Category: Australia

MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 18, 2025

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 18, 2025.

Labor’s poll surge continues in YouGov, but they’re barely ahead in Freshwater
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Labor increased their lead again in a YouGov poll, but Freshwater put them ahead by just 50.3–49.7. This article also covers the final WA upper house results

Why Kinshasa keeps flooding – and why it’s not just about the rain
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gode Bola, Lecturer in Hydrology, University of Kinshasa The April 2025 flooding disaster in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, wasn’t just about intense rainfall. It was a symptom of recent land use change which has occurred rapidly in the city, turning it into

Grattan on Friday: Peter Dutton’s tax indexation ‘aspiration’ has merit – so why didn’t we hear about it before?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Peter Dutton, now seriously on the back foot, has made an extraordinarily big “aspirational” commitment at the back end of this campaign. He says he wants to see a move to indexing personal income tax – an assault on the

Keith Rankin Essay – Barbecued Hamburgers and Churchill’s Bestie
Essay by Keith Rankin. Operation Gomorrah may have been the most cynical event of World War Two (WW2). Not only did the name fully convey the intent of the war crimes about to be committed, it, also represented the single biggest 24-hour murder toll for the European war that I have come across. On the

Public toilets could be the jewels in our cities’ crowns – if only governments would listen
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Tietz, Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design, UNSW Sydney A New South Wales Senate inquiry into public toilets is underway, looking into the provision, design and maintenance of public toilets across the state. Whenever I mention this inquiry, however, everyone nervously laughs and the conversation moves on.

Bad news – why Australia is losing a generation of journalists
Shrinking budgets and job insecurity means there are fewer opportunities for young journalists, and that’s bad news, especially in regional Australia, reports 360info ANALYSIS: By Jee Young Lee of the University of Canberra Australia risks losing a generation of young journalists, particularly in the regions where they face the closure of news outlets, job insecurity,

Why do scientists want to spend billions on a 70-year project in an enormous tunnel under the Swiss Alps?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tessa Charles, Accelerator Physicist, Monash University An artist’s impression of the tunnel of the proposed Future Circular Collider. CERN The Large Hadron Collider has been responsible for astounding advances in physics: the discovery of the elusive, long-sought Higgs boson as well as other new exotic particles, possible

Could you accidentally sign a contract by texting an emoji? Here’s what the law says
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer McKay, Professor in Business Law, University of South Australia Parkova/Shutterstock Could someone take you to court over an agreement you made – or at least appeared to make – by sending a “👍”? Emojis can have more legal weight than many people realise. A search of

Why healthy eating may be the best way to reduce food waste
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trang Nguyen, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Global Food and Resources, University of Adelaide Stokkete, Shutterstock Australians waste around 7.68 million tonnes of food a year. This costs the economy an estimated A$36.6 billion and households up to $2,500 annually. Much of this food is wasted at

Why can’t I keep still after intense exercise?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ken Nosaka, Professor of Exercise and Sports Science, Edith Cowan University Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock Do you ever feel like you can’t stop moving after you’ve pushed yourself exercising? Maybe you find yourself walking around in circles when you come off the pitch, or squatting and standing and squatting

‘We get bucketloads of homework’: young people speak about what it’s like to start high school
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Stevens, PhD Candidate, Education, Murdoch University Rawpixel.com Starting high school is one of the most significant transitions young people make in their education. Many different changes happen at once – from making new friends to getting used to a new school environment and different behaviour and

How to tackle the ‘gender play gap’: 4 ways to encourage young women back into sport
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Kay, PhD Candidate at the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University matimix/Shutterstock Women’s sport has recently enjoyed unprecedented success in Australia. We have seen the Matildas sell out 16 successive home games, a world-record attendance for a women’s Test cricket match at the

Want straighter teeth or a gap between? Don’t believe TikTok – filing them isn’t the answer
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arosha Weerakoon, Senior Lecturer and General Dentist, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland After decades of Hollywood showcasing white-picket-fence celebrity smiles, the world has fallen for White Lotus actor Aimee Lou Wood’s teeth. Wood was bullied for her looks in her youth and expressed gratitude for

1 in 6 New Zealanders is disabled. Why does so much health research still exclude them?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachelle Martin, Senior Lecturer in Rehabilitation & Disability, University of Otago Getty Images Disabled people encounter all kinds of barriers to accessing healthcare – and not simply because some face significant mobility challenges. Others will see their symptoms not investigated properly because it’s assumed a problem is

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Blount Island Command Lays Backbone to Balikatan

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

DINGALAN BAY, Philippines — As thousands of troops prepare for Balikatan 25, the largest-ever iteration of the U.S.-Philippines bilateral exercise, Blount Island Command arrived in mid-March as a critical partner in combined joint logistics and maritime deployment. The command, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, ensures combat-ready equipment and supplies are readily available, serving as a logistical backbone for the exercise and demonstrating the U.S. commitment to its allies in the region. Some 16 nations will participate, including Australia and, for the first time, Japan.

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Labor’s poll surge continues in YouGov, but they’re barely ahead in Freshwater

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

Labor increased their lead again in a YouGov poll, but Freshwater put them ahead by just 50.3–49.7. This article also covers the final WA upper house results for the March 8 election.

A national YouGov poll, conducted April 11–15 from a sample of 1,506, gave Labor a 53–47 lead, a 0.5-point gain for Labor since the April 4–10 YouGov poll. It’s Labor’s biggest lead in YouGov for 18 months. Primary votes were 33% Labor (up one), 33% Coalition (down 0.5), 7% One Nation (down 1.5), 2% Trumpet of Patriots (up one), 9% independents (steady) and 3% others (steady).

Using 2022 election preference flows would give Labor about a 54.5–45.5 lead from these primary votes. YouGov is applying preference flows from its previous poll that was conducted from late February to late March.

However, recent polls that use respondent preferences suggest the gap in the Coalition’s favour between respondent and 2022 preference flows has dropped to nearly zero. This means YouGov’s current preference assumptions may be too pro-Coalition. Analyst Kevin Bonham has more on this.

In contrast to voting intentions, leaders’ ratings moved to Peter Dutton and against Anthony Albanese. Albanese’s net approval was down four points to -6, with 49% dissatisfied and 43% satisfied. Dutton’s net approval was up five points to -10. Albanese had a 48–38 better PM lead over Dutton (48–37 previously).

I’ve said before that changes in leaders’ ratings may indicate the next change in voting intentions in a poll, though this doesn’t always follow.

While YouGov shows Labor’s surge continuing, the Freshwater poll below only gave Labor a 50.3–49.7 lead. However, this was still a gain for Labor from the post-budget Freshwater poll. Freshwater has the Coalition primary vote at 39%, four points higher than in any other poll in the past week.

Here is the poll graph. I’m using the unrounded two-party numbers for Freshwater’s last two polls, improving Labor from a 51–49 deficit in the post-budget poll to a 50.6–49.4 deficit. There’s a big difference between this week’s Freshwater and all other national polls taken in the past week.

Freshwater poll has very narrow Labor lead

A national Freshwater poll for The Financial Review, conducted April 14–16 from a sample of 1,062, had a 50–50 tie by respondent preferences, a one-point gain for Labor since the Freshwater poll conducted after the March 25 budget. Before rounding, Labor led by 50.3–49.7.

Primary votes were unchanged at 39% Coalition, 32% Labor, 12% Greens and 17% for all Others. By 2022 election flows, this poll would give about a 50–50 tie.

Albanese’s net approval was up one point to -10, while Dutton’s was steady at -11. Albanese led as preferred PM by 46–41 (46–45 previously).

The Coalition’s lead over Labor on cost of living has been cut from a high of 14 points last October to two points in this poll. The Coalition held a 17-point lead on economic management last November, which has been reduced to six points. Cost of living remained the most important issue, with 73% citing it as a top issue.

Resolve poll on tax and housing policies

To gauge the popularity of Labor and the Coalition’s housing policy announcements at their April 13 campaign launches, a Resolve poll for Nine newspapers was conducted April 14–15 from a sample of 801. This poll didn’t report voting intentions, which were assessed in the April 9–13 Resolve poll.

By 40–34, voters preferred Labor’s tax policy to the Coalition’s, which were both announced the week of the March 25 budget. By 40–27, they preferred Labor’s housing policy.

JWS polls of Greens-held Brisbane seats

The Greens hold three seats in Brisbane: Ryan (by 52.6–47.4 vs the Liberal National Party), Brisbane (by 53.7–46.3) and Griffith (by 60.5–39.5). The Poll Bludger reported Thursday that JWS polls for Australian Energy Producers gave the LNP a 57–43 lead over Labor in Ryan with the Greens a distant third on primary votes.

In Brisbane, Labor led the LNP by 51–49 with the Greens once again a distant third. In Griffith, Labor led the LNP by 51–49, but the LNP led the Greens by 53–47.

Seat polls conducted by JWS Research have had very strong results for the Coalition. While the Greens could lose these seats to Labor, I believe the massive swings to the LNP shown here are unrealistic. I expect inner city seats to be good for left-wing parties relative to the national swing.

Redbridge poll: Labor close to majority

A national poll by Redbridge and Accent Research, using MRP methodology and reported by the News Corp tabloids, was conducted from February 3 to April 1 from a sample of 9,953. Labor was still polling poorly in February before they started to lift from early March.

The most likely outcome was 72 of the 150 House of Representatives seats for Labor, four short of a majority, 63 for the Coalition and 15 for all Others. The previous MRP poll by Redbridge and Accent Research in December had the most likely outcome as 71 Coalition seats to 65 for Labor.

Unemployment rate steady at 4.1%

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported Thursday that the unemployment rate was 4.1% in March, unchanged from February, with over 32,000 jobs added. The employment population ratio (the percentage of eligible Australians that are employed) was steady at 64.1% after dropping from a near-record high of 64.4% in January.

WA upper house final result

The button was finally pressed on Wednesday to electronically distribute preferences for the upper house for the March 8 Western Australian state election. The upper house used a reformed system with 37 members elected statewide by proportional representation with preferences. A quota was just 1/38 or 2.63%.

Labor won 16 of the 37 seats (down six on 2021 when they won their first WA upper house majority on a massive landslide), the Liberals won ten seats (up three), the Nationals two (down one), the Greens four (up three), One Nation two (up two), Legalise Cannabis one (down one), Australian Christians one (up one) and Animal Justice one (up one). Overall, left-wing parties won the upper house by 22–15 over right-wing parties.

Final primary votes gave Labor 15.54 quotas, the Liberals 10.3, the Nationals 2.1, the Greens 4.2, One Nation 1.45, Legalise Cannabis 1.1, Australian Christians 1.0, an independent group 0.51 and Animal Justice 0.46.

After distribution of preferences, One Nation’s second candidate had 0.83 quotas Labor’s 16th candidate 0.70 quotas, Animal Justice’s top candidate 0.66 quotas and Sophia Moermond, the independent group’s top candidate, 0.63 quotas. Owing to exhaustion, the top three were elected to the last three seats short of a quota.

Adrian Beaumont 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. Labor’s poll surge continues in YouGov, but they’re barely ahead in Freshwater – https://theconversation.com/labors-poll-surge-continues-in-yougov-but-theyre-barely-ahead-in-freshwater-254708

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Death following Hobart CBD crash

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Death following Hobart CBD crash

Friday, 18 April 2025 – 10:36 am.

Sadly, police can confirm a 75-year-old man has died following a pedestrian crash in Hobart’s CBD on 8 April.
The man was crossing the road just down from the traffic lights when he was hit by a vehicle travelling along Davey St.Following the crash the man was taken to hospital in a critical condition and has since passed away.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.

MIL OSI News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bigstack Opportunities I Inc. Announces Receipt of TSXV Conditional Approval and Filing of Filing Statement

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

TORONTO, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bigstack Opportunities I Inc. (“Bigstack”) (TSXV: STAK.P), a capital pool company as defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV” or the “Exchange”), is pleased to announce that the TSXV has conditionally approved the previously announced business combination with Reeflex Coil Solutions Inc. (“Reeflex”), as described in Bigstack’s press releases dated November 4, 2024, January 17, 2025 and April 16, 2025 (the “Transaction”), which will constitute Bigstack’s Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in Policy 2.4 – Capital Pool Companies of the Corporate Finance Manual of the Exchange).

In connection with the Transaction, Bigstack has filed its filing statement dated April 14, 2025 (the “Filing Statement”) on its SEDAR+ profile. Investors are encouraged to review the Filing Statement on Bigstack’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, as well as Bigstack’s press releases dated November 4, 2024, January 17, 2025 and April 16, 2025. The Filing Statement provides detailed information about, among other things, the Transaction, Reeflex, Coil Solutions Inc. (“Coil”), Reeflex’s expected acquisition of Coil pursuant to a share purchase agreement dated April 14, 2025 (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) between Reeflex and all of the shareholders of Coil (the “Coil Acquisition”), and the resulting company following completion of the Transaction (the “Resulting Issuer”).

Assuming all conditions are satisfied, Bigstack and Reeflex anticipate closing of the Transaction to occur on or around May 1, 2025, or such other date as may be agreed to between the parties, and that trading of the Resulting Issuer’s common shares will commence shortly thereafter. Bigstack will issue a further press release once the Exchange issues its bulletin announcing its final approval of the Transaction and the date that trading of the common shares of the Resulting Issuer is expected to commence on the Exchange. The Resulting Issuer’s trading symbol will be “RFX”.

In connection with the Transaction, Bigstack is expected to change its name to “Reeflex Solutions Inc.”

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, the satisfaction of all conditions provided for in the agreements governing the Transaction, which include representations, warranties, covenants and conditions customary for a transaction of this nature, the receipt of all necessary regulatory, corporate and third party approvals, including final TSXV acceptance, the release of the escrowed proceeds to Reeflex pursuant to the concurrent financing of the Reeflex, as described in Bigstack’s press release dated April 16, 2025, the closing of the Coil Acquisition, and the receipt of approval for the listing of the common shares of the Resulting Issuer by the Exchange, all subject to the completion of the Transaction. There can, however, be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. Shares of Bigstack are currently halted from trading on the Exchange, and trading is not expected to resume until after closing of the Transaction. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Business and History of Reeflex

Reeflex is a privately-held corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) on June 14, 2024. Its head and registered offices are located in Calgary. Reeflex currently has no business operations or assets other than cash and a management team that has been working on the Transaction and the proposed going public structure for the past year. On April 14, 2025, Reeflex entered into the Share Purchase Agreement.

