NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New deal for GPs will fix the front door of the NHS

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New deal for GPs will fix the front door of the NHS

    GP contract reforms will fix the front door of the NHS and see the return of the family doctor, while helping end the 8am scramble for appointments

    • Biggest doctor’s union backs new government deal with GPs to fix the front door of the NHS and bring back the family doctor 

    • Slashing red tape and cutting box ticking targets will free up GPs and take the first steps to end the 8am scramble for appointments 

    • Reforms will be backed by increased funding to reverse years of under investment in General Practice 

    • Agreement with the BMA on the GP contract for the first time in four years is a reset of relations after recent collective action that has blighted the health service 

    For the first time in four years, government and GP representatives have agreed reforms to GP contracts, to fix the front door of the NHS and bring back the family doctor, which was identified as a priority by the Health and Social Care Secretary when he first joined the department. 

    The new deal agreed yesterday (February 27) between the government and British Medical Association (BMA) will free up doctors from red tape and box-ticking targets to concentrate on what they do best – treating patients. 

    The new agreed contract will modernise general practice by requiring GP surgeries to allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours from October, freeing up the phones for those who need them most, and making it easier for practices to triage patients based on medical need. The reforms are part of the government’s Plan for Change to make general practice fit for the future and will support GPs in taking the first steps to end the 8am scramble for appointments, which so many patients currently endure every day – in turn improving access to GPs for everyone. 

    The deal for family doctors is backed by the biggest funding boost for General Practice in years, reversing the decade-long cuts to general practice funding as a share of the NHS budget. 

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:     

    Rebuilding the broken NHS starts with GPs. Patients need to be able to easily book an appointment, in the manner they want, with their regular doctor if they choose. 

    Today, we have taken the first step to fixing the front door to the NHS, bringing back the family doctor, and ending the 8am scramble. 

    Over the past decade, funding for GPs has been cut relative to the rest of the NHS, while the number of targets for GPs has soared. That’s why patients are struggling to get an appointment. 

    This government is cutting the red tape that ties up GPs time and backing them with an extra £889 million next year. In return, more patients will be able to request appointments online and see their regular doctor for each appointment. Through the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, we will work with GPs to rebuild the NHS and make it fit for the future.

    Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England national director for primary care and community services, said:  

    Improving patients’ access to general practice is a huge priority for the NHS and this contract sets out the next steps to put the family doctor at the heart of the shift to a neighbourhood health service.  

    This is the first time in four years that the GP contract has been accepted as proposed and I hope it will be seen as positive for practices, GP teams and patients when introduced in April.  

    It shows how NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have listened and delivered on the priorities that matter most to patients and general practice teams, including a significant increase in funding and extra flexibility in the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme to recruit more staff including GPs.    

    Other key changes include improved digital access for patients, setting out what patients can expect from their practice in a new charter and encouraging GP teams to identify patients with the greatest need that would most benefit from seeing the same clinician at every appointment.

    Today’s reforms will be underpinned by an extra £889 million to fix the front door of health, bringing total spend on the GPs contract to £13.2 billion in 2025/26.  

    The 7.2% boost to the GP contract is faster than the 5.8% growth to the NHS budget as a whole, helping to reverse the decade long trend of GP practices receiving an ever-decreasing percentage of NHS funding and supporting the shift from hospital to community. Lord Darzi found that the share of the health service’s budget dedicated to primary care had fallen by a quarter between 2009 and 2021.   

    Burdensome red tape on GPs will be reduced by scrapping unnecessary targets like those requiring practices to report on staff wellbeing meetings or to explain how they are reviewing staff access to IT systems. Under the new GP contract, nearly half of the targets (32 of 76) that GPs must report their progress against will be removed. The reforms will free up GPs from pointless box-ticking, so they can spend more time treating patients and delivering the government’s promise to bring back the family doctor.  

    In addition to patients being able to request GP appointments online, they will also gain clearer information about the care they can expect to receive through the online patient charter – including the services available to them – along with more consistent care as the government introduces measures bring back the family doctor. To make sure those most in need are prioritised, GPs will be incentivised to identify patients who would benefit most from seeing the same GP at every appointment, so more patients see their regular doctor each appointment.     

    As part of the government’s plan to cut waiting lists, announced earlier this year as part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, GPs will be encouraged to seek specialist advice and guidance when unsure about making a referral to hospital. Up to £80 million of funding will be made available for doctors to liaise with specialist consultants, which can avoid people being added onto waiting lists unnecessarily and speed up patient care. 

    A majority of respondents to the government’s Change NHS online portal have stated fixing difficulties in accessing primary care as a top three priority, and a recent poll by Health Foundation claims it is the number one health concern for 38% of the public.     

    As part of ongoing efforts to rebuild relationships with NHS staff following years of underfunding and neglect, the government and British Medical Association (BMA) engaged in constructive discussions which have led to the BMA’s general practice committee voting in favour of the proposed GP contract. All parties have worked together to find a fair deal for hardworking NHS staff, but also one that acknowledges the wider economic pressures facing the UK and the need to continue to bring down inflation. 

    By fixing the front door of the NHS, these reforms will also ease pressures on other parts of the health service including A&E. 

    The reforms form part of the government’s Plan for Change which will deliver our mission to build an NHS fit for the future, starting with tackling waiting lists. It will also drive progress on making sure fewer lives are lost to the biggest killers by making sure people are diagnosed and treated earlier. Underpinning this work are three big reform shifts – from ‘hospital to community’, bringing care closer to where people live, including through a new neighbourhood health service to deliver more proactive and personalised care; ‘analogue to digital’, by rolling out new technologies and digital approaches to modernise the NHS; and from ‘sickness to prevention’, shortening the amount of time people spend in ill-health by preventing illnesses before they happen.

    This landmark agreement – the first contract agreement reached in four years – represents a step change in relations with NHS staff to help ease workloads for GPs whilst providing better services to patients, as we rebuild the NHS.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Intertrade UK kickstarts drive to boost trade 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Intertrade UK kickstarts drive to boost trade 

    Boost to internal market as Intertrade UK holds its first meeting today. The new body, chaired by Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee, was a key Safeguarding the Union commitment.

    In a further move to strengthen and protect the UK internal market for businesses across the country, Intertrade UK will hold its first meeting today.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn has today announced the five panel members of Intertrade UK who will join the Chair of Intertrade UK, The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE. 

    The new body will advise on opportunities to promote and boost trade across the UK, utilising the wide-ranging expertise of its members drawn from industry and academia who are recognised leaders in their fields. 

    Intertrade UK will do this through promoting trade in goods and services across the UK and advising on overcoming identified barriers, considering how best businesses can take advantage of the full opportunities of the UK internal market, and conduct research and publish insights aimed at advancing domestic trade. 

    The first meeting of Intertrade UK will be held this morning in Enniskillen where members will formally adopt the Terms of Reference, discuss and agree a programme of work with key priorities to take forward over the next 18 months.

    Speaking about today’s appointments, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said: 

    The UK internal market is vital for businesses right across the country, and the Government is committed to taking all steps to protect and strengthen it. 

    East West trade is essential for UK growth, and part of the success of Intertrade UK will be to ensure that people can enjoy the full benefits of the UK internal market for both goods and services. 

    This was an important commitment in the Safeguarding the Union command paper, and with this experienced panel of members in place, I look forward to seeing Intertrade UK play an important role in promoting UK-wide trade and economic growth.

    Chair of Intertrade UK, Baroness Arlene Foster, said: 

    The Safeguarding the Union Command paper had strengthening the UK internal market at its core. I am very pleased that we will have our first meeting of Intertrade UK today which was set up as a consequence of that Command paper so we can take this important work forward. 

    The panel members which have been appointed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland have a wealth of experience on trade in and out of Northern Ireland and we will immediately get to work looking at challenges which have been identified and if and how these can be practically resolved.

    The establishment of Intertrade UK represents another significant step in delivering on the commitments set out in the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper and a key asset in delivery of this Government’s Growth Mission.

    Notes to editors

    Intertrade UK full panel members: 

    • The Rt Hon. the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE – Chair of Intertrade UK
    • Dr Esmond Birnie – Senior Economist, Ulster University
    • Kirsty McManus – Northern Ireland Director, Institute of Directors
    • Suzanne Wylie – Chief Executive Officer, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
    • Roger Pollen – Head of Federation of Small Businesses Northern Ireland
    • Angela McGowan – Director for Northern Ireland, Confederation of British Industry

    The Terms of Reference will be formally adopted during the meeting.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 1,400 and counting: record number of charging sockets at UK schools thanks to government funding

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    1,400 and counting: record number of charging sockets at UK schools thanks to government funding

    Home and workplace charging schemes extended for another year to support jobs and make the UK a clean energy superpower.

    • more than 1,400 electric vehicle charging sockets installed at UK schools and colleges thanks to £3 million government boost
    • home and workplace chargepoint funding extended for another year, helping school staff and EV drivers charge easily and conveniently
    • alongside 74,000 public chargers now in the UK and £2.3 billion government boost to support the transition to EVs, helping deliver the Plan for Change

    School teachers and EV drivers can charge their electric cars more easily with 1,407 sockets now outside schools and colleges in the UK.

    Today (28 February 2025), Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, has confirmed the landmark number of chargers that have been fitted at UK schools since March last year, thanks to £3 million from the government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS).

    It marks a crucial milestone in the government’s mission to boost charging infrastructure across the country. The new chargepoints at schools follow over 59,000 workplace charging sockets that the scheme has funded since 2016. In addition to schools, the workplace charging scheme supported a further 6,500 sockets in workplace car parks in 2024.

    Sitting at the heart of communities, schools can also open the chargepoints to local residents and visitors, helping to fit charging around people’s daily lives and providing an additional revenue stream to schools.

    The Workplace Charging Scheme, alongside the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant, has also been extended for another year, the government confirmed today. This provides the certainty needed to continue rolling out chargepoints to flats, rental properties, schools, offices and workplaces so that drivers can charge in more and more places.

    Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

    Schools are the beating heart of our towns and communities and rolling out chargers here shows we are building a practical and reliable charging network designed around people’s daily lives.

    Reaching 1,000 sockets at schools is a particularly significant milestone and builds on a record January for electric car sales, as consumer confidence in the electric transition grows every day. This is helping support jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower and deliver our Plan for Change.

    While the government is investing almost £300 million to build 300 miles of new cycle and footways to encourage more children, parents and teachers to cycle, walk and wheel to schools, today’s announcement will also make greener journeys easier and more accessible for those who need to drive.

    The UK’s public chargepoint network continues to grow every day, with over 74,000 public chargers now available across the country and a record of nearly 20,000 added last year alone.

    With £200 million announced at Budget 2024 to continue powering the chargepoint rollout and £6 billion of private investment in the pipeline, the UK’s charging network will continue to see tens of thousands of chargers added in the coming years, delivering resilient infrastructure so that EV owners can drive with the confidence that they’re never too far from a socket.

    Chris Norwood, Headteacher of the Northfleet School for Girls, said:

    Developing an environmentally friendly site is an important part of our school vision and practice. We have been able to play our part in reducing emissions whilst working with students to educate in creating a more sustainable future. Through installing solar panels, LED lighting and car chargers, we have been able to save over £500,000 in energy costs (since 2017), funds which are directed back into ensuring the best possible education for our students. 

    The car chargers have created over £2,000 in additional school funding, which has helped to create an additional farm classroom for all students to utilise. We expect that by modelling the best environmental practice possible, we are supporting our students to be proactive in this area in their adult lives.

    With over 382,000 EVs sold in 2024 – up a fifth on the previous year – the UK is the largest EV market in Europe. There’s never been a better time to switch to EVs, with one in 3 used electric cars under £20,000 and 21 brand new electric cars RRP under £30,000.

    Owning an EV is also increasingly becoming cheaper, with drivers able to save up to £750 a year compared to petrol if they mostly charge at home.

    The average range of a new electric car is now 236 miles – that’s about 2 weeks of driving for most people – all the while emitting just one-third of the greenhouse emissions of a petrol car during its lifetime.

    With 24/7 helplines, contactless payments and up-to-date public chargepoint locations, charging has now become easier than ever.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: High hazards newsletter – February 2025

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    Welcome to the sixth WorkSafe High Hazards newsletter where we’re covering:

    • Update from the Chief Inspector
    • Industry alerts – floating roof tank corrosion, critical fastener material selection
    • What we’re seeing – RPE failures, machine guarding failures
    • Lock out/tag out system safety minute
    • Forklifts in hazardous areas
    • Flixborough – 50 years on
    • High hazards notifiable incidents – quarterly data
    • Incidents in the news

    Read the full newsletter(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Work ramps up to return rail service to Wallerawang

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Work ramps up to return rail service to Wallerawang

    Published: 28 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    The Minns Labor Government is moving ahead with plans to restore regional rail services to the town of Wallerawang for the first time in 35 years.

    Thanks to a $7 million investment from the government, early work to allow passenger trains to stop at Wallerawang Railway Station will begin next week.

    The geotechnical preparations next week will pave the way in coming weeks for early enabling works to improve the station’s amenity.

    A contract has been awarded for these early enabling works which will involve building assessments and improvements to adjacent buildings including painting, cleaning and refurbishment of existing signage. 

    Then, in coming months, the community will be updated on the final stage which will be minor infrastructure construction works to bring the station up to the standard required to allow trains to stop there.  

    The Wallerawang station, between Lithgow and Bathurst, was closed by the Liberal and Nationals government in 1989 and is currently inaccessible to the public. 

    Once all the necessary work has been completed, passengers will be once again able to catch services to and from Wallerawang, which will operate similarly to Millthorpe, Stuart Town and Tarana stations which operate as unattended stations.

    Details of the train services that will stop at Wallerawang and the associated timetables will be confirmed closer to the station’s re-opening date which is scheduled around the end of 2026.  

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

    “I know how keen the community of Wallerawang and rail advocates are to see Wallerawang Station re-open and I am delighted to announce that early work is starting to enable it once again to host passenger services, instead of trains just passing through.

    “I’m sure this is welcome news for the roughly 2000 people who live in Wallerawang but also those from surrounding villages and towns.

    “They will have increased public transport options to access education, health and employment providing vital connections that will help sustain the economic and social wellbeing of the region. 

