directing violence. His arrest demonstrates the success we can have when we collectively investigate and disrupt violent criminals seeking to exploit our communities.”

    Authorities in El Salvador arrested Orellana Dec. 1, 2016, and charged him for possession of a firearm, extorsion and terrorist affiliation as a documented member of MS-13.

    Orellana illegally entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

    The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested Orellana Dec. 9, 2024, and charged him for driving without a license.

    Orellana remains in ICE custody following his arrest.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government News – Chief Ombudsman releases report into secure aged care facilities

    Source: Office of the Ombudsman

    The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is concerned that people can be placed in secure aged care facilities in New Zealand without the proper legal authority.
    Mr Boshier has today released a report on his inspections and visits to 148 secure residential aged care facilities across the country from 2021-2024.
    “The COVID-19 pandemic saw many restrictions imposed in these types of facilities. As part of my regular visiting programme I wanted to check whether these restrictions had been lifted or at least minimised. I am pleased to say that most of the restrictions I saw during the pandemic had been lifted.
    “I also identified some areas that need to be addressed, including the lack of independent and centralised oversight around the legal basis for a person’s placement in secure care.
    “In the vast majority of facilities I found that at least one resident didn’t have a legal basis for being placed there and at a small number of facilities, almost half of the residents didn’t have the proper paperwork.
    “I have observed varying levels of understanding on the part of facility management, medical professionals, and whānau around what is legally required and why it is required for someone to be placed in a secure aged care facility.
    “I consider there would be significant benefit in establishing a centralised register for Enduring Power of Attorney to help with these issues.”
    Mr Boshier says a number of other improvements could be made including in the area of restraint.
    “It alarmed me to find that restraint policies were not always followed.
    “Restraint comes in many forms, including staff using their own body to limit residents’ movement, using equipment to limit residents’ movement, and locking doors to prevent free movement between different areas.
    “Residents receiving psychogeriatric care are at increased risk of being subjected to excessive restrictions or restraint.
    “In many instances it was clear that staff did not fully understand how certain actions result in residents being restrained, for example, restraint applies to residents who are left in recliner chairs with their legs elevated, where they are clearly unable to move from that position.”
    Mr Boshier also identified issues around the treatment of residents with dementia.
    “I was very concerned that a small minority of facility staff and management felt that because residents had dementia they were not capable of making complaints.
    “Residents are the experts on their experience of care. All residents have the right to share their opinions and be heard. They need ways to let someone know if they feel unsafe or they are dissatisfied with their care.”
    Other issues Mr Boshier found were an over-reliance on whānau to provide advocacy and support for residents, resourcing pressures across most facilities and staff who were close to burnout.
    “I am pleased, however, to see a range of improvements have been made by a number of the facilities I visited. These are still happening and I encourage all facilities to continue making improvements. I wish to acknowledge the commitment shown by staff I met and observed to delivering the best treatment and conditions to people living in secure aged care facilities.
    “It is vital that the human rights of all residents in our country’s secure aged care facilities are safeguarded and maintained.”
    Explanatory note: The Chief Ombudsman examines the conditions and treatment of people in places where they may not be free to leave at will. This includes people who may be in secure dementia level care and specialised hospital level care (psychogeriatric level care).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Porirua celebrating 60 years as a city

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Porirua city is turning 60 this year. We officially became a city on Saturday 2 October 1965 when our population hit 20,000, meeting the threshold (at the time) to become a city.
    Today Porirua is home to more than 62,000 people and our city is growing and changing all the time.
    It is a vibrant, diverse and welcoming place that is expected to grow to be home to more than 83,000 people by 2054, with an extra 10,000 homes needed.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says it’s a privilege to represent Porirua during this milestone year.
    “While Porirua has a long and rich history, the period we have been a city is relatively short. Porirua became a borough in 1961 and a city four years later in 1965.
    “I was born in Porirua and have lived all but 10 years here. For me, it’s where I live and work and is a place I am proud to call my home.
    “A 60th celebration is usually called a diamond anniversary but for me Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour is the jewel in our crown. We haven’t always looked after it as well as we could or should, but the recent signing of Te Wai Ora o Parirua – the Porirua Harbour Accord shows a shared commitment to restoring the special taonga, which our city is centred around,” she says.
    We will be marking our city’s actual birthday more formally nearer to the date. In the lead-up to our 60th birthday we’re spotlighting photos of notable events and places in Porirua’s recent history in a #60for60 campaign.
    You can see the photos – which are published at least weekly – on our Facebook page or check out our dedicated web page, which gets updated as the photos get published: poriruacity.govt.nz/60for60

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Home consents up in the month of January 2025 – Stats NZ media and information release: Building consents issued: January 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Home consents up in the month of January 2025 – 4 March 2025 – There were 2,203 new homes consented in January 2025, up 11 percent compared with January 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    “While January 2025 saw an increase in homes consented compared to January 2024, it still remains below the levels seen in January 2022 and 2023,” economic indicators spokesperson Michael Heslop said.

    Of the 2,203 new homes consented, there were 1,077 stand-alone houses consented, up 20 percent compared with January 2024, and 1,126 multi-unit homes consented, up 3.1 percent.

    Multi-unit homes include townhouses, apartments, retirement village units, and flats.

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy Tech and VPPs – Flexibility is crucial to maintain grid stability, says GridBeyond latest white paper

    Source: GridBeyond

    In a market with high renewable penetration and unique geographical challenges, flexibility is crucial to maintaining grid stability in Australia. In recent years, the concept of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) has emerged as a transformative solution. By integrating numerous Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into one network, VPPs are changing the way electricity is generated, managed, and utilised says GridBeyond’s report Virtual power plants in Australia – A bright future ahead.

    Australia is a leader in renewable energy adoption, with solar and wind constituting a significant share of its energy mix. Renewables are becoming an increasingly critical part of the global energy system, but their intermittent nature means there is a need for a significant increase in flexible resources to manage an increased volatility. In addition, adoption of flexible devices such as heat pumps, Electric Vehicles (EVs), and battery storage is accelerating, while regulators and utilities are looking for solutions to reliability and affordability challenges.

    The energy sector is facing major challenges to meet the demands of global warming mitigation and adaptation, which require the decarbonisation of multiple sectors of the economy.  VPPS have emerged as a transformative solution offering a flexible and decentralised approach. By integrating numerous Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into one network, VPPs are changing the way electricity is generated, managed, and utilised and can offer a wide array of benefits across energy system that can be managed by AI-powered technologies supporting businesses in managing their energy consumption and support grid stability.

    About GridBeyond

    GridBeyond began commercially trading in 2010 and is home to the world’s first hybrid battery and demand network. Now a global player in the energy transition, GridBeyond provides a powerful combination of technological excellence, consultative approach and unrivalled AI expertise that enables its clients to maximize energy services, while supporting the wider electricity grid’s leap to a greener future through renewable generation expansion.

    GridBeyond delivers energy services, new revenues, enhanced savings, strengthened operations and sustainability to over 900 I&C customer sites worldwide, including some of the planet’s most recognized brands in just about every commercial sector.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Home consents up in the month of January 2025 – Stats NZ media and information release: Building consents issued: January 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Home consents up in the month of January 2025 – 4 March 2025 – There were 2,203 new homes consented in January 2025, up 11 percent compared with January 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    “While January 2025 saw an increase in homes consented compared to January 2024, it still remains below the levels seen in January 2022 and 2023,” economic indicators spokesperson Michael Heslop said.

    Of the 2,203 new homes consented, there were 1,077 stand-alone houses consented, up 20 percent compared with January 2024, and 1,126 multi-unit homes consented, up 3.1 percent.

    Multi-unit homes include townhouses, apartments, retirement village units, and flats.

    Files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: China Unicom Launches AI Unites All Plan to Bridge Digital Divide Via Industry Intelligence Supported by Huawei

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: China Unicom Launches AI Unites All Plan to Bridge Digital Divide Via Industry Intelligence Supported by Huawei

    [Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2025] During MWC 2025 in Barcelona, China Unicom held a development workshop with the theme of 5G-A Empowering, AI Transforming, Digital Living. Jian Qin, General Manager (GM) of China Unicom and Yang Chaobin, Huawei Board Member and CEO of the ICT Business Group attended the press conference and delivered speeches. Several representatives from the industry, including GSMA, shared their ideas. The AI Unites All plan and its surrounding achievements were officially released at the conference, angled heavily on the integration of networks, services, and AI.
    Jian Qin delivering a speech

    According to Jian Qin in his speech, “China Unicom remains committed to technological innovation as our guiding principle, actively embracing the Al revolution, and contributing ‘Unicom Intelligence’ and ‘Unicom Solutions’ to global smart transformation. With forward-looking planning and sustained investment in Al, we prioritize integrated innovation across five pillars: computing infrastructure, network connectivity, data resources, model development, and application scenarios. Our goal is to lead and drive the convergence of Al technologies and industrial applications.”
    Yang Chaobin making a speech

    Yang Chaobin mentioned in his speech that Huawei looks forward to working with China Unicom to support their AI Unites All strategy. “We will do this by facilitating a wide range of intelligent user applications with the latest AI technologies. This will allow China Unicom to create new AI service portals with a global impact and make intelligence more inclusive for all,” he said.
    As a strategic partner of China Unicom, Huawei and China Unicom maintain close cooperation and work together on converged AI innovation to seize new business opportunities in the AI era. Both parties have built a cloud-based AI service platform for individual and home users, combining cloud, computing, networks, and devices for a unified AI service portal. For example, during the Asian Winter Games, China Unicom launched personalized and cloud-based AI phones with the AI assistant named Tone. The product uses mainstream foundation models and 5G-A networks to provide users with a consistent experience in all scenarios and secure and reliable AI services. Huawei and China Unicom have also been using AI to empower sectors like government, healthcare, and manufacturing, as well as cultural and creative industries, making network experience more secure, reliable, flexible, scalable, efficient, and collaborative. China Unicom has also been actively engaged in advancing synergy between AI and networks. For smart home services, China Unicom has been a leading player in whole-house fiber broadband. The carrier launched the industry’s first HI-CON (Home Intelligent Collaborative Optical Network) communications system that features optical and Wi-Fi collaboration. This system is powered by an intelligent scheduling algorithm that greatly improves overall network experience for home users.
    Group photo taken at the AI Unites All launch ceremony

    At the conference, China Unicom launched its AI Unites All plan. Under the guidance of its Strategy for Convergence and Innovation, China Unicom will comprehensively advance the synergy of networks and AI to bring intelligent connection to all. It also looks to make AI accessible for use in a much wider range of technologies. By facilitating the integration of services and AI, China Unicom aims to enable various industries to go intelligent and benefit thousands of households.
    MWC Barcelona 2025 is held from March 3 to March 6 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.
    In 2025, commercial 5G-Advanced deployment will accelerate, and AI will help carriers reshape business, infrastructure, and O&M. Huawei is actively working with carriers and partners around the world to accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world. For more information, please visit: http://carrier-back.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner and Kaine Reintroduce Legislation to Designate Blue Ridge Music Center’s Amphitheater after Former Rep. Rick Boucher

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) reintroduced legislation to formally designate the Blue Ridge Music Center’s outdoor amphitheater the “Rick Boucher Amphitheater” after former Rep. Rick Boucher.

