NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Te Pāti Māori MPs Denied Fundamental Rights in Privileges Committee Hearing

    Source: Te Pati Maori

    The Privileges Committee has denied fundamental rights to Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, breaching their own standing orders, breaching principles of natural justice, and highlighting systemic prejudice and discrimination within our parliamentary processes.

    The three MPs were summoned to the privileges committee following their performance of a haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill. Their haka, rooted in cultural expression, has been unjustly branded as “disruptive and disorderly.” This characterisation undermines the significance of tikanga and highlights the ongoing marginalisation of te iwi Māori within the parliamentary system.

    Despite requests for a fair hearing, the Committee has denied key legal rights, including:

    • Joint Hearing Denied: The MPs’ request for a joint session was rejected, despite the collective nature of the incident.
    • Legal Representation Restricted: The Committee has prevented counsel from making essential submissions on tikanga, pivotal to understanding the MPs’ actions.
    • Expert Testimony Excluded: The Committee refused to hear from Tā Pou Temara, an expert on tikanga Māori, undermining the MPs’ defence.
    • Scheduling Conflicts Ignored: The hearing date was set without accommodating the MPs’ schedules or their choice of senior counsel, Christopher Finlayson KC.
    • Double Jeopardy Concerns: Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, already sanctioned in the House for her involvement, faces repeated proceedings.

    “This decision not only undermines basic legal practices but also perpetuates the ongoing tyranny of the majority against Māori representation,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

    “Parliament continues to dismiss tikanga and justice, and this Committee is no different. They have already decided our fate. This is not a fair hearing. It is s a display of power designed to silence us.”

    “No just legal system would tolerate such a blatant denial of rights,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi.

    “How can we defend tikanga when their decisions are predetermined? The Committee’s actions are yet another example of how Māori voices are systematically marginalised, entrenching discrimination within the halls of power.”

    In light of these developments, the MPs have stated their refusal to attend the scheduled hearing, asserting that the conditions imposed deny them their rights to a fair hearing.

    Please direct any queries, tikanga concerns, and double standards to the Chair of the Privileges Committee Judith Collins, apparently now an expert in all three.

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Signalgate’ was damaging to the Trump administration. It could be deadly for Yemeni civilians

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Sarah G. Phillips, Professor of Global Conflict and Development; Non-Resident Fellow at the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies (Yemen), University of Sydney

    The “Signalgate” story has received wall-to-wall coverage since Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic, published explosive details about a Signal group chat where senior US officials discussed impending airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen.

    Perhaps unsurprisingly, the coverage has focused on details of most concern to Western audiences, including the depth of the security breach, the classification status of the material that was shared, and the implications of sending war plans through a non-secure platform.

    But what are the implications of this for Yemen? In short, it helps the Houthis and hurts the civilians living under their control.

    Providing the Houthis with intelligence

    Yemeni civilians are caught in an impossible position. They have suffered from years of ruthless violence in a civil war that began with the Houthi capture of the capital, Sana’a, in 2014. The conflict grew even more violent when a Saudi-led (and Western-backed) military coalition entered the fray to back the Yemeni government the following year, imposing a crippling blockade that lasted until 2021.

    The war has caused a humanitarian disaster, with malnutrition rates among the highest in the world. The Houthis have consolidated their control over much of Yemen’s population through the weaponisation of food distribution and brutal repression of dissent.

    In early 2024, the Houthis then began attacking ships in the Red Sea, bringing retaliatory strikes by the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel. Each of these have caused further civilian casualties and harm.

    The Houthis (and their Iranian and Russian supporters) will draw comfort from the Signal chat group’s apparent confirmation the US strikes on March 15 were not a sign of the Trump administration’s intent to dislodge them from power:

    Vice President JD Vance (14 March, 08:16am ET): The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message.

    Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (14 March, 08:27am ET): This [is] not about the Houthis. I see it as two things: 1) Restoring Freedom of Navigation, a core national interest; and 2) Reestablish deterrence, which Biden cratered.

    The Houthis can withstand intermittent airstrikes – they have withstood airstrikes for over two decades.

    But a more substantial intervention — one that combines a coalition of local forces with guaranteed air support from Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates (with US support) — would pose a far greater threat to the Houthis.

    With this apparently not being considered, the Houthis may now feel emboldened to press-gang more people into military service before a fresh assault on the strategically important oil fields in Marib. This is the last major city in northern Yemen still under government control.

    The Houthis have tried to take Marib before, but were prevented by Yemeni troops supported by Saudi air cover. Controlling the oil fields in Marib is vital to the group’s ability to sustain itself economically.

    Putting Yemeni civilians at risk

    While the Trump administration claims the chat did not compromise sources and methods, Goldberg noted a US-based intelligence officer was named. The Atlantic removed their name for security reasons.

    The publication’s decision to remove this detail is a stark reminder of whose security matters — and whose doesn’t. The transcript reads:

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz (15 March, 13:48pm ET): VP. Building collapsed. Had multiple positive ID…

    Waltz (15 March, 14.00pm ET): Typing too fast. The first target – their top missile guy – we had positive ID of him walking into his girlfriend’s building and it’s now collapsed.

    Putting aside the fact this was a residential building — it should not be an aside, but this is how most news coverage has been treating it — this detail is important to the Houthis.

    This is because Waltz confirms “multiple” sources had positively identified a target, which the Houthis may use to justify further crackdowns, forced disappearances and even executions of those they accuse of being spies.

    The Trump administration was clearly reckless in divulging this detail. But it’s striking The Atlantic did not consider the danger posed to Yemeni civilians by publishing it. Experts on the Houthis – and their methods of subjugation – could have quickly highlighted this point if they were consulted.

    From a Yemeni perspective, a named source may have even been preferable to the hazy, but authoritative, confirmation of US operational methods and sources. The lack of specificity in the transcript plays to the Houthis’ dragnet approach to extinguishing independent voices by forcibly disappearing people on fake allegations of espionage.

    These are typically aid workers, academics, minorities, journalists and members of civil society who are not vocally aligned with the group.

    These abductions have been occurring for years, but ramped up in the middle of 2024. Dozens of members of civil society and aid organisations (and potentially many more) were kidnapped last year. Some are confirmed to have died in detention; many others have not been heard from since.

    There are reports that abductions are already escalating in response to the latest US strikes.

    The ongoing abductions have had a chilling effect on the willingness of local and international aid providers to speak out against the Houthis. This has helped the Houthis consolidate their control over the flow of humanitarian assistance (particularly food), which they divert based on political, rather than needs-based, calculations as a means of coercing compliance.

    Yemeni civilians are seldom, if ever, a consideration in the geopolitical machinations that concern their country. The reflexive prioritisation of Western security interests exposed in the group chat – and the publication of these details – condemns them to further insecurity.

    Sarah G. Phillips receives funding from The Australian Research Council as a Future Fellow (FT200100539), and is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies.

    – ref. ‘Signalgate’ was damaging to the Trump administration. It could be deadly for Yemeni civilians – https://theconversation.com/signalgate-was-damaging-to-the-trump-administration-it-could-be-deadly-for-yemeni-civilians-253524

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: From Rongelap to Mejatto – how Rainbow Warrior helped move nuclear refugees

    The second of a two-part series on the historic Rongelap evacuation of 300 Marshall islanders from their irradiated atoll with the help of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior crew and the return of Rainbow Warrior III 40 years later on a nuclear justice research mission. Journalist and author David Robie, who was on board, recalls the 1985 voyage.

    SPECIAL REPORT: By David Robie

    Mejatto, previously uninhabited and handed over to the people of Rongelap by their close relatives on nearby Ebadon Island, was a lot different to their own island. It was beautiful, but it was only three kilometres long and a kilometre wide, with a dry side and a dense tropical side.

    A sandspit joined it to another small, uninhabited island. Although lush, Mejatto was uncultivated and already it was apparent there could be a food problem.Out on the shallow reef, fish were plentiful.

    Shortly after the Rainbow Warrior arrived on 21 May 1985, several of the men were out wading knee-deep on the coral spearing fish for lunch.

    Islanders with their belongings on a bum bum approach the Rainbow Warrior. © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    But even the shallowness of the reef caused a problem. It made it dangerous to bring the Warrior any closer than about three kilometres offshore — as two shipwrecks on the reef reminded us.

    The cargo of building materials and belongings had to be laboriously unloaded onto a bum bum (small boat), which had also travelled overnight with no navigational aids apart from a Marshallese “wave map’, and the Zodiacs. It took two days to unload the ship with a swell making things difficult at times.

    An 18-year-old islander fell into the sea between the bum bum and the Warrior, almost being crushed but escaping with a jammed foot.

    Fishing success on the reef
     The delayed return to Rongelap for the next load didn’t trouble Davey Edward. In fact, he was celebrating his first fishing success on the reef after almost three months of catching nothing. He finally landed not only a red snapper, but a dozen fish, including a half-metre shark!

    Edward was also a good cook and he rustled up dinner — shark montfort, snapper fillets, tuna steaks and salmon pie (made from cans of dumped American aid food salmon the islanders didn’t want).

    Returning to Rongelap, the Rainbow Warrior was confronted with a load which seemed double that taken on the first trip. Altogether, about 100 tonnes of building materials and other supplies were shipped to Mejatto. The crew packed as much as they could on deck and left for Mejatto, this time with 114 people on board. It was a rough voyage with almost everybody being seasick.

    The journalists were roped in to clean up the ship before returning to Rongelap on the third journey.

    ‘Our people see no light, only darkness’
     Researcher Dr Glenn Alcalay (now an adjunct professor of anthropology at William Paterson University), who spoke Marshallese, was a great help to me interviewing some of the islanders.

    “It’s a hard time for us now because we don’t have a lot of food here on Mejatto — like breadfruit, taro and pandanus,” said Rose Keju, who wasn’t actually at Rongelap during the fallout.

    “Our people feel extremely depressed. They see no light, only darkness. They’ve been crying a lot.

    “We’ve moved because of the poison and the health problems we face. If we have honest scientists to check Rongelap we’ll know whether we can ever return, or we’ll have to stay on Mejatto.”

    Kiosang Kios, 46, was 15 years old at the time of Castle Bravo when she was evacuated to “Kwaj”.

    “My hair fell out — about half the people’s hair fell out,” she said. “My feet ached and burned. I lost my appetite, had diarrhoea and vomited.”

    In 1957, she had her first baby and it was born without bones – “Like this paper, it was flimsy.” A so-called ‘jellyfish baby’, it lived half a day. After that, Kios had several more miscarriages and stillbirths. In 1959, she had a daughter who had problems with her legs and feet and thyroid trouble.

    Out on the reef with the bum bums, the islanders had a welcome addition — an unusual hardwood dugout canoe being used for fishing and transport. It travelled 13,000 kilometres on board the Rainbow Warrior and bore the Sandinista legend FSLN on its black-and-red hull. A gift from Bunny McDiarmid and Henk Haazen, it had been bought for $30 from a Nicaraguan fisherman while they were crewing on the Fri. (Bunny and Henk are on board Rainbow Warrior III for the research mission).

    “It has come from a small people struggling for their sovereignty against the United States and it has gone to another small people doing the same,” said Haazen.

    Animals left behind
     Before the 10-day evacuation ended, Haazen was given an outrigger canoe by the islanders. Winched on to the deck of the Warrior, it didn’t quite make a sail-in protest at Moruroa, as Haazen planned, but it has since become a familiar sight on Auckland Harbour.

    With the third load of 87 people shipped to Mejatto and one more to go, another problem emerged. What should be done about the scores of pigs and chickens on Rongelap? Pens could be built on the main deck to transport them to Mejatto but was there any fodder left for them?

    The islanders decided they weren’t going to run a risk, no matter how slight, of having contaminated animals with them. They were abandoned on Rongelap — along with three of the five outriggers.

    Building materials from the demolished homes on Rongelap dumped on the beach at arrival on Mejatto. Image: © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    “When you get to New Zealand you’ll be asked have you been on a farm,” warned French journalist Phillipe Chatenay, who had gone there a few weeks before to prepare a Le Point article about the “Land of the Long White Cloud and Nuclear-Free Nuts”.

    “Yes, and you’ll be asked to remove your shoes. And if you don’t have shoes, you’ll be asked to remove your feet,” added first mate Martini Gotjé, who was usually barefooted.

    The last voyage on May 28 was the most fun. A smaller group of about 40 islanders was transported and there was plenty of time to get to know each other.

    Four young men questioned cook Nathalie Mestre: where did she live? Where was Switzerland? Out came an atlas. Then Mestre produced a scrapbook of Fernando Pereira’s photographs of the voyage. The questions were endless.

    They asked for a scrap of paper and a pen and wrote in English:

    “We, the people of Rongelap, love our homeland. But how can our people live in a place which is dangerous and poisonous. I mean, why didn’t those American people test Bravo in a state capital? Why? Rainbow Warrior, thank you for being so nice to us. Keep up your good work.”

    Each one wrote down their name: Balleain Anjain, Ralet Anitak, Kiash Tima and Issac Edmond. They handed the paper to Mestre and she added her name. Anitak grabbed it and wrote as well: “Nathalie Anitak”. They laughed.

    Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira and Rongelap islander Bonemej Namwe on board a bum bum boat in May 1985. Fernando was killed by French secret agents in the Rainbow Warrior bombing on 10 July 1985. Image: © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    Fernando Pereira’s birthday
     Thursday, May 30, was Fernando Pereira’s 35th birthday. The evacuation was over and a one-day holiday was declared as we lay anchored off Mejato.

    Pereira was on the Pacific voyage almost by chance. Project coordinator Steve Sawyer had been seeking a wire machine for transmitting pictures of the campaign. He phoned Fiona Davies, then heading the Greenpeace photo office in Paris. But he wanted a machine and photographer separately.

    “No, no … I’ll get you a wire machine,” replied Davies. ‘But you’ll have to take my photographer with it.” Agreed. The deal would make a saving for the campaign budget.

    Sawyer wondered who this guy was, although Gotjé and some of the others knew him. Pereira had fled Portugal about 15 years before while he was serving as a pilot in the armed forces at a time when the country was fighting to retain colonies in Angola and Mozambique. He settled in The Netherlands, the only country which would grant him citizenship.

    After first working as a photographer for Anefo press agency, he became concerned with environmental and social issues. Eventually he joined the Amsterdam communist daily De Waarheid and was assigned to cover the activities of Greenpeace. Later he joined Greenpeace.

    Although he adopted Dutch ways, his charming Latin temperament and looks betrayed his Portuguese origins. He liked tight Italian-style clothes and fast sports cars. Pereira was always wide-eyed, happy and smiling.

    In Hawai`i, he and Sawyer hiked up to the crater at the top of Diamond Head one day. Sawyer took a snapshot of Pereira laughing — a photo later used on the front page of the New Zealand Times after his death with the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French secret agents.

    While most of the crew were taking things quietly and the “press gang” caught up on stories, Sawyer led a mini-expedition in a Zodiac to one of the shipwrecks, the Palauan Trader. With him were Davey Edward, Henk Haazen, Paul Brown and Bunny McDiarmid.

    Clambering on board the hulk, Sawyer grabbed hold of a rust-caked railing which collapsed. He plunged 10 metres into a hold. While he lay in pain with a dislocated shoulder and severely lacerated abdomen, his crewmates smashed a hole through the side of the ship. They dragged him through pounding surf into the Zodiac and headed back to the Warrior, three kilometres away.

    “Doc” Andy Biedermann, assisted by “nurse” Chatenay, who had received basic medical training during national service in France, treated Sawyer. He took almost two weeks to recover.

    But the accident failed to completely dampen celebrations for Pereira, who was presented with a hand-painted t-shirt labelled “Rainbow Warrior Removals Inc”.

    Pereira’s birthday was the first of three which strangely coincided with events casting a tragic shadow over the Rainbow Warrior’s last voyage.

    Dr David Robie is an environmental and political journalist and author, and editor of Asia Pacific Report. He travelled on board the Rainbow Warrior for almost 11 weeks. This article is adapted from his 1986 book, Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage of the Rainbow Warrior. A new edition is being published in July to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing. 

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Signalgate’ was damaging to the Trump administration. It could be deadly for Yemeni civilians

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah G. Phillips, Professor of Global Conflict and Development; Non-Resident Fellow at the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies (Yemen), University of Sydney

    The “Signalgate” story has received wall-to-wall coverage since Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic, published explosive details about a Signal group chat where senior US officials discussed impending airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen.

    Perhaps unsurprisingly, the coverage has focused on details of most concern to Western audiences, including the depth of the security breach, the classification status of the material that was shared, and the implications of sending war plans through a non-secure platform.

    But what are the implications of this for Yemen? In short, it helps the Houthis and hurts the civilians living under their control.

    Providing the Houthis with intelligence

    Yemeni civilians are caught in an impossible position. They have suffered from years of ruthless violence in a civil war that began with the Houthi capture of the capital, Sana’a, in 2014. The conflict grew even more violent when a Saudi-led (and Western-backed) military coalition entered the fray to back the Yemeni government the following year, imposing a crippling blockade that lasted until 2021.

    The war has caused a humanitarian disaster, with malnutrition rates among the highest in the world. The Houthis have consolidated their control over much of Yemen’s population through the weaponisation of food distribution and brutal repression of dissent.

    In early 2024, the Houthis then began attacking ships in the Red Sea, bringing retaliatory strikes by the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel. Each of these have caused further civilian casualties and harm.

    The Houthis (and their Iranian and Russian supporters) will draw comfort from the Signal chat group’s apparent confirmation the US strikes on March 15 were not a sign of the Trump administration’s intent to dislodge them from power:

    Vice President JD Vance (14 March, 08:16am ET): The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message.

    Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (14 March, 08:27am ET): This [is] not about the Houthis. I see it as two things: 1) Restoring Freedom of Navigation, a core national interest; and 2) Reestablish deterrence, which Biden cratered.

    The Houthis can withstand intermittent airstrikes – they have withstood airstrikes for over two decades.

    But a more substantial intervention — one that combines a coalition of local forces with guaranteed air support from Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates (with US support) — would pose a far greater threat to the Houthis.

    With this apparently not being considered, the Houthis may now feel emboldened to press-gang more people into military service before a fresh assault on the strategically important oil fields in Marib. This is the last major city in northern Yemen still under government control.

    The Houthis have tried to take Marib before, but were prevented by Yemeni troops supported by Saudi air cover. Controlling the oil fields in Marib is vital to the group’s ability to sustain itself economically.

    Putting Yemeni civilians at risk

    While the Trump administration claims the chat did not compromise sources and methods, Goldberg noted a US-based intelligence officer was named. The Atlantic removed their name for security reasons.

    The publication’s decision to remove this detail is a stark reminder of whose security matters — and whose doesn’t. The transcript reads:

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz (15 March, 13:48pm ET): VP. Building collapsed. Had multiple positive ID…

    Waltz (15 March, 14.00pm ET): Typing too fast. The first target – their top missile guy – we had positive ID of him walking into his girlfriend’s building and it’s now collapsed.

    Putting aside the fact this was a residential building — it should not be an aside, but this is how most news coverage has been treating it — this detail is important to the Houthis.

    This is because Waltz confirms “multiple” sources had positively identified a target, which the Houthis may use to justify further crackdowns, forced disappearances and even executions of those they accuse of being spies.

    The Trump administration was clearly reckless in divulging this detail. But it’s striking The Atlantic did not consider the danger posed to Yemeni civilians by publishing it. Experts on the Houthis – and their methods of subjugation – could have quickly highlighted this point if they were consulted.

    From a Yemeni perspective, a named source may have even been preferable to the hazy, but authoritative, confirmation of US operational methods and sources. The lack of specificity in the transcript plays to the Houthis’ dragnet approach to extinguishing independent voices by forcibly disappearing people on fake allegations of espionage.

    These are typically aid workers, academics, minorities, journalists and members of civil society who are not vocally aligned with the group.

    These abductions have been occurring for years, but ramped up in the middle of 2024. Dozens of members of civil society and aid organisations (and potentially many more) were kidnapped last year. Some are confirmed to have died in detention; many others have not been heard from since.

    There are reports that abductions are already escalating in response to the latest US strikes.

    The ongoing abductions have had a chilling effect on the willingness of local and international aid providers to speak out against the Houthis. This has helped the Houthis consolidate their control over the flow of humanitarian assistance (particularly food), which they divert based on political, rather than needs-based, calculations as a means of coercing compliance.

    Yemeni civilians are seldom, if ever, a consideration in the geopolitical machinations that concern their country. The reflexive prioritisation of Western security interests exposed in the group chat – and the publication of these details – condemns them to further insecurity.

    Sarah G. Phillips receives funding from The Australian Research Council as a Future Fellow (FT200100539), and is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies.

    – ref. ‘Signalgate’ was damaging to the Trump administration. It could be deadly for Yemeni civilians – https://theconversation.com/signalgate-was-damaging-to-the-trump-administration-it-could-be-deadly-for-yemeni-civilians-253524

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protecting The Social Safety Net: Gillibrand And East Harlem Elected Officials Demand No Cuts To Social Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, Senator Gillibrand stood alongside East Harlem elected officials to urgently call on the Trump administration to protect Social Security after their repeated actions to cut back the agency and the critical services it provides. New York City is home to one of the largest senior populations living in poverty nationwide, and cuts to the agency will decimate the Social Security system and deny New Yorkers their hard-earned benefits. 

    “Social Security is a promise, not a political bargaining chip. The Trump Administration’s reckless efforts to undermine this vital program will have devastating consequences for millions of New Yorkers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I urge the Trump Administration to safeguard this necessary lifeline and ensure Americans have access to services they rightfully deserve.”

    “Food stamps (SNAP) and EBT systems are vital tools in the fight against hunger and food insecurity, in my district, the state, and in communities around our nation,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “These programs ensure millions of individuals and families can access nutritious food, while EBT provides a secure, efficient, and dignified way to access benefits. Beyond feeding families, SNAP has strengthened local economies by supporting grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and food retailers, and every dollar spent has generated economic growth. Additionally, EBT further enhances this impact by streamlining distribution, cutting administrative costs, and preventing fraud to ensure resources reach those who need them most. Donald Trump and Elon’s attempt to cut these essential programs are an attack on working families, seniors, and future generations. We will combat these reckless cuts and fight to protect and strengthen the safety net that millions rely on. American families deserve nothing less.”

    “The assault on Social Security isn’t just a policy change; it’s a moral betrayal. It’s stealing dignity from those who earned it with decades of hard work. We won’t tolerate a system that sacrifices our elders and those with disabilities to pad bottom lines. This isn’t about numbers; it’s about human lives, about families facing impossible choices. We’re drawing a line. This is our promise: we will defend every penny, every benefit, every person who relies on Social Security, with every ounce of our strength. They will not dismantle this lifeline on our watch,” said Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs.

    “Millions of low-income households, including thousands in my district, risk losing essential food assistance under the proposed House Republican cuts to SNAP,” said Councilwoman Diana Ayala. “These harmful reductions would endanger the health and stability of our community, creating long-term social and economic challenges. With the rising cost of living, many working families are already struggling to afford basic necessities, with some forced to work multiple jobs just to get by. Seniors living on fixed incomes face even greater hardship, as rising food and housing costs make it increasingly difficult for them to afford nutritious meals. Hunger affects a child’s ability to learn, makes it harder for job seekers to find employment, and places additional strain on individuals with disabilities. Programs like SNAP have played a crucial role in reducing food insecurity and supporting families in need. Now, as inflation continues to drive up costs, we must fight to protect this vital program and ensure that no one—whether a working parent, an older adult on a fixed income, or a person with disabilities—is left without the resources they need to survive.”

    The Social Security Administration (SSA) has already announced plans to cut 7,000 staff, despite the fact that SSA staffing is already at a 50-year low, and there are historically long case backlogs. Now, the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” plans to limit phone support for seniors, forcing them to file certain claims online – a challenge for many older adults – or visit a Social Security Administration office in person, even though appointments for these visits can only be made over the phone. DOGE is simultaneously planning to shutter Social Security Administration offices across the country, including two in New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: POET Technologies Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company”) (TSX Venture: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), the designer and developer of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), light sources and optical modules for the AI and data center markets, today reported its audited consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024. The Company’s financial results as well as the Management Discussion and Analysis have been filed on SEDAR+. All financial figures are in United States dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise indicated.

    Management Commentary:

    “In Q4 2024, we strategically positioned our company for accelerated growth by strengthening our financial foundation, advancing critical technology developments, and implementing a new manufacturing strategy designed for rapid, profitable scaling,” stated POET Chairman & CEO, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan. “The market is experiencing unprecedented demand for photonic solutions, particularly in AI data center applications, and we’re still at the early stages of what industry experts anticipate will be a multi-year demand cycle. Despite challenging equity markets, we successfully raised an additional US$25 million through a registered direct offering, with robust investor support reflecting the market opportunity and POET’s positioning as a potential leader in the space.”

    Dr. Venkatesan continued, “Every strategic move we have made over the past several months is to ensure that POET is positioned to scale and to optimize our supply chain as we approach a revenue inflection point later this year. based on the trajectory of existing customer relationships. Our acquisition of SPX gives us full control of our technology while enabling us to shift manufacturing toward Malaysia and away from China, reducing geopolitical risk to growth, while building on our established foundry relationship with Silterra Malaysia in a familiar and friendly market. For 2025, we’re focused on developing our wafer-level manufacturing in Malaysia, expanding into telecom systems and chip-to-chip data communications applications, and leveraging the solid financial foundation we set in 2024 to accelerate both our customer pipeline, deliveries and revenue realization. POET continues to receive attention from notable industry analysts, including Lightwave+BTR and we expect this momentum, along with existing contracts and relationships with industry leaders and partners like LuxshareTech, Foxconn and Mitsubishi Electric, to lead to significant revenue acceleration in the second half of 2025.”

    The Company intends to pursue its voluntary delisting from the TSX Venture Exchange immediately following the closing of its planned US$25M financing with L5 Capital, which is expected to close within the next few weeks.

    Notable Business Highlights:

    • The Company was recognized publicly for outstanding technical leadership, receiving multiple prestigious awards, including:
      • “Elite Score” Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews (February 27, 2025)
      • “Best in Artificial Intelligence” 2024 Global Tech Awards (October 16, 2024)
      • “AI Innovator of the Year Gold Prize” 2024 Merit Awards (October 1, 2024)
      • “Best Optical AI Solution, 2024 AI Breakthrough Awards (June 26, 2024)
      • “Runner-Up Award for Most Innovative Hybrid PIC/Optical Integration” ECOC (October 1, 2024)
    • Closed a non-brokered private placement offering on November 26, 2024 of 5,555,556 common shares at an offering price of $4.50 and accompanying warrants to purchase 2,777,778 additional common shares at $6.00 per share for a period of five years from issuance. The Company raised gross proceeds of $25,000,002 from this offering, bringing the total equity capital raised during 2024 to $82.2 million.
    • Appointed Robert “Bob” Tirva to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee. Mr. Tirva brings over 30 years of executive experience in technology and semiconductors, having held management positions at IBM, Broadcom Corporation, Dropbox and Intermedia Cloud Communications Inc. Most recently, he was President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Sonim Technologies, Inc. until it was acquired by AJP Holding Company in 2022. Mr. Tirva currently serves on the board of Skyworks Aeronautics and was recently on the boards of Costar Technologies and Resonant, Inc.
    • Completed the acquisition of 100% of Super Photonics Xiamen Co., Ltd (“SPX”), establishing full control over SPX, for a total of $6.5 million to be paid out over five years beginning in Q1 of 2025, enabling POET to establish manufacturing outside of China independent of the JV. The Company has subsequently decided to liquidate and close the SPX operation within the next few months.
    • Established a major wafer-level assembly and test facility for optical engines in Penang, Malaysia with the signing of several agreements with Globetronics Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., a leading semiconductor manufacturer and contractor, equipping Globetronics with the capacity to manufacture an initial 1 million POET optical engines annually.

    Non-IFRS Financial Summary
    The Company reported non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) and product revenue of $29,032 in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $107,551 for the same period in 2023 and $3,685 in the third quarter of 2024. Historically the Company provided NRE services to multiple customers for unique projects that are being addressed utilizing the capabilities of the POET Optical Interposer. No billable NRE services were provided in the period. The Company only had small product revenue in Q4 2024.

    The Company reported a net loss of $30.2 million, or ($0.48) per share, in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with a net loss $5.5 million, or ($0.13) per share, for the same period in 2023 and a net loss of $12.7 million, or ($0.20) per share, in the third quarter of 2024. The net loss in the fourth quarter of 2024 included research and development costs of $3.4 million compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2023 and $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2024. Fluctuations in R&D for a Company of this size and this stage of growth is expected on a period-over-period basis as the Company transitions from technology development to product development.

    The largest component of the Company’s loss was from the non-cash fair value adjustment to derivative warrant liability of $12.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $25,000 in the same period in 2023 and $6.2 million in the third quarter of 2024. This non-cash item relates to warrants issued in a foreign currency and is periodically remeasured. The increase was a result of the issuance of warrants and the increase in the Company’s stock price during the third quarter.

    Other non-cash expenses in the fourth quarter of 2024 included stock-based compensation of $1.4 million and depreciation and amortization of $0.5 million. Non-cash stock-based compensation and depreciation and amortization in the same period of 2023 were $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Third quarter 2024 stock-based compensation and depreciation and amortization were $1.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The Company had non-cash finance costs of $32,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to non-cash finance costs of $14,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and non-cash costs of $30,000 in the third quarter of 2024.

    The Company recognized other income, including interest of $511,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $54,000 in the same period in 2023 and $216,000 in the third quarter of 2024.

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company acquired the remaining 24.8% interest of SPX from SAIC. The acquisition of this interest resulted in a non-cash loss to the Company of $6,852,687.

    Cash flow from operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2024 was ($8.7) million compared to ($2.9) million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and ($5.5) million in the third quarter of 2024.

    The Company raised gross proceeds of $25.9 million, including $25 million from the issuance of units from a non-brokered private placement and $0.9 million from the exercise of warrants and stock options.

    Summary of Financial Performance
    The following is a summary of the Company’s operations over the five quarters ending December 31, 2024. This information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements filed on Sedar + on Marcy 31, 2025.

    POET TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    PROFORMA – NON-IFRS AND IFRS PRESENTATION OF OPERATIONS
    (All figures are in U.S. Dollars)
     
      Dec 31/24 Sep 30/24 Jun 30/24 Mar 31/24 Dec 31/23
               
    Revenue $29,032   $3,685   $ –   $8,710   $107,551  
    Research and development   3,437,683     1,765,481     2,117,828     1,922,066     2,142,003  
    Depreciation and amortization   475,281     525,955     509,699     509,260     505,869  
    Professional fees   679,156     480,871     366,839     409,726     902,368  
    Wages and benefits   758,883     667,963     780,146     768,496     676,539  
    Loss on acquisition of SPX   6,852,687     –     –     –     –  
    Stock-based compensation (1)   1,404,995     1,525,131     1,591,741     947,502     1,050,088  
    General expense, rent and facility   474,937     465,448     448,357     570,819     317,333  
    Interest expense   31,605     30,482     20,833     19,753     13,547  
    Finance advisory fees   4,239,831     1,319,392     942,576     –     –  
    Derivative liability adjustment   12,444,661     6,179,836     1,376,761     629,824     24,865  
    Other (income), including interest   (511,448 )   (216,337 )   (174,911 )   (52,558 )   (54,047 )
    Net loss, before taxes $30,259,239   $12,740,537   $7,979,869   $5,716,178   $ 5,471,014  
    Net loss per share $(0.48 ) $(0.20 ) $(0.14 ) $(0.13 ) $(0.13 )
                                   
                                   

    About POET Technologies Inc.
    POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical modules, optical engines and light source products to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers.  POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems.  POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges in 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, self-contained “Edge” computing applications and sensing applications, such as LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles.  POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore.  More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include expectations of industry analysts and experts with respect to industry growth, the Company’s own expectations with regard to the success of the Company’s product development efforts, the performance of its products, the expectation for revenue, including continued guidance for robust demand provided by current customers, the expected results of its operations, meeting revenue targets, and the expectation of continued success in the financing efforts, the capability, functionality, performance and cost of the Company’s technology as well as the market acceptance, inclusion and timing of the Company’s technology in current and future products and expectations for approval of proposals at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders.

    Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, forecasts of industry analysts and experts with respect to industry growth, the Company’s own expectations with regard to management’s expectations regarding the success and timing for completion of its development efforts, the introduction of new products, its sales efforts and revenue generation, its financing activities, future growth, recruitment of personnel, opening of offices, the form and potential of its joint venture, plans for and completion of projects by the Company’s consultants, contractors and partners, availability of capital, and the necessity to incur capital and other expenditures. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the failure of its products to meet performance requirements, lack of sales in its products, once released, the failure to generate sales and revenue, the failure of continued robust guidance from customers to materialize, operational risks in the completion of the Company’s anticipated projects, lack of performance of its joint venture, risks affecting the Company’s ability to execute projects, the ability of the Company to generate sales for its products, the ability to attract key personnel, and the ability to raise additional capital if needed. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
    120 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E2- Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Carbon Streaming Announces Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carbon Streaming Corporation (Cboe CA: NETZ) (OTCQB: OFSTF) (FSE: M2Q) (“Carbon Streaming” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. All figures are expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The Company will host a live audio call at 11:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. In addition, the Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sam Wong to the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) effective April 1, 2025.

    Carbon Streaming Chief Executive Officer Marin Katusa stated: “In the fourth quarter of 2024, Carbon Streaming focused on its restructuring efforts and evaluating strategic alternatives while taking significant steps to reduce costs and improve financial sustainability. We successfully reduced the number of individuals receiving full-time salaries from 24 at the start of 2024 to 4 by January 2025, resulting in significant savings to ongoing operating expenses. With cost reductions complete, our priority in 2025 is to maximize value from our existing portfolio while continuing to explore all strategic options to enhance shareholder value.  More specifically, we will evaluate all potential acquisitions, divestments, corporate transactions, and strategic partnerships. While the voluntary carbon market continues to experience difficult market conditions and many economic uncertainties exist, we are committed to adapting to market conditions and ensuring the best path forward for our shareholders. With respect to the Rimba Raya, Magdalena Bay and Sustainable Community Streams, the Company remains focused on protecting our investments and preserving our rights as we will with all our investments.”

    Annual Highlights

    • Ended the year with $37.4 million in cash and no corporate debt.
    • Reduced the number of individuals receiving full-time salaries at the Company – including employees, consultants, and directors – from 24 at the start of 2024 to 8 by year-end, with a further decrease to 4 full time employees by January 2025, resulting in significant savings in ongoing operating expenses.
    • Recognized a net loss on revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements of $58.2 million (net loss on revaluation of $32.9 million in 2023). The net loss on revaluation for each period was driven by reductions in the carbon credit production and sales profiles and carbon credit pricing assumptions, and an increase to the risk-adjusted discount rate.
    • Continued the previously-announced corporate restructuring plan, which resulted in a non-recurring restructuring charge of $2.6 million.
    • Generated $1.6 million in settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (settlements of $55 thousand in 2023).
    • Operating loss of $68.3 million (operating loss of $45.0 million in 2023).
    • Recognized net loss of $67.4 million (net loss of $35.5 million in 2023).
    • Adjusted net loss was $5.2 million (adjusted net loss of $7.6 million in 2023) (see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release).
    • Paid $8.1 million in upfront deposits for carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (paid $7.6 million in upfront deposits in 2023).

    Fourth Quarter Highlights

    • Recognized a net loss on revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements of $13.2 million (net loss on revaluation of $24.0 million in Q4 2023). The net loss on revaluation for each period was driven by reductions in the carbon credit production and sales profiles and carbon credit pricing assumptions, and an increase to the risk-adjusted discount rate.
    • Generated $0.5 million in settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (settlements of $nil in Q4 2023).
    • Operating loss of $14.9 million (operating loss of $26.8 million in Q4 2023).
    • Recognized net loss of $16.9 million (net loss of $26.1 million in Q4 2023).
    • Adjusted net loss was $0.9 million (adjusted net loss of $2.2 million in Q4 2023) (see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release).
    • Paid $2.2 million in upfront deposits for carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (paid $2.1 million in upfront deposits in Q4 2023).

    Financial Highlights Summary

      Three months ended
    December 31, 2024    		 Three months ended
    December 31, 2023    		 Year ended December 31, 2024 Year ended December 31, 2023
    Carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements        
    Revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements $ (13,190)   $ (23,952)   $ (58,155)   $ (32,897)  
    Settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements1   513     –     1,550     55  
    Other financial highlights        
    Other operating expenses   1,760     2,691     10,340     12,035  
    Operating loss   (14,923)     (26,784)     (68,335)     (45,002)  
    Net loss   (16,932)     (26,092)     (67,369)     (35,501)  
    Loss per share (Basis and Diluted) ($/share)   (0.32)     (0.55)     (1.34)     (0.75)  
    Adjusted net loss2   (884)     (2,225)     (5,214)     (7,586)  
    Adjusted net loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)2   (0.02)     (0.05)     (0.10)     (0.16)  
    Statement of financial position        
    Cash3   37,350     51,416     37,350     51,416  
    Carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements3   9,081     60,122     9,081     60,122  
    Total assets3   48,683     117,111     48,683     117,111  
    Non-current liabilities3   112     1,083     112     1,083  
    1. Relates to the net cash proceeds generated from the Company’s carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements.
    2. “Adjusted net loss”, including per share amounts, is a non-IFRS® Accounting Standards (the “IFRS Accounting Standards”) financial performance measure that is used in this news release. This measure does not have any standardized meaning under the IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For more information about this measure, why it is used by the Company, and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable measure under the IFRS Accounting Standards, see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release.
    3. Cash, carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements, total assets and non-current liabilities are presented as at the relevant tabular reporting date.

    Portfolio Updates

    Rimba Raya Stream: On April 26, 2024, the Company announced that it was informed that PT Rimba Raya Conservation (“PT Rimba”), the local concession holder for the Rimba Raya project, had its Forest Utilization Business License (the “Concession License”) revoked by the Indonesian Government’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (the “MOEF”). PT Rimba challenged the MOEF’s revocation of the Concession License, and in July 2024, the State Administrative Court of Jakarta (the “Court of Jakarta”) reached a decision on PT Rimba’s claim and declared that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void. The MOEF appealed the decision of the Court of Jakarta and in September 2024, the State Administrative High Court of Jakarta (the “High Court of Jakarta”) upheld the Court of Jakarta’s decision declaring that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void. The MOEF submitted an appeal of the decision of the High Court of Jakarta and as such, the decision of the High Court of Jakarta upholding that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void does not yet have permanent legal force. While the appeal process is underway, the interlocutory decision issued by the Court of Jakarta on May 16, 2024, requiring the MOEF to suspend the implementation of its decree in respect of the revocation of the Concession License, will remain in place.

    In October 2024, InfiniteEARTH Limited and its Indonesian subsidiary PT InfiniteEARTH Nusantara, the project operators of the Rimba Raya project (collectively “InfiniteEARTH”) delivered a notice of intent to abandon the project (the “RR Notice of Abandonment”). Pursuant to the RR Notice of Abandonment, InfiniteEARTH claims that a Regulation entitled Regulation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Number 7 Year of 2023 issued on June 14, 2023 by the Indonesian Government (“Regulation No. 7 2023”), prohibits the issuance and transfer of carbon rights from PT Rimba to InfiniteEARTH. InfiniteEARTH claims that as a result of Regulation No. 7 2023, it has been unable to economically develop or continue to operate the Rimba Raya project and that this is a force majeure event under the Rimba Raya Stream. The Company has notified InfiniteEARTH that it rejects the assertion that Regulation No. 7 2023 is an event of force majeure and has commenced an arbitration seeking, among other things, an order that the RR Notice of Abandonment is invalid or void.

    In October 2024, the Company commenced an arbitration administered by the International Centre of Dispute Resolution against InfiniteEARTH in accordance with the Rimba Raya Stream; and against the shareholders of InfiniteEARTH Limited in accordance with the Strategic Alliance Agreement (the “SAA“). The arbitration has since been bifurcated into two arbitration proceedings, dealing with (i) the Rimba Raya Stream; and (ii) the SAA.

    In October 2024, the Company also issued a Notice of Action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice seeking declaratory relief against the principals of InfiniteEARTH Limited and their related entities, seeking to enforce its rights in relation to guarantees and non-competition agreements related to the Rimba Raya Stream and the SAA. Some of the defendants have counterclaimed. The dispute between the Company and InfiniteEARTH arises out of acts and omissions that the Company alleges are improper and in breach of the Rimba Raya Stream, the SAA and related agreements. Management of the Company believes that delivering the Notice of Arbitration and issuing the Notice of Action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice were important steps in preserving the Company’s legal and contractual rights.

    As a result of the uncertainty of the duration and outcome of the appeal process in respect of the Concession License and the ongoing legal dispute between the Company, InfiniteEARTH and the founders of InfiniteEARTH, the Company has reclassified the status of the Rimba Raya Stream to “Expired”. As at December 31, 2024, the Company has determined the fair value of the Rimba Raya Stream to be $nil.

    Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream: In the third quarter of 2024, Fundación MarVivo Mexico, A.C. and MarVivo Corporation (collectively, “MarVivo”) delivered a notice of intent to abandon the project (the “MarVivo Notice of Abandonment”). Pursuant to the MarVivo Notice of Abandonment, MarVivo claims that the failure to transfer the concession rights from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (“SEMARNAT”), Mexico’s environment ministry, to the jurisdiction of Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (“CONANP”), constitutes an event of force majeure and that it is no longer economical to develop or continue to operate the project. The Company’s position is that the attempt to abandon the project constitutes a breach of the terms of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream. The Company has notified MarVivo that it rejects the assertion that the failure to transfer the concession rights constitutes an event of force majeure and that if MarVivo abandons the project or takes steps to wind-down, this will amount to a breach of the terms of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream. As a result of the MarVivo Notice of Abandonment and the assertions of MarVivo, the Company has determined the fair value of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream to be $nil as at December 31, 2024. The Company reserves all rights with respect to the agreements between the parties and intends to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream.

    Sustainable Community Stream: In the third quarter of 2024, the Company exercised its contractual rights to terminate the Sustainable Community Stream as a result of, among other things, the failure of the project operator, Will Solutions Inc., to meet its milestone related to the registration of its Ontario project and its failure to develop and implement the project in accordance with the project plan (including continued delays in project development activities and lower-than-expected project enrollments). As a result of the Sustainable Community Stream being terminated, the fair value of the Sustainable Community Stream was determined to be $nil as at December 31, 2024. The Company intends to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Sustainable Community Stream.

    Cerrado Biome Stream: At the time of project registration, the project planned to expand the project to 80,000 hectares by incorporating more land parcels, and to generate approximately 13 million carbon credits over a 30-year project life. Enrollment of additional land parcels has been slower than anticipated, primarily due to declining demand and lower pricing for REDD+ carbon credits. As a result, the expected revenue from carbon credit sales has decreased, reducing the financial incentive for landholders to transition from agricultural production to REDD+ project enrollment. Currently, the project consists of two land parcels covering approximately 11,000 hectares, expected to generate 1.2 million carbon credits over 30 years; however, the actual number of carbon credits issued will depend on the project’s ability to attract additional landholders. Revenue shortfalls have been driven by delays in the Verra verification process and price volatility for credits issued by REDD+ projects.

    Waverly Biochar Stream and Royalty: Following the accelerated payment of the final milestone payments in the second quarter of 2024, the project reached mechanical completion and first biochar production in the third quarter of 2024. However, additional technical challenges prevented continuous operation of the facility and have continued to delay full production capacity. The project is currently focused on securing additional funding to support commissioning, the initial facility audit, and the first output audit with Puro.earth. Verification was anticipated in the third quarter of 2025, with first issuance of carbon credits to follow immediately thereafter, but is now expected to be delayed.

    In 2023, the Company announced an agreement to provide Microsoft Corporation with carbon credits from the Waverly Biochar Stream of up to 10,000 carbon credits per year. Under this agreement, the Company is committed to delivering a minimum quantity of credits on specified future dates. If the Company is unable to fulfill this commitment, Microsoft Corporation may request that credits be sourced from an alternative project of their choosing.

    Community Carbon Stream: In 2024, the projects under the Community Carbon Stream issued over 1,600,000 carbon credits from the Mozambique cookstove project, the Uganda cookstove project, the Tanzania cookstove project, and the Uganda household safe water project. Additionally, the Community Carbon Stream generated $1.1 million in cash settlements for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    On May 8, 2024, the Company amended the terms of the Community Carbon Stream resulting in, among other things, revising the Company’s economic interest to provide for a tiered streaming structure which is adjusted as certain return on invested capital thresholds are achieved, and adjusting the portfolio composition and milestone payments to focus on the five strongest projects, three cookstove projects in Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda and two water purification projects in Malawi and Uganda.

    Following the May 2024 amendment, the Company anticipates that the project’s actual emission reductions will be materially lower than previously expected due to methodological changes and declining prices, which have reduced forecasted creditable unit deployments. Concerns over emissions reduction overestimation, additionality, and verification challenges have raised questions about cookstove credit quality, prompting methodological revisions as the market adapts to evolving buyer expectations. While these changes aim to enhance credibility, they have also reduced demand and driven down prices.

    Nalgonda Rice Farming Stream: In December 2024, the Company delivered a notice to Core CarbonX Pte. Ltd. and its services provider, Core CarbonX Solutions Private Limited that an event of default occurred and is continuing due to the failure of the project to reach development completion prior to June 30, 2024. While no further action has been taken at this time, the Company reserves all rights under its agreements.

    The project was registered with Verra on February 10, 2025, using the UNFCCC Clean Development Mechanism Methodology AMS-III.AU: Methane emission reduction by adjusted water management practice in rice cultivation in the VCS program (“AMS-III.AU”). Registration and first validation of the project was delayed when Verra temporarily inactivated AMS-III.AU as part of a broader review of validation and verification quality and began developing a revised rice-specific methodology to replace AMS-III.AU. During this review, Verra determined that certain projects identified as having quality issues with validations and/or verifications would remain on hold, but Core CarbonX’s projects, including the Nalgonda Rice Farming project, were approved for registration under AMS-III.AU.

    Verra released the new VCS Methodology VM0051 (Improved Management in Rice Production Systems v1.0) on February 27, 2025, which the project plans to transition to for the second monitoring period. However, the project has already applied the guidelines required under the VCS Methodology VM0051. At this time, it is not known how the transition to the new methodology will impact the project, if at all.

    As of December 31, 2024, approximately 32,000 landholders were enrolled in the project, covering 36,548 hectares of farmland. Enrollment remains ongoing, with a target of expanding to approximately 62,000 hectares. However, progress has been slower than expected due to registration delays, which have also postponed farmer compensation and, in turn, affected enrollment. The project was registered with Verra on February 10, 2025.

    Enfield Biochar Stream: In April 2024, Standard Biocarbon Corporation (“Standard Biocarbon”) achieved its first biochar production. However, technical challenges have delayed the commissioning process. Standard Biocarbon is working with PYREG GmbH, the engineer and builder of the PYREG Machines, to resolve these issues as it scales toward full operating capacity. The project continues to collect operational data required for a facility audit and official registration with the Puro.earth carbon credit standard. Currently, the project is on care and maintenance while seeking additional funding to support commissioning, the initial facility audit, and the first output audit.

    Azuero Reforestation Stream: On May 21, 2024, the Company, Microsoft Corporation and Rubicon Carbon Capital LLC (“Rubicon”) entered into a carbon credit streaming agreement, as amended on November 23, 2024 (the “Azuero Reforestation Stream”) with Azuero Reforestation Colectiva, S.A. (“ARC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ponterra Ltd. (“Ponterra”), for a reforestation project located on Azuero Province, Los Santos Province, Republic of Panama. Under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream, ARC will deliver 13.5% of the carbon credits created by the project to the Company. Additionally, Microsoft Corporation has entered into an offtake agreement to purchase 100% of the Company’s carbon credits delivered under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream through to 2040. Carbon Streaming will also act as the sole marketer of ARC’s carbon credits not already committed to the co-investors under the Azuero Reforestation Stream.

    Under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream, Carbon Streaming, alongside Rubicon and Microsoft Corporation, will fund 100% of project costs over seven years. The Company agreed to make an upfront deposit of up to $7.1 million with $0.3 million paid on closing, and additional milestone payments made as the project achieves planting and sapling survival milestones, and will receive 13.5% of total credits, which is expected to be approximately 438,000 carbon credits through 2052.

    Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream: In January 2025, the Company received a Notice of Adverse Impact from Mast Reforestation SPV I, LLC (“Mast”) and the parent company of Mast, Droneseed Co. d/b/a Mast Reforestation under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream pursuant to which, among other things, Mast advised the Company that the Sheep Creek project has experienced significantly higher than expected mortality rates and that the surviving seedlings had exhibited slower than expected growth rates. As a result, Mast indicated to the Company that it no longer expects to deliver the Company the agreed-upon 286,229 carbon removal credits, referred to as forecast mitigation units (“FMUs”) under the Climate Action Reserve’s Climate Forward program under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream, as Mast no longer considers the existing Sheep Creek project plan and budget to be viable. The Company has formally responded to the Notice of Adverse Impact and requested that Mast respond to the Company’s significant concerns regarding, among other things, the timing of the delivery of the Notice of Adverse Impact, and the characterization of the cause of the adverse impact. The Company is continuing to evaluate all legal avenues available under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream. As a result, the Company no longer anticipates generating cash flow from the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream and has determined its fair value to be $nil as of December 31, 2024.

    Feather River Reforestation Stream: In 2024, carbon credit market demand has generally shifted towards lower risk carbon credits. FMUs, which are designed to facilitate forward financing, inherently carry higher risk, leading to supply that has exceeded demand. FMU issuance is expected in 2025. However, given the uncertainties surrounding FMU sales, the Company has determined the fair value of the Feather River Reforestation Stream to be $nil as of December 31, 2024.

    Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream: In March 2025, Mast delivered the Company a notice of termination of the Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream and the Baccala Ranch project, thereby confirming it will forego any plantings. The Company had not advanced any funds for the Baccala project and the closing of the Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream remained subject to customary closing conditions.

    Amazon Portfolio Royalty: Following a corporate reorganization, Future Carbon assigned its interests in the Yellow Ipe, ABC Norte and Gairova projects (collectively the “Ecologica Portfolio”) to Ecological Assessoria Ltda. and its affiliates (collectively “Ecologica”), and retained the Rio Madeira Project, (the “Future Carbon Portfolio”). To reflect this restructuring, the Original Amazon Royalty was replaced on April 17, 2024, by two new royalty agreements: one between the Company and Future Carbon for the Future Carbon Portfolio (the “FC Amazon Royalty”), and another between the Company and Ecologica on the Ecologica Portfolio (the “Ecologica Amazon Royalty”). Each agreement carried a purchase price of $1.5 million, maintaining the original $3.0 million investment. No additional funds were advanced by the Company as part of Future Carbon’s reorganization.

    Bonobo Peace Forest Royalty: The royalty agreement was originally intended to convert into a stream agreement upon successful validation and verification of the project. However, due to political instability in the DRC, weakened market sentiment for REDD+ projects, and a significant decline in demand for REDD+ carbon credits, Carbon Streaming decided to halt further investment. The Company currently has no plans to proceed with a stream agreement.

    The project has been seeking additional investment to support a renewed technical effort for registration under the new Verra VM0048 methodology. Given the material uncertainty surrounding fundraising for REDD+ project development, the early-stage nature of the project’s technical development, and persistent weakness in demand for REDD+ carbon credits, the Company has determined the fair value of the Bonobo Peace Forest Royalty to be $nil as at December 31, 2024.

    Strategy

    Carbon Streaming is currently focused on maximizing value from the existing portfolio of investments and pursuing all options to achieve that goal. During 2024, the Company has undergone changes to the Board and management, including the termination of certain consulting contracts, which reduced ongoing cash expenditure and streamlined decision-making. The Company continues to focus on its previously announced evaluation of strategic alternatives with a focus on maximizing value for all shareholders. These alternatives could include acquisitions, divestments, corporate transactions, financings, other strategic partnership opportunities or continuing to operate as a public company.

    The Company’s carbon credit streaming agreements are structured to retain a portion of the cash flows from carbon credit sales, with stream-specific retention varying. Project partners typically receive the balance through ongoing delivery payments under the terms of each agreement. Cash flows are subject to fluctuations based on realized carbon credit prices and agreement terms. As the Company continues to evaluate its strategic direction, it remains focused on optimizing portfolio economics and managing exposure to market volatility.

    Outlook

    Carbon Streaming continues to reposition itself for success and for maximizing shareholder value amid ongoing challenges. In May 2024, as part of its ongoing corporate restructuring first initiated in 2023, the Company announced changes to its senior management and Board after constructive discussions with certain shareholders. The Company continues to evaluate strategic alternatives for the business and remains focused on cash flow optimization through the reduction of operating expenses and a reassessment of its existing streams and royalties. Building on the previous measures implemented by the Company to reduce ongoing operating expenses, further steps have been taken in recent months, including significantly reducing employee headcount, renegotiating and amending vendor agreements to lower costs, eliminating cash-settled director’s fees to the Board and terminating certain consulting contracts. As the Company’s broader strategy continues to evolve, these recent steps are expected to result in significant reductions to annualized ongoing operating expenses when compared to 2024.

    While the Company aims to increase cash flow generation through the sale of carbon credits from several streaming agreements over the next year, there remains ongoing uncertainty regarding the evolving nature of carbon markets, including potential registry delays, project-specific issues, and methodology-related risks, in addition to impacts the industry may face as a result of general economic, political and regulatory conditions. In 2024, the Company has recognized a decrease in the fair values of the Rimba Raya Stream, the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream, the Sustainable Community Stream, and the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream to $nil as a result of the failure of the respective projects to meet their obligations under the stream agreements and ongoing legal disputes. The Company is actively pursuing all available legal remedies to protect its investments and enforce its contractual rights. Given the multiple ongoing litigation matters, the outcomes remain uncertain and could materially impact the Company’s financial position and strategic direction. Please refer to the “Legal Proceedings” section of the Company’s most recently filed MD&A for further information.

    Given the evolving nature of carbon markets and ongoing legal considerations, Carbon Streaming is focussed on maximizing value from the existing portfolio of investments and pursuing all options to achieve that goal.

    For a comprehensive discussion of the risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could impact the Company’s strategy and outlook, including without limitation, changes in demand for carbon credits and Indonesian developments described herein, investors are urged to review the section of the Company’s most recently filed AIF entitled “Risk Factors” a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    2024 Results Conference Call Details

    The Company’s management team will host a conference call on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET to provide a brief company update. Participants may join by dialing +1 289-514-5100 or toll free from North America at +1 800-717-1738. A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company website until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 1, 2025.

    About Carbon Streaming

    Carbon Streaming’s focus is on projects that generate high-quality carbon credits and have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and biodiversity, in addition to their carbon reduction or removal potential. This approach aligns our strategic interests with those of project partners to create long-term relationships built on a shared commitment to sustainability and accountability and positions us as a trusted source for buyers seeking high-quality carbon credits.

    ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY:
    Marin Katusa, Chief Executive Officer
    Tel: 365.607.6095
    info@carbonstreaming.com
    www.carbonstreaming.com

    Investor Relations
    investors@carbonstreaming.com

    Media
    media@carbonstreaming.com

    Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures

    Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Loss Per Share

    The term “adjusted net loss” in this news release is not a standardized financial measure under the IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies where similar terminology is used. These non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance, cash flows and financial position as prepared in accordance with the IFRS Accounting Standards. Management believes that these non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures, together with performance measures and measures prepared in accordance with the IFRS Accounting Standards, provide useful information to investors and shareholders in assessing the Company’s liquidity and overall performance.

    Adjusted net loss is calculated as net and comprehensive loss and adjusted for the revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements, the revaluation of warrant liabilities, the impairment loss on early deposit interest receivable, the revaluation of derivative liabilities, the revaluation of the convertible note, the impairment loss on investment in associate, the gain on dissolution of associate, and the corporate restructuring which the Company views as having a significant non-cash or non-continuing impact on the Company’s net and comprehensive loss calculation and per share amounts. Adjusted net loss is used by the Company to monitor its results from operations for the period.

    The following table reconciles net and comprehensive (loss) income to adjusted net loss:

      Three months ended 
    December 31, 2024
    		   Three months ended 
    December 31, 2023
    		   Year ended
    December 31, 2024
    		   Year ended
    December 31, 2023
    		  
    Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (16,932)   $ (26,092)   $ (67,369)   $ (35,501)  
    Adjustment for non-continuing or non-cash settled items:        
    Revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements   13,190     23,952     58,155     32,897  
    Revaluation of warrant liabilities   (43)     (79)     (642)     (6,530)  
    Impairment of early deposit interest receivable   –     –     307     –  
    Revaluation of derivative liabilities   –     –     (680)     (686)  
    Revaluation of Convertible Note   –     –     –     (558)  
    Revaluation of preferred shares   2,558     –     2,558     –  
    Impairment of investment in associate   –     –     –     1,044  
    Gain on dissolution of associate   –     –     (104)     –  
    Corporate restructuring   343     (6)     2,561     1,748  
    Adjusted net loss   (884)     (2,225)     (5,214)     (7,586)  
    Loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)   (0.32)     (0.55)     (1.34)     (0.75)  
    Adjusted net loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)   (0.02)     (0.05)     (0.10)     (0.16)  
                             

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking information, including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated impact of changes to the Company’s Board and management; the impact of the Company’s restructuring strategies, including evaluation of strategic alternatives; the ability of the Company to execute on expense reductions and savings from operating cost reduction measures; statements with respect to cash flow optimization and generation; its sales strategy; supporting the Company’s carbon streaming and royalty partners; timing and the amount of future carbon credit generation and emission reductions and removals from the Company’s existing streaming and royalty agreements; statements with respect to the projects in which the Company has streaming and royalty agreements in place; statements with respect to the Company’s growth objectives and potential and its position in the voluntary carbon markets; statements with respect to execution of the Company’s portfolio and partnership strategy; statements with respect to the ongoing legal process to protect the Company’s investment in the Rimba Raya project and to enforce its legal and contractual rights; statements ; and statements regarding the Company’s intention to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Sustainable Community Stream and the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream and the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream.

    When used in this news release, words such as “estimates”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “will”, “believes”, “intends” “should”, “could”, “may” and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. They should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: general economic, market and business conditions and global financial conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and stock market volatility; volatility in prices of carbon credits and demand for carbon credits; change in social or political views towards climate change, carbon credits and environmental, social and governance initiatives and subsequent changes in corporate or government policies or regulations and associated changes in demand for carbon credits; the Company’s expectations and plans with respect to current litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings; limited operating history for the Company’s current strategy; concentration risk; inaccurate estimates of project value, which may impact the ability of the Company to execute on its growth and diversification strategy; dependence upon key management; impact of corporate restructurings; the inability of the Company to optimize cash flows or sufficiently reduce operating expenses; reputational risk; risks arising from competition and future acquisition activities failure or timing delays for projects to be registered, validated and ultimately developed and for emission reductions or removals to be verified and carbon credits issued (and other risks associated with carbon credits standards and registries); foreign operations and political risks including actions by governmental authorities, including changes in or to government regulation, taxation and carbon pricing initiatives; uncertainties and ongoing market developments surrounding the validation and verification requirements of the voluntary and/or compliance markets; due diligence risks, including failure of third parties’ reviews, reports and projections to be accurate; dependence on project partners, operators and owners, including failure by such counterparties to make payments or perform their operational or other obligations to the Company in compliance with the terms of contractual arrangements between the Company and such counterparties; failure of projects to generate carbon credits, or natural disasters such as flood or fire which could have a material adverse effect on the ability of any project to generate carbon credits; volatility in the market price of the Company’s common shares or warrants; the effect that the issuance of additional securities by the Company could have on the market price of the Company’s common shares or warrants; global health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics; and the other risks disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated as of March 31, 2025 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date of this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Gender in Focus: African Development Bank’s support ignites the entrepreneurial spirit within Zimbabwean women

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    Turning Crisis into Opportunity: How Two Zimbabwean Women Entrepreneurs Are Building Thriving Businesses

    When the Covid-19 pandemic brought much of the world to a standstill, Yollanda Mambeu saw an opportunity in the crisis. Amid the strict lockdowns that shuttered countless businesses, she launched her dream venture —a cake shop in a high-density suburb of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city.

    Since then, her ovens have rarely cooled. What began as a modest baking business has expanded into a thriving enterprise. Today, Mambeu supplies a wide range of baking products and accessories, from cake-making tools and spices to balloon stands, cake toppers, and edible image printing. She also offers baking lessons to aspiring entrepreneurs, aged 20 to 40, in smaller towns around Mutare.

    Mambeu now earns an average of $4,000 in monthly profit, with peaks of up to $5,000 during national holidays and festive periods. She attributes her success to training received under the Sustainable Enterprise Development of Women and Youth – Business Growth for Young Entrepreneurs project, funded by the African Development Bank. The programme, which promotes entrepreneurship and job creation, has reached 984 beneficiaries to date—over 68% of them women.

    Mambeu took part in two key training programmes: Sustainable and Resilient Enterprise and Improve Your Business, both funded by the Bank’s Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Multi-Donor Trust Fund and delivered by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe.

    “Before the training, I struggled with market visibility and branding,” she said. “I learned how to position my business, and now everything is branded—from shop windows to refrigerators. People immediately know what we offer. That change boosted our monthly profits from $1,000 to $4,000.”

    In January 2024, Mambeu formally registered her business as Yoyo’s Yummy Cakes and Baking Supplies and began advertising on local radio. The strategy paid off—by September, her customer base had quadrupled to 1,200 clients.

    Her growing brand has attracted the attention of large corporates. One of Zimbabwe’s largest milk producers appointed her as a brand ambassador, supplying her with baking milk. She now provides confectioneries to a commercial bank, the national revenue authority, and a local NGO, among other clients. To meet rising demand, she invested $2,500 in heavy-duty baking equipment and is planning to open both a bakery and a wholesale outlet.

    Mambeu’s story is echoed by Violet Mhute, a 44-year-old entrepreneur based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. Like Mambeu, she benefited from Bank-supported training—this time to help women entrepreneurs break into the male-dominated leather industry.

    Mhute founded Soko Genuine Leather in 2008 but initially struggled to establish herself in Zimbabwe’s $32 million leather sector. For years, she exported semi-processed hides to South Africa and the UK for low returns. Now, her business boasts a catalogue of high-quality leather goods—shoes, sandals, wallets, and belts—sold across Africa and beyond.

    “Entering the leather industry as a woman was tough. Accessing the right information was a constant battle,” Mhute said. “But the training gave me the tools and confidence to navigate those challenges.”

    With support from the African Development Bank and government policies that support local value addition, Mhute shifted from exporting raw materials to selling premium finished products. Her goods are now certified by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe, enabling her to participate in international expos and tap into new markets, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and the UK.

    She was also trained on how to expand her business under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. The impact has been significant: monthly profits rose from $800 to $3,100.

    Violet Mhute, founder of Soko Genuine Leather, a leather production company.

    Mhute says she now employs five young people in her growing leather business.

    Dr. Martha Phiri, Director of Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development at the African Development Bank, says the success stories of Mambeu and Mhute reflect the Bank’s sustained commitment to private sector development—particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

    “These efforts prioritize inclusion, with targeted support for underserved groups such as women and youth, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities,” said Phiri. “Through the Bank’s initiatives, we empower women entrepreneurs by providing technical assistance, skills training, and business development support.”

    Both Mambeu and Mhute say they are optimistic about the future and aim to grow their businesses further while creating jobs for others.

    “My dream goes beyond expanding my business,” said Mhute. “I want to establish an entrepreneurship institute that will help others break through the barriers in male-dominated industries—just as I have.”

    Since its launch in 2017, the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund has been a key catalyst for entrepreneurs like Mambeu and Mhute. The fund supports the African Development Bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy, providing grants to empower youth-led start-ups and MSMEs operating in both the formal and informal sectors.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: African Development Bank Group approves $7.9 million grant to bolster São Tomé and Príncipe’s economic recovery

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    The African Development Bank Group’s Board has approved a $7.9 million grant to bolster Sao Tome and Principe’s economic recovery. The budgetary support operation aims to strengthen the country’s economic resilience through improved revenue and public expenditure reforms and lay the groundwork for sustainable energy sector reforms vital to a strong and vibrant private sector.

    The support is from the African Development Bank Group’s Transitional Support Facility and is part of the country’s second phase of its Fiscal Sustainability and Economic Resilience Support Program.  

    The first phase of the support amounting to $5.3 million  was approved on 1 December 2023. The approval of the second phase brings the total financing to $13.2 million.

    The programme aligns with the Country’s Strategy Paper 2024-2029, the  African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, 2024-2033, and the High 5s development priorities, particularly the “Improve the Quality of Life of the People of Africa” and “Light up Africa” goals. It will greatly contribute to  improving  the business climate.

    The key impediment to São Tomé and Príncipe’s economic recovery is an insufficient energy supply that is aggravated by worn-out fossil fuel-based electricity generation equipment and a loss-making state-owned utility, I, which hinder the efficient functioning of the economy. The African Development Bank’s support towards energy sector reform will result into improved energy sector governance and support the transition to renewable energy.

    Highlighting the programme’s importance, the African Development Bank’s Director General for Southern Africa, Leila Mokaddem, said: “This budgetary support operation has come at  a critical juncture to support economic recovery through revenue and public expenditure reforms while, at the same time, setting   the foundations for sustainable energy sector reforms critical for a strong and vibrant private sector.”  

    She added that the operation strengthens the Bank’s position to provide policy and advisory support services, which are prerequisites for sustained economic recovery and inclusive growth

    The African Development Bank Country Manager for Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe, Pietro Toigo, said: “The budgetary support will greatly help close the financing gap faced by the country, boost foreign exchange reserves, which are at their lowest. It will further strengthen the government’s efforts to undertake further reforms required for economic recovery.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REMAINING THE REVEREND: Senator Reverend Warnock Discusses Faith in Lawmaking During Speech to Seminary Alma Mater

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    REMAINING THE REVEREND: Senator Reverend Warnock Discusses Faith in Lawmaking During Speech to Seminary Alma Mater

    Senator Reverend Warnock provided inspiration and a path forward for people of faith in this trying political in a speech to students, alumni of his alma mater, Union Theological Seminary
    Senator Reverend Warnock earned two Master’s Degrees and a Doctorate from Union Theological Seminary
    Senator Reverend Warnock’s remarks were given during Union Theological Seminary’s Faith and Public Policy Event
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “In this moment that feels empty and void, I want us to trust the promise. Habakkuk said, ‘there is a time, an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak and not lie, though it tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come.’ So, let’s wait and work for the vision. God bless all you”
    Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), provided guidance and inspiration to Union Theological Seminary students and alumni on navigating this political climate as a person of faith. The audience included students, religious leaders, nonprofit representatives and Reverend Dr. Serene Jones, the 16th President of the historic theological school.
    During the speech, which was given during the seminary’s Faith and Public Policy event, Senator Warnock highlighted the importance of his motto of “keeping the faith” during these unprecedented times.
    “I’m going to keep fighting the good fight, but I don’t want you to forget about your own power and the one who empowers you. Selma was about ordinary citizens creating the context for change,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I’m not waiting on the midterms to get some change. I need some folk who are going to shake it up right now, and if ever, we needed voices of faith. We need those voices right now.”
    “In this moment that feels empty and void, I want us to trust the promise. Habakkuk said ‘There is a time, an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak and not lie, though it tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come. So, let’s wait and work for the vision. God bless all you,” Senator Warnock concluded.
    Read the full transcript of Senator Reverend Warnock’s remarks below:
    “It’s wonderful to be here with men and women, people of faith, particularly at a time like this, it is impossible to overstate the importance of your witness at a time like this.
    “So, I got my start in the work of trying to live out what it means to be a person of faith engaged in the work of social change at Morehouse College and at Union Seminary. Morehouse, of course, the home of Martin Luther King, Jr. If you’ve ever been on that campus, there’s a statue of Dr. King standing in front of the King Chapel where we were required to go twice a week as freshmen – when I was there in the dark ages – that statue is Dr. King pointing with his finger, resolutely pointing into the future. And every time I passed that statue, I felt like Dr. King was pointing me somewhere, that I was there to get more than just an education, that my education needed to be for something.
    “Then I went to Union Seminary, a place that takes seriously the platform of a Palestinian Jewish rabbi who said, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, to center the work of the poor.’ And I had a great journey there. I went just to get an MDiv, ended up staying in New York for a decade, and the impact of that on my vision of the world, is again, difficult to overstate.
    “I had a running train between Union Seminary and Abyssinia Baptist Church, between Morningside Heights and Harlem, between Jerusalem and Athens, between ivory towers and ebony trenches, and the conversation between those two things is what I have tried to live out in all of my years and in all of my work in ministry.
    “James Cohen, who was my mentor and tormentor, would say ‘You’ve got to apply yourself. You’ve got to put your mind to the task. You’ve got to love Jesus with your mind!’ And it is that discipline that is also so deeply needed in this moment in which we are seeing a church that is allergic to critical reflection and self-awareness, which then allows it to stomach such deep contradictions to insist on putting the 10 Commandments in a church while refusing to stand up to provide lunch and breakfast to those kids in that very same school. If that’s your Christianity, you’re worshiping something other than Jesus.
    “So thank you, Union Seminary for being who you are, for doing the work that you are doing. I continue to fight for voting rights because as Serena said, democracy is a spiritual practice. It takes great faith to be a democracy, right? Because, let’s face it, the people can break your heart too. We’re fighting against despots, but it’s not like the people always get it right. But we’re on this journey because we do believe that our best chances are with each other. So, let’s stay on the journey. Let’s keep doing the work.
    “I was in Selma a few weeks ago to observe the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. I was there that Sunday morning preaching at the Tabernacle Church, one of the historic churches there that was at the center of that movement. And as I was preparing to preach and spend that day in Selma, I thought about a story that Reverend, Mayor, Ambassador, Andrew Young told me – the great thing about living in Atlanta is you literally walk among giants every day – Andy Young told me this story, he said that after they had passed the civil rights law in 1964 following that March on Washington, in ’63, Dr. King made his way to the White House to meet with President Johnson, and he said, ‘I’m glad we got that done, glad we passed civil rights law, but we need a voting rights law.’ LBJ said, ‘I agree with you, you’re right, but I can’t get that done right now. There’s no way I can get a voting rights law through the Congress. Martin, are you kidding? Do you know how much political capital I had to spend to get that civil rights law done? I had to get it through all the Dixiecrat all of the resistance. We got that done, and now you coming to me just a few months later saying, now you want a voting rights law. It’s not that I’m against it. I just don’t have the power to get that done. Certainly not right now.’
    “And so staff left feeling no doubt, all dejected. And someone turned to Dr. King and said, ‘Doc, what are we going to do now?’, – that’s how preachers talk to each other. He said, ‘Well, I guess we’re going to have to get the President some power.’
    “I love that story. A lowly Baptist preacher without office, position says regarding the most powerful man on the planet who said, I don’t have the power to do that right now, but this preacher, speaking from a different tradition and hearing the sound of a different drummer, hearing what Howard Thurman called the sound of the genuine, says ‘I guess we’re going to have to go and get the President some power’.
    “So I know that there are a lot of folk in this moment looking to those of us who are on Capitol Hill, saying, what are they going to do? I know there were frustrations around what happened with the CR, and trust me, that was a fierce debate.
    […]
    “Well, they’re looking at folks like us who are on Capitol Hill, and they’re like, ‘What are you going to do?’ And I want you to know that I’m committed. There are those of us who are committed. I’m going to keep fighting the good fight, but I don’t want you to forget about your own power and the One who empowers you. Selma was about ordinary citizens creating the context for change, and they went to Selma to give the President some power.
    “I’m not waiting on the midterms to get some change. That’s how politicians think, I need some folk who are going to shake it up right now, and if ever, we needed voices of faith. We need those voices right now.
    “They are busy trying to cut Medicaid by nearly a billion dollars. Two out of five children in Georgia count on Medicaid. I think one in 10 veterans in our country. A whole lot of people need Medicaid, and they’re looking to cut Medicaid, they’re cutting veterans, you name it, for the noble project of giving the wealthiest people in America a tax cut. And by the way, the folks will talk about the deficit and the debt and the need to deal with government waste, they’re blowing a hole in the debt! Do you understand that? Like they’re not going to even cut the debt, they’re going to add to the debt, in order to do it. If you’re going to add to the debt, you ought to at least do it to help some students, to help some workers, to help some senior citizens get health care. If you’re going to add to the debt, it ought to be for something noble and worthwhile. They’re adding to the debt to give the wealthiest people in the country a tax cut out of some theory that has long been disproven, of trickledown economics. I’ve been hearing that story since 1980 and we still waiting on it to trickle down.
    “So, we need your voice, and your voice is [needed] now more than ever. And if you make some noise in the streets, there’ll be those of us who’ll be fighting in the suites, and I’m still not above getting arrested. I moved from being agitator to being a legislator, I get the write laws. Last time they were passing their last reconciliation bill during the Trump first administration, I was out there in the rotunda of the Capitol standing up with the clergy, and they were passing the $2 trillion tax cut then, and I got arrested that day, and what they didn’t understand was that I had already been arrested. I’ve been arrested before. I got arrested, first time as a student at Union. That’s what Union teaches you, but in a real sense, my spirit and my soul has been arrested by a vision, and that was in 2017, I had no idea that four years later, the same Capitol Police that arrested me, would escort me to my office or to my next meeting.
    “So keep the faith. Let me close in this way. Nobody believes a preacher when he says, ‘As I close.’ But I woke up this morning and because I lead a prayer call every Tuesday morning at 7:14 AM, Second Chronicles 7:14. ‘Is my people who are called by my name.’ I woke up this morning and for my own time of devotion, I said, let me see what the lectionary reading is this morning. And I pulled up the lectionary reading, and it was the reading in the Gospel of Luke, where the angel Gabriel comes to tell Mary that […] she’s about to experience a holy hijacking. That God is getting ready to disrupt her life in an unimaginable way, that a baby is to be born, and that the promise is going to come through her.
    “[…] Because I didn’t grow up in high church traditions, felt a little bizarre to me to be reading that passage at this time. I grew up in Pentecostal and Baptist circles. When I’m hearing this, the reading about Gabriel coming to Mary, I’m expecting to hear some Christmas carols in the background. I’m expecting to see some lights and some trees. But you all know, you always I’m talking to clergies today. Today is the Annunciation, March 25, nine months before the birth, the angel comes and speaks to Mary about that for which there is little or no evidence.
    “And so, in this moment that feels empty and void, I want us to trust the promise. Habakkuk said ‘There is a time, an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak and not lie, though it tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come.’ So, let’s wait and work for the vision. God bless all of you.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating 110-years of Yarralumla Nursery

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 01/04/2025

    For 110 years, Yarralumla Nursery has contributed to Canberra being regarded as the ‘garden city’ through the propagation of millions of trees and shrubs.

    “Early in Canberra’s development it was realised that trees and shrubs would have to be raised locally if the garden city concept was to be achieved. This was in part due to the difficulty in successfully establishing plants that would succeed in Canberra’s harsh climatic and soil conditions,” said Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne.

    “In 1914, Yarralumla Nursery was established to do just that. Since first opening its doors, it has become a leader in horticulture research and provides high-quality products to Canberra businesses and locals.

    “Yarralumla Nursery provides a free Plant Issue Scheme which gives a plant allocation to new landowners in Canberra’s new suburbs. The Scheme aims to help new landowners take the first steps to establish a sustainable garden with plants suitable for our local climate and soil conditions while beautifying their homes and suburb.

    “Yarralumla Nursery also provides wholesale services to landscape and construction businesses, government departments, educational facilities, horticulture trade, primary producers, wholesale and retail nurseries.

    “One of the most impressive resources that the Nursery has is its seed bank which has been used to create Canberra’s tree canopy. The seed bank is a living record of every seed collected, purchased and stored at the Yarralumla Nursery since 1913.

    “Yarralumla Nursery won the Employer of the Year Award at the 2024 Nursery and Garden Industry NSW and ACT Awards and is on track to become the first nursery in the ACT accredited by Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia.

    “The team at Yarralumla Nursery are dedicated to innovation. They have made improvements to propagation facilities, automated systems, growing substrates, acquired new potting machines to increase efficiencies and even discovered a new variety of Hardenbergia.

    “Yarralumla Nursery produces over 500 different native and exotic species and distributed over 300,000 plants last year and are still looking to improve their efficiencies and range.

    “Today we are planting an Elm Tree called “Yarralumla Weeper”. This is a species which Yarralumla Nursery has grown and distributed across Canberra since the 1930s.

    “I look forward to seeing the dedicated team at Yarralumla Nursery continue to implement innovative solutions for the benefit of our local environment,” said Minister Cheyne.

    – Statement ends –

    Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Markey and Capito, Reps. Cammack and Magaziner Reintroduce Legislation to Alleviate Administrative Burden for Caregivers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Family caregivers provide $600 billion in unpaid care every year
    Bill Text (PDF)
    Washington (March 31, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), and Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), and Kat Cammack (FL-03) today reintroduced the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act, legislation that would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Social Security Administration (SSA), and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to review their eligibility, processes, procedures, forms, and communications to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers. The legislation would then require CMS, SSA, and CHIP to report to Congress after two years about any issues they are facing and any next steps they are taking to support family caregivers.
    Family caregivers serve as a primary source of support for seniors and people with disabilities of all ages. In the United States alone, there are more than 48 million family caregivers. More than half of family caregivers act as an advocate for their loved one with care providers, community services, or government agencies. However, one in four family caregivers say they want help with forms, paperwork, and eligibility for services. Many report competing responsibilities while experiencing serious emotional, physical, and finance challenges.
    “Caregivers, like my father was, serve on the frontlines of our nation’s health care system by giving our families and friends the care and support they need to remain in their homes and communities with their loved ones,” said Senator Markey. “But caregivers are struggling needlessly to navigate complex, burdensome, and stressful processes each and every day while also still managing day-to-day family and professional responsibilities. The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act will help lift the weight off caregivers by clearing the red tape that so often gets in their way. I thank Senator Capito and Representatives Magaziner and Cammack for their partnership on this critical legislation.”
    “More than 1 in 4 Americans over 50 are now caregivers. I was one of these caregivers for my parents during their struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and know personally how hard it can be to balance all of the responsibilities put on individuals caring for their loved ones,” Senator Capito said. “One of the most common frustrations I hear from caregivers in West Virginia is how difficult it is to navigate federal processes and procedures. The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act would attempt to ease this often-stressful time by requiring federal agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Social Security Administration, to review their processes, procedures, forms, and communications to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers.”
    “Family caregivers have a lot on their plates, devoting their lives to support others,” said Representative Magaziner. “They shouldn’t have to struggle with confusing paperwork and delays on top of their essential work. The bipartisan ABC Act will make it easier for families to get the support they need so caregivers can focus on what matters most — caring for their loved ones.”
    “America’s family caregivers work around-the-clock to provide essential care for their loved ones, and over half act as advocates on behalf of their family members. The last thing these caregivers need is more red tape that distracts from their support for those in their care,” said Representative Cammack. “I’m honored to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral ABC Act with my colleagues to lower the burden around the important medical decisions caregivers must make every day. Together we can support the 48 million caregivers that make up a critical part of our health care landscape in the U.S.”
    Cosponsors in the Senate include John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).
    Cosponsors in the House include Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Jared Golden (ME-02), Greg Steube (FL-17), Deborah Ross (NC-02), August Pfluger (TX-11), Ed Case (HI-01), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Darren Soto (FL-09), and Vern Buchanan (FL-16).
    The ABC Act is endorsed by: AARP, ADA Watch/Coalition for Disability Rights & Justice, Aging Life Care Association, Alliance for Aging Research, Alliance for Retired Americans, Allies for Independence, ALS Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, American Academy of Nursing, American Association on Health and Disability, American Heart Association, American Network of Community Organizations and Resources (ANCOR), American Psychological Association Services, American Society for Transportation and Cellular Therapy, American Society on Aging, Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, Caregiver Action Network, Caring Across Generations, Child Neurology Foundation, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), Diverse Elders Coalition, Elder Services of Berkshire County Inc., Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving, Fight Colorectal Cancer, Gerontological Society of America, Grayce, Greater Lynn Senior Services, Hispanic Federation, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Japanese American Citizens League, Justice in Aging, Lakeshore Foundation, LeadingAge, LifePath, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Massachusetts Councils on Aging, Medical Alley, Mystic Valley Elder Services, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, National Adult Day Services Association, National Alliance on Caregiving, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Council on Aging, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Disability Rights Network, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Federation of Filipino American Associations, National Fragile X Foundation, National Health Council, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National Respite Coalition, NMDP, OCA- Asian Pacific American Advocates, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Senior Connection, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Speak Foundation, the Arc of the United States, The ERISA Industry Committee, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Third Way, USAging, Village to Village Network, and Well Spouse Association.
    “Family caregivers are the backbone of our nation’s long-term care system, and they are overwhelmed managing their loved ones’ care,” said AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond. “This bill would help alleviate bureaucratic red tape for family caregivers. AARP urges Congress to swiftly pass this important legislation.”
    “Millions of Americans struggle to care for loved ones while also navigating the red tape of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act will cut through that red tape, making it easier for families to access these vital programs. This means caregivers can spend less time fighting paperwork and more time providing essential care and taking care of themselves,” said Jason Resendez, President & CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving.
    “Family caregivers provide over $600 billion in care each year, greatly benefiting the system and the person needing care, but are overburdened by navigating the health care system and all the paperwork that comes with it. Simplifying these processes improve the caregiver’s well-being, allow them more quality time with the person they care for, and could improve coordination with health and benefits systems,” said Christina Irving, Client Services Director at Family Caregiver Alliance.
    “Caregiver Action Network (CAN) strongly supports the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act. CAN’s mission is to improve the quality of life for tens of millions of family caregivers, and this Act could help reduce their stress by making it easier to access the resources and information they need while caring for their loved ones,” said Marvell Adams Jr., CEO of Caregiver Action Network.
    “USAging is proud to support the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act, a vital step in recognizing the selfless contributions of caregivers by addressing the challenges they face when providing care to their loved ones. This bill will help reduce stress and time spent helping loved ones access important benefits, supporting the overall well-being of caregivers. With the numbers of older Americans rising at a historic rate, family caregivers need more support, and they need it now,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging.
    “As an organization founded by a family caregiver, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is pleased to support the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act. Caring for a loved one with dementia is a 24/7 responsibility, and it becomes even more stressful trying to navigate the complexities of accessing benefits. Cutting administrative red tape and making it easier for caregivers to connect with programs, services, and assistance would alleviate a major stressor and expedite vital support to caregivers. AFA is grateful to Sen. Markey, Sen. Capito, Rep. Cammack, Rep. Magaziner, and all who support this legislation in Congress for working together to help family caregivers,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., President & CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
    “Caregivers of the Autism community frequently reach out to the Autism Society’s helpline, citing the complex navigation of critical services like Medicaid and Social Security as major obstacles to receiving care. The ABC Act would reduce this burden, allowing caregivers to focus on what matters most — supporting their loved ones,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America.
    “Helping older adults understand and complete documents for caregiver support is not only the right thing to do from a community perspective, but it is also significantly more cost-effective. Leveraging caregiver support avoids or delays more expensive long-term care options, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities,” said Bill Zagorski, Board Chair for the National Adult Day Services Association. “Moreover, Adult Day Services play a significant role to caregivers. It assists with access to and reduces barriers to these vital programs as well as providing caregiver respite in order to allow aging adults, seniors and individuals with cognitive, physical, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to age in place in their communities.”
    “Caregivers are the true backbone of our nation, offering unwavering support to those in need and often sacrificing their own well-being in the process. By supporting caregivers through this act, we are taking a vital step toward providing the long-overdue assistance they so desperately need. This legislation will help to alleviate the administrative burdens that many caregivers face on a daily basis, making their challenging roles more manageable. By reducing the overwhelming paperwork, navigating complex systems, and offering additional resources, we can ensure caregivers are able to focus more on the well-being of their loved ones, while receiving the support they need. This step is essential in recognizing and honoring the incredible work that caregivers do and ensuring they are equipped with the tools necessary to continue providing care with dignity and compassion,” said Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Connell, Executive Director of Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging (MCOA).
    In July 2024, Senator Markey celebrated the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee passage of his caregiving and Alzheimer’s provisions in the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024. Earlier that month, Senator Markey announced his “Caring for Caregivers” agenda, a comprehensive legislative agenda which calls for the economic security, support and resources, and protection and promotion of family caregivers and their loved ones’ health and wellbeing. In June 2024, Senator Markey introduced the Elder Pride Act, legislation to establish an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Department of Health and Human Services to advocate, coordinate activities, recommend policies for, and collect data on LGBTQI+ older adults.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Wyden, Merkley and Van Hollen Introduce Legislation to Protect Americans Against Musk, DOGE and Other Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Personal Information

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    The Privacy Act Modernization Act would empower Americans to sue officials for misuse of their data and federal systems
    Washington (March 31, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden, (D-Ore.), today introduced legislation to protect Americans against Elon Musk, DOGE and other officials illegally accessing stores of personal data held by the government, including social security numbers, medical history, financial data and other sensitive information. The Privacy Act Modernization Act would make it easier for Americans to sue officials for violations and would increase the penalties for such violations.
    The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Van Hollen, (D-Md.).
    Since Trump took office, DOGE officials have reportedly accessed highly sensitive government databases at agencies, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and the Internal Revenue Service, under flimsy justifications and with little oversight.
    “Over 50 years ago, Congress passed the Privacy Act to protect the public against the exploitation and misuse of their personal information held by the government,” said Senator Markey. “Today, with Elon Musk and the DOGE team recklessly seeking to access Americans’ sensitive data, it’s time to bring this law into the digital age. I’m proud to partner with Senator Wyden on the Privacy Act Modernization Act to close loopholes and increase penalties in the law. The federal government should be a steward of our privacy–not a source of surveillance.”
    “The seizure of millions of Americans’ sensitive information by Trump, Musk and other MAGA goons is plainly illegal, but current remedies are too slow and need more teeth,” said Senator Wyden. “The Privacy Act was part of our country’s response to the FBI abusing its access to revealing sensitive records on the American people. Our bill defends against new threats to Americans’ privacy and the integrity of federal systems, and ensures individuals can go after the government when officials break the law, including quickly stopping their illegal actions with a court order.”
     “Elon Musk and his minions have no business riffling through your personal data,” said Senator Merkley. “Our bill protects millions of Americans who count on the federal government to safeguard sensitive personal information included on taxes, student loans, and disaster assistance.”
    “Elon Musk and his DOGE cronies are illegally raiding federal agencies, and in the process gaining access to troves of Americans’ sensitive personal data – from Social Security numbers to medical records to bank account information,” said Senator Van Hollen. “This legislation will strengthen our ability to safeguard that private information by expanding the means of holding violators accountable, including by stiffening penalties for those who unlawfully access it. By sharpening these tools and penalties, we can better deter this abuse.”
    The Electronic Information Privacy Center and Public Citizen both endorsed the legislation.
    The Privacy Act of 1974 required agencies to disclose what personal data they collect and why, limited how officials could use or share that data, and created remedies for when the government held incorrect data about a person or otherwise broke the rules. This legislation was passed in light of the Watergate and Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO) scandals, which involved illegal government surveillance that undermined public trust and American democracy. The Privacy Act Modernization Act would make key updates to further protect government databases storing personal information against Trump and Musk’s ongoing abuses of Americans’ privacy and our democracy.
    Given the Privacy Act was created half a century ago, this bill would update the law’s coverage, close loopholes and strengthen protections to support millions of Americans who have been harmed by Trump and Musk’s recent invasion by:
    Increasing civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Privacy Act, including making it a felony to disclose records for personal gain, malicious harm, or commercial advantage, punishable by fines of up to $250,000 and ten years in prison.
    Strengthening court authority to stop programs and actions while lawsuits are pending, and allowing Americans to recover for a range of damages, including the mental and emotional distress caused by privacy violations.
    Modernizing the law to cover any information that identifies or is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual or a device that is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual.
    Limiting information sharing to the minimum necessary for a legally authorized purpose, and only if consistent with what an agency previously stated they would use records for.
    Narrowing the so-called “routine use” exception for sharing information by further requiring that “routine use” disclosures be “appropriate and reasonably necessary.”
    The full text of the bill is available here. The one-page summary is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey, Rep. Ansari Introduce Legislation to Help Families Pay their Heating and Cooling Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Legislation would provide urgently needed relief for families as energy prices rise 
    Bill Text (PDF) | Section-by-Section (PDF)
    Washington (March 31, 2025) — Senator Edward J. Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) today reintroduced the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, bold legislation to significantly expand and modernize the severely underfunded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The bill would ensure year-round access to affordable and reliable heating and cooling for lower-income households who experience disproportionately high energy burdens.
    Despite the urgent need for relief, in 2023, only about 18 percent of income-eligible households received LIHEAP assistance, with less than 3 percent of eligible households receiving cooling assistance. Meanwhile, low-income families spend nearly three times more on energy bills than non-low-income households, and nearly one in six households are behind on their utility bills. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act would deliver critical energy assistance to millions more households, protecting families from utility shutoffs and empowering states to address the growing threat of climate-fueled extreme heat and cold.
    “No one should have to choose between turning the heat on in the winter and putting food on the table, but that’s a sacrifice more and more families are forced to make, especially as the climate crisis exacerbates extreme weather,” said Senator Markey. “Our Heating and Cooling Relief Act would significantly expand LIHEAP so that energy assistance is available to all those who need it. It would also protect consumers from predatory practices and utility shutoffs, and boost emergency energy assistance and access to life-saving cooling relief. I will keep fighting to ensure that every household can afford the energy they need to stay healthy and safe—and to support a just transition away from fossil fuels.”
    “No one should have to make sacrifices around paying for food, rent, or essential medication to keep air conditioning on in the summer and heat on in the winter,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari. “In Arizona, this is a matter of life or death. Last year, over 600 people died from extreme heat, and Phoenix already broke our own record for the first 99-degree day of the year. Our Heating and Cooling Relief Act will expand LIHEAP so that every family can afford their energy bills – in Maricopa County, this will literally save lives.”
    The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representatives Nannette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Andre Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam Smith (WA-09), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
    “On behalf of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, I applaud Senator Markey’s introduction of the Heating and Cooling Relief Act of 2025. Senator Markey was a cosponsor of LIHEAP when it began as a temporary program in 1981 and has played a key role in transforming it into the successful program that it is today. This bill will transform LIHEAP into a program that provides year-round energy assistance, recognizing that access to cooling is now as essential as heating for low-income families. No family should have to struggle between paying their home energy bill or food, clothing, and medicine, and this bill will help protect families from having to make that difficult decision,” said Mark Wolfe, Executive Director at the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
    “This ambitious bill shines a spotlight on the energy affordability challenges faced by low-income families who urgently need access to LIHEAP,” said Olivia Wein, Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “We look forward to working with parties to refine this legislation and focus its impact on people with the greatest need.”
    “As extreme heat and climate chaos continue to intensify year after year, millions of families are grappling with the real-life, devastating consequences. These unnatural events are killing people and making them sick in their own homes. Our communities, many of whom don’t own housing and are struggling with the rising cost of living, should not have to risk their lives to avoid extremely high energy bills. In this critical moment, to save lives and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities, access to essential heating and cooling relief is both a necessity and a right,” said Caleb Smith, Resiliency Coordinator at WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
    “As extreme heat becomes increasingly dangerous with longer, more frequent, and more intense heat waves every year, it is critical people can protect themselves from unhealthy and potentially deadly home temperatures. The risk of heat-related illness, injury, and death is particularly high for families and older adults who don’t have air conditioning or can’t afford to run it. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act would help people stay safe by making crucial investments in efficient and affordable home cooling strategies. Extreme heat events kill more people than any other type of severe weather or climate disaster, but Congress can prevent some of these deaths by passing the Heating and Cooling Relief Act,” said Jill Rosenthal, Director of Public Health Policy at the Center for American Progress.
    “Too many households face a terrible choice when summer temperatures soar. Feed the kids? Pay the rent? Or stay safe from deadly heat? This critical bill will alleviate that burden by helping low-income households keep their power on and make their homes more weatherproof and energy efficient. It will also refill a long-empty emergency contingency fund, giving states an important backstop in an increasingly extreme climate,” said Juanita Constible, Senior Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
    “In the richest country in the world, no kid should have to go to bed freezing cold because their family can’t afford to keep the heat up. No one should die in their own home during heat waves because they can’t afford air conditioning. This legislation is a vital step towards lowering the cost of living for working people and ensuring every American has a safe and healthy home. It shows that tackling the climate crisis goes hand in hand with helping working people,” said Sunrise Movement Executive Director Aru Shiney-Ajay.
    “Expanding federal funding to help families afford to pay their energy bills is essential as tens of millions of American families continue to experience punishing energy burdens. President Trump’s chaotic disruption of our economy and his gutting of indispensable government programs has resulted in a crisis of energy affordability. This legislation is vitally important to ensure that American families can afford essential energy service under Trump’s disastrous economy,” said Tyson Slocum, Energy Program Director at Public Citizen.
    “No American family should have to skip heating or cooling their home to a safe and comfortable temperature just to make ends meet. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is a commonsense update to an essential program that keeps our lights on, protects the vulnerable, and ensures we’re prepared for growing energy demand and worsening disasters. Strengthening LIHEAP is about fiscal, moral, and national responsibility. At a time of rising costs and extreme weather, this bill brings overdue reforms that put working families first, cut red tape, and modernize our response to energy emergencies. The Sierra Club is proud to support it,” said Xavier Boatright, Deputy Legislative Director at Sierra Club.
    Specifically, the Heating and Cooling Relief Act would:
    Substantially increase LIHEAP funding to ensure year-round assistance, including an additional $2 billion for emergency energy assistance and $1 billion in Just Transition Grants to help vulnerable households adapt to a changing climate;
    Broaden eligibility so that households earning up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Line or 80 percent of State Median Income can qualify, while ensuring lower energy burdens for lower-income households and capping household energy burdens at 3 percent of monthly income;
    Protect consumers from utility shutoffs, excessive late fees, and predatory energy practices that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities;
    Expand emergency assistance, ensuring extreme heat and cold are recognized as qualifying emergencies and that states can provide vital cooling relief;
    Increase funding for weatherization and home electrification, to help low-income households reduce energy costs, improve health and safety, and transition to clean, resilient energy systems;
    Streamline enrollment and outreach, improving coordination with other federal programs and increasing access through automatic enrollment and simplified verification; and
    Strengthen reporting requirements to better track affordability, equity, and climate resilience outcomes.
    The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is endorsed by National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), Center for Energy Poverty and Climate, Public Citizen, Sunrise Movement, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Center for American Progress, Sierra Club, Citizens for Citizens, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), National Housing Law Project (NHLP), National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA), Citizens Action Coalition, WE ACT, The Utility Reform Network (TURN), Climate Resolve, Indiana Conservation Voters, Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), Elevate, Evergreen Action, Center for Biological Diversity, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Climate and Community Institute, Federation of American Scientists (FAS), Solar United Neighbors Action, North Carolina Justice Center, Creation Care Partners, Faith in Place Action Fund, National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH), Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy (DAACE), Energy for All Coalition, Indiana Environmental Clean Energy J40 Corporation,  Office of the People’s Counsel – District of Columbia Government, Arizona Sustainability Alliance.
    Senator Markey is a champion for energy access, affordability, and reliability. In March 2025, he hosted a roundtable with Massachusetts LIHEAP providers, consumer advocates, and national energy assistance organizations to discuss the urgent need to strengthen and expand LIHEAP. In July 2024, Senator Markey and several New England Senators sent a letter to the Department of Energy urging it to consider the disproportionate negative impacts of LNG on New England—especially on energy prices—in its underlying environmental and economic analyses for LNG export authorization decisions. In December 2023, Senator Markey led a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission to immediately intervene, investigate, and rigorously enforce consumer protection laws against certain electric supply companies. In October 2023, he celebrated the release of $130 million in LIHEAP funding for Massachusetts, helping residents afford winter heating costs. Additionally, he has pushed for greater investments in home efficiency and electrification to help low-income families reduce their energy burdens. He originally introduced the Heating and Cooling Relief Act with Representative Jamaal Bowman in January 2022.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sweden unveils new military aid for Ukraine

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Sweden on Monday pledged 16 billion Swedish kronor (1.59 billion U.S. dollars) in new military support for Ukraine.

    The package would bring Sweden’s total military assistance to Kiev to 29.5 billion Swedish kronor this year and around 80 billion Swedish kronor since 2022, the government said.

    “This is our largest military support package to date,” Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said on social media platform X.

    The aid would include air defence systems, artillery, satellite communications, and naval support, as well as equipment from the Swedish Armed Forces and industry. (1 Swedish krona = 0.099 U.S. dollar)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Myanmar’s earthquake death toll rises to 2,056

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Earthquake-affected residents have a meal in woods by a road in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The death toll from Friday’s 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 2,056, with approximately 3,900 people injured and nearly 270 reported missing, according to the country’s State Administration Council Information Team on Monday.

    International and domestic rescuers have been racing against time to save more lives in the quake-affected areas.

    The first batch of disaster-relief material offered by the Chinese government arrived in Myanmar on Monday. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Moves to rein in public sector bloat welcomed

    Source: ACT Party

    Welcoming an overhaul of the Public Service Act 2020, ACT Public Service spokesperson Todd Stephenson says:

    “Too many government agencies are trying to do too many things. Bureaucratic mission creep sees taxpayer money wasted on nice-to-haves, duplicated across different departments. Basic services are neglected even while headcounts balloon.

    “Now, we’re getting the public service back to basics. Today the Public Service Minister announced an overhaul of the Public Service Act 2020.

    “This delivers on an ACT coalition commitment to clarify the role of the public service, drive performance and ensure accountability to deliver on the agenda of the government of the day. And it comes after the Government last year issued a directive to all public service agencies requiring services to be delivered on the basis of need, not race.

    “The role of the public service should be simple: to deliver services that cannot be delivered by the private sector, at a fair price for taxpayers.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, DeLauro, Baldwin Demand Answers on RFK Jr.’s Plans to Gut HHS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Top appropriators press Trump administration for details about its vast, illegal plans to unilaterally weaken and reorganize HHS—calling for the “radical transparency” it has promised but utterly failed to deliver
    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee, sent a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers about the plans he announced last week to gut staffing levels and reorganize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
    In their letter, Murray, DeLauro, and Baldwin press Kennedy for more information about his plans to gut the Department—warning of how it will jeopardize Americans’ health and well-being and urging him to fulfill the administration’s promise of transparency and detail the Department’s plans. Thus far, the Trump administration has shared only the most high-level details about its massive reorganization plans and significant staffing reductions across HHS—all without so much as consulting Congress.
    “Authoritatively stating that these drastic changes will improve the health of Americans without any explanation insults the American public and defies logic,” write the lawmakers. “If these actions were actually intended to improve the Department’s ability to carry out its mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, you and the Department should be eager to provide additional detail and justification for them. Instead, the Department has operated with a complete lack of transparency—far less than previous administrations of both parties—and is withholding information from Congress and the American public. The obvious conclusion is the Department is intentionally hiding information because its actions will worsen the health and well-being of Americans. We insist that you begin operating the Department under the ‘radical transparency’ you pledged you would in your sworn testimony before the Senate.”
    The top Democratic health appropriators in each chamber note that the Department’s plans fly in the face of the funding bill Congress passed and the President signed just weeks ago, writing: “Just two weeks ago, Congress passed and the President signed a full-year fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill that provided funding to specific agencies and operating divisions within the Department to carry out specific authorized activities, programs, and functions. The Department’s announced reorganization completely disregards how Congress appropriated funding. The reorganization seeks to illegally eliminate agencies Congress explicitly appropriated funding for and illegally move functions and programs for which Congress explicitly appropriated funding for one agency to carry out to other agencies it did not. The magnitude of staff reductions and reorganizations will also very likely prevent the Department from executing its responsibilities under the law.”
    They detail other sweeping actions the Department has taken that weaken HHS’ ability to protect Americans health and set back ongoing lifesaving work—and note that if the steps are truly in the American public’s interest, the administration should be eager to share more details: “The Department has taken the unprecedented step of terminating thousands of grants, including for communities to combat infectious diseases like measles and bird flu, and to discover treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other devastating diseases. The Department has paused funding for grants and prevented organizations from legally drawing down already awarded funds. The Department has imposed gag orders and already delayed billions in funding for lifesaving research at NIH. The Department has attempted to illegally cap and cut funding for research institutions in obvious contravention of annual appropriations law. The Department has been unwilling to provide even basic information about these actions to Congress.”
    “The American people deserve to know what is happening to the federal workforce and agencies tasked with carrying out the Department’s tremendous responsibilities and the taxpayer dollars appropriated to carry those responsibilities out,” the lawmakers conclude, before demanding answers to a series of straightforward questions about the Department’s reorganization and staffing plans—with answers requested by April 4.
    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
    Secretary Kennedy,
    We write with extreme concerns about significant staffing reductions and reorganizations at the Department of Health and Human Services (the “Department”), amidst other unprecedented actions taken by the Department over the last several weeks, which put American’s health and well-being at risk. The stunning lack of transparency surrounding these changes leaves us deeply concerned about what the administration is hiding. Moreover, several actions taken or proposed by the Administration appear to violate federal law.
    Last week the Department announced it was implementing an unprecedented and disruptive reorganization that includes significant staffing reductions and office closures. This will degrade the Department’s capacity and expertise across a wide range of issues that will impact communities and individuals across the country. In the past, the Department has always worked closely with Congress on reorganizations, including those that were orders of magnitude smaller than what it is now being proposed. The Department has demonstrated a complete unwillingness to share even basic information with Congress (including the Committees on Appropriations) and the public about its actions or to provide any justification for them. Authoritatively stating that these drastic changes will improve the health of Americans without any explanation insults the American public and defies logic. If these actions were actually intended to improve the Department’s ability to carry out its mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, you and the Department should be eager to provide additional detail and justification for them. Instead, the Department has operated with a complete lack of transparency—far less than previous administrations of both parties—and is withholding information from Congress and the American public. The obvious conclusion is the Department is intentionally hiding information because its actions will worsen the health and well-being of Americans. We insist that you begin operating the Department under the “radical transparency” you pledged you would in your sworn testimony before the Senate. 
    Congress has an obligation to assess how changes the Department is haphazardly implementing will impact our constituents and the American public. It is our duty to ensure the Department is carrying out its tremendous responsibilities under the law that touch the lives of nearly every American, and this reorganization clearly violates the law. Just two weeks ago, Congress passed and the President signed a full-year fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill that provided funding to specific agencies and operating divisions within the Department to carry out specific authorized activities, programs, and functions. The Department’s announced reorganization completely disregards how Congress appropriated funding. The reorganization seeks to illegally eliminate agencies Congress explicitly appropriated funding for and illegally move functions and programs for which Congress explicitly appropriated funding for one agency to carry out to other agencies it did not. The magnitude of staff reductions and reorganizations will also very likely prevent the Department from executing its responsibilities under the law.
    In addition to the announced reorganization and staffing reductions, the Department has taken a series of other unprecedented and harmful actions over the last several weeks that raise similarly grave concerns. Last month, the administration fired thousands of employees serving in their probationary period across the Department. The Department has offered deferred resignation benefits and voluntary retirement to virtually all of its employees. The Department has taken the unprecedented step of terminating thousands of grants, including for communities to combat infectious diseases like measles and bird flu, and to discover treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other devastating diseases. The Department has paused funding for grants and prevented organizations from legally drawing down already awarded funds. The Department has imposed gag orders and already delayed billions in funding for lifesaving research at NIH. The Department has attempted to illegally cap and cut funding for research institutions in obvious contravention of annual appropriations law. The Department has been unwilling to provide even basic information about these actions to Congress.
    Earlier this month, reports emerged of significant planned reductions at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Department has now announced it plans to reorganize SAMHSA. We are deeply concerned about the impacts this will have on communities across the country trying to address substance use and mental health crises facing millions of families. After opioid overdose deaths reached a record high of nearly 112,000 from August 2022 to August 2023, we are finally making progress, and the trend of overdose deaths is shifting downward. Significant staff reductions and reorganizations will undermine SAMHSA’s ability to work with communities and make life-saving opioid-reversal drugs available. Communities across the country are also grappling with a mental health crisis, particularly among youth. Undercutting SAMHSA’s ability to work with states and communities to address this issue will only set us backward—putting mental health care further out of reach for those who need it. Additionally, we are concerned that staff firings will impact the work of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which has seen a steady increase in contact volume since it launched in 2022. If laying off staff or restructuring SAMHSA will have a positive effect on addressing the substance use and mental health crises affecting communities and families across the country, we think you would be eager to explain the steps you are taking. Despite requests by staff, we have not received any information about these planned staffing reductions and its effects on SAMHSA programs, and the Department has provided no information about planned reorganizations and how they will affect the administration of critical substance use prevention and treatment and mental health programs.
    Earlier this month, there were also reports of planned layoffs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). We are concerned about the impact these reductions will have on addressing healthcare workforce shortages, preventing and treating HIV/AIDS, supporting community health centers, and modernizing our organ donation and transplantation system. The Department has not provided the number of probationary employees that were fired who were working on these efforts or justification as to how these layoffs will best make use of the discretionary funding increases that Congress provided to HRSA in recent years. As the Department plans further staffing reductions at HRSA, we expect you would relish the opportunity to describe how staff layoffs will advance our shared goal of training more nurses and connecting the more than 100,000 Americans on organ donation waiting lists to lifesaving organ donations. Instead, questions have been met with silence, despite multiple requests for additional information. The Department is now planning to implement a reorganization of HRSA and again, has provided no information about how that will be implemented to improve the health and well-being of Americans.
    There have also been significant changes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To date, the Department has not provided any information on staffing reductions at those agencies, other than strictly the number of probationary employees who were fired. Those agencies are tasked with detecting and responding to dangerous diseases to keep Americans safe and supporting biomedical research into lifesaving treatments and cures for diseases. The Department owes it to the American public to describe how laying off scientists, researchers, fellows, and staff at CDC will keep Americans safe from infectious diseases such as measles, avian flu, and tuberculosis. The Department owes it to the American public to justify how laying off scientists, grant administrators, and other staff at NIH will provide hope to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other devastating diseases, including rare diseases for which NIH clinical trials offer their only hope. The Department owes it to the American public to justify how firing scientists and career staff across the Department to make room for political appointees and fringe conspiracy theorists with no scientific background is an acceptable and appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.
    We are also very concerned that the Department’s plan to dissolve the Administration for Community Living (ACL) will have a detrimental impact on the needs of some the country’s most vulnerable populations. ACL helps to ensure seniors and people with disabilities maintain their independence and participate fully in their communities. Carelessly shoving the administration of these activities into other operating divisions, already overwhelmed due to mass firings, will not help make Americans healthier; in fact, preventative programs administered by the thousands of community-based organizations that partner with ACL have significantly reduced health care costs for individuals at higher risk. These critical programs include nutrition services for older adults, which reduce hunger and encourage socialization; research and resource centers for people with disabilities and their caretakers; family caregiver support and respite care; and prevention of elder abuse and neglect. Dismantling ACL without any thought for the critical work it does shows a disregard for the needs of seniors and people with disabilities.
    The American people deserve to know what is happening to the federal workforce and agencies tasked with carrying out the Department’s tremendous responsibilities and the taxpayer dollars appropriated to carry those responsibilities out. Congress is owed the same. Finally, we remind you of your legal obligation (per section. 713 of P.L. 118-47) to ensure that no federal funds are used to prevent federal employees from communicating with members of Congress.
    To that end, we encourage you to begin operating the Department with the transparency you claim to. At the very least, that means directing your staff to provide the same level of information to Congress as previous administrations of both parties have provided – and to respond to basic inquires and requests for information and to maintain periodic briefings which you have cancelled. In addition, below we have included several questions, many of which have been submitted multiple times to the Department. This is information that should be readily available because it is surely information that was considered prior to making such significant changes at the Department.  
    We request responses to the following questions by April 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
    Provide the following:
    The organizational structure of the Department on 1/20/25.
    The planned organizational structure of the Department after the proposed reorganization that reflects any offices eliminated or moved relative to the structure as of 1/20/25.
    A table displaying all programs funded in fiscal year 2024 by Operational Division (as is routinely provided in annual Congressional Justifications) with a crosswalk of where they were funded in fiscal year 2024 to where they will be funded after the proposed reorganization.
    The total expected reduction in staffing at the Department relative to 1/20/25 by operational division and subcomponent (e.g. NIH institute, CDC center, HRSA bureau, etc.) including separately the number of probationary employees terminated, the number of employees who took deferred resignation or other voluntary separation, and those subject to Reductions in Force (RIF). Please also include a list of probationary employees that were fired and then rehired.

    For each impacted agency, operational division, or office in place as of 1/20/25, describe in detail how proposed reorganizations and staffing reductions will improve the ability of the Department to carry out its authorized and funded activities, and how it will enhance the health and well-being of Americans.
    For each impacted agency, operational division, or office in place as of 1/20/25, provide a justification for whether or not the proposed reorganization includes any reprogramming or transfer of funds.
    How will the Department execute fiscal year 2025 appropriations given the recently passed fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill provided funding under a different organizational structure? Specifically, for each program, activity, or function that the Department plans to administer under a different operational division than where it was funded by Congress in fiscal year 2025, describe how the Department would execute those appropriations. For new offices the Department plans to create, including a new “Administration for Healthy America,” describe which appropriations from which Department or agency plans to fund those new activities.
    Regarding probationary employees who were terminated:
    How many had a veteran’s preference?
    How many received an “Achieved Outstanding Results” performance review in their last 12 months?

    Provide a list of new political appointee positions created, or planned to be created under this reorganization, since 1/20/25.
    How many employees who were terminated, subject to RIFs, or who otherwise separated from the Department, worked on the Organ Procurement Transplantation Network modernization effort? How many worked on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline?
    For the National Institutes of Health, provide the number of probationary employees who were terminated, the number of employees who took deferred resignation or other voluntary separation, and the number expected to be subject to RIFs, by Institute, Center and Office (ICO) and job series, including:
    The number of scientists working in the Intramural Research Program, including a breakdown by ICO.
    For terminated employees, the number the Acting NIH Director requested to have reinstated.
    The number of employees who were reinstated by ICO.

    Provide a list of all grants and contracts that have been terminated since 1/20/25 by agency, Operational Division, and Office, including a justification, and any office involved in identifying it for termination.
    Provide a list of all grants and contracts that have any kind of stop payment indicator associated with them, including grantees who are unable to draw down funds.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hotter and deeper: how NZ’s plan to drill for ‘supercritical’ geothermal energy holds promise and risk

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Dempsey, Associate Professor in Natural Resources Engineering, University of Canterbury

    Shutterstock/donvictorio

    New Zealand’s North Island features a number of geothermal systems, several of which are used to generate some 1,000 MegaWatts of electricity. But deeper down there may be even more potential.

    The government is now investing NZ$60 million to explore what is known as “supercritical” geothermal energy, following five years of feasibility research led by GNS Science.

    Supercritical geothermal is hotter and deeper than conventional geothermal sources. It targets rocks between 375°C and 500°C, close to – but not within – magma.

    Water at these temperatures and depths has three to seven times more energy for conversion to electricity, compared to ordinary geothermal generation at comparatively cooler temperatures of 200°C to 300°C.

    The investment is staged, with $5 million earmarked for international consultants to design a super-deep well, and further funds to be released later for drilling to depths of up to six kilometres. Consultation is underway, with resources minister Shane Jones hoping to convince Māori landowners to collaborate.

    New Zealand already produces 1,000MW of electricity from conventional geothermal sources.
    Shutterstock/Chrispo

    GNS Science estimates the central North Island might have about 3,500MW worth of this resource, although actually accessing it might be difficult and expensive. The energy consulting firm Castalia was engaged to predict how much would be worth developing, suggesting between 1,300MW and 2,000MW, starting from 2037.

    This would be a lot of extra power. Even better, it would reduce the peaks and troughs in generation that arise from more variable solar and wind sources, which are expected to make up a growing share of electricity generation in the future. Supercritical geothermal is reportedly cost effective, which means the technology deserves serious consideration. But such claims should be subject to scrutiny.

    Successive governments have supported major state energy projects, including the Manapouri power station, petroleum exploration during the early 2000s, early geothermal drilling and the investigation of a pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow. The need for energy security clearly motivates such investments.

    But New Zealand has a healthy geothermal industry. In the past two decades, geothermal companies have invested $2 billion in hundreds of new wells and new power plants. The industry already knows how to drill wells and profit from them. So why is the government stepping in now?

    In practice, supercritical geothermal exploration and development faces several research, technical and economic risks. Private enterprise seems unwilling to bear them alone, prompting the government to step in to establish feasibility.

    How to crack soft rock

    One problem supercritical geothermal might encounter is that drilling deeper might find lots of hot rock, but not much water. Drilling experiments in Japan and Italy have shown that reaching 500°C is possible, but in both cases the rock was so ductile (pliable and easily stretched) because of the high temperatures that it couldn’t keep open the gaps needed for water to flow.

    However, the experience was different in Iceland where two wells managed to find water above 400°C. At this stage, it’s not clear whether this is because Iceland has special rocks – particularly basalts, which are less ductile – or because the country is being stretched through tectonic forces at a high rate. New Zealand is less able to count on basalts but it does experience rapid tectonic stretching.

    Deep drilling would test this key hypothesis: is there permeability (gaps for water to flow through) at supercritical conditions? The only way to know for sure is to drill down.

    If there isn’t permeability, the government could either abandon the investment or look into methods to create it. Multi-stage hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) is an option which has worked overseas in the North American shale gas industry. It has also recently been demonstrated in some US geothermal systems.

    Even if we did find permeability, the water produced in Iceland’s supercritical wells was enormously corrosive. A better option then might be to inject cold water into the well, suppressing the corrosive fluids. The injected water would heat up and rise into the overlying geothermal system – flushing the heat upwards.

    However, both water injection and fracking can trigger earthquakes, perhaps a magnitude 4-5 every year or a magnitude 5-6 every few decades. This happened in 2017 in Pohang in South Korea where water injection triggered a magnitude 5.5 earthquake. It resulted in the cancellation of the geothermal project.

    But there are many other geothermal projects where injection has not led to concerning earthquake activity.

    Fierce competition from solar, wind and batteries

    The other risk is economic. Supercritical geothermal might one day be technically feasible, but its potential contribution in New Zealand will be limited if it can’t beat other generation technologies on cost.

    Worldwide, the renewable energy sector continues to be disrupted by unprecedented cost decreases driven by innovations in utility-scale battery storage and solar photovoltaics.

    But the supply chains are largely overseas, mostly concentrated in China. This adds geopolitical complexity to the energy security calculus. Homegrown solutions are a strength.

    Nevertheless, the International Renewable Energy Agency reports cost reductions for solar and battery modules of 89% and 86% between 2010 and 2023. Solar costs drop 33% each time the built amount doubles. Drops in battery cost are enabling large deployments for daily smoothing of the peaks and troughs of intermittent solar and wind generation.

    This shifting cost landscape creates financial uncertainty for energy investors. While cost declines might not continue forever, it’s hard to pick when they will level off. Meanwhile, geothermal costs have been flat for a long time. A billion-dollar geothermal investment might quickly become uncompetitive.

    Despite all these caveats, we shouldn’t overlook the positive signal of the government taking a bet on New Zealand science and innovation. It will be exciting to see what’s happening at six kilometres of depth underground. And although the plan is not to drill for magma, an accidental strike (as happened in Iceland) would lead to some amazing science.

    Lastly, energy security deserves to be taken seriously over the long term. While supercritical geothermal won’t fix our immediate vulnerability to winter scarcity, it could help avoid similar issues in the 2040s.

    David Dempsey receives science funding from MBIE for research into geothermal energy.

    – ref. Hotter and deeper: how NZ’s plan to drill for ‘supercritical’ geothermal energy holds promise and risk – https://theconversation.com/hotter-and-deeper-how-nzs-plan-to-drill-for-supercritical-geothermal-energy-holds-promise-and-risk-252910

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘We’re not just welcoming you as allies, but as family’ – Rainbow Warrior in Marshall Islands 40 years on

    The first of a two-part series on the historic Rongelap evacuation of 300 Marshall islanders from their irradiated atoll with the help of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior crew and the return of Rainbow Warrior III 40 years later on a nuclear justice research mission.

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Shiva Gounden in Majuro

    Family isn’t just about blood—it’s about standing together through the toughest of times.

    This is the relationship between Greenpeace and the Marshall Islands — a vast ocean nation, stretching across nearly two million square kilometers of the Pacific. Beneath the waves, coral reefs are bustling with life, while coconut trees stand tall.

    For centuries, the Marshallese people have thrived here, mastering the waves, reading the winds, and navigating the open sea with their canoe-building knowledge passed down through generations. Life here is shaped by the rhythm of the tides, the taste of fresh coconut and roasted breadfruit, and an unbreakable bond between people and the sea.

    From the bustling heart of its capital, Majuro to the quiet, far-reaching atolls, their islands are not just land; they are home, history, and identity.

    Still, Marshallese communities were forced into one of the most devastating chapters of modern history — turned into a nuclear testing ground by the United States without consent, and their lives and lands poisoned by radiation.

    Operation Exodus: A legacy of solidarity
     Between 1946 and 1958, the US conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands — its total yield roughly equal to one Hiroshima-sized bomb every day for 12 years.

    During this Cold War period, the US government planned to conduct its largest nuclear test ever. On the island of Bikini, United States Commodore Ben H. Wyatt manipulated the 167 Marshallese people who called Bikini home asking them to leave so that the US could carry out atomic bomb testing, stating that it was for “the good of mankind and to end all world wars”.

    Exploiting their deep faith, he misled Bikinians into believing they were acting in God’s will, and trusting this, they agreed to move—never knowing the true cost of their decision

    Bikini Islanders board a landing craft vehicle personnel (LCVP) as they depart from Bikini Atoll in March 1946. Image: © United States Navy

    On March 1, 1954, the Castle Bravo test was launched — its yield 1000 times stronger than Hiroshima. Radioactive fallout spread across Rongelap Island about 150 kilometers away, due to what the US government claimed was a “shift in wind direction”.

    In reality, the US ignored weather reports that indicated the wind would carry the fallout eastward towards Rongelap and Utirik Atolls, exposing the islands to radioactive contamination. Children played in what they thought was snow, and almost immediately the impacts of radiation began — skin burning, hair fallout, vomiting.

    The Rongelap people were immediately relocated, and just three years later were told by the US government their island was deemed safe and asked to return.

    For the next 28 years, the Rongelap people lived through a period of intense “gaslighting” by the US government. *

    Nuclear weapon test Castle Bravo (yield 15 Mt) on Bikini Atoll, 1 March 1954. © United States Department of Energy

    Forced to live on contaminated land, with women enduring miscarriages and cancer rates increasing, in 1985, the people of Rongelap made the difficult decision to leave their homeland. Despite repeated requests to the US government to help evacuate, an SOS was sent, and Greenpeace responded: the Rainbow Warrior arrived in Rongelap, helping to move communities to Mejatto Island.

    This was the last journey of the first Rainbow Warrior. The powerful images of their evacuation were captured by photographer Fernando Pereira, who, just months later, was killed in the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior as it sailed to protest nuclear testing in the Pacific.

    Evacuation of Rongelap Islanders to Mejatto by the Rainbow Warrior crew in the Pacific 1985. Rongelap suffered nuclear fallout from US nuclear tests done from 1946-1958, making it a hazardous place to live. Image: © Greenpeace/Fernando Pereira

    From nuclear to climate: The injustice repeats
     The fight for justice did not end with the nuclear tests—the same forces that perpetuated nuclear colonialism continue to endanger the Marshall Islands today with new threats: climate change and deep-sea mining.

    The Marshall Islands, a nation of over 1,000 islands, is particularly vulnerable to climate impacts. Entire communities could disappear within a generation due to rising sea levels. Additionally, greedy international corporations are pushing to mine the deep sea of the Pacific Ocean for profit. Deep sea mining threatens fragile marine ecosystems and could destroy Pacific ways of life, livelihoods and fish populations. The ocean connects us all, and a threat anywhere in the Pacific is a threat to the world.

    Marshallese activists with traditional outriggers on the coast of the nation’s capital Majuro to demand that leaders of developed nations dramatically upscale their plans to limit global warming during the online meeting of the Climate Vulnerable Forum in 2018. Image: © Martin Romain/Greenpeace

    But if there could be one symbol to encapsulate past nuclear injustices and current climate harms it would be the Runit Dome. This concrete structure was built by the US to contain radioactive waste from years of nuclear tests, but climate change now poses a direct threat.

    Rising sea levels and increasing storm surges are eroding the dome’s integrity, raising fears of radioactive material leaking into the ocean, potentially causing a nuclear disaster.

    Aerial view of Runit Dome, Runit Island, Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands . . . symbolic of past nuclear injustices and current climate harms in the Pacific. Image: © US Defense Special Weapons Agency

    Science, storytelling, and resistance: The Rainbow Warrior’s epic mission and 40 year celebration

    At the invitation of the Marshallese community and government, the Rainbow Warrior is in the Pacific nation to celebrate 40 years since 1985’s Operation Exodus, and stand in support of their ongoing fight for nuclear justice, climate action, and self-determination.

    This journey brings together science, storytelling, and activism to support the Marshallese movement for justice and recognition. Independent radiation experts and Greenpeace scientists will conduct crucial research across the atolls, providing much-needed data on remaining nuclear contamination.

    For decades, research on radiation levels has been controlled by the same government that conducted the nuclear tests, leaving many unanswered questions. This independent study will help support the Marshallese people in their ongoing legal battles for recognition, reparations, and justice.

    Marshallese women greet the Rainbow Warrior as it arrives in the capital Majuro earlier this month. Image: © Bianca Vitale/Greenpeace

    The path of the ship tour: A journey led by the Marshallese
     From March to April, the Rainbow Warrior is sailing across the Marshall Islands, stopping in Majuro, Mejatto, Enewetak, Bikini, Rongelap, and Wotje. Like visiting old family, each of these locations carries a story — of nuclear fallout, forced displacement, resistance, and hope for a just future.

    But just like old family, there’s something new to learn. At every stop, local leaders, activists, and a younger generation are shaping the narrative.

    Their testimonies are the foundation of this journey, ensuring the world cannot turn away. Their stories of displacement, resilience, and hope will be shared far beyond the Pacific, calling for justice on a global scale.

    Bunny McDiarmid and Henk Haazen greet locals at the welcoming ceremony in Majuro, Marshall Islands, earlier this month. Bunny and Henk were part of the Greenpeace crew in 1985 to help evacuate the people of Rongelap. Image: © Bianca Vitale/Greenpeace

    A defining moment for climate justice
     The Marshallese are not just survivors of past injustices; they are champions of a just future. Their leadership reminds us that those most affected by climate change are not only calling for action — they are showing the way forward. They are leaders of finding solutions to avert these crises.

    Local Marshallese women’s group dance and perform cultural songs at the Rainbow Warrior welcome ceremony in Majuro, Marshall islands, earlier this month. Image: © Bianca Vitale/Greenpeace

    Since they have joined the global fight for climate justice, their leadership in the climate battle has been evident.

    In 2011, they established a shark sanctuary to protect vital marine life.

    In 2024, they created their first ocean sanctuary, expanding efforts to conserve critical ecosystems. The Marshall Islands is also on the verge of signing the High Seas Treaty, showing their commitment to global marine conservation, and has taken a firm stance against deep-sea mining.

    They are not only protecting their lands but are also at the forefront of the global fight for climate justice, pushing for reparations, recognition, and climate action.

    This voyage is a message: the world must listen, and it must act. The Marshallese people are standing their ground, and we stand in solidarity with them — just like family.

    Learn their story. Support their call for justice. Amplify their voices. Because when those on the frontlines lead, justice is within reach.

    Shiva Gounden is the head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific. This article series is republished with the permission of Greenpeace.

    * This refers to the period from 1957 — when the US Atomic Energy Commission declared Rongelap Atoll safe for habitation despite known contamination — to 1985, when Greenpeace assisted the Rongelap community in relocating due to ongoing radiation concerns. The Compact of Free Association, signed in 1986, finally started acknowledging damages caused by nuclear testing to the populations of Rongelap.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hawley Addresses Students at Liberty University Convocation 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
    By U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) | March 31, 2024 | Liberty University
    On Friday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) delivered the Convocation Address to students at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Listen to Senator Hawley’s full remarks here. 
    Speech excerpts as delivered:
    “Is not our nation in so many ways spiritually oppressed? Are we not suffering the spiritual oppression of the forces of secularism in our society? For decades now, the forces of secularism–the false gods, if you will, of secularism–have said that Christians should be silent in the public square. That Christians should have no place in law or in business or in academia or in government. The forces of secularism would cut us off from our spiritual history, from our spiritual foundations, from what makes us who we are as a nation. Every civilization is founded on a set of religious convictions, and the United States of America I firmly believe is the greatest nation in the world because our religious convictions are the convictions of the Bible.
    […]
    “But the forces of secularism seek to cut us off from that truth. It seeks to destroy it and in so doing, to oppress our nation. Are we not oppressed by the forces of materialism? The false gods of wealth and self?
    […]
    “This is maybe the most prevalent idol of our popular culture. The idol that says, live for yourself. Put yourself first. Self-care, self-gratification. Organize your life around you.
    […]
    “And young men can I just say a word to you? Would you mind? Can I just say to you that there is a particular version of this idol that is directed specifically to you. It’s the version of this idol that says true manhood consists of doing whatever you want, whenever you want, to whomever you want, no matter the cost. I know you’ve heard it. It’s louder and louder and louder in our culture. And can I just say to you today, that is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is not manhood after the pattern of Jesus.
    […]
    “The truth is, Jesus Christ was the strongest man who ever lived and he led a life of sacrifice. This is a false idol, and you know it is because there’s no cost to it. True manhood has cost. It costs you something. It’s the denial of self. It is a war on sin. It is sacrifice for other people. That’s what it means to be a man after Jesus Christ. Tear down the idol of self in your life and look instead to the example of Jesus Christ.
    […] 
    “When God comes to us He does not come to us and say, ‘Let me see your resume.’ When God comes to us He does not come and say, ‘What can you do for me?’ When God comes to us to call us, He says, ‘I declare this is who you are in Jesus Christ.’ God’s word to Gideon in Gideon’s’ life is not a rehearsal of Gideon’s accomplishments. It is a promise of God’s work in his life. He says, ‘I will make you a mighty man of valor.’ Receive that word from the Lord for you. He says the same words over you: ‘Oh mighty man of valor. Oh mighty woman of valor.’ Let Him speak those words over you and receive them today. Catch God’s vision for your life. He has a vision to use you in powerful ways. He has a vision to use you for powerful purpose for the Kingdom of God. And it doesn’t depend on what you’ve done, on where you’ve been, on what choices you’ve made or what your past is. It depends on who God is.”
    Watch Senator Hawley’s convocation address here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Bill to Release Illegally Withheld Funding for Wisconsin Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues introduced the Honor Farmer Contracts Act, legislation to release illegally withheld funding for all contracts and agreements previously entered into by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). President Trump’s USDA has refused to make reimbursement payments to fulfill signed contracts, without any indication of when or whether farmers will be paid the money they paid out and are owed. Farmers in Wisconsin and the organizations that serve them operate on tight margins and cannot be left waiting without funding they rightfully were awarded and planned for. This legislation would require the USDA to pay farmers all past due payments as quickly as possible to prevent them from having to shut down their operations.
    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are stiffing our farmers and processors – taking away resources these folks were guaranteed, threatening small businesses’ ability to stay open and people’s livelihoods. Wisconsin farmers work hard on tight margins and drive our rural economy forward – and there is no reason they should be left high and dry by this administration just so Elon Musk and Donald Trump can pass a tax break that makes their rich friends richer,” said Senator Baldwin. “It’s wrong and I am fighting back.”
    When farmers successfully apply to USDA programs and then spend their own dollars  under contracts with the agency, they rightfully expect that they will receive reimbursement. Similarly, farmer-serving organizations—which farmers rely upon to connect to local markets and implement practices that make them more productive and less resource intensive—are facing imminent funding crises from not being reimbursed for completed or in-progress contracted work. If not quickly made whole, these organizations will be forced to make agonizing decisions to lay off staff and stop helping farmers, destroying years of progress and investment in our agriculture economy.
    In March of this year, Senator Baldwin successfully pushed the USDA to restart payments already committed to Wisconsin Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiative recipients after calling on the Trump Administration the month prior to release the funding. She’s also called on the Trump Administration to reverse course on funding for a partnership between Wisconsin farmers and local food banks that was clawed back by the federal government earlier this month.
    The Honor Farmer Contracts Act would:
    Require USDA to unfreeze all signed agreements and contracts;
    Require USDA to make all past due payments as quickly as possible;
    Prohibit USDA from cancelling agreements or contracts with farmers or organizations providing assistance to farmers unless there has been a failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract.
    Prohibit USDA from closing any Farm Service Agency county office, Natural Resources Conservation Service field office or Rural Development Service Center without providing 60 days prior notice and justification to Congress.
    The bill is led by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and also co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse, and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) also introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    Full text of this legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils guideline to improve social credit system

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China on Monday published a guideline to improve the social credit system amid efforts to promote its high-quality development.
    The guideline, issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, includes 23 measures and aims to build a unified national market while maintaining a fair and orderly competitive market environment.
    Under the guideline, a social credit system covering all types of entities, featuring unified rules and regulations, and being jointly built and with shared benefits, should be established to promote deep integration of the social credit system into all aspects of social and economic development.
    Credit has played a key role in optimizing the business environment, promoting financial services for the real economy, and enhancing government governance and service efficiency, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
    However, challenges remain in the social credit system, such as inconsistent regulatory frameworks and insufficient sharing and openness of credit information. Therefore, further improvements to the social credit system are necessary to provide foundational support for high-quality economic and social development, it said.
    Regarding information security, the NDRC said construction of the social credit system adheres to the fundamental principle of defending information security and individual rights, while guarding against excessive information collection and any illegal or irregular activities on disclosure, processing, sale or use of information.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: East China city lifts home resale limit to boost property market

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Nanjing, the capital of east China’s Jiangsu Province, on Monday announced that it is completely lifting home resale restrictions amid a series of measures to promote the stable and healthy development of the property sector.
    Effective from Monday, commercial housing can be listed for resale as soon as the owner obtains a property ownership certificate, Jiang Haiqin, deputy director of the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Housing Security and Real Estate, told a press briefing. The move aims to better accommodate residents’ diverse housing needs and facilitate the housing upgrades.
    The city imposed housing resale restrictions in May 2017, banning owners from reselling their homes within three years of getting their property ownership certificates, in a bid to curb speculation and cool the home market.
    To further support home buyers looking to upgrade their housing, the city authorities will also improve and expand its housing trade-in scheme, Jiang said.
    The scheme will be backed by government and developer subsidies, financial institution support, and real estate broker assistance. As part of the first phase, authorities will allocate 100 million yuan (about 13.9 million U.S. dollars) in subsidies, supplemented by additional developer-led promotions, to boost housing upgrading purchases.
    Nanjing is also introducing preferential financial policies for young people. Commercial banks will be encouraged to launch special mortgage products featuring low down payments, reduced interest rates, and extended loan terms for buyers under the age of 45.
    The city’s latest efforts reflect a broader effort by Chinese authorities to stabilize and boost confidence in the real estate market, a key pillar of the country’s economy.
    The latest policy shift comes as Nanjing’s housing market shows signs of recovery. Official data indicates that in the first two months of 2025, the city’s transaction area for new and second-hand homes rose by 29.9 percent and 16.7 percent year on year, respectively.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: First batch of disaster-relief material by Chinese government arrives in Myanmar

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    YANGON, March 31 — The first batch of disaster-relief material provided by the Chinese government arrived here on Monday.

    The supplies were welcomed by Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia and Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, among others.

    The supplies included 1,200 tents, 8,000 blankets and more than 40,000 first aid kits, Ma said, adding that more supplies were being prepared and will soon arrive in Myanmar.

    She noted that China is willing to assist in Myanmar’s earthquake relief and post-disaster reconstruction, and wished the people of Myanmar an early victory over the disaster and reconstruction of their homeland.

    Thein said the supplies demonstrated a profound friendship of the Chinese government and people toward the Myanmar people.

    A Chinese rescue team arrived first after the earthquake, Thein said, noting that multiple Chinese teams were sent later.

    Expressing gratitude to China for its sincere help, Thein said the supplies would be sent to disaster-hit areas soon.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong, Guangdong hold ceremony to mark 60 years of Dongjiang water supply

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HONG KONG, March 31 — A ceremony was held here on Monday to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong, along with the opening of Dancing Water Drops Exhibition.

    The ceremony was co-hosted by officials from the central government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, and the Guangdong provincial government.

    Addressing the occasion, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee noted that Dongjiang water accounts for 70 to 80 percent of Hong Kong’s drinking water, supporting the city’s economic development and ensuring the well-being of its residents.

    “Dongjiang water supply is not just an engineering project but also a profound symbol of familial ties, encouraging Hong Kong residents to remember the source of water and contribute to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” Lee said.

    Guangdong Governor Wang Weizhong said that Guangdong province has, over the past six decades, firmly implemented the central government’s decisions and regarded ensuring the safety of water supply to Hong Kong as a major mission.

    Standing at a new starting point, Guangdong province will comprehensively and accurately implement the “one country, two systems” principle with unwavering commitment, effectively manage and utilize the water supply project, ensuring that Hong Kong compatriots continue to have access to safe and high-quality water, thus providing strong support for Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability, Wang said.

    The ceremony also featured a lighting ceremony for the exhibition, which will take place from Tuesday to June 13 at Tamar Park and the Central and Western District Promenade.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Back to basics for public service

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is overhauling the Public Service Act 2020 as part of its ongoing push to get back to basics and deliver value for money to taxpayers, Public Service Minister Judith Collins announced today.
    The New Zealand National Party-ACT New Zealand Coalition Agreement requires the Act be amended to “clarify the role of the public service, drive performance and ensure accountability to deliver on the agenda of the government of the day”.
    “The Public Service Act 2020, implemented by the previous government, added new responsibilities to the core role of chief executives which diminished their responsibility for implementing government policies and making efficient use of taxpayer money,” Ms Collins says.
    “We don’t need to tell the chief executives of the public service which laws to follow. They just need to follow the law – like all other employers.
    “The Act as it stands is impeding the public service from doing its best work, which in is in turn holding back the country from making progress on economic growth and other government priorities.”
    The Public Service Amendment Bill will:

    Clarify the role of the public service;
    streamline chief executive responsibilities;
    reinforce the principle of merit-based appointments;
    improve chief executive and agency performance management;
    utilise and improve tools to reduce silos; and
    better manage risk.

    “In the six years from 2017 to 2023, the number of people employed in the core Public Service grew 34% to 63,117 full-time equivalent employees,” Ms Collins says.
    “Despite this whopping increase, the actual outcomes for New Zealanders went backwards across key areas such as health, education and crime. This is unacceptable.
    “The efficiency, professionalism, and performance of the public service is a key resource for the Government and for New Zealanders, whose taxes pay for it.
    “The changes we are making will bring more discipline to government spending and enable New Zealand’s economy to grow, creating more jobs, higher incomes and money to invest in core services such as schools, hospitals and roads.”
    The Public Service Amendment Bill is expected to be introduced in July.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Public Works Act overhaul complete to drive infrastructure growth

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The final stage of reforms to the Public Works Act will introduce bigger and broader land payments, improved landowner engagement and new measures to support disaster recovery, Land Information Minister Chris Penk has announced. 
     
    “The Government has been working through an overhaul of the Public Works Act (PWA) to bring it into the 21st century after an independent review found it lacked clarity and commonsense. Today, I am proud to confirm that review is complete” Mr Penk says.  
     
    “If we want to grow the economy, boost productivity and make New Zealand a better place to live we must fix our pipes, increase the capacity of our schools and hospitals, and build more homes, roads and renewable energy sources. 
     
    “I want to thank the panel members for their expert advice in making the Act more efficient, effective, and transparent. This will help end decades of difficulties which have seen central and local governments struggle to secure land for development. 
     
    “Already announced changes include a dedicated carve-out in the law to provide incentive payments and a streamlined objections process for critical infrastructure. Now, this final set of reforms will modernise the wider system – protecting landowners’ rights while ensuring the Crown and local authorities can deliver for New Zealanders.”

    The final tranche will:  

    Introduce incentive payments: To encourage early agreements on land acquisition, landowners who voluntarily sell their property before a Notice of Intention is issued will now be eligible for an incentive payment of 10 percent of the land value, up to a maximum of $100,000. 

    Update home-loss and land-loss payments: To recognise the disruption caused by acquisition, additional payments will be made alongside the land value and any incentive payments: 

    o    The home-loss base payment will increase from $35,000 to $50,000.  
    o    The land-loss payment amount will increase from $250-$25,000 to $350-$35,000. 
    o    Home-loss payments will now extend to multiple homes on a property, such as farms held in trust with multiple owners residing on the land. 

    Land Acquisition Process Reforms: The process for acquiring land will be streamlined by replacing the initial statutory notice with a more structured engagement process. Before issuing a Notice of Intention for compulsory acquisition: 

    o    Landowners must receive comprehensive information on the acquisition, their rights, entitlements, and an invitation to sell. 
    o    The Minister or local authority must negotiate with landowners in good faith for at least three months (or six months for Māori freehold land). 

    Emergency Provisions: New measures will allow land acquisition following a declared state of emergency to support infrastructure restoration and community recovery, when activated by Order in Council.  

    “Cyclone Gabrielle showed in the starkest light the immense challenges communities face after a natural disaster. When roads, railway lines, water and power stations are wiped out and homes left uninhabitable, we must act swiftly and decisively. This new emergency provision empowers us to reconnect those in need,” Mr Penk says.  

    The Public Works Act Amendment Bill will be introduced to Parliament in mid-2025, with the public invited to provide feedback through the select committee process.

    Note to editors:      

    Information on previously announced Public Works Act changes can be found on the Beehive website: 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: LLumin CMMS+ Achieves “Sage Intacct Recommended” Status for Delivering Seamless Maintenance and Financial Integration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LLumin, the leading CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) provider, announces the integration of its best-of-breed asset maintenance software with Sage Intacct, the powerful cloud financial management system and trusted software provider for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in industrial manufacturing and automation. Having joined the Sage ERP Partner Ecosystem, LLumin’s CMMS+ integration with Sage Intacct has earned “Sage Recommended” status and secured a new member listing on the Sage Intacct Marketplace.

    “Achieving a single source of truth is crucial for any organization, especially manufacturers striving for peak operational efficiency. The integration of LLumin CMMS+ with Sage Intacct, including our newest AI-powered features, provides manufacturers with a unified platform that eliminates data silos and enables informed, data-driven decision-making, resulting in improved maintenance and asset management,” stated Dan Miller, EVP Financials and ERP Division at Sage.

    This robust integration allows for a seamless flow of information between maintenance and finance, including intelligent time tracking and financial oversight. The software’s versatility makes it ideal for managing a wider range of assets, including facilities, fleets, and infrastructure.

    “This integration isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about preventing them. LLumin CMMS+ and Sage Intacct together enable manufacturers to proactively manage assets, minimize disruptions, and gain a decisive operations competitive edge, all while optimizing their financial performance,” said Ed Garibian, LLumin CEO.said Ed Garibian, LLumin CEO.

    The powerful rule-based workflows and automated work order generation in CMMS+, provides manufacturers the right approach to optimize maintenance operations, reduce downtime, and extend asset life. The CMMS + integration with Sage Intacct delivers a seamless connection between maintenance operations and financial records, providing such significant benefits to customers as:

    • Streamlined Spare Parts Management: Leverage LLumin’s best-in-class spare parts inventory and procurement capabilities to ensure accurate stock levels and timely reordering.
    • Elimination of Duplicate Data Entry: Automatically sync invoices for spare parts between LLumin CMMS+ and Sage Intacct, reducing manual input and minimizing errors.
    • Improved Financial Accuracy: Ensure consistency between maintenance operations and financial records by seamlessly integrating procurement data with Sage Intacct’s accounting system.
    • Enhanced Efficiency: Save time and resources by automating workflows between maintenance and finance teams, improving overall operational productivity.

    For more information about LLumin CMMS+ and its integration with Sage Intacct, please visit LLumin.com.

    About Sage

    Sage exists to knock down barriers so everyone can thrive, starting with the millions of Small and Mid-Sized Businesses served by us, our partners and accountants. Customers trust our finance, HR and payroll software to make work and money flow. By digitizing business processes and relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, banks and governments, our digital network connects SMBs, removing friction and delivering insights. Knocking down barriers also means we use our time, technology and experience to tackle digital inequality, economic inequality and the climate crisis. For more information, visit Sage.

    About LLumin:

    The team at LLumin possesses decades of experience in the CMMS software industry, managing fleet, facilities, and industrial machinery for all industries. Having developed CMMS+ as a IOT and Industry 4.0 first Asset Performance and Maintenance Management solution suite, the software delivers ROI by improving Asset Uptime and OEE levels, lowering MTTR metrics, and extending the life of asset lifecycles. For more information, visit LLumin.com.

    Media Contact:

    Valerie Harding,
    Ripple Effect Communications
    Email: valerie@RippleEffectPR.com
    Tel: 617-536-8887

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09466f8f-7b16-4899-8101-07868790dd6c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Using tranquillisers on racehorses is ethically questionable and puts horses and riders at risk

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul McGreevy, Professor, School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney

    hedgehog94/Shutterstock

    Australia’s horse racing industry is in the spotlight after recent allegations of tranquilliser use on horses so they can be “worked” (exercised) between race days.

    A recent ABC report stated workers in the Australian racing industry allege horses are being routinely medicated for track work at the peril of rider and horse safety.

    Using tranquillisers on horses during training and management may not be illegal but this could breach nationwide racing rules.

    The prevalence of the practice is not clear but many industry insiders report it as common.

    Racing Australia had “recently become aware” of the use of acepromazine for track work and had begun collecting data about the practice, but had not been made aware of any complaints or concerns.

    What medications are horses given?

    Horses may be given a low dose of a tranquilliser, most commonly acepromazine. This makes their behaviour easier to control in certain situations, such as when they’re being examined by a veterinarian.

    This drug must be prescribed by an attending veterinarian, and it can calm unfriendly and apprehensive animals. This could assist with making excited, hyperactive horses easier to control and less likely to buck, rear or put people at risk of injury from uncontrolled flight responses.

    But proprioception – the way horses feel the world around them, notably the ground beneath them – is likely to be compromised. So, from a work health and safety perspective, the risk of tripping and falling is front of mind.

    Other risks to horses from acepromazine can include impaired blood clotting, lower blood pressure, respiratory depression and, in rare cases, permanent paralysis of the penis in male horses.

    A dangerous combination

    In the racing industry, tranquillisers are given to reduce the difficulties that come from riding and handling very fit, young horses that have been bred, fed and managed to be highly reactive and move at very high speeds.

    This combination of selective breeding and only basic training can make them very difficult to control both during trackwork, when speeds of over 60 kilometres per hour can be reached, as well as during routine management.

    Thoroughbreds’ diets, intensive management and relative lack of behavioural conditioning can be a dangerous combination.

    The diets and confinement make them excitable and likely to take off; if they do, the lack of appropriate training makes them difficult to stop.

    What makes race thoroughbreds hard to handle?

    All horses have three fundamental needs – friends, forage and freedom, known as the “three F’s”.

    Friends: horses have evolved to spend time with large mixed groups. They feel safer in these groups and this safety is highly valued: mutual grooming with preferred conspecifics (other equids) can calm them. In contrast, most stabled horses have no choice about who their neighbours are and can usually only have minimal physical interactions. Once out on the track, horses are highly motivated to stay with other horses and are more likely to be distracted rather than to attend to the rider.

    Freedom: horses evolved to move for up to 70% of their day, which is essential for their welfare. In contrast, most racehorses, and indeed many other performance horses, often spend up to 23 hours a day confined in stables. Unfortunately, stabled horses are harder to train and more likely to buck. Prolonged confinement leads to many horses becoming more reactive, a state that increases the likelihood of injuries to riders.

    Forage: horses are trickle feeders that graze on high-fibre, low-nutrient forages for up to 16 hours a day. In contrast, racehorses are fed high-energy diets that can be quickly consumed, leading to risk of digestive disturbances, such as gastric ulcers and long periods during which, confined to their stables, they have nothing to do.

    Modern racehorse management and training often denies them access to these “three F’s”, which leads to behavioural problems that are then sometimes managed by tranquillising the horse.

    Horses are social animals that enjoy grazing and activity.
    Patrick Jennings/Shutterstock

    Lastly, there’s the kind of work racehorses do.

    High-intensity work increases the concentrations of adrenaline and cortisol to support the energy demands of the work. However, this increases the horse’s arousal and reduces their ability to attend to rider cues.

    This can make them hard to control.

    Collectively, these factors create horses that are not having their fundamental needs met. It’s no wonder that, once free of the confinement of their stables, they can become excited and hard to control, putting their riders and even themselves at risk of injury.

    A band-aid solution

    There is no textbook that advises vets on how to diagnose or treat horses that are hyperactive, nor are there any data on how horses can be safely tranquillised before being ridden.

    However, a UK government data sheet for the most common equine tranquilliser globally, acepromazine maleate, states: “do not, in any circumstances, ride horses within the 36 hours following administration of the product”.

    In Australia, racing trainers must keep records of all medications given to horses. Unfortunately, the veterinarians who supply this medication to trainers for use on racehorses are usually doing so without a specific diagnosis or treatment plan.

    Routine use of tranquillisers is a band-aid solution to an industry-wide practice of confining, over-feeding and under-training fit, young horses that have been bred to run.

    If this practice is ever policed, there will likely be enormous repercussions for the sustainability of racing.

    As a first step to addressing this issue, the industry could commit to monitoring and publishing annual data on the routine use of tranquillisers.

    Paul McGreevy has received funding from the Australian Research Council, RSPCA Australia and animal welfare focussed philanthropy. He is a Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science, a member of the British Veterinary Association and currently sits on the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board.

    Cathrynne Henshall receives funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Welfare Foundation. She is a trustee and council member of the International Society for Equitation Science.

    – ref. Using tranquillisers on racehorses is ethically questionable and puts horses and riders at risk – https://theconversation.com/using-tranquillisers-on-racehorses-is-ethically-questionable-and-puts-horses-and-riders-at-risk-245167

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –