Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Secretary Noem met with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and thanked her for deploying National Guard troops to the border and accepting deportation flights. Secretary Noem made it clear there is more work to be done to stop the flow of drugs and illegal aliens into the U.S.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
For more than 50 years, Vietnam War Veteran Bill Mulcrevy thought about the corpsman who saved his life in combat. Finding HM3 Gregory Williams became more and more important. In November 2019, just two years after Gregory’s passing, Together We Served arranged for Bill Mulcrevy to visit Gregory Williams’ grave at Lincoln National Cemetery.
#USMC #VietnamVeteran
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration conducts a wreath laying ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. on National Vietnam Veterans Day.
Join us live on Saturday, March 29, at 10:00am – 11:15am, EST
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
“I commend and honor Governor Morrisey for being the first in the nation to apply for a SNAP waiver to get sodas and other sugar drinks off of food stamps. Thank you USDA Secretary Rollins for your leadership on this issue.” – Secretary Kennedy
—
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov
http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services
HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Idaho National Laboratory developed a new molten salt test loop that will support the development of advanced reactors using molten salts.
It will also be used to help support the world’s first fast-spectrum, salt-fueled reactor experiment at the lab scheduled to begin in the 2030s.
Follow the Office of Nuclear Energy
Newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOEONE/subscriber/new
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nuclearenergygov
Twitter: https://www.x.com/GovNuclear
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/nuclearenergygov
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Sumas First Nation (Semá:th) and the Province are strengthening their relationship through the return of the sacred Lightning Rock site.
After purchasing it last year, the Province has now successfully returned the 36-hectare Lightning Rock site to the Nation. This land holds deep cultural and spiritual significance to Semá:th and serves as a repository of traditions and narratives passed down through generations.
“The return of this sacred place is of great significance to the Semá:th, the Stó:lō, the Salish, and to First Nations people in general,” said Semá:th Chief Dalton Silver. “The respect and recognition evident here with this agreement is something our peoples have sought for too long. I’m thankful for the support from so many who’ve all played a part in making this a reality.”
The site contains a transformer stone that came to be known as Lightning Rock and is one of more than 100 sites where Stó:lō history says ancestors were transformed to stone. The site also holds the ancestral burial place of smallpox victims dating back to the 18th century.
Semá:th and the Province have worked in close collaboration to chart a path forward for the site’s protection since signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2017. In March 2024, the Province announced the purchase of the Lightning Rock site as part of ongoing negotiations with the intention to transfer the lands to Semá:th First Nation.
Now, the Province is returning the land to Semá:th First Nation. To make this historic moment possible, the Province and Semá:th signed a reconciliation agreement and a road agreement last fall. Since then, the Province and Semá:th First Nation have been working together to finalize the terms of the land transfer and engage with local interest holders so the agreement and the Lightning Rock return could be announced at the same time.
“Semá:th First Nation has spent decades advocating for this sacred land to be protected, and I am grateful to Chief Silver for his leadership in getting us to this point on our shared reconciliation journey,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “This agreement is helping to protect this site, making a real difference for Semá:th members and providing certainty for everyone in the region.”
Through the reconciliation agreement, the Province and Semá:th First Nation have reaffirmed their commitment to building a strengthened government-to-government relationship and protecting the Lightning Rock site.
Part of the agreement includes a commitment for the Province and Semá:th First Nation to establish a special initiative to plan for the stewardship of Sumas Mountain. This initiative will be co-ordinated under the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance – British Columbia (STSA-BC) Collaborative Stewardship Forum, a partnership between B.C. and 17 Stó:lō First Nations.
Other terms of the agreement include:
In addition to a reconciliation agreement, the Province, Semá:th First Nation and the City of Abbotsford have finalized a road agreement to explore alternative routes for the quarry access road that runs through the Lightning Rock site. The access route is used by gravel-hauling vehicles travelling to and from five quarries on Sumas Mountain and Highway 1.
“We are pleased to celebrate this significant milestone with Semá:th First Nation as these lands transfer from the Province today,” said Ross Siemens, mayor of Abbotsford. “As neighbours, the City of Abbotsford remains committed to working closely with Semá:th First Nation to address ongoing considerations in this culturally significant area in Semá:th traditional territory.”
The Province, Semá:th First Nation and the City of Abbotsford have agreed to contract a third party that will investigate the potential for mutually acceptable alternate routes for the access road. This process is expected to begin this year.
Learn More:
To learn more about Semá:th First Nation, visit:
https://sumasfirstnation.com/
To learn more about the STSA-BC Collaborative Stewardship Forum, visit:
https://thestsa.ca/stsa-operations/csf/
To learn more about agreements between the Province and Semá:th First Nation, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/first-nations-negotiations/first-nations-a-z-listing/sumas-first-nation
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jenniffer González-Colón (Puerto Rico)
Washington, D.C – Yesterday, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics demanding an ethics investigation into Commerce Secretary Lutnick for potentially violating federal ethics laws. This letter comes on the heels of Secretary Lutnick urging Fox News viewers to purchase Tesla Stock.
Executive Branch employees are barred from using their public position for their own private gain. In the letter, the lawmakers highlighted several ways that Secretary Lutnick potentially violated the law. Cantor Fitzgerald is Secretary Lutnick’s family firm, and it has hundreds of millions of dollars in Tesla stock.
“Perhaps more concerning, Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded Tesla stock to a “buy” rating the same day Mr. Lutnick urged the public to buy shares in the company. Mr. Lutnick’s apparent attempt to manipulate Tesla’s share price in a manner potentially benefiting his family’s and friend’s financial position could violate applicable ethics law,” wrote the lawmakers.
The lawmakers conclude that ethics officials at the Commerce Department should investigate and take any appropriate disciplinary action against Secretary Lutnick.
Read the full letter here.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (April 1) strongly condemns the United States (US) for including six Central Authorities and HKSAR officials in a so-called “sanctions” list in an attempt to intimidate the relevant officials safeguarding national security. It, once again, clearly exposed the US’ barbarity under its hegemony, which is exactly the same as its recent tactics in bullying and coercing various countries and regions. The HKSAR despises such so-called “sanctions” and is not intimidated by such despicable behaviour. The HKSAR officials will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government will make every effort to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all personnel.
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government pointed out, “The specified absconders mentioned in the US statement are wanted and have arrest warrants issued by the court against them not because they ‘exercised their freedom of speech’, but because they have been at large in the US, the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia, etc. and continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security, including inciting secession and requesting foreign countries to impose ‘sanctions’ or blockade and engage in other hostile activities against the People’s Republic of China and the HKSAR. The US, however, gives cover for them who have committed these evil deeds. It is therefore necessary for the HKSAR to take all lawful measures in accordance with the law, including measures specified under section 89 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, to strongly combat such acts. The specified measures aim at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts of abscondment by suspects, and procuring the return of the absconded persons to Hong Kong to face judicial proceedings. All specified measures align with human rights requirements; and quite a number of countries including the US, the UK and Canada would also impose such measures on wanted criminals. The US deliberately smeared and spread irresponsible remarks on the measures and actions taken by the HKSAR Government in accordance with the law in an attempt to mislead the public. The HKSAR Government strongly disapproves of such acts.”
The spokesman also pointed out, “The fact is that the US has been ignoring the non-interference principle under international law, interfering with other countries’ internal affairs, grooming agents, instigating ‘colour revolutions’, creating social unrest and multiple humanitarian disasters through economic and military coercion, causing suffering to people in many countries. With the Central Authorities having enacted the Hong Kong National Security Law and the HKSAR having completed the legislative exercise to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law, Hong Kong has strengthened the legal regime in safeguarding national security and prevented the US from succeeding. The false accusation thereafter against the HKSAR personnel safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law and, on top of that, the imposition of the so-called ‘sanctions’ in the guise of defending human rights and democracy indeed constitute a demonstration of shameless hypocrisy with double standards on the part of the US.
“The HKSAR Government has the responsibility to pursue, in accordance with the law, those who are suspected to have committed offences endangering national security and absconded overseas. The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The Department of Justice of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all its prosecutorial decisions made on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.”
Source: US Congressional Budget Office
H.R. 1602 would require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to report annually to the Congress on the number and types of suspicious-activity reports it receives. U.S. financial institutions are required to file such reports with FinCEN listing transactions or patterns of transactions that are unusual or that may involve criminal activity. The bill also would require FinCEN to annually review and update, as appropriate, its protocols for sharing information with other law enforcement, national security, and intelligence agencies. The bill’s requirements would expire seven years after enactment.
Based on the costs of similar activities, CBO expects that FinCEN would need one person each year to comply with the bill’s requirements. On that basis, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1602 would cost $1 million over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Zunara Naeem. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.
Phillip L. Swagel
Director, Congressional Budget Office
Source: US Congressional Budget Office
H.R. 331 would amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to allow holders of existing rights-of-way, easements, permits, or other authorizations granted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to use existing rights-of-way for aquifer recharge on behalf of third parties without further authorization. The bill would define those third parties as a state, political subdivision, Indian tribe, or other public entity. The bill also would clarify that using an existing right-of-way for aquifer recharge would not constitute an expansion or modification.
By removing the need for public entities to obtain new rights-of-way in such cases, H.R. 331 could reduce offsetting receipts from the fees charged to issue those permissions; such receipts are recorded as reductions in direct spending. Using information from BLM, CBO expects that those reductions would result in an insignificant increase in direct spending over the 2025-2035 period, because most public entities are exempt from paying such fees.
CBO expects that the cost of implementing the bill’s requirements would be less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Alaina Rhee. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.
Phillip L. Swagel
Director, Congressional Budget Office
Source: US Congressional Budget Office
H.R. 2240 would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report to the Congress about violent attacks on law enforcement officers, including the responses of federal, state, and local governments to such attacks and how to improve the reporting of those attacks. The bill also would require DOJ to report to the Congress on how traumatic incidents affect the mental health and wellness of officers.
Based on the costs of similar reports, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2240 would cost $3 million over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.
Phillip L. Swagel
Director, Congressional Budget Office
Source: US Department of Labor
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of Julia Pollak as Chief Economist. In this role, she will lead the department’s economic research and provide analysis on labor-related policies and programs.
“I am honored to serve this administration and contribute to the Department of Labor’s mission,” said Pollak. “In this pivotal moment for the American workforce, I look forward to using rigorous analysis to promote economic prosperity for job seekers, workers, businesses, and retirees.”
Pollak comes to the department from the hiring site ZipRecruiter, where she served as Chief Economist. Earlier in her career, Pollak was a doctoral fellow and assistant policy analyst at the RAND Corp., and taught economics at Pepperdine University as an adjunct instructor. She also worked as a research assistant for defense studies at the Heritage Foundation.
A graduate of Harvard University, Pollak holds a Master of Philosophy in Policy Analysis from the Pardee RAND Graduate School. She also served as a drilling reservist in the U.S. Navy from 2011 to 2022.
Source: US Department of Labor
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer today announced $1.4 billion in unused COVID-era funding has been returned to taxpayers through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s General Fund, with action being taken to recover the remaining $2.9 billion.
The roughly $4.3 billion was intended for states to use for temporary unemployment insurance during the pandemic. Instead, several states continued spending millions of dollars despite no longer meeting necessary requirements, which was uncovered in a 2023 audit conducted by the department’s Office of Inspector General.
“Any money still sitting around for pandemic-era unemployment funds is a clear misuse of Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “I’m keeping my promise to be a good steward of your money by rooting out waste to ensure American Workers always come First.”
“It’s unacceptable that billions of dollars went unchecked in a program that ended several years ago,” Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling said. “In a huge win for the American taxpayer, we’ve clawed back these unused funds and will keep working to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.”
This funding originated under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act in March of 2020, which established the Temporary Full Federal Funding of the First Week of Compensable Regular Unemployment for States with No Waiting Week program. The program was intended to provide expanded unemployment insurance to Americans unable to work due to the pandemic. Although TFFF was closed in 2021, the OIG’s 2023 audit found four states were allowed to access the funding “despite not meeting program requirements,” totaling over $100 million in spending.
Read the full audit here.
Source: US State of New York
overnor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State landmarks will be lit pink, white and blue this evening in celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility. The Governor also issued a proclamation declaring March 31, 2025 Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrating the trans community in New York State and across the country.
“New York is proud to be the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, with trailblazers like Marsha P. Johnson, whose courage and leadership sparked the fight for equality,” Governor Hochul said. “While the Trump administration is attacking the existence of trans people through harmful policies and rhetoric, New York remains a beacon of hope and acceptance. On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the strength and resilience of the transgender community.”
Last year, the Governor announced state initiatives to support transgender, gender non-conforming, and nonbinary (TGNCNB) New Yorkers, including declaring November as Transgender Awareness Month. The Governor also announced $1 million in funding through the New York State Department of Labor for workforce development programs to improve employment opportunities and equity for TGNCNB individuals. This funding is part of the Governor’s $12.25 million investment in the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund.
Landmarks to be lit include:
New York State Division of Human Rights Acting Commissioner Denise M. Miranda, Esq. said, “On this Transgender Day of Visibility, we must reaffirm that New York State will never waiver in our commitment of protecting and celebrating the rich contributions of our transgender community. Every New Yorker deserves to live a life of respect and dignity. The New York State Human Rights Law includes strong protections against discrimination for transgender New Yorkers, and DHR remains ready to enforce the law against violators. Today, and every day, let us recommit ourselves to working towards a more inclusive and accepting world.”
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “New York is proud to have such a vibrant transgender community. As one of the only LBGTQ+ members of the State Senate, and the Senator representing the historic Stonewall Inn, I often think about how I would not be the person I am today if not for the courageous trans women who sparked the modern LGBTQ rights movement right here in my district. The incessant attacks on the trans community by the federal government are deeply disturbing, but fortunately New York State has leaders who understand the importance of accepting people for who they are. Tonight, in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility, our landmarks will be lit pink, white, and blue, the colors of the transgender flag, sending a clear message that the trans community is, and always will be, accepted and valued in New York. I’m grateful to live in a state with a Governor who is such a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ Community.”
State Senator Jabari Brisport said, “When people are free to be their authentic selves, we all benefit from the light they shine on the world. Let New York be a place where we never force trans folks to hide their light — especially in these dark times. Let New York be a place where we embrace all our neighbors and protect each other from whatever may come.”
Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick said, “On this Transgender Day of Visibility, we must recognize that the targeted attacks on the transgender community are a reflection of a world view hostile to any diversity. The LGBTQ community is under attack, but we will not be the only ones to suffer. It starts with one group and then moves onto the next target. We must remain united to defend all of us.”
Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said, “Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, I am proud to stand with Governor Hochul to honor and recognize New York’s trans community by lighting our State landmarks light pink, white, and baby blue. No matter who you are, where you come from, what you look like, what your abilities, who you love or how you identify – we all deserve dignity, justice and opportunity. Now, more than ever, my LGBTQIA+ siblings and I must speak out for what is right and condemn attacks on the trans community by proudly acknowledging their right to exist – you are here, we see you and we will fight for your right to live as your authentic selves. Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power!”
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “Today’s lighting ceremony is especially meaningful as we navigate some of our greatest policy challenges against our trans and gender non-conforming neighbors. The Trump administration has launched a full out assault against our TGNC communities, and so many are suffering because of this. Today’s landmark lighting symbolizes our continued commitment to fight for basic human rights and New York’s stance against hate. Today is also important because we know that our healthcare funding is being stripped, putting thousands of lives at risk. Many of our trans siblings face high rates of healthcare disparities, struggle to access insurance, and encounter significant barriers to mental health support. This landmark lighting is an opportunity for our state to show solidarity as we work to advance a budget that will protect all New Yorkers.”
Assemblymember Tony Simone said, “All across the state tonight, New Yorkers will see our landmarks lit up for Transgender Day of Visibility. New York is a state of freedom and liberty, where all are free to thrive in life as their authentic selves. I thank Governor Hochul for once again demonstrating what New York values look like.”
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is fully aware of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) of the British Virgin Islands dated February 2024[1] and the shortcomings highlighted therein.
The British Virgin Islands have entered the FATF review process as a result of its mutual evaluation results. The jurisdiction has had a one-year Observation Period to work with its FATF-style regional body to address deficiencies before a formal review by the FATF.
The FATF will assess the progress made by the jurisdiction mid-2025 and decide on next steps. As a member of the FATF , the Commission takes an active part in the FATF process in order to ensure that EU’s concerns are duly taken on board.
Source: European Parliament
Commission Regulations[1] concerning European Business Statistics define how Member States transmit Structural Business Statistics data (SBS) to Eurostat.
Eurostat receives data for Martinique and French Guiana but not New Caledonia[2]. Validation procedures and quality checks apply to such data whatever their origin. Currently Eurostat has no special observations regarding the quality of SBS and Business Demographics data for Martinique and French Guiana.
The Commission Notice on cooperation within the Network of Competition Authorities[3] indicates that national competition authorities are generally considered to be well placed to deal with competition matters, if the conduct at issue is implemented within its territory and has substantial, direct, actual or foreseeable effects on competition mainly within its territory[4].
The Commission invites the Honourable Members to contact the French Competition Authority, which has long made the competitive situation in overseas territories the focus of its action[5].
Moreover, the French Competition Authority can apply French law provisions which are aimed specifically at addressing possible restrictions to competition and the consequences thereof in overseas territories[6].
In accordance with the Court’s settled case-law, the concept of abuse of a dominant position is an objective concept[7] to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The Commission cannot therefore answer the question.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, reports its financial results for the 2024 Transition Period (as of December 31, 2024 and the eight months then ended) and provides a corporate update.
Recent Operational Highlights:
2024 Transition Period (as of December 31, 2024 and the eight months then ended) Financial Highlights:
“Red Cat’s partnerships and global expansion strategy is already yielding strong results. Over the past few months, we’ve introduced the Black Widow and Edge 130 drones to key international markets, including the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and soon Latin America,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “This momentum underscores growing global interest in our Family of Systems. The ongoing development of Black Widow for the U.S. Army’s SRR Program of Record, bolstered by AI partners like Palantir and Palladyne, we’re not only meeting immediate defense needs—we’re ensuring our warfighters and allies are well equipped for rapidly-evolving battlefield.”
“Our financial position remains solid as we scale to meet increased demand,” added Thompson. “With over $9 million in cash and receivables and the recently secured debt financing of $15 million, we’ve significantly strengthened our capital position heading into a pivotal year. This infusion of non-dilutive capital allows us to aggressively scale production, and meet accelerating demand tied to the U.S. Army’s SRR program and international opportunities. Combined with our strong cash balance and operational discipline, we are confident in our ability to support 2025 revenue guidance and deliver long-term shareholder value.”
Conference Call Today
CEO Jeff Thompson will host an earnings conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, March 31, 2025 to review financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session.
Interested parties can attend the conference call through a live webcast that can be accessed at:
https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=kOCu4DoZ.
About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.
Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.
Contact:
INVESTORS:
E-mail: Investors@redcat.red
NEWS MEDIA:
Phone: (347) 880-2895
Email: peter@indicatemedia.com
| RED CAT HOLDINGS | ||||||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||||||||
| December 31, | April 30, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2024 | |||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | 9,154,297 | $ | 6,067,169 | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 489,316 | 4,361,090 | ||||||||||
| Inventory, including deposits | 13,592,900 | 8,610,125 | ||||||||||
| Intangible assets including goodwill, net | 26,124,133 | 12,882,939 | ||||||||||
| Equity method investee | — | 5,142,500 | ||||||||||
| Note receivable | — | 4,000,000 | ||||||||||
| Other | 6,243,621 | 7,473,789 | ||||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 55,604,267 | $ | 48,537,612 | ||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 3,517,118 | $ | 2,703,922 | ||||||||
| Debt obligations | 350,000 | 751,570 | ||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 1,617,596 | 1,517,590 | ||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 5,484,714 | 4,973,082 | ||||||||||
| Stockholders’ capital | 174,864,256 | 124,690,641 | ||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit/comprehensive loss | (124,744,703 | ) | (81,126,111 | ) | ||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 50,119,553 | 43,564,530 | ||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | $ | 55,604,267 | $ | 48,537,612 | ||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | |||||||||
| For the Eight Months Ended December 31, 2024 |
For the Year Ended April 30, 2024 |
||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 4,850,304 | $ | 17,836,382 | |||||
| Cost of goods sold | 6,206,378 | 14,155,836 | |||||||
| Gross (loss) profit | (1,356,074 | ) | 3,680,546 | ||||||
| Operating Expenses | |||||||||
| Research and development | 6,610,980 | 6,266,129 | |||||||
| Sales and marketing | 6,321,763 | 5,086,600 | |||||||
| General and administrative | 11,459,442 | 11,214,154 | |||||||
| Impairment loss | 93,050 | 412,999 | |||||||
| Total operating expenses | 24,485,235 | 22,979,882 | |||||||
| Operating loss | (25,841,309 | ) | (19,299,336 | ) | |||||
| Other expense | 17,772,662 | 2,227,360 | |||||||
| Net loss from continuing operations | (43,613,971 | ) | (21,526,696 | ) | |||||
| Loss from discontinued operations | — | (2,525,933 | ) | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | (43,613,971 | ) | $ | (24,052,629 | ) | |||
| Loss per share – basic and diluted | $ | (0.57 | ) | $ | (0.40 | ) | |||
| Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted | 77,039,869 | 60,118,675 | |||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||||
| For the Eight Months Ended December 31, 2024 |
For the Year Ended April 30, 2024 |
|||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | ||||||||
| Net loss from continuing operations | $ | (43,613,971 | ) | $ | (21,526,696 | ) | ||
| Non-cash expenses | 22,633,786 | 8,479,195 | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | 444,208 | (4,672,816 | ) | |||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (20,535,977 | ) | (17,720,317 | ) | ||||
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of marketable securities | — | 12,826,217 | ||||||
| Proceeds from sale of equity method investment and note receivable | 4,400,000 | — | ||||||
| Other | (163,555 | ) | 740,861 | |||||
| Net cash provided by investing activities | 4,236,445 | 13,567,078 | ||||||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes payable, net | 13,456,000 | — | ||||||
| Payments of debt obligations, net | (394,606 | ) | (572,137 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 1,350,267 | 2,655 | ||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of warrants | 4,974,999 | — | ||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net | — | 8,404,812 | ||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 19,386,660 | 7,835,330 | ||||||
| Net cash used in discontinued operations | — | (875,227 | ) | |||||
| Net increase in Cash | 3,087,128 | 2,806,864 | ||||||
| Cash, beginning of period | 6,067,169 | 3,260,305 | ||||||
| Cash, end of period | $ | 9,154,297 | $ | 6,067,169 | ||||
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Wendel completes the acquisition of a controlling stake in Monroe Capital LLC, a transformational transaction in line with its strategic roadmap
Wendel (MF-FP) today announced that it has completed the definitive partnership agreement including the acquisition, together with AXA IM Prime, of 75% of Monroe Capital LLC (“Monroe Capital” or “the Company”), and a sponsoring program of $800 million to accelerate Monroe Capital’s growth, and will invest in GP commitment for up to $200 million.
As part of the initial transaction, Wendel has invested $1.133 billion to acquire 72% of Monroe Capital’s shares (from Monroe Capital management and Bonaccord Capital Partners which owns is a minority interest in Monroe Capital) together with rights to c.20% of the carried interest generated on past and future funds. The sellers will continue to own 25% of the Company post-closing of the initial transaction.
AXA IM Prime, through its GP4 Stake strategy, has completed the acquisition alongside Wendel, of a minority equity stake in Monroe Capital. This investment is made in conjunction with Wendel’s acquisition of its majority stake in Monroe Capital and reflects AXA IM Prime’s robust relationship with both managers.
This initial transaction involving 75% of Monroe Capital would be complemented by an earn-out mechanism with a maximum amount of $255 million, subject to Fee Related Earnings (“FRE”) performance thresholds (Max if CAGR above c.26%) in the period, and if achieved would be paid in cash in 2028.
Wendel will have a path to purchase the remaining 25% of Monroe Capital’s shares in subsequent transactions (put / call mechanisms) that would take place in three instalments over 2028 and 2032 and be payable in cash. The purchase of the remaining 25% shares would be valued through variable purchase multiples determined depending on realized FRE growth.
A private credit leader in the U.S. middle market with a demonstrated strong track record across market cycles
Founded in 2004 by Ted Koenig, Monroe Capital provides private credit solutions to borrowers in the U.S. and Canada, managing more than $205 billion of assets across 45+ investment vehicles. Monroe Capital’s strategic verticals are Lower Middle Market Direct Lending, Alternative Credit, Software & Technology, Real Estate, Venture Debt, Independent Sponsor and Middle Market CLOs. Each vertical has demonstrated strong investment performance and offers potential for significant organic growth.
Through December 31, 2024, Monroe Capital has directly originated over 800 transactions, has invested over $47 billion and has earned c.10% gross unlevered IRR6 for its directly originated transactions. Monroe Capital’s LP base is very broad and diversified, including public pensions, insurance companies, family offices and high net worth investors from across the globe.
The firm, which is headquartered in Chicago maintains eleven locations. Monroe Capital has grown to a team of over 275 employees, including 115 investment professionals. The firm currently has employees in the United States, South Korea, Australia and United Arab Emirates.
Wendel Third Party Asset Management Platform has reached a meaningful scale alongside its historical Principal Investment activity
Wendel’s ambition is to build a sizeable Asset Management platform managing investments in multiple private asset classes, alongside its historical Principal Investment activity. The development of the third-party Asset Management platform will provide Wendel with recurring and growing cashflows as well as exposure to multiple and high performing asset classes. As a result, Wendel’s dual business model is expected to generate an attractive and recurring return to shareholders.
With IK Partners and Monroe Capital, Wendel’s third party private asset management platform will reach c.€34 billion in AUM7, and on a full year basis, c.€ 455 million revenues, c.€160 million pre-tax FRE8 (c.€100 million in pre-tax FRE (Wendel share) by 2025 and has the objective to reach €150 million (Wendel share) in pre-tax FRE by 2027 .
This evolution of Wendel’s business model is designed to enable the development, over time, of a value-creating platform with the potential to generate operational synergies.
The third-party Asset Management platform will be developed alongside Wendel’s Principal Investment strategy, with the objective of generating double-digit Total Shareholder Return.
Laurent Mignon, Wendel Group CEO, commented:
“This acquisition marks an important step forward for Wendel’s asset management platform, which we are committed to scaling. Wendel is now becoming an asset manager alongside our decades-long activity as a long-term equity investor. Monroe Capital, founded by Ted Koenig in 2004, is a terrific company that has consistently delivered strong performance across various market cycles in North America, bolstered by a surge in demand for private credit solutions and with the scale to capitalize on the growing opportunity set we see in private credit. Monroe Capital is strategically positioned to capitalize on this increasing demand, attracting both institutional and retail investors. We are thrilled to collaborate with Ted Koenig, Chairman and CEO, Zia Uddin, President, and their talented teams to support their success and their ability to deliver robust financial performance over the coming years.
It will be also a great privilege for Wendel to partner with such a renowned investor as AXA IM Prime. This first partnership with a leading global player such as AXA IM is for us a strong sign of confidence in the model we are building in private asset management.
Wendel is executing its strategic plan with determination, rigor and financial discipline, as demonstrated by this transformational acquisition, while also focusing on premium assets in our principal investment activities. Our transformation to a dual-strategy model is now well-grounded, with top partners in asset management such as IK Partners in private equity and now Monroe Capital in private credit. Our priority for the near future will be to build our platform and to work on the rotation of our Principal Investment assets.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Wendel teams for their unwavering dedication and to the Supervisory Board of Wendel for its constant support in driving this ambitious strategy forward.”
Theodore L. Koenig, Chairman & CEO of Monroe Capital commented:
“”We are proud to finalize our partnership with Wendel and AXA IM Prime, a milestone achievement in our two-decade journey. Together, we are eager to collaborate and align our efforts to deliver exceptional results for our investors and clients worldwide.”
Gilles Dusaintpère, Head of AXA IM Prime GP Stake Investments at AXA IM said: “We are proud and excited to partner with two institutions we know well and to further strengthen our existing relationship with Monroe, a franchise we have been investing with foryears and that we are now happy to accompany as a minority shareholder. Our GP Stake strategy aims to partner with best-in-class private markets players and we look forward to supporting Monroe and its team, alongside Wendel, to help further grow its impressive platform.”
UBS acted as exclusive financial advisor to Wendel and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to Wendel. Wendel was also assisted by Fenchurch Advisory for this transaction. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Monroe Capital, and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP acted as legal counsel to Monroe Capital.
About Monroe Capital
Monroe Capital LLC (“Monroe”) is a premier asset management firm specializing in private credit markets across various strategies, including direct lending, technology finance, venture debt, alternative credit solutions, structured credit, real estate and equity. Since 2004, the firm has been successfully providing capital solutions to clients in the U.S. and Canada. Monroe prides itself on being a value-added and user-friendly partner to business owners, management, and both private equity and independent sponsors. Monroe’s platform offers a wide variety of investment products for both institutional and high net worth investors with a focus on generating high quality “alpha” returns irrespective of business or economic cycles. The firm is headquartered in Chicago and has 11 locations throughout the United States, Asia and Australia.
Visit our website: http://www.monroecap.com
About AXA IM Prime
Launched in 2022, AXA IM Prime is the Private Markets Enabler and Hedge Funds platform of AXA IM with c. €40 billion of assets under management as at the end of September 2024. It offers global and diversified private market solutions through primaries, secondaries and co-investments across private equity, infrastructure equity, private debt and hedge funds.
As both a principal investor and a General Partner, AXA IM Prime holds a deep understanding of client needs and offers a differentiated, global perspective of the investment world. It aims to create sustainable value for its clients, integrating ESG practices and encouraging ESG best practices within the industry.
Visit our website: https://www.axa-im.com/prime
Agenda
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Q1 2025 Trading update – Publication of NAV as of March 31, 2025 (post-market release)
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
H1 2025 results – Publication of NAV as of June 30, 2025, and condensed Half-Year consolidated financial statements (post-market release)
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Q3 2025 Trading update – Publication of NAV as of September 30, 2025 (post-market release)
Friday, December 12, 2025
2025 Investor Day
About Wendel
Wendel is one of Europe’s leading listed investment firms. Regarding its principal investment strategy, the Group invests in companies which are leaders in their field, such as ACAMS, Bureau Veritas, Crisis Prevention Institute, Globeducate, IHS Towers, Scalian, Stahl and Tarkett. In 2023, Wendel initiated a strategic shift into third-party asset management of private assets, alongside its historical principal investment activities. In May 2024, Wendel completed the acquisition of a 51% stake in IK Partners, a major step in the deployment of its strategic expansion in third-party private asset management and also announced in October 2024 the acquisition of 75% of Monroe Capital. Pro forma of Monroe Capital, Wendel manages more than 33 billion euros on behalf of third-party investors, and c.7.4 billion euros invested in its principal investments activity.
Wendel is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris.
Standard & Poor’s ratings: Long-term: BBB, stable outlook – Short-term: A-2
Wendel is the Founding Sponsor of Centre Pompidou-Metz. In recognition of its long-term patronage of the arts, Wendel received the distinction of “Grand Mécène de la Culture” in 2012.
For more information: wendelgroup.com
Follow us on LinkedIn @Wendel
1 As of December 2024
2 c.€100m of FRE expected in 2025, Wendel share. EURUSD @ 1.05
3 This amount includes usual closing adjustments
4 General Partner
5 Committed and managed capital (as of December 31, 2024)
6 Across fully exited companies
7 As of December 2024
8 EURUSD @1.05
Attachment
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
SELLS, Ariz. – A Glendale man was sentenced March 11 to 38 months in prison for his role in transporting two illegal aliens in March 2024, one of whom suffered fatal injuries after jumping out of the vehicle while it was moving. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation, assisted by other law enforcement agencies.
“Smuggling activity brings all aspects of danger especially for those involved in human smuggling,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola. “Whether it is traversing over treacherous desert landscapes or placing your life in the hands of a smuggler, you are sure to face a harrowing journey. Completely avoidable, human smuggling often turns deadly, as in this case. HSI is committed to ending smuggling activity that ends with preventable fatalities.”
Steven Beltran-Lugo, of Glendale, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens for profit placing in jeopardy the life of any person and resulting in death on Oct. 1, 2024.
On March 6, 2024, Beltran-Lugo and his co-defendant, Cesar Velazquez-Munoz, picked up two illegal aliens near the border to transport them further into the United States. Beltran-Lugo was riding as a passenger in the front seat of the vehicle and was on the phone with a Phoenix-based smuggling coordinator throughout the event. When law enforcement began to follow the vehicle, the victim aliens were told to get out of the vehicle. One of the victims jumped out of the vehicle while it was still moving at about 45 miles per hour. The driver accelerated as the second victim exited the moving vehicle and hit the pavement, causing a brain hemorrhage and internal bleeding. The victim eventually succumbed to these injuries and passed away at the hospital two days later.
Cesar Velazquez-Munoz is scheduled to be sentenced March 31.
The sentencing is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha. JTFA, a partnership with DHS, has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 250 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
Source: US Congressional Budget Office
S. 28 would require manufacturers of Internet-connected devices to disclose to consumers whether such devices have microphones or cameras. The bill would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish guidance for manufacturers to follow when notifying consumers and to enforce any violations of the bill’s requirements.
Using information from the FTC and the cost of similar requirements, CBO expects that the FTC would need three employees to issue guidance in 2026 and four employees in each year from 2027 through 2030 to enforce the bill’s requirements. CBO estimates that the average cost for salaries and benefits for an FTC employee would be $240,000 in 2025. After accounting for anticipated inflation, CBO estimates that implementing S. 28 would cost $4 million over the 2025-2030 period; any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
The bill would authorize the FTC to collect civil monetary penalties from businesses found in violation of the bill, along with pursuing other remedies. Civil monetary penalties are generally remitted to the Treasury and recorded as revenues. However, CBO estimates that the additional revenues collected over the next decade would be insignificant. The extent to which business would violate the new rules after they go into effect is uncertain.
Furthermore, if a business does violate the new rules and the FTC chooses to proceed with an enforcement action, the extent to which the agency pursues civil penalties versus other remedies is also uncertain, as is the amount of time it would take to resolve a case.
S. 28 would impose a private-sector mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) by requiring manufacturers of Internet-connected devices to disclose to the consumer if a component of the device includes a microphone or camera. According to industry sources, most manufacturers already disclose such information on the device’s exterior packaging or other forms of advertising. Therefore, CBO estimates that the cost for manufacturers to comply with the bill would not exceed the annual threshold established in UMRA ($203 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).
S. 28 contains no intergovernmental mandates as defined in UMRA.
The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Margot Berman (for the FTC) and Rachel Austin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.
Phillip L. Swagel
Director, Congressional Budget Office
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jean-François Bureau, Professor, School of Psychology, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
Mainstream public discourse in the first months of 2025 have been dominated by tensions between Canada and United States. These include references to Canada becoming annexed as the 51st American state and the trade war, with threats and the application of tariffs by the U.S. and counter-tariffs by Canada.
While this political climate brings uncertainty at an international level, it comes with fear of job loss for many Canadians at a time when the cost of living is already straining many families’ finances.
Read more:
Canadians are feeling increasingly powerless amid economic struggles and rising inequality
These topics may appear to be concerns for adults, but children may also feel the effects. As psychology researchers studying parent-child relationships and child mental health, we believe it is important to consider children’s potential fears and anxiety in the current political climate.
Here, we explain why it’s important to address this topic with children, and how parents can do so in a reassuring and informative manner.
While the economy and politics could seem like topics that children would not really care about, recent research suggests that many children and youth actually worry about these topics.
Back in 2020, American parents of children aged six to 17 years old were asked to rate their child’s anxiety about political news, in terms of voting issues covered in media since the 2016 election. According to the study by psychology researcher Nicole E. Caporino and colleagues, 36 per cent of children worried about the U.S. getting into war, and 37 per cent worried about their family’s finances.
Similarly, studies elsewhere suggest children and youth worry about issues affecting their families. Based on these numbers, we can assume that many Canadian children also worry about the current Canada-U.S. political climate.
Of course, it’s worth remembering not all families experience political and economic events in the same way. For example, children whose families face economic precarity are likely already living with stressors affecting their households like unemployment or food insecurity. Current tensions may also exacerbate children’s existing concerns.
Given that children may be concerned and worried, some parents may intuitively seek to avoid the topic with children to avoid provoking more distress. However, discussing a stressful event can actually decrease the distress felt towards it.
When children are able to talk about what concerns them with their parents, they learn important emotional regulation and coping skills. For example, they learn how to identify and understand their emotions, and how to regulate those emotions. Discussions between parents and children also help foster a climate of trust, in which children feel like they can rely on their parents in moments of need.
Children may not always have the words to articulate their concerns in the same way that adults do. Parents should watch for anxiety symptoms in their children, which may manifest in various ways, including having mood changes, being more irritable or sad, having difficulty sleeping, being more clingy than usual, or withdrawing from activities. There are also signs that may be harder to spot.
We present five ways to address the situation with your children:
1. Use direct questions to understand how children feel. Direct questions can help understand how children feel. For example, you may ask: “What have you heard about what’s happening?” or “How do you feel about it?” These questions can help understand what specifically is scary to them.
This is especially important given that children tend to worry about different things than adults. For example, younger children with family in the U.S. may worry they will no longer be able to see their family members anymore. Older children may be worried about a parent losing a job, the country’s economic instability or environmental impacts. Some children may even fear a military clash.
2. Be sensitive to how the conflict is presented. In the media, it is common to refer to the diplomatic and economic tensions as a “trade war.” While adults understand that trade wars do not involve military attacks, this concept is much more abstract for children.
Hearing the word “war” may trigger difficult images for them, including armed soldiers, weapons and devastation. This is especially true for children with lived experience of war, political conflict or displacement.
Read more:
Coronavirus isn’t the end of ‘childhood innocence,’ but an opportunity to rethink children’s rights
It’s important to reframe the conflict in ways that children can understand. For example, parents can compare the conflict between two children. Parents might say: “You know when there are two children upset with each other at school, and they have a big disagreement. Sometimes it can take a lot of time to find a solution that works for everyone. The conflict between Canada and the U.S. is a bit like that. It could take a lot of time and trouble to find a solution.”
3. Avoid misinformation. When discussing these topics, parents should seek to clarify any misinformation and provide reassurance. They should also help ensure children receive information from credible sources rather than social media or peers, who may sensationalize or misinterpret events. Providing factual but age-appropriate explanations is a key ingredient in mitigating fear and uncertainty.
4. Focus on co-operation and opportunities instead of boycotting.
Many Canadian families are choosing to boycott American products. In order to ease the emotional burden on children, it can be helpful to reframe the boycott as an opportunity for co-operation. For instance, parents can highlight how they are trying to support local businesses.
Similarly, for families with resources to travel, changes in travel plans can be framed as a way to discover new places. A parent might frame it as: “This year, instead of going to the beach, we’re going to be exploring some incredible places closer to home. We’re going to have so much fun trying new things!” This approach creates curiosity and control, not anxiety. It can also be beneficial for children’s development to learn to be more flexible with change.
Read more:
When Canadian snowbirds don’t flock south, the costs are more than financial
5. Create a sense of normalcy and routine. As important as it is to validate children’s fears, it is equally important to help them maintain a sense of normalcy. Families should strive to balance discussions about the trade war and its potential ramifications with more light, mundane topics. Similarly, limiting the time that children watch the news or when it is audible can help limit further concerns from developing.
Routines are also beneficial for children’s development and well-being. Maintaining a predictable schedule, such as a bedtime routine, can help children feel safe and less anxious. Focus on adding fun and soothing activities to the daily routine. This lets children know life goes on.
As the trade war with the U.S. plays out, parents should consider how it may impact their children’s emotions and sense of safety. Even serious conflicts such as this one don’t last forever, and solutions will come.
In the meantime, parents can help children cope with these challenging times by offering age-appropriate explanations and encouraging resilience.
Jean-François Bureau receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Consortium National de Formation en Santé.
Audrey-Ann Deneault receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles.
– ref. How to talk with children about Canada-U.S. tensions – https://theconversation.com/how-to-talk-with-children-about-canada-u-s-tensions-252435
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Senator Shelley Moore Capitol (R-WV), and Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the Alleviating Barriers to Caregivers Act (ABC Act). The legislation would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Social Security Administration (SSA), and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to review their eligibility, processes, procedures, forms, and communications to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers. The legislation would then require CMS, SSA, and CHIP to report to Congress after two years about any issues they are facing and any next steps they are taking to support family caregivers.
Family caregivers serve as a primary source of support for seniors and people with disabilities of all ages. In the United States alone, there are more than 48 million family caregivers. More than half of family caregivers act as an advocate for their loved one with care providers, community services, or government agencies. However, one in four family caregivers say they want help with forms, paperwork, and eligibility for services. Many report competing responsibilities while experiencing serious emotional, physical, and finance challenges.
“America’s family caregivers work around-the-clock to provide essential care for their loved ones, and over half act as advocates on behalf of their family members. The last thing these caregivers need is more red tape that distracts from their support for those in their care,” said Representative Cammack. “I’m honored to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral ABC Act with my colleagues to lower the burden around the important medical decisions caregivers must make every day. Together we can support the 48 million caregivers that make up a critical part of our health care landscape in the U.S.”
“Family caregivers have a lot on their plates, devoting their lives to support others,” said Representative Magaziner. “They shouldn’t have to struggle with confusing paperwork and delays on top of their essential work. The bipartisan ABC Act will make it easier for families to get the support they need so caregivers can focus on what matters most — caring for their loved ones.”
“More than 1 in 4 Americans over 50 are now caregivers. I was one of these caregivers for my parents during their struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and know personally how hard it can be to balance all of the responsibilities put on individuals caring for their loved ones,” Senator Capito said. “One of the most common frustrations I hear from caregivers in West Virginia is how difficult it is to navigate federal processes and procedures. The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act would attempt to ease this often-stressful time by requiring federal agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Social Security Administration, to review their processes, procedures, forms, and communications to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers.”
“Caregivers, like my father was, serve on the frontlines of our nation’s health care system by giving our families and friends the care and support they need to remain in their homes and communities with their loved ones,” said Senator Markey. “But caregivers are struggling needlessly to navigate complex, burdensome, and stressful processes each and every day while also still managing day-to-day family and professional responsibilities. The Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act will help lift the weight off caregivers by clearing the red tape that so often gets in their way. I thank Senator Capito and Representatives Magaziner and Cammack for their partnership on this critical legislation.”
Cosponsors in the Senate include John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Mike Rounds (R-S.Dak.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).
Cosponsors in the House include Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), and Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16).
The ABC Act is endorsed by: AARP, ADA Watch/Coalition for Disability Rights & Justice, Aging Life Care Association, Alliance for Aging Research, Alliance for Retired Americans, Allies for Independence, ALS Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, American Academy of Nursing, American Association on Health and Disability, American Heart Association, American Network of Community Organizations and Resources (ANCOR), American Psychological Association Services, American Society for Transportation and Cellular Therapy, American Society on Aging, Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, Caregiver Action Network, Caring Across Generations, Child Neurology Foundation, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), Diverse Elders Coalition, Elder Services of Berkshire County Inc., Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving, Fight Colorectal Cancer, Gerontological Society of America, Grayce, Greater Lynn Senior Services, Hispanic Federation, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Japanese American Citizens League, Justice in Aging, Lakeshore Foundation, LeadingAge, LifePath, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Massachusetts Councils on Aging, Medical Alley, Mystic Valley Elder Services, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, National Adult Day Services Association, National Alliance on Caregiving, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Council on Aging, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Disability Rights Network, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Federation of Filipino American Associations, National Fragile X Foundation, National Health Council, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National Respite Coalition, NMDP, OCA- Asian Pacific American Advocates, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Senior Connection, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Speak Foundation, the Arc of the United States, The ERISA Industry Committee, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Third Way, USAging, Village to Village Network, and Well Spouse Association.
Read the text of the bill here.
###
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Trump Administration plans to reshape the nation’s trade policy, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is leading her Midwest colleagues, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), in laying out a vision to prioritize American workers in trade policy, re-establish the United States as a world leader in manufacturing, and strengthen national security. Senator Baldwin has long worked against trade deals that undermine American workers, including opposing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with China, and other deals that are a race to the bottom. Since 2001, flawed trade policies have contributed to the loss of 4.3 million manufacturing jobs in the U.S.
“For too long, the deck has been stacked against workers and has benefited trade cheats like China and the corporate fat cats in board rooms. Workers are the ones who make our economy go around and they are the ones we need to prioritize. Right now, we have a real opportunity to level the playing field for American workers and crack down on trade cheats, grow our Made in America economy, and ensure workers get the pay they deserve to live a good, middle-class life,” said Senator Baldwin.
“We need trade policies that provide a level playing field for American workers to compete and succeed,” said Senator Peters. “For far too long, American businesses and workers have paid the price of a trade landscape that benefits countries like China who blatantly cheat the system and undercut our businesses without being held accountable. Now is the time to take a real, comprehensive look at our trade policies to ensure we are putting American workers first and preventing good-paying jobs from being shipped overseas.”
“For 30 years we’ve been outsourcing our supply chains way too far, and too many Michigan workers have suffered because of it,” said Senator Slotkin. “Democrats, especially in the Midwest, need a vision for a 21st century trade policy. To me, that strategy isn’t rocket science. It should strengthen the Middle Class and protect American manufacturing and jobs, provide certainty for American businesses and farmers, and recognize that the U.S. has powerful economic levers to wield against our adversaries.”
In the letter to President Trump, Baldwin and her colleagues outline the details of a trade agenda that would center workers, stand up to trade cheats like China, and grow the American manufacturing sector, including:
Full text of the letter can be found here and below.
Dear Mr. President:
Your Administration has announced that it is undertaking a comprehensive review of our nation’s trade policy, an action that is welcome and long overdue. Free trade and globalization have left us with offshored manufacturing, devastated communities, workers out of a job or in jobs with lower wages, and supply chains overly dependent on our adversaries in too many areas. Our states have suffered disproportionately, and we write to share policy solutions informed by that experience and to urge you to implement a pro-American worker trade policy.
The current global and domestic economic landscape is the result of deliberate policy choices. Now is the time to break the cycle and boldly set a new standard for how we design, implement, monitor and enforce our trade policies. Presidents of both parties have failed Americans on trade policy, and Congress has validated their mistakes—often, in close votes. Misguided decisions like granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR), which paved the way for China’s accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO), along with the passage of NAFTA and CAFTA, as well as support of the Trans Pacific Partnership, are part of a misguided narrative that free trade and liberalization would improve economic growth and living standards, which for many communities has proven false. Since 2001, flawed trade policies have contributed to the loss of 4.3 million manufacturing jobs here in the U.S. We have fought for a pro-American worker trade policy, and would strongly support reforms that are reasoned, strategic, and durable. Our goal should be a combined pro-U.S. worker trade agenda and proactive industrial policy and strategic use of tariffs that secures supply chains, revitalizes communities, creates good-paying, union jobs and re-establishes the United States as a leader in world manufacturing.
First and foremost, we must drastically revise our trade relationship with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). By allowing China to join the WTO, the United States opted to treat the PRC like a market economy. Proponents claimed this would bring market reforms. That has proven a naïve and misguided approach. China still embraces a state-directed approach to trade and targets entire sectors and industries for global domination. China’s non-market practices, rampant abuses of labor and human rights, and government-sponsored trade cheating call for a complete rethinking of our economic relationship, including PNTR.
Each of the United States’ 14 free trade agreements with 20 countries, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), must be reviewed and revised where necessary, in order to ensure the best outcomes for American workers. While your Administration oversaw the negotiations of the USMCA, which contained the strongest labor standards of any free trade agreement thus far, there are urgent issues to be addressed during the upcoming review. The PRC has increasingly located facilities in Mexico to take advantage of proximity to the United States and preferential treatment of goods under USMCA. It has also failed to fundamentally change a core challenge facing American workers: the continued offshoring of good manufacturing jobs because of wage suppression, union busting and weak regulations in Mexico. There are long-standing challenges to the U.S. economy that USMCA’s dispute mechanism has failed to address, such as Canada’s treatment of the United States dairy sector. Separate from USMCA, the United States is part of agreements about government procurement, through the WTO or negotiated separately, that result in a losing deal for Americans. All such agreements must be thoroughly reviewed and recalibrated to level the playing field.
The ultimate goal of our trade enforcement mechanisms should not be to react to injury, it must be to deter and prevent cheating in the first place. Foreign entities will continue to transship, evade trade remedies, and create new ways to cheat and take advantage of the United States, and stopping problems as they come up in a “whack-a-mole” fashion is a reactive strategy. Strengthening trade enforcement mechanisms will curb cheating and manipulation by foreign countries. There are substantive bipartisan efforts in this area, such as the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act to strengthen trade remedies and the Fighting Trade Cheats Act to empower private companies to hold bad actors accountable. Furthermore, there are some bipartisan efforts that can be addressed by executive action, like closing the de minimis loophole, which your Administration acknowledges results in lost tariff revenue and the importation of counterfeit products and contraband drugs like fentanyl. The loophole also puts American manufacturers and retailers at a disadvantage. In addition, critical support for American workers who lose their jobs due to the short-sighted policies of the past, such as Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), must be reauthorized and strengthened as we try to right the ship on trade policy, to allow those workers to access job training benefits and quickly return to the workforce.
Tariffs are important tools for leveling the playing field when they are enacted in a strategic, deliberate, and durable way, but it can take months and years for supply chains to adjust. The positive impact of tariffs and trade policy must be bolstered by a robust industrial policy to create and sustain good-paying jobs with efforts such as investments, Buy America requirements, tax incentives, and other programs like those included in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. To be successful, we must also keep corporations in check with equitable tax rates and strong antitrust laws to prevent price gouging. Critically, we must empower workers to join unions and earn fair wages to support a middle class lifestyle and be able to save for a safe and secure retirement.
Lastly, we want to emphasize this proposal is critical to workers and communities in our states, as well as to our national security and emergency preparedness. Re-evaluating American trade policy and securing supply chains will strengthen our national security and better position the United States to defend itself if faced with conflict. During World War II, United States automakers shifted from producing civilian passenger vehicles to producing military equipment and weapons like tanks, engines, and aircraft. More recently, global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine exposed the risks of our fragile supply chains. Now is the time to learn from these lessons and prioritize a trade policy that puts American workers first.
Thank you for your consideration of this most important issue.
Sincerely,
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Prime Minister and Home Secretary gathered leaders from across the world in London today (31 March) to tackle organised immigration crime.
The purpose of the Organised Immigration Crime Summit is to agree new action to tackle organised immigration crime (OIC) and boost border security.
Discussions at day 1 of the summit included:
as well as how countries can tackle organised crime groups’ operations online in relation to the advertising, promoting and facilitating of illegal immigration services.
The UK and allies including France, Iraq, Vietnam and the USA, and partners including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and representatives from social media organisations, met to agree actions to secure our collective borders, protect vulnerable people from exploitation, and tackle the global threat of organised immigration crime.
Unlike previous summits, this event engaged both European nations and key source and transit countries, as well as those that are integral to the supply of equipment, including small boats and engines, ensuring a broader, more comprehensive approach to tackling OIC.
Concrete outcomes have been agreed across Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and North America to strengthen international partnerships to disrupt OIC networks. This also includes new joint work with France to tackle irregular migration in source and transit countries, through community outreach and bolstering false document detection capabilities to Iraqi officials.
The agreement represents a key step forward in the government’s Plan for Change to deliver on working people’s priorities to restore order to the immigration system and comes after the publication of new figures showing more than 24,000 people with no right to be here have been returned since the election – the highest rate of returns in 8 years.
A communiqué was issued that sets out how we will deepen our collaboration internationally to tackle this vile crime.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
Organised immigration crime undermines our security and puts lives at risk. The criminal networks have spread across the globe and no single country can tackle this problem alone.
Today, at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, the UK has led the way forward by securing international commitments to disrupt and pursue this vile criminal trade in people – part of our Plan for Change to strengthen our borders and keep communities safe.
Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt said:
I have said since I came into my post as Border Security Commander that organised immigration crime requires a coordinated international response to effectively dismantle criminal networks.
In my role I have seen first-hand how the cruelty and greed of criminal gangs puts the lives of the most vulnerable at risk in dangerous small boat crossings all for financial gain.
This summit marks a step change in the international community’s approach to tackling the problem, presenting a critical opportunity to strengthen global cooperation, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent further loss of life.
Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA) Graeme Biggar said:
Criminal gangs are using sophisticated online tactics, the abuse of legitimate goods and services, and illicit financial networks to facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys which put thousands of lives at risk each year and undermine border security.
Today’s summit sets out international agreements to tackle an international problem.
International intelligence sharing and cooperation is absolutely crucial to track criminal activity across borders allowing us to put a stop to these dangerous criminals.
In addition, today the Home Secretary confirmed over £30 million in funding within the Border Security Command to tackle Organised Immigration Criminal Networks. This significant funding package will be spent on key security projects across Europe, the Western Balkans, Asia and Africa, designed to strengthen border security and combat international criminal smuggling gangs.
The Home Secretary also announced joint work with France to fund an additional grassroots engagement programme to educate local communities on the dangers of irregular migration and people smuggling gangs, raising awareness of the realities and difficulties with travelling to Northern France to cross the Channel to the UK.
This will target both potential irregular migrants and, for the first time, teachers, religious leaders, and family members within vulnerable communities, and builds on the Home Office digital deterrence comms campaign that is already running in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The UK will also collaborate with France to deliver critical training to Iraqi officials and commercial transport staff, helping them detect fraudulent documents and passports used to facilitate irregular migration and OIC activities.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)
Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar reintroduced the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act, which would expand access to meals for every student in America by allowing states to provide no-cost meal programs in public schools.
“As a father, the thought of any child going hungry in school is devastating,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “House Democrats believe that every child deserves a shot at a better life, and no kid can reach their full academic potential on an empty stomach. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration shows it doesn’t care about our children’s future by working to eliminate the Department of Education, which could force neighborhood schools to close and class sizes to increase, to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. We can make our community stronger and our children healthier by ensuring that no child in this country is hungry at school, regardless of their background or their zip code. That’s why I am proud to reintroduce the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act to help improve the health and academic performance of students in the Inland Empire and across America by ensuring that they do not go hungry.”
“We are pleased Rep. Aguilar has reintroduced the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act to allow states to adopt the Community Eligibility Provision statewide,” said Crystal FitzSimons, interim president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “Offering school meals at no charge to families is the future for school nutrition departments and for schools. The No Hungry Kids in Schools Act supports states that want to expand access to free school meals, fueling children’s health and learning while reducing stigma and shaming in the cafeteria. We urge Congress to pass this bill. Hungry children can’t wait.”
Currently, individual school districts can apply to serve free school meals to all students through the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) if at least 25 percent of the student body is identified as low-income. The No Hungry Kids in Schools Act will enable states to remove the 25 percent threshold and allow all schools in a participating state to provide free meals to all students, regardless of the percentage of low-income students. The No Hungry Kids in Schools Act also would streamline the administration of school lunch programs in states that have existing universal free school meals, helping the students who are falling through the cracks, including nearly 2.5 million students in California and over 12.5 million students nationwide.
In the United States, nearly 1 in 7 children is at risk of hunger. Expanding and protecting school meal programs is especially important amidst ongoing Republican efforts to cut billions from nutritional funding. The Trump Administration recently froze $1 billion in food assistance for food banks and schools, and the proposed Republican Budget includes $12 billion in cuts to critical nutrition programs, which would harm over 12 million children.
Studies have shown that students at schools who participate in school meal programs benefit from better health and nutrition outcomes, higher test scores and better school attendance. Through CEP, more than 23 million children attending high-poverty schools were able to access free, healthy school meals in the 2023-2024 school year.
In addition to the Food Research & Action Center, The No Hungry Kids in Schools Act is endorsed by the National Education Association (NEA).
Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.
Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Lying on the grass in Canton, Ohio, a young Effie Kisgeropoulos studied constellations with her eyes and later through her telescope, dreaming about the mechanisms of faraway celestial bodies.
Little did the future National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researcher know that her budding scientific gaze would later turn to something closer to home: orbiting subatomic particles in microscopic structures.
The ability to translate perspectives between different worlds might be her superpower—although this superpower has come with its challenges. Yet Kisgeropoulos has persisted through all the uphill climbs, maintaining her joy of learning.
Kisgeropoulos was homeschooled for most of her childhood, and she benefited from a framework that empowered her to absorb knowledge and ask questions. Looking back, the ease with which Kisgeropoulos moved through primary education was perhaps unsurprising given her much later diagnosis with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She thrived in the home setting where learning was fun, engaging, and flexible. But when it was time to begin her university honors program, Kisgeropoulos’ success at home became a struggle to maintain. Her passion for exploring new ideas came under serious doubt.
Although Kisgeropoulos struggled at first, she persevered through trial and error and by embracing new opportunities. Her path at NREL began with a postdoctoral position that employed her passion for using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to decipher the subatomic interactions that dictate our world.
Kisgeropoulos is now a full-time researcher in NREL’s Biosciences Center, responsible for helping manage the Advanced Spin Resonance Facility (ASRF), which houses the EPR equipment. This facility helps illuminate the subatomic workings of chemical reactions, like those that sustain photosynthesis or enable light-driven ammonia production and hydrogen catalysis.
In this interview (edited for length and clarity), Kisgeropoulos discusses her contagious enthusiasm for science, her unique journey to NREL, and her passion for all things EPR.
You have an interesting upbringing that isn’t familiar to many people. Can you talk about that and how it was a factor in your embrace of science?
My mom homeschooled my sister and I until mid-high school. During our elementary years, she taught us for two days and worked the other three, when my dad—who worked midnights—would help.
Around this time, I fell in love with astronomy and spent countless hours poring over star maps and gazing at constellations. I even got a small telescope! It kick-started my obsession with science fiction and, later, theoretical physics.
Homeschooling allowed me a certain freedom in how I assimilated information. I could work on my lessons while barefoot and sitting cross-legged on the floor, make as much noise as I wanted, go at my own pace. I was unencumbered by the classical rules of school.
Later when my parents separated, my mom juggled multiple jobs while still maintaining our education. Watching all this, I also learned a lot about hard work and perseverance. I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until 29, so these qualities—and the love of learning I grew up with—were vital to me navigating undergrad and then a Ph.D. without any context for why I had different needs than my peers.
Can you tell me about your transition from homeschooling to the university world?
My science obsessions led me to join the honors program at Kent State University with a plan outlined by my guidance counselor: a bachelor’s in physics; grad school for astrophysics. Once classes started, a harsh reality formed. Many students are challenged during the transition to college, but I wasn’t aware of the unique challenges that came with a neurodivergent brain.
Tougher coursework meant I had to study in earnest, but sitting alone for hours in the library to accomplish this was a strange experience. It would take me significant time to clear my mind of distractions before I could fully immerse myself in a task. Although I had experience with self-directed learning, my skills began failing me in this demanding and unfamiliar college environment.
It was a disheartening first couple of years. I had been excellent at math, but I did poorly in calculus. I did okay in Physics I, but I dropped Physics II twice because it wasn’t clicking. The irony is the stuff in Physics II—like circuits, electricity, and magnetism—are foundations to some of what I do now at NREL.
So, how did you adjust?
The end of sophomore year was my worst. I wanted to study the stars, but I just couldn’t make the connections in my coursework. At around the same time, we found out my mom had breast cancer. It really impelled me, and I switched majors to biotech. I thought a more industry-focused degree would help with getting a job, if I needed to take care of my sister, and I hoped it would lead me to work in cancer research to help patients like my mom.
With the switch, I started to excel in my classes again. In Intro Biochem, I learned about enzyme pathways in cells. It was like a puzzle, mapping them all out. In some ways, it felt like mapping out the stars. I was becoming fascinated with microscopic biological and chemical mechanisms that I had no idea about. My fire for learning came back. And as I approached graduation, my mom cleared her cancer!
That’s wonderful. So at that point, you were on the path to a Ph.D. in biochem at The Ohio State University (OSU)?
Yeah. I was thrilled when I was offered a spot. I started with three different lab rotations: mouse models of cancer, yeast genetics, and spectroscopy. Although I was still invested in cancer research, I enjoyed the approach of spectroscopy the most, which was in the lab of a new OSU professor, Hannah Shafaat. And in the end, I was still awarded a fellowship for the connection of my work to cancer research!
My work at OSU involved applying advanced pulse EPR spectroscopy to biological systems. Before even developing these experiments, we needed to characterize the systems using a more common type of EPR: continuous wave (CW). At the time, the EPR capabilities we needed weren’t available at OSU. Instead, we would drive four hours roundtrip to Miami University and collect data for 10, 12 hours.
This was where I became mesmerized by the EPR process. There’s this giant magnet with a sample in the middle that’s cooled to 5 Kelvin, and then microwaves are shot at it. It’s so metal! The resulting data were beautiful. You’re investigating a signal that looks like a child’s drawing and translating it to give information on interactions happening at the electron level.
So, when were you able to work primarily with pulsed EPR?
During my fourth year, we shifted to pulsed EPR techniques, which use microwaves shot in pulses rather than continuously. Using pulses unlocks a whole new dimension of capabilities, especially manipulating electron spins to acquire different, higher-resolution information. But pulsed EPR demands a higher level of theory and understanding to run an experiment, let alone troubleshoot one or customize it to the sample.
I was applying pulsed EPR to proteins to answer questions about their electronic structure and function. This work was like what I do here at NREL in Paul King’s (Physical Biochemistry and Photosynthesis) group, except now I investigate how this reactivity is controlled and tuned into very complex redox enzymes.
Good segue to becoming a postdoc at NREL. I imagine your experience with pulsed EPR had a lot to do with you coming here?
Honestly, I struggled with the motivation to do research or become a professor. When I started EPR, my research interest sparked a bit, but I wasn’t sure how to do EPR at a private company. And then my OSU lab partner, Tasha Manesis, sent me a link for an NREL postdoctoral position in the Physical Biochemistry and Photosynthesis group. I read the job description and was ecstatic they wanted someone to study redox enzymes using pulsed EPR!
Postdoctoral researcher Effie Kisgeropoulos poses in 2022 by an MBraun anaerobic chamber at NREL’s Science and Technology Facility. This type of equipment allows researchers to work with the oxygen-sensitive proteins and enzymes that are involved in many of nature’s important energy conversion reactions and pathways. Photo by Werner Slocum, NREL
Another bit of serendipity. How was the postdoc experience here at NREL?
Right after they hired me, COVID-19 happened. COVID-19 protocols made lab interactions challenging and training and team-building difficult. Once the protocols loosened, this all improved, and we added some new postdocs that quickly became great friends of mine. My relationship with Paul, my group manager and principal investigator, also really began to develop. These working relationships, and the willingness everyone showed to put effort into making them better, were a large reason why I stayed at NREL.
How was the transition from postdoc to full-time researcher?
Getting an NREL staff position doing what I love felt validating, a recognition of my contributions to the team. It also really brought me a sense of permanence. Even though six years in graduate school was a long time, it always had an end date. With this transition, I experienced a sense of investment in my work that I never felt before.
Kisgeropoulos works with cell culture media containing ferredoxin proteins in the Research and Innovation Laboratory at NREL. These proteins are important for understanding the control electron transfer reactions in the photosynthetic cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and will be studied using techniques like EPR once they are purified from the media. Photo by Kaylee Weatherly, NREL
What are your responsibilities as a biological EPR spectroscopist?
I continue to build upon my postdoc work, contributing to research projects under Paul on photosynthetic energy transduction and mechanisms of photochemical nitrogen reduction. Both are funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science Basic Energy Sciences program.
I also took on safety-representative duties for our lab space and have an official role helping David Mulder manage and operate the ASRF, which houses the EPR equipment. David and I developed an approach for scheduling on the CW EPR, helping maintain access for all users amid high demand for instrument time. I also help train new EPR users and advise on project data collection, interpretation, and analysis.
NREL researchers (from left) Paul King, Effie Kisgeropoulos, and David Mulder talk in front of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer in NREL’s Advanced Spin Resonance Facility in Golden, Colorado. Photo by Gregory Cooper, NREL
So, why does this new role and the Advanced Spin Resonance Facility at NREL excite you so much?
Most institutions operate one CW EPR at a single microwave frequency (commonly X-band). But at NREL, we have an incredible breadth of EPR capabilities in one place: CW EPR, pulsed EPR, both X-band and Q-band microwave frequencies, equipment to produce shaped pulses, the ability to incorporate radio waves and do EPR-detected nuclear magnetic resonance, and all using helium gas in a cryogen-free system to obtain super cold temperatures. All these capabilities are the perfect playground for me to explore and grow with.
There’s also a tremendous amount of expertise here applying EPR to understand highly complex enzymatic functions, like nitrogen fixation to ammonia or hydrogen generation from protons and electrons. There’s a great foundation to build from and use my understanding of pulsed EPR to advance the research.
Pulsed EPR, and really EPR in general, is such a powerful tool for obtaining targeted information on the movement, properties, and local environments of electrons, whether they exist as radicals, in defects, or on metal clusters. It’s highly applicable across a large swathe of research disciplines, from biology to materials—even brewing beer, although that’s not really in the NREL mission space. I’d like to continue to improve the experience of our core user group and expand the reach of the ASRF across NREL.
Okay, one last question. If you had the power to make one change in the world, what would it be?
Oh, tough, it’s hard to articulate, but I’d make empathy and compassion abundant. Through all my challenges, I’ve come out of it with a different appreciation for people. We’re all flawed, but people are also surprisingly great. I think it’s important to listen to what others are saying and consider how they might be feeling, the milieu that could be contributing to the actions they take.
I try to always remember this, and I would want to make the changes necessary so everyone could feel safe enough and empowered to extend this kind of empathy and compassion to each other. I think it would help the world a lot.
Learn more about NREL’s bioscience research and the Advanced Spin Resonance Facility.
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
We spoke to ACTUAL, REAL WOMEN at the White House—and they had a defiant message:
“The Left has tried to erase what it means to be a woman… President Trump is the first president who has truly put women first.”
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
A Message from Faye Hall, an American Who Was Detained by the Taliban and Is Now Freed:
“I’m glad you’re the President, and thank you for bringing me home. I have never been so proud to be an American citizen. Thank you, Mr. President.”
Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)
After being stranded in space for 9 months, NASA Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams give POTUS and Elon Musk a message of thanks: ‘I am grateful… It’s strengthening for our Nation.’