    “We are deeply appreciative of Congressman Boucher’s commitment to public service, and his continued work for Southwest Virginia,” the senators said. “We can think of no better way to honor his years of public service than by dedicating this treasured music center, which he championed during his years in office, after him.”

    Former Rep. Boucher, an Abingdon native, represented Southwest Virginia’s ninth congressional district in the House of Representatives from 1983 to 2011. Rep. Boucher was an early supporter of the development of the Blue Ridge Music Center and continued to advocate for the project throughout his tenure. He also served as the Chairman of the U.S. House Energy Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet as well as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality while in Congress.

    Located in Galax, VA, the Blue Ridge Music Center is home to a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater, indoor interpretive center, and the Roots of American Music Museum, which highlights the historical significance of the region’s musical culture. The museum was featured in USA TODAY’s Top 10 Best Free Museums in the United States for 2025. The Blue Ridge Music Center is operated by the National Park Service with musical programming coordinated through a partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. On August 25, 2022, Sen. Kaine toured the center and performed at Midday Mountain Music.

    The legislation previously passed the Senate on December 23, 2022 but did not pass the House of Representatives before the end of the 117th Congress.

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth interview on the Today Show with Charles Croucher

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

     E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    Topics: Laos methanol poisoning investigation; Rugby League in Las Vegas; Academy Awards.

    CHARLES CROUCHER, HOST:  Welcome back. The parents of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, who died of methanol poisoning in Laos, are urging travellers to boycott the country until it adequately investigates their daughter’s deaths. Joining us to discuss is Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth and Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie. Good morning to you both. Amanda, I’m going to start with you. There are concerns that are boycott might discourage authorities there from doing the right thing by these families. How do we approach this?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: Firstly, I would say the Australian Government continues to stand with Holly and Bianca’s family and continues to of course press the Laos Government to fully and transparently investigate these circumstances. Of course, there are warnings on Smartraveller which is an important government resource to look at the risks. But we as a Government will continue to press for a full investigation because it is really important that any issues that emerge from that are addressed to make sure travellers are safe.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: I guess the issue is, is there something more the Government can be doing if the parents are now encouraging travellers to do the lobbying for them?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: We have continued on an ongoing basis to have conversations and to continue to press the Laos Government and we will continue to do that. We’ve been providing consular support to Bianca’s and Holly’s families. We will continue to do everything we can as a Government to push this. But it’s important people are properly informed when they do travel overseas about what the risks are.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: Bridget, can we be doing more?

    BRIDGET MCKENZIE, NATIONALS SENATOR: Well, I think the Government’s outlined that it’s pursuing every diplomatic measure it can. It’s an absolute tragedy what happened to Holly and Bianca. We don’t want any other young Australians who go overseas for a great holiday to suffer the same fate. So, we need to be pushing for a full investigation so that the issues can be made clear. And you know, we back the Government all the way in their efforts to do that.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: And we stay with the parents because it’s such a tough situation they’ve been in, and we’ve been sort of amazed at how brave they’ve been in speaking out as well. Well, we’re going to move on because the NRL’s Vegas gamble well and truly paid off. It reached, we’re told, an audience that was unprecedented and generated more than $100 million. Now the attention turns to the AFL which weather permitting, will kick off on Thursday. Bridget, you’re a Senator from Victoria. It’s the AFL home state. Are they getting beaten when it comes to launching the season by the people from up north.

    BRIDGET MCKENZIE: Look, we know that NRL is a spectator sport that had the most successful seat opening since 2010. And I think what really resonated with the US was no helmets, no pads, all action, no timeout. And I mean, when you compare that to the NFL, the US rocked up in droves to actually see the NRL live. Obviously, Charles, I am from Victoria. We’ve got the G and we pack it out week in, week out to watch our great game. So, you know, I think it’s the difference between the two sports. One is, you know, best live and the other is building that, you know, a sustainable funding base going forward. Because we know if the NRL gets 1 per cent of the US market, it’ll be sustaining funding for them going forward, which is also good news in decades to come.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: A great TV product, of course, and it’s on Nine as well, which shows. Amanda, Gather Round [AFL] is in South Australia. Never ruined that with an election on the same weekend, obviously. But should the AFL be doing more to make this round the number one?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, you know, the Gather Round is an absolutely amazing round, I have to say. It brings a buzz not just to South Australia but to footy fans, to be all in the same place. I think the AFL has been looking at how they engage their audiences and I would say that Gather Round is a great example of that and will continue to do so. But congratulations to the NRL. And hopefully we’ll start seeing people in America wearing those NRL colours. But of course, I would like to see everyone in America wearing some AFL colours as well. And I think we can all work towards that.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: All right, finally, from Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue to Anora’s sweeping success, the Oscars delivered a host of memorable moments. We’re sort of short on time, so I might even just go with a hands up approach here. But did anyone tune in and has anyone seen any of the movies that are nominated this year? 

    BRIDGET MCKENZIE: Too busy fighting Labor. 

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: I’ve seen Wicked.

    BRIDGET MCKENZIE: Charles, I’m halfway through Conclave on a flight.

    CHARLES CROUCHER: That’s probably the way you’re going to do it. And Amanda’s seen Wicked. So that’s a good sign of the way things are going for Conclave and Wicked – two brutal fights of political natures. And that shapes well for whatever’s to come in the next couple of weeks. Really lovely speaking to both you this morning.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: W&T Offshore Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results Including Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves, Provides Guidance for 2025 and Declares Dividend for First Quarter of 2025

    Source: W & T Offshore Inc

    Headline: W&T Offshore Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results Including Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves, Provides Guidance for 2025 and Declares Dividend for First Quarter of 2025

    HOUSTON, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — W&T Offshore, Inc. (NYSE: WTI) (“W&T,” the “Company” or “us”) today reported operational and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, including the Company’s year-end 2024 reserve report. Detailed guidance for the first quarter of 2025 and full year 2025 was also provided, and W&T announced its dividend for the first quarter of 2025.

    This press release includes non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted Net Loss, Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt and PV-10 which are described and reconciled to the most comparable GAAP measures below in the accompanying tables under “Non-GAAP Information.”

    Key highlights for the fourth quarter of 2024, the full year 2024 and since year end 2024 include:

    • Delivered production in full year 2024 of 33.3 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (“MBoe/d”) (43% oil), or 12.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (“MMBoe”). This production was within the Company’s guidance range despite impacts from three hurricanes in the Gulf of America (“GOA”) and other downtime which was mainly related to the Cox acquisition (as defined below);
      • Achieved mid-point of the guidance for annual oil production and increased it by 4% year-over-year;
      • Produced 32.1 MBoe/d (43% oil) or 3.0 MMBoe in fourth quarter 2024, within W&T’s guidance range;
      • Announced the Main Pass 108 and 98 fields as well as the West Delta 73 field are expected to come back online in the second quarter of 2025;
    • Increased year-end 2024 proved reserves at SEC pricing to 127.0 MMBoe, with oil reserves increasing 39%;
      • Reported a standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows of $740.1 million and a present value of estimated future oil and natural gas revenues, minus direct expenses, discounted at a 10% annual rate (“PV-10”) of $1.2 billion, a 14% increase compared to PV-10 for year-end 2023, despite lower SEC pricing;
      • Benefited from acquisitions totaling 21.7 MMBoe, along with positive well performance and technical revisions of 5.0 MMBoe, partially offset by 10.5 MMBoe of negative price revisions and 12.2 MMBoe of production for the year, resulting in replacement of 219% of 2024 production with new reserves;
    • Incurred lease operating expenses (“LOE”) of $281.5 million in full year 2024, at the low end of the Company’s full year guidance range and $64.3 million in fourth quarter 2024, 12% below the low end of the Company’s fourth quarter guidance;
    • Acquired six shallow water GOA fields in January 2024 (“the Cox acquisition”), all of which are 100% working interest and located adjacent to existing W&T operations, for $77.3 million, which was funded with cash on hand;
    • Sold a non-core interest in Garden Banks Blocks 385 and 386 in January 2025, which included latest net production of approximately 195 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”) (72% oil) for $11.9 million (the “Garden Banks Disposition”), or over $60,000 per flowing barrel, after customary closing adjustments;
    • Received $58.5 million in cash for an insurance settlement (the “Insurance Settlement”) related to the Mobile Bay 78-1 well, in first quarter of 2025, which further bolsters W&T’s balance sheet;
    • Successfully refinanced the Company’s $275.0 million 11.75% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2026 (the “11.75% Notes”) and $114.2 million outstanding amount under the term loan provided by Munich Re Risk Financing, Inc., as lender (the “MRE Term Loan”) with proceeds from the issuance of new $350.0 million of 10.75% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2029 (the “10.75% Notes”) in January 2025 and available cash on hand;
      • Paid down and effectively reduced gross debt by around $39.0 million;
      • Eliminated principal payments of $27.6 million in 2025, $25.4 million in 2026, $22.9 million in 2027 and $38.3 million in 2028;
      • Lowered interest rate on the Senior Second Lien Notes by 100 basis points;
    • Entered into a new credit agreement in the first quarter 2025 for a $50 million revolving credit facility which matures in July 2028, that is undrawn and replaces the previous credit facility provided by Calculus Lending, LLC;
    • Reported net loss for full year 2024 of $87.1 million, or $(0.59) per diluted share and net loss of $23.4 million, or $(0.16) per diluted share for fourth quarter 2024;
      • Adjusted Net Loss totaled $67.6 million, or $(0.46) per diluted share for full year 2024, and $26.2 million, or $(0.18) per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2024, which primarily excludes the net unrealized gain on outstanding derivative contracts, non-ARO plugging and abandonment (“P&A”) costs, other costs and the related tax effect;
    • Generated Adjusted EBITDA of $153.6 million in full year 2024 and $31.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024;
    • Produced net cash from operating activities of $59.5 million and Free Cash Flow of $44.9 million in full year 2024;
    • Reported cash and cash equivalents of $109.0 million, lowered total debt to $393.2 million and lowered Net Debt to $284.2 million at December 31, 2024;
    • Added costless collar hedges for 50,000 million British Thermal Units per day (“MMBtu/d”) of natural gas for the period of March through December 2025;
    • Paid fifth consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.01 per common share in November 2024; and
      • Declared first quarter 2025 dividend of $0.01 per share, which will be payable on March 24, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2025;

