NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Protecting private career college students

    In recent years, there has been significant growth in Alberta’s private career college sector, with increases in student complaints, student enrolment and financial assistance applications being observed at some private career colleges. Alberta’s government is taking action to protect students by holding private career colleges accountable if they are not following legislative requirements or failing to meet their licensing obligations.

    The new Private Career College Registry will increase transparency about any compliance action taken against a private career college and will let prospective students search for actions taken against a school they are interested in attending.

    “Private career colleges play an important role in Alberta’s adult learning system, and they offer a diversity of learning approaches and vocational training. Unfortunately, there are also some bad actors, and it is our responsibility to ensure students are not taken advantage of and are spending their hard-earned money on high-quality educational experiences.”

    Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

    The Private Career College Registry offers a comprehensive list of all licensed vocational training programs in the province, providing key details like program names and duration, cost, location and licence status. The licence status of each program is clearly highlighted with indicators for active, stop order or suspended.

    Advanced Education can take a range of compliance actions under the Private Vocational Training Act, including issuing compliance orders that require specific steps to be taken. Stop orders are issued when serious non-compliance with legislation, regulation or licensing policies are found. Stop orders place restrictions on private career college operations, which may range from a prohibition on enrolling new students to temporarily ceasing operations while the stop order is in place. In more severe cases, licence suspension or cancellation may restrict colleges from offering any training programs at all.

    “A searchable online registry is a welcome change that can help improve student outcomes. This change makes it easier for students to find out if a college is breaking the rules. Students need transparent information on private career college costs and performance to make informed decisions on the schools and programs to attend.”

    Jeff Loomis, executive director, Momentum

    As part of ongoing efforts to ensure quality and compliance, Advanced Education has increased oversight and inspections of Alberta’s private career colleges, with a focus on colleges that have unusually high enrolment. Since June 2024, Advanced Education has issued compliance orders against 15 inspected institutions:

    • Aug. 20, 2024: Nova Career College
    • Oct. 10, 2024: QCOM College of Technology (QCT)
    • Oct. 23, 2024: ERP College
    • Nov.14, 2024: Alexander Brookes College
    • Nov. 25, 2024: City College of Management
    • Dec. 2, 2024: Glenbow College
    • Dec. 6, 2024: Rosewood College
    • Dec. 6, 2024: Aquinas College
    • Dec. 20, 2024: ONE Beauty Academy – Edmonton
    • Dec. 20, 2024: ONE Beauty Academy – Medicine Hat
    • Dec. 23, 2024: Cypress College
    • Feb. 26, 2025: Prairie Western College
    • March 5, 2025: Global College of Business & Technology
    • March 7, 2025: Alberta Paramount College

    Advanced Education has also revoked the private vocational training licence of Ambber & Salma College of Esthetics & Spa, effective Sept. 11, 2024. Ambber & Salma College of Esthetics & Spa has filed an application for judicial review of this decision. Advanced Education has also revoked the private vocational training licence of Capstone Edge College, effective Oct. 16, 2024.

    In addition to inspections, in 2024, Advanced Education completed audits of four Alberta private career colleges. These audits resulted in determinations under both the Student Financial Assistance Act and Private Vocational Training Act. The following private career colleges are no longer designated as eligible institutions for student aid, and they have Private Vocational Training Act compliance orders in place:

    • June 14, 2024: AGA Academy
    • June 26, 2024: Capstone Edge College
    • Sept. 12, 2024: Hamptons College
    • Sept. 30, 2024: Peerless Training Institute
    • Oct. 16, 2024: Capstone Edge College

    Alberta’s government is committed to protecting the investment students make in their education and supporting the integrity of the private career college sector.

    Quick facts

    • Alberta’s government regulates private career colleges across the province, ensuring compliance with the Private Vocational Training Act, regulations, and licensing policies.
    • For general inquiries or compliance concerns, contact [email protected].

    Related information

    • Private Career Colleges Registry
    • Private Vocational Training Act
    • Student Financial Assistance Act

    MIL OSI Canada News –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    March 31, 2025
    The Privacy Act Modernization Act would empower Americans to sue officials for misuse of their data and federal systems
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., today released legislation to protect Americans against Elon Musk, DOGE and other officials illegally accessing stores of personal data held by the government, including social security numbers, medical history, financial data and other sensitive information. The Privacy Act Modernization Act would make it easier for Americans to sue officials for violations and would increase the penalties for such violations.
    The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.
    Since Trump took office, DOGE officials have reportedly accessed highly sensitive government databases at agencies, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and the Internal Revenue Service, under flimsy justifications and with little oversight.
    “The seizure of millions of Americans’ sensitive information by Trump, Musk and other MAGA goons is plainly illegal, but current remedies are too slow and need more teeth,” Wyden said. “The Privacy Act was part of our country’s response to the FBI abusing its access to revealing sensitive records on the American people. Our bill defends against new threats to Americans’ privacy and the integrity of federal systems, and ensures individuals can go after the government when officials break the law, including quickly stopping their illegal actions with a court order.”
    “Over 50 years ago, Congress passed the Privacy Act to protect the public against the exploitation and misuse of their personal information held by the government,” Markey said. “Today, with Elon Musk and the DOGE team recklessly seeking to access Americans’ sensitive data, it’s time to bring this law into the digital age. I’m proud to partner with Senator Wyden on the Privacy Act Modernization Act to close loopholes and increase penalties in the law. The federal government should be a steward of our privacy–not a source of surveillance.”
    “Elon Musk and his minions have no business riffling through your personal data,” Merkley said. “Our bill protects millions of Americans who count on the federal government to safeguard sensitive personal information included on taxes, student loans, and disaster assistance.”
    “Elon Musk and his DOGE cronies are illegally raiding federal agencies, and in the process gaining access to troves of Americans’ sensitive personal data – from Social Security numbers to medical records to bank account information,” Van Hollen said. “This legislation will strengthen our ability to safeguard that private information by expanding the means of holding violators accountable, including by stiffening penalties for those who unlawfully access it. By sharpening these tools and penalties, we can better deter this abuse.”
    The Electronic Information Privacy Center and Public Citizen both endorsed the legislation.
    The Privacy Act of 1974 required agencies to disclose what personal data they collect and why, limited how officials could use or share that data, and created remedies for when the government held incorrect data about a person or otherwise broke the rules. This legislation was passed in light of the Watergate and Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO) scandals, which involved illegal government surveillance that undermined public trust and American democracy. Wyden’s legislation would make key updates to further protect government databases storing personal information against Trump and Musk’s ongoing abuses of Americans’ privacy and our democracy.
    Given the Privacy Act was created half a century ago, Wyden’s bill would update the law’s coverage, close loopholes and strengthen protections to support millions of Americans who have been harmed by Trump and Musk’s recent invasion by:
    Increasing civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Privacy Act, including making it a felony to disclose records for personal gain, malicious harm, or commercial advantage, punishable by fines of up to $250,000 and ten years in prison.
    Strengthening court authority to stop programs and actions while lawsuits are pending, and allowing Americans to recover for a range of damages, including the mental and emotional distress caused by privacy violations.
    Modernizing the law to cover any information that identifies or is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual or a device that is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual.
    Limiting information sharing to the minimum necessary for a legally authorized purpose, and only if consistent with what an agency previously stated they would use records for.
    Narrowing the so-called “routine use” exception for sharing information by further requiring that “routine use” disclosures be “appropriate and reasonably necessary.”
    Senator Wyden is a longtime champion of cybersecurity and privacy protections. In 2017, Wyden demanded the executive branch to finally reveal how many Americans have their phone calls, emails and other communications swept up – without warrants – under a surveillance program. In 2023, his legislation to stop data brokers from selling Americans’ personal data to the government passed the House, but did not advance in the Senate. In February 2025, Wyden demanded information on DOGE’s infiltration of IRS systems.
    The bill text is here. The one-page summary is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden Join Legislation to Combat Urban Heat Islands

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    March 31, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined colleagues in introducing the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act, which would create a competitive grant program to provide funding to combat the causes and consequences of urban heat islands. 

    “In places like East Portland, where a lack of tree canopy already leaves neighborhoods dangerously exposed to extreme heat, the Trump Administration’s illegal funding freeze and grant contract cancellations will only deepen this heat crisis,” said Merkley. “The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act provides much-needed resources for tree planting, cooling centers, and other solutions to fight climate chaos and keep our communities safe.”

    “With extreme heat driven by the climate crisis a growing threat to the well-being of Oregonians and everybody in our country, it’s a must for federal investment to help local communities respond to this life-and-death risk,” said Wyden. “This bill would provide those resources for locally driven responses that could provide relief for farmworkers, construction workers and everybody working outdoors as well as for people living indoors and lacking affordable cooling options.”

    The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act, led by U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), would create a $30 million grant program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for entities such as local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, Tribal governments, and nonprofits to implement efforts that prevent and offset the effects of excess urban heat including: cool pavements, cool roofs, tree planting and maintenance, green roofs, bus stop covers, cooling centers, and local heat mitigation education efforts.

    This legislation is?cosponsored by Senators Merkley, Wyden, Cory Booker (D-NJ) Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

    Bill text can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: March 28th, 2025 Heinrich Reintroduces Legislation to Leverage AI For Pandemic Preparedness and Response

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Founder and Co-Chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus, reintroduced the MedShield Act of 2025 alongside Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus, Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). This legislation would implement a recommendation of the National Security Commission on AI to create a program titled MedShield to leverage AI for national pandemic preparedness and response.

    MedShield would be the United States’ “shield” to protect the nation against future pandemics. MedShield would foster collaboration between the public and private sectors as well as with global allies and partners. The program would leverage AI to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. pandemic prevention and response across five key areas:

    • Vaccine development

    • Therapeutic development

    “AI holds amazing potential to supercharge major scientific and medical advances – including our ability to anticipate and address the next public health crisis,” said Heinrich, Founder and Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus. “By leveraging AI’s potential, our Medshield Act will ensure we are more prepared for the emergence of new biological threats to mitigate the next pandemic.”

    “Artificial intelligence gives us the opportunity to completely revolutionize health care as we know it, including when it comes to rapid response to pandemics,” said Rounds. “The MedShield program would utilize artificial intelligence to help the U.S. identify pathogens that pose pandemic threats and work quickly to develop necessary protections. We can leverage artificial intelligence not only to improve the quality of life for Americans, but to literally save lives and taxpayer dollars. We need to take steps now to effectively respond to pandemic threats.”

    The legislation includes:

    • Findings and a Sense of Congress addressing the nation’s need to be better prepared for a pandemic, noting the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) recommendation and the need to avoid an initiative such as Operation Warp Speed for the next pandemic.

    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Leads Letter To AG Bondi On Appointment Of Kash Patel As ATF Acting Director

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    March 31, 2025
    Durbin, Senators to AG Bondi: “Mr. Patel is, quite simply, not the right person to lead the ATF.”
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led 15 Senate Democrats in a letter to U.S. Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi inquiring into what policies and procedures she will commit to implementing in her capacity as AG to ensure that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will continue to meaningfully function in its intended capacity under Kash Patel’s stewardship.
    In February, President Trump announced that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel would also serve as Acting Director of ATF, the primary federal law enforcement agency responsible foraddressing gun-related crime and violence in America. However, the Senators’ letter to AG Bondi argues that Mr. Patel threatens to undo the significant gains made in recent years to ensure Americans’ safety as he lacks the relevant experience to lead ATF and has ties to the gun industry.
    “As the primary federal law enforcement agency dedicated to curbing illegal firearm use and enforcing federal firearms laws and regulations, it is critical that ATF be led by an experienced Director who has been confirmed by the Senate for this role and is dedicated to upholding the agency’s mission. For the reasons outlined below, Mr. Patel is not that person,” the Senators wrote. “We therefore write to inquire into what policies and procedures you will implement to ensure that ATF will continue to meaningfully function in its intended capacity.”
    Gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis. In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory listing firearm violence—including homicide, suicide, nonfatal injuries, and unintentional injuries and deaths—as a “significant public health challenge[] that require[s] the nation’s immediate awareness and action.” Though under the Trump Administration, the Surgeon General has since removed the advisory, the report analyzed data from 2002 to 2022, finding that since 2020 the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America has been gun violence, with rates higher than car crashes, poisoning, and cancer. In 2022 alone, 48,204 people died in the United States of gun-related injuries. 
    That said, following passage of the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and coordinated, nationwide efforts to curb gun violence during the Biden Administration, the United States is starting to see positive results. In 2023, provisional data indicates gun-related deaths totaled 46,728—representing a decline from 2022 by three percent or 1,476 fewer deaths. Violent crime has also declined significantly, due in part to ATF’s data collection, investigation, and enforcement efforts. 
    “While the decrease in violent crime and gun-related deaths is encouraging, 2023 still had ‘the third-highest number of gun-related deaths ever recorded in the United States,’ evidencing that significant challenges to America’s gun violence crisis remain,” the Senators wrote. “The Department of Justice must do everything within its power to sustain this downward trend, including ensuring ATF is empowered to carry out its mandate and keep firearms from falling into the hands of those who should not have them. Now is not the time to pull back on ATF leadership and practices that helped bring about this progress.”
    The Senators’ letter went on to explain why Mr. Patel is not the right person to lead ATF.
    “As an Acting Director, Patel’s appointment has not been subject to Senate confirmation, a crucial process for vetting those nominated by the President for significant leadership roles in the Executive, including ATF Director. Disturbingly, Mr. Patel would not affirm that firearm background checks—a well-established procedure for keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals—are constitutional during his confirmation hearing for FBI Director. Notably, Mr. Patel’s appointment has been applauded by extreme gun advocacy groups seeking to rollback commonsense gun regulations,” the Senators wrote. “Mr. Patel’s appointment threatens to undo the lifesaving progress ATF has made to reduce gun violence in America.”
    The Senators’ letter concludes, “Attorney General Bondi, you have served as a prosecutor for much of your career. During your Senate confirmation hearing, you testified about the importance of keeping Americans safe, prosecuting criminals and gunrunners, reducing recidivism, and enforcing existing gun laws. During one exchange, you assured the Committee: ‘I will do everything in my power to prevent illegal gunrunners in our country.’ In discussing your time as Florida Attorney General and mass shooting responses, you reiterated: ‘I am an advocate for the Second Amendment, but I will enforce the laws of the land.’” 
    To better understand how AG Bondi intends to accomplish these goals, the Senators asked that she promptly respond to a series of questions.
    Along with Durbin, today’s letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    Full text of today’s letter is available here and below:
    March 31, 2025
    Dear Attorney General Bondi:
    We write with great concern regarding President Trump’s appointment of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel as Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  As the primary federal law enforcement agency dedicated to curbing illegal firearm use and enforcing federal firearms laws and regulations, it is critical that ATF be led by an experienced Director who has been confirmed by the Senate for this role and is dedicated to upholding the agency’s mission. For the reasons outlined below, Mr. Patel is not that person. We therefore write to inquire into what policies and procedures you will implement to ensure that ATF will continue to meaningfully function in its intended capacity. 
    Gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis. In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory listing firearm violence—including homicide, suicide, nonfatal injuries, and unintentional injuries and deaths—as a “significant public health challenge[] that require[s] the nation’s immediate awareness and action.”  Analyzing data from 2002 to 2022, the Surgeon General reported that since 2020 the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America has been gun violence, with rates higher than car crashes, poisoning, and cancer.  In 2022 alone, 48,204 people died in the United States of gun-related injuries. 
    That said, following passage of the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and coordinated, nationwide efforts to curb gun violence during the Biden Administration, we were starting to see positive results. In 2023, provisional data indicates gun-related deaths totaled 46,728—representing a decline from 2022 by three percent or 1,476 fewer deaths.  Violent crime has also declined significantly, due in part to ATF’s data collection, investigation, and enforcement efforts. 
    For example, ATF’s crime gun intelligence tools eTrace, which “is used to trace the purchase and/or use history of firearms used in violent crimes,” and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, which “is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in operation in the United States,” together “have transformed crime-solving by generating over 1.1 million investigative leads from ballistic evidence and linking suspects to major crimes within hours.”  ATF has also worked to increase DNA matches from cartridge casings and has expanded Crime Gun Intelligence Centers, which use “data-driven strategies” to foster “cross-agency collaboration.”
    ATF has also focused on eliminating firearms trafficking networks that unlawfully smuggle guns from the United States to Mexico, arming dangerous cartels which, in turn, send illicit drugs such as fentanyl into the United States.  And ATF created an Emerging Threats Center, which among other things, has focused on the proliferation of privately-made firearms, or ghost guns, and machine-gun conversion devices, or Glock switches.  These represent only some examples of ATF’s nationwide initiatives to reduce gun violence and keep Americans safe.
    While the decrease in violent crime and gun-related deaths is encouraging, 2023 still had “the third-highest number of gun-related deaths ever recorded in the United States,” evidencing that significant challenges to America’s gun violence crisis remain.  The Department of Justice must do everything within its power to sustain this downward trend, including ensuring ATF is empowered to carry out its mandate and keep firearms from falling into the hands of those who should not have them. Now is not the time to pull back on ATF leadership and practices that helped bring about this progress.
    Mr. Patel is, quite simply, not the right person to lead the ATF. As an Acting Director, Patel’s appointment has not been subject to Senate confirmation, a crucial process for vetting those nominated by the President for significant leadership roles in the Executive, including ATF Director. Disturbingly, Mr. Patel would not affirm that firearm background checks—a well-established procedure for keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals—are constitutional during his confirmation hearing for FBI Director.  Notably, Mr. Patel’s appointment has been applauded by extreme gun advocacy groups seeking to rollback commonsense gun regulations.  Last year, Mr. Patel spoke at the inaugural summit for group Gun Owners of America, a “no-compromise gun lobby” that has announced it “look[s] forward to dismantling gun control with Kash.”  Mr. Patel’s appointment threatens to undo the lifesaving progress ATF has made to reduce gun violence in America.
    Attorney General Bondi, you have served as a prosecutor for much of your career. During your Senate confirmation hearing, you testified about the importance of keeping Americans safe, prosecuting criminals and gunrunners, reducing recidivism, and enforcing existing gun laws.  During one exchange, you assured the Committee: “I will do everything in my power to prevent illegal gunrunners in our country.”  In discussing your time as Florida Attorney General and mass shooting responses, you reiterated: “I am an advocate for the Second Amendment, but I will enforce the laws of the land.”  To better understand how you intend to accomplish these goals, please promptly respond to the following questions:
    Recently, we have seen notable success in curtailing gun violence. While the United States experienced a spike in gun-related crimes and deaths during the pandemic, through bipartisan congressional action and the previous Administration’s efforts, that trend has begun to reverse. Given ATF’s central role in curbing violent crime, it is of paramount importance that the agency be staffed by experienced leaders, agents, and others who support ATF’s core mission, without the appearance of or actual conflict, in order to continue this downward trend. By contrast, firearm-industry personnel advocate for gun companies’ bottom lines by pushing for the repeal of commonsense gun regulations in order to sell more weapons and weapons accessories. Hiring such individuals for critical public-safety positions at ATF would endanger the agency’s core mission and Americans’ safety while prioritizing increases in private company profits.
    Will you place constraints on the hiring of firearm-industry personnel for ATF positions? If not, why?
    ATF must comply with all existing legal obligations. This includes exercising statutorily-required regulatory authority over the firearms industry, fully implementing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and complying with the Administrative Procedures Act if changing existing ATF regulations. However, Acting Director Patel lacks experience with ATF’s core responsibilities, including ATF’s regulatory oversight of the gun industry. Moreover, Acting Director Patel was only temporarily appointed under the Vacancies Reform Act and has not been subject to the Senate’s advice and consent process for this role. It is therefore particularly important that you exercise your authority as Attorney General to give final approval of all actions ATF takes under Acting Director Patel’s stewardship, including all policy changes.
    Will you commit to personally reviewing for approval all new or revised ATF policies and actions? If not, why?
    Thank you for your attention to this matter.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth, Kelly Introduce Legislation To Increase Employment Opportunities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 31, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) reintroduced two bills to expand and increase access to employment opportunities for underserved youth. The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity (HERO) for Youth Act and the Assisting in Developing (AID) Youth Employment Act will increase federal resources for communities seeking to create or grow employment programs and provide tax incentives to businesses and employers to hire and retain youth from economically distressed areas.

    “To invest in our future, we must invest in the next generation.  Increasing youth employment opportunities can address poverty and crime across Illinois while setting up our state’s youngest residents for a brighter future,” said Durbin.  “Congresswoman Kelly, Senator Duckworth, and I are reintroducing the HERO for Youth Act and the AID Youth Employment Act to boost federal resources for youth employment programs and incentivize businesses to hire, retain, and mentor youth.”

    “Far too many young Americans live in neighborhoods that lack good job opportunities and struggle with all-too-commonplace violence and danger,” said Duckworth.  “It doesn’t have to be that way, but it’s not going to get better unless we work together to do something about it. I’m so proud to join Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Kelly to reintroduce these bills that would help open up new economic opportunities for every American, no matter where they live or what community they grew up in.”

    “Our youth is our future,” said Kelly.  “I’m proud to partner with Senators Durbin and Duckworth once again to introduce two pieces of legislation that will invest in economic opportunities for our youth.  Better job options can help break a cycle of poverty and address roadblocks that prevent young people from reaching their full potential.”

    For many young people, lack of job experience is a prohibitive disadvantage for potential employers, which perpetuates vicious cycles of unemployment and poverty in their communities, further limiting potential for further economic growth.  In 2022, 13 percent of youth between the ages of 18-24 were neither employed nor in school, and Native American, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and Black youth, as well as youth with disabilities, were disproportionately impacted.  Barriers to employment at a young age have devastating consequences on the long-term employment prospects of opportunity youth, including lower lifetime earnings, higher rates of incarceration, and opioid addiction. 

    There is clear evidence of a correlation in communities where high rates of poverty, gun violence, and chronic unemployment among youth are prevalent.  A 2017 study found that among youth participating in Chicago’s youth summer employment program, violent crime arrests decreased by nearly 33 percent.  Providing employment opportunity to youth can have a considerable impact in lowering recidivism and violent crime among youth while improving their long-term health, and economic and educational outcomes. 

    When youth are provided a pathway to employment and the workforce, employers benefit too because they are able to train and hire skilled workers.  It is estimated that between 2022 and 2032, there will be an average of 20 skilled roles with job openings for every one new worker. 

    The HERO for Youth Act would encourage the business community to become a partner in addressing youth unemployment by hiring underserved youth who reside in communities with high rates of poverty. Specifically, the bill would provide a Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) of up to $2,400 for businesses that hire and train youth ages 16 to 24 who are out of school and out of work and youth ages 16 to 21 that are currently in foster care or have aged out of the system. The legislation would expand the summer youth program under WOTC, which provides a tax credit to businesses that hire for summer employment youth ages 16 to 17 who are enrolled in school and live in highly distressed rural and urban communities known as Empowerment Zones, by doubling the amount of the credit to $2,400 and expanding the program to include year-round employment.

    The AID Youth Employment Act will make it easier for local governments and community organizations to apply directly for federal funding to create and expand summer and year-round employment programs for young people.  The legislation would establish a five-year competitive grant program for youth summer employment that also incorporate access to trauma-informed mentorship as well as job coaches.  The program would provide planning grants of up to $250,000 for 12 months or implementation grants of up to $6 million over three years.

    The HERO for Youth Act has been endorsed by National Grocers Association, National Small Business Association, National Recreation and Park Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Youth Employment Coalition, Young Invincibles, Food Industry Association, Youth Guidance, and Critical Labor Coalition.

    The AID Youth Employment Act has been endorsed by Young Invincibles, Youth Guidance, and Chicago Urban League.

    A one-pager for the HERO for Youth Act can be found here.

    A one-pager for the AID Youth Employment Act can be found here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: If it Pleases the Gods

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    Last week Free Press extolled the Government’s RMA reforms. We thanked ACT and Simon Court for resource management law based on property rights. We think we understated it, Free Press has campaigned for this for a decade (yes, we are ten). RMA reforms are the best policy change so far this century. If New Zealanders cannot develop the land, we have no advantage as a country. It’s a country saver.

    Meanwhile the Greens have gone (more) insane. Last week one Green MP effectively said police patrols are worthless. The Press Gallery finally rounded on them, because young people in Central Wellington know the world can be a dangerous place and a few coppers are a welcome sight at night. Chlöe Swarbrick’s increasingly deranged economics become clearer every week in Question Time. She seems to think profit is a line item that businesses just add on to their customers’ bill. Now there are some serious questions for the Green Party leaders to answer around another one of their MPs’ social media accounts. Free Press predicts the Greens polling will soften this year.

    If it Pleases the Gods

    Free Press has seen correspondence demanding courts must now begin and end with a Karakia, or prayer in English and Māori. Gary Judd KC has written to MPs making (as usual) lucid arguments as to why this is wrong, and there are legal precedents from the Privy Council finding it is wrong for people in public service to be subject to prayers. 

    Parliament begins with a prayer, but Parliament is a self-Governing political body with rules decided by its members. Besides, there is no requirement to attend it. Judd points out, however, that lawyers are required to arrive before the judge and leave after, so they cannot avoid being present for the Karakia.

    They’ll be required to read along because “Large prints of the karakia will be installed in each courtroom for all those present to use to read along to.” Judd points out the Bill of Rights says, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and belief, including the right to adopt and to hold opinions without interference.”

    Judd goes on to reference precedent from the Privy Council. It found for a Muslim soldier in The Bahamas (a Commonwealth country) who did not want to be part of a Christian prayer during colours parades. The Privy Council relied on The Bahamas’ constitution, which is remarkably similar to New Zealand’s Bill of Rights.

    A lot of people might ask, so what, who cares? It’s up to the Court anyway and surely a minute of praying can’t hurt, even if technically it does interfere with some lawyers’ practice of their faith?

    Will it harm the impartiality of justice? Probably yes, it chips away at neutrality when the Courts give the nod to some religious or spiritual views but not others. Is that critical? Probably no. Is it the biggest problem we have right now? No.

    We’re writing about this because it is such a good example. Such a good example of people’s basic rights being trampled for no reason. The right to think your thoughts and speak your mind, or not, without being hindered and harassed by do-gooders. It could be any organisation, it just happens to be the Courts.

    At Free Press, we often wonder where these people come from. What drives their behaviour? Why can’t they just leave other people alone? Here’s our theory.

    For 100,000 years humans lived in tribes, closed societies where a person’s role was decided for them. The instinct to make other people conform to rituals is deep. They reassure you the people partaking are in your tribe. The idea of living as an individual choosing your own adventure in life is WEIRD. Specifically, Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Democratic.

    Most people in most of history didn’t live weird lives. They lived tribal lives. Much of what is happening in New Zealand today, weird rituals, compulsory courses, demands to be part of a race first and a citizen second, it all comes from deep tribal urges.

    Free Press and friends and allies have to get better at explaining the alternative. A civilised society where each person is treated as a thinking and valuing being, required not to do any violence against anyone else but otherwise free to go about their lives unhindered. It would be a start.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Leads GOP in Demanding UN Reject Francesca Albanese’s Reappointment

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast led several members of the panel in demanding that UN Human Rights Council President Jürg Lauber reject Francesca Albanese’s reappointment to another three-year term as special rapporteur for the “occupied palestinian territories.” 

    Mast and his fellow Republicans specifically outlined that Albanese has repeatedly failed to uphold the UNHCR code of conduct and made inflammatory and offensive comments about Israel in the wake of the October 7th attacks.  

    “[Albanese] has consistently aligned herself with Hamas terrorists, accused Israel of genocide, likened the Government of Israel to the ‘Third Reich,’ and compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Lauber. “The Council has allowed antisemitism and anti-Americanism to thrive within, with a seeming unwillingness to hold the most egregious violators of human rights to account.”

    In addition to Chairman Mast, the letter was co-signed Reps. Young Kim (R-CA), Michael Lawler (R-NY), Keith Self (R-TX), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).

    Read the full letter here and below.

    Dear Mr. President,

    We are writing to strongly object to the renewal of UN Special Rapporteur for the “occupied Palestinian territories,” Francesca Albanese, for a second three-year term. As you are well aware, UN Special Rapporteurs have a duty to uphold the code of conduct as written in Council Resolution 5/2. The code of conduct expressly asserts that Special Rapporteurs must act in an independent capacity with a professional, impartial assessment, and maintain the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity through impartiality, equity and honesty. Based on the following, Special Rapporteur Albanese has failed to uphold the code. Consequently, her term must not be renewed.

    Ms. Albanese has repeatedly violated the code of conduct since she took the position on May 1, 2022. She has consistently aligned herself with Hamas terrorists, accused Israel of genocide, likened the Government of Israel to the “Third Reich,” and compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. Ms. Albanese unapologetically uses her position as a UN Special Rapporteur to purvey and attempt to legitimize antisemitic tropes, while serving as a Hamas apologist. Moreover, she has erroneously accused the United States Congress and our Executive of being bought and paid for by the Israel lobby. In her malicious fixation, she has even called for Israel to be removed from the United Nations while likening Israel to apartheid South Africa.

    Since the abhorrent and cowardly October 7th attacks, Ms. Albanese’s inflammatory rhetoric has only increased in atrociousness. For example, following Hamas’ murder of over 1,200 people, 250 hostages taken – 59 of whom are still held by Hamas terrorists – and irreversibly changed the lives of countless others, Ms. Albanese wrote that the “violence must be put in context,” and that the attack occurred in response to Israeli “aggression.” In a statement that was rightfully condemned by the United States, France, and Germany, Ms. Albanese attempted to justify that the October 7th massacre was “in response to Israel’s oppression.” Such comments alone violate several provisions within the code of conduct.

    Regrettably, Ms. Albanese’s rhetoric has perverted the very institution and its foundational principles in which she was appointed to serve. Her comments above, and many others she has made, are case in point as to why President Trump rightfully withdrew the United States from the Human Rights Council (Council). The Council has allowed antisemitism and anti-Americanism to thrive within, with a seeming unwillingness to hold the most egregious violators of human rights to account. Notably, in January 2023, I, along with many of my colleagues, sent a letter to the United Nations Secretary General and High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for Ms. Albanese’s removal. We were not alone in our requests for her admonishment. Several governments, including France, Germany, Canada and the Netherlands, have all condemned her statements as antisemitic, as well. To this day, no action has been taken.

    Francesca Albanese’s service as a UN Special Rapporteur must end at the conclusion of her first term. Given the numerous instances provided above, but certainly not limited to, her behavior is not only reprehensible, but most unbecoming of a UN Special Rapporteur. As such, it is the view of the undersigned that Ms. Albanese must face serious consequences. As the new President of the Human Rights Council, it is your sworn duty to utilize your authority as stated in Presidential Statement 8/2 (PRST/8/2) to “convey to the Council any information brought to [your] attention of concerning cases of persistent non-compliance by a mandate-holder with the provisions of Council Resolution 5/2, especially prior to the renewal of mandate holders in office.” By rejecting the renewal of Ms. Albanese’s term, the Council would bring much needed credibility, integrity, and accountability back to the institution – attributes of which it has been severely lacking in recent years.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sprott Physical Platinum and Palladium Trust Updates Its “At-The-Market” Equity Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sprott Asset Management LP (“Sprott Asset Management”), a subsidiary of Sprott Inc., on behalf of the Sprott Physical Platinum and Palladium Trust (NYSE: SPPP) (TSX: SPPP / SPPP.U) (the “Trust”), a closed-ended mutual fund trust created to invest and hold substantially all of its assets in physical platinum and palladium bullion, today announced that the Trust has updated its at-the-market equity program (“ATM Program”) to issue an additional US$50 million of units of the Trust (“Units”) in the United States and Canada pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated March 31, 2025 (the “Prospectus Supplement”) to the short form base shelf prospectus dated September 6, 2024 (the “Base Shelf Prospectus”). Copies of the Prospectus Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus are available on EDGAR at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the SEDAR+ website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedarplus.ca. Distributions will no longer be made under previous ATM Program prospectus supplements, including the amended and restated prospectus supplement dated December 6, 2024.

    Distributions under the ATM Program will be completed in accordance with the terms of an amended and restated sales agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) dated December 6, 2024, between Sprott Asset Management (as the manager of the Trust), the Trust, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”), Virtu Americas LLC (“Virtu”), BMO Capital Markets Corp. (“BMO”) and Canaccord Genuity LLC (“Canaccord”, and, together with Cantor, Virtu and BMO, the “U.S. Agents”), Virtu Canada Corp. (“Virtu Canada”), Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation (“Cantor Canada”), BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. (“BMO Canada”) and Canaccord Genuity Corp. (“Canaccord Canada”, and, together with Virtu Canada, Cantor Canada, and BMO Canada, the “Canadian Agents” and, together with the U.S. Agents, the “Agents”). The Sales Agreement is available on EDGAR at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the SEDAR+ website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Sales of Units through the Agents, acting as agent, will be made through “at the market” issuances on the NYSE Arca (“NYSE”) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) or other existing trading markets in the United States and Canada at the market price prevailing at the time of each sale, and, as a result, sale prices may vary. None of the U.S. Agents are registered as a dealer in any Canadian jurisdiction and, accordingly, the U.S. Agents will only sell Units on marketplaces in the United States and are not permitted to and will not, directly or indirectly, advertise or solicit offers to purchase any Units in Canada. The Canadian Agents may only sell Units on marketplaces in Canada.

    The volume and timing of distributions under the ATM Program, if any, will be determined in the Trust’s sole discretion. The Trust intends to use the proceeds from the ATM Program, if any, to acquire physical platinum and palladium bullion in accordance with the Trust’s objective and subject to the Trust’s investment and operating restrictions.

    The offering under the ATM Program is being made pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated March 31, 2025 (the “U.S. Prospectus Supplement”) to the Trust’s U.S. base prospectus (the “U.S. Base Prospectus”) included in its registration statement on Form F-10 (the “Registration Statement”) (File No. 333-281996) filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 6, 2024, and pursuant to the Prospectus Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus (together with the Prospectus Supplement, the U.S. Prospectus Supplement, the U.S. Base Prospectus and the Registration Statement, the “Offering Documents”). The U.S. Prospectus Supplement, the U.S. Base Prospectus and the Registration Statement are available on EDGAR at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and the Prospectus Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus are available on the SEDAR+ website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Before you invest, you should read the Offering Documents and other documents that the Trust has filed for more complete information about the Trust, the Sales Agreement and the ATM Program.

    Listing of the Units sold pursuant to the ATM Program on the NYSE and the TSX will be subject to fulfilling all applicable listing requirements.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualifications under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    About Sprott and Sprott Asset Management
    Sprott Asset Management is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sprott and is the investment manager to the Trust. Sprott is a global leader in precious metals and critical materials investments. At Sprott, we are specialists. Our in-depth knowledge, experience and relationships separate us from the generalists. Our investment strategies include Exchange Listed Products, Managed Equities and Private Strategies. Sprott has offices in Toronto, New York, Connecticut and California and Sprott’s common shares are listed on the NYSE and the TSX under the symbol “SII”.

    About the Trust
    Important information about the Trust, including its investment objectives and strategies, applicable management fees, and expenses is contained in the Trust’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “AIF”). Commissions, management fees, or other charges and expenses may be associated with investing in the Trust. The performance of the Trust is not guaranteed, its value changes frequently and past performance is not an indication of future results.

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, investor demands for Units, statements regarding the ATM Program, including the intended use of proceeds from the sale of Units, any sale of Units and the timing and ability of the Trust to obtain all necessary approvals in connection with a sale of Units. With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Trust has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things, the platinum and palladium market. While the Trust considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause the Trust’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. A discussion of risks and uncertainties facing the Trust appears in the Offering Documents, as updated by the Trust’s continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sec.gov and www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Trust disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    For more information:
    Glen Williams
    Managing Partner
    Investor and Institutional Client Relations
    Direct: 416-943-4394
    gwilliams@sprott.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Ruiz Introduce Bill to Establish the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Park

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Ruiz Introduce Bill to Establish the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Park

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — On César Chávez Day, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representative Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25) introduced bicameral legislation to create the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park. This bill would preserve the nationally significant sites associated with César E. Chávez and the farm worker movement across California and Arizona. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is cosponsoring the legislation.

    César Chávez is a Latino icon and civil rights leader, labor leader, and community organizer whose legacy is deeply embedded in the story of California, the farm worker movement, and the push for worker and civil rights. Chávez empowered Latinos and farm workers to fight for fair wages, health care coverage, pension benefits, housing improvements, and countless other protections. His commitment to social justice has inspired generations, and fuels ongoing efforts to improve the lives of all people, regardless of their ethnicity or the color of their skin.

    “On César Chávez Day, we commemorate the work and legacy of an iconic Latino civil rights leader. His example of defending workers’ rights across the country serves as a blueprint for overcoming some of our nation’s biggest challenges, demonstrating the immense power behind organized movements fighting against injustice,” said Senator Padilla. “Establishing the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park would pay proper homage to César Chávez’s tireless work for the dignity, respect, and equal treatment of workers — priorities facing immense threats under the Trump Administration. Our National Park system should memorialize the diverse legacy and culture of all Americans and give farm workers the recognition they deserve.”

    “Having grown up as the son of farmworkers in the Coachella Valley, I remember the profound hope César Chávez instilled in our communities and farmworkers across the nation. His legacy continues to inspire me to this day,” said Representative Ruiz. “It’s vital that we amplify the voices of communities whose stories are too often left unheard. The César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act, aims to empower the National Park Service to honor and share these important stories, celebrating the diverse and vibrant history of our country.”

    “Today, we honor the profound legacy and sacrifices of César Chávez — a civil rights activist who expanded and defended the rights of farm workers through the power of organizing. The designation of the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park recognizes the countless contributions he made which paved the way for better wages and working conditions for millions of farm workers,” said Senator Schiff. 

    The hundreds of sites that are part of the National Park system preserve our natural, historical, and cultural heritage while offering vital spaces for teaching, learning, and outdoor recreation. While the National Park Service (NPS) embraces their role as “America’s storytellers,” too few national park units primarily focus on women, communities of color, or other historically marginalized groups. The sites preserved by this bill would ensure that the National Park system better represents the diverse history of our nation. As a farm worker himself, César Chávez maintained a strong connection to the natural environment, and this bill uplifts his story and those of others whose contributions helped build the farm worker and civil rights movements that are pillars of American history.

    Specifically, this legislation would:

    • Create the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park, which would include the existing the César E. Chávez National Monument, which includes La Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz in Keene, California.
    • Upon written agreement from the site owners, the National Historical Park would include the following sites: Forty Acres in Delano, California; the Santa Rita Center in Phoenix, Arizona; and McDonnell Hall in San Jose, California.
    • Conduct a National Historic Trail Study for the “Farmworker Peregrinación National Historic Trail,” the 300-mile march route taken by farm workers between Delano and Sacramento in 1966.

    In 2008, Congress enacted bipartisan legislation from former Arizona Senator John McCain and former California Representative Hilda Solis to direct the NPS to conduct a special resource study of sites that are significant to the life of César Chávez and the farm labor movement in the western United States. In 2012, President Obama established the César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, California. In 2013, the NPS transmitted the Special Resource Study to Congress. The study team evaluated over 100 sites significant to César Chávez and the farm labor movement in the western United States, finding that several were nationally significant and depicted a distinct and important aspect of American history associated with civil rights and labor movements that is not adequately represented or protected elsewhere. While the NPS included five potential management alternatives to protect these sites, they ultimately recommended that Congress establish a National Historical Park that would incorporate nationally significant sites in California and Arizona related to the life of César Chávez and the farm labor movement.

    A map of the proposed park can be found here.

    A list of endorsing organizations can be found here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Panetta Lead California Democratic Delegation Demanding Continuation of Critical Food Programs

    US Senate News:

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

    Padilla, Schiff, Panetta Lead California Democratic Delegation Demanding Continuation of Critical Food Programs

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), led all members of the California Democratic Congressional delegation in demanding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reverse harmful federal program cancellations and freezes impacting state food banks and farmers. Chair of the California Democratic Congressional delegation Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.-11) also co-led the letter.

    Despite encompassing less than 4 percent of the country’s farmland, California generates over 11 percent of the U.S. agricultural value — over a third of the country’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California. The Trump Administration’s discontinuation of the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreements for 2025 and the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program, along with its freeze of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funds, jeopardizes food assistance for more than 6 million Californians and threatens the livelihoods of more than 600 California farmers. A network of 49 food banks, serving 58 counties in California, have already seen over 300 food loads paused or canceled.

    “These programs provide critical support to farmers and food producers in California while ensuring access to nutritious, locally sourced food for families, students, and communities, which we feel are in line with this Administration’s stated goals to provide more opportunities for Americans to eat healthy, support farmers, and boost domestic demand for produce,” wrote the lawmakers.

    “We remain committed to working with USDA to find solutions that sustain and expand market access for American farmers while ensuring that families and communities continue to benefit from fresh, locally produced food. We respectfully request that you revisit these decisions in light of the millions of our constituents who would be impacted,” continued the lawmakers.

    In addition to Padilla, Schiff, Panetta, Lofgren, and Pelosi, the letter was also signed by Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-33), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.-44), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.-26), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.-31), Lou Correa (D-Calif.-46), Jim Costa (D-Calif.-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.-10), Laura Friedman (D-Calif.-30), John Garamendi (D-Calif.-08), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34), Adam Gray (D-Calif.-13), Josh Harder (D-Calif.-09), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.-37), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.-17), Mike Levin (D-Calif.-49), Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Dave Min (D-Calif.-47), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25), Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.-38), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.-32), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), Mark Takano (D-Calif.-39), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04), Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43), and George Whitesides (D-Calif.-27).

    Earlier this month, Senator Padilla joined a Senator Schiff-led letter demanding the reversal of the USDA’s cancellation of $1 billion in food purchase programs across the United States, warning of the harmful impacts this move will have on both families and American farmers. 

    Full text of letter is available here and below:

    Dear Madam Secretary,

    We write regarding recent decisions to discontinue the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreements for 2025, the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program, and the freeze of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) funds. These programs benefit producers of all sizes, expand market opportunities, and increase resilience in our local food systems, particularly as farmers continue to navigate rising input costs and economic uncertainty. With these cancellations, more than 600 California farmers will lose a vital market, and families and children will lose an important lifeline and access to healthy, locally grown food. We request and encourage you to reverse this decision and continue to fully fund and support these important initiatives.

    As Members of the California Delegation, we proudly represent the farmers and producers that contribute to California’s agricultural abundance and the nation’s food supply. Despite encompassing less than 4% of the country’s farmland, California generates over 11% of the U.S. agricultural value; over a third of the country’s vegetables and over three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts are grown in California. It is important that this Administration continues to support California producers and bolster their access to local markets.

    Given the significant role that USDA plays in bolstering local and regional agricultural supply chains in California and across the country, we urge your reconsideration of the discontinuation of the LFPA Cooperative Agreements for 2025 and LFS Cooperative Agreement Program. As you know, LFPA strengthens agricultural supply chains by facilitating the purchase of regionally grown food, while LFS helps schools and childcare facilities provide fresh, local options to students. These programs provide critical support to farmers and food producers in California while ensuring access to nutritious, locally sourced food for families, students, and communities, which we feel are in line with this Administration’s stated goals to provide more opportunities for Americans to eat healthy, support farmers, and boost domestic demand for produce.

    Additionally, both the freeze and cancellation of TEFAP funds will significantly impact our state’s food banks who partner with their network of churches, schools, and food pantries. As of the writing of this letter, we are aware that food banks across the state have had over 300 food loads paused or cancelled across the network of 49 food banks for distribution to eligible individuals and households within 58 counties. This means less food than expected for food banks who are serving more than 6 million Californians each month.

    We remain committed to working with USDA to find solutions that sustain and expand market access for American farmers while ensuring that families and communities continue to benefit from fresh, locally produced food. We respectfully request that you revisit these decisions in light of the millions of our constituents who would be impacted. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your response.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Western Fisheries Research Cetner Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Meeting

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Title: Western Fisheries Research Center Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Meeting

    Date: April 16, 2025

    Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Persons wishing to attend may do so through Microsoft Teams: Click Here

    The following topics will be addressed at the meeting:

    · Review of the IACUC program.

    · New and ongoing research protocols.

    · Events related to animal use and welfare.

    · Inspections of research facilities.

    · Continuing efforts for improving the care and use of animals in research at the WFRC.

    · Reserved time (10 minutes) for nonmember comment.

    Adjournment

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ellomay Capital Reports Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL-AVIV, Israel, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ellomay Capital Ltd. (NYSE American; TASE: ELLO) (“Ellomay” or the “Company”), a renewable energy and power generator and developer of renewable energy and power projects in Europe, USA and Israel, today reported its unaudited consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Financial Highlights

    • Total assets as of December 31, 2024 amounted to approximately €676.7 million, compared to total assets as of December 31, 2023 of approximately €612.9 million.
    • Revenues1 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 were approximately €8.7 million, compared to revenues of approximately €8.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 were approximately €40.5 million, compared to revenues of approximately €48.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Loss from continuing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was approximately €12 million, compared to loss from continuing operations of approximately €8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately €9.6 million, compared to profit from continuing operations of approximately €2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Loss for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was approximately €12 million, compared to loss of approximately €9.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately €9.5 million, compared to profit of approximately €0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was approximately €7.6 million, compared to EBITDA loss of approximately €2.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately €25.1 million, compared to EBITDA of approximately €18.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. See below under “Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures” for additional disclosure concerning EBITDA.
    • On December 31, 2023, the Company executed an agreement to sell its holdings in the 9 MW solar plant located in Talmei Yosef. The sale was consummated on June 3, 2024, and the net consideration received at closing was approximately NIS 42.6 million (approximately €10.6 million). In connection with the sale, the Company presents the results of this solar plant as a discontinued operation.

