Category: Australia

MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating International Women’s Day

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

This International Women’s Day, the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) celebrates the theme: ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’.

The ACTPS is a diverse, progressive public service within which 64.6 per cent of employees identify as female.

Women now comprise 56 per cent of the ACTPS Senior Executive Service.

A record low gender pay gap

This increased representation of women in leadership has driven the Service’s narrowing gender pay gap over the last year.

The ACTPS gender pay gap reached a record low of -0.1 per cent in June 2023. The ACT labour force sits at 10 per cent and the national gender pay gap at 13.3 per cent.

Employee spotlight

The ACTPS encourages an inclusive culture by acknowledging and showcasing the contributions of all staff.

Below, five female employees share their thoughts on International Women’s Day, working for the ACTPS and how they’ve seen the gender landscape change at work throughout their careers.

Rachael Dawes – Senior Director Urban Treescapes

^{Urban Treescapes Senior Director Rachael Dawes}

Senior Director Rachael Dawes manages the Urban Treescapes business unit within City Services. Urban Treescapes is tasked with managing and protecting Canberra’s urban trees.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a woman working in the ACTPS caring for our urban forest, but particularly proud of the positive results of increased gender diversity in the team,” she said.

“When you have an inclusive environment, understanding and supporting each other, we can combine these diverse skills and lived experiences to respond to the changing conditions and needs of our environment”.

“There has been significant advancement in ACT urban forest management in recent years with the release of the Urban Forest Strategy and Urban Forest Act, which could not have happened without the vision and drive of the women in our team,” she said.

A career change led Rachael into forestry, and she urges women beginning their careers to look beyond perceived traditional career options.

“Explore your networks, ask questions, take chances and follow your interests and see what career path they can lead you down,” she said.

Arooj Fatima – Customer Service Operator, Access Canberra Contact Centre

^{Arooj Fatima of Access Canberra}

Every day, Access Canberra Customer Service Officer Arooj Fatima assists Canberrans via phone.

From vehicle registration enquiries to Fix My Street requests, Fatima is the first point of contact on many issues.

First attracted to the role for its flexibility, she brings to it myriad skills including active listening, empathy, patience and problem solving.

“There needs to be an acknowledgement and inclusion of women in all aspects of society. Women need to be fully included, supported, and empowered in all fields to contribute to a more prosperous future for all,” she said.

Arooj says she has seen women make significant progress over the course of her career.

“Women are serving and being valued at all employment levels i.e., manager, team leaders and administrative roles. They are excelling in every field,” she said.

“I feel immensely proud to be a woman working for the ACTPS because of the respect, value, and recognition that I get. I feel so comfortable with the work environment, work life balance and flexibility. I feel included and appreciated for every little progress that I make. I am provided the opportunity to undertake various training and roles for my professional development,” she said.

Katie Smith – Principal, Duffy Primary School

^{Principal Katie Smith, right, with Deputy Principal Arilia Abell}

Principal Katie Smith leads an all-female leadership team at Duffy Primary.

“By setting a strong example of supporting women, Deputy Principal Arilia Abell and I work to create a more inclusive and diverse work environment for future generations. Our presence in the school community showcases the importance of investing in women, inspiring both girls and boys to expect equality and inclusivity in their future workplaces,” she said.

Katie has seen progress in terms of gender equality during her career.

“One notable advancement is the increased representation of women in leadership roles such as principals and executive roles. Efforts to promote gender equality in education have led to greater recognition of female educators’ contributions and capabilities,” she said.

This year’s IWD theme resonates with Katie. “It speaks to our commitment to uplifting and supporting the capabilities of all women in our school community, providing opportunities for growth and success,” she said.

“For young women starting their careers: believe in yourself, set clear goals, seek mentorship, embrace learning, build a supportive network, speak up, prioritise balance, embrace challenges, stay flexible, and stay true to your values and passions.”

Rebecca Power, Project Director, CIT Woden Campus – Women in Construction advocate

^{Project Director Rebecca Power, third from right}

Project Director Rebecca Power works describes her work as “Celebrating gender diversity, equity and inclusion in construction and on Major Projects Canberra construction sites”.

“In an industry where gender inclusion is still challenging, Major Projects Canberra strives towards our social objectives to encourage and enable women and girls to reach their potential, contribute to innovation and ideas, and be leaders in their individual fields and professions within our industry,” she said.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to continue to tell women’s stories in our industry, empower women to achieve and grow their careers while opening up mentoring pathways for women who are just beginning their careers, laying the foundations for a brighter future in infrastructure to inspire real progress. I want to continue to advocate for meaningful change and I am committed to this cause.”

Rebecca advises women in construction to join the NAWIC ACT Mentoring program.

“It provides guidance and leadership while empowering women to achieve their goals and aspirations in the construction industry,” she said.

Janet Zagari, Deputy CEO, Canberra Health Services

Janet Zagari is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Canberra Health Services.

With 28 years in the health industry under her belt, her focus is on the service’s strategic direction, looking at cross-government priorities, operational planning and commissioning of new services.

“We know that diversity in the workforce generates better outcomes,” Janet said.

“Acknowledging the well-documented barriers that women face to participating in employment and the under representation of women in some industries and at senior levels, investing in women to create greater opportunities and genuinely believing that there is a value add to doing so is key to moving organisations forward.”

She cites increased representation of women graduating from medical school as a pronounced change in Australia.

“It is useful to stop and look back over the course of your career to think about what has changed, because it is easy to only see how far we still have to go and not to think about how far we have come,” she said.

“There are more women in traditionally male dominated areas of clinical practice, and better recognition of the value that women bring.”

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

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: ICON grant helps pro cyclist launch business

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Chloe and her husband launched Hosking Bikes in February 2023.

In 2023, Canberran Chloe Hosking made the switch from pro-cyclist touring around Europe to launching her own bike company here in Canberra with the help of an ICON grant.

“I never set out to start a bike company, just like I never intended to become a professional cyclist, I came home with a lot of ideas,” Chloe said.

“With my husband Jack’s experience in start-up software companies and all of my industry connections, we launched Hosking Bikes in February 2023 and had bikes in market by June.

“Most business owners will know that capital raising is often one of the hardest parts of starting a business, so the grant was a huge help,” she said.

Chloe received $30,000 in matched funding last year from the ICON grant program. This enabled her to develop prototypes and help with marketing activities.

ICON grants are currently open and close 16 April 2024.

The ICON grants are delivered by the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), which receives funding from the ACT Government to support entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups, like Hosking.

Chloe wanted to create a bike tailored to the needs of women.

“Over the years, I felt I wanted to change the lack of female representation in the industry,” she said.

“When you look at the top five cycle brands, only 13 per cent of the executive and board are women. And a recent study showed that 50 per cent of the women in the industry are thinking about leaving.

“The only way to change that is to have people in the room to change the narrative.”

Wanting to see more women on bikes, Hosking Bikes is one way she’s making it more accessible.

“Cycling has given me so much, and I want women to experience the joy that I got and get from cycling. Even if they don’t go pro.

“Creating a brand like Hosking Bikes that champions getting more women on bikes is the way to do that. We’ve also created a bike that’s half the cost of other bikes and we’re very focused on building an inclusive community to support more women into the sport,” she said.

Chloe has some wise words for any women looking to start a business.

“Believe in yourself 100 per cent. As an athlete you learn that you lose a lot more than win, but you keep working toward success, even if it’s not a race.

“But also, don’t let them doubt you! They will, but ignore them!” she said.

Previous ICON grant recipients include Future Swirl and Your Season.

For more on ICON grants, visit the CBRIN website.

Be the first to know about grants and funding to support Canberra businesses – subscribe to the CBR Business update e-newsletter.

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

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025

MIL-OSI: Sky Quarry Reports 4th Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WOODS CROSS, Utah, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sky Quarry Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYQ) (“Sky Quarry” or “the Company”), an integrated energy solutions company committed to revolutionizing the waste asphalt shingle recycling industry, has reported its financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

Key Financial and Operational Highlights

Q4 2024 Revenue of $4.2 million and $23.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Announced the signing of pivotal LOI with RB Residential Roofing, marking the start of a collaboration that targets integrating eco-friendly solutions into roofing services and helping Sky Quarry scale operations nationwide through the roofing company’s multiple locations.
Announced appointment of respected finance leader Leo Womack to the Company’s Board of Directors. He will also serve on the Audit and Nominating Committee and chair the Compensation Committee.
Announced the completion of its 2024 capital expenditure program for its flagship hydrocarbon extraction site, PR Spring.
Announced a national rollout plan for modular extraction facilities to expand the reach and scalability of the Company’s proprietary technology.
Announced the appointment of energy industry veteran Todd Palin to the Company’s Board of Directors.

David Sealock, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Sky Quarry, reflected on a transformative year for the company:

“2024 was a significant year for our company. Sky Quarry achieved several key milestones in 2024, including our NASDAQ listing for our shareholders, continued and steady revenue at our Foreland Refinery, and a stepwise capital investment program to keep our PR Spring and Asphalt Shingle Recycling (ASR) portfolios moving forward,” he said. “We believe that we are positioned to grow production and increase revenues with our portfolio expansion projects. These portfolio expansion opportunities focus on capitalizing on market shifts, strategic partnerships, and resource optimization. The primary opportunities are in the expansion of refining capacity, partnerships for sustainable asphalt shingle recycling, and the potential for strategic growth to aggressively increase our revenue.

Looking ahead, we remain laser-focused on optimizing our asset base with the successful completion of our 2024 capital expenditure program at PR Spring and the recent refurbishment of our Foreland Refinery in anticipation of increased capacity in 2025. We are actively working towards expanding our national footprint through our recent LOI with RB Residential Roofing and advancing the national rollout of our Asphalt Shingle Recycling (“ASR”) modular extraction facilities, beginning with the deployment of our first facility in the 2025 fiscal year. Together, we believe that these initiatives set the stage for meaningful revenue growth, broader market reach, and long-term value creation for our shareholders.

This quarter, we entered into a pivotal LOI with RB Residential Roofing with the goal of entering into an agreement to secure a steady supply of post-consumer shingles, ensuring a steady supply of feedstock for our recycling operations. We believe that a partnership with RB Residential Roofing will generate consistent tipping fee revenue and accelerate Sky Quarry’s national expansion by leveraging RB’s extensive network of locations. By transforming waste into recycled content for new products, we believe entering into an agreement with RB Residential Roofing will not only support our mission to build a circular economy but also position Sky Quarry at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the roofing industry, helping to drive broader industry adoption.

In the 2025 fiscal year, we anticipate completing the build-out of our first Asphalt Shingle Recycling (“ASR”) Facility. Designed as a modular, scalable system, the facility will recover valuable components such as bitumen, granules, aggregate, limestone, and fiberglass. The first front-end module has already been fabricated, with two additional modules planned for deployment later in the year. We are currently evaluating two potential sites for the initial rollout, based on waste volume and proximity to industry partners. These facilities are expected to generate multiple revenue streams from tipping fees, recycled material sales, and byproduct recovery, contributing to meaningful top-line growth as deployment accelerates.

Operationally, we expect to begin refining blended sustainable oil in 2025, with plans to ramp up production at our Nevada-based Foreland Refinery, which has a processing capacity of up to 5,000 barrels per day. This comes at a critical time, as we anticipate a growing fuel supply crisis in the Western U.S., driven by California refinery shutdowns, tightening regulations, and potential import tariffs that threaten supply stability.

Foreland has served as a strategic energy asset in Nevada for over two decades, and we believe it is well-positioned to enhance regional fuel security. Once heavy oil sourced from our Utah-based PR Spring facility, produced from recycled asphalt shingles, is integrated at the Foreland refinery, we can not only expand our sustainable product offerings but also reinforce our presence in the energy sector. With broadened capabilities and strategic positioning, we anticipate stronger revenue and improved cash flow in the coming quarters.

In conclusion, we recently welcomed Leo Womack and Todd Palin to our Board of Directors. Mr. Womack brings significant strategic, business, and financial expertise, while Mr. Palin’s operational experience will be instrumental as Sky Quarry ramps up production at our Nevada refinery. Both additions strengthen our leadership team as we enter our next phase of growth in 2025.”

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024, totaled $23.3 million, a decrease of 54% compared to $50.7 million in 2023. This decline was primarily driven by a combination of lower WTI oil prices and the refurbishment of the Company’s Foreland Refinery.

Gross profit for the year was a loss of $1.4 million, representing a gross margin of (6.0)%, compared to a gross profit of $2.3 million, or 4.6% of revenues, in the prior year.

Total operating expenses increased to $6.1 million in 2024, up from $3.7 million in 2023, reflecting an increase of $2.4 million year-over-year.

As a result, the Company reported a net loss of $14.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $4.4 million in 2023.

About Sky Quarry Inc.

Sky Quarry Inc. (NASDAQ:SKYQ) and its subsidiaries are, collectively, an oil production, refining, and a development-stage environmental remediation company formed to deploy technologies to facilitate the recycling of waste asphalt shingles and remediation of oil-saturated sands and soils. Our waste-to-energy mission is to repurpose and upcycle millions of tons of asphalt shingle waste, diverting them from landfills. By doing so, we can contribute to improved waste management, promote resource efficiency, conserve natural resources, and reduce environmental impact. For more information, please visit skyquarry.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include ”forward-looking statements.” All statements pertaining to our future financial and/or operating results, future events, or future developments may constitute forward-looking statements. The statements may be identified by words such as “expect,” “look forward to,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “will,” “project,” or words of similar meaning. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of our management, of which many are beyond our control. These are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and factors, including but not limited to those described in our disclosures. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying expectations not occur or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or our achievements may (negatively or positively) vary materially from those described explicitly or implicitly in the relevant forward-looking statement. We neither intend, nor assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which differ from those anticipated. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and the Company’s other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained.

Investor Relations
Jennifer Standley
Director of Investor Relations
Ir@skyquarry.com

Company Website
www.skyquarry.com



Sky Quarry Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023

		2024			2023

ASSETS

Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	385,116		$	326,822
Accounts receivables		1,123,897			3,517,469
Prepaid expenses and other assets		339,124			114,387
Inventory		3,149,236			2,437,181
Total current assets		4,997,373			6,395,859

Property, plant, and equipment, net		6,160,318			6,287,351
Oil and gas properties		8,534,967			7,745,205
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		2,929,797			4,354,014
Right-of-use asset		1,115,785			184,548
Goodwill		3,209,003			3,209,003

Total assets	$	26,947,243		$	28,175,980

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	4,046,319		$	4,904,121
Current portion of operating lease liability		38,422			69,777
Current portion of finance lease liability		16,120			–
Warrant liability		459,067			–
Lines of credit		1,260,727			3,061,698
Current maturities of notes payable		6,578,017			4,835,567
Total current liabilities		12,398,672			12,871,163

Notes payable, less current maturities, net of debt issuance costs		2,000,560			2,100,514
Operating lease liability, net of current portion		77,824			116,246
Finance lease liability, net of current portion		971,690			–
Total liabilities		15,448,746			15,087,923

Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock $0.001 par value: 25,000,000 shares authorized; 0 and 246,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		–			246
Common stock $0.0001 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized: 19,027,208 and 16,323,091 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		1,903			1,630
Additional paid in capital		35,674,391			22,527,264
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(209,708	)		(201,505	)
Accumulated deficit		(23,968,089	)		(9,239,578	)
Total shareholders’ equity		11,498,497			13,088,057

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	26,947,243		$	28,175,980


Sky Quarry Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

		2024			2023
Net sales	$	23,364,188		$	50,731,889

Cost of goods sold		24,759,530			48,391,724
Gross profit (loss)		(1,395,342	)		2,340,165

Operating expenses:
General and administrative		6,121,955			3,702,743
Depreciation and amortization		5,889			5,303
Total operating expenses		6,127,844			3,708,046

Loss from operations		(7,523,186	)		(1,367,881	)

Other income (expense):
Gain on warrant valuation		1,477,870			–
Other income		35,637			26,008
Gain (loss) on sale of assets		(25,075	)		564,811
Loss on extinguishment of debt		(241,311	)		(205,425	)
Loss on issuance of private placement warrants		(1,935,934	)		–
Interest expense		(6,516,512	)		(3,639,520	)
Other expense, net		(7,205,325	)		(3,254,126	)

Loss before benefit from income taxes		(14,728,511	)		(4,622,007	)

Provision for income tax benefit		–			185,535

Net loss		(14,728,511	)		(4,436,472	)

Other comprehensive loss

Foreign currency translation adjustment
		(8,203	)		(24,185	)

Comprehensive loss	$	(14,736,714	)	$	(4,460,657	)

Loss per common share
Basic and diluted	$	(0.77	)	$	(0.27	)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic and diluted		19,027,208			16,323,103


Sky Quarry Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

		2024			2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$	(14,728,511	)	$	(4,436,472	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities:
Share based compensation		632,205			634,783
Depreciation and amortization		793,449			564,639
Amortization of debt issuance costs		4,465,636			2,568,523
Amortization of right-of-use asset		90,990			37,925
Loss on issuance of warrants		1,936,937			–
Gain on revaluation of warrant liabilities		(1,477,870	)		–
Loss on extinguishment of debt		241,311			205,425
Loss (gain) on sale of assets		25,075			(564,811	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		2,393,572			719,595
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(224,738	)		155,114
Inventory		(712,055	)		1,004,383
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(857,802	)		(1,040,860	)
Operating lease liability		(69,777	)		(36,450	)
Deferred tax benefit		–			(187,856	)
Net cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities		(7,491,578	)		(376,062	)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from sale of assets		–			961,400
Purchase of property, plant, and equipment		(691,491	)		(1,028,781	)
Purchase of oil and gas development assets		(789,762	)		(664,556	)
Net cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities		(1,481,253	)		(731,937	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds on lines of credit		36,645,980			61,499,106
Payments on lines of credit		(38,446,951	)		(58,437,408	)
Proceeds from note payable		19,483,052			17,721,772
Payments on note payable		(17,032,995	)		(12,905,339	)
Debt discount on note payable		(2,546,660	)		(3,588,539	)
Payments on finance leases		(34,417	)		–
Proceeds on issuance of preferred stock		308,000			614,804
Preferred stock offering costs		(40,874	)		(474,681	)
Proceeds on issuance of common stock		11,341,641			28,739
Common stock offering costs		(2,061,665	)		–
Net cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents generated by financing activities		7,615,111			4,458,454

Effect of exchange rate on cash		(8,203	)		(24,185	)

Increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents		(1,365,923	)		3,326,270
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of the period		4,680,836			1,354,566

Cash and restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of the period	$	3,314,913		$	4,680,836

The MIL Network –

April 2, 2025

MIL-OSI: VTR Biotech to Showcase Innovative Feed Solutions at VIV Asia 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BANGKOK, THAILAND, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VTR Biotech successfully participated in VIV Asia 2025, one of the premier international events for the animal feed and livestock industry. Held at Impact Bangkok, Thailand, from March 12-14, 2025, VTR Biotech presented its cutting-edge solutions at Booth No. 3-4122, focusing on optimizing feed efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in animal production.

VIV Asia 2025 brought together professionals from the global animal feed, livestock, and food industries, offering a dynamic platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and business development in animal health and nutrition.

As global demand for sustainable and efficient animal feed solutions continues to grow, VTR Biotech remains at the forefront of developing advanced feed enzymes, including phytase, protease, xylanase, and Macleaya cordata extract. These innovations are designed to enhance feed efficiency, reduce production costs, and improve the overall economic performance of animal feed producers worldwide.

VTR Biotech hosted an exclusive technical session titled “Optimizing Economic Efficiency of Production with Exogenous Feed Enzymes” on March 12, 2025, at Jupiter 5, IMPACT Bangkok. Led by Dr. Juan Antonio Javierre, an expert in feed optimization and biotechnology, the session explored how exogenous feed enzymes can revolutionize animal production by improving both economic efficiency and sustainability.

VTR Biotech’s Feed Solutions at VIV Asia 2025

As Southeast Asia’s livestock industry faces increasing pressure from feed cost inflation and sustainability concerns, VTR Biotech is stepping up to offer innovative solutions. At VIV Asia 2025, VTR Biotech highlighted the need for more efficient feed systems that balance cost with optimal animal health. One of the company’s most exciting developments is its new multifunctional enzyme, which outperforms traditional single enzymes by improving feed utilization and digestibility. This enzyme is designed to support poultry health and reduce feed costs by optimizing nutrient absorption, making it a valuable addition to the feed industry’s toolkit. With these advancements, VTR Biotech is addressing the key challenges of feed efficiency and animal welfare while contributing to the sustainable growth of Southeast Asia’s livestock sector.

VTR Biotech developed a comprehensive portfolio of feed solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of animal production. With a focus on optimizing feed utilization and reducing production costs, the company offers a range of innovative feed enzymes designed to meet the evolving needs of the animal feed industry.
- Microtech Phytase: VTR Biotech made significant strides in microbial enzyme technology, exploring new ways to optimize feed performance through microbial-based solutions. These technologies improve animal health, enhance nutrient absorption, and increase overall feed efficiency.
- Acid Protease:VTR Biotech explored the potential of acid protease to enhance protein digestion in animals, optimizing feed conversion and reducing feed costs. This enzyme significantly improves the efficiency of protein digestion in acidic environments, such as the stomach, leading to better animal performance and healthier growth.
- Xylanase: VTR Biotech’s Yiduozyme xylanase significantly improved fiber digestion in animals, enabling more efficient feed utilization. This enzyme helped break down complex fibers in plant-based feeds, improving nutrient absorption and enhancing overall animal health and growth.
- Glucose Oxidase: In a recent trial focused on broiler poultry, glucose oxidase demonstrated significant potential in improving gut health, enhancing feed efficiency, and boosting overall poultry performance. This innovation helped poultry producers reduce feed costs while maintaining or improving growth rates.
- Lipase: Lipase played a crucial role in the digestion of fats in animal feed. VTR Biotech investigated how lipase could improve the digestion and utilization of fats, leading to better growth rates, improved feed efficiency, and enhanced overall animal health. This enzyme optimized fat digestion, ensuring more efficient nutrient absorption and contributing to better weight gain in animals.
- β-mannanase: β-mannanase proved to be a promising enzyme that breaks down non-starch polysaccharides, a major component of plant cell walls. By improving the digestibility of these fibers, β-mannanase increased nutrient availability, improved animal performance, and reduced feed waste. VTR Biotech’s research in this area aimed to optimize fiber utilization, leading to more efficient feed and better overall animal health and productivity.
- Macleaya Cordata Extract: A natural plant extract that has been shown to improve feed efficiency and support animal health by reducing oxidative stress and promoting gut health.
About VTR Biotech
VTR Biotech is a global leader in biotechnology solutions, specializing in the development of advanced feed enzymes, bioproducts, and plant extracts. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, VTR Biotech is committed to supporting animal health, improving feed efficiency, and promoting responsible agricultural practices worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.vtrbiotech.com or www.vivasia.nl.

Contact:
VTR Biotech
Email: vtr@vtrbio.com
Website: www.vtrbiotech.com

The MIL Network –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: Locafy to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference April 3rd

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PERTH, Australia, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Locafy Limited (Nasdaq: LCFY, LCFYW) (“Locafy” or the “Company”), a globally recognized leader in location based digital marketing solutions, with market leading SEO capabilities, today announced that CEO Gavin Burnett will present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on April 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Burnett will discuss how Locafy is addressing the rapidly evolving online and AI search landscape. He will highlight the Company’s proprietary entity-based SEO technology, which enables businesses to achieve fast, cost-effective Page 1 visibility across both traditional search engines and emerging AI-powered platforms. Burnett will also explore how AI is transforming search behavior and emphasize the importance of unique, authentic business content and optimized digital infrastructure for gaining recognition in both AI and organic search. Additionally, he will preview Locafy’s upcoming AI Chat and Voice Bot solutions—designed to boost customer engagement and drive conversions—as part of the Company’s broader strategy to scale globally through strategic partnerships and a subscription-based business model.

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask questions in real time. An archived webcast will be made available after the event for those unable to attend live.

Online investors are encouraged to pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more and register at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

About Locafy
Locafy (Nasdaq: LCFY, LCFYW) is a globally recognized software-as-a-service technology company specializing in local search engine marketing. Founded in 2009, Locafy’s mission is to revolutionize the US$700 billion SEO sector. We help businesses and brands increase search engine relevance and prominence in a specific proximity using a fast, easy, and automated approach. For more information, please visit www.locafy.com.

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

Locafy Investor Relations Contact
Matt Glover
Gateway Group, Inc.
(949) 574-3860
LCFY@gateway-grp.com

Virtual Investor Conferences
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: AGNICO EAGLE ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN RUPERT RESOURCES LTD.

Source: Agnico Eagle Mines

Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE and TSX)

TORONTO, April 1, 2025 /CNW/ – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) (“Agnico Eagle”) announced today that it has acquired 2,602,500 common shares (“Common Shares”) of Rupert Resources Ltd. (“Rupert”) in a non-brokered private placement at a price of C$4.50 per Common Share for total consideration of C$11,711,250 (the “Private Placement”).

Concurrent with the closing of the Private Placement, Agnico Eagle exercised its right under an investor rights agreement dated February 11, 2020 between Agnico Eagle and Rupert to designate a nominee, Carol Plummer, to be appointed, or nominated for election to the board of directors of Rupert (the “Rupert Board”). Rupert has advised Agnico Eagle that it will nominate Ms. Plummer for election at Rupert’s upcoming annual general meeting and will include the required information in its proxy circular.

Ms. Plummer is Executive Vice-President, Sustainability, People and Culture at Agnico Eagle and possesses extensive experience in project evaluation, mine building and operations, particularly in Finland, where she was previously the general manager of Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä mine. Agnico Eagle believes that Ms. Plummer’s expertise will be a valuable asset to the Rupert Board as Rupert advances the Ikkari project and continues exploring the full potential of the property.

Prior to the Private Placement, Agnico Eagle owned 30,169,111 Common Shares, representing approximately 13.3% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. On closing of the Private Placement, Agnico Eagle owned 32,771,611 Common Shares, representing approximately 14.0% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.

Agnico Eagle acquired the Common Shares for investment purposes. Depending on market conditions and other factors, Agnico Eagle may, from time to time, acquire additional Common Shares or other securities of Rupert or dispose of some or all of the Common Shares or other securities of Rupert it owns at such time.

An early warning report will be filed by Agnico Eagle in accordance with applicable securities laws. To obtain a copy of the early warning report, please contact:

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
c/o Investor Relations
145 King Street East, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7
Telephone: 416-947-1212
Email: investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com

Agnico Eagle’s head office is located at 145 King Street East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2Y7. Rupert’s head office is located at 82 Richmond Street East, Suite 203, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1.

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading sustainability practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release has been prepared as at April 1, 2025. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “will” or similar terms.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to the nomination of Carol Plummer as a director of Rupert, the inclusion of certain information regarding Carol Plummer in Rupert’s proxy circular and Agnico Eagle’s acquisition or disposition of securities of Rupert in the future.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Agnico Eagle as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Other than as required by law, Agnico Eagle does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agnico-eagle-announces-investment-in-rupert-resources-ltd-302417054.html

SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

MIL OSI Economics –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How to engineer microbes to enable us to live on Mars

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Samuel McKee, Associate Tutor and PhD Candidate in Philosophy of Science, Manchester Metropolitan University

Alones/Shutterstock

A field known as synthetic biology has become one of the most highly anticipated in science. Its outputs range from golden rice, which is genetically engineered to provide vitamin A, to advances stemming from the Human Genome Project, which successfully mapped the entire human genome. Prominent voices in biotechnology have heralded it as the next wave of the future of innovation.

Synthetic biology is the use of genetic engineering and other advances in biotechnology to generate new organisms or manipulate existing ones to produce the effects you desire. It is what the British biologist Jamie A. Davies calls “the creation of new living systems by design”.

What is perhaps less obvious is that it may even be useful in space exploration. We might eventually use microbes to detoxify Mars – helping humans to one day live on the red planet.

Synthetic biology has transformed many lines of technological breakthrough in biology already. Thanks to technologies such as the Nobel-winning genomic “scissors” Crispr Cas9, gene editing is now cheap, fast and accurate, as is gene sequencing.

All this means genomics can be done in the field and even in space thanks to new technology – such as the MinION by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, which allowed Nasa astronaut Kate Rubins to sequence the genomes of microorganisms on the International Space Station with a handheld device.

Structural biology has also been revolutionised by breakthroughs in cryo-electron microscopy (enabling us to view large molecules in a solution), and more recently by the Nobel prize-winning protein-folding program “AlphaFold” by Google’s DeepMind.

We can now know the structure and sequence of organisms at speed and with tremendous accuracy – and at low cost. Ultimately, this also presents an opportunity to make accurate changes to sequences and structures.

This has important implications for space exploration, according to the Mars Society, Nasa and the Royal Society. Specifically, advances in synthetic biology are opening up new avenues for exploring and colonising Mars.

So, how can we engineer microorganisms to make Mars habitable? Here are a few possibilities.

Eating radiation

Microbes could help us with the damaging radiation on Mars. We know there are bacteria and other single-celled organisms known as archaea living in some of the most hostile places on Earth. For example, Thermus Aquaticus thrives in extremely high temperatures, and psychrophiles live in extreme cold.

The tardigrade genome, for example, is a rich source of information, explaining how these microorganisms can survive in the vacuum of space. Extremophiles that can digest radiation and toxicities are already used to clean up everything from oil spills to the fallout of radioactive sites.

This means we could engineer microbes that are resistant to freezing temperatures and high levels of radiation. Such synthetic microorganisms could then be put to use on Mars in a variety ways to help shield us and our habitats from these extremes – or to develop crops with resistance.

The Milnesium tardigrade.
wikipedia, CC BY-SA

For example, it is now well known that the Martian soil is full of perchlorates, which are toxic to humans. Nasa has several ideas of how this can be dealt with, including synthetic biology.

Fixing atmospheric gases

Long ago on ancient Earth, cyanobacteria flourished. They filled an ecological niche which transformed Earth’s atmosphere by enriching it with oxygen. We owe our existence in large part to this fertile bloom.

Could they do the same for us on Mars? The atmosphere on the red planet is extremely thin and primarily made of carbon dioxide. The cyanobacteria would need a lot of help, which we could provide with synthetic biology. Theoretically, microorganisms could be engineered to survive the Martian environment and in turn pump out oxygen and nitrogen.

Warming the surface

Visions of terraforming the red planet (altering it to make it habitable for humans) often involve putting space mirrors in orbit to heat up Mars and melt its ice. This would cause a runaway greenhouse effect that would transform the planet into a more Earth-like state.

But synthetic biology could (theoretically) skip this stage, which has been proposed to take at least 200 years at the very best estimate. Some five years ago, scientists proposed planetary engineering using synthetic biology to engineer microbes for ecological transformation.

Given that microbes helped make Earth habitable, we could use synthetic biology to engineer microbes to speed up a similar process for Mars. Finding organisms that reduce greenhouse gases, remove toxicity and exhale helpful substances could help remove higher levels of greenhouse gases on Earth, too.

Seeding new life on Mars

We are not yet sure there is no life on Mars. The question of how ethical it is to engineer new life and then spread it to other bodies in the Solar System for our own ends is deep and complex. But these conversations need to happen.

However, it certainly seems that synthetic biology may be our best technological bet to becoming an interplanetary species – and a lot of space and biotech agencies are taking it very seriously.

According to recent research from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia: “From a holistic point of view, the ultimate synthetic biology approach to make the most of plant-based food on Mars would be to develop multi-biofortified crops with improved nutritional properties and enhanced quality traits (e.g., extended shelf life and reduced allergenicity).”

Among emerging technologies, it may be that using synthetic biology improves our future more than any other factor – on Earth and beyond.

Samuel McKee 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. How to engineer microbes to enable us to live on Mars – https://theconversation.com/how-to-engineer-microbes-to-enable-us-to-live-on-mars-253456

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Catechist and martyr Peter To Rot will be Papua New Guinea’s first Saint

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Monday, 31 March 2025

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Francis has authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to publish the decree for the canonization of catechist and martyr Peter Tor Rot, who will thus become the first Saint from Papua New Guinea. The date will be set during the Consistory (still to be scheduled) announced by the Pope a month ago while he was being treated for bilateral pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital.The requests and prayers of the Church of Papua New Guinea, which asked the Pope a few months ago during his visit to Asia and Oceania to intervene in the canonization process of the catechist and martyr (see Fides, 6/9/2024), have been heard.Born in Rakunai in 1912, Peter belonged to the Tolai community, who live in the easternmost part of the island. The exact date of his birth and baptism is unknown, as the documents were confiscated by the Japanese police during World War II. What is certain is that he grew up in a large family and was primarily educated by his father, a village chief. After receiving his First Communion, probably between 1922 and 1926, he served as an altar boy, moved by a deep devotion to the Eucharist.From 1930, he attended Saint Paul’s Catechist Training College in Taluligap and returned to his village three years later to actively exercise his ministry as a catechist. He also devoted himself to works of charity, with a particular focus on the poor, the sick, and orphans. At the age of 23, he married Paula La Varpit and became the father of three children.At the outbreak of World War II, the Japanese occupied Papua New Guinea and imprisoned all missionaries, but this did not initially hinder his pastoral work. Peter To Rot made every effort not to abandon the Christian community, continuing his catechetical activities and preparing couples for the sacrament of marriage.When the occupiers forbade him from continuing his work, he carried it out secretly and with extreme caution so as not to endanger the lives of the faithful, knowing full well that this decision could cost him his life.During the occupation, he opposed the reintroduction of polygamy, which the Japanese had allowed to curry favor with the local tribes, and thus also turned against his older brother. The latter denounced him to the police, and for these reasons, he was arrested in 1945 and sentenced to two months in prison. During his imprisonment, he received only visits from his mother, his wife, and his children. He was treated more harshly than the other prisoners and died of poisoning in prison in July 1945.Peter To Rot was beatified by Saint John Paul II on January 17, 1995, in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.On March 18, 2024, the bishops of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands requested that the miracle be waived on the path to Peter To Rot’s canonization. At the same time, they noted that while there is ample evidence, it is very difficult to document the required miracle because there are few hospitals capable of providing the scientific documentation necessary to prove a supposed miraculous healing, and because the culture of the local population is largely based on oral communication, making it difficult to document any miracles in writing.In addition, up to 820 dialects are spoken in the State, so few people are able to write in correct, understandable English. For these reasons, the request was granted, and on March 22, 2024, the Dicastery was authorized to conduct the special process with a dispensation of miracles for the canonization of Peter To Rot.This is a process by which the Pope, after due examination, recognizes a cult that has already existed for some time, without waiting for the recognition of a miracle. It differs from formal beatifications and canonizations, for which the Church provides for a regular investigation and the corresponding miracle. Furthermore, the Pope can always make special decisions. Pope Francis did this in the case of John XXIII, who was canonized based on his decades-long worldwide reputation for holiness, without a second miracle being recognized. Benedict XVI also applied an extraordinary process with regard to John Paul II, whose canonization process was initiated a few weeks after his death, without waiting the required five years.As for To Rot, after his beatification, his reputation for holiness grew considerably and extended to all the dioceses of Papua New Guinea, as well as to the neighboring Solomon Islands and Australia. Hundreds of works about him have been published on behalf of churches, institutions, and groups associated with his memory.There are also many acts of grace attributed to his intercession, collected after his beatification, when his person became better known. His reputation for holiness is widespread today. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 31/3/2025)
Share:

MIL OSI Europe News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: Volatus Aerospace to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference April 3rd

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Volatus Aerospace Inc., (OTCQX: TAKOF) (TSXV: FLT) (Frankfurt: ABB), a leader in innovative aerial solutions, today announced that Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on April 3^rd, 2025.

This live presentation, led by CEO Glen Lynch, will cover Volatus’ strategic growth plan, outline its initiatives for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and piloted solutions, and detail recent partnerships aimed at accelerating the commercialization of its RPAS technologies, including Volatus’ recent alliances with Kongsberg Geospatial, Dufour, RigiTech and Ondas Holdings .

DATE: Thursday April 3, 2025
TIME: 10:00am EDT
LINK: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

Recent Volatus Highlights:

About Volatus Aerospace
Volatus Aerospace is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With a strong foundation of over 100 years of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides comprehensive solutions using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). We serve industries such as oil and gas, utilities, healthcare, and public safety. Our mission is to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through cutting-edge, real-world solutions.

Connect with Volatus: Website

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:

Volatus Aerospace Inc.

Danielle Gagne
Head of Marketing and Communications
Volatus Aerospace Inc.
+1 833-865-2887
danielle.gagne@volatusaerospace.com

Bill Mitoulas
Investor Relations
Volatus Aerospace Inc.
+1.416.479.9547
investorrelations@volatusaerospace.com

Virtual Investor Conferences
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

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

The MIL Network –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: Blockmate Ventures Inc to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference April 3rd
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blockmate Ventures Inc (TSX.V: MATE) (OTCQB: MATEF) (FSE: 8MH1) (“Blockmate” or the “Company”), today announced that Justin Rosenberg, CEO, will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on April 3^rd, 2025.

DATE: April 3^rd
TIME: 3:30 – 4:00 pm ET
LINK: REGISTER HERE
Available for 1×1 meetings: April 7-8

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

Recent Company Highlights
- Feb 10, 2025 – Animoca Brands announces that they led Hivello’s pre-TGE investment round
- Feb 11, 2025 – Hivello’s (HVLO) Token lists on Gate.io and MEXC
- Dec 17, 2024 – Blockmate receives strategic investment from Tony G and co
About Blockmate Ventures Inc.
Blockmate Ventures is a venture creator focusing on building fast growing technology businesses relating to cutting edge sectors such as blockchain, AI and renewable energy. Working with prospective founders, projects in incubation can benefit from the Blockmate ecosystem that offers tech, services, integrations and advice to accelerate the incubation of projects towards monetization. Recent projects include Hivello (download the free passive income app at www.hivello.com) and Sunified, digitising solar energy.

The leadership team at Blockmate Ventures have successfully founded successful tech companies from the Dotcom era through to the social media era. Learn more about being a Blockmate at: www.blockmate.com.

Blockmate welcomes investors to join the Company’s mailing list for the latest updates and industry research by subscribing at https://www.blockmate.com/subscribe.

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:
Justin Rosenberg
CEO
Blockmate Ventures Inc
(580) 262-6130
justin@blockmate.com

Virtual Investor Conferences
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: Check Point Software to Announce 2025 First Quarter Financial Results on April 23, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TEL AVIV, Israel, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading provider of cyber security solutions globally, today announced that it will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, before the U.S. financial markets open. Management will host a video conference call with the investment community at 8:30 AM EST/5:30 AM PST on April 23, 2025. A live video webcast of the call will be hosted on the company’s website at http://www.checkpoint.com/ir.

To follow this and other Check Point news visit:

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Core Services for collaborative security operations and services.

©2025 Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. All rights reserved

INVESTOR CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT:

Kip E. Meintzer Gil Messing

Check Point Software Check Point Software

+1.650.628.2040 +1.650.628.2260

ir@checkpoint.com press@checkpoint.com

The MIL Network –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Your guide to eating out for less in Canberra
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Eating out doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Whether it’s two-for-one burgers or a cheap schnitty, who doesn’t love a good food deal?

We asked Canberrans on the We Are CBR Instagram page to tell us about the best weekly meal specials across the capital. So, bookmark or screenshot this list, for it is now your guide for eating out for less in Canberra!

All week deals
- Kickstart Expresso – $14.90 Tradies Special – one large coffee and toasted sandwich
- Loquita – $15 for 3 tacos
- Old Canberra Inn – $21 vegan curry with rice and flatbread
- Café Momo at Bruce – $12 bacon and egg roll and a coffee
- Dickson Tradies – $15 bacon and egg roll and a coffee
- Dolly’s – $12 bacon and egg roll and coffee
- The Fish Shack – $20 Shack Basket: 3 pieces of fish, calamari rings, prawns, chips or salad
- Flatheads O’Connor – $10 bacon and egg roll and a coffee
- Raiders Gungahlin – $16 lunches including schnitzel, fish or curry.
Weekdays
- Ainslie Football Club – $16 schnitzel with chips and coleslaw
- Bleachers Bar – $20 lunch specials including steak, parmigiana, burgers or fish, all with chips
- Caribou – $22 burger and soft drink
- Eighty Twenty – $10.90 bacon and egg roll or wrap with a coffee
- Eighty Twenty – $13.90 sandwiches with a coffee
- Hellenic Club City – $15 or less lunch specials
- Lanyon Vikings – $15 weekday lunches (from 12pm-2pm)
- Natural Nine – $15 Chop Chop lunch and soft drink (Monday to Thursday)
- The RUC – $15 lunch specials.
- Turkish Pide House Woden – $20 lunch boxes, choose from low carb, healthy, taste or vegi options with a drink (not available during December).
Mondays
- Casey Jones Pub – one free kids meal with any main meal
- The Denman Kitchen – $25 for specials board meal and a drink
- Dolly’s – $15 for 2 chicken tacos
- Dickson Taphouse – half-price pastas
- The District – $20 pizzas and pastas
- Edgar’s – $23 burger with a house wine/beer or soft drink
- Fricken – $15 lunch specials including sliders, cauliflower nuggets or chicken strips, all with chips and a drink
- Kambah Inn – $25 rump steaks with a free beverage (from 11am)
- Lanyon Vikings – $15 schnitzel (5:30pm-9pm)
- PJ O’Reilly’s Tuggeranong – $15 selected burgers and chips all day
- Public – 2 for 1 pizzas
- Raiders Belconnen – buy 1 main meal and receive 1 kid’s meal free
- The RUC Turner – $15 rump steak, chips and a salad
- Southern Cross Club at Tuggeranong and Jamison – $21 prawn linguini, steak or fish
- Walt and Burley – $20 fish and chips
- Yaki Boi – $38pp all you can eat.
Tuesdays
- 3rd Space – $40 for 2 pizzas
- The Alby – $20 for 3 tacos
- Amici – $30pp bottomless pasta
- As You Like It Café & Bar – $10 breakfast menu
- Bleachers – $20 chicken schnitzel, fries, coleslaw and a beer
- Central Social Club – $18 pizzas
- The Denman Kitchen – $25 for steak and a drink
- Dickson Taphouse – $18 curry night
- Dolly’s – $15 chicken schnitzels
- Edgars – $29 steak with a drink
- The George Harcourt Inn – $20 schnitzel or Guinness pie or $22 chicken parmigiana, all served with chips, salad and a drink
- Grease Monkeys – free beer with any burger
- Hellenic Club in the City – $19.90 steak or schnitzel with sides and a drink
- Hopscotch – $15 pizzas
- Kambah Inn – $20 schnitzel and free beverage (11am-8pm)
- PJ O’Reilly’s Tuggeranong – $15 selected meals, lunch only
- The RUC – $15 chicken schnitzel, chips and salad (from 5pm)
- Two Blind Mice – $19 pizzas
- UC Bar x – $13 burger & chips (chicken, beef or plant-based)
- Yaki Boi – $10 chicken burger and chips.
Wednesdays
- The Alby – $20 lunch specials including schnitzel, tacos, kebabs, lasagne and more
- Central Social Club – $18 burgers
- The Denman Kitchen – $25 for a burger and drink
- The District – $30 porterhouse with fries and salad
- Dolly’s – $15 burger deal
- Edgars – $25 schnitzels with house beer, wine or soft drink
- Erindale Vikings – $16 schnitzel or burger (from 5:30pm)
- Fenway Public House – half-priced chicken wings
- Fricken – 50c wings (from 5pm)
- Hellenic Club City – $16.90 chicken parmigiana and sides
- Mawson Club – $12.50 chicken or pork schnitzel, chips and salad
- The Pedlar – $25 parmigiana and a house drink
- PJ O’Reilly’s Tuggeranong – $17 steak and chips or mash or salad
- Public – $25 sirloin steak, chips and salad with a drink
- Raiders Belconnen – $15 chicken schnitzel with two sides
- The RUC – $15 burgers, chips and salad (from 5pm)
- Southern Cross Club at Woden, Jamison, Tuggeranong – buy a main meal and receive a kid’s meal free
- Two Blind Mice in Curtin – $19 burgers
- Walt and Burley – $20 pasta of the week.
Thursdays
- 3rd Space – kids eat free
- Cornerstone Pub – $49.95 for two pizzas with a free garlic bread and jug of soft drink (5:30pm-8:30pm)
- Cypher Brewing Co – $20 for a Cypher burger or veggie Cypher burger with shoestring fries and a schooner of lager
- The Denman Kitchen – $25 for a schnitzel and a drink
- District – $20 schnitzel, fries and salad
- Dolly’s – $15 for 1/2kg wings and a house drink
- Fenway Public House – $5 tacos
- Fricken – $15 lunches including sliders, cauliflower nuggets or chicken strips, all with chips and a drink
- Hellenic Club City – $14.90 burgers, chips and onion rings
- Kambah Inn – buy 2 tacos, get 1 free. Breakfast tacos from 6a-2pm or chicken, pork or fish tacos from 11am-8pm
- Olive at Hawker – 15% discount on all online food orders
- The Pedlar – $20 burger with a house drink
- Southern Cross Club at Woden Tuggeranong and Jamison – $20 gourmet burger and a drink
- UC Bar X – $13 chicken schnitzel or $15 parmigiana
- Weston Creek Labor Club – complimentary kids meal with any full priced main meal (dinner only).
Fridays
- The Alby – $20 lunch specials including schnitzel, tacos, kebabs, lasagne and more
- Fenway Public House – $15 burgers
- Fricken – $20 burger, chips and drink $20
- Hellenic Club City – $14.90 burgers, chips and onion rings
- PJ O’Reilly’s Tuggeranong – $25 beer jug and wings or nachos
- Such & Such – $2 oysters from 3pm-5pm
- Weston Creek Labor Club – complimentary kids meal with any full priced main meal (dinner only).
Saturdays
- The Alby – $20 lunch specials including schnitzel, tacos, kebabs, lasagne and more
- Dickson Tradies – $18 roast lunch
- Fenway Public House – 20% off all main meals
- Mawson Club – $12 lunch specials
- UC Bar x – buy any pizza and get a free drink
- Weston Creek Labor Club – complimentary kids meal with any full priced main meal (dinner only).
Sundays
- 3rd Space – $59.90 for two pizzas and a bottle of wine (from 5pm-8pm)
- Chisholm Vikings – $29.90 for two wood-fired pizzas and garlic bread (from 12pm-2pm and 5:30pm-9pm)
- Dickson Tradies – $18 roast lunch
- The District – $20 burger with fries
- Edgar’s – $25 roast with sides, a beer, house wine or soft drink
- Fenway Public House – $20 schnitzels
- Hopscotch – 50c wings all day
- Mawson Club – $12 lunch specials
- The Pedlar – $20 schnitzel and a house drink
- Public – $25 Sunday roast (meat and sides)
- Southern Cross Club at Woden, Tuggeranong and Jamison – $22 roast of the day
- Two Blind Mice – buy a charcuterie board and get two free Aperol Spritz
- Walt and Burley – $20 schnitty.
Although these offers were correct at the time of publishing, please ensure you always check T&Cs with the venue, such as timeframes and pricing.

Happy eating!

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:
MIL OSI News –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Making your Access Canberra visit easier
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Visiting a Access Canberra Service Centre? Consider using one of these services to make your day a little easier.
Connecting with Access Canberra is easier than ever.

Most services can be done online but if you need to visit in person, there are a few ways to help you get your life admin done quicker and easier.

Wait times

Mondays, Fridays and lunchtimes (between 12pm – 1.30pm) tend to be our busiest periods.

If you’re in a rush, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and visit one or our centres outside these peak periods.

Parking options, including the closest accessible parking are also available online to help make your visit as easy as possible.

Bookable appointments at Dickson

If you want to plan your visit to a Service Centre in advance, make an appointment at the Dickson Specialised Service Centre.

Located at 480 Northbourne Avenue (next to the Dickson Interchange) the Dickson Specialised Service Centre is open for appointments only.

To book an appointment, visit: accesscanberra.act.gov.au
- Appointments are available Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.20pm.
- 24 hours before your appointment you will receive a reminder text and email appointment reminder.
- You can also cancel or change your appointment online if you can’t make it.
Virtual queuing

At busier times, you may be able to join a virtual queue by scanning a QR code when you arrive at a Service Centre.

By doing this, you don’t have to wait at the Service Centre. You can go grab a coffee or tick off something else on your to-do list.

All Access Canberra Service Centres are conveniently located in town centres, meaning there’s plenty of nearby options to keep you occupied whilst you wait.

You’ll receive a text message when it’s time to re-join the physical queue.

Languages on name badges

Access Canberra has a diverse team working at their Service Centres. Across the five locations, more than nine languages are spoken.

Team members who speak a language other than English will have the languages they speak listed on their name badges.

If you speak a language listed on a team member’s name badge, please feel free to chat with them in that language.

Next time you need to visit an Access Canberra Service Centre, consider using one of these services to make your day a little easier.

Remember, you can do most transactions online. It’s quick and available 24/7.

If you’d rather speak with someone over the phone, give Access Canberra a call on 13 22 81. The call centre operates Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm, and 9am – 5pm on weekends and public holidays.

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:
MIL OSI News –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Spring cleaning? Do it the sustainable way
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

With a range of recycling and reuse options available, think before disposing during your spring clean.
If you’re planning a spring clean to spruce up your home, apartment, or townhouse there are several resources available to help you minimise your waste.

ACT recycling fast facts:
- Around 250 tonnes of recycling from the ACT and our surrounding councils are sorted each day at the Materials Recovery Facility in Hume
- 12% of an average landfill household bin are items that could have been recycled
Whatever you’re looking to dispose of search for it in our Recyclopaedia for options to help you reduce, reuse and recycle.

Furniture and bulky waste

Whether you’re clearing out the garage, shed or opening up your living areas, there’s probably some furniture you’d like to dispose of. Make sure you consider these options:
- Items in a reusable condition can be dropped off for free at Goodies Junction (conditions apply).
- You can sell items on an online marketplace.
- Book a free bulky waste collection. Canberrans are entitled to one free roadside bulky waste booking each year.
- Disposing of an old mattress? Drop it off at Soft Landing in Hume. Fees apply.
Electronics

Disposing of a spare TV, computer, printer, modem, phone or other electronic device? If working, these items can be used again. If not, electronics are full of recyclable materials. Take a look at these options:

If working:

If broken or damaged:

Clothing, blankets and fabrics

If you’re cleaning out the wardrobe, consider donating, selling, swapping and reusing before disposing of garments and clothes.
- Sell items on an online marketplace.
- Donate to businesses or charities such as the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Another Chance, GIVIT or Koomarri Cut Cloth.
- Drop it off for free at Goodies Junction.
Hazardous waste – Cleaning products, oils paint and batteries

It’s important not to place hazardous waste in your kerbside wheelie bins or put them down the drain as they are harmful to the environment.

Hazardous waste, including cleaning products, paints, pesticides, batteries, poisons, pool chemicals, gas bottles and oil, can be dropped off for free at a Resource Management Centre.

View a list of accepted hazardous waste.

Paper, cardboard, glass bottles, aluminium and steel cans

The ACT has five recycling drop-off centres where you can recycle excess empty household containers and packaging for free. The centres are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Find your nearest centre here.

You can also drop off eligible bottles, cans and cartons to earn 10 cents per item with the Container Deposit Scheme. There’s 19 return points across the ACT.

To see more information recycling tips and resources, visit the Recyclopaedia.

Get ACT news and events delivered to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:
MIL OSI News –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Save time, go online

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Save time and complete your Access Canberra services online.

Did you know you can complete more than 450 Access Canberra transactions online at a time that suits you?

Most Access Canberra services can be completed online, so you don’t always have to visit a Service Centre.

Our most popular online transactions include:

You can also set up SMS alerts for driver licence and registration renewals to remind when you when they are due to expire.

The only transactions that need to be done in person are registrations that require a photo (for example a new driver licence, proof of identity or WWVP card or to arrange number plates for new registrations or custom plates).

Head to the Access Canberra pay online page for all the online services available.

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

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: BioLargo to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference April 3, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WESTMINSTER, Calif., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQX:BLGO), a company that creates and commercializes sustainable technologies to solve tough environmental and cleantech challenges, today announced that Dennis P. Calvert, CEO of BioLargo, will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on April 3, 2025

DATE: April 3, 2025
TIME: 12:00 PM EDT
LINK: Register Here

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company
questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the
conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

About BioLargo, Inc.

BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQX:BLGO) is a cleantech and life sciences innovator and engineering services solution provider. Our core products address PFAS contamination, achieve advanced water and wastewater treatment, control odor and VOCs, improve air quality, enable energy-efficiency and safe on-site energy storage, and control infections and infectious disease. Our approach is to invent or acquire novel technologies, develop them into product offerings, and extend their commercial reach through licensing and channel partnerships to maximize their impact. See our website at www.BioLargo.com.

About Virtual Investor Conferences®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:
BioLargo, Inc.
Dennis P. Calvert
President and CEO, BioLargo, Inc.
888-400-2863

Virtual Investor Conferences
John M. Viglotti
SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
OTC Markets Group
(212) 220-2221
johnv@otcmarkets.com

The MIL Network –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The Academic Council discussed the development of the corporate information system and the tasks of the Office of Technological Leadership

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

The meeting of the Academic Council on the last day of March traditionally began with a formal part.

Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy awarded the “For Merit” badge of distinction to the CEO of the BuildHouse company, a 1988 graduate of the metallurgical faculty, Alexey Evstratov, noting his contribution to strengthening the university’s image, forming and replenishing the target capital of the Endowment Fund, promoting the development of the Polytechnic Museum, and involving graduates in university events and charity events.

Andrey Rudskoy also presented the “For Merit” badges to Mikhail Volkov, Deputy General Director of the Zvezda plant for general issues; Dmitry Sachava, Head of the Advanced Technologies Marketing Department of the Computer Engineering Center; Dmitry Shamansky, Leading Specialist of the Advanced Technologies Marketing Department of the Computer Engineering Center; Nina Suratova, Head of the Scientific Literature Department and Curator of the University’s Information and Library Complex; and Natalia Sokolova, Director of the Information and Library Technologies Center.

Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation, 1978 Physics and Mechanics Faculty graduate Alexey Borovkov was awarded a commemorative medal and gratitude from the university for facilitating the development of the Endowment Fund.

For her great personal contribution to the development of the Endowment Fund and the Polytechnic Ambassadors’ Community and in connection with the anniversary, the university’s gratitude was received by the executive director of the fund, associate professor of the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy of the Institute of Power Engineering and the Higher Engineering and Economics School of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, and a 1992 graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Production Management, Olga Novikova.

The ceremonial part continued with the presentation of diplomas for conferring scientific degrees. Aleksey Chechevikin received a diploma of candidate of technical sciences. Diplomas of candidates of economic sciences were received by employees and postgraduate students of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade: Ekaterina Mikhel (scientific supervisor – Professor Andrey Zaytsev); Victoria Brazovskaya (scientific supervisor – associate professor Svetlana Gutman); Daria Kryzhko (scientific supervisor – Professor Irina Rudskaya); Chen Leifei (scientific supervisor – Professor Alexander Babkin); Ivan Samokhvalov (scientific supervisor – Professor Vladimir Glukhov); Vitaly Nikolaenko (scientific supervisor – Professor Olga Kalinina); Vyacheslav Melekhin (scientific supervisor – Professor Mikhail Afanasyev).

Andrey Rudskoy presented certificates of conferring the academic title of “professor” to Elena Aleksandrova, chief research fellow at the Higher School of Cybersecurity, and Olga Vlasova, director of the Scientific and Educational Center “Fundamentals of Medical and Biomedical Technologies”.

Certificates for conferring the academic title of associate professor were received by: Maria Bortkovskaya, Konstantin Greshnevikov, Mikhail Enuchenko, Alexey Kultyshev, Anatoly Novik, Irina Ptukhina, Sergey Rozov, Nina Rumyantseva and Dmitry Sharapov.

SPbPU Academic Secretary Dmitry Karpov announced that by order of the President of the Russian Federation, employees of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” under the leadership of Alexey Borovkov were awarded a scholarship from the Defense Industry Complex for scientists, designers, technologists and other engineering and technical workers of organizations implementing the state defense order in 2024.

Another achievement of the SPbPU PISh is the resolution of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences dated June 25, 2024, based on the results of the competitive selection among student works in the field of “Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics and Control Processes” to a master’s student of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” Lilia Nezhinskaya awarded the medal of the Russian Academy of Sciences with a prize for young scientists. Lilia’s scientific supervisor is Alexey Borovkov.

A letter of thanks from the Ministry of Education and Science for their contribution to the development of practice-oriented education in the Russian Federation within the framework of the Service Learning program was presented to Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov and Director of the Humanities Institute Natalia Chicherina.

Victor Dashonok, Academic Program Development Specialist for the RISC-V Alliance, presented letters of gratitude for organizing and conducting the course “RISC-V Ecosystem: Development and System Programming” to Vera Loboda, Director of the Higher School of Electronics and Microsystems Engineering, Associate Professor Mikhail Enuchenko, Associate Professor Dmitry Budanov, as well as Pavel Drobintsev, Director of the Higher School of Software Engineering, and Assistant Nadezhda Stepina.

Several Polytechnic University employees were awarded SPbPU honorary certificates. Head of the Department for Support of Scientific Projects and Programs Natalia Leontyeva was recognized for high professional achievements and effective work, and Chief Specialist of the Quality Control Department Igor Sechin was recognized for many years of work and high professionalism.

Leading Manager of the Protocol and Organizational Service Anastasia Kedo, leading specialist Galina Kolmykova and specialist Maria Pagurskaya were awarded for their active participation in the implementation of particularly important projects and the holding of events at a high professional level that enhance the image of the university.

Polytechnic athletes were also awarded honors.

Coaches of the Student Sports Club “Black Bears-Polytech” Stepan Verbitsky, Evgeny Chupalov and Anatoly Dimitropulo, as well as students Dmitry Gultyaev, Pavel Timofeev and Petr Shlokkin presented the Polytech team, which brought from the XI tournament of the Association of Football Federations “North-West” among youth teams named after Anatoly Turchak first place cup and gold medals.

On March 16, the Polytechnicians performed brilliantly at the Saint Petersburg University Dance Sport Championship. The university’s honor was defended by the pairs Anastasia Nazarova and Arseniy Bauman (1st place), Stefania Aldoshina and Gleb Gusev (1st place), Sofia Gordeeva and Arseniy Afonin (2nd and 3rd places). The team’s coach is Askar Isabaev.

Students Kamilla Khakimova, Grigory Gavrilash and Maxim Telepanov took second place at the Saint Petersburg Student Sambo Competition. Coach: Grigory Galkin.

After the congratulatory part, the members of the Academic Council moved on to the agenda of the meeting. Vice-Rector for Information Technology Andrey Lyamin spoke about the development of the university’s corporate information system.

“The strategic goal of developing information technologies at the university is to strengthen the university’s position in the field of science, education and innovation by creating a global digital scientific and educational ecosystem, as well as dynamic and sustainable development to ensure Russia’s technological leadership,” noted Andrey Lyamin. “Information technologies at the university are developing in several directions: information infrastructure and information security, corporate and accounting information systems, portals and web resources.”

Andrey Vladimirovich covered each area in detail, provided statistical and analytical data. He noted that special attention is paid at SPbPU to building a unified user support service (caliper@spbst.ru), in 2024, 9,685 requests were received there, user satisfaction was 4.9 out of 5. Andrei Vladimirovich also reported that a set of measures carried out by SPbPU to work with its own web portals brought the Polytechnic website tofirst place in the February ranking of media activity of Russian universities.

The Academic Council meeting discussed personnel changes at the university. On April 1, Maria Vrublevskaya assumed the post of Vice-Rector for Personnel Policy, and Oleg Rozhdestvensky headed the SPbPU Office of Technological Leadership. Oleg Igorevich presented a report to the members of the Academic Council on the tasks of the new structural unit. He recalled that on October 29, 2024, a strategic session was held under the chairmanship of the head of the Russian government Mikhail Mishustin on the development of educational organizations that provide training for engineering personnel and scientific developments for technological leadership. Based on its results, 40 universities were to formulate development strategies until 2030–2036. SPbPU developed such a strategy, and on its basis, the University Development Program was created at the beginning of 2025, which Polytechnic successfully defended. Within the framework of this program, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Office of Technological Leadership is being created.

Oleg Rozhdestvensky spoke in detail about the management structure for the implementation of the SPbPU Development Program and answered questions.

The members of the Academic Council also voted to award the academic title of associate professor to representatives of the Humanities Institute: Darina Barinova, Juntao Wang, Elena Krylova and Evgenia Tsimerman.

Scientific Secretary Dmitry Karpov reported on monitoring the implementation of the decisions of the Academic Council.

Among the current issues discussed at the meeting were the approval of tuition fees for the 2025/2026 academic year for different categories of citizens; approval of chief designers of key scientific and technological areas; the results of the 2024 competition of educational and scientific publications; prevention of offenses and the prevention of illegal actions among young people; the introduction of a working program for the education of students and the implementation of youth policy, etc. The meeting also approved the new corporate style of the university.

Photo archive

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 2, 2025

MIL-OSI: Safe Harbor Financial Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

— Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾is positive for each of the last 3 years; Adjusted Working Capital⁽²⁾is approximately positive $2 million

— Loan Interest Income increased 82% and 123% year-over-year for the three months and full-year ended December 31, 2024, respectively

— Revenue for the Q4 2024 increased 5% compared to the Q3 2024, led by a 35% sequential increase in loan interest income

— Loan Loss Reserve of approximately $1.4 million reserved as a result of a modified Commercial Alliance Agreement (CAA) with Partner Colorado Credit Union (PCCU)

— Modifications of PCCU Commercial Alliance Agreement and Note enable new CEO Terry Mendez to implement growth strategy offering broader solutions for clients

GOLDEN, Colo., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SHF Holdings, Inc., d/b/a/ Safe Harbor Financial (“Safe Harbor” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SHFS), a leader in facilitating financial services and credit facilities to the regulated cannabis industry, announced today its unaudited consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial and Operational Summary

●		Revenue was approximately $3.7 million, compared to approximately $4.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2024.
●		Loan Interest Income increased 82% to approximately $1.8 million from approximately $1.0 million the fourth quarter of 2023.
●		Compensation and Employee Benefits expense of approximately $1.4 million declined 32% compared to approximately $2.1 million in 2023.
●		General and Administrative Expense of approximately $1.1 million declined 36% from $1.7 million in 2023.
●		Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ was positive at $63,581, compared to $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023⁽¹⁾.
●		On October 29, 2024, the Company announced it originated a $1.07 million secured credit facility for a Missouri cannabis operator.
●		On December 4, 2024, Safe Harbor, Collective Clean Energy Fund and Partner Colorado announced they are collaborating to fund a $500,000 sustainable upgrade loan for a Denver cannabis facility.

Full-Year 2024 Financial & Operational Summary

●		Revenue was approximately $15.2 million, compared to approximately $17.6 million for the full year of 2023.
●		Loan Interest Income increased 123% to approximately $6.6 million for the full year of 2024 from approximately $3.0 million for the full year of 2023.
●		Operating Expenses decreased to approximately $22.3 million, compared to approximately $38.3 million in 2023.
●		Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ was approximately $2.9 million, compared to approximately $3.6 million for the full year of 2023⁽¹⁾.
●		Adjusted Working Capital⁽²⁾ was approximately $2 million at December 31, 2024

(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial metric. A reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures is included below in this earnings release.
(2) Adjusted Working Capital is a non-GAAP financial metric. A reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures is included below in this earnings release.

Subsequent Operational Highlights

●		On December 31, 2024, the Company and PCCU entered into an Amended Commercial Alliance Agreement (the “Amended CAA”), extending the term through December 31, 2028, with automatic two-year renewal periods unless a party provides written notice of non-renewal at least 12 months before the current term expires. In addition, the Amended CAA eliminates the Company’s indemnification obligations for any losses related to any loans it facilitated under the Original Commercial Alliance Agreement or will facilitate in the future.
●		On January 16, 2025, the Company announced it had processed over $25 Billion in cannabis-related funds.
●		On January 29, 2025, Safe Harbor announced that Terry Mendez joined as Co-CEO, and he became CEO on February 28, 2025, upon the retirement of former CEO Sundie Seefried.
●		On February 12, 2025, the Company announced it had originated a $1,500,000 secured credit facility for a Missouri cannabis operator.
●		On March 4, 2025, Safe Harbor announced it successfully modified its debt obligation with Partner Colorado Credit Union (the “Amended PCCU Note”), unlocking $6.4 million in cash flow over the next two years.
●		On March 20, 2025, the Company announced Mike Regan has joined as Head of Investor Relations and Data Science.

“Throughout 2024, the lending arm of Safe Harbor was a driving force for the Company as our loan interest income was up 82% for the fourth quarter and 123% for the year,” said Terry Mendez, Chief Executive Officer of Safe Harbor Financial. “We continue to be an innovator in this sector as we instituted a new small business line of credit program while also originating several debt and credit facilities at market-competitive terms for numerous clients across the U.S. We were able to do this while remaining diligent in lower overall expenses. While fourth quarter 2024 operating expenses increased 86% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, operating expenses declined 42% for the full year 2024. Operating expenses adjusted for material non-cash items declined approximately 15% year-over year in the fourth quarter 2024 and 24% for the full-year of 2024.”

Mendez continued, “Subsequent to the quarter end, the Company surpassed $25 billion in processed cannabis-related funds through our trusted network of partner banks. This is a significant milestone that we achieved on our 10^th anniversary and is another proven point that Safe Harbor continues to be a leader in offering compliant banking services to cannabis related businesses. We also originated a $1.5 million secured credit facility with a cannabis operator out of Missouri, further cementing our position as a trusted financial partner to cannabis businesses.

“Finally, in a redefining transaction for the Company, we successfully modified our debt obligation with Partner Colorado Credit Union. This modification greatly improves our financial stability as we are able to unlock over $6 million in cashflow over the next two years and push the term of the debt obligation out to October 2030. This updated debt deal provides Safe Harbor with the financial flexibility needed to enhance and expand our overall business services as we execute on our business strategy throughout 2025 and beyond.

“One of the major reasons I joined Safe Harbor is the tremendous opportunity I see to build upon our strong foundation, to evolve from a single compliance solution into a provider of a broad array of services focused on addressing the needs of our clients. I believe that Safe Harbor is well positioned to offer competitive solutions designed to protect, lend, connect and enable the success of our customers and our clients,” concluded Mendez.

Full Year 2024 Financial Results

For the year ended December 31, 2024, total revenue was $15.2 million, compared to approximately $17.6 million in the prior year. The decrease in revenue was due to a reduction in deposit activity and onboarding income and was primarily attributable to the decrease in the number of accounts related to the Abaca acquisition, offset by a 123% year-over-year increase in loan interest income. In the full-year ended December 31, 2024, PCCU accounted for $4.6 million of the revenue generated from deposits, activities, and client onboarding. Related to this revenue, the Company recognized $452,371 in account hosting expenses.

Full-year 2024 operating expenses decreased over 42% to $22.3 million, compared to $38.3 million in the prior year period, which was comprised of the following:

●		Compensation and employee benefits expenses decreased 25% due to decrease in stock-based compensation and a lower headcount as compared to previous year. Restructuring efforts will continue as we optimize our talent portfolio.

●		General and administrative expenses decreased 39% across various categories including: i) $988,412 in investment hosting fees as a result of the decrease in investment income, ii) $900,034 in decreased bank sharing fees due to the decrease in the number of accounts, and iii) $661,776 in decreased amortization and depreciation.

●		For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company fully impaired goodwill and finite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill and intangible assets are now fully written down to $0 on the balance sheet.

●		The professional services expense increased primarily due to higher legal fees related to ongoing litigation.

●		Credit Loss Expense benefitted from the elimination of the indemnity liability from the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024, due to the Amended CAA.

Net loss for full year 2024 was approximately $48.3 million, compared to a net loss of approximately $17.3 million in the prior year period. This includes the impact of approximately $43.9 million non-cash valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset and $9.1 million in non-cash Goodwill and Long-Lived Intangible Asset Impairment expenses.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $2.3 million, compared to $4.9 million at December 31, 2023.


SHF Holdings, Inc. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	December 31, 2024 (Unaudited)			December 31, 2023

ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,324,647		$	4,888,769
Accounts receivable – trade		134,609			121,875
Accounts receivable – related party		968,023			2,095,320
Prepaid expenses – current portion		659,536			546,437
Accrued interest receivable		16,319			13,780
Forward purchase receivable		4,584,221			–
Short-term loans receivable, net		13,332			12,391
Other current assets		3,000,000			82,657
Total Current Assets	$	11,700,687		$	7,761,229
Long-term loans receivable, net		378,854			381,463
Property, plant and equipment, net		3,154			84,220
Operating lease right to use assets		703,524			859,861
Goodwill		–			6,058,000
Intangible assets, net		–			3,721,745
Deferred tax asset, net		–			43,829,019
Prepaid expenses – long term position		412,500			562,500
Forward purchase receivable		–			4,584,221
Security deposit		19,568			18,651
Total Assets	$	13,218,287		$	67,860,909

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	140,723		$	217,392
Accounts payable-related party		75,608			577,315
Accrued expenses		1,301,378			1,008,987
Contract liabilities		28,335			21,922
Lease liabilities – current		161,952			132,546
Senior secured promissory note – current portion		255,765			3,006,991
Deferred consideration – current portion		3,338,343			2,889,792
Forward purchase derivative liability		7,309,580			–
Other current liabilities		72,836			41,639
Total Current Liabilities	$	12,684,520		$	7,896,584
Warrant liabilities		1,360,491			4,164,129
Deferred consideration – long term portion		–			810,000
Forward purchase derivative liability		–			7,309,580
Senior secured promissory note—long term portion		10,748,408			11,004,175
Net deferred indemnified loan origination fees		–			63,275
Lease liabilities – long term		712,882			875,447
Indemnity liability		–			1,382,408
Total Liabilities	$	25,506,301		$	33,505,598
Commitment and Contingencies
Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity

Convertible preferred stock, $.0001 par value, 1,250,000 shares authorized, 111 and 1,101 shares issued and outstanding on December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively		–			–
Class A Common Stock, $.0001 par value, 130,000,000 shares authorized, 2,783,667 and 2,728,169 issued and outstanding on December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively		278			273
Additional paid in capital		108,467,253			105,924,859
Retained deficit		(120,755,545	)		(71,569,821	)
Total Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity	$	(12,288,014	)	$	34,355,311
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity	$	13,218,287		$	67,860,909


SHF Holdings, Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

	For the year ended December 31,
	2024 (Unaudited)			2023
Revenue	$	15,242,560		$	17,562,903

Operating expenses
Compensation and employee benefits		7,783,331			10,334,212
General and administrative expenses		4,018,094			6,587,392
Professional services		2,518,394			1,858,137
Lease expense		258,477			315,615
Credit loss (benefit) expense		(1,393,131	)		290,857
Impairment of goodwill		6,058,000			13,208,276
Impairment of long-lived intangible assets		3,090,881			5,699,463
Total operating expenses	$	22,334,046		$	38,293,952
Operating loss		(7,091,486	)		(20,731,049	)
Other (income) expenses
Interest expense		533,390			1,094,736
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities		(2,803,638	)		1,853,920
Change in the fair value of deferred consideration		(361,449	)		(4,570,157	)
Total other (income) expenses	$	(2,631,697	)	$	(1,621,501	)
Net loss before income tax		(4,459,789	)		(19,109,548	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	43,859,686		$	(1,829,701	)
Net loss	$	(48,319,475	)	$	(17,279,847	)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic		2,772,867			2,128,728
Basic net loss per share	$	(17.43	)	$	(8.12	)
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted		2,772,867			2,128,728
Diluted net loss per share	$	(17.43	)	$	(8.12	)


SHF Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 (UNAUDITED) AND 2023

	Preferred Stock						Class A Common Stock				Additional Paid-in		Retained			Total Shareholders’ (Deficit)
	Shares			Amount			Shares		Amount		Capital		(Deficit)			Equity
Balance, January 01, 2023		14,616		$	1			1,186,644	$	119	$	44,808,286	$	(39,695,281	)	$	5,113,125
Cumulative effect from adoption of CECL		–			–			–		–		–		(581,318	)		(581,318	)
Issuance of shares to Abaca shareholders		–			–			291,791		29		4,085,047		–			4,085,076
Conversion of PIPE Shares		(13,515	)		(1	)		628,110		63		14,013,313		(14,013,375	)		–
Restricted stock units		–			–			61,623		6		1,252,037		–			1,252,043
Stock compensation cost		–			–			–		–		2,459,324		–			2,459,324
PCCU Restructuring		–			–			560,000		56		38,406,352		–			38,406,408
Reversal of deferred underwriting cost		–			–			–		–		900,500		–			900,500
Net loss		–			–			–		–		–		(17,279,847	)		(17,279,847	)
Balance, December 31, 2023		1,101		$	–			2,728,168	$	273	$	105,924,859	$	(71,569,821	)	$	34,355,311
Issuance of equity for marketing services		–			–			12,117		1		149,999		–			150,000
Conversion of PIPE shares		(990	)		–			39,600		4		866,245		(866,249	)		–
Restricted stock units		–			–			3,781		–		63,784		–			63,784
Stock compensation cost		–			–			–		–		1,462,366		–			1,462,366
Net loss		–			–			–		–		–		(48,319,475	)		(48,319,475	)
Balance, December 31, 2024		111		$	–			2,783,666	$	278	$	108,467,253	$	(120,755,545	)	$	(12,288,014	)


SHF Holdings, Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Year ended December 31,
	2024 (Unaudited)			2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$	(48,319,475	)	$	(17,279,847	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		711,929			1,373,707
Stock compensation expense		1,575,952			3,739,156
Net deferred indemnified loan origination fees		(63,275	)		(45,806	)
Interest expense		–			663,208
Lease expense		23,181			136,097
Credit loss (benefit) expense		(1,393,131	)		290,857
Impairment of goodwill		6,058,000			13,208,276
Impairment of long-lived intangible assets		3,090,881			5,699,463
Deferred tax expense (benefit), net		43,859,686			(1,829,701	)
Marketing expense settled via common stock		100,000			–
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities		(2,803,638	)		1,853,920
Change in the fair value of deferred consideration		(361,449	)		(4,570,157	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable – trade		(12,734	)		81,183
Accounts receivable – related party		1,127,297			(863,593	)
Contract assets		–			21,170
Prepaid expenses		86,901			(220,852	)
Other current liabilities		527			–
Accrued interest receivable		(2,542	)		(6,460	)
Deferred underwriting payable		–			(550,000	)
Other current assets		(2,967,145	)		40,371
Accounts payable		(76,672	)		(2,515,442	)
Accounts payable – related party		(501,709	)		386,660
Accrued expenses		292,396			(464,424	)
Contract liabilities		6,413			20,926
Security deposit		(916	)		(856	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	430,477		$	(832,144	)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment		–			(208,434	)
Payment to Abaca Shareholder		–			(3,000,000	)
Loan receivable repayment		12,394			1,027,986
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	12,394		$	(2,180,448	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of senior secured promissory note		(3,006,993	)		(488,834	)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(3,006,993	)	$	(488,834	)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(2,564,122	)		(3,501,426	)
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period		4,888,769			8,390,195
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period	$	2,324,647		$	4,888,769

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest paid	$	416,852		$	450,258
Non-cash transactions:
Marketing expense settled via common stock	$	50,000		$	–
Shares issued for the settlement of abaca acquisition		–			4,085,076
Operating lease right of use assets recognized		–			–
Operating lease liabilities recognized		–			–
Shares issued for the settlement of PCCU debt obligation		–			38,406,408
Cumulative effect from adoption of CECL		–			581,318
Reversal of deferred underwriting cost		–			900,500
Interest recognized on PCCU settlement		–			639,521

Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted EBITDA

To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, we have disclosed EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, both of which are non-GAAP financial measures that we calculate as net loss before taxes and depreciation and amortization expense in the case of EBITDA and further adjusted to exclude non-cash, unusual and/or infrequent costs in the case of Adjusted EBITDA. Below we have provided a reconciliation of net loss (the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure) to EBITDA and from EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA.

We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because these metrics are a key measure used by our management to evaluate our operating performance, generate future operating plans, and make strategic decisions regarding the allocation of investment capacity. Accordingly, we believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as an analytical tool, and it should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are as follows:

● although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and both EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect cash capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements;

● EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; and

● EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us.

Because of these limitations, you should consider EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including net loss and our other GAAP results.

A reconciliation of net loss to non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2024 (Unaudited)			2023
Net loss	$	(48,319,475	)	$	(17,279,847	)
Interest expense		533,390			1,094,736
Depreciation and amortization		711,929			1,373,707
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		43,859,686			(1,829,701	)
EBITDA		(3,214,470	)		(16,641,105	)

Other adjustments –
Credit loss (benefit) expense		(1,393,131	)		290,857
Change in the fair value of warrants and forward purchase derivatives		(2,803,640	)		1,853,920
Change in the fair value of deferred consideration		(361,449	)		(4,570,157	)
Deferred loan origination fees and costs		(63,275	)		27,271
Stock based compensation		1,575,952			3,739,156
Goodwill and long-lived intangible assets impairment		9,148,881			18,907,739
Adjusted EBITDA	$	2,888,868		$	3,607,681

Working Capital and Adjusted Working Capital

While the company reported a net working capital deficit of $983,833 at the end of 2024, this figure includes several non-cash liabilities that do not affect liquidity. After adjusting for these non-cash items and considering the cost of the Amended PCCU Note the adjusted working capital calculation is as follows:

#	Particulars	Amount
A	Net working capital as reported on December 31, 2024	$	(983,833	)
B	Forward purchase contract, net		2,725,359
C	Third anniversary payment consideration		322,000
D	Fees paid in 2025 on the Amended PCCU Note		(53,742	)
	Adjusted working capital as of December 31, 2024 (A+B+C+D)	$	2,009,784

About Safe Harbor

Safe Harbor is among the first service providers to offer compliance, monitoring and validation services to financial institutions, providing traditional banking services to cannabis, hemp, CBD, and ancillary operators, making communities safer, driving growth in local economies, and fostering long-term partnerships. Safe Harbor, through its financial institution clients, implements high standards of accountability, transparency, monitoring, reporting and risk mitigation measures while meeting Bank Secrecy Act obligations in line with FinCEN guidance on cannabis-related businesses. Over the past decade, Safe Harbor has facilitated more than $25 billion in deposit transactions for businesses with operations spanning more than 41 states and US territories with regulated cannabis markets. For more information, visit www.shfinancial.org.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included herein may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to trends in the cannabis industry, including proposed changes in U.S. and state laws, rules, regulations and guidance relating to Safe Harbor’s services; Safe Harbor’s ability to issue loans in the same or similar fashion; Safe Harbor’s growth prospects and Safe Harbor’s market size; Safe Harbor’s projected financial and operational performance, including relative to its competitors and historical performance; new product and service offerings Safe Harbor may introduce in the future; the impact volatility in the capital markets, which may adversely affect the price of Safe Harbor’s securities; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Safe Harbor; and other statements regarding Safe Harbor’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “outlook,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in Safe Harbor’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Safe Harbor undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

Contact Information

Mike Regan, Head of Investor Relations and Data Science
ir@SHFinancial.org

KCSA Strategic Communications
Ellen Mellody
safeharbor@kcsa.com

The MIL Network –

April 2, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Labor will urge Fair Work Commission to give real wage rise to three million workers

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

The Labor party on Wednesday will urge the Fair Work Commission to grant a real wage increase to Australian workers on awards.

This goes further than Labor’s recommendations in earlier years, which have been for real wages not to go backwards.

In the new submission, Labor will say that the increase should be “economically sustainable.” It says a rise in minimum and award wages should be consistent with inflation returning sustainably to the Reserve Bank’s target band of 2% to 3%.

The move sets up a debate between the government and opposition about what are responsible wage increases.

The submission says: “Labor believes workers should get ahead with a real wage increase. Despite heightened global uncertainty and volatility, the Australian economy has turned a corner. Inflation is now less than one third of its peak, unemployment remains low, there are over 1 million additional people employed than in May 2022, and interest rates have started to come down.

“Economic growth rebounded at the end of last year and the private sector is now a key contributor to growth. Importantly, real wages growth has now returned and is forecast to continue across 2024-25 and 2025-26. A soft landing in our economy looks more and more likely.”

More than 2.9 million workers have their pay set by an award and are directly affected by the commission’s Annual Wage Review. The national minimum wage is presently $24.10 an hour, which is $915.90 for a 38 hour week, equivalent to $47,626.80 a year.

The submission points out that women are disproportionately represented in jobs that are under awards and low paid.

The government argues that its position is both economically responsible and fair, and will ensure low paid workers can get ahead as inflation moderates. It says that if its recommendation is accepted, this will help about three million workers, including cleaners, retail workers and early childhood educators.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalled that during the 2022 campaign he was asked if he supported a wage increase for low paid workers.

After he said “absolutely”, the Liberals had said this would wreck the economy,

“Since then we’ve seen wages going up, inflation coming down and interest rates starting to fall. This campaign will again advocate for workers to get a pay rise to not only help them deal with the pressures of today, but to get ahead in the future.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said: “The choice at this election is between a Labor government which has been creating jobs, getting wages moving again, rebuilding living standards and rolling out responsible cost-of-living help versus a Coalition that wants Australians working longer for less.”

In its submission Labor says an economically sustainable real wage increase would complement the measures the government has introduced to ease cost-of-living pressures.

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

– ref. Labor will urge Fair Work Commission to give real wage rise to three million workers – https://theconversation.com/labor-will-urge-fair-work-commission-to-give-real-wage-rise-to-three-million-workers-253560

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Planned blackouts are becoming more common − and not having cash on hand could cost you

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jay L. Zagorsky, Associate Professor Questrom School of Business, Boston University

Are you prepared for when the power goes out? To prevent massive wildfires in drought-prone, high-wind areas, electrical companies have begun preemptively shutting off electricity. These planned shutdowns are called public safety power shutoffs, abbreviated to PSPS, and they’re increasingly common. So far this year, we’ve seen them in Texas, New Mexico and California.

Unlike regular power failures, which on average last only about two hours while a piece of broken equipment is repaired, a PSPS lasts until weather conditions improve, which could be days. And these shutoffs come at a steep price. In 2010 alone, they cost California over US$13 billion. A 2019 analysis of shutoffs in Placer County, California, found that they harmed 70% of local businesses.

I am a business school professor who studies how people pay for things, including during emergencies. As I point out in my new book “The Power of Cash: Why Using Paper Money is Good for You and Society,” many people have abandoned paper money and switched to electronic payments such as credit cards and mobile apps. This can become a big problem during an emergency, since these systems need electricity to operate. The switch to electronic payments is making the world less resilient in the face of increasing numbers of major natural disasters.

So if a public safety power shutoff strikes and you don’t have any cash, you may be doubly vulnerable. On the other hand, keeping cash can protect you – and not just you and your family, but also local businesses and your community. After all, keeping the economy moving during shutoffs reduces the financial damage they cause.

Why do they keep turning off the power, anyway?

It’s all about risk.

The world has experienced a number of very destructive wildfires recently. In 2025, large parts of Los Angeles burned to the ground, with over 18,000 buildings destroyed or damaged. In 2023, wildfires in Hawaii killed over 100 people. Massive wildfires have also occurred recently in South Korea, Portugal and Australia.

Governments, people whose houses burned and insurance companies are all looking for someone to blame and pay for the damage. Climate change, which is increasing the world’s average temperatures and drying out trees and grass, is setting the conditions. Since Mother Nature cannot be sued, utilities make handy scapegoats with deep pockets. Electrical utilities are sued because their power lines, transformers and other equipment often start blazes.

So to prevent lawsuits as well as fires, power companies are increasingly turning off the power when the conditions are ripe for a catastrophic blaze. There’s no uniform set of standards for when to impose a shutdown, but in general, power companies do it when there are hot, dry and windy conditions. For example, a PSPS is triggered in Hawaii if there’s a drought, wind gusts are over 45 miles per hour and relative humidity is under 45%.

Power shutoffs are a relatively new idea. They were proposed in California in 2008 and first allowed in 2012.

Since then, power companies across the entire western U.S. from Texas to Hawaii have adopted these plans. Shutoff plans also stretch from southern border states such as Arizona to northern border states such as Idaho and Montana.

Shutting off the power is a huge problem, since it causes massive disruption to communities. People depend on power to run medical equipment, work and keep communities safe. Even people with a desperate need for electricity, such as those on medical life support, are not immune to a safety shutoff.

How to prepare for a PSPS

As the world warms, the chance of being caught in a preemptive power shutoff increases. What can you do to minimize the impact?

Having solar panels won’t protect you: Utilities shut off customers with solar panels to block those panels from pushing power onto the grid, since the whole goal is to shut off the grid. The only way for you to still have power is to buy a battery storage system and a transfer switch, which allows you to take your system completely off the grid. But this is very expensive.

Getting a portable generator is only a partial solution for a multiday shutoff, since most last only six to 18 hours on a single tank of gas. Plus, generators run very hot, which creates its own fire risk.

Another way to minimize the impact of both a power shutoff and a wildfire is to create a small disaster relief kit, or “go bag.” Creating one is relatively inexpensive. It should contain key items such as water, your medicines, some shelf-stable food – and importantly, some cash. Even some government websites forget to mention this.

It’s also important to use paper money before a shutoff happens. I have all too frequently seen gas station attendants, supermarket checkout clerks and restaurant servers have no idea how to handle cash.

Recently at my local supermarket, for example, I paid with a $20 bill. The cashier had to ask another employee which kinds of coins to use to make change. If people don’t know how to handle cash during normal times, it ceases to be useful during emergencies.

As the world warms, public safety power shutoffs will occur more frequently. The shutoffs clearly highlight the trade-off between economic and social disruption versus preventing dangerous wildfires. These shutoffs show there are no easy solutions – only hard choices.

There are a few sensible and easy steps to take to reduce the impact of these shutoffs. One is to understand that during one of the very moments you might really need to spend money, modern payment systems fail. Holding and frequently using old-fashioned cash is a simple and low-cost way to protect yourself and your family.

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

– ref. Planned blackouts are becoming more common − and not having cash on hand could cost you – https://theconversation.com/planned-blackouts-are-becoming-more-common-and-not-having-cash-on-hand-could-cost-you-253319

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: Provident Financial Services, Inc. Schedules First Quarter Earnings Conference Call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ISELIN, N.J., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: PFS) announced that it expects to release financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 on Thursday, April 24, 2025 after market close. A copy of the earnings release will be immediately available on the Company’s website, www.Provident.Bank, by going to Investor Relations and clicking on Press Releases.

Representatives of the Company will hold a conference call for investors on April 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss the Company’s first quarter financial results. Information about the conference call is as follows:

Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1-888-412-4131

Participant Toll Dial-In Number: 1-646-960-0134

Conference ID: 3610756

Internet access to the call will be available (listen only) at www.Provident.Bank by going to Investor Relations and clicking on Webcast.

A replay of the call will be available beginning at 12:00 noon (ET) on April 25, 2025 until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on May 9, 2025.

Toll Free Dial in Number: 1-800-770-2030

Toll Dial in Number: 1-609-800-9909

Conference ID: 3610756 followed by # key

The call will also be archived on the Company’s website for a period of one year.

Provident Financial Services, Inc. is the holding company for Provident Bank. As of December 31, 2024, the Company reported assets of $24.05 billion. The Bank currently operates a network of full-service branches throughout New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Orange, Queens, and Nassau Counties, New York. The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc.
SOURCE: Provident Financial Services, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor Relations, 1-732-590-9300

Web Site: http://www.Provident.Bank

The MIL Network –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Cannabis retail expansion in Canada came with only a small uptick in the number of consumers

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Michael J. Armstrong, Associate Professor, Operations Research, Brock University

Ever since recreational cannabis was legalized across Canada in 2018, researchers have been studying what that decision changed for Canadians.

We’ve learned, for example, that some patients immediately left the medical cannabis system, presumably to use recreational products instead. Conversely, legalization appeared to have no effect on Canadian alcohol sales.

We’ve similarly seen how cannabis retailing has evolved since it became legal.

Retailers suffered from product shortages during legalization’s first six months, but steadily expanded soon after. Canada went from having some 210 stores in April 2019 to 3,500 in April 2023. The ensuing competition pushed prices down 28 per cent during that period.

Meanwhile, provincial governments have tried various regulatory approaches. Some initially restricted the number of stores to avoid tempting non-users. Québec still has 10 times fewer stores per capita than Ontario does as a result. Other provinces have set minimum prices to discourage people from overindulging. For example, Ontario won’t let wholesale prices drop below $2.28 per gram.

These developments in business and government policy prompted my latest research. I wanted to understand what effect retail expansion had on cannabis use. To do this, I analyzed consumer responses on government surveys collected between 2019 to 2023. I then compared these responses to the recreational cannabis consumer price index and the numbers of licensed stores in each province.

Did Canadians consume cannabis more widely, more frequently and at younger ages as it became more accessible and affordable? The answer was mostly no.

More women and older adult consumers

The percentage of men who used cannabis stayed around 28 per cent between 2019 and 2023 — despite retailers’ massive store growth and notable price cuts.

But usage did grow slightly among women — rising from 21 per cent in 2019 to 23 per cent in 2023. My analysis suggests this was related to the increasing affordability of cannabis, not its retail convenience. More women consumed cannabis when prices fell, not when more shops opened.

A similar contrast appeared between younger and older adults. Cannabis use among Canadians aged 25 and over crept upward from 21 to 23 per cent. That increase again seemed related to falling prices rather than expanding stores. Meanwhile, usage among those aged 16 to 24 varied year-to-year, but remained around 46 per cent.

The average age of first-time use consequently rose from 19.2 in 2019 to 20.8 years old in 2023. This finding also seemed correlated with both falling prices and expanding stores.

Same frequency, more edibles

One thing that didn’t change much was frequency of use. About one-quarter of cannabis consumers used it five or more days per week in both 2019 and 2023.

However, their product preferences shifted. The percentage who smoked dried cannabis decreased while the percentage of consumers who consumed edibles increased. Some consumers used both types of products, or used other products entirely — such as vapes. Both changes seemed related to prices rather than the number of retail stores. Consumers seemingly traded-up from basic dried cannabis to processed edibles as prices fell.

So overall, Canada’s substantial retail developments came with only modest usage growth.

The apparent relationships between usage and price might partly be coincidental. Product selection and quality also improved, so they likely contributed too. But falling prices do seem to be a plausible explanation for the increased cannabis consumption that was seen.

The lack of relationship between stores and usage might seem surprising. After all, Canada experienced a 16-fold explosion in stores between 2019 and 2023. But this finding correlates with what my previous research found; it showed that between 2018 and 2020, there was a similar non-relationship between retail expansion of cannabis stores and usage.

Read more:
Cannabis store openings in Canada only slightly affected the number of users

So, perhaps the main effect of retail stores was to draw existing users away from illegal dealers, rather than to tempt new ones.

I suspect retailers probably influenced usage somewhat in their local neighbourhoods. For example, someone who walked by a new store daily on their way to work might have decided to try cannabis. But this effect would have been too small to appear in province-level measurements.

Price restriction

The findings from my study suggests some tentative lessons for regulators.

If opening more stores has minimal impact on usage, there’s little need to limit their numbers. Provinces don’t need to ration store licenses, and municipalities (like Markham and Oakville in Ontario) don’t need to ban them.

But since price declines tempt more consumers, it’s important for policymakers to prevent prices from getting too low.

Other countries who are considering legalizing cannabis may want to consider these points, too.

For example, medical cannabis use is surging in Australia, much like it was in Canada a decade ago. And Australia’s Green Party is campaigning for recreational legalization in the upcoming federal election. If that election produces a coalition government, legalization might be on its agenda. They could look at our policies and hopefully improve on them.

Meanwhile in Germany, the previous government legalized recreational use, but not sales. So, Germans must grow their own plants or join a club that does. Commercial products are sold only through the country’s medical cannabis system. Unsurprisingly, medical use is soaring there. Based on what my research suggests, Germany will likely see similar usage growth, whether it allows stores or not. But allowing stores would mean consumers could buy products from licensed sources instead of illicit dealers.

Canada’s cannabis legalization was controversial at the time. But some Canadians say it has become a memorable part of Justin Trudeau’s complicated legacy. Now that he’s no longer prime minister, that’s something he and his biographers can contemplate.

Michael J. Armstrong 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. Cannabis retail expansion in Canada came with only a small uptick in the number of consumers – https://theconversation.com/cannabis-retail-expansion-in-canada-came-with-only-a-small-uptick-in-the-number-of-consumers-252008

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Still time to snap up tickets for Mayor’s charity rock festival

Source: City of Wolverhampton

It is one of the biggest fundraising events of the year for the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Linda Leach’s Charitable Fund, in aid of the Beacon Centre, Age UK Wolverhampton and The Samaritans Wolverhampton.

It opens on Friday 4 April at 7.30pm with a show at The Giffard Arms, Victoria Street, headlined by Doomsday Outlaw.

The main event is on Saturday 5 April at KK’s Steel Mill, Frederick Street. Doors open at 1pm and headlining will be the hugely popular band Massive Wagons, whose last 4 albums have gone to the top of the UK Rock and Metal Album charts.

Other bands on the main stage include the Virginmarys, Gin Annie, The Karma Effect, Takeaway Thieves, White Tyger and Soul Revival.

There will be acoustic acts on the small stage in between, providing non-stop music throughout the day.

The Giffard Arms is again the venue for the Mayors Fest’s closing gigs on Sunday 6 April; doors open at 12pm, with Seize the Void as the main act.

Tickets are available for all venues from ticketweb – search “Mayors Fest”.

Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Leach said: “I’d like to thank Doddy White and his Rockers Through the Ages team for all the hard work they have put in to organise this weekend of great rock music, along with the venues KK’s Steel Mill and The Giffard Arms for agreeing to host the festival.

“If you like your music live and loud then please come along and have a great time at any one of the 3 shows, at the same time knowing you are doing your bit to raise money for 3 fantastic local charities, which makes it a genuine win win situation for everyone.

“I’m looking forward to visiting KK’s on Saturday so hopefully I’ll see you there.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: UPDATE: Call for information – Aggravated assault – Casuarina

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to call for information in relation to an aggravated assault at Casuarina last Friday.

Detectives from the Serious Crime Squad are particularly interested in speaking to a male bystander that intervened and removed the weapon when a disturbance between the female youths broke out at around 2:40pm in the shopping centre.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference number P25084989. Anonymous reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Arson – Yuendumu

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 45-year-old male in relation to an arson incident that occurred in Yuendumu yesterday evening.

Around 6:40pm, police received reports of a deliberately lit fire at a house in Yuendumu. Members attended the scene and the fire was extinguished. The kitchen of the residence sustained moderate damage.

No person was inside at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported to police.

A 45-year-old male was arrested in relation to the incident and a crime scene has been established.

Investigators from Alice Springs are travelling to Yuendumu to take carriage of the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or attend your local police station. Please quote reference P25087963. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Aggravated burglary – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two males aged 21 and 16-years-old for aggravated burglary at two business premises in Katherine overnight.

About 1am, Police CCTV Operators sighted a burglary in process at a business on the corner of Katherine Terrace and Warburton Street. It is alleged two males damaged the door to gain entry to one of the businesses whilst armed with an edged weapon. The pair then gained entry to a nearby licensed premises and stole a quantity of alcohol.

General duties members attended and a short time later both males were located nearby and arrested. Investigations remain ongoing and charges are expected to follow.

Police urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency call 000. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

MIL OSI News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Kos Samaras on polls and the people who’ll decide this election

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

The demography that makes up the Australian electorate is changing and as voters desert the major parties polls are becoming harder to read.

Kos Samaras is a director of the political consultancy firm Redbridge, which undertakes both quantitative research and focus groups. Samaras now views campaigns from the outside but in the past, as a former Labor Party official, he’s experienced them from the insisde too.

On the state on the polls he says,

They’re going to switch around a bit, but we are seeing some trends now that are quite obvious, and that is the consolidation of the Labor primary [vote]. Labor has been successful in bringing back some of those people that did move away from them to minor parties over the last 18 months in some key areas around the country.

On why Labor is doing better compared to the Coalition, Samaras says Labor starting early was key,

That’s why it’s important that when you are running a campaign, you must start very early and you must start before the writ is issued and that [is] why Labor has been in that space aggressively now for some time. And this is where I think Dutton and his team have really missed the mark. They’ve waited until the writ to start their campaign. They’ve allowed a vacuum to be created. Labor has filled it with their narrative and their story and their mission, and it’s bearing fruit.

On the Trump effect and how that will play in this election, Samaras says Dutton should try to distance himself from the US president,

We do think that the Trump factor is having an impact, and we could see that in other countries as well. Canada is a really good example of that.

It’s hard for Labor to convince Australians that Dutton is like Trump, but Dutton has throughout this campaign made some errors, particularly on issues around dual citizenship, cuts to the public service. These policies just kind of remind people that he’s not Trump, because he’s an established player, but he does have some element to him that is similar and that can only hurt him.

Now that Gen X and the millennials have overtaken the baby boomers as voters, Samaras say of these younger voters,

They want the system turned on its head. They actually want to see significant reform, and at the moment, they’re just getting band-aids, and that’s fundamentally the problem. Now they may indeed a portion of them eventually just vote for one or the other of the major parties and there will be a number of them that do that. But I wouldn’t exactly describe that as enthusiastic support.

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

– ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Kos Samaras on polls and the people who’ll decide this election – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-kos-samaras-on-polls-and-the-people-wholl-decide-this-election-253531

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI: Ring Energy Announces the Closing of the Lime Rock Permian Basin Assets Acquisition
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ring Energy, Inc. (NYSE American: REI) (“Ring” or the “Company”) announced that it has completed its previously-announced acquisition (the “Transaction”) of the Central Basin Platform (“CBP”) assets of Lime Rock Resources IV, LP (“Lime Rock”) on March 31, 2025. Lime Rock’s CBP operations are located in the Permian Basin in Andrews County, Texas, and are focused on the development of approximately 17,700 net acres where the majority are similar to Ring’s existing CBP assets in the Shafter Lake area, and the remaining acreage exposes the Company to new active plays.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- HIGHLY ACCRETIVE: 2,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”) (>80% oil) of low-decline net production from ~101 gross wells driving $34 million of 2025E Adjusted EBITDA¹
  - Accretive to key Ring per share financial and operating metrics, and attractively valued at <85% of Proved Developed (“PD”) PV-10^1,2
- INCREASED SCALE AND OPERATIONAL SYNERGIES: ~17,700 net acres (100% HBP) mostly contiguous to Ring’s existing footprint
  - Expands legacy CBP footprint with seamless integration and identified cost reduction opportunities
- MEANINGFUL ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW (“AFCF”)¹ GENERATION: Supported by $120 million of oil-weighted PD PV-10^1,2reserves
  - Higher AFCF, shallow decline and reduced reinvestment rate accelerates debt reduction
- STRENGTHENS HIGH-RETURN INVENTORY PORTFOLIO: >40 gross locations that immediately compete for capital
  - Improves inventory of proven drilling locations with superior economics in active development areas
- CREATES A STRONGER AND MORE RESILIENT COMPANY
  - Solidifies position as a leading conventional Permian consolidator while strengthening the operational and financial base
Mr. Paul D. McKinney, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased to announce the closing of our acquisition of Lime Rock’s CBP assets in the Permian Basin. The majority of these assets are similar to the conventional-focused CBP assets in our core Shafter Lake operations, which will allow us to quickly integrate the assets into our operations. The acquisition further consolidates assets in core counties in the CBP defined by shallow declines, high margin production and undeveloped inventory that immediately competes for capital, and provide for near-term opportunities for field level synergies and cost savings. As in the past, we will continue to execute our value focused proven strategy that we believe best positions the Company for long-term success.”

TRANSACTION CONSIDERATION

After taking into account preliminary purchase price adjustments, consideration for the Transaction consisted of:
- A cash payment of approximately $63.6 million net of the $5 million deposit payment made in February;
- $10.0 million deferred cash payment due on or about December 31, 2025; and
- The issuance of approximately 6.5 million shares of common stock.
The cash payment at closing was funded with cash on hand and borrowings under Ring’s senior revolving credit facility.

ADVISORS

Greenhill, a Mizuho affiliate, acted as sole financial advisor to Ring in connection with the acquisition and Jones & Keller, P.C. served as legal counsel. Truist Securities served as financial advisor to Lime Rock and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel.

ABOUT RING ENERGY, INC.

Ring Energy, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration, development, and production company with current operations focused on the development of its Permian Basin assets. For additional information, please visit www.ringenergy.com.

NON-GAAP INFORMATION

Certain financial information utilized by the Company are not measures of financial performance recognized by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).

The Company defines “Adjusted EBITDA” as net income (loss) plus net interest expense (including interest income and expense), unrealized loss (gain) on change in fair value of derivatives, ceiling test impairment, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, asset retirement obligation accretion, transaction costs for executed acquisitions and divestitures (A&D), share-based compensation, loss (gain) on disposal of assets, and backing out the effect of other income. Company management believes Adjusted EBITDA is relevant and useful because it helps investors understand Ring’s operating performance and makes it easier to compare its results with those of other companies that have different financing, capital, and tax structures. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income, as an indication of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA, as Ring calculates it, may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA measures reported by other companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent funds available for discretionary use. The Company cannot provide a reconciliation of 2025E Adjusted EBITDA without unreasonable efforts because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of certain significant items required for reconciliation. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors and could have a material impact on GAAP reported results.

The Company defines “Adjusted Free Cash Flow” or “AFCF” as Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities less changes in operating assets and liabilities (as reflected on our Condensed Statement of Cash Flows), plus transaction costs for executed acquisitions and divestitures (A&D), current income tax expense (benefit), proceeds from divestitures of equipment for oil and natural gas properties, loss (gain) on disposal of assets, and less capital expenditures, bad debt expense, and other income. For this purpose, our definition of capital expenditures includes costs incurred related to oil and natural gas properties (such as drilling and infrastructure costs and lease maintenance costs) but excludes acquisition costs of oil and gas properties from third parties that are not included in our capital expenditures guidance provided to investors. Our management believes that Adjusted Free Cash Flow is an important financial performance measure for use in evaluating the performance and efficiency of our current operating activities after the impact of capital expenditures and net interest expense (including interest income and expense, excluding amortization of deferred financing costs) and without being impacted by items such as changes associated with working capital, which can vary substantially from one period to another. Other companies may use different definitions of Adjusted Free Cash Flow.

PV-10 is a non-GAAP financial measure that differs from a financial measure under GAAP known as “standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows” in that PV-10 is calculated without including future income taxes. The Company believes the presentation of PV-10 provides useful information because it is widely used by investors in evaluating oil and natural gas companies without regard to specific income tax characteristics of such entities. PV-10 is not intended to represent the current market value of the Company’s estimated proved reserves. PV-10 should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the standardized measure as defined under GAAP. The Company also presents PV-10 at strip pricing, which is PV-10 adjusted for price sensitivities. Since GAAP does not prescribe a comparable GAAP measure for PV-10 of reserves adjusted for pricing sensitivities, it is not practicable for the Company to reconcile PV-10 at strip pricing to a standardized measure or any other GAAP measure.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements involve a wide variety of risks and uncertainties, and include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company’s strategy and prospects. The forward-looking statements include statements about the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders from the Transaction; the Company’s future reserves, production, financial position, business strategy, revenues, earnings, costs, capital expenditures and debt levels of the Company, and plans and objectives of management for future operations. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and subject to numerous assumptions and analyses made by Ring and its management considering their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to expectations is subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: the Company’s ability to successfully integrate the oil and gas properties to be acquired in the Transaction and achieve the anticipated benefits from them; risks relating to unforeseen liabilities of Ring or the assets acquired in the Transaction; declines in oil, natural gas liquids or natural gas prices; the level of success in exploration, development and production activities; adverse weather conditions that may negatively impact development or production activities particularly in the winter; the timing of exploration and development expenditures; inaccuracies of reserve estimates or assumptions underlying them; revisions to reserve estimates as a result of changes in commodity prices; impacts to financial statements as a result of impairment write-downs; risks related to the level of indebtedness and periodic redeterminations of the borrowing base and interest rates under the Company’s credit facility; Ring’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to meet the internally funded portion of its capital expenditures budget; the impacts of hedging on results of operations; the effects of future regulatory or legislative actions; cost and availability of transportation and storage capacity as a result of oversupply, government regulation or other factors; and Ring’s ability to replace oil and natural gas reserves. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which are disclosed in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and its other SEC filings. Ring undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Al Petrie Advisors

Al Petrie, Senior Partner

Phone: 281-975-2146

Email: apetrie@ringenergy.com

FOOTNOTES
1. Represents a non-GAAP financial measure that should not be considered a substitute for any GAAP measure. See section in this release titled “Non-GAAP Information” for a more detailed discussion.
2. Proved reserves determined by internal management estimates based on NYMEX strip pricing as of February 19, 2025.
The MIL Network –
April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: US sanctions strongly condemned

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today issued a strong condemnation of the US for including central authorities and Hong Kong SAR officials on a “sanctions list”.

In a statement, it said the move was a despicable attempt to intimidate officials and amounted to barbarity.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that it will make every effort to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all personnel, and that its officials will continue to resolutely discharge their duty of safeguarding national security.

It said that the reason absconders from Hong Kong who are at large in countries such as the US, the UK and Australia have had arrest warrants issued against them by Hong Kong courts is not because they have “exercised their freedom of speech”, but because they continue to engage in activities endangering national security. It explained that these activities include inciting secession and requesting that foreign countries impose “sanctions” or engage in other hostile activities against the People’s Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR.

The statement outlined that it is necessary for the Hong Kong SAR to take all lawful measures to combat such acts. It said such measures are aimed at combating, deterring and preventing acts of abscondment, and at procuring the return of the absconded persons to Hong Kong to face judicial proceedings.

Moreover, it stressed that all the measures align with human rights requirements, adding that countries including the US, the UK and Canada would impose similar measures on wanted criminals.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said that in an attempt to mislead the public the US had deliberately smeared Hong Kong and spread irresponsible remarks about measures and actions taken in accordance with the law.

It also stated that the US has disregarded the non-interference principle of international law, choosing instead to interfere with other countries’ internal affairs, groom agents, instigate colour revolutions, and create social unrest and multiple humanitarian disasters through economic and military coercion, causing suffering to people in many countries.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said that with China’s central authorities enacting Hong Kong’s National Security Law and the Hong Kong SAR implementing Article 23 of its Basic Law, the legal regime in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong has been strengthened, prevented the US from succeeding in its aims.

It added that false accusations by the US against Hong Kong SAR personnel involved in safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law, and the imposition of “sanctions” in the guise of defending human rights and democracy, constitute a demonstration of shameless hypocrisy.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that it has a responsibility to pursue those who suspected of committing offences endangering national security and absconding overseas.

It added that Hong Kong law enforcement agencies’ actions are evidence-based and are taken in strict accordance with the law in respect of acts committed by people or entities, having nothing to do with their political views, background or occupation. In addition, it said, the Department of Justice makes prosecutorial decisions based on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 2, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – CBA Emergency Assistance for flood affected areas in Queensland and NSW
Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

Special arrangements are in place to assist customers who may need additional support in flood affected areas in Queensland and NSW.

Commonwealth Bank will provide its Emergency Assistance to customers and businesses in areas affected by flooding in Queensland and NSW.

Retail Banking Services Group Executive, Angus Sullivan, said: “We want our customers to know that we are here to help them. We are thinking of everyone in the impacted regions and have several measures in place to support affected customers and employees through this challenging time.

“We also want to thank the emergency services teams and volunteers who work tirelessly to help keep our communities safe.”

CBA understands each customer will have different needs and we encourage them to discuss their individual circumstances by either contacting the bank in the CommBank app or phoning 1800 314 695. Business customers can also call 1800 314 695 or speak with their dedicated CommBank relationship manager.

For more information on the support we’re providing to impacted communities, visit: commbank.com.au/support/emergency-assistance.

CBA Emergency Assistance includes a range of options for eligible customers, including:

Customised payment arrangements for home loans, business loans, personal loans and credit cards.
Waiving fees and charges, including waiving fees for temporary and damaged merchant EFTPOS terminals, as well as support with merchant terminal rental fees.
Temporary overdrafts, additional loans or emergency credit limit increases (subject to credit approval).
Waiving fees and notice periods for early access to Term Deposits (including Farm Management Term Deposits).
Emergency accommodation may be available for customers who have taken out Home Insurance provided by Hollard, distributed by CommBank, subject to making a claim and policy terms and conditions.
Helping direct claims enquiries for customers seeking support through their Home Insurance provided by Hollard, distributed by CommBank.

To access this support, customers should contact the bank through the CommBank app. Alternatively, they can call 1800 314 695. Branch availability and further information about CBA’s Emergency Assistance is available online at commbank.com.au/support/emergency-assistance.

For emergency help call the State Emergency Service on 132 500 or visit your State Emergency Service Website

Queensland: ses.gov.qld.au
NSW: ses.nsw.gov.au

In a life-threatening emergency call 000 (triple zero).

During this time customers should also remain vigilant and be extra cautious of unexpected calls or messages claiming to be from well-known organisations including banks, telecommunications companies and government agencies.

CommBank will never send customers links in text messages directing them to sites that ask for passwords, and customers should never click on any of these they receive.

If customers receive an unexpected call claiming to be from CommBank, they should ask the caller to verify the legitimacy of the call by using CallerCheck which triggers a security message in the CommBank App.

How customers can better protect themselves from scams

Stop: Does a call, email or text seem off? The best thing to do is stop. Take a breath. Real organisations won’t put you under pressure to act instantly.

Check: Ask someone you trust or contact the organisation the message claims to be from.

Reject: If you’re unsure, hang up on the caller, delete the email, block the phone number.

Change your passwords.
MIL OSI – Submitted News –
April 1, 2025

INVESTOR CONTACT:		MEDIA CONTACT:
Kip E. Meintzer		Gil Messing
Check Point Software		Check Point Software
+1.650.628.2040		+1.650.628.2260
ir@checkpoint.com		press@checkpoint.com

	Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number:		1-888-412-4131
	Participant Toll Dial-In Number:		1-646-960-0134
	Conference ID:		3610756

	Toll Free Dial in Number:		1-800-770-2030
	Toll Dial in Number:		1-609-800-9909
	Conference ID:		3610756 followed by # key

Category: Australia

Eating radiation

Fixing atmospheric gases

Warming the surface

Seeding new life on Mars

All week deals

Weekdays

Mondays

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

Why do they keep turning off the power, anyway?

How to prepare for a PSPS

More women and older adult consumers

Same frequency, more edibles

Price restriction