Business and History of Coil

Founded in 2007 in Redcliff, Alberta, Coil specializes in innovative drilling products and services for the global oil and gas industry. In 2010, Coil expanded its operations, opening a second facility in Calgary, Alberta, introducing a line of downhole fracking tools and venturing into custom tool design. In 2012, Coil launched its coil tubing injector line. In 2013, Coil opened a third facility in Red Deer, Alberta. In 2014, Coil developed two distinct models of, and manufactured, its first full coil tubing units. In 2016, Coil expanded sales to Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, South America and Europe. In 2017, Coil designed and built the largest free-standing mast unit in the world. In 2022, Coil established a dedicated manufacturing division in Calgary, Alberta, operating under its tradename, Ranglar, for injectors and mobile equipment. In 2024, Coil completed a reorganization with its shareholders, which resulted in the conversion of preferred shares and debt into common shares. Today, Coil continues to focus on coiled tubing solutions and downhole tools, offering a comprehensive range of services including rentals, sales, training, testing and consulting. With 41 employees, Coil has developed patented products that are distributed worldwide, including a key distributor in Germany and more than 60 active clients. On April 14, 2025, Coil entered into the Share Purchase Agreement.

Overview of Bigstack

Bigstack is a “capital pool company” under the policies of the Exchange and it is intended that the Transaction will constitute the “Qualifying Transaction” of Bigstack, as such term is defined in CPC Policy. The Bigstack Shares are currently listed on the Exchange and Bigstack is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Bigstack was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on November 25, 2020.

Additional Information

All information contained in this press release with respect to Reeflex and Coil was provided by Reeflex and Coil, respectively, to Bigstack for inclusion herein. Bigstack and its directors and officers have not independently verified such information and have relied exclusively on Reeflex and Coil for any information concerning Reeflex and Coil.

Forward Looking Information

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” (“forward-looking information”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this press release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information.

More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Transaction and its constituents steps, including the Coil Acquisition and the Transaction (including the completion, structure, terms and timing thereof), the expected corporate structure of the Resulting Issuer and its subsidiaries, if any, the future financial performance of the Resulting Issuer or any of the parties, the concurrent financing of Reeflex and the potential release of escrowed proceeds therefrom, and the trading of Bigstack’s securities and any securities of the Resulting Issuer on the TSXV. Although Bigstack believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking information will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; inability to complete the Concurrent Financing on the terms described herein or at all; and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no certainty that the Transaction and related transactions will be completed on the terms set out in the agreements among the parties and described in press releases of Bigstack or at all. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Bigstack disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking information or otherwise.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Filing Statement, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Bigstack Opportunities I Inc.

For further information, please contact Eric Szustak, the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and a director of Bigstack.

Eric Szustak
President, CEO, CFO, Corporate Secretary and Director
Email: eszustak@jbrlimited.com
Telephone: (905) 330-7948

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

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: LEHIGH COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Visit Bethlehem Fire Department to Discuss Proposed Investments to Support Firefighters

Source: US State of Pennsylvania

April 18, 2025 – Bethlehem, PA

ADVISORY – LEHIGH COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Visit Bethlehem Fire Department to Discuss Proposed Investments to Support Firefighters

Governor Josh Shapiro will visit the Bethlehem Fire Department to discuss his Administration’s commitment to investing in and supporting Pennsylvania’s first responders and firefighters – outlining key proposals in his 2025-26 proposed budget aimed at strengthening fire companies throughout the Commonwealth, including a new $30 million grant program to help fire companies purchase life-saving equipment, recruit and retain firefighters, and meet their unique needs.

As the Governor and his family witnessed firsthand this weekend, Pennsylvania’s professional and volunteer firefighters continue their heroic efforts to respond to crises – running towards danger to keep people safe.

WHO:
Governor Josh Shapiro
Chief Mike Reich, Bethlehem Fire Department
Mayor J. William Reynolds, City of Bethlehem
President Bob Brooks, Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association
Senator Lisa Boscola
Representative Jeanne McNeill
Representative Jennifer O’Mara

WHEN:
Friday, April 18, 2025 at 11:00 AM
*Press conference to follow a tour of fire department.

WHERE:
Bethlehem Fire Department Company 6
521 West Broad Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018

LIVE STREAM:
pacast.com/live/gov
governor.pa.gov/live/

RSVP: Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and numbers of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Governor’s Press Office: ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Continues To Investigate The Merger – BRDG, AKYA, CKPT, QTRX
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:
- Bridge Investment Group Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BRDG), relating to the proposed merger with Apollo. Under the terms of the agreement, Bridge stockholders and Bridge OpCo unitholders will receive 0.07081 shares of Apollo stock for each share of Bridge Class A common stock and each Bridge OpCo Class A common unit, respectively.
Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/bridge-investment-group-holdings-inc-brdg/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.
- Akoya Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKYA), relating to the proposed merger with Quanterix. Under the terms of the agreement, Akoya shareholders will receive 0.318 shares of Quanterix common stock for each share of Akoya common stock owned. Akoya shareholders will own approximately 30% of the combined company.
ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for May 13, 2025.

Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/akoya-biosciences-inc-akya/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.
- Checkpoint Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CKPT), relating to the proposed merger with Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. Under the terms of the agreement, Checkpoint stockholders will receive, for each share of common stock they hold, a cash payment of $4.10, and a non-transferable contingent value right entitling the stockholder to receive up to $0.70 in cash.
Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/checkpoint-therapeutics-inc-ckpt/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.
- Quanterix Corporation (NASDAQ: QTRX), relating to the proposed merger with Akoya Biosciences. Under the terms of the agreement, Akoya shareholders will be given 0.318 shares of Quanterix common stock for each share of Akoya common stock owned.
ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for May 13, 2025.

Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/quanterix-corporation-qtrx/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

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1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?
About Monteverde & Associates PC

Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:
Juan Monteverde, Esq.
MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
The Empire State Building
350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
New York, NY 10118
United States of America
jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

The MIL Network –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kiwis caught flat-footed by Easter booze rules challenged to speak up

Source: ACT Party

Kiwis caught flat-footed this weekend by patronising rules around alcohol should make a submission on legislation currently being considered by Parliament’s Justice Committee, says ACT MP Cameron Luxton.

“This Friday and Sunday, pubgoers will have to order a ‘substantial meal’ just to have a wine or beer. There’s also an arbitrary ban on buying a drink more than an hour before or after eating.

“Then there’s the total ban on off-licence alcohol sales. Even grocery stores that are allowed to open on Easter can’t sell alcohol, forcing people to stock up for supplies on the Thursday and Saturday.

“So many Kiwis are fed up with being treated like children, and I know hospitality staff hate having to enforce the silly rules. I’ve been campaigning for Easter freedom for a while now, and finally, a bill to ditch the alcohol rules has passed first reading – but its future is uncertain.

“If you’re sick of being denied choice on Easter, I’d strongly urge you to make an online submission in support of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill.

“I’ll be making a submission myself, and I’ll be lobbying my colleagues across Parliament to support the legislation into law.

“The government shouldn’t get to choose your values. Whether Easter means going to church or having a pint, that should be up to you.”

Editor’s note: Cameron Luxton previously had a member’s bill drawn from Parliament’s ballot to reform both alcohol restrictions and wider shop trading restrictions. Luxton’s bill was voted down, so he and ACT are now leading the campaign in support of Kieran McAnulty’s narrower bill.

A video of Cameron Luxton’s speech on the Bill is available here.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Update II – Highway reopened after fatal crash at Inkerman

Source: New South Wales – News

The Port Wakefield Highway has reopened following a fatal truck crash at Inkerman yesterday.

About 6.50am on Thursday 17 April, police were called to Port Wakefield Highway near Prime Road after two trucks crashed. The trucks burst into flames upon impact.

Firefighters spent several hours at the scene trying to extinguish the blaze and to ensure the area was safe.

The driver of one truck, a 77-year-old man from Port Augusta, sadly died at the scene. The second driver and his passenger, a 57-year-old man from Marleston and a 39-year-old man from Elizabeth Downs, sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Major Crash Investigators attended the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Southbound lanes of the highway were blocked for the entire day with traffic being diverted from Port Wakefield to Balaklava and Mallala.

Northbound lanes remained open with speed restrictions in place.

Port Wakefield Highway was fully reopened early this morning.

The man’s death is the 26^th life lost on SA roads this year.

MIL OSI News –

April 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. Announces First Quarter Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LOWELL, Mass., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. (“Enterprise”) (NASDAQ: EBTC), parent of Enterprise Bank, announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Net income amounted to $10.4 million, or $0.84 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $10.7 million, or $0.86 per diluted common share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and $8.5 million, or $0.69 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

On December 9, 2024, Enterprise announced its intention to merge with Rockland Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Independent Bank Corp. (NASDAQ: INDB). The proposed merger is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. As previously announced, Enterprise shareholders approved of the proposed merger on April 3, 2025. No vote of Independent Bank Corp. shareholders is required.

Selected financial results at or for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024, were as follows:

The returns on average assets and average equity were 0.87% and 11.45%, respectively.
Tax-equivalent net interest margin (non-GAAP) (“net interest margin”) was 3.32%.
Total loans amounted to $4.05 billion, an increase of 1.7%.
Total customer deposits (non-GAAP) amounted to $4.15 billion, a decrease of 0.9%.
Wealth assets under management and administration amounted to $1.51 billion, a decrease of 1.6%.

Chief Executive Officer Steven Larochelle commented, “As we continue to work toward the upcoming merger with Rockland Trust, I am pleased to announce our team delivered strong results in the first quarter. Loan growth was solid at 1.7% for the quarter and 11% for the last twelve months. Operating results compared to the prior year quarter were positively impacted by net interest income growth of 10% resulting from strong loan growth and an increase in net interest margin.”

Executive Chairman & Founder George Duncan stated, “Our anticipated merger with Rockland Trust has been well received by our shareholders, customers and communities with shareholders approving the merger on April 3^rd. The planning for our integration into Rockland Trust is going well and the anticipated synergies and cultural alignment of our two banks remains attractive.”

Net Interest Income
Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $38.7 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 10%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to an increase in loan interest income of $6.6 million, partially offset by increases in deposit interest expense of $1.0 million and borrowings interest expense of $1.0 million as well as a decrease in income on other interest-earning assets of $637 thousand.

Net Interest Margin
Net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024, amounted to 3.32%, 3.29% and 3.20%, respectively.

During the first quarter of 2025, the Company sold non-performing loans with a net book value of $956 thousand, resulting in net recoveries of $461 thousand and loan interest income of $486 thousand. The sale of non-performing loans impacted both loan yields and net interest margin favorably by 5 basis points for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Three months ended – March 31, 2025, compared to March 31, 2024

The increase in net interest margin was due to loan growth and, to a lesser extent, an increase in loan yields, partially offset by increases in the average balance of funding liabilities and funding costs.

The increase in interest-earning asset yields of 21 basis points was due primarily to loan repricing and originations at higher interest rates, partially offset by an increase in funding costs of 9 basis points driven by higher market rates and increases in certificate of deposits and borrowed funds.

Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, are presented below:

	Three months ended						Increase / (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025			March 31, 2024			Increase / (Decrease)
Provision for credit losses on loans – collectively evaluated	$	685		$	417		$	268
Provision for credit losses on loans – individually evaluated		(565	)		1,451			(2,016	)
Provision for credit losses on loans		120			1,868			(1,748	)

Provision for unfunded commitments		211			(1,246	)		1,457

Provision for credit losses	$	331		$	622		$	(291	)

The provision for credit losses on collectively evaluated loans of $685 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, resulted mainly from loan growth, partially offset by net recoveries, which were primarily from the sale of non-performing loans noted above.

The decrease in the provision for credit losses of $291 thousand, compared to the prior year quarter, was due primarily to a net decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans of $2.0 million, partially offset by an increase in reserves for unfunded commitments of $1.5 million.

The decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans was due primarily to two commercial relationships that experienced improvement in their collateral valuation compared to the prior year period, while the increase in reserves for unfunded commitments resulted primarily from an increase in off-balance sheet commitments that required a reserve.

Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $5.2 million, a decrease of $307 thousand, or 6%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease was due primarily to a decrease in gains on equity securities of $766 thousand, partially offset by an increase in wealth management fees of $247 thousand.

Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $29.9 million, an increase of $1.0 million, or 4%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to increases in salaries and employee benefits expense of $760 thousand and merger-related expenses of $290 thousand.

Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to 23.3%, compared to 23.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Balance Sheet
Total assets amounted to $4.90 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $4.83 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of 2%.

Total investment securities at fair value amounted to $603.9 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $593.6 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of 2%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was largely attributable to a decrease in unrealized losses on debt securities resulting from decreases in market interest rates during the period, partially offset by principal pay-downs, calls and maturities. Unrealized losses on debt securities amounted to $79.9 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $101.8 million at December 31, 2024, a decrease of 22%.

Total loans amounted to $4.05 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $3.98 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of 2%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to an increase in commercial real estate loans of $70.2 million.

Total deposits amounted to $4.30 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $4.19 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of 3%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to an increase in brokered deposits of $150.0 million. Excluding brokered deposits, total deposits decreased $37.0 million during the first quarter of 2025.

Total borrowed funds amounted to $94.5 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $153.1 million at December 31, 2024, a decrease of 38%. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2025, resulted primarily from the increase in brokered deposits during the period.

Total shareholders’ equity amounted to $385.4 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $360.7 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of 7%. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was due primarily to a decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss of $17.0 million and an increase in retained earnings of $7.3 million.

Credit Quality

Selected credit quality metrics at March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024, were as follows:

The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) for loans amounted to $64.0 million, or 1.58% of total loans, compared to $63.5 million, or 1.59% of total loans. The decrease in the ACL for loans to total loan ratio was due primarily to a decrease in reserves on individually evaluated loans.
The reserve for unfunded commitments (included in other liabilities) amounted to $4.6 million, compared to $4.4 million. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in off-balance sheet commitments that required a reserve.
Non-performing loans amounted to $28.5 million, or 0.70% of total loans, compared to $26.7 million, or 0.67% of total loans.

Net recoveries for the three months ended March 31, 2025, amounted to $424 thousand, or 0.04% of average total loans, which included $461 thousand in recoveries from the sale of non-performing loans noted above. Net charge-offs for the three months ended March 31, 2024, amounted to $122 thousand, or 0.01% of average total loans.

Wealth Management
Wealth assets under management and administration, which are not carried as assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, amounted to $1.51 billion at March 31, 2025, a decrease of $24.7 million, or 2%, compared to December 31, 2024, resulting primarily from a decrease in market values.