    Financial Overview for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

    • Revenues1 were approximately €40.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately €48.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease mainly results from a reduction in electricity prices in Spain between February and May 2024 and lower gas prices in the Netherlands in 2024 compared to prices in 2023, partially offset by income generated by our 20 MW solar power plants in Italy which were connected to the grid during 2024. The decrease is also due to loss of revenues in connection with the fire near the Talasol Solar S.L. (300 MV solar) (“Talasol”) and Ellomay Solar S.L. (28 MV solar) (“Ellomay Solar”) facilities in Spain in July 2024. In connection with such loss of revenues, the Company recorded an amount of approximately €1.7 million as ‘other income’ for the year ended December 31, 2024, based on compensation from the insurers for loss of income.
    • Operating expenses were approximately €19.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately €22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease mainly results from a decrease in direct taxes on electricity production paid by the Company’s Spanish subsidiaries as a result of reduced electricity prices. The operating expenses of the Company’s Spanish subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2023 were impacted by the Spanish RDL 17/2022, which established the reduction of returns on the electricity generating activity of Spanish production facilities that do not emit greenhouse gases, accomplished through payments of a portion of the revenues by the production facilities to the Spanish government. The increased expenses during the year ended December 31, 2023 resulting from this impact, were partially offset by lower costs in connection with the acquisition of feedstock by our Dutch biogas plants. Depreciation and amortization expenses were approximately €16.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately €16 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Project development costs were approximately €4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately €4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • General and administrative expenses were approximately €6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately €5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in general and administrative expenses is mostly due to higher consultancy expenses.
    • Share of profits of equity accounted investee, after elimination of intercompany transactions, was approximately €11.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately €4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in share of profits of equity accounted investee resulted mainly from the increase in revenues of Dorad Energy Ltd. (“Dorad”) due to higher quantities of electricity produced partially offset by an increase in operating expenses in connection with the increased production. In addition, in December 2024, Dorad received payment in an amount of approximately $130 million pursuant to an arbitration ruling in a derivative claim submitted by certain of its shareholders, which increased Dorad’s net profit for 2024 by approximately NIS 215.6 million (after the effect of taxes). These amounts were recorded by Dorad in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 in the income statement partially as a reduction in depreciation expenses, partly as finance income, and the remainder as a decrease in general and administrative expenses.
    • Other income, net was approximately €3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to €0 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The income was recognized based on insurance compensation in connection with the fire near the Talasol and Ellomay Solar facilities in Spain in July 2024, net of impairment expenses related to the damaged fixed assets. The amount to be received due to loss of income is approximately €1.7 million.
    • Financing expense, net was approximately €19.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to financing expense, net of approximately €3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in financing expenses, net, was mainly attributable to higher expenses resulting from exchange rate differences that amounted to approximately €7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to income from exchange rate differences of approximately €6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an aggregate change of approximately €14.5 million. The exchange rate differences were mainly recorded in connection with the New Israeli Shekel (“NIS”) cash and cash equivalents and the Company’s NIS denominated debentures and were caused by the 5.4% reevaluation of the NIS against the euro during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a devaluation of 6.9% during the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in financing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 was also due to increased interest expenses mainly resulting from the issuance of the Company’s Series F Debentures in January, April, August and November 2024. These increases in financing expenses were partially offset by an increase in financing income of approximately €0.9 million in connection with derivatives and warrants in the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Tax benefit was approximately €1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a tax benefit of approximately €1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately €9.6 million, compared to profit from continuing operations of approximately €2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Profit from discontinued operation (net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately €137 thousand, compared to loss from discontinued operation of approximately €1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately €9.5 million, compared to a profit of approximately €0.6 million for year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Total other comprehensive income was approximately €13.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to total other comprehensive income of approximately €41.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The change in total other comprehensive income mainly results from foreign currency translation adjustments due to the change in the NIS/euro exchange rate and from changes in fair value of cash flow hedges, including a material decrease in the fair value of the liability resulting from the financial power swap that covers approximately 80% of the output of the Talasol solar plant (the “Talasol PPA”). The Talasol PPA experienced high volatility due to the substantial change in electricity prices in Europe. In accordance with hedge accounting standards, the changes in the Talasol PPA’s fair value are recorded in the Company’s shareholders’ equity through a hedging reserve and not through the accumulated deficit/retained earnings. The changes do not impact the Company’s consolidated net profit/loss or the Company’s consolidated cash flows.
    • Total comprehensive income was approximately €3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to total comprehensive income of approximately €41.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately €8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately €8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, is mainly due to the decrease in electricity prices in Spain. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s Dutch biogas plants elected to temporarily exit the subsidy regime and sell the gas at market prices and during the year ended December 31, 2024 these plants returned to the subsidy regime. Under the subsidy regime, plants are entitled to monthly advances on subsidies based on the production during the previous year. As no subsidies were paid to the Company’s Dutch biogas plants for 2023, these plants were entitled to low advance payments for 2024 and the payment for gas produced by the plants during 2024 is expected to be received until July 2025 and reflected accordingly in the Company’s cash flow from operations.

    CEO Review for 2024

    In 2024, the Company presented an increase of 71% in the operating profit to approximately €7.7 million and of 33.5% in the EBITDA to approximately €25.1 million compared to 2023, despite a decrease of approximately €9 million in the annual revenues, which was caused by low and even negative electricity prices in Spain in the first half of 2024. During 2024 and in recent months the Company made significant advancements in the development of new projects, which are expected to contribute to an increase in revenues in coming years:

    In Italy – finance agreements were executed with respect to projects with an aggregate capacity of 198 MW (of which 38 MW are already connected to the electricity grid) and construction agreements for the remainder of the projects with an aggregate capacity of 160 MW were also executed.

    In the USA – the Company is advancing additional projects with an aggregate capacity of approximately 50 MW that are expected to begin construction during 2025.

    In the Netherlands – the Company advanced in obtaining licenses to expand the operations of the biogas facilities by additional 50% while making relatively small investments.

    In Israel – the approval of the National Infrastructures Committee to expand the Dorad power plant by 650 MW was received.  

    Operating expenses in 2024 decreased by approximately €3 million compared to 2023. Project development expenses in 2024 decreased by approximately €0.4 million compared to 2023 despite the inclusion of non-recurring expenses of approximately €0.5 million in connection with the cancellation of a guarantee in the project development expenses for 2024. Following the advancement of project development and the transition to the construction stage, the decrease in project development expenses is expected to continue during the year.

    The appreciation of the NIS against the euro at the end of 2024 caused revaluation losses of approximately €7.8 million compared to revaluation profit of approximately €6.7 million in 2023. The aggregate change is approximately €14.5 million and is the main cause for the increase in financing expenses in 2024.

    In March 2025 a transaction was executed between Zorlu Enerji Elektrik Üretim A.S (“Zorlu”) and The Phoenix Insurance Company Ltd. for the sale of Zorlu’s entire holdings in Dorad (25% of Dorad’s outstanding shares). The consideration for the shares represents a value of NIS 2.8 billion for Dorad. Ellomay Luzon Energy Infrastructures Ltd. (50% held by the Company), which currently holds 18.75% of Dorad’s shares, has a right of first refusal over 15% of Dorad’s shares included in the transaction. The Company believes that the price is attractive and therefore intends to act to exercise the right of first refusal. Activity in Spain:

    The electricity prices in the second half of 2024 increased and stabilized on the projected seasonal price. The revenues from the sale of electricity in 2024 were approximately €23 million compared to approximately €32 million in 2023. The decrease is primarily attributable to the low/negative electricity prices in the first half of 2024, as well as to the loss of revenues in the amount of approximately €1.7 million due to a fire. The loss of revenues due to the fire will be covered in full by the insurance company.

    Activity of Dorad:

    In 2024, the Dorad power plant recorded an increase in profit, with net profit of approximately NIS 452.3 million, an increase of approximately NIS 241 million compared to 2023. The Dorad power station received the approval of the National Infrastructures Committee and a positive connection survey to increase the capacity by an additional 650 MW. Due to the final award in the arbitration against Edeltech and Zorlu, Dorad received during 2024 compensation of approximately $130 million that increased Dorad’s net profit for 2024 by approximately NIS 215.6 million (after the effect of taxes).

    Activity in the USA:

    In the USA, the development and construction activities of solar projects are progressing at a rapid pace and the construction of the first four projects, with a total capacity of approximately 49 MW, began in early 2024. At the end of 2024, construction of two projects (in an aggregate capacity of approximately 27 MW) was completed and the IRS approval of entitlement to tax credits was received. These projects were connected to the electricity grid at the end of March 2025. The additional two projects (in an aggregate capacity of approximately 22 MW) are under construction and their construction is expected to end during April and June 2025. Additional projects with an aggregate capacity of approximately 50 MW are under development and are intended to begin construction in 2025. The Company executed an agreement to sell the tax credits of the first four projects for approximately $19 million.

    Activity in Italy:

    The Company has a portfolio of 460 MW solar projects in Italy of which 38 MW are connected to the grid and operating 294 MW are ready to build and 128 MW are under advanced development. The Company executed construction agreements with the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (“EPC”) contractor for 160 MW that are ready to build, the commencement of construction is expected in the beginning of the second quarter of 2025 and the construction is expected to take approximately 18 months. A financing agreement with a European institutional investor was executed for the financing of the construction of 198 MW (including the connected projects and the projects for which the EPC agreements were executed) for 23 years with a fixed annual interest of 4.5%.

    New legislation in Italy prohibits the establishment of new projects on agricultural land. This prohibition increases the value of the Company’s portfolio, which is not subject to the prohibition or located on agricultural land. The Company estimates that new possibilities are emerging for obtaining a power purchase agreement (“PPA”) in Italy, therefore it expects that in the future project financing will be possible more easily and at lower costs.

    Activity in Israel:

    The Manara Cliff Pumped Storage Project (Company’s share is 83.34%): A project with a capacity of 156 MW, which is in advanced construction stages. The Iron Swords War, which commenced on October 7, 2023, stopped the construction work on the project. The project has protection from the state for damages and losses due to the war within the framework of the tariff regulation (covenants that support financing). The project was expected to reach commercial operation during the first half of 2027 and the continuation of the Iron Swords war will cause a delay in the date of activation. The Israeli Electricity Authority currently approved a postponement of sixteen months of the dates for the project. The Company and its partner in the project, Ampa, invested the equity required for the project (other than linkage differences), and the remainder of the funding is from a consortium of lenders led by Mizrahi Bank, at a scope of approximately NIS 1.18 billion.

    Development of Solar licenses combined with storage:

    1. The Komemiyut and Qelahim Projects: each intended for 21 solar MW and 50 MW / hour batteries. The sale of electricity will be conducted through a private supplier.
      The Company waived the rights it won in a solar / battery tender process in connection with these projects and therefore paid a forfeiture of guarantee in the amount of NIS 1.8 million and is in advanced negotiations with a local virtual electricity supplier for the execution of a long-term PPA.
    2. The Talmei Yosef Project: intended for 10 solar MW and 22 MW / hour batteries. The request for zoning approval was approved in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    3. The Talmei Yosef Storage Project in Batteries: there is a zoning approval for approximately 400 MW / hour. The project is designed for the regulation of high voltage storage.

    Activity in the Netherlands:

    During 2024, high production levels were maintained in the Company’s three biogas plants. In addition, significant progress was made in the process of obtaining the licenses to increase production by about 50% in each of the Company’s plants. Increasing production will require relatively small investments and is expected to significantly increase income and EBITDA. Following the directive of the European Union to act to significantly increase the production of green gas, the Dutch parliament approved the legislation mandating the obligation to mix green gas with fossil gas, which will become effective commencing January 1, 2026. This legislation is expected to have a positive effect on revenues from the sale of green gas and the price of the accompanying green certificates. Agreements were executed for the future sale of green certificates for green gas in the context of the new regulation at a price of approximately €1 per certificate. The Company’s Dutch subsidiaries generate approximately 16 million green certificates a year.

    Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

    EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and is defined as earnings before financial expenses, net, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company presents this measure in order to enhance the understanding of the Company’s operating performance and to enable comparability between periods. While the Company considers EBITDA to be an important measure of comparative operating performance, EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or other statement of operations or cash flow data prepared in accordance with IFRS as a measure of profitability or liquidity. EBITDA does not take into account the Company’s commitments, including capital expenditures and restricted cash and, accordingly, is not necessarily indicative of amounts that may be available for discretionary uses. Not all companies calculate EBITDA in the same manner, and the measure as presented may not be comparable to similarly-titled measure presented by other companies. The Company’s EBITDA may not be indicative of the Company’s historic operating results; nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results. The Company uses this measure internally as performance measure and believes that when this measure is combined with IFRS measure it add useful information concerning the Company’s operating performance. A reconciliation between results on an IFRS and non-IFRS basis is provided on page 15 of this press release.

    About Ellomay Capital Ltd.

    Ellomay is an Israeli based company whose shares are registered with the NYSE American and with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “ELLO”. Since 2009, Ellomay focuses its business in the renewable energy and power sectors in Europe, USA and Israel.

    To date, Ellomay has evaluated numerous opportunities and invested significant funds in the renewable, clean energy and natural resources industries in Israel, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Texas, USA, including:

    • Approximately 335.9 MW of operating solar power plants in Spain (including a 300 MW solar plant in owned by Talasol, which is 51% owned by the Company) and approximately 38 MW of operating solar power plants in Italy;
    • 9.375% indirect interest in Dorad Energy Ltd., which owns and operates one of Israel’s largest private power plants with production capacity of approximately 850MW, representing about 6%-8% of Israel’s total current electricity consumption;
    • Groen Gas Goor B.V., Groen Gas Oude-Tonge B.V. and Groen Gas Gelderland B.V., project companies operating anaerobic digestion plants in the Netherlands, with a green gas production capacity of approximately 3 million, 3.8 million and 9.5 million Nm3 per year, respectively;
    • 83.333% of Ellomay Pumped Storage (2014) Ltd., which is involved in a project to construct a 156 MW pumped storage hydro power plant in the Manara Cliff, Israel;
    • Solar projects in Italy with an aggregate capacity of 294 MW that have reached “ready to build” status; and
    • Solar projects in the Dallas Metropolitan area, Texas, USA with an aggregate capacity of approximately 27 MW that are placed in service and in process of connection to the grid and additional 22 MW are under construction.

    For more information about Ellomay, visit http://www.ellomay.com.

    Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding the Company’s plans and objectives, expectations and assumptions of management are forward-looking statements. The use of certain words, including the words “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by the Company’s forward-looking statements, including changes in electricity prices and demand, regulatory changes increases in interest rates and inflation, changes in the supply and prices of resources required for the operation of the Company’s facilities (such as waste and natural gas) and in the price of oil, the impact of the war and hostilities in Israel and Gaza, the impact of the continued military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, technical and other disruptions in the operations or construction of the power plants owned by the Company and general market, political and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates, including Israel, Spain, Italy and the United States. These and other risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s business are described in greater detail in the filings the Company makes from time to time with Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Kalia Rubenbach (Weintraub)
    CFO
    Tel: +972 (3) 797-1111
    Email: hilai@ellomay.com

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

      December 31,
    2024 2023 2024
    Unaudited Audited Unaudited
    € in thousands Convenience Translation into US$ in thousands*
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents 41,134 51,127 42,819
    Short term deposits – 997 –
    Restricted cash 656 810 683
    Intangible asset from green certificates 178 553 185
    Trade and other receivables 20,734 11,717 21,583
    Derivatives asset short-term 146 275 152
    Assets of disposal groups classified as held for sale – 28,297 –
      62,848 93,776 65,422
    Non-current assets      
    Investment in equity accounted investee 41,324 31,772 43,017
    Advances on account of investments 547 898 569
    Fixed assets 482,166 407,982 501,918
    Right-of-use asset 34,315 30,967 35,721
    Restricted cash and deposits 17,052 17,386 17,751
    Deferred tax 9,039 8,677 9,409
    Long term receivables 13,411 10,446 13,960
    Derivatives 15,974 10,948 16,628
      613,828 519,076 638,973
    Total assets 676,676 612,852 704,395
           
    Liabilities and Equity      
    Current liabilities      
    Current maturities of long-term bank loans 21,316 9,784 22,189
    Current maturities of other long-term loans 5,000 5,000 5,205
    Current maturities of debentures 35,706 35,200 37,169
    Trade payables 8,856 5,249 9,219
    Other payables 10,896 10,859 11,342
    Current maturities of derivatives 1,875 4,643 1,952
    Current maturities of lease liabilities 714 700 743
    Liabilities of disposal groups classified as held for sale – 17,142 –
    Warrants 1,446 84 1,505
      85,809 88,661 89,324
    Non-current liabilities      
    Long-term lease liabilities 25,324 23,680 26,361
    Long-term bank loans 245,866 237,781 255,938
    Other long-term loans 31,314 29,373 32,597
    Debentures 155,823 104,887 162,206
    Deferred tax 2,486 2,516 2,588
    Other long-term liabilities 939 855 977
    Derivatives 288 – 300
      462,040 399,092 480,967
    Total liabilities 547,849 487,753 570,291
           
    Equity      
    Share capital 25,613 25,613 26,662
    Share premium 86,271 86,159 89,805
    Treasury shares (1,736) (1,736) (1,807)
    Transaction reserve with non-controlling Interests 5,697 5,697 5,930
    Reserves 14,338 4,299 14,925
    Accumulated deficit (12,019) (5,037) (12,511)
    Total equity attributed to shareholders of the Company 118,164 114,995 123,004
    Non-Controlling Interest 10,663 10,104 11,100
    Total equity 128,827 125,099 134,104
    Total liabilities and equity 676,676 612,852 704,395

    * Convenience translation into US$ (exchange rate as at December 31, 2024: euro 1 = US$ 1.041)

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

      For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31, For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31,
    2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
    Unaudited Unaudited Audited Unaudited
    € in thousands (except per share data) Convenience Translation into US$*
    Revenues 8,678 8,424 40,467 48,834 9,033 42,125
    Operating expenses (5,298) (5,460) (19,803) (22,861) (5,515) (20,614)
    Depreciation and amortization expenses (4,126) (4,265) (16,468) (16,012) (4,295) (17,143)
    Gross profit (loss) (746) (1,301) 4,196 9,961 (777) 4,368
                 
    Project development costs (790) (2,025) (4,101) (4,465) (822) (4,269)
    General and administrative expenses (1,384) (1,320) (6,063) (5,283) (1,441) (6,311)
    Share of profit (loss) of equity accounted investee 5,767 (279) 11,062 4,320 6,003 11,515
    Other income, net 524 – 3,409 – 545 3,549
    Operating profit (loss) 3,371 (4,925) 8,503 4,533 3,508 8,852
                 
    Financing income 710 345 2,495 8,747 739 2,597
    Financing income (expenses) in connection with derivatives and warrants, net (664) 336 1,140 251 (691) 1,187
    Financing expenses in connection with projects finance (1,544) (1,465) (6,190) (6,077) (1,607) (6,444)
    Financing expenses in connection with debentures (1,762) (1,008) (6,641) (3,876) (1,834) (6,913)
    Interest expenses on minority shareholder loan (528) (541) (2,144) (2,014) (550) (2,232)
    Other financing expenses (13,099) (1,499) (8,311) (588) (13,636) (8,651)
    Financing expenses, net (16,887) (3,832) (19,651) (3,557) (17,579) (20,456)
                 
    Profit (loss) before taxes on income (13,516) (8,757) (11,148) 976 (14,071) (11,604)
    Tax benefit 1,475 799 1,547 1,436 1,535 1,610
    Profit (loss) for the period from continuing operations (12,041) (7,958) (9,601) 2,412 (12,536) (9,994)
    Profit (loss) from discontinued operation (net of tax) 58 (1,857) 137 (1,787) 60 143
    Profit (loss) for the period (11,983) (9,815) (9,464) 625 (12,476) (9,851)
    Profit (loss) attributable to:            
    Owners of the Company (10,887) (8,490) (6,982) 2,219 (11,333) (7,268)
    Non-controlling interests (1,096) (1,325) (2,482) (1,594) (1,143) (2,583)
    Profit (loss) for the period (11,983) (9,815) (9,464) 625 (12,476) (9,851)
    Other comprehensive income (loss) item            
    that after initial recognition in comprehensive income (loss) were or will be transferred to profit or loss:            
    Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations 13,159 1,234 8,007 (7,949) 13,698 8,335
    Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations that were recognized in profit or loss – – 255 – – 265
    Effective portion of change in fair value of cash flow hedges (3,781) (10,718) 5,631 39,431 (3,937) 5,861
    Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to profit or loss 1,108 19,183 (813) 9,794 1,154 (846)
    Total other comprehensive income 10,486 9,699 13,080 41,276 10,915 13,615
                 
    Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:            
    Owners of the Company 11,354 5,172 10,039 16,931 11,818 10,450
    Non-controlling interests (868) 4,527 3,041 24,345 (903) 3,165
    Total other comprehensive income (loss) for the period 10,486 9,699 13,080 41,276 10,915 13,615
    Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period (1,497) (116) 3,616 41,901 (1,561) 3,764
                 
    Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:            
    Owners of the Company 467 (3,318) 3,057 19,150 485 3,182
    Non-controlling interests (1,964) 3,202 559 22,751 (2,046) 582
    Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period (1,497) (116) 3,616 41,901 (1,561) 3,764
                 

    * Convenience translation into US$ (exchange rate as at December 31, 2024: euro 1 = US $ 1.041)

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (cont’d)

      For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31, For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31,
    2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
    Unaudited Unaudited Audited Unaudited
    € in thousands (except per share data) Convenience Translation into US$*
    Basic profit (loss) per share (0.85) (0.66) (0.54) 0.17 (0.91) (0.56)
    Diluted profit (loss) per share (0.85) (0.66) (0.54) 0.17 (0.91) (0.56)
                 
    Basic profit (loss) per share continuing operations (0.85) (0.14) (0.55) 0.31 (0.91) (0.57)
    Diluted profit (loss) per share continuing operations (0.85) (0.14) (0.55) 0.31 (0.91) (0.57)
                 
    Basic profit (loss) per share discontinued operation – (0.52) 0.01 (0.14) – 0.01
    Diluted profit (loss) per share discontinued operation – (0.52) 0.01 (0.14) – 0.01
                 

    * Convenience translation into US$ (exchange rate as at December 31, 2024: euro 1 = US$ 1.041)

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

                         
    Attributable to shareholders of the Company
    		 Non-controlling Interests Total Equity
    Share capital Share premium Accumulated Deficit Treasury shares Translation reserve from foreign operations Hedging Reserve Interests Transaction reserve with non-controlling Interests Total    
    € in thousands
    For the year ended                    
    December 31, 2024 (unaudited):                    
    Balance as at January 1, 2024 25,613 86,159 (5,037) (1,736) 385 3,914 5,697 114,995 10,104 125,099
    Profit (loss) for the period – – (6,982) – – – – (6,982) (2,482) (9,464)
    Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period – – – – 8,061 1,978 – 10,039 3,041 13,080
    Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period – – (6,982) – 8,061 1,978 – 3,057 559 3,616
    Transactions with owners of the Company, recognized directly in equity:                    
    Share-based payments – 112 – – – – – 112 – 112
    Balance as at December 31, 2024 25,613 86,271 (12,019) (1,736) 8,446 5,892 5,697 118,164 10,663 128,827
                         
                         
    For the three months                    
    ended December 31, 2024 (unaudited):                    
    Balance as at September 30, 2024 25,613 86,250 (1,132) (1,736) (4,377) 7,361 5,697 117,676 12,627 130,303
    Profit (loss) for the period – – (10,887) – – – – (10,887) (1,096) (11,983)
    Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period – – – – 12,823 (1,469) – 11,354 (868) 10,486
    Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period – – (10,887) – 12,823 (1,469) – 467 (1,964) (1,497)
    Transactions with owners of the Company, recognized directly in equity:                    
    Share-based payments – 21 – – – – – 21 – 21
    Balance as at December 31, 2024 25,613 86,271 (12,019) (1,736) 8,446 5,892 5,697 118,164 10,663 128,827

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (cont’d)

      Share capital Share premium Attributable to shareholders of the Company Non- controlling Total
    Interests Equity
    Accumulated deficit Treasury shares Translation reserve from
    foreign operations    		 Hedging Reserve Interests Transaction reserve with
    non-controlling Interests    		 Total    
    € in thousands
    For the year ended December 31, 2023 (audited):                    
    Balance as at January 1, 2023 25,613 86,038 (7,256) (1,736) 7,970 (20,602) 5,697 95,724 (12,647) 83,077
    Profit (loss) for the year – – 2,219 – – – – 2,219 (1,594) 625
    Other comprehensive loss for the year – – – – (7,585) 24,516 – 16,931 24,345 41,276
    Total comprehensive loss for the year – – 2,219 – (7,585) 24,516 – 19,150 22,751 41,901
    Transactions with owners of the Company, recognized directly in equity:                    
    Share-based payments – 121 – – – – – 121 – 121
    Balance as at December 31, 2023 25,613 86,159 (5,037) (1,736) 385 3,914 5,697 114,995 10,104 125,099
                         
    For the three months                    
    ended December 31, 2023 (unaudited):                    
    Balance as at September 30, 2023 25,613 86,131 3,453 (1,736) (801) (72) 5,697 118,285 6,902 125,187
    Profit (loss) for the period – – (8,490) – – – – (8,490) (1,325) (9,815)
    Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period – – – – 1,186 3,986 – 5,172 4,527 9,699
    Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period – – (8,490) – 1,186 3,986 – (3,318) 3,202 (116)
    Transactions with owners of the Company, recognized directly in equity:                    
    Share-based payments – 28 – – – – – 28 – 28
    Balance as at December 31, 2023 25,613 86,159 (5,037) (1,736) 385 3,914 5,697 114,995 10,104 125,099

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (cont’d)

          Attributable to shareholders of the Company Non- controlling Total
        Interests Equity
    Share capital Share premium Accumulated deficit Treasury shares Translation reserve from
    foreign operations    		 Hedging Reserve Interests Transaction reserve with
    non-controlling Interests    		 Total    
    Convenience translation into US$ (exchange rate as at December 31, 2024: euro 1 = US$ 1.041)
    For the year ended December 31, 2024 (unaudited):                    
    Balance as at January 1, 2024 26,662 89,688 (5,243) (1,807) 401 4,074 5,930 119,705 10,518 130,223
    Profit (loss) for the period – – (7,268) – – – – (7,268) (2,583) (9,851)
    Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period – – – – 8,391 2,059 – 10,450 3,165 13,615
    Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period – – (7,268) – 8,391 2,059 – 3,182 582 3,764
    Transactions with owners of the Company, recognized directly in equity:                    
    Share-based payments – 117 – – – – – 117 – 117
    Balance as at December 31, 2024 26,662 89,805 (12,511) (1,807) 8,792 6,133 5,930 123,004 11,100 134,104
                         
    For the three months                    
    ended December 31, 2024 (unaudited):                    
    Balance as at September 30, 2024 26,662 89,783 (1,178) (1,807) (4,555) 7,663 5,930 122,498 13,146 135,644
    Profit (loss) for the period – – (11,333) – – – – (11,333) (1,143) (12,476)
    Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period – – – – 13,347 (1,530) – 11,817 (903) 10,914
    Total comprehensive income (loss) for the period – – (11,333) – 13,347 (1,530) – 484 (2,046) (1,562)
    Transactions with owners of the Company, recognized directly in equity:                    
    Share-based payments – 22 – – – – – 22 – 22
    Balance as at December 31, 2024 26,662 89,805 (12,511) (1,807) 8,792 6,133 5,930 123,004 11,100 134,104

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

      For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31, For the three months ended December 31, 2024 For year ended December 31, 2024
    2024 2023 2024 2023
    Unaudited Unaudited Audited Unaudited
    € in thousands Convenience Translation into US$*
    Cash flows from operating activities            
    Profit (loss) for the period (11,983) (9,815) (9,464) 625 (12,476) (9,851)
    Adjustments for:            
    Financing expenses, net 16,887 3,632 19,247 3,034 17,579 20,035
    Loss from settlement of derivatives contract 266 – 316 – 277 329
    Impairment losses on assets of disposal groups classified as held-for-sale – 2,565 405 2,565 – 422
    Depreciation and amortization 4,126 4,378 16,516 16,473 4,295 17,193
    Share-based payment transactions 21 28 112 121 22 117
    Share of profits of equity accounted investees (5,767) 279 (11,062) (4,320) (6,003) (11,515)
    Payment of interest on loan from an equity accounted investee – 33 – 1,501 – –
    Change in trade receivables and other receivables (5,606) (1,317) (8,824) (302) (5,836) (9,185)
    Change in other assets 2,894 69 3,770 (681) 3,013 3,924
    Change in receivables from concessions project – 259 793 1,778 – 825
    Change in trade payables 48 (332) (31) (45) 50 (32)
    Change in other payables 4,747 (2,492) 4,454 (2,235) 4,941 4,636
    Tax benefit (1,475) (1,391) (1,552) (1,852) (1,535) (1,615)
    Income taxes refund (paid) 277 (473) 623 (912) 288 649
    Interest received 605 524 2,537 2,936 630 2,641
    Interest paid (2,618) (4,132) (9,873) (10,082) (2,725) (10,277)
      14,405 1,630 17,431 7,979 14,996 18,147
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 2,422 (8,185) 7,967 8,604 2,520 8,296
                 
    Cash flows from investing activities            
    Acquisition of fixed assets (22,894) (7,365) (72,922) (58,848) (23,832) (75,909)
    Interest paid capitalized to fixed assets (887) (2,283) (2,515) (2,283) (923) (2,618)
    Proceeds from sale of investments – – 9,267 – – 9,647
    Repayment of loan by an equity accounted investee – 1,221 – 1,324 – –
    Loan to an equity accounted investee – (60) – (128) – –
    Advances on account of investments – – (163) (421) – (170)
    Proceeds from advances on account of investments 514 297 514 2,218 535 535
    Proceeds in marketable securities – – – 2,837 – –
    Investment in settlement of derivatives, net (540) – (316) – (562) (329)
    Proceeds from (investment in) restricted cash, net 532 (53) 689 840 554 717
    Proceeds from (investment in) short term deposit 2,408 – 1,004 (1,092) 2,507 1,045
    Net cash used in investing activities (20,867) (8,243) (64,442) (55,553) (21,721) (67,082)
                 
    Cash flows from financing activities            
    Issuance of warrants – – 2,666 – – 2,775
    Cost associated with long-term loans (556) (690) (2,567) (1,877) (579) (2,672)
    Payment of principal of lease liabilities (2,276) (190) (2,941) (1,156) (2,369) (3,061)
    Proceeds from long-term loans 175 10,787 19,482 32,157 182 20,280
    Repayment of long-term loans (4,668) (5,746) (11,776) (12,736) (4,859) (12,258)
    Repayment of Debentures – – (35,845) (17,763) – (37,313)
    Proceeds from issuance of Debentures, net 15,118 – 73,943 55,808 15,737 76,972
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 7,793 4,161 42,962 54,433 8,112 44,723
                 
    Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents 3,330 1,723 3,092 (2,387) 3,467 3,215
    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (7,322) (10,544) (10,421) 5,097 (7,622) (10,848)
    Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 48,456 62,099 51,127 46,458 50,441 53,221
    Cash from (used in) disposal groups classified as held-for-sale – (428) 428 (428) – 446
    Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 41,134 51,127 41,134 51,127 42,819 42,819

    * Convenience translation into US$ (exchange rate as at December 31, 2024: euro 1 = US$ 1.041)

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Operating Segments (Unaudited)

     
                           
    Italy Spain USA Netherlands Israel  
    Solar Subsidized Solar
    Plants    		 28 MW
    Solar    		 Talasol
    Solar    		 Solar Biogas Dorad Manara Pumped Storage Solar* Total
    reportable
    segments    		 Reconciliations
    		 Total consolidated
      For the year ended December 31, 2024
      € in thousands
                             
    Revenues 2,293 2,974 1,741 18,365 – 15,094 67,084 – 278 107,829 (67,362) 40,467
    Operating expenses (109) (519) (593) (4,695) – (13,887) (50,065) – (142) (70,010) 50,207 (19,803)
    Depreciation and amortization expenses (89) (919) (1,088) (11,453) – (2,897) (2,489) – (48) (18,983) 2,515 (16,468)
    Gross profit (loss) 2,095 1,536 60 2,217 – (1,690) 14,530 – 88 18,836 (14,640) 4,196
                             
    Adjusted gross profit (loss) 2,095 1,536 60 2,217 – (1,690) 14,530 – 3172 19,065 (14,869) 4,196
    Project development costs                       (4,101)
    General and administrative expenses                       (6,063)
    Share of income of equity accounted investee                       11,062
    Other income, net                       3,409
    Operating profit                       8,503
    Financing income                       2,495
    Financing income in connection with
    derivatives and warrants, net    		                       1,140
    Financing expenses in connection with projects finance                       (6,190)
    Financing expenses in connection with debentures                       (6,641)
    Interest expenses on minority shareholder loan                       (2,144)
    Other financing expenses                       (8,311)
    Financing expenses, net                       (19,651)
    Profit before taxes on income                       (11,148)
                             
    Segment assets as at December 31, 2024 67,546 12,633 19,403 225,452 55,564 31,779 109,579 186,333 – 708,289 (31,613) 676,676

    * The results of the Talmei Yosef solar plant are presented as a discontinued operation.

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Reconciliation of Profit (Loss) to EBITDA (Unaudited)

      For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31, For the three months ended December 31, For the year ended December 31,
    2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
      € in thousands Convenience Translation into US$ in thousands*
    Net profit (loss) for the period (11,983) (9,815) (9,464) 625 (12,476) (9,851)
    Financing expenses, net 16,887 3,832 19,651 3,557 17,579 20,456
    Tax benefit (1,475) (799) (1,547) (1,436) (1,535) (1,610)
    Depreciation and amortization 4,126 4,265 16,468 16,012 4,295 17,143
    EBITDA 7,555 (2,517) 25,108 18,758 7,863 26,138

    * Convenience translation into US$ (exchange rate as at December 31, 2024: euro 1 = US$ 1.041)

    Ellomay Capital Ltd.

    Information for the Company’s Debenture Holders

    Financial Covenants

    Pursuant to the Deeds of Trust governing the Company’s Series C, Series D, Series E, Series F and Series G Debentures (together, the “Debentures”), the Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants. For more information, see Items 4.A and 5.B of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 18, 2024, and below.

    Net Financial Debt

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s Net Financial Debt, (as such term is defined in the Deeds of Trust of the Company’s Debentures), was approximately €159.4 million (consisting of approximately €308.53 million of short-term and long-term debt from banks and other interest bearing financial obligations, approximately €200.54 million in connection with the Series C Debentures issuances (in July 2019, October 2020, February 2021 and October 2021), the Series D Convertible Debentures issuance (in February 2021), the Series E Secured Debentures issuance (in February 2023) and the Series F Debentures issuance (in January, April, August and November 2024)), net of approximately €41.1 million of cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits and marketable securities and net of approximately €308.55 million of project finance and related hedging transactions of the Company’s subsidiaries). The Net Financial Debt and other information included in this disclosure do not include the issuance of the Company’s Series G Debentures in February 2025.

    Discussion concerning Warning Signs

    Upon the issuance of the Company’s Debentures, the Company undertook to comply with the “hybrid model disclosure requirements” as determined by the Israeli Securities Authority and as described in the Israeli prospectuses published in connection with the public offering of the company’s Debentures. This model provides that in the event certain financial “warning signs” exist in the Company’s consolidated financial results or statements, and for as long as they exist, the Company will be subject to certain disclosure obligations towards the holders of the Company’s Debentures.

    One possible “warning sign” is the existence of a working capital deficiency if the Company’s Board of Directors does not determine that the working capital deficiency is not an indication of a liquidity problem. In examining the existence of warning signs as of December 31, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors noted the working capital deficiency as of December 31, 2024, in the amount of approximately €23 million. The Company’s Board of Directors reviewed the Company’s financial position, outstanding debt obligations and the Company’s existing and anticipated cash resources and uses and determined that the existence of a working capital deficiency as of December 31, 2024, does not indicate a liquidity problem. In making such determination, the Company’s Board of Directors noted the following: (i) the issuance of the Company’s Series G Debentures in consideration for approximately NIS 211.7 million (net of offering expenses), which was completed after December 31, 2024 and therefore not reflected on the Company’s balance sheet, (ii) the execution of the agreement to sell tax credits in connection with the US solar projects, which is expected to contribute approximately $19 million during the next twelve months, and (iii) the Company’s positive cash flow from operating activities during 2023 and 2024.

    Ellomay Capital Ltd.

    Information for the Company’s Debenture Holders (cont’d)

    Information for the Company’s Series C Debenture Holders

    The Deed of Trust governing the Company’s Series C Debentures (as amended on June 6, 2022, the “Series C Deed of Trust”), includes an undertaking by the Company to maintain certain financial covenants, whereby a breach of such financial covenants for two consecutive quarters is a cause for immediate repayment. As of December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in the Series C Deed of Trust as follows: (i) the Company’s Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity (as defined in the Series C Deed of Trust) was approximately €118.8 million, (ii) the ratio of the Company’s Net Financial Debt (as set forth above) to the Company’s CAP, Net (defined as the Company’s Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity plus the Net Financial Debt) was 57.3%, and (iii) the ratio of the Company’s Net Financial Debt to the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA,6 was 6.1.

    The following is a reconciliation between the Company’s loss and the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Series C Deed of Trust) for the four-quarter period ended December 31, 2024:

      For the four-quarter period ended December 31, 2024
    Unaudited
    € in thousands
    Loss for the period (9,464)
    Financing expenses, net 19,651
    Taxes on income (1,547)
    Depreciation and amortization expenses 16,468
    Share-based payments 112
    Adjustment to revenues of the Talmei Yosef PV Plant due to calculation based on the fixed asset model 981
    Adjusted EBITDA as defined the Series C Deed of Trust 26,201

    Ellomay Capital Ltd.

    Information for the Company’s Debenture Holders (cont’d)

    Information for the Company’s Series D Debenture Holders

    The Deed of Trust governing the Company’s Series D Debentures includes an undertaking by the Company to maintain certain financial covenants, whereby a breach of such financial covenants for the periods set forth in the Series D Deed of Trust is a cause for immediate repayment. As of December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in the Series D Deed of Trust as follows: (i) the Company’s Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity (as defined in the Series D Deed of Trust) was approximately €118.8 million, (ii) the ratio of the Company’s Net Financial Debt (as set forth above) to the Company’s CAP, Net (defined as the Company’s Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity plus the Net Financial Debt) was 57.3%, and (iii) the ratio of the Company’s Net Financial Debt to the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA7 was 6.

    The following is a reconciliation between the Company’s loss and the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Series D Deed of Trust) for the four-quarter period ended December 31, 2024:

      For the four-quarter period ended December 31, 2024
    Unaudited
    € in thousands
    Loss for the period (9,464)
    Financing expenses, net 19,651
    Taxes on income (1,547)
    Depreciation and amortization expenses 16,468
    Share-based payments 112
    Adjustment to revenues of the Talmei Yosef PV Plant due to calculation based on the fixed asset model 981
    Adjustment to data relating to projects with a Commercial Operation Date during the four preceding quarters8 440
    Adjusted EBITDA as defined the Series D Deed of Trust 26,641

    Ellomay Capital Ltd.

    Information for the Company’s Debenture Holders (cont’d)

    Information for the Company’s Series E Debenture Holders

    The Deed of Trust governing the Company’s Series E Debentures includes an undertaking by the Company to maintain certain financial covenants, whereby a breach of such financial covenants for the periods set forth in the Series E Deed of Trust is a cause for immediate repayment. As of December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in the Series E Deed of Trust as follows: (i) the Company’s Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity (as defined in the Series E Deed of Trust) was approximately €118.8 million, (ii) the ratio of the Company’s Net Financial Debt (as set forth above) to the Company’s CAP, Net (defined as the Company’s Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity plus the Net Financial Debt) was 57.3%, and (iii) the ratio of the Company’s Net Financial Debt to the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA9 was 6.

    The following is a reconciliation between the Company’s loss and the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Series E Deed of Trust) for the four-quarter period ended December 31, 2024:

      For the four-quarter period ended December 31, 2024
    Unaudited
    € in thousands
    Loss for the period (9,464)
    Financing expenses, net 19,651
    Taxes on income (1,547)
    Depreciation and amortization expenses 16,468
    Share-based payments 112
    Adjustment to revenues of the Talmei Yosef PV Plant due to calculation based on the fixed asset model 981
    Adjustment to data relating to projects with a Commercial Operation Date during the four preceding quarters10 440
    Adjusted EBITDA as defined the Series E Deed of Trust 26,641
       

    In connection with the undertaking included in Section 3.17.2 of Annex 6 of the Series E Deed of Trust, no circumstances occurred during the reporting period under which the rights to loans provided to Ellomay Luzon Energy Infrastructures Ltd. (formerly U. Dori Energy Infrastructures Ltd. (“Ellomay Luzon Energy”)), which were pledged to the holders of the Company’s Series E Debentures, will become subordinate to the amounts owed by Ellomay Luzon Energy to Israel Discount Bank Ltd.

    As of December 31, 2024, the value of the assets pledged to the holders of the Series E Debentures in the Company’s books (unaudited) is approximately €41.3 million (approximately NIS 156.8 million based on the exchange rate as of such date).

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Information for the Company’s Debenture Holders (cont’d)

    Information for the Company’s Series F Debenture Holders

    The Deed of Trust governing the Company’s Series F Debentures includes an undertaking by the Company to maintain certain financial covenants, whereby a breach of such financial covenants for the periods set forth in the Series F Deed of Trust is a cause for immediate repayment. As of December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in the Series F Deed of Trust as follows: (i) the Company’s Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity (as defined in the Series F Deed of Trust) was approximately €118.4 million, (ii) the ratio of the Company’s Net Financial Debt (as set forth above) to the Company’s CAP, Net (defined as the Company’s Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity plus the Net Financial Debt) was 57.4%, and (iii) the ratio of the Company’s Net Financial Debt to the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA11 was 6.

    The following is a reconciliation between the Company’s loss and the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Series F Deed of Trust) for the four-quarter period ended December 31, 2024:

      For the four-quarter period ended December 31, 2024
    Unaudited
    € in thousands
    Loss for the period (9,464)
    Financing expenses, net 19,651
    Taxes on income (1,547)
    Depreciation and amortization expenses 16,468
    Share-based payments 112
    Adjustment to revenues of the Talmei Yosef PV Plant due to calculation based on the fixed asset model 981
    Adjustment to data relating to projects with a Commercial Operation Date during the four preceding quarters12 440
    Adjusted EBITDA as defined the Series F Deed of Trust 26,641
       

    Ellomay Capital Ltd. and its Subsidiaries

    Information for the Company’s Debenture Holders (cont’d)

    Information for the Company’s Series G Debenture Holders

    The Deed of Trust governing the Company’s Series G Debentures includes an undertaking by the Company to maintain certain financial covenants, whereby a breach of such financial covenants for the periods set forth in the Series G Deed of Trust is a cause for immediate repayment. As of December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in the Series G Deed of Trust as follows: (i) the Company’s Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity (as defined in the Series G Deed of Trust) was approximately €118.4 million, (ii) the ratio of the Company’s Net Financial Debt (as set forth above) to the Company’s CAP, Net (defined as the Company’s Adjusted Shareholders’ Equity plus the Net Financial Debt) was 57.4%, and (iii) the ratio of the Company’s Net Financial Debt to the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA13 was 6.

    The following is a reconciliation between the Company’s loss and the Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Series G Deed of Trust) for the four-quarter period ended December 31, 2024:

      For the four-quarter period ended December 31, 2024
    Unaudited
    € in thousands
    Loss for the period (9,464)
    Financing expenses, net 19,651
    Taxes on income (1,547)
    Depreciation and amortization expenses 16,468
    Share-based payments 112
    Adjustment to revenues of the Talmei Yosef PV Plant due to calculation based on the fixed asset model 981
    Adjustment to data relating to projects with a Commercial Operation Date during the four preceding quarters14 440
    Adjusted EBITDA as defined the Series G Deed of Trust 26,641
       

    1 The revenues presented in the Company’s financial results included in this press release are based on IFRS and do not take into account the adjustments included in the Company’s investor presentation.

    2 The gross profit of the Talmei Yosef solar plant located in Israel is adjusted to include income from the sale of electricity (approximately €1,264 thousand) and depreciation expenses (approximately €757 thousand) under the fixed asset model, which were not recognized as revenues and depreciation expenses, respectively, under the financial asset model as per IFRIC 12.

    3 The amount of short-term and long-term debt from banks and other interest-bearing financial obligations provided above, includes an amount of approximately €4.7 million costs associated with such debt, which was capitalized and therefore offset from the debt amount that is recorded in the Company’s balance sheet.

    4 The amount of the debentures provided above includes an amount of approximately €6.9 million associated costs, which was capitalized and discount or premium and therefore offset from the debentures amount that is recorded in the Company’s balance sheet. This amount also includes the accrued interest as at December 31, 2024 in the amount of approximately €2.1 million.

    5 The project finance amount deducted from the calculation of Net Financial Debt includes project finance obtained from various sources, including financing entities and the minority shareholders in project companies held by the Company (provided in the form of shareholders’ loans to the project companies).

    6 The term “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined in the Series C Deed of Trust as earnings before financial expenses, net, taxes, depreciation and amortization, where the revenues from the Company’s operations, such as the Talmei Yosef solar plant, are calculated based on the fixed asset model and not based on the financial asset model (IFRIC 12), and before share-based payments. The Series C Deed of Trust provides that for purposes of the financial covenant, the Adjusted EBITDA will be calculated based on the four preceding quarters, in the aggregate. The Adjusted EBITDA is presented in this press release as part of the Company’s undertakings towards the holders of its Series C Debentures. For a general discussion of the use of non-IFRS measures, such as EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA see above under “Use of NON-IFRS Financial Measures.”

    7 The term “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined in the Series D Deed of Trust as earnings before financial expenses, net, taxes, depreciation and amortization, where the revenues from the Company’s operations, such as the Talmei Yosef PV Plant, are calculated based on the fixed asset model and not based on the financial asset model (IFRIC 12), and before share-based payments, when the data of assets or projects whose Commercial Operation Date (as such term is defined in the Series D Deed of Trust) occurred in the four quarters that preceded the relevant date will be calculated based on Annual Gross Up (as such term is defined in the Series D Deed of Trust). The Series D Deed of Trust provides that for purposes of the financial covenant, the Adjusted EBITDA will be calculated based on the four preceding quarters, in the aggregate. The Adjusted EBITDA is presented in this press release as part of the Company’s undertakings towards the holders of its Series D Debentures. For a general discussion of the use of non-IFRS measures, such as EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA see above under “Use of NON-IFRS Financial Measures.”

    8 The adjustment is based on the results of solar plants in Italy that were connected to the grid and commenced delivery of electricity to the grid during the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company recorded revenues and only direct expenses in connection with these solar plants from the connection to the grid and until PAC (Preliminary Acceptance Certificate – reached during the fourth quarter of 2024). However, for the sake of caution, the Company included the expected fixed expenses in connection with these solar plants in the calculation of the adjustment.

    9 The term “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined in the Series E Deed of Trust as earnings before financial expenses, net, taxes, depreciation and amortization, where the revenues from the Company’s operations, such as the Talmei Yosef PV Plant, are calculated based on the fixed asset model and not based on the financial asset model (IFRIC 12), and before share-based payments, when the data of assets or projects whose Commercial Operation Date (as such term is defined in the Series E Deed of Trust) occurred in the four quarters that preceded the relevant date will be calculated based on Annual Gross Up (as such term is defined in the Series E Deed of Trust). The Series E Deed of Trust provides that for purposes of the financial covenant, the Adjusted EBITDA will be calculated based on the four preceding quarters, in the aggregate. The Adjusted EBITDA is presented in this press release as part of the Company’s undertakings towards the holders of its Series E Debentures. For a general discussion of the use of non-IFRS measures, such as EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA see above under “Use of NON-IFRS Financial Measures.”

    10 The adjustment is based on the results of solar plants in Italy that were connected to the grid and commenced delivery of electricity to the grid during the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company recorded revenues and only direct expenses in connection with these solar plants from the connection to the grid and until PAC (Preliminary Acceptance Certificate – reached during the fourth quarter of 2024). However, for the sake of caution, the Company included the expected fixed expenses in connection with these solar plants in the calculation of the adjustment.

    11 The term “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined in the Series F Deed of Trust as earnings before financial expenses, net, taxes, depreciation and amortization, where the revenues from the Company’s operations, such as the Talmei Yosef PV Plant, are calculated based on the fixed asset model and not based on the financial asset model (IFRIC 12), and before share-based payments, when the data of assets or projects whose Commercial Operation Date (as such term is defined in the Series F Deed of Trust) occurred in the four quarters that preceded the relevant date will be calculated based on Annual Gross Up (as such term is defined in the Series F Deed of Trust). The Series F Deed of Trust provides that for purposes of the financial covenant, the Adjusted EBITDA will be calculated based on the four preceding quarters, in the aggregate. The Adjusted EBITDA is presented in this press release as part of the Company’s undertakings towards the holders of its Series F Debentures. For a general discussion of the use of non-IFRS measures, such as EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA see above under “Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.”

    12 The adjustment is based on the results of solar plants in Italy that were connected to the grid and commenced delivery of electricity to the grid during the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company recorded revenues and only direct expenses in connection with these solar plants from the connection to the grid and until PAC (Preliminary Acceptance Certificate – reached during the fourth quarter of 2024). However, for the sake of caution, the Company included the expected fixed expenses in connection with these solar plants in the calculation of the adjustment.

    13 The term “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined in the Series G Deed of Trust as earnings before financial expenses, net, taxes, depreciation and amortization, where the revenues from the Company’s operations, such as the Talmei Yosef PV Plant, are calculated based on the fixed asset model and not based on the financial asset model (IFRIC 12), and before share-based payments, when the data of assets or projects whose Commercial Operation Date (as such term is defined in the Series G Deed of Trust) occurred in the four quarters that preceded the relevant date will be calculated based on Annual Gross Up (as such term is defined in the Series G Deed of Trust). The Series G Deed of Trust provides that for purposes of the financial covenant, the Adjusted EBITDA will be calculated based on the four preceding quarters, in the aggregate. The Adjusted EBITDA is presented in this press release as part of the Company’s undertakings towards the holders of its Series G Debentures. For a general discussion of the use of non-IFRS measures, such as EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA see above under “Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures.”

    14 The adjustment is based on the results of solar plants in Italy that were connected to the grid and commenced delivery of electricity to the grid during the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company recorded revenues and only direct expenses in connection with these solar plants from the connection to the grid and until PAC (Preliminary Acceptance Certificate – reached during the fourth quarter of 2024). However, for the sake of caution, the Company included the expected fixed expenses in connection with these solar plants in the calculation of the adjustment.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Address Wage Discrimination, Close Gender Pay Gap

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    WASHINGTON – Today, on Equal Pay Day, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus to reintroduce the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would combat pay discrimination and help close the gender pay gap.

    “Equal work should always mean equal pay,” said Hickenlooper. “Yet, women still earn less for the same jobs. It’s way past time we fixed that and made sure everyone is paid fairly.” 

    Congress passed the Equal Pay Act in 1963 to prohibit sex-based wage discrimination. However, the gender wage gap still exists and, for the first time in 20 years, widened in 2023. On average, women were typically paid 75 cents for every dollar paid to a man in 2023, which averaged to be more than $14,000 in actual pay difference.

    The Paycheck Fairness Act would strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963 to end pay secrecy policies and strengthen available resources to ensure wronged employees can challenge pay discrimination and hold employers accountable. Hickenlooper previously introduced the legislation in the last Congress.

    Specifically, the Paycheck Fairness Act would:

    • Require employers to prove that pay disparities exist for legitimate, job-related reasons and are not gender-based disparities
    • Ban retaliation against workers who discuss their wages
    • Remove obstacles in the Equal Pay Act to facilitate participation in class action lawsuits that challenge systemic pay discrimination, by allowing workers to opt-out, rather than requiring them to opt-in
    • Improve the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) and Department of Labor’s (DOL) tools for enforcing the Equal Pay Act by requiring the collection of compensation data from certain employers, including federal contractors
    • Provide assistance to all businesses to help them with their equal pay practices, recognize excellence in pay practices by businesses, and  empower women and girls by creating a negotiation skills training program
    • Prohibit employers from seeking the salary history of prospective employees

    The full text of the Paycheck Fairness Act is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    Legislation establishes work requirements for able-bodied SNAP beneficiaries
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act, a bold piece of legislation aimed at strengthening work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and closing loopholes that have contributed to its rapid expansion. The number of SNAP beneficiaries has exploded in recent years, while the program is rife with fraud and abuse that undermines its viability and wastes taxpayer dollars. The legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK).
    “SNAP was designed to provide temporary relief to vulnerable people facing difficult times, not a permanent subsidy for able-bodied adults,” said Sen Lee. “Work requirements are widely supported by the American public, save taxpayer dollars, and will strengthen the program for families who really need it. Our legislation tackles fraud and abuse while promoting self-sufficiency, which should be the goal of all such programs.”
    “For decades, the federal government has grossly mismanaged SNAP, loosening eligibility requirements, allowing more recipients to be totally exempt from work requirements, and overseeing massive fraud and abuse,” said Rep. Brecheen. “This has created a culture of dependency instead of opportunity. That’s why our office is introducing the SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act, a plan to tackle these problems by closing loopholes, expanding work requirements for able-bodied adults, enforcing federal accountability, and giving states more responsibility for program management. I’m grateful to work with Senator Lee to bring much-needed reform to SNAP. It’s time to return to commonsense policies that promote our American values of hard work and individual responsibility.” 
    Key provisions of SRUMA include:
    Establishing a temporary bipartisan commission within the Census Bureau to improve income and poverty measurement, allocating $1 million for its operation.
    Expanding general work requirements to individuals ages 16-64, and hour-based work requirements to individuals ages 18-64 with dependents over six years old.
    Closing the geographic waiver loophole and reducing the percentage of the SNAP caseload that states can exempt from work requirements from 15% to 5%.
    Allowing married individuals with dependents to fulfill hour-based work requirements jointly and mandating USDA reports on SNAP Employment and Training Program outcomes.
    Requiring a 5% state match in SNAP benefits, increasing by 5% each year until a 50% match is reached, incentivizing states to conduct greater oversight.
    Closing the “broad-based categorical eligibility” loophole in SNAP and requiring recipients to cooperate with fraud investigations.
    Instituting penalties for unauthorized uses of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and enhancing fraud prevention measures for food retailers.
    Reinstating the publication of annual SNAP State Activity Reports and allowing states to retain 50% of funds collected from intentional program violations for fraud prevention efforts.
    You can read the one-pager HERE. 
    You can read the bill text HERE. 
    You can read the Daily Caller exclusive coverage HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE San Diego, multiagency case results in 4 defendants charged after warrant served in El Cajon

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN DIEGO – John Washburn, general manager of San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings in El Cajon, and three employees, made their first appearances in federal court March 28 to face immigration charges stemming from a search warrant that was served by federal agents at the property March 27. This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with significant assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies.

    Washburn, along with employees Gilver Martinez-Juanta, Miguel Angel Leal-Sanchez and Fernando Casas-Gamboa, were arrested March 27. Washburn was charged with conspiracy to harbor aliens; the employees were charged with using false documents to work in the United States.

    According to the complaint, Washburn employed undocumented workers and allowed them to live in the company’s warehouse. The three charged employees allegedly provided a false attestation regarding their immigration status to secure employment at the business.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major set bond for Washburn at $5,000 and ordered him and the other defendants to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 8, at 9:30 a.m.

    Assisting agencies in this investigation include: the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General; United States Border Patrol; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; Drug Enforcement Administration, San Diego Field Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

    These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry F.B. Beshar and Michael A. Deshong.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Walker: Week Eleven Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

    We’re almost down to the final week of the 2025 Legislative Session, and what’s happening at the Capitol right now affects your family, your livelihood and your well-being. That’s why I’m working hard to ensure our values and needs are front and center as we finish strong.

    This past week was the last chance for legislation to make it out of committee and still have a shot at becoming law. Several key bills moved forward toward the Senate floor that I believe will make a real difference in the lives of working Georgians.

    House Bill 56 is one of them. It provides tuition grants to the spouses of public safety officers, law enforcement, firefighters, and prison guards who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. These men and women put their lives on the line to protect us. The least we can do is make sure their families have the opportunity to keep moving forward. Whether it’s a young widow trying to go back to school or a spouse training for a new job, this bill helps them find stability after unimaginable loss.

    One of the most significant school safety measures advancing through committee this week is House Bill 268. This bill would require every public school to implement a mobile panic alert system that connects local and state emergency responders in real-time during a crisis and mandates that schools provide digital mapping data to help first responders quickly navigate campuses. It also directs GEMA to establish rules for this process and create a statewide alert system to track verified threats against schools. The bill allows school systems to be reimbursed for hiring student advocacy specialists and supports evidence-based programs for suicide awareness, youth violence prevention, and anonymous threat reporting. Additionally, it updates Georgia’s juvenile code to bring serious school-related crimes, like terroristic threats or acts, under the jurisdiction of superior courts, strengthens penalties for firearm-related offenses committed by minors, and establishes consequences for disrupting schools, buses, or bus stops. HB 268 gives our schools the tools they need to respond to emergencies and prevent them in the first place, all while keeping our children’s safety the top priority. I hope to see this measure on the Senate floor soon.

    On the Senate floor, we passed House Bill 340, known as the Distraction-Free Education Act. This bill tackles something many parents and teachers are already worried about: kids glued to their phones during school. HB 340 will require public schools to set rules that keep personal devices out of reach during the school day for students in grades K–8. That might mean phones stay in lockers, locked pouches, or are temporarily disabled using school-approved apps. The goal is simple: fewer distractions, fewer discipline issues and more time spent learning. Schools that have already tried this approach are seeing real improvements in student behavior and grades. This bill gives local schools the flexibility to set the policy that works best for their community.

    Our work on the state budget continued as well. In the Senate Appropriations Committee, we reviewed House Bill 68, the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026. I’m proud to say we’re holding the line on debt and cutting wasteful spending, while still making smart investments where they matter most: education, public safety, economic growth, and mental health services. We’re keeping Georgia the No. 1 state to do business, but we’re also making sure families in rural Georgia aren’t left behind. The full Senate body passed the FY 26 budget on Friday, and once the House agrees to our changes, it will head to Governor Kemp’s desk for his consideration.

    I’m proud to report that Senate Bill 72, the “Hope for Georgia Patients Act,” which I co-sponsored to support Georgians battling life-threatening or debilitating conditions, has passed the House and is now headed to the Governor’s desk. This important legislation expands access to investigational drugs, medical devices, and treatments for patients who have exhausted other options and desperately need hope. For many families, this bill could mean one more chance—one more treatment—when traditional medicine has fallen short. It’s about compassion, medical innovation, and doing the right thing for those who need it most. Whether we’re backing law enforcement, investing in education, or making government work better for our most vulnerable neighbors, I’ll always stand up for policies that put people first.

    I’m also incredibly proud to have carried House Bill 579 through the Senate. This bill tackles outdated and unnecessary red tape that has blocked too many skilled Georgians from putting their talents to work. HB 579 reforms our occupational licensing laws by streamlining how licenses are issued—allowing the licensing board division to grant licenses expeditiously when an applicant meets all licensing requirements. This means faster entry into the workforce for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other tradespeople whose services are essential to our communities. It’s a common-sense fix that helps workers get on the job quicker, supports local businesses and entrepreneurs, and boosts our economy—especially in rural and growing areas like the 20th Senate District.

    My office is here to help with any questions or concerns as we approach the finish line. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re working for you.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement on the Medical Freedom Act Veto

    Source: US State of Idaho

    “I urge the House and Senate to override the Governor’s veto of SB1023 and protect the rights of Idahoans. The Medical Freedom Act is the defining bill of this session—one that would protect Idahoans from government-imposed vaccine and mask mandates. Five years ago, COVID-19 brought chaos: lockdowns, mandates, business closures, school shutdowns, and restrictions that crushed our freedoms. In hindsight, the damage to our society, children, and economy was far worse than the virus itself. I ran for Attorney General because our State failed to protect our citizens from government overreach. The legislature now has the opportunity to do the right thing.”
    Attorney General Raúl Labrador

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Pender Growth Fund announces the merger of Pender Software Holdings and Acorn Partners

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSXV: PTF) Pender Growth Fund Inc. (“Pender” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a merger between Pender Software Holdings Ltd. (“Pender Software”) and Acorn Partners Inc. (“Acorn”). With this merger, the Acorn team joins Pender Software to further its aim of becoming the go-to capital partner for exceptional software companies.

    The merger of the Acorn team with Pender Software fuses the proven acquisition expertise of both parties, and brings additional operational expertise, positioning Pender Software to focus entirely on expanding the portfolio and driving long-term value creation. This alignment strengthens Pender Software’s ability to scale its operations and execute strategic acquisitions, enabling its portfolio of software businesses to reach their potential.

    Pender Software is dedicated to empowering management teams, driving operational excellence, and delivering value to all stakeholders. We aim to partner with outstanding management teams with a mandate to scale effectively, enhance customer satisfaction and compound cash flows. By leveraging a strategic operational framework and a long-term investment horizon, Pender Software is committed to enabling its portfolio companies to achieve sustained success.

    Pender Software is actively seeking opportunities to acquire high-quality software companies as new investments or add-ons to its portfolio of companies in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

    For additional information about Pender Software, please visit www.pendersoftwareholdings.com.

    About Pender Growth Fund
    Pender Growth Fund Inc is an investment firm. Its investment objective is to achieve long-term capital growth. The Company utilizes its small capital base and long-term horizon to invest in unique situations, primarily small cap, special situations, and illiquid public and private companies. The firm invests in public and private companies principally in the technology sector. It trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “PTF” and posts its NAV on its website, generally within five business days of each month end.

    Please visit www.pendergrowthfund.com.

    For further information, please contact:
    Ampere Chan
    Managing Partner, Pender Software Holdings
    ampere@pendersoftwareholdings.com

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Forward-Looking Information
    This news release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) relating to the business of the Company and the environment in which it operates. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “project”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “may”, “estimate” and other similar expressions. These statements are based on the Company’s expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections and include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s decreased portfolio risk and future investment opportunities. The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on certain assumptions; they are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual information form available at www.sedarplus.ca. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Free open access needs to be the norm for Canadian research

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Richard Hayman, Associate Professor & Digital Initiatives Librarian, Mount Royal University

    Public access to research generates new ideas, informs policy decisions and fuels innovation and technological development. Open access to knowledge helps address social issues, enhance democracy and reduce inequality.

    These are key reasons why publicly funded research should be available to the public.

    Millions of research dollars

    The federal government’s 2024 budget shows that Canadian taxpayers have funded over $16 billion in research and development since 2016. Each year, millions of those research dollars flow from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

    These publicly funded federal agencies each offer unique grants and programs covering different research disciplines. When they work in unison, such as when setting research guidelines and policies that apply across all three agencies like the one described in this article, they are collectively known as the Tri-Agency. This money is an investment is Canada’s future, and researchers and their institutions rely on Tri-Agency funding to conduct and share their research.

    In 2015, the Tri-Agency implemented its open access (OA) policy requiring that most published research articles funded by Tri-Agency grants should be openly available in some format, and free to anyone anywhere, with no sharing or distribution restrictions.

    For Canadians and readers around the world, that means no subscription fees or paywalls. This mandate enshrined the principle that publicly funded research should be available to the public. It reached across disciplines by including research supported by all three funding bodies.

    Strengthening the open access mandate

    Following consultation with researchers, institutions, publishers, libraries, Indigenous advisers and others, the Tri-Agency released a draft revision of its open access policy in February 2025. This update explicitly mentions that Canadians at large are part of the research audience.