    “Returning passenger trains to Wallerawang will also help open up tourism and visitation to the region which offers beautiful scenery, national parks, recreational activities such as mountain biking and fishing spots and farm stays.”

    NSW Labor’s Bathurst spokesperson, Stephen Lawrence said:

    “Wallerawang Railway Station has a special place in NSW rail history and on the eve of its 155 year anniversary, I am excited to see work ramping up on the restoration passenger rail services.

    “The Minns Labor Government is committed to improving access to regional transport option across the state and I look forward to seeing the first train stop at Wallerawang around the end of 2026.”

    Mayor of Lithgow City Council, Cassandra Coleman said:

    “I’d like to thank the Labor government for honouring a promise made by the current state member when he was in government.

    “Railway services are always going to be central to ensuring that this community is economically viable going into the future.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Construction begins on Lao section of China-Laos 500 kV power interconnection project

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

    Construction begins on Lao section of China-Laos 500 kV power interconnection project

    VIENTIANE, Feb. 27 — The launch ceremony for the construction of the Lao section of the China-Laos 500 kV power interconnection project was held in the Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday.

    Once operational, the project is set to significantly enhance electricity interconnection and mutual assistance between China and Laos.

    Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Lao government officials, and representatives from the Chinese government and enterprises attended the launch ceremony.

    Speaking at the meeting, Lao Minister of Energy and Mines Phoxay Sayasone said that the project is a strategic energy project that will better support the economic development of Laos and further expand the interconnection of power grids and electricity mutual assistance between Laos and southern provinces of China.

    Also speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong stated that the project is another major achievement in deepening practical cooperation between China and Laos, following the China-Laos Railway, as part of their joint efforts in building the Belt and Road.

    “As the pioneer of economic and social development, electricity plays a crucial role in improving people’s well-being and fostering regional prosperity. We must continue to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both parties and countries, with the construction of the China-Laos Economic Corridor as the central focus, while further strengthening cooperation in energy and electricity through power grid interconnection,” she added.

    The China-Laos 500 kV power interconnection project is a key initiative outlined in the action plan to build a China-Laos community with a shared future, with completion and operation scheduled for 2026. Once operational, the project is expected to enable a two-way power mutual assistance capacity of 1.5 million kW and facilitate the transmission of about 3 billion kWh of clean electricity.

    The Lao section of the project is being developed by Electricite du Laos Transmission Company Limited, while the Chinese section is managed by China Southern Power Grid Company.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Making Innovation Happen: New IN² Cohort Focuses on Advanced Energy Implementation

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Teens sit outside of Ponderosa High School in Coconino County, Arizona, in the garden that students created and maintained. Photo from Ponderosa High School

    At Ponderosa High School in Coconino County, Arizona, students are determined to overcome obstacles on their path to graduation. Some arrive behind on credits, while others are returning to the classroom after time away. The alternative school offers more than a second chance—it is an opportunity for transformation.

    That is just one reason why Coconino County Schools selected Ponderosa as the focus of an advanced energy initiative through the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), managed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

    “Our goal at Ponderosa is to create opportunities that shift perspectives—helping students see a hopeful future and discover industries they may not have considered,” Ponderosa High Principal Les Hauer said. “The energy future is full of possibility, and this initiative helps us show students what’s possible while preparing them to succeed.”

    Coconino County is one of 10 members of IN2’s latest cohort, which marked a significant milestone for the program. For the first time in its 10-year history, IN2 shifted its focus from supporting startups to implementing energy technologies within established organizations.

    Before pitching their projects in December 2024, participants engaged in months of preparation and education, including technology selection and impact analyses. The pitch session culminated in the cohort presenting their plans to install and use a tool or system within six months, with winners receiving a share of $750,000 in Wells Fargo funding to bring their projects to life.

    “This is a monumental new direction for IN2,” said IN2 Program Manager Sarah Derdowski. “IN2 continues to help startups move forward over the ‘valleys of death,’ but now we also get to support the implementation of innovative technologies and make real progress in building a resilient, adaptable future.”

    Pumpkins grow in the student garden outside of Ponderosa High School. Photo from Ponderosa High School

    The participants in the cohort are:

    • Avangrid
    • Coconino County
    • CBRE
    • Digital Realty
    • Galvanize Real Estate (GRE)
    • Intermountain Health
    • Prime Data Centers
    • Schneider Electric
    • Southern Company
    • University of Colorado Boulder.

    Although some cohort members are large companies, they face unique barriers where IN2’s support is invaluable. During pitch day, one of the presenters made the problem plain: Even large, well-funded organizations may find resistance to innovative technologies if they might compromise profitability.

    “Pursuing new technologies is often seen as a cost and business risk for any size organization,” said Howard Branz, director of science and impact for Galvanize Climate Solutions. “At GRE, our scientists and investors work together to mitigate these risks by piloting technologies in real-world settings where we can test and prove their performance, ensuring that increasing profitability and meeting our metrics go hand-in-hand. The IN2 award allows us to further accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge building technology solutions, advancing our goals.”

    Coconino County’s Teaching Moment

    Coconino County’s ambitious vision stood out among the pitches in early December with its goal of reducing the district’s energy consumption by 40% while creating a replicable school model for the region.

    “We hope to transform our local schools by serving as a demonstration site for retrofitting and energy practices,” Superintendent Cheryl Mango-Paget said.

    Ponderosa High School, located near the Grand Canyon, has about 70 students. The district identified heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) as the best opportunity because it could have the greatest impact. The district’s aging air conditioning units are due for replacement, and the hope is that Ponderosa can serve as a blueprint for surrounding schools.

    To achieve that, Coconino County would integrate three technologies in one building. Blue Frontier, a company that graduated from IN2 several years ago, will install a new AC unit that uses liquid desiccant technology developed by NREL. Rensair will improve air quality. And Komfort will address energy through lighting. The single Blue Frontier unit could replace up to 18 AC units already on the building. Estimates done during IN2 show the new systems, at minimum, could cut utility costs by 50%.

    Participants from Coconino County pitch their proposal during the pitch day in early December 2024. Photo by Agata Bogucka, NREL

    “This partnership with NREL and IN2 is a powerful teaching tool,” Hauer said. “We’re giving students a hands-on experience beyond the classroom by letting them observe the installation process.”

    While the students will not install the systems themselves, they will learn from the process and gain insight into future job opportunities in the HVAC and advanced energy industries.

    CBRE’s AC Pivot

    When Jeff Dunbar, senior sustainability director for CBRE, first got involved with IN2, he thought their project would focus on advanced cement. Then he realized they only had six months to implement, so he pivoted to a faster solution: rooftop HVAC units.

    “We replace thousands of rooftop units every year in the U.S.,” Dunbar said. “This became an easy lever for us to pull.”

    CBRE manages more than 7 billion square feet of property around the world and spent more than $33 billion with suppliers last year globally. Once CBRE identified the HVAC direction, NREL helped pinpoint where to go next.

    Jeff Dunbar, senior sustainability director for CBRE, pitches the company’s proposal during the IN2 pitch day. Photo by Agata Bogucka, NREL

    “I stood in a room at NREL and stared at Blue Frontier’s mockup of this technology while an NREL engineer explained how it works,” Dunbar said. “Together, we found our ‘Goldilocks’ site that matches the necessary specs on a building in Delaware.”

    The pilot project will install and test Blue Frontier’s unit on this building in Delaware, with the potential of replicating it at other sites nationwide. The system is designed as a drop-in replacement—it integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure and eliminates the need for costly modifications.

    “Our hope is that by the end of the first summer season, the results will give us the confidence to move forward with other sites,” Dunbar said during the pitch.

    Additionally, CBRE is not giving up on the idea of an advanced cement project.

    “As an offshoot, NREL pulled us into conversations with several advanced concrete partners about a potential project in 2025,” Dunbar said. “We can continue to pursue the concrete challenge outside of the IN2 program.”

    Intermountain Health’s Strive for Change

    Glen Garrick, system sustainability director for Intermountain Health, is also working with NREL on a project separate from the IN2 pitch he presented. The company has 16 traditional shuttles, and it wants to change that and incorporate advanced technologies.

    Initially, the employee responsible for managing the fleet resisted the idea, uncertain about its feasibility. But the project gained momentum after a visit to NREL.

    “We flew out to NREL and sat in a room talking with 10 experts,” Garrick said. “Some on our team had a healthy skepticism about the shuttles. But after candid discussions with subject matter experts and experienced professionals from NREL, those individuals on our team completely changed their mindset.”

    With approximately 400 clinics and 34 hospitals across the Intermountain West, Intermountain Health plans to order the first set of shuttles in 2025 and begin using them in 2026.

    In addition to the shuttles, Garrick presented a pilot project at one location that would include a solar canopy with panels that move with the sun and battery storage for advanced energy.

    “We tried to find projects that have a long payback because those wouldn’t get approved without IN2,” Garrick said. “It’s not meant to be a huge sexy project—it’s a demonstration project that helps us start to shift toward more on-campus renewables.”

    The driving force is to avoid taking money away from patient care.

    “Every dollar that goes to energy or waste is one less for patient funding,” he said. “Whenever I can bring in external funding, that’s money saved for patient care.”

    During the IN2 pitch day, the attendees networked with each other in between the pitches from the different participants. Photo by Agata Bogucka, NREL

    NREL’s Assistance

    This IN2 cohort did not have to figure out the solutions to their challenges on their own. With guidance from NREL experts and support from consulting firm Overlay Build, participants overcame technical and strategic hurdles unique to their companies to move their projects forward.

    For Coconino County, narrowing down a daunting list of 168 potential HVAC technologies was a critical first step.

    “When I saw the list, first I cried,” Mango-Paget said. “But IN2 and NREL helped us discover the best bang for our buck, and that led us to three companies that could make the biggest impact.”

    NREL’s support did not stop at the planning phase. For CBRE, NREL’s direct involvement in monitoring the Delaware pilot will ensure a smooth transition from concept to implementation.

    “The scientists who helped birth this liquid desiccant technology are going to come help monitor the site in Delaware,” Dunbar said. “That helps de-risk it for us. We’re trying to do this at scale; it’s exciting to be at the front end of that curve.”

    The value of NREL’s expertise also extends beyond IN2’s formal structure. Garrick believes Intermountain’s partnership with NREL will continue independently of the IN2 project.

    “I could see a new project evolving in the next six months,” he said. “We have all the contacts, and I think it’s entirely possible we’ll reach out directly for support.”

    By providing both education now and actionable solutions down the road, NREL and IN2 have empowered these organizations to overcome barriers, adopt innovative technologies, and make measurable progress.

    Winners

    Five of the 10 participants in this first-of-its-kind cohort earned monetary awards.

    • CBRE received $150,000 for its project, which will cover the engineering, design, and construction costs for the pilot and a scalability study.
    • Coconino County received $55,000 for the Rensair and Komfort parts of its project.
    • Digital Realty received $125,000 to partner with Hayzel and improve chilling in its data centers in Santa Clara, California.
    • Galvanize Real Estate received $200,000 to work with EnKoat, an IN2 portfolio company, and Alpen for a pilot on a building in Pedricktown, New Jersey.
    • The University of Colorado Boulder received $220,000 to work with INOVUES to retrofit existing windows in aging buildings with hermetically sealed high-performance glass.

    All the pilot projects must be completed within six months. NREL will keep track of their progress and post updates in the future.

    And the participants—including the five teams that did not earn funding—are walking away with tailored technology adoption playbooks and access to expertise in digitization and change management.

    “Alongside the new relationships formed with NREL, the program itself is an award,” Derdowski said. “We’re already seeing renewed efforts to change the culture at all of these organizations.”

    “I’m really glad we went through the process because we saved one project because of it,” Garrick said. “If it wasn’t for that contact with NREL, that project would have died.”

    Updates on how the installations proceed will be found on www.in2ecosystem.com later this year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Reintroduces Bill to Strengthen Safeguards That Prevent Public Officials From Using Their Power for Political Gain, Protect Integrity of Government

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Hatch Act Enforcement Transparency and Accountability Act. This legislation strengthens Congressional oversight of the Hatch Act, particularly in instances when the Office of the Special Counsel decides to forgo enforcement. U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is an original cosponsor of the legislation. Congressman Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives. 
    “The Hatch Act is designed to prevent public officials from using their position for political gain. Now, at this critical moment, the actions of the Trump administration and Elon Musk have shown the American people the importance of accountability and protecting the rule of law,” said Senator Luján. “That is why I am proud to reintroduce my legislation that increases enforcement of the Hatch Act by providing clarity and Congressional oversight for any potential abuses. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation to increase accountability of this administration and future ones, and to ensure Americans can have confidence in the public servants who work for them.”
    “With President Trump and Elon Musk hellbent on misusing the federal government for their own personal gains and vendettas, it’s never been more important that Congress strengthen the laws we have in place to improve transparency and accountability for the American people. I’m proud to support this bill to hold this administration and future administrations accountable to ensure government works for New Mexico families — not Republicans’ billionaire friends,” said Senator Heinrich. 
    “Unchecked political influence from powerful individuals like President Trump and Elon Musk poses a real threat to our democracy. When these figures and their associates are allowed to operate without consequences or when they attempt to pressure nonpartisan federal workers to serve their political interests, it puts the integrity of our government on the line,” said Congressman Garcia. “We can’t just sit back and let those in power break the rules that keep our government fair and unbiased. That is why I am proud to lead this bill in the House to make sure these individuals are held accountable and to ensure the Hatch Act is enforced.”
    “We need greater transparency at the Office of Special Counsel. This bill will better ensure the OSC can hold career official and political appointees accountable when they violate the law meant to keep partisan politics out of the federal government,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Senior Government Affairs Manager, Project On Government Oversight (POGO).
    The Hatch Act was enacted in 1939 to prohibit federal employees from participating in specific political activities. The law aims to maintain nonpartisanship in the federal government’s operations, shield federal employees from political influence, and uphold merit-based promotions over political affiliations. However, the U.S Office of Special Counsel, which investigates and prosecutes violations of the Hatch Act, has at times failed to properly enforce this critical statue. 
    This legislation is endorsed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and The Project on Government Oversight (POGO).
    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Australia releases coordinates of coral destruction by NZ fishers to Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, Friday 28 FEB 2025 – Despite the New Zealand government refusing to release the location where a New Zealand bottom trawler hauled up deep sea coral in the Tasman Sea late last year, Australia has released the coordinates on request from Greenpeace, a move the group applauded as “promising ocean protection leadership”.

    The Tasman Viking, a New Zealand bottom trawler, pulled up 37kg of deep sea coral in the Lord Howe Rise area, renowned for diverse marine life in October 2024. This triggered a rule under the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO), to temporarily close the area.

    Under SPRFMO, the best available information is meant to be provided on the nature of an encounter with coral such as this, and Greenpeace has offered to document the site as part of their Seamounts Expedition, due to commence in March 2025.

    But requests from Greenpeace for the coordinates of the closed area were declined by the New Zealand Government due to ‘commercial sensitivity’. The Australian SPRFMO Commissioner has now released these coordinates in response to requests from Greenpeace.

    Georgia Whitaker, Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Campaigner, said:

    “It’s promising to see the Australian Government prioritising ocean protection and scientific research over commercial interests. By releasing the coordinates of bottom-trawling vandalism, the Australian government has proven it can and will stand up for the ocean.

    “What we need to see now is the Australian Government take a step further to protect these waters by finally ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty into Australian law, and proposing that rich biodiverse areas like the Tasman Sea can become ocean sanctuaries free from destructive industrial fishing.”

    Earlier this week, both major Australian political parties indicated their intent to take ocean protection seriously this election. Labor has acknowledged that only 24% of Australia’s waters are highly protected from industrial fishing and oil and gas – Greenpeace is calling for that number to be increased, not just in domestic waters but in adjoining international waters.

    “True ocean protection leadership on the global stage is about hoisting the sails and facing the wind — we need strong policies that protect the ocean and the high seas between Australia and New Zealand, with no loopholes for industry,” Whitaker added.

    Greenpeace Aotearoa expedition lead Ellie Hooper is calling the New Zealand government’s refusal to share the coordinates “ludicrous” and  “a blatant example of the Luxon-led government running interference for the fishing industry.”

    Hooper says: “These coordinates have already been shared with all fishing companies and SPRFMO countries, so why is the information being hidden in order to prevent research and documentation?

    “Australia clearly has a more progressive and transparent approach when it comes to deep-sea management, and has provided us with the chance to go to this area and attempt to survey it.”

    It’s estimated that coral brought to the surface by trawlers is only a small fraction of what’s destroyed on the seafloor.1

    New Zealand is the only country still bottom trawling in the high seas of the South Pacific and has faced criticism for blocking protection measures at SPRFMO this month.

    Notes:
    Coral in nets to destroyed on seafloor ratios:
    1. Geange, S. et al 2017, SC7-DW14, and Stephenson, F. et al 2022, SC10-DW04  

    —ENDS—

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They Are Saying: Broadband Industry Leaders Applaud Introduction of the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) led the introduction of the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code to make certain that federal broadband deployment funding will not be considered taxable income. This legislation received support from businesses, universities and associations across Kansas and the nation. Statements in support of the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act can be found below:

    “We appreciate the leadership of Senators Moran and Warner for their efforts to eliminate the tax on broadband grants to ensure more investment can connect more of our citizens and communities. Their bill is as pro-consumer as it gets.” – Brandon Heiner, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at USTelecom – The Broadband Association

     

    “CTIA commends the bipartisan work of Senators Warner and Moran to reintroduce the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act in this Congress. Guaranteeing that grant funds can be optimally spent as intended will encourage the investments that reinforce and accelerate broadband deployment. This legislation will help ensure all Americans have access to world-leading wireless networks and that the United States is first globally in technology.” – Kelly Cole, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at CTIA

     

    “NTCA and its members greatly appreciate Congress’s commitment to funding broadband deployment programs that help further the mission of connecting all Americans. However, when these funds are taxed, providers are required to pay the federal government a portion of the same award that they received from the federal government, instead of using the funds to serve the hardest-to-reach communities. NTCA thanks Sens. Moran and Warner for their leadership in introducing this commonsense legislation to ensure that every dollar granted for broadband deployment is used effectively to further the mission of connecting all Americans.” – Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association

     

    “Grant funding has the potential to make sure that our rural and underserved communities receive connectivity through wireless and broadband services, but the impact that these grants can have is limited if those grants are taxed, undercutting the potential of federal broadband programs. Federal broadband grants should be free from taxation to ensure that every dollar goes towards connecting Americans. I applaud Sens. Moran (R-KS) and Warner (D-VA) for leading this bill in the Senate and urge its swift passage.” – Tim Donovan, President & CEO of The Competitive Carriers Association (CCA)

     

    “INCOMPAS members are building networks of the future with a mission to connect all Americans. Public-private partnerships are a critical component to help achieve this goal. This bill will ensure every single dollar allocated to deploying broadband goes to deploying broadband. INCOMPAS wholeheartedly supports this commonsense measure and urges Congress to act swiftly to ensure our members can continue to use critical grant resources to bridge the digital divide.” – Chip Pickering, CEO of INCOMPAS

    “ACA Connects thanks Senators Jerry Moran and Mark Warner for leading on the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act. This bipartisan legislation will ensure 100 percent of broadband grants are used to close the digital divide. America’s small and independent providers support this bill to make every dollar count as they invest in their communities, deploy infrastructure, and connect more people to high-speed internet.” – Grant Spellmeyer, President & CEO of ACA Connects

     

    “We applaud Senators Moran and Warner for reintroducing this bipartisan legislation to make sure the small, rural broadband providers we represent don’t get stuck with a major tax bill when they accept government grants to build broadband networks – Advocates for Rural Broadband. Congress has made an historic level of investment in broadband over the past several years and we want to see it pay dividends. Every dollar diverted to paying taxes on government grants is a dollar that is not invested in the network and connecting all Americans to broadband.” – Derrick Owens, Senior Vice President for Government and Industry Affairs for WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband

     

    “TIA is pleased to see the reintroduction of the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act (BGTTA) by Senators Warner and Moran. This crucial legislation addresses a significant issue affecting the deployment of high-speed broadband networks across the United States. The broadband programs established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), particularly the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Affordability, and Deployment (BEAD) program, have the potential to connect all Americans to high-speed broadband. However, the current tax treatment of all federal broadband grants, including BEAD, as taxable income significantly reduces the funds available for building these networks. This unintentional tax burden significantly limits potential applicants for larger projects and could deter small service providers from seeking broadband funding. As Congress and President Trump’s administration work on streamlining BEAD requirements, it is imperative that Congress passes the BGTTA to ensure these dollars are used for their intended purpose: Connecting Americans with high speed, secure broadband.” – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

    “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s purpose is to spur infrastructure deployment, but short-sighted tax policy currently limits the potential reach of broadband grants, undercutting our goal of enabling connectivity everywhere.  Senators Moran and Warner’s common sense Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act will ensure we can finish the job and close the digital divide.” – The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA)

    “Since the pandemic, Congress has appropriated billions of dollars to accelerate the deployment of broadband networks in unserved areas so all Americans, no matter where they live, can get online.  Significant portions of that funding are presently taxable, and every dollar returned to Washington is one less dollar available to connect unserved communities. We therefore commend Senators Warner and Moran for introducing the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act, a pragmatic solution which eliminates the tax on broadband grants so that those funds can more ably meet Congress’ important universal service goals. Connected communities are more prosperous communities, which is the ultimate goal of Internet-for-All.” – Matt Mandel, Vice President of Government Affairs at The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA)

    “The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association and our 1,000 member companies from coast to coast are proud to support the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act that was recently introduced in the 119th Congress. NATE member companies are on the front lines of deployment and will play an instrumental role in closing the digital divide. It is imperative that the entirety of federal broadband dollars allocated for these purposes go towards connectivity, rather than making their way back to the government through taxes. We thank Senators Jerry Moran and Mark Warner for bringing this legislation forward in the Senate and also applaud Representatives Mike Kelly and Jimmy Panetta for spearheading this important proposal in the House of Representatives.” – Todd Schlekeway, President & CEO of NATE – The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association

    “I would like to thank Senator Moran on his leadership in the effort to address the taxation challenge on federal broadband grants. Nex-Tech is a broadband provider committed to expanding high-speed internet access in rural Kansans, and I wholeheartedly support the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act. This legislation ensures that every dollar of federal grant funding can be fully utilized for broadband deployment, rather than being diminished by taxes. By removing this financial barrier, it will allow us to fully utilize funding for the delivery of essential internet services to underserved areas, fostering economic growth and improving quality of life for areas served by Nex-Tech.” – Jimmy Todd, CEO & General Manager of Nex-Tech

    “We are pleased to hear the about the introduction of the ‘Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act’ by Senator Moran and his colleagues. The current method of taxing grant dollars greatly limits the dollars available to build out broadband networks to these unserved parts of Kansas in need of reliable broadband. We support this legislation and appreciate the work Senator Moran has done to introduce this bill as we continue work to close the digital divide.” – Greg Reed, CEO of Wheat State Technologies

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Amicus Brief Supporting Nevada Voting Rights Law

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Thursday, February 27, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Coalition argues that Nevada law is constitutional and helps increase voter participation

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 17 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in support of a Nevada mail-in ballot law. The mail-in ballot law at issue in Republican National Committee (RNC) v. Burgess permits the counting of absentee ballots postmarked on or by Election Day and received within four days of Election Day. The lower court — the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada — held that the RNC, several Republican organizations, and a Nevada voter lacked standing to bring their claims. The RNC appealed the ruling to the Ninth Circuit. In the amicus brief, the attorneys general underscore that the Nevada statute falls squarely within states’ constitutional authority to regulate elections. Similar to the challenged Nevada statute, California law provides that ballots returned by mail are timely if postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days.  

    “Yet again, the RNC is attempting to make it harder for Americans to participate in our democracy. It is disappointing, but unsurprising,” said Attorney General Bonta. “My fellow attorneys general and I are proud to support Nevada’s voting rights law. If you lawfully cast your ballot on or by Election Day and meet other state law requirements, you should not have to worry about your vote being tossed out through no fault of your own.” 

    In the amicus brief, the attorneys general argue that: 

    • A majority of states permit counting at least some mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day and that states’ flexibility to make policy judgments in this area comes from their constitutional authority to regulate effective and efficient elections. Ballot-receipt deadlines can exist and have existed side-by-side with the federal election-day statutes, and Nevada’s and other states’ laws fall neatly into the framework envisioned by the Framers and set out in federal election-day statutes. 
    • Absentee voting has long existed as a way to increase voter participation. It first appeared in America before its founding, became more common during and after the Civil War, and entered the mainstream in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Extending ballot-receipt deadlines has become especially important as more people vote absentee. State laws permitting absentee voting have multiplied in recent years, and so too has voters’ utilization of absentee voting. 
    • As absentee voting increases, laws like Nevada’s play a crucial role in maximizing voter participation. Voting absentee shifts some of the voting process from voting machines to the postal system. Statutes like Nevada’s help mitigate the burdens imposed on mail carriers as a result of that shift. Post offices need several days to deliver ballots in ideal circumstances, and as more voters cast ballots by mail, the post office will only need more time. 

    Attorney General Bonta also defended before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit a similar Mississippi law that permits absentee ballots to be counted if postmarked by Election Day and received within five days of Election Day. In filing today’s amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on ‘Morning Joe’

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Hochul was a guest on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    William Geist, MSNBC:  Let’s bring in New York’s Democratic Governor, Kathy Hochul. Governor, great to have you here.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you.

    William Geist, MSNBC:  So much to talk to you about, including your meeting with President Trump. But what do you think about the idea of former Governor Cuomo being the Mayor of New York City?

    Governor Hochul: My job as the Governor of the State is to work with whomever the voters select as their candidate – their nominee for Mayor.

    I’ve worked with Bill de Blasio. I’ve worked with Mayor Adams. My job is to work closely, unlike the past when it seemed like there always had to be this inherent battle between Albany and New York City. I reject that. And the people are better served when they have a Governor who’s willing to try and help the City, which I’ve been doing.

    William Geist, MSNBC:  Do you think Cuomo would be a good mayor?

    Governor Hochul: God only knows. Who knows? We’ll see. We’ll see. And I don’t know if that’s going to be the case either. So a lot of unknowns, but my view is — my job is to work with whoever the voters want.

    Jonathan Lemire, MSNBC: So Governor, speaking of the current Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, last week you put some guardrails in place to limit his power. We know that the Mayor is under investigation, and has received some sort of deal from the Trump DOJ. Do you feel like right now, you have left — you had the option to start a process to remove him from power, you opted not to. What would change your mind? Could you revisit that decision?

    Governor Hochul: Certainly. And it’s an extraordinary power — to think that one individual can use her judgment and say that you’ve lost the public trust. And so it’s not one that you take lightly, but I also know there’s a lot of people in the City who are very concerned about the influence of the Trump Administration in our city.

    They’re trying very hard to have control over everything, not just immigration, but even how I control the traffic in New York. So this is a concern. A lot of people are outraged. People are very concerned about this — worried. But I said, “If I can get some controls in place to give me line of sight into budget investigations, legal—” and this has to be approved by the City Council. I can’t even unilaterally do those controls.

    I was just trying to create some safeguards or people can trial dial down the temperature a little bit — and just like I had to do last fall — calm it down and just let people know that we’re fighting for them, working for them, and not all this drama that seems to be just so prevalent all the time.

    New Yorkers are just getting exhausted.

    Mika Brzezinski, MSNBC: Joe, jump in.

    Joe Scarborough, MSNBC : Governor, you talked about traffic and we’ve had Congressman Mike Lawler on, who I think wants your job. And he’s been very critical of congestion pricing, your role in it. I know Donald Trump also has tried to get involved in traffic patterns in New York City.

    Would love for you to respond to those criticisms from Congressman Lawler as well as pushback from Donald Trump on congestion pricing. And is it working?

    Governor Hochul: First of all, I’d be happier if someone like a Mike Lawler and his six colleagues in Congress, the Republicans, instead of making sure that we have people in our state without health care — taking away thousands of individuals’, millions of individuals’ right to be able to get chemo treatments and insulin — to be able to get the health care they need like they voted on the other day saying, “We don’t care about Medicaid.” I’d rather they focus on that, but let me get back to congestion.

    Joe Scarborough, MSNBC: Governor, can I, since you talked about that, I’m really glad you talked about that because this is a common misconception among Republicans, and I know because I used to be one. Most Republicans don’t understand how much rural health care is controlled, is powered by, is supported by Medicaid. Hospitals are shutting down when their Medicaid cuts providers massively in underserved rural communities like upstate New York. And areas where I lived in upstate New York, Medicaid often is where people send their parents in upstate New York if they need long-term care.

    And so I am curious, you look at a map of America, and you see the dark red spots where Medicaid is used — upstate New York is one of those places. I’m wondering what would these Medicaid cuts that Republicans are promising right now, what would these Medicaid cuts do to people who lived in communities like I lived in, in upstate New York?

    Governor Hochul: Joe, you hit on something that is so profound — is that the red parts of even New York and across America, these are the people who are going to be hit hardest by what the Republican members of Congress did, and by drinking the Kool-Aid and not even questioning the merits of destroying a program that so many of their own constituents, their own constituents rely on it.

    If you go back memory lane, 2011, I got elected to Congress in the most Republican district in the State of New York, large swaths of upstate New York. You know how I did that? The Paul Ryan budget came out and declared war on Medicare, and I was able to take that as a long-shot Democrat that no one thought I had a chance to win and weaponize that and say, “You did this to these seniors up in Wyoming County and Orleans County and Niagara County. You’ve hurt the health care system. You’ve made sure this little child who’s got leukemia can never get treatment again because now their insurance company can drop them.” That’s how I won by a fairly good margin in a district that I had no chance in. That’s what we have to remember.

    These Republicans need to own that vote starting now. Show up at their offices and say “Did you ask what the impact is, Joe?” I have rural hospitals on the verge of collapse. Doctors don’t want to go there. But that does not mean I don’t have high pockets of poverty. I have people who have major dental problems. I’m trying so hard to eradicate this. And I’ve got my own Republicans from New York working against me, against their constituents.

    This is all about basic health care, maternal health care. This is about getting your insulin treatments. This is about trying to take care of your cancer. And this is about your grandma and grandpa and maybe your parents sitting in a nursing home because that’s the largest expense for Medicaid. So that’s what they need to own. As I’ve said before, Joe, they break it, they own it. And you now own this.

    Joe Scarborough, MSNBC: And we’re going to get to congestion pricing. I just want to finish on one thought that again, I don’t think most Republicans that voted this way know, or if they do know — man, it sure is a vote against their own constituents, if they’re from rural areas and they represent upstate New York.

    In rural America, almost 50 percent of children get their health care through Medicaid. About 20 percent of adults under the age of 65 get their health care from Medicaid. More people, especially children, a higher percentage of children and adults, get their health care in rural America from Medicaid than do people in urban areas. So they are specifically going after their own constituents, whether it’s upstate New York, whether it’s upstate in Michigan — it is remarkable that they are voting against their own constituents’ interests.

    Governor Hochul: And I’m very happy to remind their constituents of that very fact: that their own elected leaders have betrayed them. And everything that was promised — remember how on day one of the Trump Administration, prices were going to go down? You know what the cost of eggs in New York City are, if you can even find them?

    Mika Brzezinski, MSNBC: You can’t find them.

    Governor Hochul: It went up 40 percent since Donald Trump was elected. So instead of going down, they’re going up even higher. So people are starting to wake up. They’re saying, “Wait a minute, this is not what I thought I was voting for.” And it’s happening even sooner than I thought — literally in the first few months here. I thought this would take a little longer, but my God, they’re self destructing so fast.

    Mika Brzezinski, MSNBC: Yeah. Mike?

    Mike Barnicle, MSNBC: Governor, we’re sitting here this morning in New York City, arguably one of the three most important cities in the world. And as Governor—

    Governor Hochul: I’d say number one.

    Mike Barnicle, MSNBC: Washington’s pretty important.

    Governor Hochul: I lived in Washington, I get it. But we’re still number one.

    Mike Barnicle, MSNBC: Okay. I don’t want to do geography with you.

    Governor Hochul: And then there’s Buffalo.

    Mike Barnicle, MSNBC: Yeah, there is Buffalo, yeah. You know, you’re talking about congestion, parking, traveling, talking subways here in New York, which is the easiest way to get around. And yet the Governor of New York plays an enormous role in New York City in terms of public safety. Finally, New York City, after two or three tries, has a really, really excellent Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch. How do you, as Governor of New York, help New York City and help the police department, help the subways, help the concept of safety; reducing the concept of fear?

    Governor Hochul: This is the most important thing I can do as Governor: to provide dollars for public safety and programming. We have spent over $1 billion on public safety — much of it for New York City. But, you know what we’re doing right now? I was told that we should have more police officers on the overnight trains. They couldn’t afford the overtime. We’re picking up the tab. No governor has had that level of cooperation to help solve city problems, probably in its history. But I know that if this city is paralyzed with fear and the thought of something happening to themselves or their children on the streets of New York, then all of a sudden it starts to suppress the vitality of the City and people don’t want to come here.

    We have turned the corner on this. I will work with the Commissioner of Police. She is outstanding, and she’s just this down to earth, incredible person who says, “I understand how to get this done.” So, I put cameras in all the subway trains. They said, “It’s going to take two years.” I said, “you’re going to get it done now.” Every single car has a camera to keep an eye on things. I have National Guard all over the streets and also the subway. I said, “I need to have a physical presence to calm it down, especially over the summer and the fall, when things are very anxious,” and paying for the overtime. So, we are making a difference.

    I want you to know that it may not feel it — and I’m not trying to tell everybody how they should feel — but the crowds are back, the energy is back and people are safer than they had been. And the numbers are just extraordinary, but we’re not stopping. We never, never say we’re done with fighting crime. We have to keep doing it, but I want to keep partnering with the city and our commissioner as well.

    But congestion pricing — I love to talk about that too, because that is an area where we have a major conflict. I want you to process this distinction here. The Trump Administration has said that it should be up to the states to decide whether women can control their own bodies, right? States should decide whether they should control their own bodies, but they’re telling me as a state that I can’t control my own traffic? That I have to go to them for approval to control traffic in New York City and deal with a paralyzing congestion problem that — after decades of people talking about it — we finally got it done. And guess what? It is working.

    Everybody should see this brochure that I designed. I’m very proud of this. But it shows all the numbers, the traffic—

    Mika Brzezinski, MSNBC: What was this for, this brochure?

    Willie Geist, MSNBC: It was for a meeting you had.

    Governor Hochul: Yeah, I did make it for the President. But I’m willing to share it with all of you.

    Mika Brzezinski, MSNBC: Okay.

    Governor Hochul: I took this to the White House when I was there with the governors in the afternoon. I said to the President’s staff, I said, “I still need that conversation about congestion pricing that he promised me.”

    So I got called back to go over there at 6:00 last Friday evening. I went over there and went in the White House by myself, and I was greeted by serious members of his cabinet who were in his office as well. We sat all together, but I said, “Mr. President, you’re a New Yorker.”

    First of all, the most offensive thing I found in the letter from Sean Duffy was citing New Jersey, saying they don’t like this program. I said, “Mr. President, we’re both New Yorkers. What do we care what New Jersey thinks?”

    Willie Geist, MSNBC: Easy, come on, I’m from Jersey.

    Governor Hochul: It’s a lovely place, but you know what? Your ride in if you are taking the tunnels – it’s 48 percent faster. So, I want New Jersey residents to come here. Come, you’re part of an important part of our economy. And if you’re still driving — and although 90 percent of you take public transit, which is why I need to keep this money coming to investment — the vast majority of you are taking public transit, but if you’re driving, I just gave you the gift of time. Yes, I’m sorry there’s a cost to it, but that’s what the concept of congestion pricing is all about.

    This city is in a different place than it was before congestion pricing. I need to continue proving this to the President.

    Mika Brzezinski, MSNBC: Ambulances can get to the hospital; that would be the bottom line.

    Governor Hochul: Delayed buses are now down 48 percent. Kids are getting to school sooner. It has had a profound impact on the lives of New Yorkers. We have to fight to keep it going, and that’s why I’m taking it to the courts and I’ll take it wherever I can. And they’re telling us we have to have an orderly cessation by the end of March. I’m saying I’m going to have an orderly resistance. We are not turning off the cameras.

    Willie Geist, MSNBC: And as you spoke New Yorker to New Yorker to the President of the United States, what did he say? How did he respond to your case?

    Governor Hochul: He said it’s a terrible tax — terrible tax on the working class. And I said, “The vast majority of people go into that district, take public transit. You’re going to have to give me $15 billion to invest in a subway system then.” If I lose $15 billion that we’re able to leverage with the money brought in by congestion pricing, then I won’t be able to fix the stations and the repairs and the new buses I need.

    And I said to everybody, and when he sent out his “Trump is the King” picture in the paper — if you saw that cover, that’s what they tweeted when he said “Long live the king,” when he killed congestion pricing. I said, “You know what? I need this to work. I need this to work. And we cannot be dictated to by someone who calls himself a king.” This is America. This is New York.

    Mike Barnicle, MSNBC: What did he say?

    Governor Hochul: I said that, yeah.

    Mike Barnicle, MSNBC: But what did he say?

    Governor Hochul: I just said — I don’t remember what he said. I just said, “It’s not about being a king. It’s not about being a king.” And I’m trying to find a common ground here. I want him to understand that this is a city that he cares about. And he understands it more than any president since FDR.

    We haven’t had a New York president, but more than anyone, he’s got property here. He understands we want to make sure that this city keeps moving. So I was just trying to appeal to him as a New Yorker and say, “This is good for New York.” I said, I wasn’t sure it was going to work like this. Guaranteed I was, this is a little bit of an experiment, but I think other cities are going to look at what we’re doing here and say that we reduce congestion. We also improve the quality of life dramatically for everyone who lives in this district. So we’re a model and I just hope the President will give us another chance to prove this.

    And as a lot of friends he has and business leaders and people that own the real estate and see what’s happening, they should be calling him up and talking about this. So it ain’t over.

    Mika Brzezinski, MSNBC: It ain’t over. New York State’s Democratic Governor, Kathy Hochul. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Rigetti Computing Announces Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Quanta Computer to Accelerate Development and Commercialization of Superconducting Quantum Computing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BERKELEY, Calif., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI) (“Rigetti” or the “Company”), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, today announced that it has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Quanta Computer Inc., (“Quanta”, TWSE: 2382.TW) a Taiwan-based Global Fortune 500 company and the global leader of computer server manufacturing, to accelerate the development and commercialization of superconducting quantum computing.

    The companies have committed to investing more than $100 million each over the next five years, with both sides focusing on their complementary strengths to develop superconducting quantum computing technologies. In addition, Quanta will invest $35 million and purchase shares of Rigetti, subject to regulatory clearance.

    The quantum computing industry is poised to experience rapid growth in the next 5 years, with increasing commercial interest and the market expected to reach $1-2 billion/year by 20301. Of the quantum computing modalities, superconducting qubits are proven to have many advantages over ion trap and neutral atoms, including fast gate speeds and well-established manufacturing techniques from the semiconductor industry.

    “Quanta’s investment in Rigetti will strengthen our leadership in this flourishing market. Our companies’ complementary strengths — Rigetti as a pioneer in superconducting quantum technology, with open, modular architecture enabling incorporation of innovative solutions across different parts of the stack easily, and Quanta as the world’s leading notebook/server manufacturer with $43 billion in annual sales — will help to put us at the forefront of the quantum computing industry,” says Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO.

    1“Quantum Computing On Track to Create Up to $850 Billion of Economic Value By 2040,” BCG, July 18, 2024

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

    About Quanta Computer
    Quanta Computer Inc. is a Fortune Global 500 Company and a leader in worldwide notebook manufacturing, as well as a leading solution provider in cloud computing. Quanta provides innovative products with superior technology in information and communications, consumer electronics, cloud computing, smart home solutions, smart automobile solutions, smart healthcare, and AIoT, etc. Founded in 1988 and listed in TWSE since 1999, Quanta Computer is headquartered in Taiwan with manufacturing and service locations across Asia, Americas, and Europe, etc. FY2024 consolidated revenues for Quanta Computer amounted to US$43 billion with a workforce of approximately 60,000 employees worldwide. For further information, please visit Quanta Computer’s website at www.quantatw.com.

    Rigetti Media Contact
    press@rigetti.com

    Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company’s future success and performance, including expectations with respect to timing of the development and commercialization of superconducting quantum computing; the expectation that Rigetti and Quanta will each invest more than $100 million over the next five years; expectations regarding Quanta’s anticipated $35 million investment in the Company through a purchase of the Company’s common stock; anticipated regulatory clearance; expectations regarding the advantages and impact of the strategic collaboration agreement with Quanta Computer on our operations, technology roadmap, milestones, and our position in the industry; anticipated market size of the quantum computing industry over the coming years; and the possibility that superconducting qubits will function better than ion trap and neutral atoms. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner and the availability of government funding; the potential of quantum computing; the success of the Company’s partnerships and collaborations, including the strategic collaboration with Quanta Computer; the Company’s ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which the Company competes; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives and expansion plans; the expected use of proceeds from the Company’s past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; unfavorable conditions in the Company’s industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including rising inflation and interest rates, deteriorating international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare and terrorist attacks; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Farming cooperatives can get a bad environmental rap, but they can also be a force for good

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stefan Korber, Senior Lecturer in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    Shutterstock

    It might have surprised some people when the United Nations made 2025 the International Year of Cooperatives and praised the “significant role cooperatives play in advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals”.

    Because cooperatives certainly have their critics. Economically, cooperative principles such as democratic ownership and governance are sometimes linked to inefficiency, low competitiveness and conservative decision-making.

    Environmentally, agricultural cooperatives can be portrayed as ecologically suspect and immune to effective regulation. New Zealand’s cooperative dairy giant Fonterra, for example, has been labelled “New Zealand’s worst climate polluter” by Greenpeace due to the methane emissions and effluent its cows produce.