ABOUT ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC.
Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts corporation that conducts substantially all its operations through Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, commonly referred to as Enterprise Bank, and has reported 142 consecutive profitable quarters. Enterprise Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and investing in commercial loans and investment securities. Through Enterprise Bank and its subsidiaries, the Company offers a range of commercial, residential and consumer loan products, deposit products and cash management services, electronic and digital banking options, as well as wealth management, and trust services. The Company’s headquarters and Enterprise Bank’s main office are located at 222 Merrimack Street in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Company’s primary market area is the Northern Middlesex, Northern Essex, and Northern Worcester counties of Massachusetts and the Southern Hillsborough and Southern Rockingham counties in New Hampshire. Enterprise Bank has 27 full-service branches located in the Massachusetts communities of Acton, Andover, Billerica (2), Chelmsford (2), Dracut, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Lowell (2), Methuen, North Andover, Tewksbury (2), Tyngsborough and Westford and in the New Hampshire communities of Derry, Hudson, Londonderry, Nashua (2), Pelham, Salem and Windham.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This earnings release contains statements about future events that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by references to a future period or periods or by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “upcoming,” “estimate,” “assume,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” and other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements should not be relied on because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results, performance, and achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, (i) disruption from the proposed merger with Independent; (ii) the risk that the proposed merger with Independent may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; (iii) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed merger with Independent; (iv) the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed merger with Independent; (v) the ability to successfully integrate the combined business; (vi) the possibility that the amount of the costs, fees, expenses, and charges related to the proposed merger with Independent may be greater than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected or unknown factors, events, or liabilities; (vii) the failure of the conditions to the proposed merger with Independent to be satisfied; (viii) reputational risk and the reaction of the parties’ customers to the proposed merger with Independent; (xi) the risk of potential litigation or regulatory action related to the proposed merger with Independent; (x) the impact on us and our customers of a decline in general economic conditions and any regulatory responses thereto; (xi) potential recession in the United States and our market areas; (xii) the impacts related to or resulting from uncertainty in the banking industry as a whole; (xiii) increased competition for deposits and related changes in deposit customer behavior; (xiv) the impact of changes in market interest rates, whether due to a continuation of the elevated interest rate environment or further reductions in interest rates and a resulting decline in net interest income; (xv) the lingering inflationary pressures, and the risk of the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation, in the United States and our market areas; (xvi) the uncertain impacts of ongoing quantitative tightening and current and future monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; (xvii) increases in unemployment rates in the United States and our market areas; (xviii) adverse changes in customer spending and savings habits; (xix) declines in commercial real estate values and prices; (xx) a deterioration of the credit rating for U.S. long-term sovereign debt or uncertainty regarding United States fiscal debt, deficit and budget matters; (xxi) cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber-attacks; (xxii) severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability or other external events, including as a result of changes in U.S. presidential administrations or Congress, including potential changes in U.S. and international trade and tariff policies and the resulting impact on the Company and its customers; (xxiii) the effect of volatility in the capital markets on our fee income from our wealth management business; (xxiv) competition and market expansion opportunities; (xxv) changes in non-interest expenditures or in the anticipated benefits of such expenditures; (xxvi) changes in tax laws; (xxvii) the risks related to the development, implementation, use and management of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learnings; (xxviii) potential increased costs related to the impacts of climate change; and (xxix) current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions. Therefore, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For more information about these factors, please see our reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q on file with the SEC, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Any forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty, and specifically disclaim any duty, to update or revise any such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

In connection with the proposed transaction between Independent and Enterprise, Independent has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) that includes a proxy statement for a special meeting of Enterprise’s shareholders to approve the proposed transaction and that also constitutes a prospectus for the Independent common stock that will be issued in the proposed transaction, as well as other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF INDEPENDENT AND ENTERPRISE ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT INDEPENDENT, ENTERPRISE AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Copies of the Registration Statement and of the proxy statement/prospectus and other filings incorporated by reference therein, as well as other filings containing information about Independent and Enterprise, can be obtained, free of charge, as they become available at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Independent Investor Relations, 288 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370, telephone (774) 363-9872 or to Enterprise Bancorp, Inc., 222 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852, Attention: Corporate Secretary, telephone (978) 656-5578.

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks	$	52,194		$	42,689		$	41,443
Interest-earning deposits with banks		34,543			41,152			106,391
Total cash and cash equivalents		86,737			83,841			147,834
Investments:
Debt securities at fair value (amortized cost of $674,601, $685,766 and $749,561 respectively)		594,691			583,930			643,924
Equity securities at fair value		9,242			9,665			8,102
Total investment securities at fair value		603,933			593,595			652,026
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		4,932			7,093			2,482
Loans held for sale		1,069			520			400
Loans:
Total loans		4,049,642			3,982,898			3,654,322
Allowance for credit losses		(64,042	)		(63,498	)		(60,741	)
Net loans		3,985,600			3,919,400			3,593,581
Premises and equipment, net		41,464			42,444			44,671
Lease right-of-use asset		23,946			24,126			24,645
Accrued interest receivable		21,782			20,553			20,501
Deferred income taxes, net		42,338			49,096			47,903
Bank-owned life insurance		67,927			67,421			65,878
Prepaid income taxes		4,099			2,583			5,771
Prepaid expenses and other assets		11,006			11,398			12,667
Goodwill		5,656			5,656			5,656
Total assets	$	4,900,489		$	4,827,726		$	4,624,015
Liabilities and Shareholders‘ Equity
Liabilities
Deposits:
Customer deposits	$	4,150,668		$	4,187,698		$	4,106,119
Brokered deposits		149,975			—			—
Total deposits		4,300,643			4,187,698			4,106,119
Borrowed funds		94,493			153,136			63,246
Subordinated debt		59,894			59,815			59,577
Lease liability		23,699			23,849			24,303
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		29,422			33,425			30,945
Accrued interest payable		6,983			9,055			6,386
Total liabilities		4,515,134			4,466,978			4,290,576
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders‘ Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued		—			—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 12,510,019, 12,447,308 and 12,376,562 shares issued and outstanding, respectively.		125			124			124
Additional paid-in capital		111,621			111,295			108,246
Retained earnings		335,568			328,243			306,943
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(61,959	)		(78,914	)		(81,874	)
Total shareholders’ equity		385,355			360,748			333,439
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,900,489		$	4,827,726		$	4,624,015

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC. Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

	Three months ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2024
Interest and dividend income:
Other interest-earning assets	$	535		$	833		$	1,172
Investment securities		3,608			3,881			4,034
Loans and loans held for sale		55,408			54,528			48,817
Total interest and dividend income		59,551			59,242			54,023
Interest expense:
Deposits		18,288			19,488			17,272
Borrowed funds		1,706			394			694
Subordinated debt		867			867			867
Total interest expense		20,861			20,749			18,833
Net interest income		38,690			38,493			35,190
Provision for credit losses		331			(106	)		622
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		38,359			38,599			34,568
Non-interest income:
Wealth management fees		2,097			2,043			1,850
Deposit and interchange fees		2,157			2,240			2,069
Income on bank-owned life insurance, net		506			522			458
Net gains on sales of loans		47			33			22
Net (losses) gains on equity securities		(301	)		(30	)		465
Other income		682			808			631
Total non-interest income		5,188			5,616			5,495
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		19,936			19,276			19,176
Occupancy and equipment expenses		2,582			2,364			2,459
Technology and telecommunications expenses		2,709			2,687			2,745
Advertising and public relations expenses		752			609			743
Audit, legal and other professional fees		541			460			734
Deposit insurance premiums		878			950			859
Supplies and postage expenses		229			242			237
Merger-related expenses		290			1,137			—
Other operating expenses		2,032			2,117			1,955
Total non-interest expense		29,949			29,842			28,908
Income before income taxes		13,598			14,373			11,155
Provision for income taxes		3,163			3,646			2,648
Net income	$	10,435		$	10,727		$	8,507

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.84		$	0.86		$	0.69
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.84		$	0.86		$	0.69

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		12,464,721			12,433,895			12,292,417
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		12,495,458			12,460,063			12,304,203

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC. Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Ratios (unaudited)

	At or for the three months ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024
Balance Sheet Data
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	86,737		$	83,841		$	88,632		$	199,719		$	147,834
Total investment securities at fair value		603,933			593,595			631,975			636,838			652,026
Total loans		4,049,642			3,982,898			3,858,940			3,768,649			3,654,322
Allowance for credit losses		(64,042	)		(63,498	)		(63,654	)		(61,999	)		(60,741	)
Total assets		4,900,489			4,827,726			4,742,809			4,773,681			4,624,015
Customer deposits		4,150,668			4,187,698			4,189,461			4,248,801			4,106,119
Brokered deposits		149,975			—			—			—			—
Borrowed funds		94,493			153,136			59,949			61,785			63,246
Subordinated debt		59,894			59,815			59,736			59,657			59,577
Total shareholders’ equity		385,355			360,748			368,109			340,441			333,439
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		4,900,489			4,827,726			4,742,809			4,773,681			4,624,015

Wealth Management
Wealth assets under management	$	1,214,050		$	1,230,014		$	1,212,076		$	1,129,147		$	1,105,036
Wealth assets under administration	$	297,233		$	305,930		$	302,891		$	267,529		$	268,074

Shareholders’ Equity Ratios
Book value per common share	$	30.80		$	28.98		$	29.62		$	27.40		$	26.94
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.25		$	0.24		$	0.24		$	0.24		$	0.24

Regulatory Capital Ratios
Total capital to risk weighted assets		13.06	%		13.06	%		13.07	%		13.07	%		13.20	%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets⁽¹⁾		10.39	%		10.38	%		10.36	%		10.34	%		10.43	%
Tier 1 capital to average assets		8.98	%		8.94	%		8.68	%		8.76	%		8.85	%

Credit Quality Data
Non-performing loans	$	28,479		$	26,687		$	25,946		$	17,731		$	18,527
Non-performing loans to total loans		0.70	%		0.67	%		0.67	%		0.47	%		0.51	%
Non-performing assets to total assets		0.58	%		0.55	%		0.55	%		0.37	%		0.40	%
ACL for loans to total loans		1.58	%		1.59	%		1.65	%		1.65	%		1.66	%
Net (recoveries) charge-offs	$	(424	)	$	221		$	(7	)	$	(130	)	$	122

Income Statement Data
Net interest income	$	38,690		$	38,493		$	38,020		$	36,161		$	35,190
Provision for credit losses		331			(106	)		1,332			137			622
Total non-interest income		5,188			5,616			6,140			5,628			5,495
Total non-interest expense		29,949			29,842			29,353			29,029			28,908
Income before income taxes		13,598			14,373			13,475			12,623			11,155
Provision for income taxes		3,163			3,646			3,488			3,111			2,648
Net income	$	10,435		$	10,727		$	9,987		$	9,512		$	8,507

Income Statement Ratios
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.84		$	0.86		$	0.80		$	0.77		$	0.69
Return on average total assets		0.87	%		0.89	%		0.82	%		0.82	%		0.75	%
Return on average shareholders’ equity		11.45	%		11.82	%		11.20	%		11.55	%		10.47	%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)⁽²⁾		3.32	%		3.29	%		3.22	%		3.19	%		3.20	%

(1)	Ratio also represents common equity tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets as of the periods presented.
(2)	Tax-equivalent net interest margin is net interest income adjusted for the tax-equivalent effect associated with tax-exempt loan and investment income, expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC. Consolidated Loan and Deposit Data (unaudited)

Major classifications of loans at the dates indicated were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025			December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024
Commercial real estate owner-occupied	$	708,645		$	704,634		$	660,063		$	660,478		$	635,420
Commercial real estate non owner-occupied		1,629,394			1,563,201			1,579,827			1,544,386			1,524,174
Commercial and industrial		483,165			479,821			415,642			426,976			417,604
Commercial construction		664,936			679,969			674,434			622,094			583,711
Total commercial loans		3,486,140			3,427,625			3,329,966			3,253,934			3,160,909

Residential mortgages		450,456			443,096			424,030			413,323			400,093
Home equity loans and lines		105,779			103,858			95,982			93,220			85,144
Consumer		7,267			8,319			8,962			8,172			8,176
Total retail loans		563,502			555,273			528,974			514,715			493,413
Total loans		4,049,642			3,982,898			3,858,940			3,768,649			3,654,322

ACL for loans		(64,042	)		(63,498	)		(63,654	)		(61,999	)		(60,741	)
Net loans	$	3,985,600		$	3,919,400		$	3,795,286		$	3,706,650		$	3,593,581

Deposits are summarized at the periods indicated were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024
Non-interest checking	$	1,028,326	$	1,077,998	$	1,064,424	$	1,041,771	$	1,038,887
Interest-bearing checking		715,517		699,671		682,050		788,822		730,819
Savings		284,960		270,367		279,824		294,566		285,090
Money market		1,437,907		1,454,443		1,488,437		1,504,551		1,469,181
CDs $250,000 or less		393,890		377,958		375,055		358,149		337,367
CDs greater than $250,000		290,068		307,261		299,671		260,942		244,775
Total customer deposits		4,150,668		4,187,698		4,189,461		4,248,801		4,106,119
Brokered deposits		149,975		—		—		—		—
Deposits	$	4,300,643	$	4,187,698	$	4,189,461	$	4,248,801	$	4,106,119

ENTERPRISE BANCORP, INC. Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Yields (tax-equivalent basis) (unaudited)

The following table presents the Company’s average balance sheets, net interest income and average rates for the periods indicated:

	Three months ended March 31, 2025						Three months ended December 31, 2024						Three months ended March 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)	Average Balance		Interest⁽¹⁾		Average Yield⁽¹⁾		Average Balance		Interest⁽¹⁾		Average Yield⁽¹⁾		Average Balance		Interest⁽¹⁾		Average Yield⁽¹⁾
Assets:
Other interest-earning assets⁽²⁾	$	44,673	$	535	4.86	%	$	68,224	$	833	4.85	%	$	86,078	$	1,172	5.48	%
Investment securities⁽³⁾ (tax-equivalent)		689,138		3,705	2.15	%		704,629		3,985	2.26	%		763,692		4,157	2.18	%
Loans and loans held for sale⁽⁴⁾ (tax-equivalent)		4,015,667		55,555	5.60	%		3,911,386		54,673	5.56	%		3,608,157		48,960	5.46	%
Total interest-earnings assets (tax-equivalent)		4,749,478		59,795	5.10	%		4,684,239		59,491	5.06	%		4,457,927		54,289	4.89	%
Other assets		98,003						101,952						91,794
Total assets	$	4,847,481					$	4,786,191					$	4,549,721

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Non-interest checking	$	1,034,122		—			$	1,106,823		—			$	1,069,145		—
Interest checking, savings and money market		2,405,722		10,332	1.74	%		2,471,854		11,728	1.89	%		2,418,947		11,356	1.89	%
CDs		686,689		7,121	4.21	%		683,248		7,760	4.52	%		549,097		5,916	4.33	%
Brokered deposits		76,647		835	4.42	%		—		—	—	%		—		—	—	%
Total deposits		4,203,180		18,288	1.68	%		4,261,925		19,488	1.82	%		4,037,189		17,272	1.72	%
Borrowed funds		154,911		1,706	4.47	%		37,812		394	4.15	%		63,627		694	4.38	%
Subordinated debt⁽⁵⁾		59,847		867	5.79	%		59,768		867	5.80	%		59,530		867	5.82	%
Total funding liabilities		4,417,938		20,861	1.91	%		4,359,505		20,749	1.89	%		4,160,346		18,833	1.82	%
Other liabilities		59,976						65,720						62,500
Total liabilities		4,477,914						4,425,225						4,222,846
Stockholders’ equity		369,567						360,966						326,875
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,847,481					$	4,786,191					$	4,549,721

Net interest-rate spread (tax-equivalent)					3.19	%					3.17	%					3.07	%
Net interest income (tax-equivalent)				38,934						38,742						35,456
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)					3.32	%					3.29	%					3.20	%
Less tax-equivalent adjustment				244						249						266
Net interest income			$	38,690					$	38,493					$	35,190
Net interest margin					3.29	%					3.27	%					3.17	%

(1)	Average yields and interest income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis, calculated using a U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% for each period presented, based on tax-equivalent adjustments associated with tax-exempt loans and investments interest income.
(2)	Average other interest-earning assets include interest-earning deposits with banks, federal funds sold and Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
(3)	Average investment securities are presented at average amortized cost.
(4)	Average loans and loans held for sale are presented at average amortized cost and include non-accrual loans.
(5)	Subordinated debt is net of average deferred debt issuance costs.

Contact Info: Joseph R. Lussier, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (978) 656-5578

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 140

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 140
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
345 PM CDT Thu Apr 17 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
Northwest and Northern Iowa
Southern and Southeast Minnesota
Far Northeast Nebraska
West-Central Wisconsin

* Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 345 PM until
1000 PM CDT.

* Primary threats include…
Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
inches in diameter possible
Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop and
intensify through the early evening across the Watch area. The
stronger storms will be capable of a threat for large to very large
hail (1 to 2 inches in diameter) and damaging gusts. Upscale growth
into a linear cluster is possible this evening across southern
Minnesota as this activity moves east towards the Mississippi River.

The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 65
statute miles east and west of a line from 25 miles northeast of
Minneapolis MN to 30 miles south southwest of Storm Lake IA. For a
complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline
update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU0).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

&&

AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 450. Mean storm motion vector
25030.

…Smith

Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW0
WW 140 SEVERE TSTM IA MN NE WI 172045Z – 180300Z
AXIS..65 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
25NE MSP/MINNEAPOLIS MN/ – 30SSW SLB/STORM LAKE IA/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 55NM E/W /22NE MSP – 57WSW FOD/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 25030.

LAT…LON 45139152 42199418 42199672 45139419

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

Watch 140 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

Low (10%)

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

Low ( 65 knots

Low (20%)

Hail

Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

Mod (50%)

Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

Mod (50%)

Combined Severe Hail/Wind

Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

High (80%)

For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Trupanion, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SEATTLE, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trupanion, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRUP), a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, announced today it will report financial results for its 2025 first quarter after the market closes on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The company will host a conference call that day beginning shortly after 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET.

A live webcast discussing results, guidance and management observations will be available on Trupanion’s Investor Relations site under Investor Events at http://investors.trupanion.com and will be archived online for 3 months upon completion of the conference call. A slide presentation will also be available on the site.

Participants can access the conference call by dialing 1-866-250-8117 (United States) or 1-412-317-6011 (International). A telephonic replay of the call will also be available after the completion of the call, by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (United States) or 1-412-317-6671 (International) and entering the replay pin number: 10197710.

About Trupanion:

Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, certain countries in Continental Europe, and Australia with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TRUP”. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. For more information, please visit trupanion.com.

Contact:

Laura Bainbridge, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
Gil Melchior, Director, Investor Relations
Investor.Relations@trupanion.com

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: PRESS RELEASE: Congresswoman Barragán & ALPA Vice President Morse Reaffirm Support for Pilots, Regardless of Race or Sex, at WAI Conference

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

DENVER, COLORADO — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) joined the 36th Annual Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference for a featured conversation with the Air Line Pilots Association’s (ALPA) First Vice President, Captain Wendy Morse.

During their conversation, Congresswoman Barragán and Captain Morse made clear their support for women pilots in response to a current narrative about women pilots not being as qualified or as capable as their male counterparts. They also spoke about the need to protect the gains made by women flight professionals and to continue the work to increase and advance the role of women in the aviation industry.

“The Women in Aviation International Conference was an opportunity to show unequivocal support from the halls of Congress for our pilots and reinforce the fact that all pilots have to meet the same rigorous standards and qualifications, regardless of race or sex,” said Congresswoman Barragán. “Thousands of dedicated pilots fly passengers around the country every day in a display of their skill and professionalism. The industry upholds the highest standards for all of its pilots, and it’s important to recognize that fact and to let the general public know that, when they board a plane, they should have confidence in whoever is in the cockpit.”

“There is no shortcut to the flight deck. All pilots are held to the same rigorous qualifications and are trained and evaluated to the same uncompromising standards. Women aviators have consistently proven their exceptional capabilities in this demanding profession, bringing valuable perspectives and talents to flight operations worldwide,” said Morse. “ALPA is grateful for such thoughtful and engaged leaders like Rep. Barragán who works tirelessly to help us break down barriers for women in aviation and ensure that there is room for everyone who has the passion and dedication to become a qualified airline pilot,” said Captain Wendy Morse.

The WAI Conference runs through Saturday, March 29, and features keynote speakers including astronaut and bestselling author Emily Calandrelli, Royal Australian Navy’s first female pilot Natalee Johnston, former U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilot Michelle “Mace” Curran, Joby Aviation President of Operations Bonny Simi, and three-time Paralympic medalist Amy Purdy.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE LEADS BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO ADVANCE LIFE-SAVING BRAIN ANEURYSM RESEARCH
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 7, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), alongside Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), John Rutherford (FL-05), and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), introduced Ellie’s Law—bipartisan legislation that delivers urgently needed federal investment to combat the deadly and often overlooked crisis of brain aneurysms.

Each year, approximately 30,000 Americans suffer a ruptured brain aneurysm—half of those individuals do not survive. Among survivors, nearly two-thirds are left with permanent neurological damage. Aneurysms strike most often between the ages of 35 and 60, but can occur at any age, including in children. Women are disproportionately affected, and African American and Hispanic individuals are at significantly greater risk of rupture.

Yet despite the scale and severity of this crisis, the federal government invests just $2.94 per year for every person affected by a brain aneurysm.

A Direct Response to a Neglected Crisis:

Ellie’s Law authorizes $20 million annually from 2026 through 2030 for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), with funding available through 2033. This investment will:
1. Support comprehensive research into unruptured intracranial aneurysms, with a focus on prevention and early detection.
2. Expand study populations to reflect real-world diversity, specifically addressing disparities across age, sex, and race.
3. Supplement, not supplant, existing research funding to ensure meaningful progress without disruption.
Ellie’s Law is a focused, bipartisan commitment to disrupt that cycle—by equipping researchers with the tools they need to save lives and prevent heartbreak before it happens.

“I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues. Now more than ever, it is critical that we secure funding for the NINDS to conduct and support essential research on brain aneurysms, which stands as one of the most underfunded public health crises in our Nation. With agencies such as the Department of Human and Health Services (HHS) experiencing budget cuts to its workforce and grants, preventing potentially fatal brain aneurysms and combatting long-term medical consequences for brain aneurysm survivors will require significant innovations only meaningful funding can deliver,” said Rep. Clarke. “Ellie’s Law will make huge strides in cementing our long-term commitment for new treatment discoveries to save the lives of patients, who are disproportionately women and African Americans. It’s a privilege to lead this necessary legislation and look forward to it being signed into law.”

“Brain aneurysms are a silent threat—often striking without warning and leaving families shattered in an instant. Despite the devastating toll, federal investment remains shockingly low,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Ellie’s Law is about changing that. It directs the resources necessary to advance early detection, drive breakthroughs in treatment, and confront the racial and gender disparities that persist in outcomes. We have the science. What’s been missing is the commitment. This legislation is how we fix that.”

“I’m proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in reintroducing Ellie’s Law this Congress,” said Rep. Rutherford. “This legislation will support critical research to detect and treat unruptured brain aneurysms. We must continue to raise awareness to better catch the signs of brain aneurysms and save lives.”

“Despite the tragically far-reaching physical, mental, emotional, and financial toll brain aneurysm ruptures have on our communities, they are one of the most underfunded disease research projects in the U.S.,” said Rep. Scanlon. “I’m proud to join Reps. Clarke, Fitzpatrick, and Rutherford in introducing Ellie’s Law to address the deficiency in federal funding for brain aneurysm research, increase the quality of life of survivors and their families, and save lives.”

“More than 1 in 50 Americans have an unruptured and often undetected brain aneurysm. Each year 30,000 people will suffer a rupture, of which half will not survive — and those who do likely to suffer significant long-term disabilities. Ellie’s Law is essential to funding research for better detecting and treating aneurysms and, in turn, preventing their devastating impact on individuals and families and financial impact on health systems and society,” said Christine Buckley, Executive Director of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation

“Ellie’s Law is being reintroduced on a bipartisan basis, reminding us that when we come together—across party lines, communities, and sectors—we can bring real change to the brain aneurysm community. Raising awareness and funding research are vital steps in tackling this devastatingly underfunded disease, and the combined efforts of both private and public funding are critical to progress. Every dollar invested and every voice raised brings us closer to a future where brain aneurysm ruptures are prevented,” said Erin Kreszl, Executive Director of The Bee Foundation for Brain Aneurysm Prevention.

Ellie’s Law is endorsed by: The Brain Aneurysm Foundation (BAF), The Bee Foundation for Brain Aneurysm Prevention (TBF), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS).

Read the full text here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Sánchez, Chu Lead Democrats in Raising Concerns about Corruption Risks from Trump Chaotic Tariff Scheme

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

April 17, 2025

Over 45 lawmakers sound alarms about possible illicit payments, influence-peddling, insider trading

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, along with Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, and Judy Chu (D-Calif.), led a group of 44 Congressional Democrats in writing to Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer with concerns over the potential for corruption in the implementation of the administration’s tariff policy.

The Trump administration’s tariffs rollout is rife with opportunities to unduly influence President Trump and other administration officials. The chaotic nature of the tariffs, including announcing them and pausing them shortly after they went into effect, provides ample opportunity for private sector corporations or sovereign nationals to corruptly seek exemptions.

“Corporations and sovereign nations facing existentially high stakes, and knowing tariffs are controlled by a small circle in the White House, can petition officials not to apply tariffs to them after the 90-day pause, to grant them exemptions, to decrease tariffs, or to impose tariffs on competitors — and can quietly offer something in return,” wrote the lawmakers.

President Trump’s record on tariffs in his first term illustrates his willingness to give preference to donors and allies while punishing enemies. Politically loyal companies that donated to Republican candidates, as well as companies with financial or political ties to President Trump, were more likely to be granted tariff exemptions after President Trump imposed them in his first administration. After auditing the Trump Administration’s tariff exclusion practices in 2018 and 2019, the Commerce Department’s Office of Inspector General found evidence of “off-record communications” and an “appearance of improper influence in decisionmaking for tariff exclusion requests.”

“We fear the Administration is once again turning its tariffs policy into an underground market of exemptions in exchange for financial and political favors,” said the lawmakers.

President Trump has said he will consider exemptions and make decisions “instinctively,” while bragging about global leaders calling him in search of exemptions.

Trump’s ad-hoc process has started to bear fruit for special interests. Last week, the White House exempted smartphones and certain other high-end electronics from tariffs targeting China. Within hours, Big Tech stock prices soared — particularly the value of Apple, which makes the vast majority of its iPhones in China. Apple CEO Tim Cook donated to President Trump’s inauguration and cultivated a strong relationship with him in recent months, as he did during Trump’s first term to win tariff exemptions.

The on-and-off nature of President Trump’s tariffs also opens the door to rampant insider trading. Administration officials — and their families and friends — with early knowledge of changes in tariff policy can buy positions they expect will rise and sell those that will fall. On April 9, 2025, minutes before the administration announced a pause on most tariffs, the trading market began to skyrocket — suggesting that insiders acted on non-public information about the coming pause. President Trump then posted on social media “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!!,” still before any official announcement, causing stocks to further spike.

Members of Congress, including Senator Warren, have asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and ethics officials to investigate whether any securities laws were violated with this announcement.

At the same time, the top ethics watchdog who can hold the administration accountable appears poorly positioned to tackle tariff-related corruption. In late March 2025, USTR Ambassador Greer was named Acting Director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and now serves in both roles simultaneously. Therefore, a top tariff policy official is responsible for ensuring that tariff policy decisions are made free of financial conflicts.

“This dual appointment raises blatant conflicts that risk undermining OGE’s ability to independently monitor trade officials’ conduct and recommend investigations into misconduct when necessary,” concluded the lawmakers.

The lawmakers asked the officials to provide clarity on the Trump administration’s exemption policy, if any official exemption request processes exist, where exemptions will be reported, whether an appeals process exists, the administration’s plans to ensure tariff exemptions are not corrupted, and more, by April 29, 2025.

Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) joined in signing the letter.

The following Representatives joined in signing the letter: Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Greg Casar (D-T.X.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Al Green (D-Texas), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), Timothy Kennedy (D-N.Y.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Summer Lee, (D-Pa.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.).

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera Announces Funding for Sustainability and Upcycling Project at Englewood Middle School

Source: US State of Colorado

Englewood Middle School to receive funding as part of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) Lt. Governors’ STEM Scholarship Program

ENGLEWOOD – Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera has announced that Englewood Middle School is an award recipient of the 2025 NLGA Lt. Governors STEM Scholarship Program. NLGA will award the school $1,000 as part of a national call for applications for funding STEM programming and curriculum in schools.

“It’s inspiring to see Colorado students engaging in hands-on STEM learning that promotes sustainability and creativity,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “Projects like the one at Englewood Middle School empower students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and care for the planet. I’m proud to see our state represented in this national program, and I am excited to see the impact these young innovators will make.”

Englewood Middle School will use the STEM Scholarship to fund the equipment and supplies for a project on Sustainability and Upcycling for students in grades 6 to 8. Using the “engineering design process” and STEM principles, students will use mini-blinds to create an upcycled piece of artwork. By repurposing old materials, students are encouraged to develop resourcefulness, creativity, and mindful consumption to help reduce their ecological footprint and be more mindful of the environment.

NLGA opened the application period for the STEM Scholarship Program in January 2025. The application process was competitive, with NLGA receiving more than 125 requests for STEM funding from schools in 32 states and territories. Twelve schools in 12 states and territories were awarded $500 – $1,000 for STEM-related expenses.

“As the seconds-in-command in state and territorial government, lieutenant governors are uniquely poised to lead on STEM education,” said NLGA Executive Director Kellie Rittershausen. “By supporting STEM-related activities in schools across the country, we can encourage a long-term interest and passion in STEM education in America’s youth.”

The Scholarship Program is administered by NLGA, the nonpartisan, nonprofit association for the nation’s seconds-in-command, and sponsored by ACT, the education and career readiness nonprofit.

“ACT is proud to have been the sponsor of the NLGA STEM scholarship program since its inception and to see its growth and impact over the past 4 years,” ACT CEO Janet Godwin said. “STEM education is crucial for our country’s future workforce, which will be increasingly reliant on the critical thinking and problem-solving skills it fosters, regardless of a student’s college or career pathway. ACT is uniquely poised to meet this moment, and working alongside NLGA, we are committed to ensuring that all students leave high school prepared to enter a world of evolving postsecondary and work opportunities, including those for which a high-quality STEM education is essential.”

Public, private, and Tribal schools serving pre–K–12th grade students in the 50 states and five U.S. territories were invited to apply for funding to support STEM-related activities, programming, curriculum, equipment, and other expenses. Funding will be provided to all winning schools in May.

Additional information on the STEM Scholarship Program can be found at https://nlga.us/strategies/nlga-state-strategies-in-stem/.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Nursing and Engineering Innovation Forum Highlights Interdisciplinary Work

Source: US State of Connecticut

When Harthik Parankusham ’28 (CLAS) visited his grandfather recently, the signs of cognitive decline were obvious – the family patriarch forgot his own grandson’s name.

Worldwide, 55 million people have undiagnosed mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, with 7.4 million in the United States alone, Parankusham says, noting that the current means of diagnosing something like Alzheimer’s disease – that is, MRIs, PET scans, and bloodwork – can be expensive and often come too late.

That got the physiology and neurobiology major thinking and deep in research. Could there be a means of early detection?

Leila Daneshmandi, left, and Tiffany Kelley, co-directors of the Nursing & Engineering Innovation Center, speak during Wednesday’s event (Sarah Redmond / UConn Photo).

Parankusham’s Raayu Institute, comprising a national team of researchers, created a simple test for the linguistic biomarkers that show up years before other symptoms. It’s a test that asks patients to simply write a story while a computer analyzes their grammar, word choice, and cadence for anomalies.

“Let’s make Alzheimer’s and undiagnosed MCI a thing of the past,” he told a panel of judges on Wednesday, April 16 during the InnovateHealth PitchFest at UConn’s Innovation Partnership Building.

His pitch earned him first place in the Innovation Idea category.

“Every single pitch we saw today – whether it affected millions and millions of lives or just one life – it made the world a better place,” Michael McGuire, Beekley Medical director of strategic growth and innovations and one of the PitchFest judges, said. “An event like this today lets us know health care is in really good hands.”

From a portable test for tuberculosis from the team Clara Health to insoles with air chambers that adapt to an individual’s foot from the team SoleShift, which respectively won second and third place in Innovation, the late afternoon event gave each team five minutes to sell their idea.

But before attendees and a panel of judges settled in to hear from the students, they spent the day embracing possibility during the first part of the inaugural Nursing and Engineering Innovation Forum, a product of UConn’s Nursing & Engineering Innovation Center.

The center opened in 2023 and since then, has focused on research education, community engagement, and technology transfer, Tiffany Kelley, co-director and School of Nursing associate professor-in-residence, said. Its goal is to address health care challenges through new technology.

“Just one conversation can open the door,” she said of the event that drew about 100 registrants from a mix of industry, corporate partnerships, and UConn alums.

Those attending the event had opportunities to speak with students, faculty, and industry experts. (Coral Aponte / UConn Photo)

With Beekley Medical and VentureWell as sponsors, along with UConn’s College of Engineering, School of Nursing, Provost’s Office, Office of the Vice President for Research, and Innovation Partnership Building, the forum spotlighted researchers whose work has benefitted from Faculty Innovation Seed Grants and Faculty Senior Design Awards.

Presenters talked about using artificial intelligence to assess patients’ trust in their nurses and how AI can be used to fight pain and opioid dependence. They also detailed their work on humans’ sucking reflex and the use of pulse oximetry.

“Nurses have always been innovators. We can trace it back in our history,” School of Nursing Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson said, adding that, nonetheless, “we often don’t see ourselves as innovators. We know the problems, we can think of some of the solutions … and by partnering with others who have other areas of expertise we can take those solutions into testing and into solving our problems.”

That spirit of teamwork was most evident during PitchFest, the Center’s second time hosting the event. Students came not just from majors like biomedical engineering and nursing, but also from elsewhere on campus, including places like digital media and design in the School of Fine Arts.

“People are talking, people are networking, it’s hard to get them back in their seats,” Leila Daneshmandi, Center co-director and assistant professor-in-residence in the College of Engineering’s biomedical engineering department, said during a break in the presentations.

When the time came, though, the audience hushed as the final five PitchFest teams, competing in the Prototype in Development category, took center stage.

The team Zemi already has raised $65,000 for their line of smart clothing – tight-fitting shirts and leggings outfitted with sensors to track an individual’s cardiac, skin, and muscular activity.

Zemi’s lab in Farmington, though, needs additional specialized equipment, especially since their clothing will be part of a National Institutes of Health research project through UConn.

John Toribio ’25 Ph.D. told the judges his project – conceived with Kyle Mahoney ’20 (CAHNR), ’22 MS, ’25 Ph.D. – is better than common wearable trackers that rely on estimated metrics and don’t detect medical events until well after the fact.

The PitchFest winners impressed judges with their creativity and determination to solve real-world problems. (Coral Aponte / UConn Photo)

More electrodes, more data, he said.

With applications in health care, competitive athletics, and in exercise science institutes, Zemi can make clothing for just about any application from sleeping hospital patients to high-performance athletes.

Toribio’s pitch earned the team first place in the Prototype category. The team ChromaShield, with its early warning patch for radiation dermatitis, took second place, and the team Dentopa and its solution for tooth sensitivity took third.

“An event like PitchFest is so important because this really helps outline the future of health care,” McGuire said. “At Beekley, one of our core values is that in everything we do we want to make the world a better place. … As innovators in the health care space that’s ultimately our job and everyone in this room did it very well.”

“Nurses work on teams and this just really solidifies it,” Dickson added. “All of these groups were teams, whether there was one person presenting or two … that’s the core of nursing, being part of a team. And nurses lead teams, you saw here that nurses lead innovative teams.”

Daneshmandi noted that “engineers bring a unique lens of problem-solving and system design that when paired with the clinical insight of nurses unlocks entirely new solutions to longstanding health challenges. This kind of interdisciplinary collaboration is what drives transformative innovation in health care, and we’re working to foster this at the Center across students and faculty.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why a psychopath wouldn’t hesitate to cause another global financial crisis – if there was something in it for them

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Clive Roland Boddy, Deputy Head, School of Management, Anglia Ruskin University

Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Would you want a psychopath looking after your pension? Or what about your shares? In a recent talk at the Cambridge Festival of Science, I spoke about the latest research relating to a psychopath’s love of money, greed for power, and willingness to harm other people financially for personal gain.

Since I began researching corporate psychopaths and the global financial crisis, the idea of the financial psychopath, an employee in the financial sector acting ruthlessly, recklessly, greedily and selfishly with other people’s money, has gained traction.

The theory won support because psychopaths are more commonly found in financial services than in other sectors. It has even been argued that up to 10% of employees in financial services could be psychopathic. That is to say they have no empathy, care for other people, conscience or regrets for any damage they do.

These traits make them ruthless in pursuit of their own agendas and entirely focused on self-promotion and self-advancement.

But my ongoing research goes even further. It has found that psychopaths are willing to knowingly cause financial harm to the entire global community, in order to receive a financial bonus for themselves. Personal greed outweighs the immense social and community costs of implementing that greed.

This aligns with earlier perceptions of some captains of finance or leading politicians as psychopaths. Previous research found they are freed by their selfish philosophy of life and their trivialising of other people from the restraints of being evenhanded, truthful or generous.

This new research also shows that a majority of psychopaths would even be willing to cause a global financial crisis – if they personally would profit from, for example, falling stock prices. This willingness holds true even when they could be personally identified as being the source of the crisis. Only a tiny minority of non-psychopaths would be willing to do this.

Race to the top

Financial insiders appear to agree with the assumption that psychopaths have always been prevalent in the sector. Many psychologists and other management commentators have come to the same conclusion.

Researchers have also found that interpersonal-affective psychopathic traits – such as deceitfulness, superficial charm and a lack of remorse – were associated with success in the finance sector.

Employees at financial institutions in New York scored significantly higher on these traits than people in the wider community. They also had significantly lower levels of emotional intelligence (as would be expected of psychopaths).

Employees at financial institutions in New York were found to score higher for psychopathic traits than the general population.
IM_photo/Shutterstock

What’s more, having psychopathic traits has also been linked to higher annual incomes – as well as a higher rank within the corporation.

In other words, it looks like the more psychopathic an employee is, the further up the corporate finance ladder they will go. This corresponds with findings that show there are more psychopaths at the top of organisations than at the bottom.

Creating destruction

This is not to say that personal success in climbing the corporate ladder equates to professional success when someone reaches the top job. Quite the opposite. In fact, my research has shown that psychopathic leadership is associated with organisational destruction.

This includes a greater propensity to take risks with other people’s money, a greater willingness to gamble with someone else’s money and lower returns for shareholders.

In one study over a ten-year period, psychopathic fund managers were found to generate annual returns that were 30% lower than their less psychopathic peers.

The research team concluded that among elite financial investors, psychopathy and its appearance of personal dominance and competence, may enable people to rise to the top of their profession. But this does not translate into improved financial performance at the organisational level, where the presence of the psychopathic is actually counterproductive.

Fraud has always been associated with the psychopathic – so much so that in one study 69% of auditors believed they had encountered corporate psychopaths in relation to their investigations.

Years ago, one bank reportedly used a psychopathy measure to recruit staff. But I would advise against hiring people who score very highly, because they are totally concerned with personal success. They are not bothered about long-term organisational growth or sustainability. As such, decisions will be made to suit the psychopathic worker, and not the organisation.

For example, new hires would be likely to be people who can help the psychopath achieve their personal aims and objectives rather than aid the company. Anyone astute enough to potentially be a challenge to the psychopathic employee would not be hired by them in the first place.

Without exception, psychopathic people love money and they are more motivated by it than other people are.

Unlike the rest of the population, psychopaths are uninterested in higher values such as close emotional connections with family and friends, and much more focused on money and materialism. Seen through this lens, the appeal of the corporate banking sector – and the salaries and bonuses it offers – to people with these traits soon becomes clear.

Clive Roland Boddy has received funding from the University of Tasmania and Nottingham Business School. Clive has also secured funding for the British Chamber of Commerce in South Korea and the Australian British Chamber of Commerce in Western Australia. .

– ref. Why a psychopath wouldn’t hesitate to cause another global financial crisis – if there was something in it for them – https://theconversation.com/why-a-psychopath-wouldnt-hesitate-to-cause-another-global-financial-crisis-if-there-was-something-in-it-for-them-252788

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: In-house audit review results
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
The term ‘in-house audit’ refers to an auditor who works for a firm, or network firm, that also provides services like accounting or administration to the same self-managed super fund (SMSF) clients.

Since 1 January 2020, auditors have not been allowed to perform in-house audits unless:

It is hard for firms to meet these rules, demonstrating the ‘routine or mechanical’ test is difficult due to the professional judgment involved. When we review auditors, we contact SMSF trustees to check their role in preparing the funds accounts and statements.

In a recent review using data matching we focused on auditors who still perform in-house audits. Our risk assessment shows around 800 auditors might still be doing in-house audits.

This financial year, we reviewed 30 auditors suspected of doing in-house audits. As a result of these reviews:
- 14 auditors were referred to ASIC
- 6 auditors were deregistered voluntarily
- 8 auditors received education
- 2 auditors were compliant.
Since 1 July 2021, we have referred 42 auditors to ASIC for various reasons including doing in-house audits, this was 32% of all referrals. In March 2024, ASIC released a statementExternal Link detailing the actions taken against 15 of the 42 auditors we referred.

Firms must follow independence requirements when planning their structure and their audit engagements. They should not rely on one referral source for their fees. ASIC suspended three high-volume SMSF auditorsExternal Link linked to an SMSF administration provider for not considering these factors.

Looking for the latest news for SMSFs? – You can stay up to date by visiting our SMSF newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly SMSF newsletter.
MIL OSI News –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New podcast builds connection to Canberra’s queer history
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Queers Past presenter Zev Aviv says the podcast production process has been transformative.
In brief:
- A new podcast about Canberra’s queer history is now available.
- The podcast was supported by funding through the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs’ Capital of Equality grants program.
- The latest round of grants funding is open now.
From Gorman Arts Centre to the Braddon car yards, a new podcast, Queers Past, explores iconic and overlooked LGBTQIA+ sites around the ACT.

Sita Sargeant received an ACT Government Capital of Equality grant in 2023 to produce the podcast.

Her company, She Shapes History runs popular walking tours around Canberra.

One of these, a tour revealing the city’s queer secrets, fuelled her next project.

About Queers Past

Zev Aviv, also from She Shapes History, presents the podcast and brings a trans perspective to the conversation.

Once they started researching and writing the podcast, Zev realised they couldn’t simply reproduce the tour.

“Unlike a tour, where you can gauge your audience’s knowledge and adjust in real-time, a podcast doesn’t allow that interaction. You don’t know what your audience already knows or what gaps need to be filled in, which fundamentally changes the storytelling process,” Zev said.

“So, turning the tour into a podcast wasn’t as straightforward as we’d imagined – it meant adapting and transforming it into something entirely new.”

A goal of connection

The latest round of Capital of Equality grants is now open through the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs.

Sita and Zev’s hopes for Queers Past echoes the program’s aim of supporting and strengthening Canberra’s LGBTIQA+ communities.

“I really hope it helps LGBTIQA+ Canberrans feel more grounded in this city – more connected to its history and the knowledge that people like them have always been here,” Zev said.

“LGBTIQA+ people have always been part of this community, contributing, pulling their weight, and often going above and beyond to support one another.”

How the grants work

The Capital of Equality grants program offers funding across three streams:

The goal is to create a sense of community and belonging for LGBTIQA+ people, through:
- improved understanding of LGBTIQA+ experiences
- improved wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people
- increased participation of LGBTIQA+ communities
- increased capacity and leadership.
Zev says the podcast would not have existed without the Capital of Equality grant.

“It has allowed us to pay for all the recording equipment. As a small business I’m not sure we could have justified the spend otherwise,” Sita said.

The application process

Sita found the grant application process simple, with plenty of support available.

“This grant was the second I’d applied for – I was unsuccessful the first time, and I took away some key learnings from that. I’d really encourage people to apply for a grant, but not to be discouraged if they don’t get it the first time,” Sita said.

While the production process had its ups and downs, both Zev and Sita are extremely proud of the result.

“I love Canberra and the ACT so much. We often get a bad rap, but this place is so special. I want those who feel connected to it to feel even prouder and more rooted in its past, while also inspired by the possibilities for its future. My hope is that the podcast helps people feel more at home here – more connected, more proud, and more at ease in their place in this story,” Zev said.

Applications for the Connection Fund and Partnerships and Capacity Building are open until Monday 27 January 2025. Applications for the LGBTIQA+ Leadership Grant are open until 5 January 2025.

Find out more or apply for a grant on the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs website.

Read more like this:

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MIL OSI News –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Violence should never be part of the shift

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

When CJ worked in a patient-facing role, it was common for staff to accept occupational violence as just part of the job.

Everyone has a role to play in creating a safe public health care setting.

Nurses make up half of the healthcare workforce, with roles in clinical care, leadership, education, and research. It is without question that nurses are pivotal to the healthcare system and wellbeing of communities.

Of course, when you’re a nurse, there are plenty of not-so-pleasant things you may encounter during a shift. From blood and other bodily fluids to challenging conversations, and an entire range of germs – it all comes with the job of helping people and making a positive difference to the health of others and the broader community.

But there’s something else nurses are likely to encounter in a shift that should not be a part of the job: violence and unacceptable behaviours. It was when working in different settings, such as on the ward, the emergency department, and outpatients that CJ* really witnessed and experienced it first-hand.

“It happens every day. Some members of the public might think violence is typically perpetrated by people who are intoxicated, or it is related to mental health. But the truth is, what we see is that perpetrators of occupational violence and unacceptable behaviours can be anyone,” she said.

The violence not only comes from the patients, but can come from relatives, carers, partners, visitors and other members of the public who engage with the health service. And it’s not always as clear cut and obvious as physical assault or verbal abuse.

Occupational violence also includes unacceptable behaviours such as snide comments, undermining and gaslighting, sexism, racism, sexually inappropriate behaviours, intimidation, and discrimination. It can also take the form of defamatory comments on social media, or filming staff without their consent.

“I have brown skin and I have an Asian background and I’ve had people ask for a white nurse. Another example – people try to pretend they can’t understand what I’m saying, when you know that they can understand,” says CJ.

“Verbal aggression and inappropriate behaviours are more common than physical assault, and they’re just as hurtful and detrimental to our wellbeing.”

Everyone has a role to play in creating a safe and positive health care setting. This includes nursing and clinical staff, and patients and members of the public being kind and respectful when communicating.

“I always try to do my best to deliver quality care in an imperfect system, but sometimes, I just felt like it’s not enough,” says CJ.

“Say you look after five people, and four people you had positive interactions with, and they were thankful. But then all it takes is that one person to make an awful comment. For some reason, it’s always the negative comment that would stick with me.”

CJ says when she worked in a patient-facing role, it was common for staff to accept that occupational violence was just part of the job, and nurses didn’t always speak up. CJ’s passion for trying to shift this culture and make a positive change to violence against health workers led her to complete a PhD in the area, with a focus on preventing occupational violence in emergency departments.

She is now Director of Occupational Violence Prevention and Management for Canberra Health Services and is working hard to effect change in the industry and be part of the solution.

“In our research, we found that nurses want a comprehensive strategy to feel safer at work. For example, a good strategy should at least strive to identify and meet patients’ health needs, have education and training for nurses, include a team response to occupational violence, and ensure that nurses are supported to recover from incidents if they occur. This is what we are actively working on at Canberra Health Services, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

She closely consults and collaborates with health workers, managers and agencies in patient-facing roles to ensure everyone feels supported and safe to report incidents, and that appropriate action is taken to prevent incidents. She also works to influence policies and procedures to help prevent incidents happening in the future and to reduce the harmful impacts of occupational violence on nurses. This work contributes to the Towards a Safer Culture ‘The Next Steps’ Strategy – a government funded initiative supporting the fundamental rights of nurses and midwives working in ACT public health services to be safe and protected in their workplaces.

“I really try to be the support that I wished for when I was facing violence and unacceptable behaviours as a nurse,” says CJ.

“What I would also like to tell other nurses is that their safety is just as important as patient safety! Don’t be afraid to call out violence and unacceptable behaviours. And don’t be afraid to report incidents, as each report helps us to better manage these risks and make decisions on what is best and safest for both patients and health care workers”.

* For personal privacy, surnames of interviewees have been removed.

Find out more about how you can help make ACT Government workplaces safe for everyone.

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MIL OSI News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: VelocityEHS Joins National Safety Council TechHub Marketplace
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VelocityEHS, the global leader in EHS & ESG software solutions, is proud to announce its inclusion in the NSC TechHub Marketplace, a new online directory from the National Safety Council (NSC) designed to help companies easily find and connect with trusted safety technology providers.

The TechHub Marketplace streamlines the process for businesses seeking technology solutions tailored to their unique safety risks.

Organizations can browse provider listings, filter results by technology type, hazard focus, use applications, and access insights from partners and sponsors, including white papers, case studies, webinars, and more, all on the latest advancements in workplace safety.

“Our mission at VelocityEHS is to simplify complex EHS challenges through innovative technology,” said Matt Airhart, CEO of VelocityEHS. “By joining the NSC TechHub Marketplace, we’re making it easier for organizations to discover and implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance workplace safety and sustainability.”

“At NSC, we work closely with companies to identify technologies that reduce risk in their workplaces,” said Emily Whitcomb, Director of Innovation at the National Safety Council. “With the TechHub Marketplace, we can now take employers through the next logical step—connecting them with top-tier technology providers. This is a game-changer in our mission to save lives.”

How VelocityEHS Helps Organizations Solve Safety Challenges

VelocityEHS provides businesses with intuitive, data-driven solutions to proactively manage risk, protect employees, and improve overall workplace health and safety. The Ergonomics Solution, highlighted in the NSC TechHub Marketplace, support EHS professionals in building safer, more sustainable workplaces:
- AI-Powered Ergonomics: Many workplace injuries stem from poor ergonomics. Velocity’s motion-capture AI technology helps businesses identify risks before they become injuries, enabling early intervention and continuous improvement. This innovation has earned VelocityEHS a perfect 3.0/3.0 score for Ergonomics in the Verdantix 2025 EHS Green Quadrant analysis.
- Patented Innovation: VelocityEHS holds multiple U.S. patents for its pioneering use of AI and machine learning in Ergonomics software. These include breakthrough methods for root-cause analysis, natural language processing, and computer vision techniques, allowing organizations to quickly analyze worker exertion levels from simple video footage.
Additional VelocityEHS Capabilities

In addition to the TechHub-listed offerings, VelocityEHS delivers a broader range of capabilities, some include:
- The VelocityEHS Accelerate® Platform: A unified suite of solutions that simplifies how companies manage Safety, Ergonomics, Chemical Management, and Operational Risk—helping them stay compliant and reduce incidents with greater efficiency.
- Market-leading Chemicals Management Software: Recognized by independent research firm Verdantix for its advanced technology, enabling medium- to high-risk companies to streamline chemical management workflows and exceed compliance requirements.
- AI-Powered Contractor Safety Feature: A groundbreaking feature that automates contractor verification processes, flags risks, and provides intelligent recommendations. This solution helps ensure compliance with safety standards while reducing administrative burden—delivering up to 70%-time savings over traditional contractor management methods.
To learn more about VelocityEHS, visit www.EHS.com.

Learn more about the NSC TechHub Marketplace at www.nsc.org/techhub.

About VelocityEHS

Relied on by more than 10 million users worldwide to drive operational excellence and achieve outstanding outcomes, VelocityEHS is the global leader in true SaaS enterprise EHS & ESG technology. The VelocityEHS Accelerate® Platform is the definitive gold standard, delivering best-in-class software solutions for managing Safety, Ergonomics, Chemical Management, and Operational Risk. In addition, Velocity offers world-class applications for Contractor Safety & Permit to Work, Environmental Compliance, and ESG.

The VelocityEHS team includes unparalleled industry expertise, with more certified experts in health, safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, sustainability, the environment, AI, and machine learning than any other EHS software provider. Recognized by the EHS industry’s top independent analysts as a Leader in the Verdantix 2025 Green Quadrant Analysis, VelocityEHS is committed to industry thought leadership and to accelerating the pace of innovation through its software solutions and vision. Its privacy and security protocols, which include SOC2 Type II attestation, are among the most stringent in the industry.

VelocityEHS is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with locations in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Tampa, Florida; Oakville, Ontario; London, England; Perth, Western Australia; and Cork, Ireland. For more information, visit www.EHS.com.

About the National Safety Council

NSC is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace, roadway, and impairment. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.

Media Contact
Jennifer Sinkwitts
jsinkwitts@ehs.com

The MIL Network –
April 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Informal meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs

Source: NATO

GENERAL

An informal meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, on 14-15 May 2025. The meeting will be chaired by the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.
This media advisory marks the opening of online registration for accreditation.

VENUE

The ministerial meeting will take place at the NEST Convention Center, Belek, 07506 Serik/Antalya, Türkiye. The media centre will be located at the NEST Convention Center.
The media accreditation center will be located at the Pine Beach Belek, Kongre Street No:122/1, Serik Antalya -Türkiye. Media representatives are encouraged to stay at the Pine Beach Belek. Individual reservations should be made directly with the hotel.
The access to the Media Centre will be possible via shuttle bus only, from the Accreditation Office at the Pine Beach Belek.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

Media representatives who wish to cover this meeting need to seek accreditation. To do that, please register via NATO’s media accreditation platform: https://my.hq.nato.int.
An annual NATO accreditation badge or other accreditation documents will not give access to the event.
The deadline for accreditation is 29 April 2025 at 23:59 (CEST).
Given the informal nature of the meeting, there will be limitations on the number of media representatives allowed to cover the event. For this specific reason, media is strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible and within the deadline. Any application after the deadline will not be processed or considered.
Any wrong information or false documents provided when applying is solely the responsibility of the applicant and may result in rejection. To avoid this, media representatives are urged to make sure that their application is accurate. Documents submitted (other than national ID/passport) must be in English.
In case of a need for additional information or action from the applicant, NATO Accreditations team will contact the applicant through the email provided. It is advised that media representatives regularly monitor their email to not miss any important communication from the NATO Accreditations team.
Media representatives whose accreditation request is successful will receive confirmation by email. Please bring a printout of the confirmation email when collecting your badge in Antalya.
In accordance with NATO media accreditation procedures, NATO reserves the right to deny or withdraw accreditation of media representatives who put the accreditation to improper use.
Media passes must be collected in person from the Accreditation Office, upon presentation of the confirmation email, as well as the ID documents used to apply for accreditation.
The Accreditation Office will be located at the Pine Beach Hotel, approximately 6 km from the NEST Convention Center. Opening hours will be communicated to accredited media at a later stage. The access to the Media Centre will be possible via shuttle bus only, from the Accreditation Office.
Media passes must be visible at all times. Please arrive early to clear security checks. Security personnel will examine and may test equipment and personal effects on site.

PROGRAMME

The full schedule of events will be available at a later stage. For planning purposes, a social event for ministers is expected to be held on 14 May in the afternoon. The ministers will meet on 15 May in the morning, and press conferences will start early afternoon.
Information about individual ministers’ media programmes should be sought directly from their national delegation(s). Please contact the NATO Press Office to obtain the list of national press officers.

BROADCAST

TRT will serve as Host TV and will cover all public components of the event.
Those will be broadcast in the Media Centre, and on the NATO website.
A live satellite world-feed of the main media events, such as the doorsteps and the press conference of the NATO Secretary General, will be provided by NATO free of charge without encryption or downlink charges. The video and audio may be used only for appropriate news and public affairs purposes.
After each event, the videos are available for free download from NATO Multimedia.

POOLS

Access to certain events during the ministerial meeting will be open only for small media pools, by invitation only.
When a media representative accepts a NATO pool position they must share immediately all information and material collected while in the pool with any accredited media that request it. The media representative in the pool will share the material at no charge and with no restriction on the use of the material for news purposes. Media representatives can only accept the pool accreditation if they have the agreement of their employer to all of the conditions on providing pool material listed above.
Media organisations that want pooled images should first contact the wire service / photo agency of which they are a member / client. Media representatives and news organisations must identify that it is pooled material every time it is used. Pooled material can only be used for legitimate news purposes and it cannot be sold.
Photos of all the media events by NATO photographers, will be posted on the NATO website.

MEDIA FACILITIES

The Media Centre will include:
1. A filing centre (including TV/radio editing area), with electricity (230V), access to video and audio feeds, cabled and Wi-Fi internet. Working spaces cannot be booked in advance;
2. Information Desk;
3. An area for indoor and outdoor stand-ups, for rotational use;
4. Internal Television Circuit for live and recorded broadcasts, information about the programme, press conferences schedules and other information;
5. Catering.
Press conferences will take place at the NEST where several briefing rooms and spaces for media huddles will be set up.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE – MEDIA ACCREDITATION OFFICE AND MEDIA CENTRE

Day	Media Centre	Accreditation Office
13 May	Closed	Open (PM)
14 May	Open	Open
15 May	Open	Open

ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, CATERING

Media should make their own arrangements for accommodation and transport to Antalya.
All foreign citizens who wish to travel to Türkiye must be in possession of a valid travel document, accepted by Türkiye. Media representatives who are eligible to enter Türkiye visa-free, based on their nationality, will not be required to obtain press visa. Those who are not eligible for visa-free entry must apply for a press visa through the relevant Turkish Embassy or Consultate in their country of residence, after receving confirmation of accreditation. Media representatives should be mindful that this confirmation will be sent on 6 or 7 May 2025. Information on which country nationals require a Turkish visa and the way in which to apply for a Turkish visa can be found on the following website: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa. If you require assistance, please contact: brussels@iletisim.gov.tr or pressaccreditation@iletisim.gov.tr.
Throughout Wednesday and Thursday (14-15 May), catering will be offered by the Host Nation.
Media representatives are encouraged to stay at the Pine Beach Belek. Individual reservations should be made directly with the hotel.

CONTACT POINTS

Overall Coordination	Mrs Delphine Mauss Mrs Alina Coca Mr Umut L. Öztürk Mr Mustafa Kemal Akbulut	natomediaoperations[at]hq.nato.int trmedianato[at]mfa.gov.tr
Accreditation	Mr Ugur Berber Ms Nikki Medanovic	NatoAccreditations[at]hq.nato.int
Broadcast arrangements	Mr Bart Vandendorpe Ms Işıl Koç (for TRT)	BroadcastOperations[at]hq.nato.int isil.koc@trt.net.tr
NATO Video on demand	natomultimedia.tv	content[at]natomultimedia.tv

MIL Security OSI –

April 18, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Student Organization Hosts Annual Multicultural Education Conference Focused on Equity and Opportunity
Source: US State of Connecticut

On April 5, the Leadership in Diversity (LID) student organization held its annual multicultural education conference at UConn Storrs, offering space for dialogue and discussion among educators across Connecticut. The event, titled “Empowering Education: Strength in Opportunity and Equity,” was free and coordinated by students in the Neag School of Education’s Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s teacher preparation program who lead LID.

Founded in 2014 by two Neag School students, LID aims to equip aspiring educators with the necessary tools, networks, and knowledge to become competitive, well-rounded, and culturally responsive professionals.

“Our annual spring conference is a staple to our community,” said Carter Newman ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, vice president and treasurer of LID. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

“Our annual spring conference is a staple to our community,” said Carter Newman ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, vice president and treasurer of LID. “We have the privilege of hosting this event for students, faculty, and the greater education community to spread the joy of working in this field. Each conference features a diverse set of presenters who share their impact in the educational field and creates space for guests to engage with one another, sharing their own expertise.”

Daniel Lozano ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, secretary of LID, emphasized the organization’s importance in promoting inclusion.

“Understanding and supporting Leadership in Diversity is vital because it fosters inclusive leadership and challenges us to confront systemic inequities in our schools and communities,” Lozano said. “We are deeply grateful to the educators who continue to support our organization’s mission and who work every day to create more just and inclusive learning environments.”

Held in the Charles B. Gentry Building, the conference featured eight rotating presentations, including:
- Perspectives About Translanguaging Amongst Dual Language Educators, presented by Natalia Murphy ’25 (ED), ’26 MA
- The Power of Mentorship in Education, presented by Terrell Huff, CEO of Dilligence Training Cares
- Navigating Conflict: The Intersection of Cultural Competency and Effective Resolution, presented by Tonya Clairborne and Scott Hurwitz ’06 (ED), ’07 MA, ’19 Ed.D., ’21 ELP, Glastonbury Public Schools
- Affinity Group in the Meriden Public Schools: Recruiting and Retaining Racially Diverse Educators, presented by Orlando Valentin Jr. ’13 (ED), ’15 MA, ’19 6^th Year, Meriden Public Schools
- Incorporating Social Justice into Curriculum, presented by Toby Way, Mansfield Public Schools
- AAVE? Ebonics? Slang? Can We Call This a Language?, presented by Mikaya Robinson ’24 (ED), ’25 MA
- Building Effective Relationships with Students with Challenging Behaviors, presented by Vilenti Tulloch, CEO of Academic Leadership Association
- Disability Inclusivity in Elementary Education, presented by Lauren Midgette, Neag School adjunct professor
“The passion that comes from our presenters, attendees, and the team behind planning is something I love being able to witness,” said Camille Terrell ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, LID co-president. “The work and discussion that is done at this conference is meant to inspire, change, and equip current and future educators to provide students with the opportunity to forever learn and grow.”

The work and discussion that is done at this conference is meant to inspire, change, and equip current and future educators to provide students with the opportunity to forever learn and grow. &#8212 Camille Terrell ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, LID co-president

Logan McCallum Laval ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, co-president of LID, noted the event’s strong attendance despite a new format.

“We were especially pleased to see such a strong turnout,” Laval said. “We are thankful for those who attended, presented, came to learn, and be a part of such impactful conversations around education.”

Murphy presented a case study conducted at an elementary school in eastern Connecticut, exploring how dual language teachers work to bridge the gap between students’ natural language practices and the long-standing language separation policies of districts.

“It’s not just the English speakers or the non-English speakers, everyone is valued in this process,” Murphy said. “Every student’s language skills and the things they bring to the table are important to us.”

Hurwitz and Clairborne focused on how cultural competency strengthens conflict resolution by helping educators recognize and respond to different communication styles and ways of handling conflict.

“Sometimes, as a leader, listening is your most important skill that you can exhibit,” Hurwitz said. “You think as a leader that you have to talk, but sometimes not talking is the best way to begin solving the problem.”

Midgette highlighted the need for disability representation and inclusivity in education, as well as shared practical strategies to achieve it. She was joined by her 6-year-old daughter, helping illustrate how meaningful and respectful conversations about disability can be integrated into early learning environments.

“I am a secondary educator by training, but after having this beautiful little girl in 2019, I became more interested in elementary education and the ways that we are ensuring that our youngest get the same conversations but at an appropriate level,” Midgette said.

“Recognizing and embracing Black Language in educational spaces only strengthens our goals as educators to create an inclusive learning environment for every student,” said Mikaya Robinson ’24 (ED), ’25 MA at the conference. (Nicole Dobrzanski/Neag School)

Robinson discussed the work of April Baker-Bell, an academic scholar, in her research of Black Language. The presentation focused on how educators can champion linguistic justice in their classrooms through language, writing, and reading.

“Recognizing and embracing Black Language in educational spaces only strengthens our goals as educators to create an inclusive learning environment for every student,” Robinson said. “Change begins with knowledge — and with that, we can create safer spaces for Black students and speakers of Black Language.”

Alyssa Hadley Dunn, director of teacher education at the Neag School, praised the event and its organizers.

“I was so impressed and inspired by the LID conference, including the outstanding organizers and the individual presenters,” Dunn said. “Our Neag School students and alumni who presented their research were passionate about educational justice and did a wonderful job engaging the audience. They are wonderful examples of the type of educators we need in today’s world.”

Dominique Battle-Lawson, LID advisor and assistant director of student support at the Neag School, underscored the importance of fostering inclusive education and professional networks.

“LID is one of several initiatives to bridge this gap by supporting and encouraging prospective Neag School students of color throughout the UConn application process,” Battle-Lawson said. “We also strive to assist current Neag School students of color by offering networking opportunities, professional development, and a safe space to discuss educational issues. This work is essential for ensuring a more inclusive and representative future in education.”

MIL OSI USA News –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: UConn Amplifies Sustainability Message with Spring Fling

Source: US State of Connecticut

Earth Day and sustainability initiatives at UConn Storrs were celebrated by students during the Earth Day Spring Fling and Zero Waste Barbecue on Wednesday, April 16.

Vendors and clubs set up shop along Fairfield Way to sell sustainable goods and involve members of the UConn community with green initiatives around campus.

“It’s a good way of getting people excited about sustainability,” said Ross Elliott ’26 (CLAS). “People are naturally drawn to free food and music and fun stuff, but at the same time, it actually gets them thinking about what this is all about.”

UConn students participate in goat yoga on the Founders Green during Earth Day Spring Fling on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

One of the featured events was a Party Peddler Bike Tour, where an Office of Sustainability intern shared facts about buildings around campus and how the architecture at UConn incorporates sustainability to help UConn in its strategic plan.

“Herbst Hall, for example, is a LEED-certified building. Every single new UConn building is LEED-certified,” said Amogh Chaubey ’25 (ENG), an intern at the Office of Sustainability. “That means leadership and environmental design.”

There is a bioretention basin beneath the building that helps with stormwater management, Chaubey told passengers. “A lot of the things you don’t really think about, like how come Fairfield Way doesn’t get flooded when it rains, are built into the architecture of our buildings.”

“The bike ride was my favorite part of today,” says Elliott. “It was a great way to learn more about how UConn has committed to sustainability. Everyone was talking, laughing, pedaling and pushing as hard as they can; it was silly, but it was really fun.”

UConn students ride on a party bike on Mansfield Way during Earth Day Spring Fling on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

Elsewhere, the Spring Valley Student Farm gave out free marigolds in recycled newspaper pots; UConn Horticulture Club sold plants; the library had a display of sustainability books; and local vendors sold soaps, dog treats, pins, and more.

The annual class tree-planting ceremony took place as well. Members of the first-year student community planted a tree for the class of 2028. This year’s tree was planted near the Hawley Armory, facing Fairfield Way.

Another event that students participated in was goat yoga on Founders Lawn. “The goats are so friendly, they’ll jump on your back,” said Chaubey. “It gets filled up right away. Getting a seat for that is like getting a Taylor Swift concert ticket, it’s hard.”

The goal of the event is to provoke more conversations about sustainability at a high level, said Chaubey. “Right now, we’re working with Dining to bring the zero-waste barbecue and cupcakes to the celebration. Building that partnership could, down the road, help us work with them to bring zero-waste to our dining halls,” Chaubey says. “Our big goal here is to make sustainability centralized.”

The zero-waste barbecue was the main attraction of the celebrations. Students had a chance to enjoy locally sourced foods, many of which were vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. The food waste is run through food cyclers that the Office of Sustainability runs.

The view from the party pedal bike during the Spring Fling (George Velky / UConn Photo)

“It’s almost like a dishwasher,” said Chaubey. “It cycles overnight and gives you this composable dust.”

Students can purchase these composters personally or for their residence halls, Chaubey added. “Our pilot program put them in a bunch of off-campus apartments, and the idea is that students can deal with waste super easily wherever you want.”

And stretch: goat yoga on the Founders Green during Earth Day Spring Fling on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

One way Chaubey encourages students to get involved is by filling out a sustainability literacy survey. This gives the Office of Sustainability a gauge of how students are contributing to sustainability in Storrs and what it can do to improve environmental literacy and green programs around campus.

“I learned about zero-waste vegan food and how that can lead to a more sustainable society,” said Elliott. “I’m not a vegetarian, but I’ve always been interested in how we could shift towards a vegetarian society. It was cool to see how many people were enjoying the vegetarian and vegan barbecue. It surprised me.”

The student response to the festivities was overwhelmingly positive. “It’s windy, it’s cold, but look around, it’s packed,” said Chaubey. “Student engagement is a huge part of our mission, and sustainability can be a ton of fun.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Thailand’s fragile democracy takes another hit with arrest of US academic

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia

Despite the challenges faced by local democratic activists, Thailand has often been an oasis of relative liberalism compared with neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Westerners, in particular, have been largely welcomed and provided with a measure of protection from harassment by the authorities. Thailand’s economy is extremely dependent on foreign tourism. Many Westerners also work in a variety of industries, including as academics at public and private universities.

That arrangement now seems under pressure. Earlier this month, Paul Chambers, an American political science lecturer at Naresuan University, was arrested on charges of violating the Computer Crimes Act and the lèse-majesté law under Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code for allegedly insulting the monarchy.

Chambers’ visa has been revoked and he now faces a potential punishment of 15 years in jail.

The lèse-majesté law has become a common tool for silencing Thai activists. At least 272 people have been charged under the law since pro-democracy protests broke out in 2020, according to rights groups.

Its use against foreigners has, until now, been limited. No foreign academic has ever been charged with it. Because of the law, however, most academics in Thailand usually tread carefully in their critiques of the monarchy.

The decision to charge a foreign academic, therefore, suggests a hardening of views on dissent by conservative forces in the country. It represents a further deterioration in Thailand’s democratic credentials and provides little optimism for reform under the present government.

Thailand’s democratic deficit

Several other recent actions have also sparked concerns about democratic backsliding.

Following a visit by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to China in February, the government violated domestic and international law by forcibly returning 40 Uyghurs to China.

The Uyghurs had fled China a decade earlier to escape repression in the western Xinjiang region and had been held in detention in Thailand ever since. They now potentially face worse treatment by the Chinese authorities.

Then, in early April, Thailand welcomed the head of the Myanmar junta to a regional summit in Bangkok after a devastating earthquake struck his war-ravaged country.

Min Aung Hlaing has been shunned internationally since the junta launched a coup against the democratically elected government in Myanmar in 2021, sparking a devastating civil war. He has only visited Russia and China since then.

In addition, the military continues to dominate politics in Thailand. After a progressive party, Move Forward, won the 2023 parliamentary elections by committing to amend the lèse-majesté law, the military, the unelected Senate and other conservative forces in the country ignored the will of the people and denied its charismatic leader the prime ministership.

The party was then forcibly dissolved by the Constitutional Court and its leader banned from politics for ten years.

In February, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission criminally indicted 44 politicians from Move Forward for sponsoring a bill in parliament to reform the lèse-majesté law. They face lifetime bans from politics if they are found guilty of breaching “ethical standards”.

Even the powerful former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, whose daughter is also the current prime minister, is not immune from the lèse-majesté law.

He was indicted last year for allegedly insulting the monarchy almost two decades ago. His case is due to be heard in July.

This continued undermining of democratic norms is chipping away at Thailand’s international reputation. The country is now classified as a “flawed democracy” in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index, with its ranking falling two years in a row.

Read more:
Thailand’s democracy has taken another hit, but the country’s progressive forces won’t be stopped

Academic freedom at risk

The lèse-majesté law has always represented something of a challenge to academic freedom in Thailand, as well as freedom of speech more generally. Campaigners against the law have paid a heavy price.

The US State Department has provided a statement of support for Chambers, urging the Thai government to “ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression”. However, given the Trump administration’s attacks on US universities at the moment, this demand rings somewhat hollow.

Academic freedom is a hallmark of democracies compared with authoritarian regimes. With the US no longer so concerned with protecting academic freedom at home, there is little stopping flawed democracies around the world from stepping up pressure on academics to toe the line.

The undermining of democracy in the US is already having palpable impacts on democratic regression around the world.

With little international pressure to adhere to democratic norms, the current Thai government has taken a significant and deleterious step in arresting a foreign academic.

In the future, universities in Thailand, as in the US, will find it harder to attract international talent. Universities – and the broader society – in both countries will be worse off for it.

Adam Simpson 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. Thailand’s fragile democracy takes another hit with arrest of US academic – https://theconversation.com/thailands-fragile-democracy-takes-another-hit-with-arrest-of-us-academic-254706

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Japanese expert in hoarding visits Norwich to share global insights

Source: City of Norwich

Professor Aso, a former nurse in Japan and now an academic specialising in the study of hoarding, was aware of the good work taking place in Norwich to support residents affected by hoarding.

Because of this she approached us, keen to learn more about our service and to share her own learnings with us.

Hoarding is a complex and sensitive issue which can cause profound wellbeing problems for those suffering with the condition. It can also be a very difficult issue for family members and loved ones to understand.

On top of this, there are often real barriers to tackle when it comes to getting the relevant professional services on board to provide the right kind of support to help tackle the issue.

Council officers have witnessed first-hand how hoarding can negatively impact the lives of some residents. To help us understand more about this we were very happy to invite Professor Yasuko Aso, a public health expert from Japan, to come to City Hall and share her insights with us – drawn from across her research into hoarding.

Rachel Omori, independent living and collaboration manager at Norwich City Council said: “Bringing in international expertise helps us see what works elsewhere and where we can do better. Learning from others allows us to keep improving support for people in Norwich.”

During her visit, Professor Aso from Wayo Women’s University and Japan’s National Institute of Public Health, met with housing colleagues from the city council and other local organisations including St Martins Housing Trust, adult social care, and the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board and INTERACT.

Among the topics discussed was an explanation of how group workshops can help people reduce clutter and improve their quality of life.

Professor Aso said: “In Japan, we face challenges like an ageing population, limited space, and natural disasters, which make hoarding a growing concern.
“Norwich’s approach has given me fresh ideas to take back to my colleagues. I hope this conversation continues.”

Those involved shared their own experiences and methods for supporting residents affected by hoarding with the aim to learn from each other and improve support services.

Dr Jan Sheldon, chief executive of St Martins Housing Trust, said:
“Whilst we and our partners have made great strides forward supporting people with hording behaviours over the last few years there is always more to learn. The international exchange of knowledge and experience is always important, we have much to learn from each other. It is critical that our work in this area continues to build upon our understanding and practical implementation of the Psychological Informed Environment (PIE) and Trauma Informed Care (TIC)”

The visit, which took place earlier this month, highlights the city council’s commitment to learning from global best practice to improve lives locally, especially for residents facing complex housing and health needs. The timing of this visit helps to shine a spotlight on ‘UK Hoarding Awareness Week’ which runs from 12–16 May. Please follow our posts on social media for more updates.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Western Financial Group Champions Earth Day with Community Cleanup Initiatives
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HIGH RIVER, Alberta, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Western Communities Foundation, the non-profit arm of Western Financial Group, is proud to participate in multi-location community clean-up and tree planting initiatives celebrating Earth Day (April 22). Thanks to an unwavering commitment to sustainability and care for our staff, customers, and the communities in which we live and work, Canada’s Insurance Broker works to create safe places across the country.

As Western’s CEO Grant Ostir recently announced, our bold 2025 strategy and growth plans require company-wide dedication to providing a sense of security and care for our customers and local communities.

“Ambitious goals and growth only happen when we’re taking care of each other, our customers and our environments in which we live, play and work,” said Nancy Green-Bolton, Western Communities Foundation Board Chair and Western Financial Group Chief Operating Officer. “As a proudly Canadian company, these Earth Day activities reflect our dedication to creating safe places and thriving communities across the country.”

Our local teams will participate in various cleanup activities across the regions we serve, including British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.

Cleanup Event Details – PHOTO OPP:

British Columbia
- Oak Bay (Victoria), BC
  - Event: Earth Day Power Hour Community Clean-Up
  - Date & Time: April 22, 12pm-1pm
  - Location: Oak Bay Brach, 2067 Cadboro Bay Rd
- Kelowna, BC
  - Event: City of Kelowna Adopt a Stream Clean-up
  - Date & Time: April 22, 9am-11:30am and 2:30-5pm
  - Location: Kelowna Harvey Branch, 2025 Harvey Ave
- Cranbrook, BC
  - Event: Wildsight Co-Community Clean-Up
  - Date & Time: April 26, 10am-1pm
  - Location: Western Financial Place, 1777 2 St N
Alberta
- Okotoks, AB
  - Event: Town of Okotoks Community Clean-Up and Tree Planting
  - Date & Time: May 10, 9am-12pm
  - Location: Sheep River Shelter (Lions Campground), 99 Woodhaven Dr
- Spruce Grove, AB
  - Event: Spruce Up Spruce Grove Community Clean-Up and Tree Planting
  - Date & Time: May 24, 1-4pm
  - Location: 455 King Street, adjacent to the Community Gardens
Ontario
- King City, ON
  - Event: King City Community Tree Planting
  - Date & Time: May 10, 1am-3pm
  - Location: Dean Plummer Park, Nobleton
“Sustainability and social impact play a big role in our everyday operations at Western,” said Michelle Mak, Director, Western Communities Foundation. “We actively support a variety of inclusive and environmental initiatives throughout the year that positively impact local communities, and we encourage team members, regardless of role or location, to get involved. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate care and kindness in action.”

For more information about our Earth Day initiatives and Western Communities Foundation, visit westerngives.ca. To learn more about Western Financial Group and our commitment to social impact and sustainability, visit westernfinancialgroup.ca.

Western Financial Group Communities Foundation

Founded in 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation serves to give back to the communities where Western employees live and work and play, and foster employee pride and engagement. The Foundation’s core donation programs include Community Infrastructure Grants, the Western Inspirational Awards for graduating high school students, and The Western Community Care Program where our teams actively raise funds for local causes. Since its inception, the Western Communities Foundation has granted more than $9 million to support local communities.

About Western Financial Group Inc.

Headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western Financial Group is a diversified insurance services company that has provided over one million Canadians with protection for over 100 years. Western, a proudly Canadian company, is committed to community service, customer service, innovation, growth, and people while providing personal and business insurance through our engaged team of over 2,000 people in over 200 communities, affiliates, and various connected channels.

Since the very beginning, supporting our local communities has guided everything we do—it’s who we are. In 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation (our non-profit charity) was created as a way for our team members to give back and positively impact the people and pride in the places where we live, work, and play. To date, we have granted over $9 million back into our communities.

Western Financial Group is a subsidiary of Trimont Financial Ltd., a subsidiary of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. Visit https://westernfinancialgroup.ca for more.

For more information, contact Nichola Petts, PR Manager, Nichola.petts@westernfg.ca

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c860a30-3681-4c06-b64f-6bc459ec68f5

The MIL Network –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How petrostates succeeded in watering down the world’s plan to cut shipping emissions

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christiaan De Beukelaer, Senior Lecturer in Culture & Climate, The University of Melbourne

The UN’s International Maritime Organization has just agreed to start charging ships for the greenhouse gases they emit. After decades of ineffective incremental tweaks to shipping emissions, the breakthrough came on April 11 at a summit in London. It makes shipping the first industry subject to a worldwide – and legally binding – emissions price.

The positive spin is that getting any sort of deal is a major win for multilateral climate action, especially considering two strong headwinds.

From within the meeting, there was sustained opposition to ambitious action from Saudi Arabia and other petrostates, as well as from China and Brazil. Second, the US had already disengaged from negotiations. Even so, from outside the meeting, the US administration’s tariff war and explicit threat to retaliate against states supporting a shipping pricing regime could have affected talks far more than they did.

But we’re not sure that this agreement can be considered a success. While there is little traditional climate change denial at the IMO, “mitigation denial” is alive and kicking. Mitigation denial means making lofty promises, often in line with scientific evidence, but not adopting concrete measures able to deliver on these targets. This is exactly what petrostates pushed the IMO to do last week.

Ultimately, the IMO has well and truly failed the most climate vulnerable, by favouring a more gradual and less certain transition to low-carbon shipping. It’s even effectively making these countries pay the price.

What are the measures?

The IMO agreement introduces a global fuel standard for shipping, with financial penalties for ships that don’t meet emissions targets. This is effectively a carbon-trading scheme.

It sets two targets, both of which get tougher every year: a “base” level and a stricter “direct compliance” level. Ships that miss the direct target have to buy “remedial units”, and more expensive ones if they also fail the base level. Ships that go beyond their targets earn “surplus units”, which they can trade or save for up to two years.

In practice, this means that the companies and countries that can invest in new technologies will earn a double dividend: they won’t pay for emissions and they will receive rewards for using low-emission fuels.

At the same time, countries and shipping companies lacking the means to invest will effectively subsidise those early movers by paying penalties that reward them. Hardly any revenues will be available for the promised “just and equitable” transition that would ensure no country is left behind. No wonder nearly all delegates from vulnerable Pacific nations abstained from the vote at the IMO.

For a typical ship burning heavy fuel oil in 2028, it works out at around US$25 (£19) per tonne of greenhouse gas. That’s far lower than needed to drive a rapid transition to cleaner fuels. We also still don’t know exactly how the money raised will be used.

Delegates also agreed to update the IMO’s “carbon intensity” policy, which now requires ships to be 21.5% more fuel efficient by 2030 compared to 2019. This is a modest 2.5% improvement per year.

Pacific island states and the UK were among those arguing for bigger cuts (up to 47%). China pushed for 15% and the EU proposed the surprisingly low 23%. The final result of 21.5% is a bad compromise that does not reflect scientific recommendations on meeting the IMO’s goals or what is possible with available technology.

Climate action at the IMO

This geopolitical struggle goes back decades. Following the adoption of the Kyoto protocol (a precursor of the Paris agreement) in 1997, the UN tasked the IMO with reducing shipping emissions. After two decades of little progress, in 2018 the IMO eventually set a weak target to cut emissions by 50% from 2008 levels. In 2023, that goal was strengthened to net-zero emissions “by or around 2050”, with interim targets of 20-30% cuts by 2030 and 70-80% by 2040.

Read more:
Why the shipping industry’s increased climate ambition spells the end for its fossil fuel use

Most importantly, the 2023 strategy also committed to adopting legally binding measures in April 2025 to deliver on these targets. This has now happened.

In light of that history, the new measures do constitute progress. However, their success has to be judged on whether they can actually meet the IMO’s targets.

The 2030 goal is especially important as climate damage is proportional to cumulative emissions over time, so it’s important to cut emissions as soon as possible. If the shipping sector misses its 2030 target, it may have emitted too much carbon to still make a fair contribution to the Paris agreement.

Academics at UCL have analysed the new IMO agreement. Unfortunately, they calculated the new policies will only deliver a 10% reduction by 2030 – that’s not even close to the 20% goal the IMO set, let alone the “strive” target of 30%.

Mitigation denial?

At the IMO’s closing meeting, Harry Conway, chair of its Marine Environment Protection Committee, held up a glass of water and remarked that at the start of the week, the glass was empty, now the glass is half full.

As political spin, that image might work. But when it comes to setting a clear and ambitious path forward, the measures fall well short.

The 2023 strategy committed nations to “strive” to deliver 30% emissions cuts by 2030. Last week’s meeting might yield 10%. Another reason why Pacific delegates abstained from voting. There is a lot more striving – and delivering – to be done.

A credible pathway to reach net-zero by 2050 is now at risk. Strong pushback by the US, Saudi Arabia, China and Brazil, and weak leadership from the EU all played a role. Even adopting these modest measures – which requires a vote in October – and specifying operational “guidelines” afterwards will be an uphill battle.

Christiaan De Beukelaer receives funding from the ClimateWorks Foundation.

Simon Bullock is a member of the Institute for Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

– ref. How petrostates succeeded in watering down the world’s plan to cut shipping emissions – https://theconversation.com/how-petrostates-succeeded-in-watering-down-the-worlds-plan-to-cut-shipping-emissions-254638

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: APAC deal activity dips 4% in Q1 2025 as slowdown in some key markets offsets gains in India and Japan, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

APAC deal activity dips 4% in Q1 2025 as slowdown in some key markets offsets gains in India and Japan, reveals GlobalData

Posted in Business Fundamentals

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has witnessed a 4% year-on-year (YoY) decline in deal volume* during the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, driven primarily by a slowdown in venture capital (VC) activity. Despite the overall dip, the region showcased mixed dynamics, with India and Japan reporting double-digit growth in deal volume, offsetting notable contractions in China, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that the total number of VC deals announced in the APAC region YoY fell by more than 10%. In contrast, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deal volume registered a YoY growth of around 1% while the number of private equity deals were up by around 4%.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The APAC deal landscape presents a mixed picture reflecting both resilience and challenges across different markets within the region. While the overall deal volume has seen a slight YoY decline in Q1 2025, certain countries have exhibited notable growth showcasing their potential even in a challenging environment.”

China, traditionally a powerhouse in the APAC deal landscape, experienced a notable YoY decline with deal volume dropping by approximately 18%. Australia, South Korea and Singapore also experienced fall in deal activity during the review period.

Conversely, India emerged as a bright spot, with deal volume increasing by more than 14% during Q1 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Japan also showcased a remarkable growth, with deal volume surging by around 27% YoY.

Bose concludes: “The diverging trends in deal activity across APAC underscore the shifting investor sentiment and evolving macroeconomic dynamics. As capital allocation becomes more selective, regional agility and policy stability will be the key determinants of future deal momentum.”

*Coverage includes mergers & acquisitions (M&A), private equity and venture financing deals.

Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 18, 2025

Category: Australia

Freshwater poll has very narrow Labor lead

Resolve poll on tax and housing policies

JWS polls of Greens-held Brisbane seats

Redbridge poll: Labor close to majority

Unemployment rate steady at 4.1%

WA upper house final result

Race to the top

Creating destruction

In brief:

About Queers Past

A goal of connection

How the grants work

The application process

Read more like this:

Thailand’s democratic deficit

Academic freedom at risk

What are the measures?

Climate action at the IMO

Mitigation denial?