    Key improvements include eliminating the 12-month embargo period that allowed publishers to delay open access, and requiring researchers to use open copyright licenses (like Creative Commons). Authors must also maintain copyright over their works, including secondary publishing rights. Together these provisions ensure that research can be accessed, shared and used.

    The Tri-Agency plans to implement the new policy in January 2026, leaving some time for final revisions. This presents an opportunity to make the mandate even stronger.

    There is a need for researchers seeking national funding to commit to reporting on the openness of their research.
    (Shutterstock)

    Creating opportunities from open policy pitfalls

    Unfortunately, the revised policy repeats some mistakes from the past. Addressing just two key areas will improve accountability and transparency, and reinforce the commitment to making publicly funded research available to the public.

    1. Meaningful monitoring and reporting: A weakness in the existing and revised policy is a lack of effective compliance measures. Research evidence shows that mandating open access reinforces compliance compared to just recommending that authors to make their research open. Many Canadian researchers are meeting this mandate, but overall the Tri-Agency has a significant open access compliance problem.

    Even the Tri-Agency itself doesn’t know whether authors are meeting the current mandate.

    After a decade, the mandate doesn’t seem to be very effective. And nothing in the proposed revisions empowers authors or institutions to track and report on the open access status of their publications, or demonstrate they’ve met their open access expectations.



    Read more:
    Why we need open-source science innovation — not patents and paywalls

    Instead of repeating past shortcomings, a commitment to reporting and monitoring at organizational and Tri-Agency levels would help. There’s an opportunity here for collaboration.

    The Tri-Agency could commit to monitoring open access outcomes, and researchers seeking national funding could commit to reporting on the openness of their research. This would improve adherence, allow the Tri-Agency to highlight the benefits of public research funding, give Canadian researchers some time in the spotlight and strengthen public trust in our institutions.

    2. Reduce financial barriers and incentivize open access: Academic publishing is dominated by a small group of commercial scholarly publishers who profit by controlling access and distribution of research articles. These same publishers have successfully monetized open access by using article processing charges, or APCs.

    Under this model, authors must pay an extra publication fee to the journal to make their article open access, and many researchers are using research funds to pay expensive fees instead of directing that money toward more research. Similar to compliance rates, the Tri-Agency doesn’t know how much of their funding is being redirected to publishers as publication fees.

    These fees benefit for-profit publishers but are a barrier to research sharing. This is not the first call to remove the fees, and Canadian researchers themselves question whether research funds should be used to pay these costs. Worldwide, increasing publication costs are straining research funds and increasing inequities around who gets to publish.

    We have an opportunity to implement real change by requiring free open access in the updated mandate. With nearly 100 open research repositories registered in Canada, and over 13,000 fee-less journals registered in the Directory of Open Journals, paying to publish is unnecessary. The Tri-Agency could also limit the use of agency funding to pay these fees.

    Now is the time to act

    I am an academic librarian engaged in open publishing, and a researcher subject to the same funding mandate. In my professional opinion the policy updates prove that the Tri-Agency is committed to change.

    Now is the time to make the open access mandate stronger, by improved monitoring and by directing researchers toward free open access publishing options.

    The power to make these changes and put solutions in place all rests with the Tri-Agency. It’s in their hands. The fact that this policy is being revised right now means it’s the perfect time to explicitly support free and open access to research paid for by Canadians.

    As the Tri-Agency weighs feedback from recent public consultations, let us hope that policy-makers, universities, libraries, publishers and individual researchers will come together to make free and open access the norm.

    Richard Hayman has received SSHRC funding in the past. The views expressed here are his own and in no way influenced by SSHRC or any other organisation.

    – ref. Free open access needs to be the norm for Canadian research – https://theconversation.com/free-open-access-needs-to-be-the-norm-for-canadian-research-252584

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Press Sec Karoline Leavitt President Trump is ‘Trying to Fix Decades of Unfair Trade Practices.’

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    President Trump “is not only trying to fix the mess created by the previous administration’s incompetence and reckless spending, he is trying to fix decades of unfair trade practices that have ripped our country off, that have sent jobs overseas.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_zQ0KwiEwU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Delivers $1 Million in Federal Funding for the Eagle Cove Residence at Lauderhill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    SUNRISE, FL– Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick joined Faith Center Ministries to announce $1 million in critical Community Project Funding (CPF) for the Eagle Cove Residence at Lauderhill. 

    “With this federal funding that I helped deliver, we’re simultaneously laying a foundation for economic opportunity in Lauderhill and empowering the next generation for long-term success,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “Access to housing and higher education are integral to helping more Floridians realize the American Dream. I want to thank the Faith Center for its partnership on this community project and for being a good steward of opportunity.” 

    “I want to thank Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick for securing these funds for the University of Fort Lauderdale,” said Faith Center Ministries Bishop Henry B. Fernandez. “One of our issues in the past has been housing. We are blessed to receive.”

    This funding will be used to provide affordable housing and mixed-use property in Lauderhill — a total of 195 units of one- and two-bedroom apartments for residents. The funding will also be used to develop 8,500 square feet for housing the fully accredited University of Fort Lauderdale. 

    The funding for the Eagle Cove Residence at Lauderhill was included in Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick’s CPF requests for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. The requests delivered over $14.4 million in critical resources for Florida’s 20th Congressional District to address the district’s most pressing needs. 

    For more information about Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick’s FY24 CPF requests, please click here.

    A photo from the presentation can be accessed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Action Taken by Governor Phil Scott on Legislation – March 31, 2025

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott announced action on the following bill, passed by the General Assembly.

    On March 31, Governor Scott signed bill of the following title:

    • H.2, An act relating to increasing the minimum age for delinquency proceedings

    When signing H.2, Governor Scott issued the following statement:

    While I continue to believe repealing “Raise the Age” for 19-year-old criminal offenders altogether is the best approach, I do appreciate the Legislature’s willingness to at least delay it for another two years. In the meantime, we will continue to make our case for a full repeal, so we don’t proceed down this path again in two years.

    To view a complete list of action on bills passed during the 2025 legislative session, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio’s Travel to Brussels – NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Brussels, Belgium from April 2-4 to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting. He will discuss security priorities, including increased Allied defense investment, securing lasting peace in Ukraine, and the shared threat of China to the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Alliances.

    More: https://www.state.gov/secretary-rubios-travel-to-brussels/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reZqh6piyDI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Recovery program opens, supports healing for people in northern B.C.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More people living with substance-use challenges now have access to treatment and recovery with the opening of the new Northern BC Therapeutic Community in Prince George.

    The recovery program has 25 publicly funded treatment and recovery beds and opened on March 13, 2025, following building renovations and program updates.

    “People living in B.C.’s northern communities need access to treatment and care as close to home as possible,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “As we expand services around the province, it is essential that people in remote communities can also connect with the right recovery options. These new beds in Prince George mean that more people will be able to access treatment and recovery services, while removing some of the significant barriers faced by people living in rural and remote communities.”

    The Northern BC Therapeutic Community is located 30 kilometres southwest of Prince George on the former Baldy Hughes site. It provides a safe environment for individuals to build community while focusing on recovery from substance-use challenges, and equips participants with the tools needed to sustain long-term success in their post-care journeys.  

    “When people need support in their recovery journey, every barrier removed helps them get closer to reaching their goals,” said Jonny Morris, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association of B.C. “The new publicly funded treatment and recovery beds will help people access the supports they need, while staying closer to home – closing the distance and removing the financial costs that could otherwise hold them back. We are grateful to work with the Province of B.C. and Connective Support Society in providing these accessible, life-changing supports.”

    The Therapeutic Community is operated by Connective, a community-based social services non-profit organization working throughout B.C. and Yukon to create safe, healthy and inclusive communities. Program stays will last between six and 12 months, with after-care services available for one year after program completion. This new holistic model focuses on rebuilding physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being using personal and social responsibility within the recovery community as a vehicle for growth and development.

    “As the toxic-drug crisis continues to cause tremendous harm in our communities, it is critical that we diversify the range of supports available for long-term recovery and stability,” said Mark Miller, CEO, Connective. “We are eager to offer this vital northern resource to those facing substance-use challenges, and to contribute our experience in response to this urgent and under-served need.”

    These 25 beds are part of the 180 publicly funded beds announced in January 2024 and surpasses that for a total of 190 beds. Since 2017, the Province has added more than 750 substance-use beds, bringing the total number of publicly funded substance-use beds throughout B.C. to 3,778.

    The Province is expanding treatment and recovery options in all regions of B.C. so more people can find the pathway to recovery that works for them. Adding bed-based services is one part of the government’s work to build up the entire continuum of mental-health and substance-use care for people to get the right support for them.

    Quotes:

    Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions –

    “The network of full-service support and care for people battling substance use is increasing in B.C. The opening of this therapeutic community removes an obstacle for people in northern communities seeking help and relief from substance-use challenges.”

    Debra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health –

    “No matter where people live in B.C., they should have access to treatment and recovery care. The opening of the Northern BC Therapeutic Community means that now people in northern B.C. have expanded access to treatment when they are ready to take the first courageous step in their recovery. These 25 beds represent hope and healing for people struggling with substance-use challenges and provide life-saving care for those seeking support.”

    Learn More:

    To find mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C., visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

    To see the new data snapshot on mental health and substance use in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/mental-health/building_a_mental_health_and_substance_use_system_of_care_snapshot.pdf

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Press Briefing – March 31, 2025

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Tammy Bruce leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on March 31, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TDMjWQV1Yo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Mark Takano Introduce Resolution Recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)

    March 31, 2025

    Reps. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Co-Chairs of the Transgender Equality Task Force, and Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, introduced legislation to recognize Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st, celebrate the many contributions and achievements of the transgender and gender non-conforming communities, and affirm their human rights. 70 Members of the House have co-sponsored the resolution so far – breaking the record and setting a new threshold of support for this resolution.

    Rep. Sara Jacobs, Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, said: “It’s incredibly difficult to be transgender in today’s America. The people we expect to protect us and lead us are banning transgender kids from sports teams, kicking transgender service members out of the Armed Forces, and denying them access to health care, non-discrimination protections, and civil rights. But the transgender community is resilient. They are strong, unique, and have so much to offer our country and our world. That’s why I’m so proud to lead this resolution to recognize Transgender Day of Visibility and celebrate them. We will keep working and fighting until everyone – no matter their identity – can live big, full, and free lives.”

    Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, said: “On this Trans Day of Visibility, I say to every single trans person: I see you, I hear you, and I stand with you to ensure that you are protected and given the dignity and respect that all people should have. In the face of heightened attacks on the trans community by President Trump and Republicans across the country, it is more important than ever that we are in solidarity with our trans family, friends, and neighbors — because trans rights are human rights. The resilience and courage that the trans community has shown every single day consistently inspires me to keep fighting to make sure that everyone can live freely as their true, authentic selves, and I promise I will keep up that fight until we achieve our goal.”

    “Transgender Day of Visibility is about celebrating the trans community and inspiring others to work towards a future where every trans person is free to be seen and live openly,” said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As the trans community continues to face relentless and obsessive attacks from Republican politicians, I want to make one thing crystal-clear to trans Americans: You are not alone in this fight. The Congressional Equality Caucus stands with the trans community, and we will keep working to build an America where every trans person is able to live openly and authentically without fear of discrimination or violence.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Members Mfume and Connolly Demand Answers from Postal Board of Governors on Sudden Departure of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and Shady DOGE Agreement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Rep. Kweisi Mfume, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, and Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent a letter to Amber F. McReynolds, Chair of the United States Postal Service’s Board of Governors (the Governors), escalating Congress’s concerns that DOGE is attempting to actively undermine the stability and integrity of the Postal Service.  In their letter, the Ranking Members call for an immediate briefing from the Chair and Vice Chair of the Governors after the sudden departure of former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy directly after he signed an agreement with DOGE through the General Services Administration to assess operational activities and drive down costs.

    “We write regarding significant recent developments within the U.S. Postal Service (Postal Service) that call into question this public institution’s stability, integrity, and independence.  These concerns include repeated calls by President Trump and senior public officials to reorganize the Postal Service, a back-room agreement with Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) representatives, and the sudden resignation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.  We respectfully request that the chair and vice chair of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors (the Governors) provide an immediate briefing on Postal Service operations and activities since January 20, 2025, including the Postmaster General’s agreement with DOGE and the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Postmaster General’s sudden departure thereafter,” wrote the Ranking Members. 

    In their letter, the Ranking Members outline a timeline of the Trump-Musk Administration’s concerning actions at the Postal Service: 

    • On March 24, 2025, the Washington Post reported that “[r]ecent tension between DeJoy and the Trump administration over the work of the U.S. DOGE Service contributed to the White House’s antipathy toward the mail chief.”  The reporting highlighted that the former Postmaster General “refused to give [DOGE officials] broad access to agency systems, according to four people familiar with the interactions.”
    • On March 13, 2025, Members of Congress learned that Postmaster General DeJoy signed agreements with “DOGE representatives” from GSA to assist the Postal Service in “identifying and achieving further efficiencies.”
    • On February 20, 2025, further reporting indicated that President Trump was preparing to fire the bipartisan Postal Board of Governors and unlawfully “merge” the Postal Service into the Commerce Department, “potentially throwing the 250-year-old mail provider and trillions of dollars of e-commerce transactions into turmoil.”
    • On December 14, 2024, the Washington Post reported that President Trump was considering actions to privatize the Postal Service.  

    “Based on the chaos left in DOGE’s wake, we have reason to believe that any DOGE effort to restructure the Postal Service could have a detrimental effect on the American people—jeopardizing the timely delivery of life-saving medications, mail-in ballots, important financial documents, and personal letters, especially in rural or less-profitable areas that the private sector does not serve,” concluded the Ranking Members.

    In his final public statement as Postmaster General, Mr. DeJoy highlighted that the Governors are working to appoint a permanent successor.  While the President seeks to consolidate power into the executive branch, federal law defines the Postal Service as an independent agency and requires the Postal Board of Governors—not the President—to appoint the Postmaster General.

    Click here to read the letter to the Board of Governors Chair Amber F. McReynolds.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fallon Introduces the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversights of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04)

    Rep. Fallon Introduces the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversights of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act

    Washington, March 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04), along with Reps. Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Nancy Mace (SC-01), reintroduced the SAMOSA Act. This bipartisan legislation will improve the visibility, accountability, and oversight of agency software asset management practices.

    Rep. Pat Fallon commented, “The reintroduction of the SAMOSA Act will not only improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs, but will also strengthen our cybersecurity assets. This bill takes a common sense approach to reduce wasteful government spending by requiring federal agencies to assess their software assets and eliminate redundancies.”

    “Its passage would be a crucial step in ensuring that our government operates in a more effective and transparent manner,” said Rep. Fallon

    This legislation previously passed the House in December, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 90

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL0

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 90
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    405 PM EDT Mon Mar 31 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Central into Southern North Carolina
    Northeast South Carolina
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Monday afternoon and evening from 405 PM until
    1000 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely

    SUMMARY…Small thunderstorm clusters and a linear band of
    thunderstorms will move east across much of the Watch area this
    afternoon into the evening. The stronger thunderstorms will pose
    primarily a risk for scattered damaging gusts (55-70 mph).

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 75
    statute miles east and west of a line from 40 miles north northeast
    of Raleigh NC to 40 miles southeast of Florence SC. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU0).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 87…WW 88…WW 89…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1 inch. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A few
    cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector
    26040.

    …Smith

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW0
    WW 90 SEVERE TSTM NC SC CW 312005Z – 010200Z
    AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    40NNE RDU/RALEIGH NC/ – 40SE FLO/FLORENCE SC/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM E/W /34NNE RDU – 35SE FLO/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 INCH. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 26040.

    LAT…LON 36397716 33757792 33758053 36397985

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU0.

    Watch 90 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (

    MIL OSI USA News –