    Tracy W. Krohn, W&T’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We delivered solid results in 2024 thanks to our continued commitment to executing on our strategic vision focused on free cash flow generation, maintaining solid production and maximizing margins. We generated strong Adjusted EBITDA of $153.6 million and Free Cash Flow of $44.9 million for full year 2024. This was achieved despite limited contribution from the Cox acquisition as we continued to work on enhancing long-term value for these assets at the expense of deferring some near-term production. Some of this benefit is already reflected in our year-end reserves, which saw a 39% increase in oil reserves, and our PV-10 increased by almost $150 million, despite lower SEC pricing compared to year end 2023. We replaced production by over 200% with our positive revisions and acquisitions. Our focus on cost control and capturing synergies associated with our asset acquisitions contributed to our LOE coming in at the bottom end of our reduced guidance range. In addition, we are expecting further production uplift associated with the remaining fields from the Cox acquisition coming online in the second quarter of 2025 that have been shut in so that we could improve the facilities and transportation of production to enhance safety and efficiency of operations in the future.”

    “In early 2025, we strengthened our balance sheet by closing the new 10.75% Notes, entered into a new revolving credit facility and added material cash through a non-core disposition and an insurance settlement. The new 10.75% Notes have an interest rate 100 basis points lower than our 11.75% Notes and received improved credit ratings from S&P and Moody’s, had a broad distribution including international investors and were significantly oversubscribed. We also received a $58.5 million cash insurance settlement payment related to a well loss event. Finally, we sold our non-core interests for $11.9 million after customary closing adjustments in Garden Banks 385 and 386 at over $60,000 per flowing barrel which is highly accretive to W&T. This further demonstrates the value of our assets and our ability to divest our properties at attractive multiples.”

    Mr. Krohn concluded, “As we progress through 2025 with a stronger balance sheet, we remain poised to take advantage of potential acquisitions that will be accretive to our stakeholders. We remain committed to enhancing shareholder value and returning value to our shareholders through the quarterly dividend in place since November 2023. Our strategy has proven to be sustainable over the past 40 plus years, and we are well-positioned to continue to successfully execute it in the future.”

    Production, Prices and Revenue: Production for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 32.1 MBoe/d, within the Company’s fourth quarter guidance and up 4% compared with 31.0 MBoe/d for the third quarter of 2024 and down compared with 34.1 MBoe/d for the corresponding period in 2023. Production in the second half of 2024 was temporarily reduced mainly due to multiple named storms and third-party downtime. Fourth quarter 2024 production was comprised of 13.7 thousand barrels per day (“MBbl/d”) of oil (43%), 3.0 MBbl/d of natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) (9%), and 92.4 million cubic feet per day (“MMcf/d”) of natural gas (48%).

    W&T’s average realized price per Boe before realized derivative settlements was $39.86 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of 5% from $41.92 per Boe in the third quarter of 2024 and a decrease of 4% from $41.55 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2023. Fourth quarter 2024 oil, NGL and natural gas prices before realized derivative settlements were $68.71 per barrel of oil, $24.59 per barrel of NGL and $2.85 per Mcf of natural gas.

    Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $120.3 million, which were slightly lower than the third quarter of 2024 revenues of $121.4 million driven by lower realized prices for oil. Fourth quarter 2024 revenues were approximately 9% lower than $132.3 million of revenues in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to lower average realized prices and lower production volumes.

    Lease Operating Expenses: LOE, which includes base lease operating expenses, insurance premiums, workovers and facilities maintenance expenses, was $64.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, which was 12% below the low end of the previously provided guidance range of $73.0 to $81.0 million. LOE came in lower than expected as the Company continued to realize synergies from asset acquisitions in late 2023 and early 2024. LOE for the fourth quarter of 2024 was approximately 11% lower compared to $72.4 million in the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to favorable audit adjustments, an increase in royalty credits and lower repairs and maintenance costs. LOE for the fourth quarter of 2024 was essentially flat compared to $64.6 million for the corresponding period in 2023. On a component basis for the fourth quarter of 2024, base LOE and insurance premiums were $53.5 million, workovers were $0.9 million, and facilities maintenance and other expenses were $9.9 million. On a unit of production basis, LOE was $21.76 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to $25.37 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and $20.61 per Boe for the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting a decrease in production in the periods.

    Gathering, Transportation Costs and Production Taxes: Gathering, transportation costs and production taxes totaled $5.9 million ($2.00 per Boe) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $6.1 million ($2.15 per Boe) in the third quarter of 2024 and $6.6 million ($2.11 per Boe) in the fourth quarter of 2023. Gathering, transportation costs and production taxes decreased in the fourth quarter of 2024 from the prior quarter due to lower processing and transportation fees offset by increased production taxes.

    Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (“DD&A”): DD&A was $12.94 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to $11.99 per Boe and $10.73 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively.

    Asset Retirement Obligations Accretion: Asset retirement obligations accretion was $2.76 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to $2.75 per Boe and $2.35 per Boe for the third quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2023, respectively.

    General & Administrative Expenses (“G&A”): G&A was $20.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, which increased from $19.7 million in the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to higher quarter over quarter accrual for non-cash long-term incentives and increased from $18.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 primarily due to higher quarter over quarter accruals for short-term incentives and non-cash long term incentives. On a unit of production basis, G&A was $7.04 per Boe in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $6.91 per Boe in the third quarter of 2024 and $5.82 per Boe in the corresponding period of 2023. These differences are primarily related to production variances.

    Derivative (Gain) Loss, net: In the fourth quarter of 2024, W&T recorded a net loss of $2.1 million with commodity derivative contracts comprised of $2.6 million of realized losses and $0.5 million of unrealized gains related to the increase in fair value of open contracts. W&T recognized a net gain of $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2024 and a net gain of $13.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to commodity derivative activities.

    To take advantage of the recent uptick in prices for natural gas, W&T recently added Henry Hub costless collars for 50,000 MMBtu/d of natural gas for the period of March through December 2025 with a floor of $3.88 per MMBtu and a ceiling of $5.125 per MMBtu.

    A summary of the Company’s outstanding derivative positions is provided in the investor presentation posted on W&T’s website.

    Interest Expense: Net interest expense in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $10.2 million compared to $10.0 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $9.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Other Expense: During 2021 and 2022, as a result of the declaration of bankruptcy by a third party that is the indirect successor in title to certain offshore interests that were previously divested by the Company, W&T recorded a contingent loss accrual related to anticipated non-ARO P&A costs. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company reassessed its existing obligations and recorded a $2.8 million decrease in the contingent loss accrual.

    Income Tax (Benefit) Expense: W&T recognized an income tax benefit of $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to the recognition of an income tax benefit of $4.5 million and an income tax expense of $1.9 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    Capital Expenditures and Asset Retirement Settlements: Capital expenditures on an accrual basis (excluding acquisitions) in the fourth quarter of 2024 were $12.2 million, and asset retirement settlement costs totaled $19.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2024, capital expenditures on an accrual basis (excluding acquisitions) totaled $28.6 million and asset retirements costs were $39.7 million. Investments related to acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2024 totaled $80.6 million, which included $77.3 million for the Cox acquisition and $3.3 million of final purchase price adjustments related to W&T’s acquisition of properties in September 2023.

    Balance Sheet and Liquidity: As of December 31, 2024, W&T had available liquidity of $159.0 million comprised of $109.0 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $50.0 million of borrowing availability under W&T’s first priority secured revolving facility provided by Calculus Lending LLC. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had total debt of $393.2 million and Net Debt of $284.2 million. As of December 31, 2024, Net Debt to trailing twelve months (“TTM”) Adjusted EBITDA was 1.8x.

    Debt Refinance: On January 28, 2025 W&T closed an offering of the 10.75% Notes at par in a private offering that was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company used a portion of the proceeds from the 10.75% Notes offering, along with cash on hand to, (i) purchase for cash pursuant to a tender offer, such of the Company’s outstanding 11.75% Notes that were validly tendered pursuant to the terms thereof, (ii) repay $114.2 million outstanding under the Term Loan, (iii) fund the full redemption amount for an August 1, 2025 redemption of the remaining 11.75% Notes not validly tendered and accepted for purchase in the tender offer, and (iv) pay premiums, fees and expenses related to these transactions. On the closing date of the offering of the 10.75% Notes, the Company completed all actions necessary to satisfy and discharge the indenture governing the 11.75% Notes.

    Pro forma for the debt refinance, the Garden Banks Disposition and the Insurance Settlement, as of December 31, 2024, W&T’s cash and cash equivalents would have been approximately $104.3 million, total debt would have been approximately $349.5 million and Net Debt would have been approximately $245.2 million. As of December 31, 2024, the pro forma Net Debt to TTM Adjusted EBITDA would have been 1.6x.

    In conjunction with the issuance of the 10.75% Notes, the Company entered into a new credit agreement which provides the Company with a revolving credit and letter of credit facility, with initial lending commitments of $50 million with a letter of credit sublimit of $10 million. The Credit Facility matures on July 28, 2028.

    Accretive Acquisition of Producing Properties in the GOA: In January 2024, W&T was the successful bidder for six fields in the GOA, including Eugene Island 64, Main Pass 61, Mobile 904, Mobile 916, South Pass 49 and West Delta 73, all of which include a 100% working interest and an average 82% net revenue interest. They are located in water depths ranging between approximately 15 and 400 feet. Their proximity to W&T’s areas of existing operations provides the ability for W&T to capture synergies regarding personnel, well optimization, gathering and transport. The final purchase price for the assets was $77.3 million, after closing costs and other transaction costs, which were funded from the Company’s cash on hand. Key highlights of the transaction included:

    • Added significant year-end 2024 reserves of 21.7 MMBoe (62% liquids), even after excluding 1.3 MMBoe of production during 2024;
    • Based on the cash consideration paid of $77.3 million, this equates to a price of $3.38 per Boe of 2024 SEC reserves booked, when adding back 2024 production of 1.3 MMBoe;
    • Multiple fields were immediately shut-in while improvements were made to bring them up to W&T’s standards for safety and efficiency. Those fields are expected to come back online in the first half of 2025;
      • The Main Pass 108 and 98 fields as well as the West Delta 73 field are expected to return to production in the second quarter of 2025; and
    • The Company believes that it can further increase production on these properties through workovers, recompletions and ongoing facility upgrades.

    Non-Core Asset Disposition

    In early 2025, W&T sold a non-core interest in Garden Banks Blocks 385 and 386, which included net production of approximately 195 Boe/d, for $11.9 million after normal purchase price adjustments. The effective date of the sale was December 1, 2024, and the transaction closed in January 2025. The impact to W&T’s reserves for year-end 2024 were minimal at about 0.12 MMBoe.

    Full Year-End 2024 Financial Review

    W&T reported a net loss for the full year 2024 of $87.1 million, or $(0.59) per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Loss of $67.6 million, or $(0.46) per diluted share. For the full year 2023, the Company reported net income of $15.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, and Adjusted Net Loss of $21.7 million, or $(0.15) per diluted share. W&T generated Adjusted EBITDA of $153.6 million for the full year 2024 compared to $183.2 million in 2023. The year-over-year decrease was primarily driven by lower oil and natural gas prices and decreased production. Revenues totaled $525.3 million for 2024 compared with $532.7 million in 2023. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $59.5 million compared with $115.3 million for the same period in 2023. Free Cash Flow totaled $44.9 million in 2024 compared with $63.3 million in 2023.

    Production for 2024 averaged 33.3 MBoe/d for a total of 12.2 MMBoe, comprised of 5.3 MMBbl of oil, 1.2 MMBbl of NGLs and 34.3 Bcf of natural gas. Full year 2023 production averaged 34.9 MBoe/d or 12.7 MMBoe in total and was comprised of 5.1 MMBbl of oil, 1.4 MMBbl of NGLs and 37.6 Bcf of natural gas.  

    For the full year 2024, W&T’s average realized sales price per barrel of crude oil was $75.28 and $23.08 per barrel of NGLs and $2.65 per Mcf of natural gas. While the realized pricing for oil and natural gas were down year-over-year, the production mix was more weighted toward oil in 2024, thus the equivalent sales price for 2024 was $42.23 per Boe, which was 3% higher than the equivalent price of $41.16 per Boe realized in 2023.  For 2023, the Company’s realized crude oil sales price was $75.52 per barrel, NGL sales price was $22.93 per barrel, and natural gas price was $2.93 per Mcf.

    For the full year 2024, LOE was $281.5 million compared to $257.7 million in 2023. While LOE increased year-over-year in 2024 due to increased workover and facility investments, higher oil production and costs from the acquisition of additional properties in January 2024 and September 2023, W&T’s LOE for 2024 was 10% below the midpoint guidance for LOE as the Company was able to mitigate some of these increased costs through synergies from the asset acquisitions.

    Gathering, transportation, and production taxes totaled $28.2 million in 2024, an increase from the $26.3 million in 2023.

    For the full year 2024, G&A was $82.4 million, which was a 9% increase over the $75.5 million reported in 2023. The increase year-over-year is primarily due to increased salary and benefits costs and non-recurring legal fees that were somewhat offset by lower accruals for short-term incentives. On a per unit basis, G&A per Boe was $6.76 in 2024, up from $5.93 per Boe in 2023.  G&A increased on a per Boe basis primarily due to lower production.  

    OPERATIONS UPDATE

    Well Recompletions and Workovers

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company performed two workovers and two recompletions that positively impacted production for the quarter. W&T plans to continue performing these low cost and low risk short payout operations that impact both production and revenue.

    Year-End 2024 Proved Reserves

    The Company’s year-end 2024 SEC proved reserves were 127.0 MMBoe, compared with 123.0 MMBoe at year-end 2023. In 2024, W&T recorded positive performance revisions of 5.0 MMBoe, and acquisitions of reserves of 21.7 MMBoe, which were offset by 10.5 MMBoe of negative price revisions and 12.2 MMBoe of production for the year.  During 2024, W&T continued to focus on reducing Net Debt while identifying and executing attractive acquisitions.  Successful workovers, operational excellence and acquisitions allowed W&T to replace 219% of production with new reserves.  

    The SEC twelve-month first day of the month average spot prices used in the preparation of the report for year-end 2024 were $76.32 per barrel of oil and $2.13 per MMBtu of natural gas. Comparable prices used for the prior year report were $78.21 per barrel of oil and $2.64 per MMBtu of natural gas. The PV-10 of W&T’s proved reserves at year-end 2024 increased 14% to $1.2 billion from $1.1 billion at year-end 2023, driven primarily by an increase in oil reserves due to the acquisition in January 2024 and by positive reserve performance revisions which were somewhat offset by lower SEC pricing.

    Approximately 51% of year-end 2024 proved reserves were liquids (41% crude oil and 10% NGLs) and 49% natural gas. The reserves were classified as 52% proved developed producing, 31% proved developed non-producing, and 17% proved undeveloped. W&T’s reserve life ratio at year-end 2024, based on year-end 2024 proved reserves and 2024 production, was 10.4 years.

                           
        Oil   NGLs   Natural Gas       PV-101
        (MMBbls)   (MMBbls)   (Bcf)   MMBoe   ($MM)
    Proved reserves as of December 31, 2023   37.0     13.7     434.0     123.0     $ 1,080.9
    Revisions of previous estimates   7.4     1.8     (26.1 )   5.0        
    Revisions due to change in SEC prices   (0.4 )   (1.6 )   (51.0 )   (10.5 )      
    Purchase of minerals in place   12.9     0.3     51.8     21.7        
    Production   (5.3 )   (1.2 )   (34.3 )   (12.2 )      
    Proved reserves as of December 31, 2024   51.6     13.0     374.4     127.0     $ 1,229.5

    (1)   PV-10 for this presentation excludes any provisions for asset retirement obligations or income taxes.

    In accordance with guidelines established by the SEC, estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 were determined to be economically producible under existing economic conditions, which requires the use of the 12-month average of the first-day-of-the-month price for the year ended December 31, 2024. The WTI spot price and the Henry Hub spot price were utilized as the reference prices and after adjusting for quality, transportation, fees, energy content, and regional price differentials, the average realized prices were $74.69 per barrel for oil, $22.98 per barrel for NGLs, and $2.58 per Mcf for natural gas. In determining the estimated realized price for NGLs, a ratio was computed for each field of the NGLs realized price compared to the crude oil realized price. This ratio was then applied to the crude price using SEC guidance. Such prices were held constant throughout the estimated lives of the reserves. Future estimated production and development costs are based on year-end costs with no escalations.

    The standardized measure of future net cash flows was $740.1 million at December 31, 2024, which is calculated as the PV-10 of $1,229.5 million less discounted cash outflows of $334.6 million associated with asset retirement obligations and $154.8 million associated with income taxes. At December 31, 2023, the standardized measure was $683.2 million, which is calculated as the PV-10 of $1,080.9 million less discounted cash outflows of $246.7 million associated with asset retirement obligations and $151.0 million associated with income taxes.

    First Quarter and Full Year 2025 Production and Expense Guidance

    The guidance for the first quarter and full year 2025 in the table below represents the Company’s current expectations. Please refer to the section entitled “Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements” below for risk factors that could impact guidance.

    In the first quarter of 2025, there have been several planned facility and pipeline maintenance projects as well as unplanned downtime at several fields due to multiple winter freezes in the first quarter of 2025 that temporarily reduced production. Full year 2025 production reflects the West Delta 73 field returning to production in the second quarter as well as the other fields that were temporarily shut-in during the first quarter of 2025. First quarter 2025 LOE is expected to be higher than the prior quarter due to increased maintenance and repair costs and facility upgrades; full year 2025 LOE is expected to be modestly higher than 2024.

         
    Production First Quarter 2025 Full Year 2025
    Oil (MBbl) 1,130 – 1,250 5,150 – 5,690
    NGLs (MBbl) 205 – 235 1,020 – 1,140
    Natural gas (MMcf) 7,220 – 7,980 34,880 – 38,560
    Total equivalents (MBoe) 2,538 – 2,815 11,983 – 13,257
    Average daily equivalents (MBoe/d) 27.6 – 30.6 32.8 – 36.3
    Expenses First Quarter 2025 Full Year 2025
    Lease operating expense ($MM) 72.5 – 80.5 280.0 – 310.0
    Gathering, transportation & production taxes ($MM) 6.1 – 6.9 27.1 – 30.1
    General & administrative – cash ($MM) 17.8 – 19.8 62.0 – 69.0
    General & administrative – non-cash ($MM) 2.1 – 2.5 10.1 – 11.3
    DD&A ($ per Boe)   13.40 – 14.90

    W&T expects substantially all income taxes in 2025 to be deferred. 

    2025 Capital Investment Program

    W&T’s capital expenditure budget for 2025 is expected to be in the range of $34.0 million to $42.0 million, which excludes potential acquisition opportunities.  Included in this range are planned expenditures related to asset integrations as well as ongoing costs related to the acquisitions for facilities, leasehold, seismic, and recompletions. 

    Plugging and abandonment expenditures are expected to be in the range of $27.0 million to $37.0 million.  The Company spent approximately $40 million on these costs in 2024.

    Conference Call Information: W&T will hold a conference call to discuss its financial and operational results on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Time). Interested parties may dial 1-844-739-3797. International parties may dial 1-412-317-5713. Participants should request to connect to the “W&T Offshore Conference Call.” This call will also be webcast and available on W&T’s website at www.wtoffshore.com under “Investors.” An audio replay will be available on the Company’s website following the call.

    About W&T Offshore

    W&T Offshore, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas producer with operations offshore in the Gulf of America and has grown through acquisitions, exploration and development. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had working interests in 52 fields in federal and state waters (which include 45 fields in federal waters and seven in state waters). The Company has under lease approximately 646,200 gross acres (502,300 net acres) spanning across the outer continental shelf off the coasts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, with approximately 493,000 gross acres on the conventional shelf, approximately 147,700 gross acres in the deepwater and 5,500 gross acres in Alabama state waters. A majority of the Company’s daily production is derived from wells it operates. For more information on W&T, please visit the Company’s website at www.wtoffshore.com.

    Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this release, including those regarding the Company’s financial position, operating and financial performance, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations, projected costs, industry conditions, potential acquisitions, sustainability initiatives, the impact of and integration of acquired assets, and indebtedness are forward-looking statements. When used in this release, forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “target,” “could,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Items contemplating or making assumptions about actual or potential future production and sales, prices, market size, and trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements.

    These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and speak only as of the date of this release. While management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results described in these statements. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements, unless required by law.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, among other things, the regulatory environment, including availability or timing of, and conditions imposed on, obtaining and/or maintaining permits and approvals, including those necessary for drilling and/or development projects; the impact of current, pending and/or future laws and regulations, and of legislative and regulatory changes and other government activities, including those related to permitting, drilling, completion, well stimulation, operation, maintenance or abandonment of wells or facilities, managing energy, water, land, greenhouse gases or other emissions, protection of health, safety and the environment, or transportation, marketing and sale of the Company’s products; inflation levels; global economic trends, geopolitical risks and general economic and industry conditions, such as the global supply chain disruptions and the government interventions into the financial markets and economy in response to inflation levels and world health events; volatility of oil, NGL and natural gas prices; the global energy future, including the factors and trends that are expected to shape it, such as concerns about climate change and other air quality issues, the transition to a low-emission economy and the expected role of different energy sources; supply of and demand for oil, natural gas and NGLs, including due to the actions of foreign producers, importantly including OPEC and other major oil producing companies (“OPEC+”) and change in OPEC+’s production levels; disruptions to, capacity constraints in, or other limitations on the pipeline systems that deliver the Company’s oil and natural gas and other processing and transportation considerations; inability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or to obtain adequate financing to fund capital expenditures, meet the Company’s working capital requirements or fund planned investments; price fluctuations and availability of natural gas and electricity; the Company’s ability to use derivative instruments to manage commodity price risk; the Company’s ability to meet the Company’s planned drilling schedule, including due to the Company’s ability to obtain permits on a timely basis or at all, and to successfully drill wells that produce oil and natural gas in commercially viable quantities; uncertainties associated with estimating proved reserves and related future cash flows; the Company’s ability to replace the Company’s reserves through exploration and development activities; drilling and production results, lower–than–expected production, reserves or resources from development projects or higher–than–expected decline rates; the Company’s ability to obtain timely and available drilling and completion equipment and crew availability and access to necessary resources for drilling, completing and operating wells; changes in tax laws; effects of competition; uncertainties and liabilities associated with acquired and divested assets; the Company’s ability to make acquisitions and successfully integrate any acquired businesses; asset impairments from commodity price declines; large or multiple customer defaults on contractual obligations, including defaults resulting from actual or potential insolvencies; geographical concentration of the Company’s operations; the creditworthiness and performance of the Company’s counterparties with respect to its hedges; impact of derivatives legislation affecting the Company’s ability to hedge; failure of risk management and ineffectiveness of internal controls; catastrophic events, including tropical storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, pandemics and other world health events; environmental risks and liabilities under U.S. federal, state, tribal and local laws and regulations (including remedial actions); potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation; the Company’s ability to recruit and/or retain key members of the Company’s senior management and key technical employees; information technology failures or cyberattacks; and governmental actions and political conditions, as well as the actions by other third parties that are beyond the Company’s control, and other factors discussed in W&T Offshore’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q found at www.sec.gov or at the Company’s website at www.wtoffshore.com under the Investor Relations section.

                                   
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
           2024        2024        2023     2024        2023  
    Revenues:                              
    Oil   $ 86,778     $ 90,862     $ 94,076     $ 395,620     $ 381,389  
    NGLs     6,713       5,636       6,851       27,978       32,446  
    Natural gas     24,203       23,148       29,401       90,877       110,158  
    Other     2,651       1,726       2,012       10,786       8,663  
    Total revenues     120,345       121,372       132,340       525,261       532,656  
                                   
    Operating expenses:                              
    Lease operating expenses     64,259       72,412       64,643       281,488       257,676  
    Gathering, transportation and production taxes     5,912       6,147       6,620       28,177       26,250  
    Depreciation, depletion, and amortization     38,208       34,206       33,658       143,025       114,677  
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     8,157       7,848       7,377       32,374       29,018  
    General and administrative expenses     20,799       19,723       18,251       82,391       75,541  
    Total operating expenses     137,335       140,336       130,549       567,455       503,162  
                                   
    Operating (loss) income     (16,990 )     (18,964 )     1,791       (42,194 )     29,494  
                                   
    Interest expense, net     10,226       9,992       9,729       40,454       44,689  
    Derivative (gain) loss, net     2,113       (3,199 )     (13,199 )     (3,589 )     (54,759 )
    Other (income) expense, net     (4,118 )     15,709       3,772       18,071       5,621  
    (Loss) income before income taxes     (25,211 )     (41,466 )     1,489       (97,130 )     33,943  
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (1,849 )     (4,545 )     1,932       (9,985 )     18,345  
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
                                   
    Net (loss) income per share:                              
    Basic   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.25 )   $ —     $ (0.59 )   $ 0.11  
    Diluted     (0.16 )     (0.25 )     —       (0.59 )     0.11  
                                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding                              
    Basic     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       146,483  
    Diluted     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       148,302  
                                   
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Condensed Operating Data
    (Unaudited)
                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
        2024   2024      2023   2024      2023
    Net sales volumes:                              
    Oil (MBbls)     1,263     1,210     1,219     5,255     5,050
    NGLs (MBbls)     273     262     329     1,212     1,415
    Natural gas (MMcf)     8,505     8,289     9,533     34,296     37,591
    Total oil and natural gas (MBoe) (1)     2,953     2,854     3,136     12,183     12,730
                                   
    Average daily equivalent sales (MBoe/d)     32.1     31.0     34.1     33.3     34.9
                                   
    Average realized sales prices (before the impact of derivative settlements):                              
    Oil ($/Bbl)   $ 68.71   $ 75.09   $ 77.17   $ 75.28   $ 75.52
    NGLs ($/Bbl)     24.59     21.51     20.82     23.08     22.93
    Natural gas ($/Mcf)     2.85     2.79     3.08     2.65     2.93
    Barrel of oil equivalent ($/Boe)     39.86     41.92     41.55     42.23     41.16
                                   
    Average operating expenses per Boe ($/Boe):                              
    Lease operating expenses   $ 21.76   $ 25.37   $ 20.61   $ 23.10   $ 20.24
    Gathering, transportation and production taxes     2.00     2.15     2.11     2.31     2.06
    Depreciation, depletion, and amortization     12.94     11.99     10.73     11.74     9.01
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     2.76     2.75     2.35     2.66     2.28
    General and administrative expenses     7.04     6.91     5.82     6.76     5.93

    (1)   MBoe is determined using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of crude oil, condensate or NGLs (totals may not compute due to rounding). The conversion ratio does not assume price equivalency and the price on an equivalent basis for oil, NGLs and natural gas may differ significantly. The realized prices presented above are volume-weighted for production in the respective period.

                 
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
                 
           December 31,    December 31, 
        2024     2023  
    Assets            
    Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 109,003     $ 173,338  
    Restricted cash     1,552       4,417  
    Receivables:            
    Oil and natural gas sales     63,558       52,080  
    Joint interest, net     25,841       15,480  
    Other     —       2,218  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     18,504       17,447  
    Total current assets     218,458       264,980  
                 
    Oil and natural gas properties, net     777,741       749,056  
    Restricted deposits for asset retirement obligations     22,730       22,272  
    Deferred income taxes     48,808       38,774  
    Other assets     31,193       38,923  
    Total assets   $ 1,098,930     $ 1,114,005  
                 
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity            
    Current liabilities:            
    Accounts payable   $ 83,625     $ 78,857  
    Accrued liabilities     33,271       31,978  
    Undistributed oil and natural gas proceeds     53,131       42,134  
    Advances from joint interest partners     2,443       2,962  
    Current portion of asset retirement obligations     46,326       31,553  
    Current portion of long-term debt, net     27,288       29,368  
    Total current liabilities     246,084       216,852  
                 
    Asset retirement obligations     502,506       467,262  
    Long-term debt, net     365,935       361,236  
    Other liabilities     16,182       19,420  
                 
    Commitments and contingencies     20,800       18,043  
                 
    Shareholders’ (deficit) equity:            
    Preferred stock     —       —  
    Common stock     2       1  
    Additional paid-in capital     595,407       586,014  
    Retained deficit     (623,819 )     (530,656 )
    Treasury stock     (24,167 )     (24,167 )
    Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity     (52,577 )     31,192  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity   $ 1,098,930     $ 1,114,005  
                                   
    W&T OFFSHORE, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
        2024     2024        2023     2024        2023  
    Operating activities:                              
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:                              
    Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion     46,365       42,054       41,035       175,399       143,695  
    Share-based compensation     3,818       1,956       3,124       10,192       10,383  
    Amortization and write off of debt issuance costs     1,117       1,109       1,266       4,562       6,980  
    Derivative loss (gain), net     2,113       (3,199 )     (13,199 )     (3,589 )     (54,759 )
    Derivative cash (settlements) receipts, net     (1,638 )     1,208       (2,809 )     4,527       (8,932 )
    Deferred income (benefit) taxes     (1,941 )     (4,545 )     3,838       (10,077 )     18,485  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                 —              
    Accounts receivable     (17,064 )     21,913       (2,989 )     (19,621 )     12,586  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,792       2,502       (28,262 )     (1,450 )     (2,712 )
    Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other     3,831       (2,962 )     43,155       26,433       7,972  
    Asset retirement obligation settlements     (19,348 )     (8,347 )     (9,052 )     (39,692 )     (33,970 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (4,317 )     14,768       35,664       59,539       115,326  
                                   
    Investing activities:                              
    Investment in oil and natural gas properties and equipment     (14,124 )     (9,577 )     (12,139 )     (37,357 )     (41,813 )
    Acquisition of property interests     —       —       1,479       (80,635 )     (27,384 )
    Deposit related to acquisition of property interests     —       —       8,850       —       —  
    Purchase of corporate aircraft     —       —       —       —       (8,983 )
    Purchases of furniture, fixtures and other     (19 )     (69 )     (347 )     (185 )     (3,428 )
    Net cash used in investing activities     (14,143 )     (9,646 )     (2,157 )     (118,177 )     (81,608 )
                                   
    Financing activities:                              
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt     —       —       —       —       275,000  
    Repayments of long-term debt     (275 )     (275 )     (7,687 )     (1,100 )     (586,934 )
    Debt issuance costs     (183 )     (174 )     —       (762 )     (7,380 )
    Payment of dividends     (1,475 )     (1,473 )     (1,466 )     (5,902 )     (1,466 )
    Other     (13 )     (31 )     (9 )     (798 )     (957 )
    Net cash used in financing activities     (1,946 )     (1,953 )     (9,162 )     (8,562 )     (321,737 )
    Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (20,406 )     3,169       24,345       (67,200 )     (288,019 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period     130,961       127,792       153,410       177,755       465,774  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period   $ 110,555     $ 130,961     $ 177,755     $ 110,555     $ 177,755  


    W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Non-GAAP Information

    Certain financial information included in W&T’s financial results are not measures of financial performance recognized by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are “Net Debt,” “Adjusted Net Loss,” “Adjusted EBITDA,” “Free Cash Flow” and “PV-10” or are derivable from a combination of these measures. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of performance. These disclosures may not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be reported by other companies. Prior period amounts have been conformed to the methodology and presentation of the current period.

    We calculate Net Debt as total debt (current and long-term portions), less cash and cash equivalents. Management uses Net Debt to evaluate the Company’s financial position, including its ability to service its debt obligations.

    Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income to Adjusted Net Loss

    Adjusted Net Loss adjusts for certain items that the Company believes affect comparability of operating results, including items that are generally non-recurring in nature or whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. These items include unrealized commodity derivative gain, net, allowance for credit losses, write-off of debt issuance costs, non-recurring legal and IT-related costs, non-ARO P&A costs, and other which are then tax effected using the Federal Statutory Rate. Company management believes that this presentation is relevant and useful because it helps investors to understand the net (loss) income of the Company without the effects of certain non-recurring or unusual expenses and certain income or loss that is not realized by the Company.

                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
        2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
          (in thousands)
          (Unaudited)
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
    Unrealized commodity derivative gain, net     (497 )     (1,829 )     (14,785 )     (710 )     (58,846 )
    Allowance for credit losses     118       10       28       558       37  
    Write-off debt issuance costs     —       —       —       —       2,330  
    Non-recurring legal and IT-related costs     860       (22 )     413       5,798       3,044  
    Non-ARO P&A costs     (2,763 )     16,627       4,137       20,925       6,246  
    Other     (1,302 )     (633 )     (240 )     (1,845 )     31  
    Tax effect of selected items (1)     753       (2,972 )     2,194       (5,192 )     9,903  
    Adjusted net loss   $ (26,193 )   $ (25,740 )   $ (8,696 )   $ (67,611 )   $ (21,657 )
                                   
    Adjusted net loss per common share:                              
    Basic   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.46 )   $ (0.15 )
    Diluted   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.46 )   $ (0.15 )
                                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                              
    Basic     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       146,483  
    Diluted     147,365       147,206       146,578       147,133       146,483  

    (1)   Selected items were tax effected with the Federal Statutory Rate of 21% for each respective period.


    W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Non-GAAP Information

    Adjusted EBITDA/ Free Cash Flow Reconciliations

    The Company also presents non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net (loss) income plus net interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, ARO accretion, excluding the unrealized commodity derivative gain, allowance for credit losses, non-cash incentive compensation, non-recurring legal and IT-related costs, non-ARO P&A costs, and other. Company management believes this presentation is relevant and useful because it helps investors understand W&T’s operating performance and makes it easier to compare its results with those of other companies that have different financing, capital and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income, as an indication of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA, as W&T calculates it, may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA measures reported by other companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use.

    The Company defines Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA (defined above), less capital expenditures, P&A costs and net interest expense (all on an accrual basis). For this purpose, the Company’s definition of capital expenditures includes costs incurred related to oil and natural gas properties (such as drilling and infrastructure costs and the lease maintenance costs) and equipment but excludes acquisition costs of oil and gas properties from third parties that are not included in the Company’s capital expenditures guidance provided to investors. Company management believes that Free Cash Flow is an important financial performance measure for use in evaluating the performance and efficiency of its current operating activities after the impact of accrued capital expenditures, P&A costs and net interest expense and without being impacted by items such as changes associated with working capital, which can vary substantially from one period to another. There is no commonly accepted definition of Free Cash Flow within the industry. Accordingly, Free Cash Flow, as defined and calculated by the Company, may not be comparable to Free Cash Flow or other similarly named non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. While the Company includes net interest expense in the calculation of Free Cash Flow, other mandatory debt service requirements of future payments of principal at maturity (if such debt is not refinanced) are excluded from the calculation of Free Cash Flow. These and other non-discretionary expenditures that are not deducted from Free Cash Flow would reduce cash available for other uses.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s net (loss) income, a GAAP measure, to Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow, as such terms are defined by the Company:

                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,      September 30,    December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
        2024       2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (in thousands)
        (Unaudited)
    Net (loss) income   $ (23,362 )   $ (36,921 )   $ (443 )   $ (87,145 )   $ 15,598  
    Interest expense, net     10,226       9,992       9,729       40,454       44,689  
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (1,849 )     (4,545 )     1,932       (9,985 )     18,345  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization     38,208       34,206       33,658       143,025       114,677  
    Asset retirement obligations accretion     8,157       7,848       7,377       32,374       29,018  
    Unrealized commodity derivative gain, net     (497 )     (1,829 )     (14,785 )     (710 )     (58,846 )
    Allowance for credit losses     118       10       28       558       37  
    Non-cash incentive compensation     3,818       1,956       3,124       10,192       10,383  
    Non-recurring legal and IT-related costs     860       (22 )     413       5,798       3,044  
    Non-ARO P&A costs     (2,763 )     16,627       4,137       20,925       6,246  
    Other     (1,302 )     (633 )     (240 )     (1,845 )     31  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 31,614     $ 26,689     $ 44,930     $ 153,641     $ 183,222  
                                   
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis (1)   $ (12,228 )   $ (4,461 )   $ (10,319 )   $ (28,626 )   $ (41,278 )
    Asset retirement obligation settlements     (19,348 )     (8,347 )     (9,052 )     (39,692 )     (33,970 )
    Interest expense, net     (10,226 )     (9,992 )     (9,729 )     (40,454 )     (44,689 )
    Free Cash Flow   $ (10,188 )   $ 3,889     $ 15,830     $ 44,869     $ 63,285  

    (1) A reconciliation of the adjustment used to calculate Free Cash Flow to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements is included below:

                                   
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis reconciliation                              
    Investment in oil and natural gas properties and equipment   $ (14,124 )   $ (9,577 )   $ (12,139 )   $ (37,357 )   $ (41,813 )
    Less: acquisition related expenditures included in investment in oil and natural gas properties and equipment     —       (4,929 )     —       (4,929 )     —  
    Less: changes in operating assets and liabilities associated with investing activities     (1,896 )     (187 )     (1,820 )     (3,802 )     (535 )
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis   $ (12,228 )   $ (4,461 )   $ (10,319 )   $ (28,626 )   $ (41,278 )

    The following table presents a reconciliation of cash flow from operating activities, a GAAP measure, to Free Cash Flow, as defined by the Company:

                                   
        Three Months Ended    
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
        2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (in thousands)
        (Unaudited)
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   $ (4,317 )   $ 14,768     $ 35,664     $ 59,539     $ 115,326  
    Allowance for credit losses     118       10       28       558       37  
    Amortization of debt items and other items     (1,117 )     (1,109 )     (1,266 )     (4,562 )     (6,980 )
    Non-recurring legal and IT-related costs     860       (22 )     413       5,798       3,044  
    Current tax (benefit) expense (1)     92       —       (1,906 )     92       (140 )
    Change in derivatives (payable) receivable (1)     (972 )     162       1,223       (1,648 )     4,845  
    Non-ARO P&A costs     (2,763 )     16,627       4,137       20,925       6,246  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding asset retirement obligation settlements     11,441       (21,453 )     (11,904 )     (5,362 )     (17,846 )
    Capital expenditures, accrual basis     (12,228 )     (4,461 )     (10,319 )     (28,626 )     (41,278 )
    Other     (1,302 )     (633 )     (240 )     (1,845 )     31  
    Free Cash Flow   $ (10,188 )   $ 3,889     $ 15,830     $ 44,869     $ 63,285  

    (1) A reconciliation of the adjustments used to calculate Free Cash Flow to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements is included below:

                                   
    Current tax (benefit) expense:                              
    Income tax (benefit) expense   $ (1,849 )   $ (4,545 )   $ 1,932     $ (9,985 )   $ 18,345  
    Less: Deferred income (benefit) taxes     (1,941 )     (4,545 )     3,838       (10,077 )     18,485  
    Current tax (benefit) expense   $ 92     $ —     $ (1,906 )   $ 92     $ (140 )
                                   
    Changes in derivatives receivable (payable)                              
    Derivatives (payable) receivable, end of period   $ (1,377 )   $ (405 )   $ 271     $ (1,377 )   $ 271  
    Derivatives payable (receivable), beginning of period     405       567       952       (271 )     4,574  
    Change in derivatives (payable) receivable   $ (972 )   $ 162     $ 1,223     $ (1,648 )   $ 4,845  


    W&T OFFSHORE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Non-GAAP Information

    Reconciliation of PV-10 to Standardized Measure

    The Company also discloses PV-10, which is not a financial measure defined under GAAP. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for proved reserves calculated using SEC pricing. Company management believes that the non-GAAP financial measure of PV-10 is relevant and useful for evaluating the relative monetary significance of oil and natural gas properties. PV-10 is also used internally when assessing the potential return on investment related to oil and natural gas properties and in evaluating acquisition opportunities. Company management believes that the use of PV-10 is valuable because there are many unique factors that can impact an individual company when estimating the amount of future income taxes to be paid. Additionally, Company management believes that the presentation of PV-10 provides useful information to investors because it is widely used by professional analysts and sophisticated investors in evaluating oil and natural gas companies. PV-10 is not a measure of financial or operating performance under GAAP, nor is it intended to represent the current market value of the Company’s estimated oil and natural gas reserves. PV-10 should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows as defined under GAAP. Investors should not assume that PV-10 of the Company’s proved oil and natural gas reserves represents a current market value of the Company’s estimated oil and natural gas reserves.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to the Company’s estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves, a GAAP measure, to PV-10, as defined by the Company.

                 
           December 31, 
        2024     2023  
    PV-10   $ 1,229.5     $ 1,080.9  
    Future income taxes, discounted at 10%     (154.8 )     (151.0 )
    PV-10 before ARO     1,074.7       929.9  
    Present value of estimated ARO, discounted at 10%     (334.6 )     (246.7 )
    Standardized measure   $ 740.1     $ 683.2  
         
    CONTACT: Al Petrie Sameer Parasnis
      Investor Relations Coordinator Executive VP and CFO
      investorrelations@wtoffshore.com sparasnis@wtoffshore.com
      713-297-8024 713-513-8654

    Source: W&T Offshore, Inc.

    Released March 3, 2025

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Announces Guest for President’s Joint Address to Congress, Highlights Roadrunner Food Bank and Nutrition Support

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced that Katy Anderson, Vice President of Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy at Roadrunner Food Bank will be his guest to President Trump’s address to a Joint Session of Congress.
    “The Musk-Trump funding freeze and broad and indiscriminate firings across the federal government have devastated communities across America, leaving countless families uncertain where their next meal would come from. That’s why I’m honored to have Katy Anderson, Vice President of Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy at Roadrunner Food Bank join me for the President’s Joint Address. Roadrunner Food Bank is a leading hunger relief organization, ensuring that families in need have access to nutritious meals. But now, Elon Musk, President Trump, and Congressional Republicans are threatening critical funding for nutrition support – putting New Mexico families at risk,” said Senator Luján.
    “Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) are lifelines for thousands of New Mexicans. Gutting these resources hurts our families and threatens our communities and the economy. I hope Katy’s presence is a powerful reminder of the vital role that Roadrunner Food Bank and federal nutrition programs play in keeping our communities healthy and fed,” continued Senator Luján.
    “Nutrition access is vital to New Mexicans – these are people who work hard to provide for themselves and their families. Those facing hunger want the same thing we all want for ourselves – dignity, access to fresh, healthy food and the opportunity to thrive. Proposed cuts to nutrition programs like SNAP and TEFAP undermine that; confusion around federal funding freezes undermines that,” said Katy Anderson, Vice President of Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy at Roadrunner Food Bank. “I’m honored to join Senator Luján for the Joint Address to stand up for New Mexico families.”
    Background on Katy Anderson and Roadrunner Food Bank:
    Katy Anderson joined Roadrunner Food Bank in 2014, focusing on special projects for the Community Initiatives team. For her first six years, she worked closely with the Food Bank’s network of 350+ partners as well as managing grants and government contracts. In April 2020, she moved into the role of Chief Programs Officer, a position that allowed her to work with amazing teams leading innovative efforts with all food partners, health and wellness programming, and data collection and analysis. In late 2023, she became the Vice President – Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy and has shifted her focus to state-wide collaborative approaches to addressing hunger issues.
    Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico, a Feeding America member, is the largest non-profit dedicated to solving food insecurity in New Mexico. As a food distribution hub, Roadrunner Food Bank provides food to hundreds of affiliated member partners around the state including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and regional food banks. Roadrunner Food Bank also distributes food through specialized programs helping children, families and seniors at schools, low-income senior housing sites, senior centers and with and through health care partnerships. Every week, tens of thousands of hungry children, seniors and families are reached through this statewide hunger relief network. Roadrunner Food Bank is working together with partners, volunteers and contributors to end food insecurity and hunger in New Mexico. Learn more about Roadrunner Food Bank here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Confirmation Hearing, Warren Presses FDA, NIH Nominees to Address Conflicts of Interest with Private Health Care, Medical Research Companies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 03, 2025
    “The rampant revolving door of former government leaders lobbying the agencies they once led, while their government relationships remain fresh, erodes Americans’ faith in the federal government.” 
    Text of Letter to Dr. Makary (PDF) | Text of Letter to Dr. Bhattacharya (PDF) 
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Marty Makary and Jay Bhattacharya, nominees to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), respectively, asking them to address their conflicts of interest ahead of their confirmation hearings. 
    Dr. Makary currently serves as Chief Medical Officer at Sesame Care, a direct-to-consumer health care company that connects patients with providers who virtually prescribe Sesame’s medicine. He also serves on the board of Harrow, an ophthalmic company that relies on the FDA to approve its therapeutics. While Dr. Makary said he would resign from the board before taking office, his relationship with the company raises concerns about his ability to be impartial at the FDA. 
    Dr. Bhattacharya most recently worked as a research associate at Acumen, LLC, which offers analytical research services to the federal government, and has contracts with multiple agencies across the Department of Health and Human Services – including NIH.
    Senator Warren asked both nominees to recuse themselves from all matters involving their former clients and employers for at least four years, a commitment their predecessors under the Biden administration made. 
    Senator Warren also asked them to agree to not work for any companies they regulate or interact with during their tenure, for four years after leaving office. During his confirmation process, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who oversees both of the nominees’ agencies, committed not to work for a pharmaceutical company for at least four years after leaving office. 
    Lastly, Senator Warren asked the nominees to refrain from lobbying their respective agencies for four years after leaving office.
    “The rampant revolving door of former government leaders lobbying the agencies they once led, while their government relationships remain fresh, erodes Americans’ faith in the federal government,” wrote Senator Warren to the nominees.  
    To mitigate concerns about former government leaders lobbying the agencies they once led, multiple Biden appointees agreed to a post-employment lobbying ban, following pressure from Senator Warren. 
    “By making these commitments, you would increase Americans’ trust in your ability to serve the public interest, rather than the special interests of [former contractors or companies they regulated],” concluded Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren gave the nominees until March 10, 2025 to demonstrate their commitment to public health and address their conflicts of interest. 
    Senator Warren has been a leader on enforcing government ethics standards and pressing nominees to address conflicts of interest: 
    In February 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Mr. Stephen Feinberg, nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense (DoD), pressing him to explain his “serious conflicts of interest” and his track record of mismanagement.
    In February 2025, following reports that Elon Musk would take advantage of loopholes in federal ethics laws to avoid publicly disclosing his financial conflicts of interest, Senator Elizabeth Warren led several Democrats in a letter demanding Musk publicly reveal how he could stand to profit from his role in the Trump administration.
    In February 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) called on Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to recuse himself from former clients’ and employers’ particular matters and commit to not lobbying HHS after his tenure as Secretary.
    In February 2025, following the Senate Finance Committee vote to advance the nomination of Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Senator Elizabeth Warren gave remarks regarding the nominee’s continued conflicts of interest. 
    In February 2025, Senators Warren and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., pressing him to urgently resolve his serious conflicts of interest before the committee vote Wednesday morning.
    In January 2025, following pressure from Senate Democrats, Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. agreed to amend his flawed ethics agreement (see Warren QFRs at the end of Part 2 and start of Part 3).
    In January 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, about his dangerous conflicts of interest and record of profiting from anti-vaccine conspiracies.
    In January 2025, ahead of Mr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a 34-page letter detailing her concerns with his nomination and asked him to answer 175 questions ahead of his hearing before the Finance Committee.
    In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Mr. Pete Hegseth, then-nominee for Secretary of the Department of Defense, regarding his ethics conflicts ahead of the Senate’s consideration of his nomination. Particularly concerning were the facts that Mr. Hegseth’s household owns stock in several defense contractors and that he was unwilling to commit to the same post-employment restrictions he previously advocated for.
    In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Trump Transition Co-Chairs Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon, urging them to make the White House’s ethics pledge for incoming appointees as strong as possible and outlining specific provisions to do so. The letter came at the end of the first week of confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees, many of whom have been found to have serious conflicts of interest and massive wealth.
    In December 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to President-elect Trump with concerns about Elon Musk’s conflicts of interest as he served as a top advisor for the incoming president.
    In December 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) wrote to Dr. Mehmet Oz, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, raising stark concerns about his advocacy to eliminate traditional Medicare and his deep financial ties to the private health insurers that would benefit from that move.
    In November 2024, in response to the news that President-elect Donald Trump selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Senator Elizabeth Warren released a statement calling him a “danger to public health, scientific research, medicine, and health care coverage for millions of Americans.”
    In March 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured ethics commitments from Douglas Schmidt, ahead of his confirmation to be the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) for the Department of Defense.
    In February 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured unprecedented ethics commitments from former Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, President Biden’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), including his recusal from participating in the OECD’s decision making processes regarding crypto and digital assets policy. 
    In January 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Jayapal sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, expressing concerns about the Department of Commerce’s reliance on a small team of Wall Street financiers to help allocate $39 billion in CHIPS and Science Act taxpayer-funded manufacturing and R&D subsidies.
    In June 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren and representative Andy Kim reintroduced her Department of Defense Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act.
    In April 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren chaired a hearing with Pentagon officials and ethics experts about problems with the revolving door, retired military officers working for foreign governments, and issues with executive branch officials owning stocks in companies impacted by their official actions.
    In May 2022, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured a commitment from then-Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision nominee Michael Barr not to seek employment or compensation – including as a result of board service – from any company that has a party matter before the Fed, or any financial services company, for four years after he leaves government service.
    In February 2022, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured the strongest ethics standards ever agreed to by Federal Reserve Board nominees from Lisa Cook, Phillip Jefferson, and Sarah Bloom Raskin. The nominees agreed to a four-year recusal period from matters which they oversee on the Board of Governors, not to seek a waiver from these recusals, and not to seek employment or compensation from financial services companies for four years after leaving government service.
    In January 2022, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured a commitment from then-FDA Commissioner nominee Dr. Robert Califf to recuse himself from matters involving his former employers and clients for four years, two years longer than what was required in the Biden administration’s Ethics Pledge. He also agreed not to seek employment with or compensation, including as a result of board service, from any pharmaceutical or medical device company that he interacts with during his tenure as FDA Commissioner for four years after completing his government service. 
    In July 2021, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured agreements to four-year recusals from former clients’ and employers’ party matters from then-Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and then-USD(R&E) Heidi Shyu.
    In January 2021, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured a commitment from General Lloyd Austin III, then-nominee for Secretary of Defense, to extend his recusal from Raytheon Technologies for four years and to not seek a position on the board of a defense contractor or become a lobbyist after his government service.
    In December 2020, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Jayapal introduced the Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act, the most ambitious anti-corruption legislation since Watergate, which would outlaw corrupt revolving-door schemes so that public servants are serving the public – not the financial interests of themselves or giant corporations.
    In March 2020, President Trump signed the bipartisan Presidential Transition Enhancement Act into law, which included major provisions of Sen. Warren’s (D-Mass.) Transition Team Ethics Improvement Act.
    In September 2019, the Senate passed a key provision of the Transition Team Ethics Improvement Act introduced by Senators Warren and Tom Carper (D-Del.) to enhance the ethics requirements that govern presidential transitions.
    In November 2016, as President Trump prepared to take office, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Chairman Cummings requested a GAO investigation of the chaotic Trump transition. In September 2017, Government Accountability Office (GAO) released the results of the investigation, finding that the Trump transition team ignored advice from the Office of Government Ethics and failed to follow past precedents regarding ethics and presidential transitions.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: NBC: ‘L.A. fire captain who fought California wildfires to attend joint address to Congress’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    ICYMI: NBC: ‘L.A. fire captain who fought California wildfires to attend joint address to Congress’

    Padilla and Líma survey the devastation of the Los Angeles fires [January 8, 2025] Additional photos of Senator Padilla and Captain Líma are available here.WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, NBC recently highlighted U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-Calif.) announcement that Frank Líma, a longtime Los Angeles City fire captain and firefighter union leader, will be his guest at President Trump’s 2025 Address to a Joint Session of Congress. Captain Líma was on the frontlines in the fight against the devastating Los Angeles fires in January, including defending the Pacific Palisades fire station.
    The article focuses on Padilla and Líma’s push for a fully supported firefighting workforce as well as federal disaster relief for Southern California communities with no strings attached — as has always been the case for disaster aid from the federal government.
    Key Excerpts:
    Palisades and Eaton fire survivors still need help. That’s the message Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., hopes to send to Congress next week at first joint address of President Donald Trump’s second term.
    Joining him at the address Tuesday will be union leader Frank Lima, a Los Angeles fire captain who helped defend the Pacific Palisades fire station when flames and scorching embers surrounded it on Jan. 7.
    “As President Trump outlines his priorities for our country, we want to make clear that Los Angeles County cannot be forgotten,” Padilla said in a statement. “The community faces a long road to recovery and we need a fully staffed and supported firefighting workforce and federal support without conditions.”
    Lima described the nearly weeklong siege “as a once-in-a-generation, biblical fire.” … Among the difficulties that week was persistent lack of resources, including water and staffing, within the overwhelmed fire department, whose ranks have dwindled in recent years. “We had more firefighters on duty in 1971 than we do today, yet our population doubled,” Lima told NBC News. “Our call load has increased fivefold per day. Our members are being run into the ground.”
    Padilla has repeatedly questioned the Trump administration’s approach to distributing disaster aid. He pushed Doug Burgum, who is now the interior secretary, at his confirmation hearing on the question of whether conditions should be placed on aid. “Each situation is different,” Burgum said. Padilla countered that there had never been strings attached to disaster relief. “And I certainly hope this is not the first case,” he said.
    Full text of the article is available here and below:
    L.A. fire captain who fought California wildfires to attend joint address to Congress
    By Alicia Victoria Lozano
    Palisades and Eaton fire survivors still need help.
    That’s the message Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., hopes to send to Congress next week at first joint address of President Donald Trump’s second term.
    Joining him at the address Tuesday will be union leader Frank Lima, a Los Angeles fire captain who helped defend the Pacific Palisades fire station when flames and scorching embers surrounded it on Jan. 7.
    Attendees often bring guests who represent causes important to lawmakers.
    “As President Trump outlines his priorities for our country, we want to make clear that Los Angeles County cannot be forgotten,” Padilla said in a statement. “The community faces a long road to recovery and we need a fully staffed and supported firefighting workforce and federal support without conditions.”
    It has been nearly two months since deadly wildfires devastated the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, the city of Altadena and surrounding communities in what is likely to be the costliest disaster in California’s history.
    At least 29 people died, and more than 16,000 structures were destroyed.
    Lima described the nearly weeklong siege “as a once-in-a-generation, biblical fire.” Hurricane-force winds ripped through large swaths of Los Angeles County, toppling trees and utility wires and sending thick smoke, ash and soot whirling across the county.
    Among the difficulties that week was persistent lack of resources, including water and staffing, within the overwhelmed fire department, whose ranks have dwindled in recent years.
    “We had more firefighters on duty in 1971 than we do today, yet our population doubled,” Lima told NBC News. “Our call load has increased fivefold per day. Our members are being run into the ground.”
    Amid ongoing tensions over how the fires were handled, Mayor Karen Bass ousted Fire Chief Kristin Crowley last week.
    The decision was made “in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department,” Bass said in a statement.
    “We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch,” Bass said.
    On Thursday, Crowley appealed the decision, she said in a statement obtained by NBC Los Angeles.
    The blame game has been constant since January.
    When Trump viewed the destruction two weeks after the fires, he initially expressed shock and then pointed the finger at California Democratic leaders for failing to address the state’s ongoing wildfire threat.
    Trump argued that wildlife protections have impeded access to water in California and then suggested he could withhold disaster aid over disagreements about voter ID laws and water policies.
    Lima said Thursday: “Federal aid should not come with strings attached. Our firefighters and this community and the state need federal support.”
    A recent economic impact study estimated total damages of the Palisades and Eaton fires will top $53 billion. The study, released by the nonprofit Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, listed “federal funding uncertainty” as a primary recovery challenge.
    Padilla has repeatedly questioned the Trump administration’s approach to distributing disaster aid. He pushed Doug Burgum, who is now the interior secretary, at his confirmation hearing on the question of whether conditions should be placed on aid.
    “Each situation is different,” Burgum said.
    Padilla countered that there had never been strings attached to disaster relief.
    “And I certainly hope this is not the first case,” he said.
    Background:
    Senator Padilla has fought relentlessly to secure and protect Southern Californians’ access to desperately needed disaster relief aid. In the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) led 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in successfully urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration to expedite timely relief to Los Angeles County residents impacted by these disasters. Padilla also delivered remarks on the Senate floor urging his Republican colleagues and President Trump to provide essential disaster recovery aid to California without conditioning it on the passage of partisan legislation.
    Last month, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act. In January, Padilla introduced another suite of bipartisan bills to strengthen wildfire recovery and resilience, including the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to protect firefighter pay.

    MIL OSI USA News –