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Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: APRA funds consultation and support

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    Superannuation system consultation

    Industry consultation

    We’re committed to conducting consultation with the community to effectively manage and shape the tax, superannuation and registry systems.

    You can find details of matters under consultation for superannuation including who to contact.

    The superannuation system consultation framework includes arrangements and processes specifically for raising superannuation issues. Our consultation arrangements are organised into:

    Within these links you will find listed the current groups related to superannuation.

    You can also access the monthly ATO consultation report which describes the ATO consultation activities including advice and guidance products and legislative instruments released for comment.

    Cross-agency forum for innovative retirement income stream products

    The cross-agency process allows product providers to raise topics or issues arising from innovative retirement income stream products with the government agencies that regulate these products and the entities that provide them.

    Please see Cross agency process for innovative retirement income stream products for detailed information on this subject.

    Funds and insurance entities can email the co-ordinator at retirementincomestreams@ato.gov.au.

    Legal and technical support

    Find law, interpretations and policy that the ATO uses when making decisions on our ATO Legal database.

    Access guidance specifically for legal and Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SISA) regulatory issues:

    Find guidance on superannuation measures at New legislation.

    Law interpretation enquiries

    For advice on the application of the law to a specific individual or group of taxpayers or clients lodge an enquiry using the Online services for businessExternal Link.

    Subscribe to news and updates

    Read the latest updates on tax, super and registry services for APRA-regulated superannuation funds at Super funds newsroom. Information on historical Client Relationship Team (CRT) alerts can also be found there.

    Subscribe to ATO newsletters and alertsExternal Link to receive:

    • Super CRT Alerts for APRA funds
    • Super funds newsletter for APRA funds.

    Subscribe to:

    • RSS newsfeeds to receive updates on topics you’re interested in
    • Email subscriptions to receive updates on topics you’re interested in at a frequency of your choosing.

    Online learning and webinars

    Super – ato tvExternal Link offers on demand videos and webinar recordings on relevant topics including:

    • member account transaction service – baseline design
    • understanding Excess transfer balance determination
    • indexation of the transfer balance cap
    • unclaimed money, lost member and in-active low balance account reporting obligations
    • event-based reporting for APRA funds.

    Publications

    Most PDF copies of our publications can be downloaded off our site.

    If you require printed materials to be sent to you (or PDFs emailed to you) please visit Order ATO publications.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £3.4 million for Scotland’s hydrogen future

    Source: Scottish Government

    Projects across the country to receive a share of funding.

    Eleven projects designed to accelerate Scotland’s hydrogen economy are set to benefit from a share of £3.4 million funding.

    The Scottish Government funding will help develop green hydrogen production, improve the hydrogen supply chain, and enhance hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure.

    Opening a parliamentary debate on Scotland’s hydrogen future, Acting Net Zero Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin said:

    “Hydrogen stands as a critical pillar of Scotland’s route to net zero by 2045, but also, alongside the development of our offshore wind capacity, as one of Scotland’s greatest industrial opportunities since the discovery of oil and gas in the North Sea.

    “A just transition remains at the heart of our approach, and we are determined that no community, particularly those which have powered our economy for generations, will be left behind as we move away from burning fossil fuels towards a low carbon energy system.

    “We are working to build a hydrogen economy in which the benefits of our energy transition are shared, and which harnesses the full potential of our skilled people, our worldclass industries, and our natural resources.”

    In September 2024 the Scottish Government invited projects to apply for a match-funding grant award of up to 50%, to the maximum value of £2 million.

    Shortlisting saw 18 projects invited to submit a full application to delivery partner Scottish Enterprise, with funding ultimately provided to 11 successful projects.

    Background

    Hydrogen action plan – gov.scot

    Lead Organisation

    Project Title

    Council Area

    Grant Award

    European Marine Energy Centre

    Sustainable Fuels Orkney

    Orkney Islands

    £375,000

    Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.

    Creca Hydrogen Facility

    Dumfries and Galloway

    £490,088

    Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.

    Strathallan Hydrogen

    Perth and Kinross

    £320,549

    Green Cat Hydrogen Ltd.

    Binn Ecopark Hydrogen

    Perth and Kinross

    £258,478

    Protium Green Solutions

    Protium Lanark – Hydrogen Island

    South Lanarkshire

    £450,619

    SSE Hydrogen Developments

    Peterhead 1&2 Hydrogen

    Aberdeenshire

    £162,600

    Statkraft Hydrogen UK Holding Ltd

    Shetland Hydrogen Project 2 Pre-FEED

    Shetland Islands

    £270,500

    Storegga Hydrogen (Cromarty)

    Cromarty Hydrogen Phase 2 Longman

    Highland

    £238,400

    Storegga Hydrogen (Cromarty)

    Cromarty Hydrogen Phase 2 Muir of Ord

    Highland

    £290,155

    Glacier Energy

    Feasibility and Industrial Research

    Aberdeen City

    £382,000

    Hydrasun

    Standardised Tube Trailer Industrial Hydrogen Offtaker Panels

    Multiple: Aberdeen City; Glasgow City; Highland

    £147,122

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Workers Celebrated at Huge IAM Union Rally Featuring Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representatives Hoyer, Raskin, Kamlager-Dove and Ivey

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 – Hundreds gathered outside Union Station on Tuesday, April 29, to honor and thank federal employees at an energizing celebration hosted by the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). 

    FEDERAL RALLY PHOTOS  

    The event, held during the IAM Union Legislative Conference week, brought together union members, labor allies, and elected officials in a show of unity and appreciation for the vital work of federal employees.

    Massive rally takes place in Washington DC for fired federal workers marking Trump’s 100th day MSNBC

    U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), and Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) delivered powerful remarks, praising the commitment and service of federal workers across the country. Their attendance underscored the strong support in Congress for the civil servants who uphold essential government functions every day.

    “Our federal workforce represents the very best of our nation,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members keep our country safe, serve our veterans, protect our public lands, and so much more. I want to thank our elected officials who stand with us in this fight to protect our federal heroes.”  

    Throughout the event, IAM Union members and allies held signs to celebrate federal workers turning Union Station into a rallying place for hundreds of supporters.  

    “We must continue to stand up for our members rights and recognize their contributions,” said NFFE-IAM Union President Randy Erwin. “We are proud to host this event to celebrate the contributions of federal workers and to let them know that their union has their back. Events like these remind the nation who keeps our nation running and who’s ready to defend their rights.”

    The event also highlighted the recently launched “Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network,” a powerful legal initiative supporting current and former federal workers who have faced retaliation or unjust treatment. The program, created in partnership with AFL-CIO, We The Action, Democracy Forward, and others, continues to offer vital legal resources. More information is available at workerslegaldefense.org.

    As federal workers continue to face challenges, the IAM, NFFE-IAM, and their allies remain committed to advocating for their rights and celebrating their vital role in our democracy.

    Social Media Roundup from the event:

    The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. 

    goIAM.org | @IAM_Union

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Virginia Giuffre’s treatment in the media highlights the great consequences of accusing high profile men of abuse

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lindsey Blumell, Lecturer in Journalism, City St George’s, University of London

    Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent accusers of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has died at age 41. Her family said she died by suicide at her farm in Australia.

    Giuffre had long accused Prince Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager. She brought a civil sexual assault case against him, which Andrew ultimately settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. He has denied all claims against him. But the accusations and his friendship with Epstein ultimately led to Andrew’s partial withdrawal from public life.

    Giuffre’s story is a poignant reminder of the great consequences to anyone who speaks out about their abuse, especially someone who speaks out against the powerful.

    Giuffre was not just a victim of Epstein’s crimes, she was also the focus of brutal tabloid media coverage in the UK and around the world. That’s not to say there weren’t moments of great reporting. But those were often overshadowed by sensationalising and stereotyping that regularly accompany reporting on those who come forward with allegations of sexual abuse.

    A search for Virginia Giuffre on news database Factiva yields over 25,000 results. It’s hard to imagine carrying the weight of so much attention, positive or negative.

    News coverage was a mix of support and scrutiny, starting almost 15 years ago and then intensifying in the last six years, when Epstein was arrested. He died while in jail, awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.

    The first wave of news coverage on Giuffre dates back to early 2011. The tabloids and broadsheets often referred to Giuffre (known as Virginia Roberts then) as a “masseuse” or more explicit terms, while also reporting that she was a minor when she was first allegedly sexually exploited and abused by Epstein and only 17 when she first met Prince Andrew. Coverage largely included one-word quotes from Giuffre, but nothing that humanised her to readers.

    The Times and other publications reported on Andrew’s friendly connection to Epstein – though there was no direct accusation against him at that time.

    There was a breezy tone to coverage that focused on catchy wordplay headlines between the prince and the “pervert” Epstein. Epstein was already a registered sex offender in 2008, but there was little reflection on his horrendous actions that led him to that title.

    More glaringly, there was little to no concern for Giuffre or other survivors. They were salacious fodder. There was little empathy for what they experienced and the risks they took speaking publicly. The main focus was on the apparent embarrassment of Andrew’s friendship with Epstein, which eventually led to the prince stepping down from his trade envoy role.

    The important men and their roles were the news angles. Giuffre was only a supporting character.

    The second wave of news coverage on Giuffre happened in 2019, when Epstein was arrested for accusations of child sex trafficking. She was named in court documents and noted as a victim of Epstein in media, but was again overshadowed by Epstein’s connections to other powerful men such as Donald Trump or Bill Clinton (both deny knowing of Epstein’s crimes).

    None of this is to imply that those linked to Epstein shouldn’t be named and investigated. But, as my research shows, when powerful men are accused, the coverage largely revolves around those powerful men and the monetary or career consequences to them. The survivors and the abuse and trauma they experience are a footnote.

    Research shows that how journalists evaluate the newsworthiness of a story often values power structures, men’s perspectives and celebrity status. Therefore, when someone like Giuffre does come forward, her story and voice come secondary to the more powerful accused.

    Changing headlines

    A shift in the tone of coverage came in 2020, when Giuffre and others were the focus of a Netflix docuseries on Epstein’s crimes. Watching the detailed accounts from so many humanised Giuffre and others, while showing the tremendous weight put on survivors when they come forward. Their stories elicited empathetic responses from viewers.

    News coverage has made some progress in the last decade due to the ##MeToo movement and survivors speaking out. However, this has since been tempered by a backlash to #MeToo – and problematic attitudes persist within news and entertainment industries. Threats of legal action from those accused can leave journalists hesitant to report on sexual abuse.

    In February 2022, Andrew settled a civil sexual assault case with Giuffre for an undisclosed amount. The coverage was more sensitive to Giuffre than a decade prior – the mislabelling and scandalising were mostly left out – but still lacked survivors’ perspectives. Andrew was stripped of his royal and military titles at the time but appears to remain in standing with the royal family unofficially.

    There has also been compassion in the coverage of Giuffre’s death, particularly in interviews with her family and friends. There are calls for accountability from Andrew, as well as the usual, terrible tabloid coverage exploiting the situation.

    One limitation of reporting on sexual abuse cases is that often survivors don’t want to speak publicly to news media because of the tremendous risks and consequences they face. Survivors face backlash when telling friends and family in their private circles because they are blamed, or are not believed. These consequences are intensified when survivors go public.

    Several organisations have provided guidelines to news organisations on how to report more fairly and accurately on sexual abuse.

    Many people who experience sexual abuse never come forward. Giuffre did, and repeatedly spoke to media for over a decade. While some news organisations learned how to be more sensitive, the focus has never been enough on her story, her life and her determination.

    If any of the content in this piece affects you or someone you know, resources are available.

    In the UK: Samaritans are available by phone, for free, at 116 123, or by email at jo@samaritans.org. Further resources can also be found here.

    Contact Rape Crisis England & Wales online or by phone at 0808 500 2222.

    If you are in crisis in the US, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

    Lindsey Blumell receives funding from City St George’s, University of London

    – ref. Virginia Giuffre’s treatment in the media highlights the great consequences of accusing high profile men of abuse – https://theconversation.com/virginia-giuffres-treatment-in-the-media-highlights-the-great-consequences-of-accusing-high-profile-men-of-abuse-255443

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: North American Construction Group Ltd. Announces Closing of Private Placement Offering of $225 Million Senior Unsecured Notes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ACHESON, Alberta, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — North American Construction Group Ltd. (“NACG”) (TSX: NOA / NYSE: NOA) announced today that it has successfully closed its previously announced private placement offering (the “Offering”) of $225 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Unsecured Notes due May 1, 2030 (the “Notes”).

    As previously stated, NACG will utilize the proceeds of the Offering to repay indebtedness under its existing Credit Agreement, and for general corporate purposes.

    The Notes were offered for sale in Canada on a private placement basis pursuant to certain prospectus exemptions. The Notes have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act“), or any state securities laws, and were offered and sold in the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws and outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

    The Offering was underwritten by National Bank Financial Inc., including its U.S. affiliates, ATB Securities Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Raymond James Ltd., and Ventum Financial Corp.

    About the Company

    North American Construction Group Ltd. is a premier provider of heavy civil construction and mining services in Australia, Canada, and the U.S. For over 70 years, NACG has provided services to the mining, resource and infrastructure construction markets.

    Forward-Looking Information

    The information provided in this release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “should” or similar expressions and include guidance with respect to the Offering, including, but not limited to, the use of proceeds of the Offering. The material factors or assumptions used to develop the above forward-looking statements, and the risks and uncertainties to which such forward-looking statements are subject, include, but are not limited to, the expected use of proceeds of the Offering, interest rates and market conditions, heavy equipment demand, and credit risks and existing indebtedness. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements because of any number of factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond NACG’s control. Although NACG believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and NACG cautions you to not place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements. NACG undertakes no obligation, other than those required by applicable law, to update or revise such forward-looking statements. For more complete information about NACG, please read our disclosure documents filed with the SEC and the CSA. These free documents can be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or on the CSA website at www.sedarplus.ca and on our company website at www.nacg.ca.

    For more information, contact:

    Jason Veenstra, CPA, CA
    Chief Financial Officer
    North American Construction Group Ltd.
    (780) 960.7171
    ir@nacg.ca
    www.nacg.ca

    Source: North American Construction Group Ltd.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GTreasury Customer American Airlines Named Treasury & Risk 2025 Alexander Hamilton Award Finalist for Technology Excellence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GTreasury, the pioneer and global leader in Digital Treasury Solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced that American Airlines has been named a Technology Excellence category finalist in Treasury & Risk’s 2025 Alexander Hamilton Awards. American Airlines uses GTreasury’s treasury and risk management platform to help achieve its treasury and financial goals.

    Treasury & Risk’s 29th annual Alexander Hamilton Awards recognize companies taking big leaps forward in treasury, finance, and/or risk management through process innovation and technology implementation. The Technology Excellence Award category honors corporate treasury or finance departments for their implementation of innovative technology solutions that solve major problems, yield impressive results, and set precedents for best practices in treasury or finance.

    “We’re proud to congratulate our customer American Airlines as one of just three finalists for the 2025 Alexander Hamilton Award for Technology Excellence,” said Jason Baldree, Chief Customer Officer, GTreasury. “American’s Collateral Management System, built from our configurable asset and transaction solution, is a first-of-its-kind solution that consolidates all treasury activities into one platform while addressing their specific need for detailed collateral management across their vast fleet. Their implementation has already increased accounting entry automation, freed up treasury staff hours, and established a new blueprint for asset-heavy businesses raising collateralized debt. It’s an especially great treasury technology success story, and we’re excited to see American’s team honored for its achievement.”

    About GTreasury

    GTreasury provides CFOs and Treasurers with The Clarity to Act on strategic financial decisions with the world’s most adaptable treasury platform, empowering them to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our industry leading solutions are purposefully designed to support every stage of treasury complexity, from Cash Visibility and Forecasting to Payments, Risk, Debt, and Investments. With GTreasury, financial leaders gain comprehensive connectivity across all banks and ERPs to build an orchestrated data environment, enabling rapid value realization with implementations up and running in weeks. Plus, our unmatched industry expertise ensures clients’ continued success through dedicated guidance and top-tier support. Trusted by over 1,000 customers across 160 countries, GTreasury provides treasury and finance teams with the ability to connect, compile, and manage mission-critical data to optimize cash flows and capital structures. To learn more, visit GTreasury.com.

    GTreasury is headquartered in Chicago, with locations serving EMEA (Dublin and London) and APAC (Sydney, Singapore, and Manila).

    Contact
    Kyle Peterson
    kyle@clementpeterson.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casinos 2025: JACKBIT, Ranked as Top Bitcoin Casino Without Verification

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LARNACA, Cyprus, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Looking for the best crypto casino that actually delivers in 2025? JACKBIT has quickly earned a strong reputation among Bitcoin gamblers for its fast payouts, vast game selection, and fair bonuses. In this review, we break down everything you need to know about JACKBIT so that you can decide if it’s the right fit for your next big win.

    ✅JOIN JACKBIT NOW AND DIVE INTO THE BEST CRYPTO GAMING EXPERIENCE!

    JACKBIT Casino Review 2025: Best Crypto Casino For Bitcoin Players

    JACKBIT keeps crypto gaming simple. Fast sign-ups, real Bitcoin casino games, immersive live tables, lucrative bonuses, and no-nonsense payout options when it’s time to cash out. Whether you’re spinning slots or betting on sports, everything just works fast and smoothly at this crypto casino site.

    Here are a few key takeaways from JACKBIT:

    • Fast Crypto Payments: JACKBIT supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more, with quick deposits and even faster withdrawals.
    • Huge Game Library: Thousands of slots, table games, and live casino games from top providers like Pragmatic Play and Evolution.
      Sportsbook Included: Bet on live sports, esports, and major leagues without switching sites.
    • User-Friendly Design: Clean, simple layout that works great on desktop and mobile, without any confusing menus or slow load times.
    • Regular Bonuses: Ongoing promotions, reload bonuses, tournaments, and rewards for loyal players.
    • Anonymous Play: No KYC checks for crypto players. Register, deposit crypto, and start playing quickly.
    • Safe and Licensed: Operates under a Curacao license with strong security measures to protect players.

    JACKBIT Casino Bonuses And Promotions

    Welcome Offers
    JACKBIT keeps it simple for new players. Right after signing up, you can jump into the action with JACKBIT’s promotions.

    • 30% Rakeback + 100 First Deposit Free Spins + No KYC
    • Sports Welcome Bonus: First bet cashback of at most 100%.

    ✅START TODAY WITH 30% RAKEBACK AND 100 FREE SPINS !!

    Other Promotions

    • 3+1 FreeBet
    • Bet Insurance
    • Social Media Bonuses
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    Tournaments And Prize Pools
    JACKBIT is big on competition. Every week, players can join casino and sports tournaments with prize pools that often hit six figures. This includes:

    1. Daily Tournament – 1,000 Free Spins (FS)
    2. Weekly Tournament – Prize pool of up to $10,000
    3. Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins Campaign – Reward pool of up to €2,000,000

    Loyalty Rewards
    JACKBIT has one of the strongest VIP programs with a 30% cashback. JACKBIT’s Rakeback VIP program is designed for players who want real, daily rewards without complicated point systems. Every bet you place, win or lose, earns you a percentage back straight into your account.

    Unlike traditional VIP clubs, the crypto casino’s system rewards regular players right away, making it one of the most straightforward loyalty programs around. As the best crypto casino, JACKBIT ensures that loyal players receive tangible benefits every day.

    JACKBIT Game Selection: Slots, Table Games, And Live Casino

    JACKBIT Casino offers one of the most complete gaming libraries in the crypto casino world. With thousands of games across different categories, it’s built to satisfy every type of player, whether you’re after fast spins, strategic gameplay, or live action. JACKBIT stands out as the best Bitcoin casino, providing an exceptional experience for all players. Here’s a closer look at what’s waiting for you inside.

    Classic And Video Slots
    If you enjoy simple, old-school gameplay, JACKBIT’s huge collection of classic slots brings back the nostalgia. The slot games section ranges from simple 3-reel machines with fruits, bars, and lucky sevens to cutting-edge video slots packed with bonus rounds, free spins, and multipliers. Big names like Gates of Olympus and Sugar Rush from Pragmatic Play are favorites here, delivering colorful graphics and high win potential.

    ✅WANT TO WIN BIG? JOIN JACKBIT AND ENJOY HASSLE-FREE CRYPTO GAMING!

    Table Games And Video Poker

    JACKBIT’s table games cover every casino essential. You’ll find multiple versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker on this crypto-gambling site. The gameplay is smooth, the rules are easy to follow, and there’s a wide range of betting options in the table games section. Fans of strategy will appreciate JACKBIT’s video poker section too, with classics like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild offering solid return-to-player (RTP) rates.

    Instant Games, Scratch Cards, And Video Bingo
    For those who like quick wins, JACKBIT’s instant games and scratch cards are worth a look. Titles like Aviator add a unique twist, where you bet on a plane’s flight and cash out before it crashes. Meanwhile, video bingo games offer a mix of slot-style excitement and traditional bingo fun.

    Jackpot Games
    Players hunting for life-changing payouts should explore JACKBIT’s jackpot games. These slots offer progressive prizes that can reach six or even seven figures.

    Live Casino Games
    JACKBIT’s live casino offers an authentic casino experience right on your device. Games like live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows such as Mega Wheel are hosted by skilled dealers in real-time, providing an immersive experience that’s nearly as thrilling as being at a physical casino. As one of the best crypto casinos, JACKBIT ensures a seamless, secure, and exciting gaming experience for crypto enthusiasts.

    Supported Cryptocurrencies And Payment Methods At JACKBIT

    Crypto Options
    JACKBIT makes it easy for crypto users to jump right into the action. You can deposit and play using a wide range of coins, including:

    • Bitcoin (BTC)
    • Ethereum (ETH)
    • Litecoin (LTC)
    • Solana (SOL)
    • XRP
    • Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
    • Monero (XMR)
    • Dash (DASH)
    • Binance Coin (BNB)
    • Tether (USDT)
    • USD Coin (USDC)
    • DAI
    • Dogecoin (DOGE)
    • Shiba Inu (SHIBA)
    • Chainlink (LINK)

    With so many options, you’re not tied to just Bitcoin, and transactions are usually fast with lower fees.

    ✅GET IN ON THE ACTION – REGISTER AT JACKBIT AND PLAY WITH CRYPTO!

    Buy Crypto With Traditional Methods
    Even if you don’t already have crypto, JACKBIT has you covered. You can buy digital coins directly through the site using:

    • VISA
    • Mastercard
    • Skrill
    • Neteller
    • Pix

    This is great for players who are just getting started with crypto or want the convenience of topping up without leaving the casino site.

    JACKBIT’s Mobile Gaming Experience

    JACKBIT works well on mobile without making you download an app. You just open your browser, log in, and start playing. The site loads quickly, and games run smoothly, even on older phones. Whether you’re a slots admirer, a sports enthusiast, or like to play immersive live casino games, JACKBIT’s mobile version has got you covered, making it one of the best crypto casinos for on-the-go gaming.

    Buttons are big enough to tap without mistakes, and the pages don’t lag or freeze during play. Depositing and withdrawing crypto is just as simple as it is on a desktop. Even the live dealer games, which can sometimes be tricky on small screens, run without issues on this crypto casino site. If you like gaming on the go, JACKBIT’s mobile experience is solid and reliable, making it the best Bitcoin casino for mobile users.

    JACKBIT Security, Fairness, And Licensing

    JACKBIT operates under a gaming license issued by the government of Curacao, which is one of the most reputable and reliable online gambling licenses in the world. This allows JACKBIT to offer its services anywhere in the world.

    The site uses SSL encryption to protect personal and financial information, so your data stays private during transactions. Payments are processed through secure blockchain networks, adding another layer of safety for crypto users.

    As for fairness, JACKBIT works with trusted game providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and NetEnt, big-time software providers known for using certified random number generators (RNGs). For those who value privacy, JACKBIT stands out as the best no-KYC casino, allowing you to enjoy your favorite games without the need for intrusive identity checks.

    Customer Support At JACKBIT Casino

    JACKBIT offers several ways to get help when you need it. The fastest option is their 24/7 live chat, where you can connect with a support agent in under a minute most of the time. The staff is friendly, polite, and usually gets straight to the point without sending you in circles.

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    JACKBIT’s Help Center has a basic FAQ section that covers common issues like deposits, withdrawals, and account verification, though it could be a bit more detailed.

    Overall, customer support at JACKBIT is dependable. You’re not left hanging or dealing with confusing answers. Whether you have a simple question or a problem with a transaction, you can expect real help without long waits.

    Pros And Cons Of Playing At JACKBIT

    Pros

    • Accepts A Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies: JACKBIT supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and more, giving players real flexibility in how they deposit and withdraw.
      Fast Payouts: Crypto withdrawals are processed quickly, often hitting your wallet within minutes to a few hours.
    • Huge Game Selection: With thousands of slots, table games, live dealer options, and even sports betting, there’s always something new to try.
    • Mobile-Friendly: No casino app is needed to play on the go. JACKBIT runs smoothly on your phone’s browser, making it easy to play from the get-go.
      Tournaments and Rakeback: Apart from one-time bonuses, JACKBIT’s regular tournaments and a daily rakeback program give real value back to players.
    • Fair Gaming Providers: Games come from trusted names like Evolution and Pragmatic Play, ensuring random, fair results.
      Buy Crypto On-Site: If you don’t own crypto yet, you can easily buy it with a card or e-wallet inside JACKBIT.

    Cons

    • No Traditional Welcome Bonus: Unlike some casinos, JACKBIT doesn’t offer a huge upfront match bonus, focusing more on ongoing rewards.
    • Restricted Countries: Some regions aren’t able to register due to licensing restrictions.
    • Limited FAQ Details: The Help Center could be more detailed for players who like self-service answers.

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    Who Should Play At JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT is a great fit if you want a casino that’s easy to use, fast with crypto, and packed with options. It’s perfect for players who:

    • Prefer crypto over traditional banking: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins are welcome here.
    • One Account To Play Them All: Like switching between slots, sports betting, and live casinos without opening multiple accounts.
    • Want quick payouts: No lengthy verification procedures or longer waiting periods.
    • Play mostly on mobile: JACKBIT’s site works just as smoothly on your phone as it does on your laptop.
    • Appreciate simple, no-hassle bonuses: Simple and clear bonus terms with lenient wagering requirements.
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lloyds Bank PLC: 2025 Q1 Interim Management Statement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Lloyds Bank plc
    Q1 2025 Interim Management Statement
    1 May 2025

    Member of the Lloyds Banking Group

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the business, strategy, plans and/or results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Lloyds Bank Group) and its current goals and expectations. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about the Lloyds Bank Group’s or its directors’ and/or management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as, without limitation, ‘believes’, ‘achieves’, ‘anticipates’, ‘estimates’, ‘expects’, ‘targets’, ‘should’, ‘intends’, ‘aims’, ‘projects’, ‘plans’, ‘potential’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘considered’, ‘likely’, ‘may’, ‘seek’, ‘estimate’, ‘probability’, ‘goal’, ‘objective’, ‘deliver’, ‘endeavour’, ‘prospects’, ‘optimistic’ and similar expressions or variations on these expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements concern or may affect future matters, including but not limited to: projections or expectations of the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial position, including profit attributable to shareholders, provisions, economic profit, dividends, capital structure, portfolios, net interest margin, capital ratios, liquidity, risk-weighted assets (RWAs), expenditures or any other financial items or ratios; litigation, regulatory and governmental investigations; the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial performance; the level and extent of future impairments and write-downs; the Lloyds Bank Group’s ESG targets and/or commitments; statements of plans, objectives or goals of the Lloyds Bank Group or its management and other statements that are not historical fact and statements of assumptions underlying such statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will or may occur in the future. Factors that could cause actual business, strategy, targets, plans and/or results (including but not limited to the payment of dividends) to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic and business conditions in the UK and internationally (including in relation to tariffs); imposed and threatened tariffs and changes to global trade policies; acts of hostility or terrorism and responses to those acts, or other such events; geopolitical unpredictability; the war between Russia and Ukraine; the conflicts in the Middle East; the tensions between China and Taiwan; political instability including as a result of any UK general election; market related risks, trends and developments; changes in client and consumer behaviour and demand; exposure to counterparty risk; the ability to access sufficient sources of capital, liquidity and funding when required; changes to the Lloyds Bank Group’s or Lloyds Banking Group plc’s credit ratings; fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, stock markets and currencies; volatility in credit markets; volatility in the price of the Lloyds Bank Group’s securities; natural pandemic and other disasters; risks concerning borrower and counterparty credit quality; risks affecting defined benefit pension schemes; changes in laws, regulations, practices and accounting standards or taxation; changes to regulatory capital or liquidity requirements and similar contingencies; the policies and actions of governmental or regulatory authorities or courts together with any resulting impact on the future structure of the Lloyds Bank Group; risks associated with the Lloyds Bank Group’s compliance with a wide range of laws and regulations; assessment related to resolution planning requirements; risks related to regulatory actions which may be taken in the event of a bank or Lloyds Bank Group or Lloyds Banking Group failure; exposure to legal, regulatory or competition proceedings, investigations or complaints; failure to comply with anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing, anti-bribery and sanctions regulations; failure to prevent or detect any illegal or improper activities; operational risks including risks as a result of the failure of third party suppliers; conduct risk; technological changes and risks to the security of IT and operational infrastructure, systems, data and information resulting from increased threat of cyber and other attacks; technological failure; inadequate or failed internal or external processes or systems; risks relating to ESG matters, such as climate change (and achieving climate change ambitions) and decarbonisation, including the Lloyds Bank Group’s or the Lloyds Banking Group’s ability along with the government and other stakeholders to measure, manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change effectively, and human rights issues; the impact of competitive conditions; failure to attract, retain and develop high calibre talent; the ability to achieve strategic objectives; the ability to derive cost savings and other benefits including, but without limitation, as a result of any acquisitions, disposals and other strategic transactions; inability to capture accurately the expected value from acquisitions; and assumptions and estimates that form the basis of the Lloyds Bank Group’s financial statements. A number of these influences and factors are beyond the Lloyds Bank Group’s control. Please refer to the latest Annual Report on Form 20-F filed by Lloyds Bank plc with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, for a discussion of certain factors and risks. Lloyds Bank plc may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking statements in other written materials and in oral statements made by the directors, officers or employees of Lloyds Bank plc to third parties, including financial analysts. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of today’s date, and the Lloyds Bank Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The information, statements and opinions contained in this document do not constitute a public offer under any applicable law or an offer to sell any securities or financial instruments or any advice or recommendation with respect to such securities or financial instruments.

    FINANCIAL REVIEW

    Income statement

    The Group’s profit before tax for the first three months of 2025 was £1,177 million, 26% lower than the same period in 2024. This was driven by higher operating expenses and a higher impairment charge. Profit after tax was £881 million (three months to 31 March 2024: £1,159 million).

    Total income for the first three months of 2025 was £4,371 million, broadly in line with the same period in 2024 (three months to 31 March 2024: £4,385 million). Net interest income of £3,244 million was up 4% on the prior year (three months to 31 March 2024: £3,127 million), driven by a higher margin and higher average interest-earning assets. Other income decreased by 10% to £1,127 million (three months to 31 March 2024: £1,258 million). The decrease in other income reflected improved performance in UK Motor Finance, with fleet growth and higher average vehicle rental values, which was more than offset by negative market volatility and a reduction in income from fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings.

    Total operating expenses of £2,884 million were 6% higher than in the prior year. This reflects higher costs, combining inflationary pressures, timing of strategic investment including planned higher severance front-loaded into the first quarter of 2025 and business growth costs, partly offset by cost savings and continued cost discipline. This is alongside higher operating lease depreciation, as a result of fleet growth, the depreciation of higher value vehicles and declines in used electric car prices over 2024.

    No net remediation charge was recognised by the Group in the first three months of 2025 (three months to 31 March 2024: £25 million). There have been no further charges relating to motor finance commission arrangements. The Supreme Court heard the appeal of the Wrench, Johnson and Hopcraft decision in early April and has stated that it is likely to produce its judgment in July. The FCA has indicated that the decision will inform its next steps in the discretionary commission arrangements (DCA) review and that it will confirm within six weeks of the decision if it is proposing a redress scheme and if so, how it will take that forward. The FCA has also noted that its next steps on non-DCA complaints will be informed by the decision.

    The impairment charge was £310 million, up from £70 million in the three months to 31 March 2024. Asset quality remained resilient in the quarter. The charge included strong portfolio performance in Retail, more than offset by a higher charge in Commercial Banking, partly due to the non-recurrence of a release from loss rates used in the model in 2024. The charge also included a £100 million central adjustment to address downside risks to the base case related to the potential impact from US tariff policies announced at the start of April. These were becoming apparent around the balance sheet date and were determined to not be fully captured within the modelled divisional ECL allowances. This is partially offset by benefits to the MES from small increases to house price and wage growth expectations.

    FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

    Balance sheet

    Total assets were £5,143 million, or 1%, higher at £616,356 million at 31 March 2025 (31 December 2024: £611,213 million).

    Financial assets at amortised cost were £3,135 million higher at £508,032 million (31 December 2024: £504,897 million) with increases in loans and advances to customers. This included growth of £4,807 million in UK mortgages and growth across UK Retail unsecured loans, credit cards, UK Motor Finance and the European retail business. Lending balances reduced in Commercial Banking as a result of repayments of government-backed lending. The growth in loans and advances to customers was partly offset by a £908 million reduction in reverse repurchase agreements, a £302 million reduction in loans and advances to banks and a £1,474 million reduction in debt securities.

    Cash and balances at central banks decreased 1% to £42,000 million. Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss increased by £733 million, due to increased reverse repurchase agreements. Derivative financial assets were £520 million lower at £3,715 million (31 December 2024: £4,235 million), driven by interest rate and currency movements in the period. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income were stable in the period at £30,682 million. Other assets were £1,853 million higher, primarily reflecting increased settlement balances.

    Total liabilities were £3,230 million higher at £574,696 million (31 December 2024: £571,466 million). Customer deposits of £456,574 million increased in the period by £4,780 million. Retail deposits increased by £2,637 million in the period, driven by net inflows to limited withdrawal and fixed term deposits alongside higher current account balances. Commercial Banking deposits were up in the quarter, aided by short term balances.

    Other liabilities increased by £1,034 million reflecting increased settlement balances, while debt securities in issue decreased by £2,789 million, with higher levels of maturities in the period.

    Total equity increased to £41,660 million at 31 March 2025 (31 December 2024: £39,747 million). The increase primarily reflected profit attributable to ordinary shareholders alongside unwind of the cash flow hedge reserve and issuance of an AT1 capital instrument in February 2025 to Lloyds Banking Group plc.

    Capital

    The Group’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio reduced to 13.6% at 31 March 2025 from 13.7% at 31 December 2024. Profit for the first three months of the year was offset by the accrual for foreseeable ordinary dividends and an increase in risk-weighted assets.

    The Group’s total capital ratio at 31 March 2025 remained at 19.9% (31 December 2024: 19.9%). The increase in CET1 capital and the issuance of a new AT1 capital instrument were offset by the increase in risk-weighted assets and a reduction in tier 2 capital reflecting an instrument call and other movements.

    Risk-weighted assets increased by £3,955 million to £190,951 million at 31 March 2025 from £186,996 million at 31 December 2024. This reflects the impact of lending growth, but also includes a temporary c.£2.5 billion increase primarily due to hedging activity that is expected to reverse by the third quarter. The growth in risk-weighted assets was partly offset by continued optimisation activity and other movements.

    The Group’s UK leverage ratio increased to 5.5% at 31 March 2025 from 5.4% at 31 December 2024, reflecting an increase in the total tier 1 capital position, partially offset by an increase in the leverage exposure measure. The latter reflects increases across loans and advances and other assets, due in part to lending growth, partially offset by a reduction in the measure for securities financing transactions.

     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)
               
      Three
    months
    ended
    31 Mar
    2025
    £m    		     Three
    months
    ended
    31 Mar
    2024
    £m    		  
           
    Net interest income 3,244     3,127  
    Other income 1,127     1,258  
    Total income 4,371     4,385  
    Operating expenses (2,884 )   (2,728 )
    Impairment (310 )   (70 )
    Profit before tax 1,177     1,587  
    Tax expense (296 )   (428 )
    Profit after tax 881     1,159  
           
    Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 774     1,069  
    Profit attributable to other equity holders 98     86  
    Profit attributable to equity holders 872     1,155  
    Profit attributable to non-controlling interests 9     4  
    Profit after tax 881     1,159  
               
     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
               
      At 31 Mar
    2025
    £m    		     At 31 Dec
    2024
    £m    		  
               
    Assets          
    Cash and balances at central banks 42,000     42,396  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 3,054     2,321  
    Derivative financial instruments 3,715     4,235  
    Financial assets at amortised cost 508,032     504,897  
    Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 30,682     30,344  
    Other assets 28,873     27,020  
    Total assets 616,356     611,213  
    Liabilities          
    Deposits from banks 3,899     3,144  
    Customer deposits 456,574     451,794  
    Repurchase agreements 38,474     37,760  
    Due to fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings 3,981     4,049  
    Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 4,538     4,630  
    Derivative financial instruments 5,327     5,787  
    Debt securities in issue at amortised cost 42,492     45,281  
    Other liabilities 12,844     11,810  
    Subordinated liabilities 6,567     7,211  
    Total liabilities 574,696     571,466  
    Total equity 41,660     39,747  
    Total equity and liabilities 616,356     611,213  
               

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    1.  Basis of presentation

    This release covers the results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Group) for the three months ended 31 March 2025.

    The Group’s Q1 2025 Interim Pillar 3 Disclosures can be found at: www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/investors/financial-downloads.html.

    Accounting policies

    The accounting policies are consistent with those applied by the Group in its 2024 Annual Report and Accounts.

    2.  Loans and advances to customers and expected credit loss allowance

    At 31 March 2025 Stage 1
    £m    		     Stage 2
    £m    		   Stage 3
    £m    		   POCI
    £m    		   Total
    £m    		     Stage 2
    as % of
    total    		   Stage 3
    as % of
    total
    Loans and advances to customers                          
    UK mortgages 275,816     31,912   4,137   6,016   317,881     10.0   1.3
    Credit cards 13,875     2,327   261   –   16,463     14.1   1.6
    UK unsecured loans and overdrafts 9,660     1,325   171   –   11,156     11.9   1.5
    UK Motor Finance 14,197     2,491   131   –   16,819     14.8   0.8
    Other 18,462     471   151   –   19,084     2.5   0.8
    Retail 332,010     38,526   4,851   6,016   381,403     10.1   1.3
    Business and Commercial Banking 25,778     2,946   1,160   –   29,884     9.9   3.9
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 36,705     2,528   1,007   –   40,240     6.3   2.5
    Commercial Banking 62,483     5,474   2,167   –   70,124     7.8   3.1
    Other1 (414 )   –   –   –   (414 )        
    Total gross lending 394,079     44,000   7,018   6,016   451,113     9.8   1.6
                               
    Customer related ECL allowance (drawn and undrawn)
    UK mortgages 52     245   322   179   798          
    Credit cards 199     308   130   –   637          
    UK unsecured loans and overdrafts 167     240   114   –   521          
    UK Motor Finance2 170     118   75   –   363          
    Other 14     14   38   –   66          
    Retail 602     925   679   179   2,385          
    Business and Commercial Banking 133     183   172   –   488          
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 108     149   323   –   580          
    Commercial Banking 241     332   495   –   1,068          
    Other3 50     50   –   –   100          
    Total 893     1,307   1,174   179   3,553          
                               
    Customer related ECL allowance (drawn and undrawn) as a percentage of loans and advances to customers
      Stage 1
    %    		     Stage 2
    %    		   Stage 3
    %    		   POCI
    %    		   Total
    %    		          
    UK mortgages –     0.8   7.8   3.0   0.3          
    Credit cards 1.4     13.2   49.8   –   3.9          
    UK unsecured loans and overdrafts 1.7     18.1   66.7   –   4.7          
    UK Motor Finance 1.2     4.7   57.3   –   2.2          
    Other 0.1     3.0   25.2   –   0.3          
    Retail 0.2     2.4   14.0   3.0   0.6          
    Business and Commercial Banking 0.5     6.2   14.8   –   1.6          
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 0.3     5.9   32.1   –   1.4          
    Commercial Banking 0.4     6.1   22.8   –   1.5          
    Other         –   –            
    Total 0.2     3.0   16.7   3.0   0.8          
                                   

    1 Contains central fair value hedge accounting adjustments.
    2 UK Motor Finance includes £178 million relating to provisions against residual values of vehicles subject to finance leases.
    3 Other includes a £100 million central adjustment that has not been allocated to specific portfolios.

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

    3.  UK economic assumptions

    Base case and MES economic assumptions

    The Group’s base case scenario is for a slow expansion in gross domestic product (GDP) and a modest rise in the unemployment rate alongside small gains in residential and commercial property prices. Inflationary pressures remain persistent, but gradual cuts in UK Bank Rate are expected to continue during 2025. Risks around this base case economic view lie in both directions and are largely captured by the generation of alternative economic scenarios.

    The Group has taken into account the latest available information at the reporting date in defining its base case scenario and generating alternative economic scenarios. The scenarios include forecasts for key variables as of the first quarter of 2025. Actuals for this period, or restatements of past data, may have since emerged prior to publication and have not been included. The Group’s approach to generating alternative economic scenarios is set out in detail in note 19 to the financial statements of the Group’s 2024 annual report and accounts.

    The Group had included assumptions for expected tariffs and potential responses in its quarter-end base case conditioning assumptions prior to announcements at the start of April. Initial non-UK tariffs announced in the first few days of April and the immediate market response were larger than expected. Accordingly, the Group has adopted a £100 million central adjustment to reflect the potential ECL impact, informed by high level sensitivity to key UK economic metrics based on tariff scenarios. Subsequent developments through April were judged to relate to conditions after the balance sheet date and will be reflected in the second quarter reporting period.

    UK economic assumptions – base case scenario by quarter

    Key quarterly assumptions made by the Group in the base case scenario are shown below. GDP growth is presented quarter-on-quarter. House price growth, commercial real estate price growth and CPI inflation are presented year-on-year, i.e. from the equivalent quarter in the previous year. Unemployment rate and UK Bank Rate are presented as at the end of each quarter.

    At 31 March 2025 First
    quarter
    2025
    %    		 Second
    quarter
    2025
    %    		 Third
    quarter
    2025
    %    		 Fourth
    quarter
    2025
    %    		 First
    quarter
    2026
    %    		 Second
    quarter
    2026
    %    		 Third
    quarter
    2026
    %    		 Fourth
    quarter
    2026
    %
                     
    Gross domestic product growth 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
    Unemployment rate 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8
    House price growth 3.8 3.8 2.4 1.7 1.3 1.7 1.9 1.8
    Commercial real estate price growth 2.6 2.8 2.7 1.3 0.9 0.7 0.8 1.1
    UK Bank Rate 4.50 4.25 4.00 4.00 3.75 3.75 3.50 3.50
    CPI inflation 2.8 3.6 3.6 3.5 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.7
                     

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

    3.  UK economic assumptions (continued)

    UK economic assumptions – scenarios by year

    Key annual assumptions made by the Group are shown below. GDP growth and CPI inflation are presented as an annual change, house price growth and commercial real estate price growth are presented as the growth in the respective indices within the period. Unemployment rate and UK Bank Rate are averages for the period.

    At 31 March 2025 2025
    %    		   2026
    %    		   2027
    %    		   2028
    %    		   2029
    %    		   2025-2029
    average
    %    		  
                 
    Upside            
    Gross domestic product growth 1.3   2.2   1.6   1.5   1.4   1.6  
    Unemployment rate 4.1   3.2   3.1   3.1   3.2   3.3  
    House price growth 2.9   5.9   6.8   5.4   4.3   5.1  
    Commercial real estate price growth 6.1   5.7   2.6   1.0   0.4   3.2  
    UK Bank Rate 4.43   4.72   4.86   5.06   5.20   4.85  
    CPI inflation 3.3   2.8   2.8   3.1   3.0   3.0  
                 
    Base case            
    Gross domestic product growth 0.8   1.4   1.6   1.6   1.5   1.3  
    Unemployment rate 4.7   4.8   4.6   4.5   4.5   4.6  
    House price growth 1.7   1.8   1.9   2.5   2.9   2.1  
    Commercial real estate price growth 1.3   1.1   1.2   0.6   0.3   0.9  
    UK Bank Rate 4.19   3.63   3.50   3.50   3.50   3.66  
    CPI inflation 3.4   2.8   2.5   2.5   2.4   2.7  
                 
    Downside            
    Gross domestic product growth (0.2 ) (0.9 ) 0.9   1.5   1.5   0.6  
    Unemployment rate 5.6   7.4   7.6   7.3   7.0   7.0  
    House price growth 0.5   (3.4 ) (6.7 ) (4.2 ) (1.1 ) (3.0 )
    Commercial real estate price growth (4.7 ) (5.7 ) (1.7 ) (2.2 ) (2.3 ) (3.4 )
    UK Bank Rate 3.83   1.67   0.96   0.65   0.42   1.51  
    CPI inflation 3.4   2.8   2.0   1.5   1.0   2.1  
                 
    Severe downside            
    Gross domestic product growth (1.1 ) (2.3 ) 0.7   1.4   1.5   0.0  
    Unemployment rate 6.8   10.0   10.2   9.7   9.3   9.2  
    House price growth (0.6 ) (8.4 ) (13.8 ) (9.6 ) (5.0 ) (7.6 )
    Commercial real estate price growth (12.5 ) (13.3 ) (7.1 ) (5.7 ) (4.9 ) (8.8 )
    UK Bank Rate – modelled 3.38   0.39   0.09   0.03   0.01   0.78  
    UK Bank Rate – adjusted1 4.25   2.94   2.80   2.76   2.75   3.10  
    CPI inflation – modelled 3.4   2.5   1.3   0.4   (0.2 ) 1.5  
    CPI inflation – adjusted1 3.8   3.8   3.2   2.7   2.4   3.2  
                 
    Probability-weighted            
    Gross domestic product growth 0.5   0.6   1.3   1.5   1.5   1.1  
    Unemployment rate 5.0   5.6   5.6   5.4   5.4   5.4  
    House price growth 1.4   0.5   (0.8 ) 0.1   1.3   0.5  
    Commercial real estate price growth (0.4 ) (1.0 ) (0.1 ) (0.7 ) (1.0 ) (0.6 )
    UK Bank Rate – modelled 4.07   3.04   2.81   2.76   2.74   3.08  
    UK Bank Rate – adjusted1 4.16   3.30   3.08   3.04   3.01   3.32  
    CPI inflation – modelled 3.4   2.7   2.3   2.1   1.9   2.5  
    CPI inflation – adjusted1 3.4   2.9   2.5   2.4   2.2   2.7  
                             
    1 The adjustment to UK Bank Rate and CPI inflation in the severe downside is considered to better reflect the risks to the Group’s base case view in an economic environment where the risks of supply and demand shocks are seen as more balanced.
                             

    CONTACTS

    For further information please contact:

    INVESTORS AND ANALYSTS
    Douglas Radcliffe
    Group Investor Relations Director
    020 7356 1571
    douglas.radcliffe@lloydsbanking.com

    Rohith Chandra-Rajan
    Director of Investor Relations
    07786 988936
    rohith.chandra-rajan@lloydsbanking.com

    Nora Thoden
    Director of Investor Relations – ESG
    020 7356 2334
    nora.thoden@lloydsbanking.com

    Tom Grantham
    Investor Relations Senior Manager
    07851 440 091
    thomas.grantham@lloydsbanking.com

    Sarah Robson
    Investor Relations Senior Manager
    07494 513 983
    sarah.robson2@lloydsbanking.com

    CORPORATE AFFAIRS
    Matt Smith
    Head of Media Relations
    07788 352 487
    matt.smith@lloydsbanking.com

    Emma Fairhurst
    Media Relations Senior Manager
    07814 395 855
    emma.fairhurst@lloydsbanking.com

    Copies of this Interim Management Statement may be obtained from:
    Investor Relations, Lloyds Banking Group plc, 33 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HZ
    The statement can also be found on the Group’s website – www.lloydsbankinggroup.com

    Registered office: Lloyds Bank plc, 25 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7HN
    Registered in England No. 2065

    This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: On Mother’s Day, Celebrate Mom with $0-Fee BOSS Money Transfers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Newark, NJ, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BOSS Money, the remittance and payments brand of IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT), today announced promotional $0-fee international money transfers for new and existing customers on Mother’s Day.

    “BOSS Money has removed money transfer fees for Mother’s Day to make celebrating Moms everywhere easy and economical,” said Michelle Rendo, VP Marketing for BOSS Money. “Mother’s Day is a celebration of connection, love, and appreciation that transcends borders. A transfer on Mother’s Day is a wonderful way to say, ‘Thank you, Mom!’” 

    New BOSS Money customers can take advantage of $0-fee money transfers on Mother’s Day and every day of the year when using the BOSS Money app with:

    • $0-fee on the first two (2) transfers to all BOSS Money destination countries;
    • $0-fee on the first five (5) transfers to Mexico;
    • $0-fee for unlimited transfers to Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, and Venezuela.

    Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 11th in the USA, but on different days in some other nations. To reflect this variation, BOSS Money is offering current BOSS Money customers two (2) $0-fee money transfers to destinations around the world when using the BOSS Money app on the following schedule*:

    • May 5 to May 11th — to all BOSS Money country-destinations with promo code “MOM”;
    • May 21 to May 25th — to the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Haiti, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Madagascar with promo code “MOMMY”;
    • May 26 to May 30th — to Nicaragua with promo code “MAMA”.

    To begin a BOSS Money $0-fee transfer and to see details of BOSS Money’s Mother’s Day promotions, use the free BOSS Money app available from the iOS App and Google Play Stores. 

    To learn more about our low fees, competitive exchange rates and exclusive promotions visit bossmoney.com.

    ABOUT BOSS MONEY

    BOSS Money’s rapidly expanding international remittance service provides fast, secure and reliable money transfers for residents of the U.S. and Canada to popular destination countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia. BOSS Money offers a robust menu of payout options including cash pick-up, mobile money, in-country bank account, and debit card direct deposit. Customers can remit funds through the highly rated BOSS Money and BOSS Revolution apps or through licensed Boss Money retailers.

    ABOUT IDT CORPORATION

    IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT) is a global provider of fintech and communications solutions through a portfolio of synergistic businesses: National Retail Solutions (NRS), through its point-of-sale (POS) platform, enables independent retailers to operate more effectively while providing advertisers and marketers with unprecedented reach into underserved consumer markets; BOSS Money facilitates innovative international remittances and fintech payments solutions; net2phone provides enterprises and organizations with intelligently integrated cloud communications and contact center services across channels and devices; IDT Digital Payments and the BOSS Revolution calling service make sharing prepaid products and services and speaking with friends and family around the world convenient and reliable; and, IDT Global and IDT Express enable communications services to provision and manage international voice and SMS messaging.

    *Exclusions may apply

    All statements above that are not purely about historical facts, including, but not limited to, those in which we use the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment of what may happen in the future, actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements due to numerous important factors. Our filings with the SEC provide detailed information on such statements and risks and should be consulted along with this release. To the extent permitted under applicable law, IDT assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    CONTACT

    IDT Corporation Investor Relations
    Bill Ulrey
    william.ulrey@idt.net

    # # #

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Jackery Launches Homepower 3000: the Smartest Choice for Essential Home Backup Power

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREEMONT, Calif., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jackery, a global leader in innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions, has unveiled the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000, the newest addition to its best-selling 3kWh solar generator range. Designed specifically for essential home backup needs, the HomePower 3000 offers a simplified, high-performance power solution built to handle extreme conditions with ease. Marking a shift in branding from the “Explorer” series to the new “HomePower” line, this release underscores Jackery’s focus on practical, dependable energy solutions for the modern home.

    With a powerful 3072Wh battery capacity and 3,600W output (7200W Surge), the Jackery HomePower 3000 is engineered to keep essential household appliances and tools running during blackouts, emergencies, or everyday off-grid use. Capable of supporting high-demand appliances up to 7,200W surge power – including refrigerators, air conditioners, water pumps, wifi, lights and coffee machines, even capable of powering multiple essential home appliances at the same time. With the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s recent Annual Electric Power Industry Report, noting the average length of a power outage in the U.S. is five to six hours long, consumers can rest assured that the HomePower 3000 has the capability to power their refrigerator for up to two days. Delivering reliable power when it’s needed most, the system can keep a household running for up to 15 hours, supporting essential devices like a refrigerator (≤200W), fan (30W), lighting (60W), and Wi-Fi router (7W); all operating simultaneously*.

    The Jackery HomePower 3000 not only delivers powerful performance but also ensures effortless ease of use as Jackery has become known for. Designed by Jackery in the U.S., and utilizing real customer feedback from more than 10 years industry experience, the HomePower 3000 offers a plug-and-play operation and an intelligent display, making device control a breeze for the whole family, and a wide variety of ages.

    The HomePower 3000 is also built for extreme durability. Capable of performing in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 185°F, it is housed in a rugged design ideal for both home use and off-grid projects. Plus, with its UL certified uninterruptible power supply (UPS) functionality, it kicks in automatically within 20 milliseconds of detecting power loss, ensuring critical devices stay operational without a hitch.

    As the world’s lightest and most compact 3kWh LiFePO₄ power station — officially certified by Frost & Sullivan — the Jackery HomePower 3000 sets a new standard in portable home energy. It’s 47 percent smaller and 43 percent lighter than mainstream products of the same capacity, thanks to breakthrough automotive-grade CTB (Cell to Body) technology, which boosts space efficiency by 14percent. A rugged honeycomb bottom shell design further enhances durability and safety, all within a unit no larger than a standard microwave.

    Beyond its compact form, the HomePower 3000 delivers serious performance: it can be recharged in as fast as 1.7 hours and supports multiple charging options; including AC, AC+DC, solar, and even gas generator, ensuring users stay powered in any situation. The Jackery App enables smart features like scheduled and off-peak charging, as well as prioritized solar charging, helping users save up to 25 percent annually on electricity bills. And thanks to proprietary ZeroDrain™ technology, when stored at full capacity, the unit retains 95 percent of its power even after a full year, ready whenever it’s needed.

    The HomePower 3000 can generate up to 3,500 kWh of free energy over 5 years with its two Jackery SolarSaga 200W bifacial solar panels. Slim yet durable, designed to endure 4,000 folds, and easy to carry, these panels deliver superior performance with industry-leading IBC technology and TÜV Class II certification.

    “The HomePower 3000 delivers a robust combination of reliability and versatility – anytime, anywhere,” said Jack Sun, CEO of Jackery. “With increasingly unpredictable weather patterns affecting communities nationwide, the HomePower 3000 represents Jackery’s commitment to providing consumers with dependable power security that works both during emergencies and everyday life. This isn’t just another generator – it’s peace of mind in an uncertain world.”

    Whether you’re preparing for hurricane season, powering essential appliances during power outages due to unpredictable emergencies, or simply looking to reduce your dependence on the grid, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 offers peace of mind through advanced engineering and performance that’s ready for anything. Trusted by over 120,000 five-star reviewers and with 90% favorable ratings in the U.S., Jackery delivers reliability that customers consistently count on.

    The HomePower 3000 retails for $2,299 and is currently available for purchase online at Jackery’s website. Jackery will also offer a specially priced solar generator bundle that includes the HomePower 3000 with two 200W Solar Panels between May 2-14, available for $1,999.

    For more information on Jackery, the HomePower 3000 and other products, please visit www.jackery.com. Be sure to follow Jackery on social media at @JackeryUSA for the latest updates in real time.

    *Tested under Jackery Lab conditions.

    ABOUT JACKERY
    Founded in California in 2012, Jackery is a leader in innovative solar generators and renewable energy solutions. Offering a diverse range of products—from compact 100W units to essential home backup systems, all the way to robust 123kWh energy storage solutions for whole-home use—Jackery combines cutting-edge technology with a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Designed in the USA based on customer usability and the diverse energy needs of the United States, Jackery is dedicated to providing reliable, renewable energy solutions, prioritizing convenience, trust, energy independence, and environmentally responsible practices. With over 150,000 five-star reviews, Jackery has earned the trust of customers worldwide. To learn more, check out Jackery on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

    MEDIA CONTACT
    ICR
    jackery@icrinc.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8e9dabad-6f51-4d34-81e4-e6f5bb5aa15c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Monarch Private Capital Wins Capital Finance International Award for Excellence in Tax Equity Impact Investing USA 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monarch Private Capital (Monarch) is proud to announce it has received the 2025 Award for Excellence in Tax Equity Impact Investing USA from Capital Finance International (CFI.co). This prestigious recognition highlights Monarch’s leadership in leveraging tax equity financing to catalyze high-impact investments across clean energy, historic rehabilitation, and affordable housing.

    Since 2005, Monarch has generated over $7 billion in tax credits through more than 900 projects, strengthening communities and accelerating the clean energy transition. The CFI.co judging panel recognized Monarch’s exceptional technical, financial, and legal diligence, comprehensive investor disclosures, and tailored investment strategies as setting a new standard in the field.

    A standout component of Monarch’s offering is its proprietary asset monitoring software, designed over three years to deliver customized performance tracking and robust quarterly and annual reporting. The firm’s approach integrates change-of-law protections, policy engagement, and individualized investment structuring, aligning with investor risk profiles and long-term sustainability goals.

    “Tax equity is a vital financial tool that fuels the growth of clean energy, affordable housing and historic rehabilitation in the U.S.,” said George Strobel, Partner, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Monarch Private Capital. “We are honored to receive this recognition from CFI.co, which reflects not only our technical and fiduciary rigor but also the mission-driven culture that inspires our team to drive impact every day. Monarch remains committed to delivering tailored, high-integrity investments that support our investors’ goals while advancing critical national priorities.”

    The CFI.co judging panel also recognized Monarch’s exceptional talent retention and long-standing relationships with investors and developers, crediting these strengths for its success in structuring resilient, high-performing investment vehicles.

    “Monarch Private Capital exemplifies the transformative potential of tax equity impact investing,” said Anthony Michael, Publisher at CFI.co. “Their deep commitment to transparency, investor alignment, and measurable outcomes distinguishes them as a true industry leader. We’re pleased to celebrate Monarch’s achievements with this year’s award for Excellence in Tax Equity Impact Investing in the U.S.”

    For more information about the award, visit: https://cfi.co/awards/finance/2025/monarch-private-capital-excellence-in-tax-equity-impact-investing-usa-2025/

    To learn about Monarch Private Capital, visit www.monarchprivate.com.

    About Monarch Private Capital

    Monarch Private Capital manages impact investment funds that positively impact communities by creating clean power, jobs, and homes. The funds provide predictable returns through the generation of federal and state tax credits. The Company offers innovative tax credit equity investments for affordable housing, historic rehabilitations, renewable energy, film, and other qualified projects. Monarch Private Capital has long-term relationships with institutional and individual investors, developers, and lenders participating in these federal and state programs. Headquartered in Atlanta, Monarch has offices and professionals located throughout the United States.

    CONTACT

    Jane Rafeedie

    Monarch Private Capital

    Jrafeedie@monarchprivate.com

    470-283-8431

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Equity Fund reaches $3 million milestone

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The funding distributed to date has supported over 5,000 students from 2,500 Canberra families.

    The ACT Government has now provided more than $3 million in financial support to Canberra families through the 2025 Future of Education Equity Fund.

    Since it opened in December 2024, the Equity Fund has supported over 5,000 students from more than 2,500 Canberra families.

    The fund helps ACT students from eligible families access everyday essentials to assist with their education and wellbeing.

    This includes as book packs, uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition, and music lessons.

    It supports financially disadvantaged families with students who are enrolled in preschool through to Year 12 in any ACT school.

    Payments are:

    • $400 for preschool students
    • $500 for primary school students
    • $750 for high school and college students

    Having such items and services, that they otherwise might not have, helps students fully engage with their education.

    Applications for the 2025 school year will remain open until 28 November 2025.

    Find information about the fund, and a link to apply online.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Floods Give Way to a Burst of Desert Life

    Source: NASA

    Floodwaters transformed the typically parched Australian interior as they flowed across the continent. In late March 2025, more than a year’s worth of rain fell in one week in parts of Queensland, setting off intense and destructive flooding in Channel Country. Swollen rivers submerged towns and pasturelands while draining toward Lake Eyre (also called Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre). But as waters receded, swathes of green emerged.
    The reawakening of desert life along Cooper Creek is on display in these false-color images. On April 6 (left), floodwaters filled the river channel downstream of Windorah, a town that saw some of its highest river levels on record in the preceding days. By April 22 (right), water levels had subsided somewhat, allowing vegetation to spring up from the moist ground. The images were acquired with the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9. The band combination (6-5-4) helps distinguish where water and vegetation are present.
    Downstream of this area, floodwater isolated the small town of Innamincka. On April 10, the highest-ever river level was recorded in that location, according to news reports, and residents braced for weeks of impassable roadways into and out of town. The water level surpassed the previous record set in 1974, a historic year for outback flooding. Beyond Innamincka, floods forced Coongie Lakes National Park to close.

    By April 28, levels along Cooper Creek at Coongie Lakes had begun to fall slowly, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. But the surge of water would continue to transform the desert. The false-color image above, captured by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite on April 28, shows a wider view of Channel Country and the ephemeral flooding and greening.
    The image reveals Cooper Creek spilling into Strzelecki Creek, which feeds Lake Blanche. The lake typically fills only in years with large floods or when Cooper Creek sees high flows for consecutive years. According to one analysis, Lake Blanche filled only six times in 100 years starting in 1895. When water does reach this area, it creates wetland habitat that can attract hundreds of thousands of waterbirds.
    Cooper Creek and other large seasonal rivers in the outback drain toward Lake Eyre (about 200 kilometers west of Lake Blanche), which is situated at the continent’s lowest point and is dry much of the time. Every few years, enough water remains in rivers after partially evaporating and soaking into the floodplains to flow all the way to the lake, but it is rare for it to fill completely. Meteorologists think the volume of water coming across the desert in early 2025 might lead to the most substantial filling of Lake Eyre in at least 15 years.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey and MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Juno Mission Gets Under Jupiter’s and Io’s Surface

    Source: NASA

    New data from the agency’s Jovian orbiter sheds light on the fierce winds and cyclones of the gas giant’s northern reaches and volcanic action on its fiery moon.
    NASA’s Juno mission has gathered new findings after peering below Jupiter’s cloud-covered atmosphere and the surface of its fiery moon, Io. Not only has the data helped develop a new model to better understand the fast-moving jet stream that encircles Jupiter’s cyclone-festooned north pole, it’s also revealed for the first time the subsurface temperature profile of Io, providing insights into the moon’s inner structure and volcanic activity.
    Team members presented the findings during a news briefing in Vienna on Tuesday, April 29, at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly.
    “Everything about Jupiter is extreme. The planet is home to gigantic polar cyclones bigger than Australia, fierce jet streams, the most volcanic body in our solar system, the most powerful aurora, and the harshest radiation belts,” said Scott Bolton, principal investigator of Juno at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. “As Juno’s orbit takes us to new regions of Jupiter’s complex system, we’re getting a closer look at the immensity of energy this gas giant wields.”

    Lunar Radiator
    While Juno’s microwave radiometer (MWR) was designed to peer beneath Jupiter’s cloud tops, the team has also trained the instrument on Io, combining its data with Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) data for deeper insights.
    “The Juno science team loves to combine very different datasets from very different instruments and see what we can learn,” said Shannon Brown, a Juno scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. “When we incorporated the MWR data with JIRAM’s infrared imagery, we were surprised by what we saw: evidence of still-warm magma that hasn’t yet solidified below Io’s cooled crust. At every latitude and longitude, there were cooling lava flows.”
    The data suggests that about 10% of the moon’s surface has these remnants of slowly cooling lava just below the surface. The result may help provide insight into how the moon renews its surface so quickly as well as how as well as how heat moves from its deep interior to the surface.
    “Io’s volcanos, lava fields, and subterranean lava flows act like a car radiator,” said Brown, “efficiently moving heat from the interior to the surface, cooling itself down in the vacuum of space.”
    Looking at JIRAM data alone, the team also determined that the most energetic eruption in Io’s history (first identified by the infrared imager during Juno’s Dec. 27, 2024, Io flyby) was still spewing lava and ash as recently as March 2. Juno mission scientists believe it remains active today and expect more observations on May 6, when the solar-powered spacecraft flies by the fiery moon at a distance of about 55,300 miles (89,000 kilometers).

    Colder Climes
    On its 53rd orbit (Feb 18, 2023), Juno began radio occultation experiments to explore the gas giant’s atmospheric temperature structure. With this technique, a radio signal is transmitted from Earth to Juno and back, passing through Jupiter’s atmosphere on both legs of the journey. As the planet’s atmospheric layers bend the radio waves, scientists can precisely measure the effects of this refraction to derive detailed information about the temperature and density of the atmosphere.
    So far, Juno has completed 26 radio occultation soundings. Among the most compelling discoveries: the first-ever temperature measurement of Jupiter’s north polar stratospheric cap reveals the region is about 11 degrees Celsius cooler than its surroundings and is encircled by winds exceeding 100 mph (161 kph).
    Polar Cyclones
    The team’s recent findings also focus on the cyclones that haunt Jupiter’s north. Years of data from the JunoCam visible light imager and JIRAM have allowed Juno scientists to observe the long-term movement of Jupiter’s massive northern polar cyclone and the eight cyclones that encircle it. Unlike hurricanes on Earth, which typically occur in isolation and at lower latitudes, Jupiter’s are confined to the polar region.
    By tracking the cyclones’ movements across multiple orbits, the scientists observed that each storm gradually drifts toward the pole due to a process called “beta drift” (the interaction between the Coriolis force and the cyclone’s circular wind pattern). This is similar to how hurricanes on our planet migrate, but Earthly cyclones break up before reaching the pole due to the lack of warm, moist air needed to fuel them, as well as the weakening of the Coriolis force near the poles. What’s more, Jupiter’s cyclones cluster together while approaching the pole, and their motion slows as they begin interacting with neighboring cyclones.
    “These competing forces result in the cyclones ‘bouncing’ off one another in a manner reminiscent of springs in a mechanical system,” said Yohai Kaspi, a Juno co-investigator from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. “This interaction not only stabilizes the entire configuration, but also causes the cyclones to oscillate around their central positions, as they slowly drift westward, clockwise, around the pole.”
    The new atmospheric model helps explain the motion of cyclones not only on Jupiter, but potentially on other planets, including Earth.
    “One of the great things about Juno is its orbit is ever-changing, which means we get a new vantage point each time as we perform a science flyby,” said Bolton. “In the extended mission, that means we’re continuing to go where no spacecraft has gone before, including spending more time in the strongest planetary radiation belts in the solar system. It’s a little scary, but we’ve built Juno like a tank and are learning more about this intense environment each time we go through it.”
    More About Juno
    NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages the Juno mission for the principal investigator, Scott Bolton, of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. Juno is part of NASA’s New Frontiers Program, which is managed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The Italian Space Agency funded the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper. Lockheed Martin Space in Denver built and operates the spacecraft. Various other institutions around the U.S. provided several of the other scientific instruments on Juno.
    More information about Juno is at: https://www.nasa.gov/juno
    News Media Contacts
    DC AgleJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-393-9011agle@jpl.nasa.gov
    Karen Fox / Molly WasserNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov
    Deb SchmidSouthwest Research Institute, San Antonio210-522-2254dschmid@swri.org
    2025-062

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Orezone Provides Update on RCF Block Trade to Australian Funds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (the “Company” or “Orezone”) is pleased to report that the recent block trade of 40 million common shares at a price of C$1.15 per share by Resource Capital Fund VII L.P. (“RCF”) was placed into institutional funds based in Australia.

    This sale of shares aligns with the Company’s intention to complete a secondary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) to expand the Company’s market profile and trading liquidity through access to an incremental pool of retail and institutional investors including specialist mining focused funds.

    Currently, 14% of the Company’s share registry is held by Australian based institutional funds, which is expected to increase after the proposed secondary listing on the ASX is completed by the end of June 2025.

    RCF became a strategic shareholder of Orezone in April 2018 during the early-stage development of the Bomboré Gold Mine and also participated in the subsequent debt financing of the Phase I oxide construction. RCF remains a strong supporter and significant shareholder of Orezone for the Phase II hard rock expansion currently underway at the Bomboré Gold Mine.

    Immediately following the disclosed sale, RCF holds 32.4 million Orezone common shares and a US$25 million convertible debenture maturing on October 15, 2026.

    About Orezone Gold Corporation

    Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets and M&A.

    The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

    Contact Information

    Patrick Downey
    President and Chief Executive Officer

    Kevin MacKenzie
    Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

    Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663
    info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

    For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945-8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

    The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

    Qualified Persons

    The scientific and technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Rob Henderson, P. Eng, Vice-President of Technical Services and Mr. Dale Tweed, P. Eng., Vice-President of Engineering, both of whom are Qualified Persons as defined under NI 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain information that may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”).  Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “potential”, “possible” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “could”, or “should” occur.  Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company’s intention to list on the ASX by the end of June 2025.

    All such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management and the qualified persons believe are appropriate in the circumstances.

    All forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, delays caused by pandemics, terrorist or other violent attacks (including cyber security attacks), the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general economic, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sachem Capital Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRANFORD, Conn., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sachem Capital Corp. (NYSE American: SACH) (the “Company”), a real estate lender specializing in originating, underwriting, funding, servicing, and managing a portfolio of loans secured by first mortgages on real property, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    John Villano, CPA, Sachem Capital’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “The first quarter was one of stability for the Company as we put the challenges of the past year behind us. Our balance sheet showed almost no change from the prior quarter, as we remain focused on effectively managing our loan portfolio and protecting our capital. Our goal is to grow our balance sheet, capitalizing on quality opportunities to invest capital at attractive yields, while maintaining a prudent capital allocation approach. Overall, while uncertainty across the real estate and capital markets remain elevated, we are pleased with the stability of our portfolio and the liquidity on our balance sheet, and we are confident that cash flow and dividend growth will return as we leverage our industry relationships and focus on driving shareholder value.”

    Results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2025

    Total revenue was $11.4 million compared to $16.8 million in the first quarter of 2024. The change in revenue was primarily due to the cumulative effect of fewer originations over the last fifteen months, resulting in a reduction in the unpaid principal balance of loans held for investment, in addition to a currently elevated amount of nonperforming loans and real estate owned. On the other hand, income from our preferred membership limited liability company investments increased approximately 71.7%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Total operating costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2025 were $10.4 million compared to $12.5 million in the same quarter last year. The change was primarily due to reductions in interest and amortization expense of $1.4 million, compensation and employee benefits, provision for credit losses related to loans, and other expenses totaling $0.8 million.

    Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2025 was $213,000, or $0.00 per share, compared to net income attributable to common shareholders of $3.6 million, or $0.08 per share for the first quarter of 2024.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets as of March 31, 2025 were $491.4 million compared to $492.0 million as of December 31, 2024. Total liabilities as of March 31, 2025 were $312.1 million compared to $310.3 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Total indebtedness at quarter-end was $305.6 million. This includes: $227.0 million of notes payable (net of $3.2 million of deferred financing costs) and $78.6 million aggregate outstanding principal amount of the amounts due under various credit facilities and the mortgage loan on the Company’s office building.

    Total shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2025 was $179.3 million compared to $181.7 million at year-end 2024. Book value per common share at March 31, 2025 was $2.57 compared to $2.64 at year-end 2024. The $0.07 decrease in book value is primarily due to the aggregate $3.5 million in preferred and common dividends declared and paid during this first quarter 2025.

    Dividends

    The Company currently operates and qualifies as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) for federal income taxes and intends to continue to qualify and operate as a REIT. Under federal income tax rules, a REIT is required to distribute a minimum of 90% of taxable income each year to its shareholders, and the Company intends to comply with this requirement for the current year.

    On March 31, 2025, the Company paid a dividend of $0.484375 per share to the holders of its Series A Preferred Stock of record on March 15, 2025.

    On March 31, 2025, the Company paid a dividend of $0.05 per share to its common shareholders of record on March 17, 2025.

    Investor Conference Webcast and Call

    The Company is hosting a webcast and conference call Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time, to discuss in greater detail its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. A webcast of the call may be accessed on the Company’s website at https://sachemcapitalcorp.com/investor-relations/events-and-presentations/default.aspx.

    Interested parties can access the conference call via telephone by dialing toll free 1-877-704-4453 for U.S. callers or 1-201-389-0920 for international callers.

    Replay

    The webcast will also be archived on the Company’s website and a telephone replay of the call will be available through Thursday, May 15, 2025, and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921 for U.S. callers or 1-412-317-6671 for international callers and by entering replay passcode: 13752977.

    About Sachem Capital Corp

    Sachem Capital Corp. is a mortgage REIT that specializes in originating, underwriting, funding, servicing, and managing a portfolio of loans secured by first mortgages on real property. It offers short-term (i.e., three years or less) secured, nonbanking loans to real estate investors to fund their acquisition, renovation, development, rehabilitation, or improvement of properties. The Company’s primary underwriting criteria is a conservative loan to value ratio. The properties securing the loans are generally classified as residential or commercial real estate and, typically, are held for resale or investment. Each loan is secured by a first mortgage lien on real estate and is personally guaranteed by the principal(s) of the borrower. The Company also makes opportunistic real estate purchases apart from its lending activities.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, strategy and plans, and our expectations for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to several risks, uncertainties and assumptions as described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2024 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 31, 2025. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release may not occur. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any duty to update any of these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as others made in this press release. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made by the Company in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

    Investor & Media Contact:
    Email: investors@sachemcapitalcorp.com

     
    SACHEM CAPITAL CORP.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands, except share data)
     
                 
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
        (unaudited)   (audited)
    Assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 24,414     $ 18,066  
    Investment securities (at fair value)     1,392       1,517  
    Loans held for investment (net of deferred loan fees of $2,225 and $1,950)     365,635       375,041  
    Allowance for credit losses     (18,122 )     (18,470 )
    Loans held for investment, net     347,513       356,571  
    Loans held for sale (net of valuation allowance of $4,876 and $4,880)     10,974       10,970  
    Interest and fees receivable (net of allowance of $2,981 and $3,133)     4,281       3,768  
    Due from borrowers (net of allowance of $1,956 and $1,135)     4,413       5,150  
    Real estate owned, net     18,865       18,574  
    Investments in limited liability companies     53,935       53,942  
    Investments in developmental real estate, net     16,432       14,032  
    Property and equipment, net     3,209       3,222  
    Other assets     5,967       6,164  
    Total assets   $ 491,395     $ 491,976  
                 
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity            
    Liabilities:            
    Notes payable (net of deferred financing costs of $3,232 and $3,713)   $ 227,007     $ 226,526  
    Repurchase agreements     41,519       33,708  
    Mortgage payable     981       1,002  
    Lines of credit     36,100       40,000  
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     2,705       4,377  
    Advances from borrowers     3,079       4,047  
    Below market lease intangible     665       665  
    Total liabilities     312,056       310,325  
                 
    Commitments and Contingencies – Note 13            
                 
    Shareholders’ equity:            
    Preferred shares – $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,903,000 shares designated as Series A Preferred Stock; 2,306,748 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024     2       2  
    Common Shares – $0.001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 47,310,139 and 46,965,306 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively     47       47  
    Additional paid-in capital     257,220       256,956  
    Cumulative net earnings     36,422       35,518  
    Cumulative dividends paid     (114,352 )     (110,872 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     179,339       181,651  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 491,395     $ 491,976  
     
     
    SACHEM CAPITAL CORP.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
                 
        Three Months Ended
        March 31, 
           2025     2024  
    Revenues            
    Interest income from loans   $ 7,887     $ 12,641  
    Fee income from loans     1,425       2,616  
    Income from limited liability company investments     2,052       1,195  
    Other investment income     6       316  
    Other income     72       35  
    Total revenues     11,442       16,803  
                 
    Operating expenses            
    Interest and amortization of deferred financing costs     6,094       7,469  
    Compensation and employee benefits     1,771       1,943  
    General and administrative expenses     1,355       1,239  
    Provision for credit losses related to loans held for investment     1,052       1,365  
    Change in valuation allowance related to loans held for sale     (4 )     —  
    Loss on sale of real estate owned and property and equipment, net     —       11  
    Other expenses     145       503  
    Total operating expenses     10,413       12,530  
    Operating income     1,029       4,273  
                 
    Other (loss) income, net            
    (Loss) gain on equity securities     (125 )     397  
    Total other (loss) income, net     (125 )     397  
    Net income     904       4,670  
    Preferred stock dividend     (1,117 )     (1,022 )
    Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders   $ (213 )   $ 3,648  
                 
    Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per Common Share   $ (0.00 )   $ 0.08  
    Basic and diluted weighted average Common Shares outstanding     46,784,744       47,128,511  
                     
     
    SACHEM CAPITAL CORP.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (in thousands)
     
                 
        Three Months Ended
        March 31, 
        2025     2024  
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES            
    Net income   $ 904     $ 4,670  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
    Amortization of deferred financing costs     545       624  
    Depreciation expense     92       94  
    Stock-based compensation     264       239  
    Provision for credit losses related to loans held for investment     1,052       1,365  
    Change in valuation allowance related to loans held for sale     (4 )     —  
    Loss on sale of real estate owned and property and equipment, net     —       11  
    Loss (gain) on equity securities     125       (397 )
    Change in deferred loan fees     275       (291 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
    Interest and fees receivable, net     (361 )     392  
    Other assets     133       (63 )
    Due from borrowers, net     (254 )     (1,038 )
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (1,612 )     433  
    Advances from borrowers     (968 )     (1,822 )
    Total adjustments and operating changes     (713 )     (453 )
    NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES     191       4,217  
                 
    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES            
    Purchase of investment securities     —       (7,725 )
    Proceeds from the sale of investment securities     —       7,128  
    Purchase of interests in limited liability companies     (4,223 )     (3,186 )
    Proceeds from limited liability companies returns of capital     4,230       —  
    Proceeds from sale of real estate owned     89       121  
    Acquisitions of and improvements to real estate owned     —       (749 )
    Purchase of property and equipment     (41 )     (14 )
    Improvements in investment in developmental real estate     (742 )     —  
    Principal disbursements for loans     (41,308 )     (42,654 )
    Principal collections on loans     47,742       51,398  
    NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES     5,747       4,319  
                 
    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES            
    Proceeds from lines of credit     36,100       460  
    Repayments on lines of credit     (40,000 )     (600 )
    Proceeds from repurchase agreements     11,693       —  
    Repayments of repurchase agreements     (3,882 )     —  
    Repayment of mortgage payable     (21 )     (20 )
    Dividends paid on Common Shares     (2,363 )     (5,144 )
    Dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock     (1,117 )     (1,022 )
    Proceeds from issuance of Common Shares, net of expenses     —       2,049  
    Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net of expenses     —       1,556  
    NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES     410       (2,721 )
                 
    NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     6,348       5,815  
                 
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – BEGINNING OF PERIOD     18,066       12,598  
                 
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – END OF PERIOD   $ 24,414     $ 18,413  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: Key markers on the bumpy road to this election

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    When we look back, we can see the road to election day has had a multitude of signposts, flashing red lights, twists, turns and potholes. Some came before the formal campaign; others in the final countdown days; some have been major, others symbolic.

    The importance of certain markers has been obvious in the moment; the significance of others became clear in retrospect. Here is a recap of a few of those that have shaped this campaign and its battle for votes.

    1. Anthony Albanese’s January 6 $7.2 billion announcement to upgrade the Bruce Highway

    Why start here? Because this was the prime minister jumping out of the blocks at the start of January, with multiple announcements over the summer. Albanese laid down policy groundwork in these weeks, giving voters time to absorb the initiatives.

    In contrast, Peter Dutton, although he had a “soft” launch on January 12, was running slowly, believing voters weren’t yet paying attention.

    2. Donald Trump’s inauguration

    January 21 unleashed a tsunami; its waves would wash over the coming months, and profoundly affect the election. At first, the Coalition thought – wrongly – that the election of Trump would favour it, but Labor became the beneficiary. Many Australians (including Dutton) were appalled at the way Trump and Vice President JD Vance treated Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. Later, Trump’s tariffs hit Australia (although not as hard as many countries).

    Dutton argued he’d be better able than Albanese to handle the capricious president, but it became a spurious debate. Labor painted Dutton as Trump-lite and some of his decisions played into its hands, notably appointing in late January Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to a Musk-like role to pursue efficiencies in government. She later made the comparison even more obvious by saying the Coalition would “make Australia great again”.

    But the central factor was this: suddenly, the world had become more uncertain and many voters would think it wasn’t the time to change.

    3. The Reserve Bank’s cut in interest rates on February 18

    The amount was modest, 25 basis points, but the psychology was the thing. The cut reinforced Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ argument that the worst was over and the outlook was positive. In the campaign’s final week, just at the right time for the government, inflation figures pointed to another expected cut in May.

    4. Cyclone Alfred’s March 7 election delay

    Albanese appeared set to call an April 12 poll, when the approaching winds blew the plan off course. The prime minister was able to put himself at the middle of the response to the cyclone, projecting himself as a national leader as distinct from a partisan one; he appeared with Queensland LNP Premier David Crisafulli, and at the Canberra National Situation Room.

    The election delay meant Labor had to bring down the March 25 budget. Many in the government had wanted to avoid a budget, because of its deficits into the distance. But the budget became a useful frame for the start of the formal campaign, with Albanese going to Government House at the end of budget week.

    5. Dutton’s budget reply

    The opposition leader’s reply contained his proposal to cut petrol excise but did not include tax cuts. The opposition had already voted against the government’s budget tax cut package, and committed to repealing it.

    The excise move was popular – Dutton would visit countless service stations over coming weeks – but the government was able to say a Coalition government would raise taxes.

    At his campaign launch subsequently, Dutton promised a $1,200 tax offset, despite earlier flagging he would not be able to announce any income tax relief during the campaign. The tax offset was an attempt to rectify what had been the mistake of thinking that the Coalition – traditionally committed to lower taxes – could go to the election on the wrong side of the tax argument.

    6. Dutton’s April 7 backtrack on working from home

    The opposition policy to get public servants back into the office all week was a disaster-in-the-making from the start. Workers in the private sector would, rightly, see it as sending a signal to non-government employers.

    Women hated the policy, and it would further alienate the female vote. Dutton had to ditch the idea and apologise. Finance spokeswoman Jane Hume didn’t help the retreat by saying it was a good policy that hadn’t found its appropriate time.

    7. News on April 15 that the Russians wanted to base planes in Papua

    The story appeared on the respected military site Janes, and Dutton rushed to pick it up, but went off half-cocked, declaring wrongly that the Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto had announced the Russian request. It was symptomatic of Dutton being under-prepared. He had to make another apology.

    8. Neo-Nazis heckle during the Welcome to Country at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance Anzac Day Dawn Service

    This led to Dutton launching into “culture wars” in the final days of the campaign. In criticising the disruption, he at first said, “We have a proud Indigenous heritage in this country and we should be proud to celebrate it as part of today”.

    Subsequently he said most veterans didn’t want the Welcome to Country as part of the Anzac Day ceremonies, although it was a matter for the organisers. In general, he believed Welcome to Country ceremonies were used too frequently.

    Dutton segued the controversy back to criticism of the Voice, and seized on confusing remarks by Foreign Minister Penny Wong to claim Labor was still committed to bringing in a Voice, something Albanese flatly denied.

    9. The price of eggs

    In the last of the four debates neither leader could specify the cost of a dozen eggs. Dutton was way out ($4.20); Albanese rather closer (“$7, if you can find them.”. It was a small moment but sent the message that even in a cost-of-living election, the leaders do live in bubbles.

    10. Dutton comments on Thursday

    Almost at the road’s end, the opposition leader appealed to voters to overlook a flawed campaign. “This election really is a referendum not about the election campaign but about the last three years.”

    Asked if there was anything he could have done differently, he said “we should have called out Labor’s lies earlier on”.

    It was as though he was speaking to a postmortem, while praying for a miracle.

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

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: Key markers on the bumpy road to this election – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-key-markers-on-the-bumpy-road-to-this-election-255613

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales modernises the world-class TACTIS armoured vehicle training centre for the Royal Netherlands Army

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales modernises the world-class TACTIS armoured vehicle training centre for the Royal Netherlands Army

    • Thales has secured a major contract to modernise the TACTIS (Tactical Indoor Simulator) training centre for armoured vehicles used by the Royal Netherlands Army, one of the most advanced training centres in the world.
    • This strategic project equips the Dutch land forces with cutting-edge AI technologies based on advanced behavioural engines and terrain reasoning algorithms, as well as ultra-realistic training environments, enhancing their training for complex missions and improving their overall readiness.
    • The contract consolidates Thales’s role as the world leader in virtual simulation systems for armoured fighting vehicles.
    Copyright ©COMMIT / Royal Netherlands Army” id=”image-b7bc5371-c18a-4e5d-9116-443c12080bf7″ data-id=”b7bc5371-c18a-4e5d-9116-443c12080bf7″ data-original=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b7bc5371-c18a-4e5d-9116-443c12080bf7/-/inline/no/A1.jpg” data-mfp-src=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b7bc5371-c18a-4e5d-9116-443c12080bf7/-/resize/1200x/-/format/auto/” alt=”Copyright ©COMMIT / Royal Netherlands Army”/>
    Copyright ©COMMIT / Royal Netherlands Army

    With the return of symmetric and high-intensity combat on the battlefield, the importance of armoured vehicles is now more crucial than ever. Thales’s TACTIS solution effectively addresses the needs of armed forces, offering a comprehensive range of training capabilities, from individual technical skills to tactical proficiency at a company level. This includes a mobile component that enables the ​ ​ deployment of high-fidelity simulators in military barracks or any other location.

    The TACTIS centre is uniquely capable of interconnecting up to 76 simulators simultaneously, allowing for mission rehearsals with up to 200 crew members. This synergy is further enhanced by the integration of up to 2,500 virtual entities known as “Computer-Generated Forces”, enabling force members to conduct exercises in a combined arms environment.

    The contract will fully modernise the TACTIS centre for the Royal Netherlands Army. This modernisation will include the simulation of more than 20 new types of vehicles, including the new generation of combat vehicle, the CV90 MkIV. Thales will cooperate with BAE Hägglunds, the vehicle manufacturer, to deliver high-fidelity simulations. The modernized training centre will also offer the ability to integrate future weapon systems that will be deployed within the Royal Netherlands Army, such as the LEO2A8 main battle tank.

    The virtual environment will also reflect the new threats emerging on the battlefield including urban warfare. The level of immersion will be enhanced through the use of Unreal Engine 5, the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D tool, allowing for the creation of ultra-realistic, high-quality training environments. This cutting-edge technology not only ensures effective learning but also simulates realistic combat conditions, enabling forces to prepare more effectively for contemporary challenges. Thanks to TACTIS, team training is optimised to effectively meet the demands of new operational theatres.

    “The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has always been a step ahead when it comes to training their forces using simulation. We are honoured that they have renewed their trust in Thales through the modernization of their armoured fighting vehicle training centre ‘TACTIS’. It remains a world-class reference recognised by NATO member countries in Europe. This mid-life upgrade will incorporate Thales’s latest generation of simulation capabilities, offering unmatched immersion and realism to ensure force readiness for increasingly complex missions. This new contract is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Thales, reinforcing our continued commitment to safeguarding the security and sovereignty of European nations” said Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice-President, Avionics, Thales.

    Copyright ©Thales” id=”image-f3e805f8-874c-4935-9878-a893f6bfdb85″ data-id=”f3e805f8-874c-4935-9878-a893f6bfdb85″ data-original=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/f3e805f8-874c-4935-9878-a893f6bfdb85/-/inline/no/Baneer.jpg” data-mfp-src=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/f3e805f8-874c-4935-9878-a893f6bfdb85/-/resize/1200x/-/format/auto/” alt=”Copyright ©Thales”/>
    Copyright ©Thales

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

    The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

    Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

    About Thales in the Netherlands

    With a presence in the Netherlands for over 100 years, Thales develops and delivers cutting-edge technologies for the global defence and security markets, including high-tech sensors, systems, command & control, communication systems, and cybersecurity solutions.

    With more than 3000 employees in seven locations, we work together with local universities, government, partners and our local eco-system to develop solutions resulting in more than 80% export. The State of the Netherlands holds 1% of Thales Nederland B.V. shares.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces launch of new AI tool to supercharge the approval of building permits and speed recovery from Los Angeles Fires

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 30, 2025

    What you need to know: The state of California is providing LA City and County a new AI-powered e-check software free of charge to speed the pace at which local governments are approving building permits.

    LOS ANGELES – Leveraging the power of private sector innovation, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence-driven software to aid Los Angeles City and County in accelerating the approval process for rebuilding permits to help communities recover more quickly from the Eaton and Palisades fires. 

    “The current pace of issuing permits locally is not meeting the magnitude of the challenge we face. To help boost local progress, California is partnering with the tech sector and community leaders to give local governments more tools to rebuild faster and more effectively.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The software, created by Archistar, will be provided free of charge to the local governments and to users through a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners including LA Rises and Steadfast LA with contributions from Autodesk and Amazon.

    “Bringing AI into permitting will allow us to rebuild faster and safer, reducing costs and turning a process that can take weeks and months into one that can happen in hours or days,” said Steadfast LA Chairman Rick Caruso. “Working with our coalition partner Mike Hopkins and Amazon, I’m proud Steadfast LA identified Archistar as the right company to develop and apply this game-changing technology. Now we can work with great philanthropic organizations, including LA Rises, to provide this critical tool at no cost to taxpayers. We will continue bringing forward new technology and ideas to cut through red tape and expedite this recovery.”

    While the state has no direct role in the local permit approval process, Governor Newsom has worked aggressively to cut red tape, remove obstacles, and provide every available resource to local governments so they can fast-track permits and rebuild quickly. 

    The software uses computer vision, machine learning, and automated rulesets to instantly check designs against local zoning and building codes in the assessment process for building permits. This technology will allow property owners to pre-check their building plans before submission to ensure they submit valid plans, thus avoiding frustrating delays and expediting the review process once received by city or county staff.

    Once fully implemented by local leaders, this e-check tool will improve efficiency, accuracy, transparency, and speed of the rebuilding process from the Eaton and Palisades fire while also improving the experience for disaster survivors.

    “Getting residents home quickly and safely is my top priority,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Last week, I signed an Executive Directive to spearhead an AI pilot program to streamline the permitting process for Palisades residents. With the announcement of this AI solution, we’re infusing new technologies into City Hall processes to ensure nothing stands in the way of families getting home – and to keep our recovery effort on track to be the fastest in modern California history. I thank Governor Newsom and our County partners for their collaboration on this exciting effort.”

    The County of Los Angeles has also committed to using the software and passed a Board Resolution to establish a unified permitting authority for the Altadena one-stop recovery center.

    “I’m excited to see Los Angeles County embrace innovative technology like Archistar to accelerate the rebuilding process in Altadena and neighboring communities recovering from the Eaton Fire,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “This AI tool has the potential to save homeowners valuable time by helping them submit code-compliant plans from the start. I appreciate Governor Newsom’s stewardship of this opportunity and SoCal Grantmakers for their fiduciary support. Their help—along with collaboration from our County’s permitting departments—helped make this opportunity possible. Our collective work will help ensure we’re delivering real, efficient solutions to those working hard to rebuild their lives. Our wildfire survivors deserve nothing less.”

    “Together, government and philanthropy are standing with our community to ensure a safe, swift, and lasting recovery from the Palisades and Eaton Fires,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “With new AI-powered tools and LA County’s One-Stop Permitting Centers, we’re cutting red tape to help residents rebuild and return home sooner. I’m grateful to Governor Newsom, Steadfast LA, and LA Rises for their investment in our recovery.”

    The technology is already being used by more than 25 forward-looking municipalities across the United States, Canada, and Australia, including cities like Vancouver, Austin, Houston and Seattle as well as states like Colorado, British Columbia (Canada) and New South Wales (Australia). In addition to providing the software free of charge in Los Angeles, the tool is now available on a statewide contract that any local government can now access quickly to streamline their own plan review process. 

    Today’s announcement is part of a broader effort to cut red tape and harness innovation in the LA fire recovery process. 

    Cutting red tape

    Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders. Additionally, he signed an executive order to cut more red tape and continue streamlining rebuilding, recovery, and relief for survivors. The Governor also issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.

    Efficient, engaged, effective

    Since the start of his administration in 2019, Governor Newsom has made efficiency and engagement a top priority, implementing new technologies and practices that make government more efficient and responsive to the people it serves. In 2019, the Governor established the Office of Data Innovation to help advance this important work. 

    As the birthplace of tech, California is at the forefront in the study and implementation of AI in government. In 2023, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing state agencies to utilize Generative AI technologies to improve state services and help solve important issues. Since that time, the state has integrated AI and other efficiency solutions to make state government work faster and even more effective.

    To help provide the Los Angeles community with a stronger voice in the rebuilding and recovery efforts, Governor Newsom launched Engaged California, a new platform that gives Californians a unique opportunity to share their thoughts and connect with other people on topics that are important to them. It creates new opportunities for Californians to connect with their government to inform and shape policy through honest, respectful discussions.

    The program was launched in February with the first use case focusing on the impacts of the Los Angeles wildfires.
     

    Partnerships Key 

    Today’s announcement was made possible through partnerships with philanthropic and community organizations who are aiding wildfire recovery in Los Angeles.

    Autodesk is a global leader in design and make technology, empowering innovators across architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, and media.

    Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the rebuilding of Los Angeles after the devastating wildfires by bringing together top leaders, bold ideas, and effective solutions to get things done right and fast.

    LA Rises is a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts led by the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and the State of California. In January, the Governor enlisted Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, business leader and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President to lead and recruit others to this private sector and philanthropic effort.

    Track LA’s recovery, including the latest air quality results, at CA.gov/LAfires.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Implementation of NextGenerationEU funds – E-000831/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    NextGenerationEU comprises the Resilience and Recovery Facility (RRF) as well as other smaller instruments such as the Recovery assistance for cohesion and the territories of Europe (REACT-EU).

    The RRF is a performance-based instrument under which disbursements are made upon satisfactory fulfilment of milestones and targets.

    Should the Commission assess that milestones or targets of an instalment are not satisfactorily fulfilled, the payment is suspended in part or in full.

    If the Member State does not take necessary measures to fulfil the respective milestones or targets within six months from the suspension, the Commission reduces the amount of the financial contribution and, where applicable, of the loan.

    When the implementation of projects is no longer achievable, either partially or totally, by the Member State concerned because of objective circumstances, the Member State may make a reasoned request to the Commission to make a proposal to amend or replace the measures concerned in the Plan[1].

    The conditions under which an entity/beneficiary must repay the funds depend on the specific terms of the relevant measure, as set by the national authorities.

    Member States are the beneficiaries of the RRF, where disbursements are made upon fulfilment of the relevant milestones and targets. Final recipients, such as municipalities for instance, receive funding from RRF-supported measures upon fulfilment of the specific conditions of the concerned measures.

    For the purpose of audit and control, Member States should collect and ensure access to a list of any measures for the implementation of reforms and investment projects under the plan with the total amount of public funding of those measures and indicating the amount of funds paid under the Facility and under other EU funds.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0241 see Article 21.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Status of clear aligners in light of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 – E-000956/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices[1] (MDR) defines ‘custom-made devices’ in Article 2(3) and provides for legal exceptions for certain mass-produced devices.

    Accordingly, it would depend on the specific case whether clear aligners — also known as invisible braces — may be actually considered as custom-made devices or rather mass-produced devices.

    The Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG) established under Article 103 of the MDR endorsed the guidance document ‘MDCG 2021-3 Questions and Answers on Custom-Made Devices & considerations on Adaptable medical devices and Patient-matched medical devices’[2] where ‘orthotic braces’ are mentioned as examples of ‘mass-produced adaptable medical devices’, not considering them as custom-made devices.

    This reflects the situation on the market, where the use of clear aligners is largely extended as adapted devices from mass-produced devices, as well as the views of other international regulatory frameworks[3],[4].

    Both custom-made devices and mass-produced adaptable medical devices need the prescription of authorised healthcare professionals with respect to their specific characteristics and the needs of patients.

    Therefore, the possibility to purchase clear aligners or invisible braces without consulting a healthcare structure or professional may indeed represent a risk for patients as well as a competitive disadvantage for healthcare manufacturers and professionals.

    The responsibility for market surveillance and vigilance on the appropriate placing on the market and use of those devices belongs to the national competent authorities of the Member States in the field of medical devices[5].

    • [1]  OJ L 117, 5.5.2017, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/745/oj
    • [2] https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/385d7e20-d8b5-49d0-abd7-8daf269bf1b8_en?filename=mdcg_2021-3_en.pdf
    • [3] For instance, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration considers aligners as ‘patient-matched medical devices’, not custom-made devices. See https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/guidance/understanding-personalised-medical-devices-rules-including-3d-printed-devices#patientmatched-medical-devices
    • [4] See the guidance on ‘Personalized Medical Devices (PMD)’ by the International Medical Device Regulatory Forum (IMDRF) https://www.imdrf.org/working-groups/personalized-medical-devices
    • [5] https://health.ec.europa.eu/medical-devices-sector/new-regulations/contacts_en#national-competent-authorities
    Last updated: 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ doctors defend nationwide strike action over recruitment

    By Ruth Hill, RNZ News reporter

    Striking senior New Zealand doctors have hit back at the Health Minister’s attack on their union for “forcing” patients to wait longer for surgery and appointments, due to their 24-hour industrial action.

    Respiratory and sleep physician Dr Andrew Davies, who was on the picketline outside Wellington Regional Hospital, said for him and his colleagues, it was “not about the money” — it was about the inability to recruit.

    “We’ve got vacant jobs that we’re not allowed to advertise,” he said. “It’s lies that they’re not getting rid of frontline staff.

    “The job is technically there on paper, but if you’re not going to advertise for the job, you’re not going to fill it.

    “In our department, we’ve waited months and months and months to fill some jobs, and you don’t just get a doctor next week. It takes six months for them to come.”

    Dr Davies said no-one wanted to strike and have their patients miss out on care, but thousands of patients were already missing out on care every day, due to staff shortages.

    “Every week, we’ve got empty clinics,” he said. “There is space in the clinics that’s not being used, because there’s not a doctor in the chair there.

    “While, today, that’s 20 percent of the work of the week gone, because we’re on strike, in some departments, it’s 20 percent every week.

    “Every day of the week, there’s a 20 percent deficit in the number of patients people are seeing.”

    5500 doctors on strike
    Nationwide, about 5500 members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists are on strike until 11:59pm today, causing the cancellation of about 4300 planned procedures and specialist appointments.

    In a social media post, Health Minister Simeon Brown blamed the union for the disruption, saying an updated offer last week — including a $25,000 bonus for those moving to “hard-to-staff regions” — was rejected by the union, before members even saw it.

    Union executive director Sarah Dalton said she would be very happy to facilitate a meeting between doctors and the minister — or he could accept the invitation to attend its national conference.

    “They would love to feel like someone up there was listening,” she said. “They don’t at the moment.

    “We need to move away from rhetoric, and actually have some time and space for meaningful discussion.

    “That’s one of the reasons we’re on strike today. After eight months of negotiating, there was nothing on the table from the employer.

    “It was only after we called for strike action that anything changed, so let’s do better.”

    Critical workforce shortages were undermining patient care and the current pay offer, which amounted to an increase of less than one percent a year for most doctors, would do nothing to fix that, Dalton said.

    “How do you tackle vacancies? You put more time and effort in good terms and conditions for your permanent workforce, and you stop spending spending $380 million a year on locums and temps.

    “We shouldn’t have that heavy reliance on those people, so we’ve got to change it.”

    NZ training doctors for Australia
     After many years of study subsidised by the New Zealand taxpayer, Maeve Hume-Nixon recently qualified as a public health specialist, but may yet end up going overseas.

    “I actually thought last year that I would have to go to Australia, where I would be paid another $100,000 minimum, because there were no jobs for me here, basically.

    Newly qualified public health specialist Dr Maeve Hume-Nixon says she has struggled to get a job in New Zealand but could earn $100,000 more in Australia. Image: RNZ/Ruth Hill

    “In the end, I managed to get an emergency extension to my contract and this has continued, but I don’t have security and it’s a pretty frustrating position to be in.”

    Neurologist Dr Maas Mollenhauer said he was not able to access the tests he needed to provide care for his patients.

    “I’ve seen patients that I have sent for urgent imaging, but they didn’t receive it, and then I got an email from one of my colleagues who was on call, telling me that patient had rocked up to the Emergency Department and, basically, the front half of their skull was full of brain tumour.”

    Cancer patients waiting too long
     Medical oncologist Dr Sharon Pattison said the health system had reached the point where it was so starved of people and resources, it had become “inefficient”.

    “Everyone is waiting for everything, so everything takes longer, and we are waiting until people get seriously ill, before we do anything about it.”

    The government’s “faster cancer treatment time” target — 90 percent of patients receiving cancer management within 31 days of the decision to treat — would not give the true picture of what was happening for patients, she said.

    “For instance, if I have someone with a potential diagnosis of cancer, there are so many points at which they are waiting — waiting for scan, waiting for a biopsy, waiting for a radiologist to report the scan to show us where to get the biopsy.

    Medical oncologist Dr Sharon Pattison says some cancer patients are waiting too long to even get diagnosed, by which point it can be too late. Image: RNZ/Ruth Hill

    “That radiologist may be overseas, so if I want to talk to that specialist I can’t do that. Then the wait for a pathologist to report on the biopsy can now take up to 6-8 weeks.

    “We know that, for some people with cancer, if you wait for that long before we can even make your treatment plan, we’re going to make your outcomes worse.

    “The whole system is at the point where we are making people more unwell, because we can’t do what we should be doing for them in the framework that we need to.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Kava seizure – Galiwinku

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two males in relation to a large kava seizure in Galiwinku on Tuesday afternoon.

    Around 1:35pm, police conducted a lawful search of a premises in Galiwinku Community after receiving intelligence that kava was being distributed in the area.

    During the search, police located and seized 235kg of kava and over $15,400 in cash. Two males aged 28 and 35 were arrested at the scene and have been charged with Poses Commercial Amount of Kava and Supply Commercial Amount of Kava.

    They have been remanded in custody and will appear at Darwin Local Court on 01May 2025.

    Police continue to urge anyone with information about the supply of alcohol or drugs to our communities to make contact on 131 444. Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Hooning offences – Berrimah

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has impounded a vehicle in relation to hooning offences in Berrimah last week.

    On Friday 25 April 2025, a white Holden Commodore utility was witnessed conducting a burnout along McMillans Road.

    The vehicle has since been impounded under anti-hooning legislation and the driver has been issued an infringement notice for the following offences:

    • Drive vehicle causing loss of traction
    • Damaging surface of road or public place
    • Drive in a disorderly manner

    Superintendent Rick Magree said, “This behaviour is dangerous, reckless and will not be tolerated”

    “It risks not only a fine, but serious injury or death either for yourself or for others on the road.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic violence – Tennent Creek

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a male in relation to a domestic violence incident in Tennant Creek on over the weekend.

    About 8:30pm Saturday 26 April 2025, police received reports of a domestic disturbance at a residence where a female was allegedly kicked to the head multiple times by her male partner, who was wearing steel cap boots at the time.

    Police and St John Ambulance attended; however, the alleged offender fled prior to their arrival.

    St John Ambulance conveyed the victim to Tennant Creek Regional Hospital for medical assessment, where she was later transported to Alice Springs Hospital for further treatment.

    On 30 April 2025, police located and arrested the 46-year-old alleged offender who has been charged with Recklessly endanger serious harm, Threats to kill and Possess offensive weapon at night.

    He has been remanded to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court on 1 May 2025.

    If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic violence and assault police – Darwin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 39-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence and assault police incident that occurred overnight in Darwin City.

    Around 7:25pm, police received a report of a domestic violence incident at a residence on Tomaris Court. It is alleged that a 39-year-old male was assaulting his female partner with a metal bar.

    Police attended the scene where the alleged offender was identified, and subsequently apprehended. During the arrest, the man became violent and attempted to flee, biting one of the officers on the arm and drawing blood. OC spray was then deployed on the offender.

    During the apprehension, the victim and other onlookers also became aggressive toward police, with some bystanders allegedly punching an officer in the back of the head. 

    While being placed into the police vehicle, the man allegedly kicked out at both officers multiple times.

    Both assaulted officers were assessed at the scene. The officer who was bitten was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment and blood testing.

    The 39-year-old male remains in custody and currently assisting police with their enquiries.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support services are available, including 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline 13 11 14.

    Acting Commander of Police David Moore said, “To think, these officers attended to assist, only to be violently attacked, is deeply concerning.

    “Our police do not deserve to be assaulted while protecting and serving the community.

    “Biting another person is not only disgusting, but the flow on effects emotionally and potentially to the health of our members is abhorrent.

    “This behaviour is despicable, and it will not be tolerated.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Tourism to the US is tanking. Flight Centre is facing a $100m hit as a result

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anita Manfreda, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, Torrens University Australia

    Doubletree Studio/Shutterstock

    Flight Centre, one of the world’s largest travel agencies, has warned it could lose more than A$100 million in earnings this year, citing weakening demand for travel to the United States.

    In a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) this week, the company pointed to “volatile trading conditions” linked to changes in US entry policies.

    This is the first major indication from an Australian company that travel to the US is becoming a serious concern. It follows growing consumer fears linked to US immigration checks, reports of tourists being detained, and rising costs.

    Australian visitor numbers to the US fell by 7% in March compared with the same time last year – the sharpest fall since the COVID pandemic.

    Australians are not the only ones staying away. New US data for March show sharp drops in visitors from key markets: Germany (down 28%), Spain (25%), the United Kingdom (18%) and South Korea (15%), to name a few. In total, inbound tourism fell 11.6%.

    Even Canadian travellers, traditionally the US’s most reliable market, dropped by more than 900,000 or 17% in March, as growing numbers of Canadians opt to boycott US holidays.

    What was once a reliable flow of high-spending international travellers is becoming a much quieter stream.

    America’s welcome mat is wearing thin

    The US, long marketed as the land of opportunity and adventure, is increasingly perceived as unwelcoming. Tighter border scrutiny, aggressive immigration enforcement, and a sharp shift in political tone have made travellers wary.

    The international arrivals terminal at Atlanta airport: Tourists are rethinking their US travel plans.
    Shutterstock

    While the Flight Centre statement used careful language, its chief executive Graham Turner was clear, saying:

    People from Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia really don’t want to go to the States, given what’s happening there. We’re hearing more and more people don’t want to go through passport control.

    Reports of tourists being detained, shackled and deported at US airports over minor alleged visa issues or misunderstandings have circulated widely. In some cases, visitors have had their phones and electronic devices searched without clear cause. For many travellers, that is a risk not worth taking.

    Governments have started to respond. Several countries, including New Zealand, Germany, France, Denmark and Finland, have updated their official travel advice for the US, urging citizens to exercise caution when visiting. The message filtering through international media is clear: the US is not as easy, safe or welcoming as it once seemed.

    But while diplomatic warnings grow louder, the economic costs of America’s hardening stance are only beginning to register.

    Tourism: America’s forgotten export

    While President Donald Trump has slapped tariffs on goods imports from most countries, he has ignored the contribution of services trade to the economy. The US actually runs a surplus in services such as education and tourism. Trump has dismissed the decline in visitors as “not a big deal”.

    The trade wars have focused on goods – cars, steel, farm products – but the service sector, which makes up a larger share of the economy, bears the hidden costs.

    Tourism is the US’ biggest service export, contributing more than US$2.3 trillion to the economy and one in ten jobs. That’s a bigger contribution than manufacturing jobs, which account for about 8% of total US employment.

    As a driver of economic prosperity, tourism isn’t simply about leisure; it sustains local businesses, rural economies and millions of livelihoods.

    A double blow to the tourism experience

    While the decline in arrivals has been widely reported, the experience for those who still choose to visit is also likely to change.

    Tourism relies on global supply chains, from food to hotel amenities to rental car fleets. Trade war tariffs have raised input costs across the board. Hotels, restaurants, airlines and attractions are passing those higher costs onto customers.

    Miami Beach, Florida: Tourism accounts for one in ten American jobs.
    MDV Edwards/Shutterstock

    Labour shortages are intensifying the problem. Nearly 20% of the US hospitality workforce was born overseas. Cuts to seasonal work visas and heightened deportation fears have left many businesses struggling to find staff, compounding existing labour shortages.

    The burden is heaviest on small- and medium-sized enterprises, which form the bedrock of the US economy and play a central role in accommodation, dining and local tourism experiences.

    A quiet but costly erosion

    Tourism is not just a big part of the economy; it’s also a soft power, shaping how the world perceives a nation through its culture, values and hospitality.

    Every visitor who feels unwelcome, scrutinised or disappointed is not just a lost sale, but a lost connection.

    Research group Tourism Economics forecasts the US could lose up to US$10 billion in international travel spending in 2025 if current trends continue.

    And while manufacturing job announcements grab headlines, the slow erosion of America’s tourism brand may leave a longer, deeper scar on its culture, its communities and its place in the world.

    The Flight Centre downgrade is not an isolated warning. It is a symptom of a broader shift, one that risks turning visitors away for good.

    And for thousands of US businesses, workers and communities – and now Australian ones too – the losses may not be so easily shrugged off.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Tourism to the US is tanking. Flight Centre is facing a $100m hit as a result – https://theconversation.com/tourism-to-the-us-is-tanking-flight-centre-is-facing-a-100m-hit-as-a-result-255498

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Coalition’s costings show some savings, but a larger deficit than Labor in the first two years

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Bartos, Professor of Economics, University of Canberra

    The Coalition’s policy costings have been released, just two days ahead of the federal election.

    The costings show the Coalition would run up a larger budget deficit than Labor in the first two years of government, but make a greater contribution to budget repair in years three and four.

    This arises because two big-spending Coalition policies – the fuel excise reduction and cost of living tax offset – are short term. Their impact on the deficit disappears after year two.

    Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said the deficit would narrow by A$14 billion by the end of the fourth year.

    There are other spending initiatives – notably a significant increase in defence rising to $5.7 billion by the last year of the estimates, 2028-29. This will bring defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

    The vexed question of nuclear costings

    On the vexed question of nuclear power, the statement promises to fund the program primarily through equity investments in exchange for an ownership stake.

    These do not appear in the budget, on the premise that they fund commercial activities. This funding is estimated to total $118.2 billion by 2050 – well short of the $600 billion Labor has estimated the proposal will cost. There is no independent Parliamentary Budget Office costing of the number – it is based on Coalition modelling.

    Smaller sums are proposed for “community engagement” on nuclear technology ($87 million over four years) and a nuclear coordinating authority and training facility ($65 million). Both look to be in the right ballpark; they are however tiny compared with the costs of building nuclear reactors.

    Items to reduce the budget deficit include income tax increases by abolishing Labor’s top-up tax cut and public service reductions. In 2028-29 the tax increase raises $7.4 billion and public service cuts save $6.7 billion.

    A range of savings measures

    There are numerous other savings, including:

    • taxation of vaping products
    • reduction in a variety of environmental programs
    • reversing tax incentives for electric vehicles
    • cuts to the Housing Australia Future Fund
    • reduced spending on overseas aid
    • restoring the activity test for childcare
    • changing eligibility for several government welfare payment programs.

    It is a long and detailed list.

    Most of the savings appear achievable, with the notable exception of cuts to the public service. It will be close to impossible to achieve a saving of 41,000 public servants in Canberra alone without forced redundancies.

    The total Canberra public service workforce according to the Australian Public Service Commission is only around 68,000.

    Under the Coalition’s plan, some 41,000 public servant jobs in Canberra will be axed.
    Phillip Kraskoff/Shutterstock

    At the press conference announcing the costings, Opposition spokesperson Jane Hume said however the figure was 110,000.

    It is not clear where that number comes from. If the Coalition is using a different set of public service numbers to those published by the Australian Public Service Commission, it should identify where the extra come from. Off a larger base the savings would be difficult, but not completely infeasible.

    As with the Labor proposal to cut consultants, it still leaves the question of what will happen to the work those public servants were doing. Without changes to programs or activities, the Coalition will need to spend budget funds to get the work done.

    Too late for the early voters

    The costing release comes after more than 4.8 million Australians have already cast their vote. This is less than ideal for helping inform voters’ choices.

    There is precedent for releasing costings late. The Albanese opposition similarly released costings on the Thursday before polling day in 2022.

    This week, the Labor government released its costings on Monday.

    It is not clear what drives the practice of late release. One possibility is small target strategy: the less detail there is to criticise the more comfortable an opposition feels.

    There is so much detail in this Coalition announcement, and so many interest groups potentially offended, that the caution about its release may be justified.

    Savings previously announced by the Coalition include scrapping production tax credits for critical minerals and hydrogen and removing fringe benefit tax breaks for electric vehicles.

    The Coalition also plans to scrap some of the government’s off-budget funds and measures, including the Rewiring the Nation fund for electricity transmission and the Housing Australia Future Fund.

    Stephen Bartos was Parliamentary Budget Officer for the past three New South Wales state elections.

    – ref. The Coalition’s costings show some savings, but a larger deficit than Labor in the first two years – https://theconversation.com/the-coalitions-costings-show-some-savings-but-a-larger-deficit-than-labor-in-the-first-two-years-255592

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Election quiz: have you been paying attention?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Digital Storytelling Team, The Conversation

    We’re at the tail end of five weeks of intense campaigning for the federal election. The major and minor parties, as well as independents, have thrown a slew of policies at the Australian people, most of which we’ve catalogued in our Policy Tracker.

    There have also been memorable moments, a few fairly forgettable debates, and a whole lot of memes – both astute and cringeworthy. (Where does that Coalition “diss track” fit in? We’ll leave it to you to decide.)

    So, how closely have you been paying attention? It’s time to test your election campaign knowledge.

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

    – ref. Election quiz: have you been paying attention? – https://theconversation.com/election-quiz-have-you-been-paying-attention-255603

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The rise of right-wing Christian populism and its powerful impact on Australian politics

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elenie Poulos, Adjunct Fellow, Macquarie University

    As Australians cast pre-poll votes in record numbers, it is not only political parties and candidates who are trying to influence votes.

    Australian Christian Right (ACR) groups have produced “scorecards” that rate party policies according to so-called Christian values. And they have organised candidate forums designed for Christian audiences.

    The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has deployed hundreds of its members to pre-polling booths in marginal seats to campaign for the Coalition.

    Who is the Australian Christian Right?

    The ACR is a diverse movement of individuals, groups and churches that share traditional, fundamentalist approaches to the Bible and church teachings. It includes the Australian Christian Lobby, which has a long history of political activism in Australia and of engagement with the global Christian right.

    In our research we examined how the ACL has adopted right-wing populist rhetoric and what the effects might be on Australian politics.

    The ACR’s historical focus has been on abortion, euthanasia, sexuality and marriage. Now it also campaigns on human rights issues relating to gender, religious freedom and freedom of speech.

    These interests have seen the ACR connect to global right-wing networks, including the US Conservative Political Action Network (CPAC) and Jordan Peterson’s Alliance for Responsible Citizenship.

    For our research, we identified high-profile ACR actors and studied their publicly available texts. We found three intertwined themes of populist discourse. Each one has been given a Christian framing and adapted for the Australian context.

    “Saving Western civilisation”

    European populists have used this rhetoric to define the Muslim “other” and the threat Islam supposedly poses to Western democratic culture and values.

    Australia’s construction as a white British “outpost” gives this ideology its power. It has been used to inspire fear of immigrants.

    In Christian right rhetoric, “Western civilisation” is defined by Judeo-Christian values, which are purportedly under threat from an aggressive secularism that would rid society of its moral foundations and undermine the “family”.

    This polemic found fertile ground in 2017’s marriage equality debate. LGBTQ+ people and their allies were cast as anti-Christian activists who undermined Western tradition. A point made by former prime minister Tony Abbott when he addressed the anti-gay Alliance Defending Freedom in New York in 2018:

    the campaign for marriage in my country has mobilised thousands of new activists; and created a network that could be deployed to defend Western civilisation more broadly and the Judeo-Christian ethic against all that’s been undermining it.

    “Saving the moral community”

    The Australian Christian Right divides people into the traditional moral community that upholds family values, and the politically correct woke elites who allegedly threaten the Christian values that have shaped Australia.

    In opposing marriage equality, religious freedom became the ACR’s primary weapon of choice.

    Former Liberal Party senator and committed conservative Christian Amanda Stoker applies a right-wing populist approach to the movement’s opposition to transgender rights:

    The new elite — exclusive and “woke” — in fact has disdain for the traditional family, actively seeking to break it down with new genders, new family forms, and greater dependence on the state for the roles that family used to play in education, in sharing values, and in care for those in times of need.

    This rhetoric aims to position the ACR as arguing on behalf of all moral people who uphold traditional values, and all reasonable Australians who value freedom of religion.

    “Saving the people from racial division”

    The mythology of a “white Christian Australia” dates to the White Australia immigration policy, and remains a powerful force in Australian politics.

    In contemporary Australian populism, it has found form in the identification of Indigenous people as the subject of alleged preferential treatment. In contrast, non-Indigenous Australians are portrayed as victims suffering reverse racism. It has now been given a Christian right twist.

    During the referendum campaign for the Voice to Parliament, the ACR joined the far-right activist group Advance to argue the case for a “no” vote.

    In its opposition to constitutional recognition, the ACR adopted two themes of the “no” campaign: Indigenous people don’t need the Voice, and it would divide Australians on the basis of race. It then added a third by doubling down on the progress made in the marriage equality debate with “religious freedom” rhetoric.

    Lyle Shelton, head of Christians for Equality, claimed the Voice would be a “lever for anti-Christian” ideology.

    And in a collection of essays on the “religious” perspective of the Voice proposal, a number of authors, including ACR leader Dave Pellowe, argued the Voice would breach religious freedom by imposing Aboriginal religious beliefs and practices on the entire country.

    Dangerous consequences

    Since last Sunday’s leaders’ debate, the populist trope of “saving Australia from racial division” has been in plain sight. Consistent with his anti-Voice position, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton declared that acknowledgement of Country has been “overdone”.

    Christian political party Family First echoed his concerns, saying the ritual means:

    citizens don’t have equal standing in this nation.

    When the three thematic strands are woven together, the ACR’s populist vision for a “back-to-a-better” Australia becomes clear.

    The mutually reinforcing rhetoric of the populist right and the Christian right creates a distinctly Australian agenda that has dangerous implications for many people, especially those who are already marginalised.

    This article is based on research funded by the Australian Research Council Grant DP230100538 ‘Australian Spirituality: Wellness, Wellbeing and Risks’.

    Elenie Poulos is an ordained Minister in the Uniting Church in Australia and a non-executive director on the Board of Uniting NSW.ACT.

    This article is based on research funded by the Australian Research Council Grant DP230100538 ‘Australian Spirituality: Wellness, Wellbeing and Risks’.

    – ref. The rise of right-wing Christian populism and its powerful impact on Australian politics – https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-right-wing-christian-populism-and-its-powerful-impact-on-australian-politics-255392

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –