## Russia to refer women who don't want children to psychologists to address dwindling birth rate

Authored by thejournal.ie

RUSSIA WILL REFER women who do not want to have children to psychologists under new health guidelines designed to address a systemic demographic crisis.

Under new guidelines from the health ministry for reproductive health checks, doctors will ask women how many children they want to have.

If the woman answers zero, “it is recommended to send the patient to a consultation with a medical psychologist with the goal of forming a positive attitude towards having children.”.

The Kremlin chief casts Russia’s shrinking population as a matter of national survival – warning in 2024 Russia faced “extinction” if it did not boost birth rates.

Russia’s birth rate is running at a 200-year low of around 1.4 per woman – far below the 2.1 that demographers say is necessary for a stable population.

In recent years Moscow has tightened abortion rules and passed bills to make so-called “child-free propaganda” illegal.

Large families are heralded as national heroes and offered a host of financial and social benefits from the state. »

### ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ Getting YouTube Channel For First Time

Authored by deadline.com

Fred Rogers Productions and Little Dot Studios have teamed to bring Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to a dedicated YouTube channel – the first time the iconic children’s TV series has taken the route.

The channel will include full-length episodes and a collection of repurposed digital-first content, including clips, shorts and compilations.

“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood continues to inspire viewers young and old across four generations,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. »

### Photonic names former Microsoft Xbox head Don Mattrick CEO

Authored by betakit.com

Vancouver-based Photonic has swapped CEOs as the company prepares to commercialize its quantum computing technology.

Photonic has named Don Mattrick, a pioneering Canadian video game entrepreneur and seasoned executive, as Terry’s replacement.

Mattrick, who is one of Photonic’s first investors, has been tasked with helping Photonic scale its commercial operations. »

### Pentagon seeks $200 billion in additional funds for the Iran war, AP source says

Authored by apnews.com

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is seeking $200 billion in additional funds for the Iran war, a sizable amount that is certain to be met with questions from Congress, which would need to approve any new money.

AP AUDIO: Pentagon seeks $200 billion in additional funds for the Iran war, AP source says AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports a senior Trump administration official says the Pentagon is requesting more money for the Iran war. »

### Nearly Every House Republican Votes for Amendment That Would Slash Medicare, Social Security

Authored by commondreams.org

Nearly every member of the House Republican caucus voted Wednesday in favor of a proposed constitutional amendment that experts say would result in massive cuts to Social Security, Medicare, nutrition assistance, and other key federal programs.

The final House vote on the amendment was 211-207, well short of the two-thirds support required for passage of a constitutional amendment.

Every Republican who took part in Wednesday's vote backed the proposed amendment. »

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