    Obviously there is a major political dimension to that argument. But our recent research suggests agricultural cooperatives can also play a positive role when it comes to sustainable development – precisely because of their inherently diverse and democratic structure.

    Cooperatives are basically associations of individuals or businesses who voluntarily join to meet common economic, social or cultural needs. Jointly owned and democratically controlled, their profits are distributed among members rather than external shareholders.

    We interviewed individuals – from farmers to top-level managers and directors – in three New Zealand agricultural cooperatives. We wanted to shed more light on how their model can work to address one of the most pressing challenges New Zealand faces: sustainable land and water use.

    Spreading innovative ideas

    The three horticultural and dairy co-ops in our study collectively employ around 800 staff and are part of important value chains that connect New Zealand farmers to foreign markets. Industry experts described them as especially innovative in tackling sustainability challenges.

    For decades, industrialised agriculture has exacerbated land degradation by draining natural aquifers for farming, polluting land and water with effluent runoff, and creating food safety concerns about chemical residues.

    However, the co-ops in our study have developed methods and approaches to respond to these problems by enabling collaboration between members and external stakeholders. They also leverage some good old “number 8 wire” thinking from their farmers.

    First, organised workshops enable members to learn about the latest policy requirements and how customer expectations are changing. Instead of presenting ready-made solutions, the cooperatives support their farmers to experiment with novel ideas in response to identified problems.

    Motivated by increased awareness of ecological issues, some farmers came up with pioneering solutions, such as novel effluent systems, that made a positive environmental impact and saved money.

    Because of their networked structure, cooperatives can help innovative ideas spread rapidly across the broader membership. Farmers take pivotal roles, acting as champions and “thought leaders” to promote new ideas on roadshows and at field days.

    Networked learning: farmers become ‘thought leaders’ within cooperatives, spreading knowledge and innovative ideas.
    Shutterstock

    Building collaboration and trust

    Secondly, our co-ops ensured solutions developed on the farm held up to scientific scrutiny. They established working groups where researchers from public research institutes collaborated with farmers to develop solutions that worked for everyone.

    The most promising ideas even receive funding to conduct on-farm trials to test their real-world application, and that they meet the practical requirements of farmers.

    Explaining why getting farmers and scientists in the same room was vital, one cooperative manager told us:

    A lot of farmers often see science as purely academic and not practical. So, giving the farmers a say in that whole process is vital. You’ve got to instil that trust […] that’s when you are getting results.

    Third, the cooperatives codify novel agricultural methods into best-practice guidelines and audit them regularly. By combining these efforts, cooperatives can achieve widespread acceptance of new farming practices that are scientifically validated but also practical.

    Power in the collective

    Ultimately, our findings show large-scale sustainable transformation rests on finding ways to orchestrate the efforts of many individuals and organisations towards a common goal.

    To be sure, we are not saying some cooperatives and their members don’t also contribute to climate change. But we are suggesting they can play a more positive and proactive role than typically assumed.

    A lot of attention these days is paid to investor-owned, multinational corporations that seek to tackle complex challenges with technical solutions. Similarly, small-scale “ecopreneurial” initiatives that make a difference locally often find media and public favour.

    But it’s questionable whether single organisations, small or large, can galvanise the large-scale changes contemporary challenges demand.

    Cooperatives, on the other hand, are inherently diverse. They can represent the interests of local communities better than organisations controlled by often distant shareholders.

    As such, they are ideally placed to coordinate and facilitate the collaborative solutions needed to develop and implement sustainable transformation.

    The author acknowledges his colleagues in this research project: Lisa Callagher (University of Auckland), Frank Siedlok (University of St Andrews) and Ziad Elsahn (Lancaster University).

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

    – ref. Farming cooperatives can get a bad environmental rap, but they can also be a force for good – https://theconversation.com/farming-cooperatives-can-get-a-bad-environmental-rap-but-they-can-also-be-a-force-for-good-250905

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge in health and education

    Budget 2025 makes another record health care investment of $28 billion for a refocused health care system that ensures every Albertan has access to high-quality, reliable services close to home. The budget supports the government’s plan to provide targeted, specialized care in the four areas of acute care, primary care, mental health care and continuing care.

    With the highest-ever operating budget of $9.9 billion for education from kindergarten to Grade 12, Budget 2025 will help hire thousands more teachers and support staff, lower class sizes and provide enhanced educational support to students with complex needs.

    The budget invests $2.6 billion in capital dollars over three years, an increase of 23.9 per cent from the last budget. This includes $225 million to advance the planning and design of 30 new schools, five replacement schools, three modernization school projects, three public charter school projects and modular classrooms. These schools are in addition to the 22 that have been advanced to the next construction phase under the School Construction Accelerator Program, launched in fall 2024. Another 28 projects are in other stages of construction. Alberta’s government is committed to building much needed schools across the province and aims to deliver more than 100 new and updated schools – or about 200,000 student spaces – over the next seven years.

    “All Albertans deserve access to the best our health care and education systems have to offer. Alberta is growing as many families choose us as home. Budget 2025 will help meet the growing demands of the province while continuing to provide the services Albertans have come to trust and rely on.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Budget 2025: Strengthening health care

    Budget 2025 supports the government’s plan to build a refocused health care system that will provide Albertans with the necessary care when and where they need it.

    Health investments across the refocused health care system in Budget 2025 include:

    • $644 million for primary care to attach every Albertan with a primary care team and improve access to family doctors and frontline health-care professionals. This includes $20 million to support the work of nurse practitioners.
    • $4.6 billion for acute care, to support increases to services to meet volume and costs, and to improve the acute care system in hospitals, urgent care centres, chartered surgical and other health facilities.
    • $45 million for Indigenous health initiatives over three years, to help address health inequities and promote health, wellness and increased choice.
    • $7 billion for physician compensation and development, including $15 million for recruitment and retention.
    • $1.9 million for drugs and supplemental health benefits including the seniors drug program, which is the largest component that supports more than 700,000 seniors.
    • $1.7 billion to support addiction and mental health services to increase access to the supports Albertans require to pursue recovery and personal wellness. This includes implementation of the compassionate intervention framework, support for Recovery Alberta services, new recovery communities, and to expand mental health classrooms for clinical support to students with complex mental health needs.
    • $3.8 billion for Assisted Living Alberta, the new provincial continuing care health agency, which will provide wraparound medical and non-medical supports, home care, community care and social services.

    A total of $3.6 billion in capital dollars over three years will support new urgent care and primary care centres, build capacity at existing hospitals, expand surgical capacity, enhance rural hospitals and health facilities, and replace aging equipment to support improved health outcomes. This includes:

    • $769 million to support transformational changes in continuing care, increase the number of assisted living spaces and modernize existing assisted living homes in Alberta.
    • $265 million for the Alberta Surgical Initiative capital program to expand, renovate and build more operating rooms to boost surgical capacity.
    • $207 million for the development of specialized compassionate intervention facilities to provide care for patients.
    • $168 million in new funding to enhance diagnostic capabilities across the province.
    • $148 million to continue building Recovery Communities. A total of 11 recovery communities, including five in Indigenous communities, have been approved, with the Calgary Recovery Community scheduled to open in 2025. So far, 200 new addiction treatment beds are operational in Red Deer, Lethbridge and Gunn.
    • $60 million over three years to purchase new EMS vehicles and ambulances, upgrade the existing fleet and buy more equipment.

    “Budget 2025 builds on our commitment to refocusing Alberta’s health care system, improving access for Albertans, and supporting frontline workers. With significant investments in primary care, capital projects, Indigenous health, and acute services, we are ensuring Albertans receive the care they need, when and where they need it.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    “Alberta is an international leader in addiction treatment and recovery, driven by the Alberta Recovery Model. We remain committed to investing in the wellness of Albertans and providing those struggling with mental illness or addiction with the services they need to rebuild their lives. We are also committed to expanding access to treatment services by building new facilities across the province.”

    Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

    Budget 2025: Investing in kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12) education

    Albertans deserve world-class education for their families now and in the future. Budget 2025 provides an operating expense budget of $9.9 billion in 2025-26, a 4.5 per cent increase from the 2024-25 third-quarter forecast.

    • $54 million in 2025-26, along with $348 million more over the following two years will support additional enrolment growth.
    • an increase of $55 million in 2025-26, and another $94 million in each of the following two years, to adjust the funding formula for school authorities to provide increased sustainable funding for growth within the funding model.
    • In total, almost $1.1 billion will be provided over the next three years to address growth and hire more than 4,000 new teachers and classroom support staff.
    • More than $1.6 billion in 2025-26 will support students with specialized learning needs or groups of students who need additional help.
    • An investment of $55 million in 2025-26, a 20 per cent increase from last year, will allow school authorities to add staff and supports to complex classrooms so students receive the focus and attention they need.
    • $389 million over three years will provide increases to funding rates to cover the rising costs of maintaining educational facilities, unavoidable expenses like insurance and utilities, and providing programs and services to students.

    “Budget 2025 offers solutions to many of the challenges our education system is experiencing. We’re making new investments to hire more teachers, build more schools and give our youngest learners the strongest possible start. I’m excited to present this strong education budget to Albertans and am confident it will help keep our education system world-class.”

    Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education

    As Alberta continues to attract families, workers, and businesses, strategic investments in health care and education will address current demands and lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity.

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

    Related information

    • Budget 2025
    • Alberta Recovery Model

    Related news

    • Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge (Feb 27, 2025)
    • Budget 2025: Investing in Alberta’s future (Feb 27, 2025)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the Budget address
    • Watch the news conference
    • Listen to the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Budget 2025: Investing in Alberta’s future

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

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

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    Budget 2025: Supporting a strong workforce

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

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

    Budget 2025: Securing our borders

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

    Budget 2025: Investing in post-secondary education

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

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

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

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

    Budget 2025: Building communities

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

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

    Budget 2025: Supporting trade and diversification

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

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

    Budget 2025: Investing in business and industry

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

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

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

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

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

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

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

    Related information

    • Budget 2025

    Related news

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

    Multimedia

    • Watch the Budget address
    • Watch the news conference
    • Listen to the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Budget 2025: Meeting the challenge

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: First Vegas, then the world? Why the NRL is eyeing international markets

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney

    This weekend, Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) continues to trumpet its now annual pilgrimage to open its season in Las Vegas.

    While it’s only the second year of a five-year arrangement, the NRL claims its Vegas experiment has been a great success at a time when the league has been in excellent health on and off the field.

    But why is the Australian league hosting games in Las Vegas? And has this experiment paid dividends?

    The NRL has made the bold decision to play games at Las Vegas.

    The NRL’s Vegas play

    There are a few reasons behind the NRL’s Vegas venture, with money at the heart of it.

    It’s partly about future TV revenue and trying to grab a slice of the US sports gambling market.

    And then there’s sponsors – it’s allowed the NRL to fish in the larger US pond in terms of corporate involvement in the game.

    According to NRL CEO Andrew Abdo:

    Outside of the benefit we get here domestically, in America we’ve now got sponsors that are incremental. We would not have had these sponsors had we not been growing in America. We’ve got a successful travel experience for fans, and we’ve got incremental subscriptions on Watch NRL, so you’ve got real revenue coming in which allows to us to now invest in expansion, and invest in a better product here.

    The move is also part of a grand vision to grow the game internationally.

    The NRL has announced a team from Papua New Guinea will join the league in 2028. It is also aiming for more integration with the Super League in England, perhaps one day eyeing franchises in the US and the Pacific.

    The NRL is also conscious of the US National Football League’s venture into Melbourne in 2026 and the competition that could bring for Pacific talent.



    Read more:
    It’s the most American of sports, so why is the NFL looking to Melbourne for international games?

    There may also be some football diplomacy at play. For example, some Sharks players visited the Los Angles firefighters who fought the recent wildfires for some lessons on leadership and crisis management.

    What happened last year?

    The Vegas venture started a year ago with the Sydney Roosters playing the Brisbane Broncos and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles playing the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a groundbreaking double-header.

    These matches were the first NRL regular season games held outside Australia and New Zealand.

    The crowd at Allegiant Stadium, which holds 65,000 fans, surpassed all expectations, with 40,746 turning up when about 25,000 were expected.

    According to Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, more than 14,000 fans flew from Australia for the games and many Aussie expats living in the US also made the trip.

    In terms of TV audiences in Australia, the experiment was a big hit.

    The Manly-South Sydney clash was the most-watched NRL game ever on Fox Sports, with 838,000 fans tuning in. The Roosters-Broncos contest drew a Fox Sports audience of 786,000.

    According to NRL chairman Peter V’Landys:

    There was a lot of success in Vegas last year that we didn’t even plan, and for me that was record viewership in Australia and […] record attendances at pubs and clubs.

    Stateside reaction

    Of course a lot of Aussies tuned in, but how about US viewers?

    Around 61,000 tuned into Manly-South Sydney while 44,000 watched the Roosters and Broncos, which is well below the threshold of 100,000 viewers for profitable sports broadcasting, according to TV ratings experts Sports Media Watch in the US.

    The NRL set up fan zones and other activities in the build-up to the games in Las Vegas to attract US fans and entertain the visting Aussie tourists.

    This year there will be even more on offer: there are four games instead of two, with the NRL bringing over the Canberra Raiders and the New Zealand Warriors, and reigning four-time premiers the Penrith Panthers and the Cronulla Sharks.

    In addition, there’s an English Super League game, with the Wigan Warriors taking on Warrington Wolves, as well as an Australia-England women’s Test match.

    Is it worth it?

    So, has it been worth all the expense for the NRL?

    According to V’Landys, the competition’s bottom line has been largely unaffected despite the significant costs of the games:

    This year there’s a possibility that we’ll actually return a profit on Vegas and if not, it’ll be a small loss.

    But he’s not leaving anything to chance. In fact, in a televised plea on US TV show Fox and Friends, V’Landys invited President Donald Trump to attend the game.

    Will the president attend? Unlike a major US event like the Superbowl, where Trump was the first sitting president to attend, there’s not a big domestic constituency for rugby league, so chances are he won’t join the revelry in Vegas.

    But it sounds like the NRL, on current projections, won’t need him.

    With the introduction of a new team in PNG in 2028 and a possible 19th outfit in Perth soon after, the NRL has showcased an impressive vision to take the game into new markets.

    Even if a tiny proportion of the US market jumps on board rugby league, it can only help take the game closer to to its goal of being the undisputed number one sport in Australia.

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

    – ref. First Vegas, then the world? Why the NRL is eyeing international markets – https://theconversation.com/first-vegas-then-the-world-why-the-nrl-is-eyeing-international-markets-250622

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Grassley, Heinrich Applaud Senate Committee Passage of Legislation to Combat Illegal Fentanyl

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) applaud the passage of the Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. The HALT Fentanyl Act makes permanent the temporary classification of fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I drug of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The drug’s Schedule I classification is set to expire on March 31, 2025. The HALT Fentanyl Act builds on the momentum of the Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues (SOFA) Act introduced by U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI).
    “Chinese fentanyl was pouring into the U.S. under President Biden’s open border. Law enforcement needs every tool possible to combat this,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I am grateful for Chairman Grassley’s quick work to move this through the Judiciary Committee. Let’s make it law.”
    “The Senate Judiciary Committee’s broad, bipartisan passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act is an important step towards ending our nation’s deadly opioid epidemic,” said Senator Grassley. “Congress has a dwindling shot clock to pass this bill before fentanyl-related substances’ Schedule I status runs out. I urge my congressional colleagues to continue moving this legislation forward, so we can make permanent scheduling of fentanyl analogs the law of the land.” 
    “The HALT Fentanyl Act incorporates the permanent scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, which I first introduced in 2017 in the Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues Act (SOFA). SOFA served as the template for the Trump administration’s temporary scheduling rule in 2018, and it recognizes the admirable devotion of Wisconsinites Dr. Tim Westlake and Lauri Badura. Ms. Badura founded Saving Others For Archie and made it her life’s mission to end the fentanyl crisis after losing her son, Archie, to fentanyl poisoning. I’m pleased SOFA will advance to the Senate floor under the HALT Fentanyl Act,”said Senator Johnson. 
    “I’m pleased that my HALT Fentanyl Act is one step closer to becoming law,” said Senator Heinrich. “My legislation now heads to the Senate floor, and I urge my colleagues to pass it. The HALT Fentanyl Act is urgently needed to help our law enforcement crack down on illegal trafficking, get deadly fentanyl out of our communities, and save lives.” 
    The bill now awaits a vote on the U.S. Senate floor. President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has confirmed that, if Congress passes the bill in its current form, the president will sign it.
    Additionally, the bill has 24 U.S. Senate cosponsors and is supported by 40 advocacy groups, including 25 State Attorneys General, 11 major law enforcement organizations, nine major medical associations and Facing Fentanyl, a coalition of over 200 impacted family groups.
    Background:
    Drug overdoses, largely driven by fentanyl, are the leading cause of death among young adults 18 to 45 years old. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl account for 66 percent of the total U.S. overdose deaths. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023. This was primarily fueled by synthetic opioids, including illegal fentanyl, which are largely manufactured in Mexico from raw materials supplied by China. In 2022, there were over 50.6 million fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), more than doubling the amount seized in 2021.
    In 2017, Johnson introduced SOFA in the U.S. Senate following the Wisconsin legislature’s unanimous adoption of a bill that mirrors the HALT Fentanyl Act. In 2019, Cassidy became a cosponsor of SOFA. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Secures Argentine President Milei’s Partnership in Credit Suisse Investigation into Nazi-Linked Accounts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is welcoming Argentine President Javier Milei’s commitment to support Grassley’s ongoing investigation into Credit Suisse and its historic servicing of Nazi-linked accounts. This includes providing archival records documenting the use of Nazi “ratlines.” Ratlines were monetary and logistic pathways Nazis used to escape justice and flee to Latin America, including Argentina, following World War II.

    “In order to continue this work, I respectfully request possession of Argentina’s archival records relating to Nazi ratlines. This includes records dating to the time before, during, and following World War II that will help shed light on the planning and carrying out of the Nazi ratlines. The great people of Argentina’s support in helping the Senate Judiciary Committee obtain possession would assist the committee in advancing its corresponding oversight of this matter,” Grassley wrote to Milei.

    Grassley will chair a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing next week focused on stemming the tide of antisemitism.
    Read additional background from the Times of Israel.                                  

    Argentine president opening files on Nazi ‘ratlines’ that trafficked Eichmann, Mengele

    By Matt Lebovic

    February 24, 2025

    Argentinian President Javier Milei promised officials of the Simon Wiesenthal Center his full cooperation in granting access to documents related to the financing of so-called “ratlines” that helped Nazis escape Europe after the Holocaust. The promise was made in Buenos Aires at the presidential palace, Casa Rosada, during a meeting with Milei and activists on Tuesday.

    For decades, organizations including the Simon Wiesenthal Center, named after the famed Nazi hunter, have sought records related to unofficial escape routes taken by thousands of Nazis during the years after World War II. Up to 10,000 Nazis and other fascist war criminals escaped justice by fleeing to Argentina and other countries.

    “While some previous leaders promised full cooperation to get to the hard truths that involved Argentina’s past, Milei is the first to act with lightning speed to enable the SWC to uncover important pieces of the historic puzzle, especially as it related to involvement with Nazis before, during and after the Holocaust,” Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, told The Times of Israel.

    …

    During the SWC meeting on Tuesday, Jonathan Missner, managing partner at Stein, Mitchell, Beato & Missner, brought a letter from US Senator Charles Grassley, chairman of the US Senate Judiciary Committee. The letter — which was handed to Milei — requested the Argentinian leader’s assistance in uncovering how the ratlines were organized and funded. A copy of the letter was sent to US President Donald Trump.

    …

    Nazis’ escape routes

    Several countries in the Americas received Nazis, including Canada, the US, and Mexico. Nazis also fled to Australia, Spain, and Switzerland. In some cases, US intelligence officials used ratlines to pluck top Nazi scientists away from Soviet orbits.

    One of two primary escape routes went through Germany and Spain, then across the Atlantic to Argentina…

    Up to 5,000 Nazis are said to have settled in Argentina, including Holocaust “architect” Adolf Eichmann and Josef Mengele, one of the most recognizable — and wanted — Nazis. Traveling along a ratline in 1948, the notorious Auschwitz physician used the new identity of Helmut Gregor when fleeing Europe.

    “These files will be instrumental in obtaining justice, which is instrumental to honoring the memory of those who suffered and died in the Holocaust,” said Cooper. “Especially in a post-October 7 world, those who financed, facilitated, or otherwise assisted these ratlines must be held accountable,” he said.

    …

    “Words are one thing — actions are another. President Milei’s historic decision signals his unequivocal allyship with the Jewish community while reinforcing his commitment to accountability and transparency at home,” Missner told The Times of Israel.

    Support for harboring Nazi war criminals went right to the top in Argentina, according to historians. President Juan Peron was angered by the Nuremberg Trials and authorized key facets of the escape routes, making them a state affair. In addition to German Nazis, the Peron regime and other South American governments aided war criminals from Hungary, Croatia and elsewhere.

    “President Milei is a staunch ally of the global Jewish community and was eager to open these archives. He knows that confronting Argentina’s history of Nazi collaboration requires nothing less than full transparency, and the same principle undergirds his pursuit of justice for the AMIA bombing,” said Missner.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: From Protecting Civilians to Combating Crime, Preventing Conflict, United Nations Police Play Vital Role in Peacekeeping, Security Council Told

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Note: Complete coverage of this afternoon’s meeting of the Security Council will be available 28 February.

    United Nations police are a critical part of the Organization’s peacekeeping architecture and must be adequately prepared, equipped and resourced to meet current and future challenges, the Security Council heard today, as it met to discuss UN support to conflict-affected countries.

    Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said that today’s meeting offers the opportunity to discuss a critical question:  “How can we position United Nations police to be prepared for the future and the challenges that, even as they evolve, retain many known aspects?”  Such challenges, he noted, include lack of adherence to the rule of law, corruption, disregard for international law, transnational organized crime and human-rights violations.  Further, he underlined the need to work collectively to ensure that United Nations police are properly prepared, equipped and resourced “to meet whatever tomorrow brings”.

    Gap between Mandates, Capacity to Deliver

    However, he emphasized that “the gap between peacekeeping mandates and what the missions can, in practice, actually deliver has become increasingly apparent”.  Yet, the Action for Peacekeeping agenda continues to help close this gap, as do the areas prioritized within the Action for Peacekeeping Plus agenda.  Detailing several of these, he added that “rigorous and transparent monitoring of the performance and impact of peacekeeping operations provides the foundation for improving our operations”.  Through such an agenda, he concluded, “we are better placed to address today’s challenges to peace and security and, ultimately, to improve the lives of the people we serve”.

    “Although our footprint may be smaller today”, said Faisal Shahkar, United Nations Police Adviser, the tasks and responsibilities of the United Nations police remain complex.  This includes support to develop host-State policing capacities and institutions that underpin long-term stability and the rule of law.  Noting the need to enhance trust between missions, host-State Government institutions and host populations, he said that it is vital to address mis- and disinformation.  He also called for investment in training, highlighting the United Nations Police Commanders Course — “the crown jewel in the United Nations Police Training Architecture”.

    He also pointed out that United Nations police help reinforce the capacities of their host-State policing counterparts and support their operations, detailing several examples of this — including in the Central African Republic.  There, United Nations police provided extensive training for internal security forces, with a particular emphasis on human rights, gender-based violence and security in preparation for upcoming elections. Underlining the importance of skilled and knowledgeable police commanders, he urged:  “We need your support in ensuring that such officers — including highly skilled women and Francophone officers — are made available.”

    Maintaining Security towards Elections in Central African Republic

    Providing further detail on the situation in that country, Christophe Bizimungu, Chief of the Police Component of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), said that the security situation there will undoubtedly be impacted by upcoming elections.  “In addition to physical security measures, we will contribute towards the prevention of election violence — particularly violence against women and hate speech,” he said.  Noting that United Nations police primarily focus on civilian protection, he said it is ready to support electoral security and ensure that civilians are not affected during this period.

    Ensuring Lasting Calm in Cyprus

    Mingzhu Xu, Senior Police Adviser, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), also provided country-specific information on United Nations police activities.  She said that as one of the longest-running active missions UNFICYP has consistently upheld efforts to prevent the recurrence of conflict, contribute to the maintenance of law and order and facilitate a return to normal conditions.  While its role has expanded beyond monitoring and reporting in the last five years, she emphasized that the Force’s most-important role is conflict prevention: “Every day, UNPOL officers engage with a multitude of actors in the buffer zone, employing community-oriented policing to defuse tensions, broker compromises and generally keep the peace.”

    …

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Jones heads to world’s largest mining conference

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The world’s largest annual mining conference will provide a platform to showcase to the international community the progress the Coalition Government is making to get the sector to work, Resources Minister Shane Jones says 

    Mr Jones is travelling tomorrow to the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto. The annual conference draws 30,000 attendees from 135 countries and is covered by around 400 accredited media companies.

    “This is where the global resources sector gets business done and it will be the first time for more than 10 years a New Zealand government minister will be there putting the case for investing in our country,” Mr Jones says

    “During the past year the Coalition Government has delivered for the resources sector. This major conference is our best opportunity yet to tell the international mining and investment community that New Zealand is moving from being ‘open for business’ to ‘doing business’ – and is ready for investment.

    “Our recently launched Minerals Strategy and Critical Minerals List clearly articulates what we have to offer and how the international community can invest. More investment in our minerals sector means more high-paying regional jobs, regional revenue and growth for our economy.

    “Participating in the Mines Minister Summit during the world’s biggest mining conference will provide an unrivalled opportunity to speak directly to the industry and investors about our transformative vision for the resources sector.

    “I will also be meeting industry CEOs, investment firms and ministerial counterparts to highlight how our fast-track legislation and our vision for the resources sector provides a golden opportunity for investment while delivering prosperity for New Zealanders.

    “I look forward to speaking to the world as we work towards our goal of doubling mineral exports to NZ$3 billion by 2035,” Mr Jones says.

    Mr Jones returns from Toronto on 7 March.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: STATEMENT: Missouri Secretary of State Office investigates “ICE flyers” at public libraries

    Source: US State of Missouri

     

     

    For Immediate Release:   February 27, 2025

    Missouri Secretary of State Office Investigates “ICE flyers” at Public Libraries

    Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, CPA, has provided the following statement in regards to recent news of misleading, inaccurate immigration fliers posted at public libraries:

    “Libraries play a crucial role in providing access to information and fostering informed communities. Therefore, we encourage all library staff to stay vigilant in maintaining the integrity of the resources offered.

    “After a thorough investigation, the Missouri Secretary of State’s office is urging all libraries to review and remove any and all publicly-posted materials that may constitute legal advice or the unauthorized practice of law. It is important to emphasize that libraries do not provide immigration, tax, or other forms of legal advice. To ensure the safety and well-being of our community, libraries should diligently review their internal community or bulletin board policies and continue to monitor materials, noting that misleading and inaccurate information may put people in unnecessarily harmful situations.

    “Together, we can ensure that our libraries remain reliable and safe spaces for all citizens of Missouri. The Office will continue to monitor the situation. 

    “Thank you for your attention to this important matter.”

    About Secretary of State Denny Hoskins
    Denny Hoskins, CPA, was elected as Missouri 41st Secretary of State in November 2024. With a strong background in business and public service, he is committed to improving government efficiency, transparency, and supporting Missouri families.

    For more information, please contact: Rachael Dunn, Director of Communications, [email protected].

    — 30 —

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Rosen, Husted, & Ricketts Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect American Government Devices from PRC-Controlled AI Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jon Husted (R-OH), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit the use of DeepSeek — a new artificial intelligence (AI) platform with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party — on all government devices and networks. DeepSeek poses a potentially major national security threat, as data collected from the program is being shared directly with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government and its intelligence agencies. Several U.S. states and allied nations have already moved to block DeepSeek from government devices due to critical security concerns.
    “As the artificial intelligence landscape continues to rapidly expand, the U.S. must take steps to ensure Americans’ data and government systems remain protected against platforms — like DeepSeek — that are linked to our adversaries,” said Senator Rosen. “This bipartisan legislation takes proactive steps to ban DeepSeek on all U.S. government devices, helping to further safeguard sensitive government data from the Chinese Communist Party.”
    “DeepSeek is a tool that perpetuates Communist China’s agenda—full stop,” said Senator Husted. “It exposes Americans’ data to our adversary’s government, lies to its users, and exploits American workers’ AI advances. We can’t afford for U.S. officials to play into Beijing’s hands by hosting this hostile bot on their devices. Our bill is an urgent first step toward protecting our citizens, government, and economy from China’s Communist Party.”
    “DeepSeek poses serious security risks to Americans who use the platform. It should not be on government devices,” said Senator Ricketts. “This bipartisan bill ensures that DeepSeek does not expose our government to potential national security risks—or give our data to Communist China.”
    As the first and only former computer programmer to serve in the Senate, Senator Rosen has led the fight to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity. Last year, Rosen called on the Department of Health and Human Services and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to create a plan to help health care systems respond to cyber attacks like the recent ransomware attack on Change Healthcare. Additionally, Rosen’s bipartisan Department of Defense Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act became law to recruit civilian cybersecurity personnel to serve in reserve capacities and respond to cyberattacks during times of need. Senator Rosen has introduced bipartisan bills to bolster the cybersecurity of medical devices and records from the Department of Veterans Affairs, both of which were signed into law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: James Altucher Predicts Elon Musk’s Starlink Poised for Historic Breakthrough: Possible “Super-IPO” Announcement on March 13, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renowned entrepreneur and technology analyst James Altucher is predicting what could be the most significant technological shift of the decade. According to Altucher, all signs point to Elon Musk preparing to unveil a groundbreaking development as early as March 13, 2025—announcing an event he calls a “Super-IPO” that could redefine global connectivity forever.

    The Starlink Revolution

    Starlink, a division of SpaceX, has already disrupted traditional internet service providers by deploying a revolutionary satellite-based network. Unlike conventional broadband and 5G technology, Starlink’s system bypasses ground-based infrastructure, delivering fast, reliable, and uninterrupted internet access from anywhere on the planet—whether in a metropolitan hub or a remote rural location.

    Altucher explains that this technology is set to challenge legacy telecom giants, with Musk’s vision for a global, high-speed internet service that eliminates dead zones, enhances emergency response systems, and powers the next generation of digital communication. With over 2.6 million users already onboard and expansion accelerating, Starlink is at the forefront of a connectivity revolution.

    Key Developments Leading to a Major Announcement

    A series of key developments have fueled speculation about an imminent announcement:

    ●   Elon Musk’s Own Statements: In a previous statement, Musk confirmed that Starlink would go public once its cash flow became predictable—recent reports indicate this milestone has been reached.

    ●   Market Positioning: Analysts note that Starlink has surpassed critical operational thresholds, now servicing major commercial and government clients worldwide.

    ●   Government & Industry Integration: With ties to aerospace, defense, and global commerce, Starlink’s expanding role suggests a strategic alignment with the next phase of space-based communications.

    Altucher’s Perspective on This Historic Moment

    James Altucher states, “Mark my words: what’s coming next is a radical new internet, powered directly by President Trump’s right-hand man, Elon Musk”

    Further emphasizing the impact of this anticipated announcement, Altucher remarks, “History shows that situations like this are when everyday folks have the rare shot at getting extraordinarily rich”

    He draws comparisons to past technological revolutions, adding, “Untold amounts of wealth are made over time by folks who see it coming”

    What Comes Next?

    With March 13 on the horizon, all eyes are on Musk and his team as they prepare to potentially unveil what could be the largest technological leap forward in modern internet history.

    About James Altucher

    James Altucher is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and technology analyst known for his deep insights into emerging trends and disruptive innovations. He has founded multiple companies, appeared on top financial media platforms, and built a loyal following through his expertise in finance, tech, and entrepreneurship. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC

    Media Contact:

    Derek Warren
    Public Relations Manager
    Paradigm Press Group
    Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Intermap Announces Date for 2024 Financial Results and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Intermap Technologies (TSX: IMP; OTCQB: ITMSF) (“Intermap” or the “Company”), a global leader in 3D geospatial products and intelligence solutions, today announced that it plans to release fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results after market close on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

    Intermap’s CEO Patrick A. Blott, CFO Jennifer Bakken and COO Jack Schneider will host a live webinar on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 5:00 pm ET to review the results, provide Company updates and answer investor questions following the presentation.

    Intermap invites shareholders, analysts, investors, media representatives and other stakeholders to attend the earnings webinar to discuss fourth quarter 2024 results.

    CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
    DATE:     Thursday, March 27, 2025
    TIME:     5:00 pm ET
    WEBCAST:     Register

    A recording of the webinar and supporting materials will be made available in the investor’s section of the Company’s website at https://www.intermap.com/investors.

    Intermap Reader Advisory 
    Certain information provided in this news release, including reference to revenue growth, constitutes forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate”, “expect”, “project”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “will be”, “will consider”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although Intermap believes that these statements are based on information and assumptions which are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are necessarily subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Intermap’s forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties pertaining to, among other things, cash available to fund operations, availability of capital, revenue fluctuations, nature of government contracts, economic conditions, loss of key customers, retention and availability of executive talent, competing technologies, common share price volatility, loss of proprietary information, software functionality, internet and system infrastructure functionality, information technology security, breakdown of strategic alliances, and international and political considerations, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed Intermap’s Annual Information Form and other securities filings. While the Company makes these forward-looking statements in good faith, should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that the Company will derive therefrom. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to Intermap or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities law.

    About Intermap Technologies 

    Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Intermap (TSX: IMP; OTCQB: ITMSF) is a global leader in geospatial intelligence solutions, focusing on the creation and analysis of 3D terrain data to produce high-resolution thematic models. Through scientific analysis of geospatial information and patented sensors and processing technology, the Company provisions diverse, complementary, multi-source datasets to enable customers to seamlessly integrate geospatial intelligence into their workflows. Intermap’s 3D elevation data and software analytic capabilities enable global geospatial analysis through artificial intelligence and machine learning, providing customers with critical information to understand their terrain environment. By leveraging its proprietary archive of the world’s largest collection of multi-sensor global elevation data, the Company’s collection and processing capabilities provide multi-source 3D datasets and analytics at mission speed, enabling governments and companies to build and integrate geospatial foundation data with actionable insights. Applications for Intermap’s products and solutions include defense, aviation and UAV flight planning, flood and wildfire insurance, disaster mitigation, base mapping, environmental and renewable energy planning, telecommunications, engineering, critical infrastructure monitoring, hydrology, land management, oil and gas and transportation. 

    For more information, please visit www.intermap.com or contact:
    Jennifer Bakken
    Executive Vice President and CFO
    CFO@intermap.com
    +1 (303) 708-0955

    Sean Peasgood
    Investor Relations
    Sean@SophicCapital.com
    +1 (647) 7260-9266

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Guardian Capital Group Limited (TSX: GCG; GCG.A) Announces 2024 Annual Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    All per share figures disclosed below are stated on a diluted basis.

    For the years ended December 31,       2024     2023  
    ($ in thousands, except per share amounts)        
             
    Net revenue     $ 323,403   $ 241,182  
    Operating earnings       38,824     59,849  
    Net gains       77,444     57,787  
    Net earnings from continuing operations       101,598     102,162  
    Net earnings from discontinued operations       —     554,933  
    Net earnings       101,598     657,095  
             
             
    EBITDA(1)     $ 70,874   $ 85,424  
    Adjusted cash flow from operations(1)       57,536     72,763  
             
             
    Attributable to shareholders:        
    Net earnings from continuing operations     $ 100,099   $ 100,250  
    Net earnings       100,099     562,929  
    EBITDA(1)       68,248     82,247  
    Adjusted cash flow from operations (1)       54,884     69,581  
    Per share, diluted:        
    Net earnings from continuing operations     $ 4.10   $ 3.99  
    Net earnings       4.10     22.12  
    EBITDA(1)       2.82     3.29  
    Adjusted cash flow from operations (1)       2.28     2.79  
             
    As at December 31, 2024       2024     2023  
    ($ in millions, except per share amounts)        
             
    Total client assets     $ 168,979   $ 58,774  
    Shareholders’ equity       1,318     1,241  
    Securities, net (1)       1,211     1,318  
    Per share, diluted:        
    Shareholders’ equity (1)     $ 53.76   $ 49.39  
    Securities, net (1)       49.38     52.44  
             
             

    The Company is reporting Total Client Assets (which includes assets under management and assets under advisement) of $169.0 billion as at December 31, 2024, an increase of $110.2 billion from $58.8 billion as at December 31, 2023. The current year’s Total Client Assets include $104.8 billion associated with Charlotte, North Carolina-based Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling”) and Toronto, Canada-based Galibier Capital Management Ltd (“Galibier”), both of which were acquired during the current year.

    The Operating earnings were $38.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $59.8 million in the prior year. EBITDA(1) was $70.9 million in 2024, compared to $85.4 million in the prior year. Both of these measures were dampened by approximately $14.4 million in expenses related to the above mentioned acquisitions and the associated initial integration expenses (“Transitional expenses”).

    Net revenue for the year was $323.4 million, a 34% or $82.2 million increase from $241.2 million in the prior year. The inclusion of Sterling’s and Galibier’s Net revenue accounted for $75.4 million, or 31% of the increase. The remainder of the increase was driven by the growth in Total Client Assets from the prior year, partially offset by lower interest income earned in the current year. Operating expenses were 57% higher in the current year at $284.6 million, compared to $181.3 million in the prior year. The addition of operating expenses from Sterling and Galibier and the related Transitional expenses accounted for 46% of the increase.

    Net gains in 2024 were $77.4 million, compared to Net gains of $57.8 million in 2023, which largely reflect the changes in fair values of the Company’s Securities portfolio, and are consistent with performance of the global financial markets.

    Net earnings attributable to shareholders from continuing operations were $100.1 million in 2024, compared to $100.3 million in 2023.

    Adjusted cash flow from operations(1) in 2024 was $57.5 million, compared to $72.8 million in 2023.

    During 2024, the Company returned to shareholders $35.6 million in dividends and $24.9 million in share buybacks.

    The Company’s Shareholders’ equity as at December 31, 2024 was $1,318 million, or $53.76 per share(1), compared to $1,241 million, or $49.39 per share(1) as at December 31, 2023. The Company’s Securities, net(1) as at December 31, 2024 had a fair value of $1,211 million, or $49.38 per share(1), compared to $1,318 million, or $52.44 per share(1). The decline in the net holdings of Securities was due to the Company utilizing a portion of the portfolio to fund the acquisitions of Sterling and Galibier, share buybacks and tax liabilities arising from the sale of Worldsource businesses in the prior year, partially offset by market appreciation during the year.

    The Board of Directors is pleased to have declared a quarterly eligible dividend of $0.39 per share, an increase of 5%, payable on April 18, 2025, to shareholders of record on April 11, 2025.  

    The Company’s financial results for the past eight quarters are summarized in the following table.

      Dec 31, 2024 Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Sep 30, 2023 Jun 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2023
                     
                     
    As at ($ in millions)                
    Total client assets $ 168,979   $ 165,061   $ 58,628   $ 61,316   $ 58,774   $ 56,215   $ 56,527   $ 56,326  
                     
    For the three months ended ($ in thousands)            
    Net revenue $ 98,614   $ 98,128   $ 64,164   $ 62,497   $ 62,245   $ 62,611   $ 61,833   $ 54,493  
    Operating earnings   7,385     4,790     14,333     12,318     13,097     18,474     17,038     11,240  
    Net gains (losses)   64,476     39,392     (39,161 )   12,737     60,747     (17,358 )   (3,736 )   18,134  
    Net earnings (losses) from continuing operations   63,231     39,658     (22,730 )   21,441     68,048     (2,270 )   11,532     24,852  
    Net earnings from discontinued operations   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     554,933  
    Net earnings (losses)   63,231     39,658     (22,730 )   21,441     68,048     (2,270 )   11,532     579,785  
    Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to shareholders   62,849     39,222     (23,137 )   21,167     67,087     (2,506 )   11,145     24,524  
    Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders   62,849     39,222     (23,137 )   21,167     67,087     (2,506 )   11,145     487,203  
                     
                     
    Per share amounts (in $)                
    Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to shareholders    
    Basic $ 2.72   $ 1.69   $ (0.99 ) $ 0.90   $ 2.85   $ (0.11 ) $ 0.47   $ 1.04  
    Diluted   2.58     1.60     (0.99 )   0.86     2.68     (0.11 )   0.45     1.00  
    Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders:            
    Basic $ 2.72   $ 1.69   $ (0.99 ) $ 0.90   $ 2.85   $ (0.11 ) $ 0.47   $ 20.27  
    Diluted   2.58     1.60     (0.99 )   0.86     2.68     (0.11 )   0.45     18.79  
                     
    Dividends paid $ 0.37   $ 0.37   $ 0.37   $ 0.34   $ 0.34   $ 0.34   $ 0.34   $ 0.24  
                     
                     
    As at                
    Shareholders’ equity ($ in millions) $ 1,318   $ 1,245   $ 1,223   $ 1,255   $ 1,241   $ 1,201   $ 1,213   $ 1,242  
    Per share amounts (in $)                
    Basic $ 56.54   $ 53.73   $ 52.59   $ 53.69   $ 52.87   $ 50.90   $ 51.11   $ 52.42  
    Diluted   53.76     50.38     49.34     50.30     49.39     47.54     47.63     48.73  
                     
    Total Class A and Common shares outstanding (shares in thousands)   24,647     24,867     24,959     25,136     25,230     25,408     25,609     26,113  
                     

    Guardian Capital Group Limited (Guardian) is a global investment management company servicing institutional, retail and private clients through its subsidiaries. It also manages a proprietary portfolio of securities. Founded in 1962, Guardian’s reputation for steady growth, long-term relationships and its core values of trustworthiness, integrity and stability have been key to its success over six decades. Its Common and Class A shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange as GCG and GCG.A, respectively. To learn more about Guardian, visit www.guardiancapital.com.

    For further information, contact:
       
    Donald Yi
    Chief Financial Officer
    (416) 350-3136    		 George Mavroudis
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (416) 364-8341
       
    Investor Relations: investorrelations@guardiancapital.com.
       

    Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Information

    Certain information included in this press release constitutes forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “outlook”, “objective”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “should”, “plan”, “continue”, or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events or the negative thereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to management’s beliefs, plans, estimates, and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, results, circumstances, performance or expectations. Such forward-looking information reflects management’s beliefs and is based on information currently available. All forward-looking information in this press release is qualified by the following cautionary statements.

    Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause Guardian’s actual performance and results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include but are not limited to: general economic and market conditions, including interest rates, business competition, changes in government regulations, tax laws or tariffs, the duration and severity of pandemics, natural disasters, military conflicts in various parts of the world, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the risk factors section and the other disclosure documents filed by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned to consider these factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information, as there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information.

    The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

    (1) Non IFRS Measures
    The Company’s management uses EBITDA, EBITDA attributable to shareholders, including the per share amount, Adjusted cash flows from operations, Adjusted cash flow from operations attributable to shareholders, including the per share amount, Shareholders’ equity per share and Securities per share to evaluate and assess the performance of its business. These measures do not have standardized measures under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. However, management believes that most shareholders, creditors, other stakeholders and investment analysts prefer to include the use of these measures in analyzing the Company’s results. The Company defines EBITDA as net earnings before interest, income taxes, amortization, and stock-based compensation expenses, net gains or losses and net earnings from discontinued operations. EBITDA attributable shareholders as EBITDA less the amounts attributable to non-controlling interests. The Company defines Adjusted cash flow from operations as net cash from operating activities, net of changes in non-cash working capital items and cash flow from discontinued operations. Adjusted cash flow from operations attributable to shareholders as Adjusted cash flow from operations less the amounts attributable to non-controlling interests. A reconciliation between these measures and the most comparable IFRS measures are as follows:

           
    For the years ended December 31, ($ in thousands)     2024     2023  
           
    Net earnings   $ 101,598   $ 657,095  
    Add (deduct):      
    Net earnings from discontinued operations     —     (554,933 )
    Income tax expense     14,670     15,474  
    Net gains     (77,444 )   (57,787 )
    Stock-based compensation     4,058     3,587  
    Interest expense     10,362     8,296  
    Amortization     17,630     13,692  
    EBITDA     70,874     85,424  
    Less attributable to non-controlling interests in continuing operations     (2,626 )   (3,177 )
    EBITDA attributable to shareholders   $ 68,248   $ 82,247  
           
           
    For the years ended December 31, ($ in thousands)     2024     2023  
           
    Net cash from operating activities   $ 93,261   $ 81,419  
    Add (deduct):      
    Net cash from operating activities, discontinued operations     —     (10,087 )
    Net change in non-cash working capital items     (35,725 )   (8,282 )
    Net change in non-cash working capital items, discontinued operations     —     9,713  
    Adjusted cash flow from operations     57,536     72,763  
    Less attributable to non-controlling interests, continuing operations     (2,652 )   (3,182 )
    Adjusted cash flow from operations attributable to shareholders   $ 54,884   $ 69,581  
           

    The per share amounts for EBITDA attributable to shareholders, Adjusted cash flow from operations attributable to shareholders and Shareholders’ equity are calculated by dividing the amounts by diluted shares, which is calculated in a manner similar to net earnings attributable to shareholders per share.

    Securities, net and Securities, net per share
    Securities, net and Securities, net per share are used by management to indicate the value available to shareholders created by Guardian’s investment in securities, without the netting of debt or deferred income taxes associated with the unrealized gains. The most comparable IFRS measures are “Securities” & “Securities sold short”, which are disclosed in Guardian’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Securities, net defined as the net sum of Securities and Securities sold short. The per share amount is calculated by dividing the amounts by diluted shares, which is calculated in a manner similar to net earnings attributable to shareholders per share..

    More detailed descriptions of these non-IFRS measures are provided in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cook Islands government to seek update on China’s naval exercises

    By Talaia Mika of the Cook Islands News

    As concerns continue to emerge over China’s “unusual” naval exercises in the Tasman Sea, raising eyebrows from New Zealand and Australia, the Cook Islands government was questioned for an update in Parliament.

    This follows the newly established bilateral relations between the Cook Islands and China through a five-year agreement and Prime Minister Mark Brown’s accusations of the New Zealand media and experts looking down on the Cook Islands.

    A Chinese Navy convoy held two live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand on Friday and Saturday, prompting passenger planes to change course mid-flight and pressuring officials in both countries.

    Akaoa MP Robert Heather queried the Prime Minister whether the government had spoken to Chinese embassy officials in New Zealand for a response in this breach of Australian waters?

    “One thing I do know is that just in the recent weeks, New Zealand navy was part of an exercise with the Australians and Americans conducting naval exercises in the South China Sea and perhaps that’s why China decided to exercise naval exercises in the international waters off the coast of Australia,” he said.

    “And I also know that in the last two weeks, the government of Australia and China signed a security treaty between the two countries.

    “However in due course, we may be informed more about these naval exercises that these countries conduct in international waters off each other’s coasts.”

    According to Brown, he had not been briefed by any government whether it’s New Zealand, Australia, or China about these developments.

    Asking for an update
    He added that while the Minister of Foreign Affairs Elikana was currently in the Solomon Islands attending a forum on fisheries together with other ministers of the Pacific Region, he would ask him about whether he could make any inquiries to find out whether the government could be updated or briefed on this issue.

    Meanwhile, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said after a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing, that lack of sufficient warning from China about the live-fire exercises was a “failure” in the New Zealand-China relationship.

    A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defence, Wu Qian explained that China’s actions were entirely in accordance with international law and established practices and would not impact on aviation safety.

    He added that the live-fire training was conducted with repeated safety notices that had been issued in advance.

    Republished with permission from the Cook Islands News.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Police units need strong support says UN peacekeeping chief

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Peace and Security

    The head of UN peacekeeping operations on Thursday called for more investment in the UN Police service, highlighting the mounting challenges officers face in conflict affected regions.

    Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Peace Operations chief, emphasised that UN Police are critical to sustaining peace, operating in increasingly difficult conditions, in the face of organized crime, corruption, human rights violations and weak institutions.

    “Each of us here in this Chamber – Member States, Council members, host countries, and military, police and financial contributors – have a stake in the success of peacekeeping operations,” he said.

    “This is never truer than at times like these, when multilateralism is facing significant headwinds,” he added, urging sustained effort to ensure peacekeeping remains relevant and responsive to today’s challenges.

    Bridging the gap

    Mr. Lacroix noted that the gap between peacekeeping mandates and operational realities has grown, stating that efforts under the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P+) initiative have helped narrow it, improving the effectiveness of police components in UN missions.

    In the Central African Republic (CAR) for instance, UN Police are strengthening national security forces to protect civilians and uphold the rule of law, while in disputed Abyei, they have been instrumental in implementing a strategy to support rule of law to address governance challenges between Sudan and South Sudan.

    The UN is also enhancing police training and operations.  

    A revised UN Police Commanders Course was piloted recently in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, and a collaboration with the Elsie Initiative has improved gender-sensitive living areas in field missions, encouraging more women to serve.

    Technology and innovation

    Mr. Lacroix further highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in peacekeeping, which have enhanced situational awareness and coordination across missions.

    “Through A4P+, we are better placed to address today’s challenges and improve the lives of the people we serve,” he said, calling for greater investment in police training, capacity-building and resources.

    UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

    Jean-Pierre Lacroix (on screen), Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, briefs the Security Council.

    Making a difference

    UN Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar highlighted the work of UN Police in making a tangible difference in host countries by building local capacities and reinforcing the rule of law.

    “In South Sudan, UNMISS Police, with specialized support from the UN Standing Police Capacity, elaborated an integrated strategic election security support plan providing essential technical advice to enhance security preparations for future elections in the country,” he said.

    He noted also capacity building initiatives by UNMISS Police for South Sudanese women officers to enhance their skills to assume leadership positions.

    Mis- and disinformation risks

    Despite these successes, trust between UN missions, host governments, and local populations remains a challenge, particularly due to misinformation and disinformation, Mr. Shakhar said.

    “Although our footprint may be smaller today than when I last briefed you [in November 2023], the United Nations Police’s tasks and responsibilities remain complex,” he said, calling on Member States for sustained leadership and continued political engagement.

    UNMISS

    UNMISS women police officers provide support during a protection of civilian mission in Juba, South Sudan.

    Impact on the ground

    Ambassadors also heard briefings from the heads of police components of the UN peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic – MINUSCA, and in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

    Commissioner Christophe Bizimungu highlighted MINUSCA’s police efforts in stepping up efforts to ensure security ahead of the 2025 elections, supporting local security forces in preventing electoral violence, particularly against women.  

    It is also tackling rising hate crimes against the Muslim community in Haut Mbomou, where armed Azande militias pose a growing threat, as well as addressing seasonal livestock farming-related violence, deploying specialised units to prevent conflicts.

    UNFICYP Senior Police Adviser Xu Mingzhu, informed Council members of the Mission’s police role in preventing conflict and building trust, particularly through enhanced cooperation between Republic of Cyprus Police and Turkish Cypriot Police.

    The Mission is supporting exchange of information through joint contacts, while also helping ensure the safety of the buffer zone and facilitating civilian activities.

    UN Photo/Nektarios Markogiannis

    MINUSCA police officers interact with community members.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister’s remarks at the White House Press Conference: Thursday 27 February

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Prime Minister’s remarks at the White House Press Conference: Thursday 27 February

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s opening remarks at the White House press conference.

    Thank you very much, Mr President.

    Thank you for your hospitality, thank you for your leadership.

    This has been a very good and very productive visit.

    And with your family roots in Scotland…

    And your close bond with His Majesty the King…

    It’s good to know…

    That the United Kingdom has a true friend in the Oval Office.

    And it was so good to see the bust of Winston Churchill back in its rightful place just a moment ago.

    But look, in a moment of real danger around the world…

    This relationship matters more than ever.

    We remain each other’s first partner in defence…

    Ready to come to the other’s aid…

    To counter threats, wherever and whenever they may arise.

    No two militaries are more intertwined than ours.

    No two countries have done more together to keep people safe.

    And in a few weeks’ time we’ll mark VE Day…

    The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

    Britain and America fought side-by-side to make that happen –

    One of the greatest moments in our history.

    We stand side-by-side still, today…

    And we’re focused now…

    On bringing an enduring end to the barbaric war in Ukraine.

    Mr President, I welcome your deep, personal commitment…

    To bring peace and stop the killing.

    You have created a moment of tremendous opportunity…

    To reach an historic peace deal –

    A deal that would be celebrated in Ukraine and around the world.

    That is the prize.

    But we have to get it right.

    There’s a famous slogan in the United Kingdom…

    From after the Second World War –

    That is that we have to “win the peace.”

    And that’s what we must do now.

    Because it can’t be a peace that rewards the aggressor…

    Or that gives succour to regimes like Iran.

    We agree – history must be on the side of the peacemaker…

    Not the invader.

    So the stakes, they could not be higher.

    And we’re determined to work together to deliver a good deal.

    We’ve discussed a plan today…

    To reach a peace that is tough and fair…

    That Ukraine will help to shape…

    That is backed by strength –

    To stop Putin coming back for more.

    And I am working closely with other European leaders on this.

    And I am clear –

    That the UK is ready…

    To put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal.

    Working together with our allies,

    Because that is the only way that peace that will last.

    Mr President, in this new era…

    You’re also right that Europe must step up.

    And let me tell you now –

    I see the growing threats we face…

    And so the UK is all in.

    This year we will be giving more military aid to Ukraine than ever.

    And just this week…

    I have set out how we are shouldering more of the security burden.

    We’re already one of the biggest spenders in NATO…

    And now we are going much further…

    Delivering Britain’s biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.

    This isn’t just talk – it’s action.

    Rebalancing the transatlantic alliance…

    Making us all stronger…

    And standing up for our shared values and shared security…

    As Britain always has.

    Now, Mr President…

    It’s no secret we’re from different political traditions…

    But there is a lot that we have in common.

    We believe it’s not taking part that counts…

    What counts is winning.

    If you don’t win – you don’t deliver.

    And we’re determined to deliver for the working people of Britain and America –

    Who want – and deserve – to see their lives improve.

    So we’re both in a hurry to get things done.

    And that’s what the UK and the US do when we work together:

    We win – and we get things done.

    So we’ll do what it takes to keep our people safe… 

    We will also work together…

    To deliver some big economic wins that can benefit us both.

    We have $1.5 trillion invested in each other’s economies…

    Creating over 2.5 million jobs across both economies.

    Our trading relationship is not just strong –

    It is fair, balanced and reciprocal.

    We’re leaders together in so many areas…

    Ranked one and two in the world as investment destinations…

    One and two for universities…

    One and two for Nobel prizes…

    One and two in golf, as well – by the way…

    And we’re the only two western countries with trillion dollar tech sectors –

    Leaders in AI…

    And look, we take a similar approach on this issue.

    Instead of over-regulating these new technologies…

    We’re seizing the opportunities they offer.

    So we have decided today to go further…

    To begin work on a new economic deal…

    With advanced technology at its core…

    Look – our two nations, together…

    Shaped the great technological innovations of the last century.

    We have a chance now…

    To do the same for the 21st century…

    I mean – artificial intelligence could cure cancer…

    That could be a moonshot for our age…

    And that’s how we will keep delivering for our people.

    There are so many opportunities.

    Keep our nations strong…

    And fulfil the promise of greatness…

    That has always defined this relationship.

    Finally, to underline the importance of this bond…

    It was my privilege and honour to bring a letter with me today –

    From His Majesty the King…

    Not only sending his best wishes…

    But also inviting the President and the First Lady to make a State Visit to the United Kingdom…

    An unprecedented second State Visit – this has never happened before.

    It’s so incredible it will be historic.

    And I’m delighted that I can go back to His Majesty The King and tell him that President Trump has accepted the invitation.

    So thank you.

    Our teams will now work together to set a date.

    Mr President, we look forward to welcoming you in the United Kingdom.

    Thank you once again.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –