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MIL-OSI Australia: Extraordinary women recognised in 2025 ACT Women’s Awards

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 06/03/2025

An inspiring humanitarian leader who has advanced the status of women and girls in Canberra and around the world, Lauren Cannell, has been named the 2025 ACT Woman of the Year.

Mrs Cannell has been recognised for her work as the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Educación Diversa, an international not-for-profit that empowers women and girls through innovative art-based educational programs, campaigns and projects.

Educación Diversa works with children and adolescents both here in the ACT and globally, teaching them about human rights, sexual and reproductive health, and the elimination of violence in accessible ways. Mrs Cannell says her goal is to help young people reach their full potential while also helping to achieve gender equality.

“At Educación Diversa, we use art for accessibility. Typically, in underdeveloped countries, with kids who’ve experienced trauma and/or neglect, we use art as it heals neural pathways, and it means everyone can take part,” Mrs Cannell said.

“Most of us in the humanitarian sector don’t do this work for the recognition, we start our own not-for-profits because we see need. Being a finalist and having a platform to grow awareness is so important because it will help me to expand the program nationally and then internationally.”

Other award recipients include Jayanti Gupta, who has been named ACT Senior Woman of the Year, and Anjali Sharma, who has been named ACT Young Woman of the Year.

As the founder and presenter of the Gender Equity Matters program on 2XX FM, Mrs Gupta has used her platform to highlight issues and achievements relating to gender and women in the ACT. She is also the founder and Chair of the Integrated Women’s Network (IWN), which delivers health and wellbeing workshops, as well as International Women’s Day events.

“Being nominated for the ACT Women’s Award is inspiring and motivates you to do more. Many other women have fought for the rights we have achieved today, so why not pass the good deeds around?” Mrs Gupta said.

Ms Sharma is a climate change activist and role model who has campaigned extensively for environmental reform and justice. She is currently leading a team of young women in Canberra to advocate for and champion the Duty of Care Bill, developing the capacity of young women as climate activists in the ACT.

“One of the goals of advocacy is to spread your message and to know that what you’re doing is reaching communities and people on the ground. While awards are never the purpose of activism, it’s a sign that what we’re doing is working, which is an honour and a privilege,” Ms Sharma said.

The ACT Women’s Awards recognise women and gender diverse people who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of women and girls in the ACT. Minister for Women, Dr Marisa Paterson MLA, congratulated the award recipients as they were announced at the ACT Women’s Awards event held on 6 March in the lead up to International Women’s Day.

“Congratulations to the inspiring women who have had their names added to the ACT Women’s Honour Roll this year, and to all the finalists for their impressive work,” Minister Paterson said.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many exceptional leaders in the ACT dedicated to uplifting and empowering women and girls in our community.

“Achieving gender equality is a top priority for the ACT Government, and this can only be achieved through strong collaboration with non-government organisations, businesses, and the wider community. Awards like this, which recognise leadership in advancing the status of women and girls, are exceptionally important.”

– Statement ends –

Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

MIL OSI News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: No place for sexual coercion or violence in the Alexander Maconochie Centre

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 07/03/2025

ACT Corrective Services has implemented a comprehensive strategy to prevent, track, and respond to sexual coercion and violence at the Alexander Maconochie Centre. The new plan addresses a recommendation from an independent review, while also reaffirming the ACT Government’s commitment to addressing sexual violence, as well as upholding a safe environment for detainees and staff.

Minister for Corrections, Dr Marisa Paterson, said the strategy aimed to foster a safe, respectful environment for both detainees and staff.

“Sexual coercion or violence has no place in our correctional system. Our main objective of this strategy is to foster a correctional environment where everyone feels safe and respected, whether in our care or in our employment. This strategy is a crucial step in reaching that goal,” Dr Paterson said.

The strategy, Preventing, Tracking and Responding to Sexual Coercion and Violence in the Alexander Maconochie Centre, was developed in response to Recommendation 7 of the Inspector of Custodial Services’ Healthy Prison Review 2022. It is built on the principles of human rights, cultural sensitivity, and inclusion, ensuring a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing sexual coercion and violence within the correctional centre.

Dr Paterson said the strategy’s focus on prevention, response, and monitoring reflected a proactive approach to tackling sexual coercion and violence in all its forms.

“We are committed to preventing incidents of sexual coercion and violence through education, awareness, and early identification of risks. Staff are trained to respond to disclosures in a trauma-informed, person-centred manner, ensuring that those in the care of corrective services receive the support they need,” she said.

The strategy includes several key initiatives:

Conducting risk assessments during admission to ensure appropriate cell placement.
Informing detainees about our zero-tolerance stance and the disciplinary process.
Ensuring detainees are aware of supports available, including access to police and external reporting agencies.
Offering information and awareness programs on sexual coercion and violence.
Building staff capability to support detainees during disclosures with trauma-informed practices.
Improving record-keeping and data analysis to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Holding perpetrators accountable and prompt disciplinary measures is a core principle of the strategy.

The strategy aligns with the ACT Government’s broader approach to addressing family, domestic, and sexual violence in the community. It represents a proactive and comprehensive effort to create a safer environment for all individuals within the correctional system.

Quotes attributable to Leanne Close, ACT Corrective Services Commissioner:

“ACT Corrective Services takes the issue of sexual coercion and violence very seriously. This strategy has been developed following extensive consultation with experts, staff and detainees, representing a modern, person-centred response to such incidents.

“We know that sexual coercion and violence are among the most underreported crimes in the general community. This is exacerbated in the correctional environment, where organisational and sub-cultural barriers can hinder disclosure.

“This strategy addresses those barriers and reinforces our zero-tolerance approach to sexual coercion and violence. We’re dedicated to continuous improvement and will review the effectiveness of our actions within 12 months of implementation.”

– Statement ends –

Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

MIL OSI News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Financial and Operating Results; Provides 2025 Guidance

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Midland, Texas, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (“NGS” or the “Company”) (NYSE:NGS), a leading provider of natural gas compression equipment, technology, and services to the energy industry, today announced financial results for the three months and year-ended December 31, 2024. The Company also provided guidance for its full year 2025, anticipating significant top- and bottom-line growth with strong momentum moving into 2026.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Highlights

Rental revenue of $38.2 million for the fourth quarter and $144.2 million for the full year 2024, representing increases of 21% and 36%, respectively, compared to the prior year comparable periods.

Net income of $2.9 million or $0.23 per diluted share for the fourth quarter and $17.2 million or $1.37 per diluted share for the full year 2024, representing increases of 68% and 263%, respectively, compared to the prior fourth quarter and full year 2023 periods.

Cash flow generated from operating activities of $9.4 million for the fourth quarter and $66.5 million for the full year 2024. This compares to net cash used in operating activities of $7.7 million for the fourth quarter and cash generated of $18.0 million for the full year 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA of $18.0 million for the fourth quarter and $69.5 million for the full year 2024; 2024 Adjusted EBITDA was 52% higher than 2023 and represented the highest level in the Company’s history. Please see Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Adjusted EBITDA, below.

Management Commentary and Outlook

“2024 was a transformational year for Natural Gas Services Group as we executed against our strategic objectives and significantly improved our market presence and financial performance,” stated Justin Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer. “During the year, we enhanced our team and infrastructure, further diversified and expanded our customer base, organically expanded into large horsepower electric units, maintained our industry-leading service levels, and materially increased the size of our overall fleet. I am quite proud of the NGS team as their unwavering dedication to our customers and their passion to excel are the driving forces of our results.”

“2024 was also a record year for NGS as our utilized rental fleet approached 500,000 horsepower and our Adjusted EBITDA increased by over 50% compared to 2023. Equally important, our business became significantly more capital efficient: our total debt increased by only $6 million over the course of 2024 and our leverage declined from 2.53x at the end of 2023 to 2.36x at 2024 year-end. The reduction of working capital was a material driver in the improvement in capital efficiency, and we believe there is more opportunity to monetize non-cash assets in the near term.”

“Looking forward, we see continued strength in the market. We believe our organic growth rate leads the industry and we are taking market share. This was made possible by the hard work of our service technicians and field service team, our leading compressor technology, and strong partnerships with our customers. We expect 2025 will be another year of significant growth in new large horsepower units and we have already signed material new unit contracts for 2026. We are excited for the future and believe we are well positioned to continue to increase shareholder value.”

Corporate Guidance – 2025 Outlook

In November 2024, the Company noted it expected 2024 Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $67 – $69 million, total growth capital expenditures for the year to be in the range of $65 – $75 million, and total maintenance expenditures for the year to be in the range of $8 – $11 million. For the full year 2024, the Company reported Adjusted EBITDA of $69.5 million, growth capital expenditures of $60.5 million and maintenance capital expenditures of $11.4 million. Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, rented horsepower stood at 491,756, representing year-over-year growth of 17%.

The Company today provides the following commentary regarding its financial expectations for the 2025 Fiscal Year. For the year ending December 31, 2025, the Company expects growth capital expenditures, which are mostly comprised of new units (essentially all of which are under contract), to be in the range of $95 – $120 million. Once all these units are deployed with customers, which is expected by early 2026, the Company expects its rented horsepower to increase by approximately 90,000 horsepower, which represents an increase of approximately 18% versus year-end 2024. The timing of unit deployments is very heavily weighted to the second half of 2025 and early 2026. Accordingly, the majority of the impact of 2024 and 2025 growth capital expenditures will start to be reflected in Adjusted EBITDA in the second half of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.

Based on the timing of contractual orders and deployments in 2025, the Company expects 2025 Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $74 – $78 million, which at the mid-point of the range, represents a 9% increase over 2024. This range is reflective of the timing of anticipated unit deployments.

	Outlook
FY 2025 Adjusted EBITDA	$74 – $78 million
FY 2025 Growth Capital Expenditures	$95 – $120 million
FY 2025 Maintenance Capital Expenditures	$10 – $13 million
Target Return on Invested Capital	At least 20%

The Company further notes that once all the 2025 growth capital expenditures are spent and the units are deployed, its “run rate” Adjusted EBITDA should increase at a rate (when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024) well in excess of the Company’s anticipated horsepower growth of 18% as noted above. The Company expects 2025 maintenance capital expenditures of $10 – $13 million and its targeted return on invested capital of at least 20% remains unchanged.

2024 Fourth Quarter Financial Results

Revenue: Total revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2024 increased 12% to $40.7 million from $36.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. This increase was due primarily to an increase in rental revenues. Rental revenue increased 21% to $38.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 from $31.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 due to the addition of higher horsepower packages and pricing improvements. As of December 31, 2024, we had 491,756 horsepower (1,208 rented units) compared to 420,432 horsepower (1,247 rented units) as of December 31, 2023, reflecting a 17% increase in total utilized horsepower. Sequentially, total revenue was essentially flat for the comparable periods, primarily related to lower sales revenue offset by an increase in rental revenue.

Gross Margins: Total gross margins, including depreciation expense increased to $14.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $13.3 million for the same period in 2023 and decreased from $14.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Total adjusted gross margin, exclusive of depreciation expense, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, increased to $23.0 million compared to $20.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, and $22.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. For a reconciliation of Gross Margin, see Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Adjusted Gross Margin, below.

Operating Income: Operating income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $6.0 million compared to operating income of $4.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and operating income of $9.5 million, during the third quarter of 2024.

Net Income: Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024, was $2.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share compared to net income of $1.7 million or $0.14 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2023, and $5.0 million or $0.40 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2024. The increase in net income year-over-year was primarily related to higher rental revenue and rental gross margin, while the sequential decline was primarily related to the inventory allowance and decrease in sales gross profit related to the closure of our Midland fabrication operations, the intangible asset impairment, an increase in stock-based compensation, and an increase in depreciation.

Cash Flows: At December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were approximately $2.1 million, while working capital was $30.8 million. For the twelve months of 2024, cash flows provided by operating activities were $66.5 million, while cash flows used in investing activities was $71.4 million. This compares to cash flows provided by operating activities of $18.0 million and cash flows used in investing activities of $153.9 million for the comparable twelve-month period in 2023. Cash flow used in investing activities during 2024 included $71.9 million in capital expenditures.

Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA increased 11% to $18.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, from $16.3 million for the same period in 2023. This increase was primarily attributable to higher rental revenue and rental adjusted gross margin. Sequentially, adjusted EBITDA declined by 1% when compared to $18.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Debt: Outstanding debt on our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2024 was $170 million. Our leverage ratio at December 31, 2024 was 2.36x and our fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.44x. The Company is in compliance with all terms, conditions and covenants of the credit agreement.

Selected data: The tables below show revenue by product line, gross margin and adjusted gross margin for the trailing five quarters. Adjusted gross margin is the difference between revenue and cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation.

	Revenues
	Three months ended
	December 31,	March 31,	June 30,	September 30,	December 31,
	2023	2024	2024	2024	2024
	(in thousands)
Rental	$ 31,626	$ 33,734	$ 34,926	$ 37,350	$ 38,226
Sales	2,921	2,503	2,270	1,843	997
Aftermarket services	1,674	670	1,295	1,493	1,435
Total	$ 36,221	$ 36,907	$ 38,491	$ 40,686	$ 40,658

	Gross Margin
	Three months ended
	December 31,	March 31,	June 30,	September 30,	December 31,
	2023	2024	2024	2024	2024
	(in thousands)
Rental	$ 12,366	$ 13,761	$ 13,211	$ 15,043	$ 14,865
Sales	553	253	(50)	(258)	(531)
Aftermarket services	421	163	269	151	296
Total	$ 13,340	$ 14,177	$ 13,430	$ 14,936	$ 14,630

	Adjusted Gross Margin (1)
	Three months ended
	December 31,	March 31,	June 30,	September 30,	December 31,
	2023	2024	2024	2024	2024
	(in thousands)
Rental	$ 19,199	$ 20,620	$ 20,698	$ 22,908	$ 23,107
Sales	620	323	21	(185)	(449)
Aftermarket services	440	170	283	169	321
Total	$ 20,259	$ 21,113	$ 21,002	$ 22,892	$ 22,979

	Adjusted Gross Margin %
	Three months ended
	December 31,	March 31,	June 30,	September 30,	December 31,
	2023	2024	2024	2024	2024
Rental	60.7 %	61.1 %	59.3 %	61.3 %	60.4 %
Sales	21.2 %	12.9 %	0.9 %	(10.0) %	(45.0) %
Aftermarket services	26.3 %	25.4 %	21.9 %	11.3 %	22.4 %
Total	55.9 %	57.2 %	54.6 %	56.3 %	56.5 %

	Compression Units (at end of period)
	Three months ended
	December 31,	March 31,	June 30,	September 30,	December 31,
	2023	2024	2024	2024	2024
Rented horsepower	420,432	444,220	454,568	475,534	491,756
Fleet horsepower available	520,365	542,256	552,599	579,699	598,840
Horsepower utilization	80.8 %	81.9 %	82.3 %	82.0 %	82.1 %

Units utilized	1,247	1,245	1,242	1,229	1,208
Fleet units	1,876	1,894	1,899	1,909	1,912
Unit utilization	66.5 %	65.7 %	65.4 %	64.4 %	63.2 %

(1) For a reconciliation of adjusted gross margin to its most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance GAAP, please read “Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Adjusted Gross Margin” below.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure – Adjusted Gross Margin: “Adjusted Gross Margin” is defined as total revenue less costs of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization expense). Adjusted gross margin is included as a supplemental disclosure because it is a primary measure used by our management as it represents the results of revenue and costs (excluding depreciation and amortization expense), which are key components of our operations. Adjusted gross margin differs from gross margin, in that gross margin includes depreciation and amortization expense. We believe Adjusted gross margin is important because it focuses on the current operating performance of our operations and excludes the impact of the prior historical costs of the assets acquired or constructed that are utilized in those operations. Depreciation and amortization expense does not accurately reflect the costs required to maintain and replenish the operational usage of our assets and therefore may not portray the costs from current operating activity. Rather, depreciation and amortization expense reflect the systematic allocation of historical property and equipment costs over their estimated useful lives.

Adjusted gross margin has certain material limitations associated with its use as compared to gross margin. These limitations are primarily due to the exclusion of depreciation and amortization expense, which is material to our results of operations. Because we use capital assets, depreciation and amortization expense is a necessary element of our costs and our ability to generate revenue. In order to compensate for these limitations, management uses this non-GAAP measure as a supplemental measure to other GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of our performance. As an indicator of our operating performance, Adjusted gross margin should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, gross margin as determined in accordance with GAAP. Our Adjusted gross margin may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure of another company because other entities may not calculate Adjusted gross margin in the same manner.

The following table calculates our gross margin, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, and reconciles it to Adjusted gross margin for the periods presented:

	Adjusted Gross Margin
	Three months ended
	December 31,	March 31,	June 30,	September 30,	December 31,
	2023	2024	2024	2024	2024
	(in thousands)
Total revenue	$ 36,221	$ 36,907	$ 38,491	$ 40,686	$ 40,658
Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation	(15,962)	(15,794)	(17,489)	(17,794)	(17,679)
Depreciation allocable to costs of revenue	(6,919)	(6,936)	(7,572)	(7,956)	(8,349)
Gross margin	13,340	14,177	13,430	14,936	14,630
Depreciation allocable to costs of revenue	6,919	6,936	7,572	7,956	8,349
Adjusted gross margin	$ 20,259	$ 21,113	$ 21,002	$ 22,892	$ 22,979

Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Adjusted EBITDA: “Adjusted EBITDA” reflects net income or loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash equity-classified stock-based compensation expense, non-recurring restructuring charges including severance expenses, impairments, increases in inventory allowance and retirement of rental equipment. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure used by management, analysts and investors as an indicator of operating cash flow since it excludes the impact of movements in working capital items, non-cash charges and financing costs. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA gives the investor information as to the cash generated from the operations of a business. However, Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles GAAP, and should not be considered a substitute for other financial measures of performance. Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by NGS may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA as calculated and reported by other companies. The most comparable GAAP measure to Adjusted EBITDA is net income (loss).

The following tables reconciles our net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

	Three months ended
	December 31,	March 31,	June 30,	September 30,	December 31,
	2023	2024	2024	2024	2024
	(in thousands)
Net income	$ 1,702	$ 5,098	$ 4,250	$ 5,014	$ 2,865
Interest expense	2,297	2,935	2,932	3,045	3,015
Income tax expense	431	1,479	1,294	1,383	283
Depreciation and amortization	7,160	7,087	7,705	8,086	8,469
Stock-based compensation expense	228	274	242	522	783
Severance and restructuring charges	—	—	33	—	—
Impairments	—	—	—	136	705
Inventory allowance	3,965	—	—	—	1,863
Retirement of rental equipment	505	5	—	—	23
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 16,288	$ 16,878	$ 16,456	$ 18,186	$ 18,006

	Year ended December 31,
	2023	2024
	(in thousands)
Net income	$ 4,747	$ 17,227
Interest expense	4,082	11,927
Income tax expense	1,873	4,439
Depreciation and amortization	26,550	31,347
Stock-based compensation expense	2,054	1,821
Severance and restructuring charges	1,224	33
Impairments	779	841
Inventory allowance	3,965	1,863
Retirement of rental equipment	505	28
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 45,779	$ 69,526

Conference Call Details: The Company will host a conference call to review its fourth-quarter and year-end financial results on Tuesday, March 18 at 8:30 a.m. (EST), 7:30 a.m. (CST). To join the conference call, kindly access the Investor Relations section of our website at www.ngsgi.com or dial in at (800) 550-9745 and enter conference ID 167298 at least five minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Please note that using the provided dial-in number is necessary for participation in the Q&A section of the call. A recording of the conference will be made available on our Company’s website following its conclusion. Thank you for your interest in our Company’s updates.

About Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.
Natural Gas Services Group is a leading provider of natural gas compression equipment, technology and services to the energy industry. The Company designs, rents, sells and maintains natural gas compressors for oil and natural gas production and plant facilities, primarily using equipment from third-party fabricators and OEM suppliers along with limited in-house assembly. The Company is headquartered in Midland, Texas, with a fabrication facility located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and service facilities located in major oil and natural gas producing basins in the U.S. Additional information can be found at www.ngsgi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements herein (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release) constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions.

These forward–looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, many of which are outside the control of the Company. Forward–looking information includes, but is not limited to statements regarding: guidance or estimates related to EBITDA growth, projected capital expenditures; returns on invested capital, fundamentals of the compression industry and related oil and gas industry, valuations, compressor demand assumptions and overall industry outlook, and the ability of the Company to capitalize on any potential opportunities.

While the Company believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, investors are cautioned that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. Some of these factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

conditions in the oil and gas industry, including the supply and demand for oil and gas and volatility in the prices of oil and gas;

our reliance on major customers;

failure of projected organic growth due to adverse changes in the oil and gas industry, including depressed oil and gas prices, oppressive environmental regulations and competition;

our inability to achieve increased utilization of assets, including rental fleet utilization and monetizing other non-cash balance sheet assets;

failure of our customers to continue to rent equipment after expiration of the primary rental term;

our ability to economically develop and deploy new technologies and services, including technology to comply with health and environmental laws and regulations;

failure to achieve accretive financial results in connection with any acquisitions we may make;

fluctuations in interest rates;

regulation or prohibition of new well completion techniques;

competition among the various providers of compression services and products;

changes in safety, health and environmental regulations;

changes in economic or political conditions in the markets in which we operate;

the inherent risks associated with our operations, such as equipment defects, malfunctions, natural disasters and adverse changes in customer, employee and supplier relationships;

our inability to comply with covenants in our debt agreements and the decreased financial flexibility associated with our debt;

inability to finance our future capital requirements and availability of financing;

capacity availability, costs and performance of our outsourced compressor fabrication providers and overall inflationary pressures;

impacts of world events, such as acts of terrorism and significant economic disruptions and adverse consequences resulting from possible long-term effects of potential pandemics and other public health crises; and

general economic conditions.

In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to other various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For More Information, Contact:
Anna Delgado, Investor Relations
(432) 262-2700
IR@ngsgi.com
www.ngsgi.com

NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) (unaudited)
	December 31,
	2024	2023
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,142	$ 2,746
Trade accounts receivable, net of provision for credit losses	15,626	39,186
Inventory, net of allowance for obsolescence	18,051	21,639
Federal income tax receivable	11,282	11,538
Prepaid expenses and other	1,075	1,162
Total current assets	48,176	76,271
Long-term inventory, net of allowance for obsolescence	—	701
Rental equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	415,021	373,649
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	22,989	20,550
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	—	775
Other assets	6,342	6,783
Total assets	$ 492,528	$ 478,729
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$ 9,670	$ 17,628
Accrued liabilities	7,688	15,085
Total current liabilities	17,358	32,713
Credit facility	170,000	164,000
Deferred income taxes	45,873	41,636
Other long-term liabilities	4,240	4,486
Total liabilities	237,471	242,835
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding	—	—
Common stock, 30,000 shares authorized, par value $0.01; 13,762 and 13,688 shares issued as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively	138	137
Additional paid-in capital	118,415	116,480
Retained earnings	151,508	134,281
Treasury shares, at cost, 1,310 shares for each of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively	(15,004)	(15,004)
Total stockholders’ equity	255,057	235,894
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 492,528	$ 478,729

NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
	Three months ended		Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,
	2024	2023	2024	2023
Revenue:
Rental	$ 38,226	$ 31,626	$ 144,236	$ 106,159
Sales	997	2,921	7,613	8,921
Aftermarket services	1,435	1,674	4,893	6,087
Total revenue	40,658	36,221	156,742	121,167
Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)
Rental	15,119	12,427	7,903	8,919
Sales	1,446	2,301	56,903	48,877
Aftermarket services	1,114	1,234	3,950	4,658
Total cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization)	17,679	15,962	68,756	62,454
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,831	4,390	21,012	16,938
Depreciation and amortization	8,469	7,160	31,347	26,550
Impairments	705	—	841	779
Inventory allowance	1,863	3,965	1,863	3,965
Retirement of rental equipment	23	505	28	505
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment, net	45	(200)	(430)	(481)
Total operating costs and expenses	34,615	31,782	123,417	110,710
Operating income	6,043	4,439	33,325	10,457
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(3,015)	(2,297)	(11,927)	(4,082)
Other income (expense)	120	(9)	268	245
Total other expense, net	(2,895)	(2,306)	(11,659)	(3,837)
Income before income taxes	3,148	2,133	21,666	6,620
Provision for income taxes	(283)	(431)	(4,439)	(1,873)
Net income	$ 2,865	$ 1,702	$ 17,227	$ 4,747
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 0.23	$ 0.14	$ 1.39	$ 0.39
Diluted	$ 0.23	$ 0.14	$ 1.37	$ 0.38
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	12,438	12,378	12,412	12,316
Diluted	12,586	12,435	12,543	12,383

NATURAL GAS SERVICES GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
	Three months ended		Year ended
	December 31,		December 31,
	2024	2023	2024	2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 2,865	$ 1,702	$ 17,227	$ 4,747
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,469	7,160	31,347	26,550
Impairments	705	—	841	779
Inventory allowance	1,863	3,965	1,863	3,965
Retirement of rental equipment	23	505	28	505
(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment	45	(200)	(430)	(481)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	216	138	746	425
Deferred income taxes	182	430	4,237	1,838
Stock-based compensation	783	228	1,821	2,054
Provision for credit losses	—	293	433	492
(Gain) loss on company owned life insurance	(4)	186	(156)	235
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivables	9,183	(11,438)	23,127	(25,010)
Inventory	1,355	1,939	2,477	(669)
Prepaid expenses and prepaid income taxes	1,177	274	152	(7)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(18,580)	(12,478)	(17,727)	2,436
Other	1,144	(369)	477	174
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES	9,426	(7,665)	66,463	18,033
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of rental equipment, property and other equipment	(14,544)	(25,380)	(71,894)	(153,943)
Purchase of company owned life insurance	(187)	(44)	(22)	(422)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	(28)	246	476	477
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(14,759)	(25,178)	(71,440)	(153,888)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from credit facility borrowings	20,000	36,000	28,000	139,000
Repayments of credit facility borrowings	(13,000)	—	(22,000)	—
Payments of other long term liabilities	(158)	(45)	(780)	(95)
Payments of debt issuance costs	—	(562)	(962)	(2,693)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	223	—	293	—
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	—	(1)	(178)	(983)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	7,065	35,392	4,373	135,229
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	1,732	2,549	(604)	(626)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	410	197	2,746	3,372
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$ 2,142	$ 2,746	$ 2,142	$ 2,746

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP Announces Regular Quarterly Cash Distribution

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

OMAHA, Neb., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On March 17, 2025, Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP (NYSE: GHI) (the “Partnership”) announced that the Board of Managers of Greystone AF Manager LLC (“Greystone Manager”) declared a cash distribution to the Partnership’s Beneficial Unit Certificate (“BUC”) holders of $0.37 per BUC.

The cash distribution will be paid on April 30, 2025 to all BUC holders of record as of the close of trading on March 31, 2025. The BUCs will trade ex-distribution as of March 31, 2025.

Greystone Manager is the general partner of America First Capital Associates Limited Partnership Two, the Partnership’s general partner. Distributions to the Partnership’s BUC holders, including regular and any supplemental distributions, are determined by Greystone Manager based on a disciplined evaluation of the Partnership’s current and anticipated operating results, financial condition and other factors it deems relevant. Greystone Manager continually evaluates the factors that go into BUC holder distribution decisions, consistent with the long-term best interests of the BUC holders and the Partnership.

About Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP

Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP was formed in 1998 under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act for the primary purpose of acquiring, holding, selling and otherwise dealing with a portfolio of mortgage revenue bonds which have been issued to provide construction and/or permanent financing for affordable multifamily, seniors and student housing properties. The Partnership is pursuing a business strategy of acquiring additional mortgage revenue bonds and other investments on a leveraged basis. The Partnership expects and believes the interest earned on these mortgage revenue bonds is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes. The Partnership seeks to achieve its investment growth strategy by investing in additional mortgage revenue bonds and other investments as permitted by its Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, dated December 5, 2022, (the “Partnership Agreement”), taking advantage of attractive financing structures available in the securities market, and entering into interest rate risk management instruments. Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP press releases are available at www.ghiinvestors.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include, but are not limited to, phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “future,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe objectives, plans, or goals also are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Partnership. The Partnership cautions readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, implied, or projected by such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: defaults on the mortgage loans securing our mortgage revenue bonds and governmental issuer loans; the competitive environment in which the Partnership operates; risks associated with investing in multifamily, student, senior citizen residential properties and commercial properties; general economic, geopolitical, and financial conditions, including the current and future impact of changing interest rates, inflation, and international conflicts (including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war) on business operations, employment, and financial conditions; uncertain conditions within the domestic and international macroeconomic environment, including monetary and fiscal policy and conditions in the investment, credit, interest rate, and derivatives markets; adverse reactions in U.S. financial markets related to actions of foreign central banks or the economic performance of foreign economies, including in particular China, Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom; the general condition of the real estate markets in the regions in which the Partnership operates, which may be unfavorably impacted by pressures in the commercial real estate sector, incrementally higher unemployment rates, persistent elevated inflation levels, and other factors; changes in interest rates and credit spreads, as well as the success of any hedging strategies the Partnership may undertake in relation to such changes, and the effect such changes may have on the relative spreads between the yield on investments and cost of financing; the aggregate effect of elevated inflation levels over the past several years, spurred by multiple factors including expansionary monetary and fiscal policy, higher commodity prices, a tight labor market, and low residential vacancy rates, which may result in continued elevated interest rate levels and increased market volatility; the Partnership’s ability to access debt and equity capital to finance its assets; current maturities of the Partnership’s financing arrangements and the Partnership’s ability to renew or refinance such financing arrangements; local, regional, national and international economic and credit market conditions; recapture of previously issued Low Income Housing Tax Credits in accordance with Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code; geographic concentration of properties related to investments held by the Partnership; changes in the U.S. corporate tax code and other government regulations affecting the Partnership’s business; and the other risks detailed in the Partnership’s SEC filings (including but not limited to, the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K). Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, the developments and future events concerning the Partnership set forth in this press release may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our expectations and beliefs to change. The Partnership assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless obligated to do so under the federal securities laws.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Marotta

Greystone

212-896-9149

Karen.Marotta@greyco.com

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Andy Grier

Senior Vice President

402-952-1235

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The cumulative exports (merchandise & services) during April-February2024-25 is estimated at USD 750.53 Billion, as compared to USD 706.43 Billion in April-February2023-24, an estimated growth of 6.24%

Source: Government of India (2)

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

The cumulative exports (merchandise & services) during April-February2024-25 is estimated at USD 750.53 Billion, as compared to USD 706.43 Billion in April-February2023-24, an estimated growth of 6.24%

The cumulative value of merchandise exports during April-February2024-25 was USD 395.63 Billion, as compared to USD 395.38 Billion during April-February2023-24, registering a positive growth of 0.06%

The cumulative Non-Petroleum exports in April-February2024-25 valued at USD 337.01Billion registered an increase of 6.43% as compared to USD 316.64Billion in April-February2023-24

Major drivers of merchandise exports growth in February2025 include Electronic Goods, Rice, Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals including processed minerals, RMG of all Textiles and Coffee

Electronic Goods exports increased by 26.46% from USD 3 Billion in February2024 to USD 3.79 Billion in February2025

RMG of all Textiles exports increased by 3.97 % from USD 1.48 Billion in February 2024 to USD 1.53 Billion in February 2025

Rice exports increased by 13.21% from USD 1.05 Billion in February2024 to USD 1.19 Billion in February2025

Marine products exports increased by 3.40% from USD 0.49 Billion in February 2024 to USD 0.51 Billion in February 2025

Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals including processed minerals exports increased by 24.25% from USD 0.40 Billion in February2024 to USD 0.50 Billion in February2025

Coffeeexports increased by 22.32% from USD 0.15 Billion in February2024 to USD 0.18 Billion in February2025

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 6:44PM by PIB Delhi

India’s total exports (Merchandise and Services combined) for February2025* is estimated at USD 71.95 Billion, registering a positivegrowth of 3.16 percent vis-à-vis February2024.Total imports (Merchandise and Services combined) for February2025* is estimated at USD 67.52 Billion, registering a negative growth of (-)11.34 percent vis-à-vis February2024.

Table 1: Trade during February2025*

		February2025 (USD Billion)	February2024 (USD Billion)
Merchandise	Exports	36.91	41.41
Merchandise	Imports	50.96	60.92
Services*	Exports	35.03	28.33
Services*	Imports	16.55	15.23
Total Trade (Merchandise +Services) *	Exports	71.95	69.74
	Imports	67.52	76.15
	Trade Balance	4.43	-6.41

* Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for January2025. The data for February2025 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI’s subsequent release. (ii) Data for April-February2023-24 and April-September2024 has been revised on pro-rata basis using quarterly balance of payments data.

Fig 1: Total Trade during February2025*

India’s total exports during April-February2024-25* is estimated at USD 750.53 Billion registering a positive growth of 6.24 percent. Total imports during April-February2024-25* is estimated at USD 839.89 Billion registering a growth of 7.28 percent.

Table 2: Trade during April-February2024-25*

		April-February2024-25 (USD Billion)	April-February2023-24 (USD Billion)
Merchandise	Exports	395.63	395.38
Merchandise	Imports	656.68	621.19
Services*	Exports	354.90	311.05
Services*	Imports	183.21	161.71
Total Trade (Merchandise +Services) *	Exports	750.53	706.43
	Imports	839.89	782.90
	Trade Balance	-89.37	-76.47

Fig 2: Total Trade during April-February2024-25*

MERCHANDISE TRADE

Merchandise exports during February2025 were USD 36.91 Billion as compared to USD 41.41 Billion in February2024.
Merchandise imports during February2025 were USD 50.96 Billion as compared to USD 60.92 Billion in February2024.

Fig 3: Merchandise Trade during February2025

Merchandise exports during April-February2024-25 were USD 395.63 Billion as compared to USD 395.38Billion during April-February2023-24.
Merchandise imports during April-February2024-25 were USD 656.68 Billion as compared to USD 621.19 Billion during April-February2023-24.
Merchandise trade deficit during April-February2024-25 was USD 261.06 Billion as compared to USD 225.81 Billion during April-February2023-24.

Fig4: Merchandise Trade during April-February2024-25

Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in February2025 were USD 28.57Billion compared to USD 29.99Billion in February2024.
Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery (gold, silver & precious metals) imports in February2025 were USD 35.02Billion compared to USD 33.96Billion in February2024.

Table 3: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during February2025

	February2025 (USD Billion)	February2024 (USD Billion)
Non- petroleum exports	31.10	33.19
Non- petroleum imports	39.07	44.03
Non-petroleum & Non-Gems & Jewellery exports	28.57	29.99
Non-petroleum & Non-Gems & Jewellery imports	35.02	33.96

Note: Gems & Jewellery Imports include Gold, Silver & Pearls, precious & Semi-precious stones

Fig 5: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during February2025

Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in April-February2024-25 were USD 310.09 Billion, compared to USD 286.55 Billion in April-February2023-24.
Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery (gold, silver & precious metals) imports in April-February2024-25 were USD 415.85 Billion, compared to USD 388.82 Billion in April-February2023-24.

Table 4: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during April-February2024-25

	April-February2024-25 (USD Billion)	April-February2023-24 (USD Billion)
Non- petroleum exports	337.01	316.64
Non- petroleum imports	489.96	458.80
Non-petroleum &Non Gems& Jewellery exports	310.09	286.55
Non-petroleum & Non Gems & Jewellery imports	415.85	388.82

Note: Gems & Jewellery Imports include Gold, Silver & Pearls, precious & Semi-precious stones

Fig 6: Trade excluding Petroleum and Gems & Jewellery during April-February2024-25

SERVICES TRADE

The estimated value of services export for February2025* is USD 35.03 Billion as compared to USD 28.33Billion in February2024.
The estimated value of services imports for February2025* is USD 16.55 Billion as compared to USD 15.23Billion in February2024.

Fig 7: Services Trade during February2025*

The estimated value of service exports during April-February2024-25* is USD 354.90 Billion as compared to USD 311.05 Billion in April-February2023-24.
The estimated value of service imports during April-February2024-25* is USD 183.21 Billion as compared to USD 161.71 Billion in April-February2023-24.
The services trade surplus for April-February2024-25* is USD 171.69 Billion as compared to USD 149.34 Billion in April-February2023-24.

Fig 8: Services Trade during April-February2024-25*

Exports ofTobacco (26.76%), Electronic Goods (26.46%), Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals Including Processed Minerals (24.25%), Coffee (22.32%), Rice (13.21%), Jute Mfg. Including Floor Covering (12.41%), Other Cereals (11.65%), Meat, Dairy & Poultry Products (6.7%), Carpet (4.87%), Rmg Of All Textiles (3.97%), Marine Products (3.4%), Spices (0.98%) and Fruits & Vegetables (0.87%) record positive growth during February2025 over the corresponding month of last year.
Imports of Silver (-75.04%), Gold (-61.98%), Pearls, Precious & Semi-Precious Stones (-41.61%), Coal, Coke & Briquettes, Etc. (-35.63%), Petroleum, Crude & Products (-29.59%), Iron & Steel (-23.37%), Transport Equipment (-16.93%), Newsprint (-12.43%), Artificial Resins, Plastic Materials, Etc. (-6.21%), Professional Instrument, Optical Goods, Etc. (-5.01%), Machine Tools (-3.68%), Fruits & Vegetables (-0.93%) record negative growth during February2025 over the corresponding month of last year.
Services exports is estimated to grow by 14.10percent during April-February2024-25* over April-February2023-24.
Top 5 export destinations, in terms of change in value, exhibiting positive growth in February2025 vis a vis February2024 are U S A (10.37%), Australia (76.19%), Japan (26.55%), Brazil (10.85%) and Nigeria (10.75%).
Top 5 export destinations, in terms of change in value, exhibiting positive growth in April-February2024-25 vis a vis April-February2023-24 are U S A (9.1%), U Arab Emts (5.19%), U K (12.47%), Japan (21.67%) and Netherland (3.68%).
Top 5 import sources, in terms of change in value, exhibiting growth in February2025 vis a vis February2024 are Thailand (145.45%), China P Rp (7.83%), Brazil (162.18%), Ireland (117.17%) and Oman (30.24%).
Top 5 import sources, in terms of change in value, exhibiting growth in April-February2024-25 vis a vis April-February2023-24 are U Arab Emts (29.21%), China P Rp (10.41%), Thailand (42.4%), U S A (7.23%) and Russia (4.9%).

*Link for Quick Estimates

***

Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan

(Release ID: 2111954)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Hallador Energy Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial and Operating Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

– Q4 2024 Total Revenue of $94.2 Million; FY’24 Total Revenue of $404.4 Million –
– Q4 2024 Operating Cash Flow up Materially to $32.5 Million; FY’24 Operating Cash Flow of $65.9 Million –
– Q4 2024 Adjusted EBITDA up ~3x YoY to $6.2 Million; FY’24 Adjusted EBITDA of $16.8 Million –

TERRE HAUTE, Ind., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hallador Energy Company (Nasdaq: HNRG) (“Hallador” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

“2024 was a transformative year for Hallador as we continued our evolution from a bituminous coal producer to a vertically integrated independent power producer (“IPP”), while also advancing our products and services up the energy value chain,” said Brent Bilsland, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This deliberate transition aligns with market trends and reflects our conviction in the superior economics of the IPP business model. In fall 2024, we reached an important milestone in our transformation by signing a non-binding term sheet with a leading global data center developer on a transaction that would, if completed, sell a majority of our power production and accredited capacity at enhanced margins for more than a decade to come. We are making meaningful progress toward finalizing definitive agreements for this transaction within the exclusivity period that runs from January through early June 2025, further strengthened by our partner’s commitment to pay up to $5 million during this period. While navigating these complex transactions requires coordination across multiple stakeholders and while there can be no assurance that definitive agreements will be entered into, we remain encouraged by our partner’s commitment and believe this strategic partnership will drive long-term value for our shareholders.”

“The ongoing industry shift from dispatchable generators, such as coal and natural gas, to non-dispatchable resources like wind and solar, has increased the value of our Hallador Power subsidiary due to the enhanced reliability, resilience and consistency that we provide over the less predictable non-dispatchables. At the same time, the retirement of coal-based generation has reduced demand for coal supply, impacting the value of our Sunrise Coal subsidiary. In anticipation of these market dynamics, we proactively reduced production volume and shifted our focus away from the higher cost coal reserves, which lowered our operational cash costs in the fourth quarter. These strategic actions along with lower long-term coal price projections resulted in a fourth-quarter non-cash write-down of Sunrise Coal’s carrying value by approximately $215 million, which underscores the foresight of our transition to power generation in the coming years.”

Bilsland continued, “Looking ahead, our focus remains on maximizing the value of our Merom Power Plant while actively pursuing opportunities to acquire additional dispatchable generators that can add durability, scale, and geographic expansion to our electric operations. Additionally, we are forging strong relationships with sophisticated counterparties to secure favorable collateral terms and effectively manage our forward power sales in 2025 and 2026, which we believe will enhance our financial flexibility in the short to medium term. During 2024, we also reduced our bank debt by more than 50% to $44 million at year-end. We are excited about our continued transformation from a commodity-focused coal producer to an IPP with a secure fuel supply, a strategy we believe will unlock expanding energy market margins, drive sustainable growth, and enhance cash flow generation for our shareholders.”

Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

Hallador advanced its restructuring efforts for its subsidiary Sunrise Coal, focusing on production optimization and cost reductions to strengthen its operations.
- During 2024, the Company reduced its coal production volume by approximately 40% and shifted its focus away from the higher cost portions of its coal reserves. This optimization of coal production reduced Hallador’s operational cash cost structure to better align its coal strategy to support its internal electric generation.
- As a result of reducing coal production, optimizing its reserve base, and the declining price of contracted coal sales, Hallador realized an approximate $215 million non-cash write down in the fourth quarter associated with the carrying value of its Sunrise Coal subsidiary.
The Company continues to shift its revenue mix to prioritize electric sales as an independent power producer.
- Fourth quarter electric sales were $69.7 million or 74% of total Q4 revenue, compared to $37.1 million or 31% of total Q4 revenue in the year-ago period.
- Fourth quarter Coal sales were $23.4 million or 25% of total revenue, compared to $81.3 million or 68% of total revenue in the year-ago period.
Hallador continues to focus on forward sales to secure its energy position.
- At year-end, Hallador had total forward energy, capacity and coal sales to 3rd party customers of $1.1 billion through 2029, up from $937.2 million at the end of the third quarter.
- Subsequent to year end, Hallador signed an exclusive commitment agreement with a leading global data center developer, effective January 2, 2025. This agreement is in furtherance of the previously announced non-binding term sheet signed during the third quarter of 2024, reflecting an important milestone as both the Company and the developer seek to finalize a definitive transaction agreement to support the delivery of energy and capacity (through a utility partner) to a potential data center development within the State of Indiana. The completion of this proposed transaction is subject to, among other matters, the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements and there can be no assurance that definitive agreements will be entered into or that the proposed transaction will be consummated on the terms or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all.
The Company continues to strengthen its balance sheet.
- Total bank debt was $44.0 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $70.0 million at September 30, 2024 and $91.5 million at December 31, 2023.
- Total liquidity was $37.8 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $34.9 million at September 30, 2024 and $26.2 million at December 31, 2023.


Financial Summary ($ in Millions and Unaudited)

	Q1 2024			Q2 2024			Q3 2024			Q4 2024
Electric Sales	$	60.7		$	59.4		$	71.7		$	69.7
Coal Sales– 3^rd Party	$	49.6		$	32.8		$	31.7		$	23.3
Other Revenue	$	1.3		$	1.0		$	1.4		$	1.8
Total Operating Revenue	$	111.6		$	93.2		$	104.8		$	94.8
Net Income (Loss)	$	(1.7	)	$	(10.2	)	$	1.6		$	(215.8	)
Operating Cash Flow	$	18.5		$	26.1		$	(11.2	)	$	32.5
Adjusted EBITDA*	$	6.8		$	(5.8	)	$	9.6		$	6.2

_________________________________

_*_{Non-GAAP financial measure, defined as operating cash flows} _{less effects of certain subsidiary and equity method investment activity, plus bank interest, less effects of working capital period changes, plus other amortization}

Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, income from operations, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Our method of computing Adjusted EBITDA may not be the same method used to compute similar measures reported by other companies.

Management believes the non-GAAP financial measure, Adjusted EBITDA, is an important measure in analyzing our liquidity and is a key component of certain material covenants contained within our Credit Agreement, specifically the minimum quarterly EBITDA. Noncompliance with the covenants could result in our lenders requiring the Company to immediately repay all amounts borrowed. If we cannot satisfy these financial covenants, we would be prohibited under our Credit Agreement from engaging in certain activities, such as incurring additional indebtedness, making certain payments, and acquiring and disposing of assets. Consequently, Adjusted EBITDA is critical to the assessment of our liquidity. The required amount of Adjusted EBITDA is a variable based on our debt outstanding and/or required debt payments at the time of the quarterly calculation based on a rolling prior 12-month period.

Reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure, Adjusted EBITDA, to Income (Loss) before Income taxes, the most comparable GAAP measure, is as follows (in thousands) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.


Reconciliation of GAAP “Income (Loss) before Income Taxes” to non-GAAP “Adjusted EBITDA” (In $ Thousands and Unaudited)

	Year Ended
	December 31,
	2024			2023
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	(226,138	)	$	44,793
Interest expense		13,850			13,711
Income tax expense (benefit)		(9,404	)		4,465
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		65,626			67,211
EBITDA		(156,066	)		130,180
Other operating revenue		(275	)		10
Stock-based compensation		4,454			3,554
Asset impairment		215,136			—
Asset retirement obligations accretion		1,628			1,804
Other amortization		(46,310	)		(30,613	)
(Gain) loss on disposal or abandonment of assets, net		(50	)		398
Loss on extinguishment of debt		2,790			1,491
Equity method investment (loss)		746			552
Settlement of litigation		2,750			—
Other reclassifications		(8,043	)		—
Adjusted EBITDA	$	16,760		$	107,376


Solid Forward Sales Position – Segment Basis, Before Intercompany Eliminations (unaudited):

	2025		2026		2027		2028		2029		Total
Power
Energy
Contracted MWh (in millions)		4.25		3.36		1.78		1.09		0.27		10.75
Average contracted price per MWh	$	37.24	$	44.43	$	54.66	$	52.94	$	51.33
Contracted revenue (in millions)	$	158.27	$	149.28	$	97.29	$	57.70	$	13.86	$	476.40

Capacity
Average daily contracted capacity MWh		773		727		623		454		100
Average contracted capacity price per MWd	$	201	$	230	$	226	$	225	$	230
Contracted capacity revenue (in millions)	$	55.95	$	61.12	$	51.40	$	37.33	$	3.47	$	209.27

Total Energy & Capacity Revenue

Contracted Power revenue (in millions)	$	214.22	$	210.40	$	148.69	$	95.03	$	17.33	$	685.67

Coal
Priced tons – 3rd party (in millions)		2.95		2.50		2.50		0.50		—		8.45
Avg price per ton – 3rd party	$	51.04	$	55.49	$	56.74	$	59.00	$	—
Contracted coal revenue – 3rd party (in millions)	$	150.57	$	138.73	$	141.85	$	29.50	$	—	$	460.65

TOTAL CONTRACTED REVENUE (IN MILLIONS) – CONSOLIDATED	$	364.79	$	349.13	$	290.54	$	124.53	$	17.33	$	1,146.32

Priced tons – Intercompany (in millions)		2.30		2.30		2.30		2.30		—		9.20
Avg price per ton – Intercompany	$	51.00	$	51.00	$	51.00	$	51.00	$	—
Contracted coal revenue – Intercompany (in millions)	$	117.30	$	117.30	$	117.30	$	117.30	$	—	$	469.20

TOTAL CONTRACTED REVENUE (IN MILLIONS) – SEGMENT	$	482.09	$	466.43	$	407.84	$	241.83	$	17.33	$	1,615.52

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act“), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act“). Statements that are not strictly historical statements constitute forward-looking statements and may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words such as “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “guidance,” “target,” “potential,” “possible,” or “probable” or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “will,” “should,” or “could” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those relating to our ability to execute definitive agreements with respect to the non-binding term sheet with a leading global data center developer. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and analyses made by Hallador and its management in light of experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors appropriate under the circumstances that involve various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Hallador’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Hallador undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Conference Call and Webcast

Hallador management will host a conference call on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial and operational results, followed by a question-and-answer period.

Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. Eastern time
Dial-in registration link: here
Live webcast registration link: here

The conference call will also be broadcast live and available for replay in the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.halladorenergy.com.


Hallador Energy Company Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets As of December 31, (in thousands) (unaudited)

	2024			2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,232		$	2,842
Restricted cash		4,921			4,281
Accounts receivable		15,438			19,937
Inventory		36,685			23,075
Parts and supplies		39,104			38,877
Prepaid expenses		1,478			2,262
Assets held-for-sale		—			1,540
Total current assets		104,858			92,814
Property, plant and equipment:
Land and mineral rights		70,307			115,486
Buildings and equipment		429,857			537,131
Mine development		92,458			158,642
Finance lease right-of-use assets		13,034			12,346
Total property, plant and equipment		605,656			823,605
Less – accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization		(347,952	)		(334,971	)
Total property, plant and equipment, net		257,704			488,634
Equity method investments		2,607			2,811
Other assets		3,951			5,521
Total assets	$	369,120		$	589,780

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of bank debt, net	$	4,095		$	24,438
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		44,298			62,908
Current portion of lease financing		6,912			3,933
Contract liabilities – current		97,598			66,316
Total current liabilities		152,903			157,595
Long-term liabilities:
Bank debt, net		37,394			63,453
Convertible notes payable		—			10,000
Convertible notes payable – related party		—			9,000
Long-term lease financing		8,749			8,157
Deferred income taxes		—			9,235
Asset retirement obligations		14,957			14,538
Contract liabilities – long-term		49,121			47,425
Other		1,711			1,789
Total long-term liabilities		111,932			163,597
Total liabilities		264,835			321,192
Commitments and contingencies (Note 22)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $.10 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; none issued		—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 42,621 and 34,052 issued and outstanding, as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively		426			341
Additional paid-in capital		189,298			127,548
Retained earnings (deficit)		(85,439	)		140,699
Total stockholders’ equity		104,285			268,588
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	369,120		$	589,780


Hallador Energy Company Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations For the years ended December 31, (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)

	2024			2023
SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES:
Electric sales	$	261,527		$	267,927
Coal sales		137,448			361,926
Other revenues		5,419			5,025
Total sales and operating revenues		404,394			634,878
EXPENSES:
Fuel		49,343			103,388
Other operating and maintenance costs		118,364			199,855
Cost of purchased power		10,888			—
Utilities		15,914			17,730
Labor		116,164			152,417
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		65,626			67,211
Asset retirement obligations accretion		1,628			1,804
Exploration costs		260			904
General and administrative		26,527			26,159
Asset impairment		215,136			—
(Gain) loss on disposal or abandonment of assets, net		(50	)		398
Settlement of litigation		2,750			—
Total operating expenses		622,550			569,866

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS		(218,156	)		65,012

Interest expense (1)		(13,850	)		(13,711	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		(2,790	)		(1,491	)
Equity method investment (loss)		(746	)		(552	)
NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES		(235,542	)		49,258

INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT):
Current		(169	)		(164	)
Deferred		(9,235	)		4,629
Total income tax expense (benefit)		(9,404	)		4,465

NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	(226,138	)	$	44,793

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE:
Basic	$	(5.72	)	$	1.35
Diluted	$	(5.72	)	$	1.25

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic		39,504			33,133
Diluted		39,504			36,827


Hallador Energy Company Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) (unaudited)

	2024			2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	(226,138	)	$	44,793
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income tax (benefit)		(9,235	)		4,629
Equity method investment (loss)		746			552
Cash distribution – equity method investment		—			625
Depreciation, depletion and amortization		65,626			67,211
Asset impairment		215,136			—
Loss on extinguishment of debt		2,790			1,491
(Gain) loss on disposal or abandonment of assets, net		(50	)		398
Amortization of debt issuance costs		1,747			3,233
Asset retirement obligations accretion		1,628			1,804
Cash paid on asset retirement obligation reclamation		(1,407	)		(3,384	)
Stock-based compensation		4,454			3,554
Amortization of contract asset and contract liabilities		(70,203	)		(97,018	)
Director fees paid in stock		150			—
Change in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		4,499			9,952
Inventory		(13,610	)		15,548
Parts and supplies		(227	)		(10,582	)
Prepaid expenses		784			1,186
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(14,580	)		(18,992	)
Contract liabilities		103,181			33,804
Other		643			610
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	65,934		$	59,414


Hallador Energy Company Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the years ended December 31, (in thousands) (continued) (unaudited)

	2024			2023
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	$	(53,367	)	$	(75,352	)
Proceeds from sale of equipment		4,239			62
Proceeds from held-for-sale assets		3,200			—
Investment in equity method investments		(542	)		—
Net cash used in investing activities		(46,470	)		(75,290	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on bank debt		(147,000	)		(59,713	)
Borrowings of bank debt		99,500			66,000
Payments on lease financing		(5,633	)		—
Proceeds from sale and leaseback arrangement		5,134			11,082
Issuance of related party notes payable		5,000			—
Payments on related party notes payable		(5,000	)		—
Debt issuance costs		(673	)		(6,013	)
ATM offering		34,515			7,318
Taxes paid on vesting of RSUs		(277	)		(2,101	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(14,434	)		16,573
Increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		5,030			697
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of year		7,123			6,426
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of year	$	12,153		$	7,123

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,232		$	2,842
Restricted cash		4,921			4,281
	$	12,153		$	7,123

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	$	10,511		$	9,966

SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Change in capital expenditures included in accounts payable and prepaid expense	$	356		$	1,882

About Hallador Energy Company

Hallador Energy Company (Nasdaq: HNRG) is a vertically-integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP) based in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Company has two core businesses: Hallador Power Company, LLC, which produces electricity and capacity at its one Gigawatt (GW) Merom Generating Station, and Sunrise Coal, LLC, which produces and supplies fuel to the Merom Generating Station and other companies. To learn more about Hallador, visit the Company’s website at http://www.halladorenergy.com/.

Company Contact

Marjorie Hargrave
Chief Financial Officer
(303) 917-0777
MHargrave@halladorenergy.com

Investor Relations Contact

Sean Mansouri, CFA
Elevate IR
(720) 330-2829
HNRG@elevate-ir.com

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves acquisition of steel-making coal portfolio of Anglo American plc in Australia by Peabody MNG Pty Ltd and Peabody SMC Pty Ltd

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 8:35PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved acquisition of steel-making coal portfolio of Anglo-American plc in Australia by Peabody MNG Pty Ltd and Peabody SMC Pty Ltd.

The proposed transaction involves the acquisition by Peabody MNG Pty Ltd (Peabody MNG) and Peabody SMC Pty Ltd (Peabody SMC) (collectively, Acquirers), of a portion of assets and businesses associated with Anglo American plc’s (Anglo) steel-making coal portfolio in Australia (Proposed Combination).

The Acquirers are newly incorporated special purpose vehicles formed for the purposes of the Proposed Combination. Each of them is ultimately owned by Peabody Energy Corporation (Peabody). Peabody, [together with its affiliates, (the Peabody Group)], the ultimate parent company of the Peabody Group, is a global producer and supplier of metallurgical and thermal coal. The Peabody Group’s activities in India are primarily focused on the sales of coal by way of imports.

The assets being acquired as part of the Proposed Combination consist of a portion of Anglo’s assets and businesses associated with its steel-making coal portfolio in Australia (Target Business). The Target Business is currently owned and controlled by Anglo and its subsidiaries, which is a global mining company. In India, the Target Business supplies coal by way of imports.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

*****

NB/AD

(Release ID: 2112022) Visitor Counter : 27

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways’ financial condition is good, providing more subsidy to passengers: Union Railway Minister

Source: Government of India

Indian Railways’ financial condition is good, providing more subsidy to passengers: Union Railway Minister

The cost of travel per kilometer by train is ₹1.38, but passengers are charged only 73 paise.

This year, 1,400 locomotives have been produced, which is more than the combined production of America and Europe.

By March 31, Indian Railways, with 1.6 billion tons of cargo carriage, will be among the world’s top 3 countries.

Important steps have been taken to prevent incidents like the New Delhi Railway Station accident in the future: Union Railway Minister

Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 8:28PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, today, during the discussion on the working of the Ministry of Railways in the Rajya Sabha, highlighted the achievements of Indian Railways and its future plans. He said that Indian Railways is not only providing safe and quality services to passengers at affordable fares but is also making a distinct identity at the global level. He also mentioned that in India, railway fares are lower compared to neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, whereas in Western countries, they are 10 to 20 times higher than in India.

Regarding the subsidy being given to rail passengers, the Railway Minister said that currently, the cost of travel per kilometer by train is ₹1.38, but passengers are charged only 73 paise, meaning 47% subsidy is provided. In the financial year 2022-23, passengers were given a subsidy of ₹57,000 crore, which increased to approximately ₹60,000 crore in 2023-24 (provisional figure). Our goal is to provide safe and better services at minimal fares.

Highlighting the benefits of railway electrification, the Union Minister said that despite the increasing number of passengers and freight transport, energy costs have remained stable. Indian Railways is working on the target of achieving ‘Scope 1 Net Zero’ by 2025 and ‘Scope 2 Net Zero’ by 2030. He informed that the export of locomotives manufactured at the Madhepura factory in Bihar will soon begin. Currently, Indian Railways’ passenger coaches are being exported to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, while locomotives are being sent to Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Apart from this, bogie underframes are being exported to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia, while propulsion parts are being sent to France, Mexico, Germany, Spain, Romania, and Italy.

This year, 1,400 locomotives have been produced in India, which is more than the combined production of America and Europe. Along with this, 2 lakh new wagons have been added to the fleet. The Minister stated that in the financial year ending March 31, Indian Railways will transport 1.6 billion tons of cargo, making India one of the top three countries in the world, including China and America. This reflects the increasing capacity of the railway and its significant role in the logistics sector.

Talking about railway safety, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said that 41,000 LHB coaches have been prepared, and all ICF coaches will be converted into LHB coaches. Long rails, electronic interlocking, fog safety devices, and the ‘Kavach’ system are being implemented rapidly. Thanking Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Vaishnaw stated that earlier, the railway used to receive ₹25,000 crore in support, which has now increased to more than ₹2.5 lakh crore, leading to significant infrastructure improvements. Meanwhile, 50 Namo Bharat trains are being manufactured, offering both AC and non-AC options for short-distance travel.

Regarding the recent accident at New Delhi Railway Station, the Union Railway Minister informed the House that a high-level committee is investigating this tragic incident. CCTV footage and all data have been secured, and facts are being examined by talking to about 300 people. Important steps have been taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Minister said that our government is committed to the poorest of the poor. That is why the number of general coaches is being increased by 2.5 times compared to AC coaches. According to the current production plan, there is a program for the manufacturing of 17,000 non-AC coaches. Along with this, he stated that the financial condition of Indian Railways is good, and continuous efforts for improvement are ongoing. The railway has successfully overcome the challenges related to the COVID pandemic. The number of passengers is increasing, and freight transport is also rising. Now, railway revenue is about ₹2.78 lakh crore, and expenses are ₹2.75 lakh crore. Indian Railways is covering all major expenses from its own income, which has been made possible due to the better performance of the railway.

In his concluding remarks in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Vaishnaw assured that the railway would emerge as a more modern, safe, and environmentally friendly transportation system in the future.

****

Dharamendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

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Read this release in: Hindi

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Colleagues Demand Department of Veterans Affairs Reverse Course on Plans to Reduce Workforce

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined her Senate colleagues in a letter opposing the Trump Administration’s plan to cut more than 80,000 employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs this year. They demanded that the VA reverse course, stressing the harmful impact it will have on veterans’ earned care and benefits, which have been dramatically expanded since 2019 thanks to laws passed with bipartisan support such as the PACT Act.
“We write today regarding a memo issued by your Chief of Staff on March 4, and later proudly announced by you via Twitter, detailing a plan to reduce the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce to 2019 levels,” wrote the Senators. “Over the past five years, there have been monumental bipartisan expansions and improvements to veterans’ healthcare and benefits. Your proposal puts all of them at risk. And we believe it is blatantly dishonest to claim veterans’ healthcare and benefits will not be impacted by the termination of up to 83,000 employees, including 20,000 veterans.”
“As we continue to first learn of these disastrous ideas from VA employees and veterans, we will continue to speak out and fight on behalf of those men and women unjustly and immorally harmed by your actions. We are not deterred or fooled by your political theatrics that seek to defend your actions with half-truths and vague, empty promises – and neither are veterans,” they continued. “We will make sure the public knows the truth – that cutting back to 2019 staffing levels means firing over 18,000 nurses, ten percent of the VA police force, nearly 10,000 schedulers, and more than thirty percent of the Veterans Benefits Administration staff… We urge you to start putting veterans first – to review VA’s own data, listen to your leadership and frontline staff on the ground serving veterans every day, and talk to veterans and their families. When you do, you will come to the one and only legitimate conclusion – that massive, arbitrary staff cuts will not make the Department more efficient nor improve care and benefits for veterans.”
The full letter can be found HERE.
Senator Rosen has been fighting for Nevada’s veterans. Last week, she called on the VA to permanently reverse layoffs of VA employees in Nevada, and helped introduce legislation to reinstate veterans wrongfully fired by President Trump and Elon Musk. Earlier this month, Senator Rosen took to the Senate floor to oppose the actions of the Trump Administration and Elon Musk to mass fire employees working at the VA. Senator Rosen also demanded the VA provide answers regarding mass employee terminations.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Streaming, surveillance and the power of suggestion: the hidden cost of 10 years of Netflix

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marc C-Scott, Associate Professor of Screen Media | Deputy Associate Dean of Learning & Teaching, Victoria University

Shutterstock

This month marks a decade since Netflix – the world’s most influential and widely subscribed streaming service – launched in Australia.

Since then the media landscape has undergone significant transformation, particularly in terms of how we consume content. According to a 2024 Deloitte report, Australians aged 16–38 spent twice as much time watching subscription streaming services as free-to-air TV (both live and on-demand).

Part of the success of streaming services lies in their ability to provide content that feels handpicked. And this is made possible through the use of sophisticated recommender systems fuelled by vast amounts of user data.

As streaming viewership continues to rise, so too do the risks associated with how these platforms collect and handle user data.

Changing methods of data collection

Subscription streaming platforms aren’t the first to collect user data. They just do it differently.

Broadcasters have always been invested in collecting viewers’ information (via TV ratings) to inform promotional schedules and attract potential advertisers. These data are publicly available.

In Australia, TV data are collected anonymously via the OzTam TV ratings system, based on the viewing habits of more than 12,000 individuals.

Each television in a recruited household is connected to a metering box. Members of the household select a letter that corresponds to them, after which the box records their viewing data, including the program, channel and viewing time. But this system doesn’t include broadcasters’ video-on-demand services, which have been around since the late 2000s (with ABC iView being the first).

In 2016 a new system was launched to measure broadcast video-on-demand data separately from OzTam ratings.

However, it collected data in a rolling seven-day report, in the form of total minutes a particular program had been watched online (rather than the number of individuals watching, as was the measurement for TV). This meant the two data sources couldn’t be combined.

In 2018, OzTAM and Nielsen announced the Virtual Australia (VoZ) database which would integrate both broadcast TV and video-on-demand data. It took six years following the announcement for the VoZ system to become the industry’s official trading currency.

Streamers’ approach

Streaming platforms such as Netflix have a markedly different approach to acquiring data, as they can source it directly from users. These data are therefore much more granular, larger in volume, and far less publicly accessible due to commercial confidence.

In recent years, Netflix has shared some of its viewing data through a half-yearly report titled What We Watched. It offers macro-level details such as total hours watched that year, as well as information about specific content, including how many times a particular show was viewed.

Netflix also supplies information to its shareholders, although much of this focuses on subscriber numbers rather than specific user details.

The best publicly accessible Netflix data we have is presented on its Tudum website, which includes global Top 10 lists that can be filtered by country.

The main data Netflix doesn’t share are related to viewer demographics: who is watching what programs.

Why does it matter?

Ratings and user data offer valuable insights to both broadcasters and streaming services, and can influence decisions regarding what content is produced.

User data would presumably have been a significant factor in Netflix‘s decision to move into live content such as stand-up comedy, the US National Football League (NFL) and an exclusive US$5 billion deal with World Wrestling Entertainment.

Streaming companies also use personal data to provide users with targeted viewing suggestions, with an aim to reduce the time users spend browsing catalogues.

Netflix has an entire research department dedicated to enhancing user experience. According to Justin Basilico, Netflix’s Director of Machine Learning and Recommender Systems, more than 80% of what Netflix users watch is driven by its recommender system.

As noted in its privacy statement, Netflix draws on a range of information to provide recommendations, including:

the user’s interactions with the service, such as their viewing history and title ratings
other users with similar tastes and preferences
information about the titles, such as genre, categories, actors and release year
the time of day the user is watching
the language/s the user prefers
the device/s they are watching on
how long they watch a particular Netflix title.

If a user isn’t happy with their recommendations, they can try to change them by editing their viewing and ratings history.

Personalised or predetermined?

The rise of streaming hasn’t only transformed how we watch TV, but also how our viewing habits are tracked and how this information informs future decisions.

While traditional broadcasters have long relied on sample anonymised data to measure engagement, streaming platforms operate in a landscape in which detailed user data can be used to shape content, recommendations and business decisions.

While personalisation makes streaming more appealing, it also raises important questions about privacy, transparency and control. How much do streaming platforms really know about us? And are they catering to our preferences – or shaping them?

Marc C-Scott 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. Streaming, surveillance and the power of suggestion: the hidden cost of 10 years of Netflix – https://theconversation.com/streaming-surveillance-and-the-power-of-suggestion-the-hidden-cost-of-10-years-of-netflix-244921

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 18, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: ASIC puts payday lenders on notice they may be breaching the law

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeannie Marie Paterson, Professor of Law (consumer protections and credit law), The University of Melbourne

Late last week, corporate watchdog the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) issued a warning to lenders that provide high-fee small-amount loans – known as payday lenders – that they may be breaching consumer-lending laws.

Trying to provide effective protections to borrowers of these small loans is fiendishly difficult. People in financial hardship turn to payday loans, even though they are expensive. Lenders can charge high fees for such loans but may change products to avoid regulation.

If access to payday loans dries up, borrowers in need are likely to turn to other products. And so the cycle begins again.

The regulator’s report might be a prompt to government to think about other strategies.

What is payday lending and why is it a concern?

Payday lending is the name commonly given to loans of small amounts (under A$2,000) for short periods of time (16 days to one year) that promise quick credit checks and don’t require collateral.

They are called payday loans because the original idea was borrowers would pay them back when they got their next pay cheque. But often that is not how it works, and borrowers struggle to repay.

Payday lenders offer fast cash, but there are strings attached.

ASIC said the total value of small and medium loans provided to consumers in 2023–24 was $1.3 billion. An earlier study by Consumer Action Law Centre found 4.7 million individual payday loans were written over three years to July 2019.

Why do borrowers use (expensive) payday loans?

Small, short-term loans like payday loans have been around for a long time – and in part, they respond to a reality that, for many people, their income is not sufficient to give them buffers.

Payday loans can be used by borrowers who don’t have savings or credit cards to pay for one-off unexpected bills – a broken fridge, an emergency medical appointment or even utilities bills. But they can also be used to meet daily living expenses.

There are limited other practical options – for some types of bills, there are hardship schemes, but these are not always well-known. For one-off expenses, there are low and no-interest loan schemes but they can be quite restrictive. Free financial counselling may also help, but knowledge and access can be an issue.

Payday lenders have been moving customers into bigger loans that are harder to repay.
Doucefleur/Shutterstock

Why were new laws dealing with payday loans introduced?

Payday lenders have typically charged very high fees. In 2013, concerns about the high cost of payday loans led to specific provisions to limit the fees that could be charged.

Nonetheless, regulators and consumer advocates remain concerned these kinds of loans lock borrowers into debt spirals because they keep accumulating and that lenders manage to avoid many of the restrictions.

Further reforms in 2022 introduced a presumption a loan is unsuitable if the borrower has already taken out two payday loans in the preceding 90 days. The reforms also prohibit payday lenders from offering loans where the repayments would exceed a prescribed proportion of a borrower’s income.

What did ASIC say?

ASIC said it found a trend of payday lenders moving borrowers who previously might have borrowed relatively small amounts ($700 to $2,000) to medium-sized loans ($2,000 to $5,000), which are not subject to the same consumer protections.

The regulator said small loan credit contracts fell from 80% of loans in the December quarter of 2022 to less than 60% of loans by the August 2023 quarter.

It said it was concerned by this approach and reminded lenders they were still subject to the reasonable lending regime. This effectively means not lending amounts that would be unsuitable for borrowers.

Why are payday lenders moving consumers to larger loans?

It’s a concern that lenders change products to avoid restrictive rules. But it is not altogether surprising.

One response from increasing restrictions on one form of credit might be that lenders decide to focus on other, less restricted, products like medium-sized loans – this is what ASIC seems to have found.

This is problematic if those larger loans are not meeting consumers’ needs and objectives (for instance, if they only needed a smaller amount), or complying with the loan would cause substantial hardship. It’s important to remind lenders that the responsible lending obligations apply to medium size loans, and for ASIC to take enforcement action where appropriate.

What might be a better approach?

The ASIC report highlights the increasing complexity of the National Consumer Credit Act regime – with the standard obligations complemented by specific and unique rules for a range of credit products. These include small amount credit, standard home loans, credit cards, reverse mortgages, and Buy Now Pay Later.

It’s worth thinking about whether a better strategy might be to go back to a simpler approach, where one set of rules applied to all consumer credit products. Regulatory exceptions and qualifications are minimised.

If access to payday loans becomes more restrictive, borrowers are likely to turn to other products. This means ASIC should also be looking at other products that are used to provide short-term small loans. These are likely to include buy now pay later schemes and pawn broking.

Buy now pay later products are subject to their own regulations, including responsible lending obligations. But
pawn brokers aren’t covered by the Consumer Credit laws and are subject to little regulatory scrutiny. This is also something that should change.

We also need to consider whether there are financial inclusion options not dependent on lenders out to make a profit from borrowers struggling with the cost of living.

Jeannie Marie Paterson receives funding from the Australian Research Council for a project on Treating Consumers Fairly.

Nicola Howell receives funding from funding from the Australian Research Council for a project on Treating Consumers Fairly. She is affiliated with the Consumers’ Federation of Australia, as a member of the CFA Executive.

– ref. ASIC puts payday lenders on notice they may be breaching the law – https://theconversation.com/asic-puts-payday-lenders-on-notice-they-may-be-breaching-the-law-252375

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 18, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Why build nuclear power in place of old coal, when you could have pumped hydropower instead?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Weber, Research Officer for School of Engineering, Australian National University

Phillip Wittke, Shutterstock

Australia’s energy policy would take a sharp turn if the Coalition wins the upcoming federal election. A Dutton government would seek to build seven nuclear power plants at the sites of old coal-fired power stations.

The Coalition says its plan makes smart use of the existing transmission network and other infrastructure. But solar and wind power would need to be curtailed to make room in the grid for nuclear energy. This means polluting coal and gas power stations would remain active for longer, releasing an extra 1 billion to 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.

So is there another option? Yes: pumped hydro storage plants. This technology is quicker and cheaper to develop than nuclear power, and can store solar and wind rather than curtail it. It’s better suited to Australia’s electricity grid and would ultimately lead to fewer emissions. Drawing on our recent global analysis, we found the technology could be deployed near all but one of the seven sites the Coalition has earmarked for nuclear power.

The Coalition is likely to spend anywhere from A$116 billion to $600 billion of taxpayers’ money to deliver up to 14 gigawatts of nuclear energy. Experts say the plan will not lower power prices and will take too long to build. Our findings suggest cheap storage of solar and wind, in the form of pumped hydro, is a better way forward.

This way, we can continue to build renewable energy capacity while stabilising the grid. More than 45GW of solar and wind is already up and running, with a further 23GW being supported by the Capacity Investment Scheme until 2027. Only a handful of the pumped hydro sites we found would be needed to decarbonise the energy system, reaching the 1,046 gigawatt-hours of storage CSIRO estimates Australia needs.

Building pumped hydro storage systems near old coal-fired power generators has some advantages, such as access to transmission lines – although more will be needed as electricity demand increases. But plenty of other suitable sites exist, too.

Filling the gaps

Pumped hydro is a cheap, mature technology that currently provides more than 90% of the world’s electrical energy storage.

It involves pumping water uphill from one reservoir to another at a higher elevation for storage. Then, when power is needed, water is released to flow downhill through turbines, generating electricity on its way to the lower reservoir.

Together with battery storage, pumped hydro solves the very real problem of keeping the grid stable and reliable when it is dominated by solar and wind power.

By 2030, 82% of Australia’s electricity supply is expected to come from renewables, up from about 40% today.

But solar panels only work during the day and don’t produce as much power when it’s cloudy. And wind turbines don’t generate power when it’s calm. That’s where storage systems come in. They can charge up when electricity is plentiful and then release electricity when it’s needed.

Grid-connected batteries can fill short-term gaps (from seconds to a few hours). Pumped hydro can store electricity overnight, and longer still. These two technologies can be used together to supply electricity through winter, and other periods of calm or cloudy weather.

Two types of pumped-storage hydropower, one doesn’t require dams on rivers.
NREL

Finding pumped hydro near the Coalitions’s proposed nuclear sites

Australia has three operating pumped hydro systems: Tumut 3 in the Snowy Mountains, Wivenhoe in Queensland, and Shoalhaven in the Kangaroo Valley of New South Wales.

Two more are under construction, including Snowy 2.0. Even after all the cost blowouts, Snowy 2.0 comes at a modest construction cost of A$34 per kilowatt-hour of energy storage, which is ten times cheaper than the cost CSIRO estimates for large, new batteries.

We previously developed a “global atlas” to identify potential locations for pumped hydro facilities around the world.

More recently, we created a publicly available tool to filter results based on construction cost, system size, distance from transmission lines or roads, and away from environmentally sensitive locations.

In this new analysis, we used the tool to find pumped hydro options near the sites the Coalition has chosen for nuclear power plants.

Mapping 300 potential pumped hydro sites

The proposed nuclear sites are:

Liddell Power Station, New South Wales
Mount Piper Power Station, New South Wales
Loy Yang Power Stations, Victoria
Tarong Power Station, Queensland
Callide Power Station, Queensland
Northern Power Station, South Australia (small modular reactor only)
Muja Power Station, Western Australia (small modular reactor only).

We used our tool to identify which of these seven sites would instead be suitable for a pumped hydro project, using the following criteria:

low construction cost (for a pumped hydro project)
located within 85km of the proposed nuclear sites.

We included various reservoir types in our search:

new reservoirs on undeveloped land (“greenfield” sites)
repurposing existing reservoirs (“bluefield” sites)
repurposing existing mining pits (“brownfield” sites).

Exactly 300 sites matched our search criteria. No options emerged near the proposed nuclear site in Western Australia, but suitable sites lie further north in the mining region of the Pilbara.

One option east of Melbourne, depicted in the image below, has a storage capacity of 500 gigawatt-hours. Compared with Snowy 2.0, this option has a much shorter tunnel, larger energy capacity, and larger height difference between the two reservoirs (increasing the potential energy stored in the water). And unlike Snowy 2.0, it is not located in a national park.

Of course, shortlisted sites would require detailed assessment to confirm the local geology is suitable for pumped hydro, and to evaluate potential environmental and social impacts.

More where that came from

We restricted our search to sites near the Coalition’s proposed nuclear plants. But there are hundreds of potential pumped hydro sites along Australia’s east coast.

Developers can use our free tool to identify the best sites.

So far, the Australian electricity transition has mainly been driven by private investment in solar and wind power. With all this renewable energy entering the grid, there’s money to be made in storage, too.

Large, centralised, baseload electricity generators, such as coal and nuclear plants, are becoming a thing of the past. A smarter energy policy would balance solar and wind with technologies such as pumped hydro, to secure a reliable electricity supply.

Timothy Weber receives funding from the Australian government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics.

Andrew Blakers receives funding from the Australian government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other organisations.

– ref. Why build nuclear power in place of old coal, when you could have pumped hydropower instead? – https://theconversation.com/why-build-nuclear-power-in-place-of-old-coal-when-you-could-have-pumped-hydropower-instead-252017

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 18, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: I’m avoiding a hearing test because I don’t want chunky hearing aids. What are my options?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katie Ekberg, Senior Lecturer, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University

Ksenia Shestakova/Shutterstock

One in six Australians have hearing loss and, for most adults, hearing starts to decline from middle age onwards.

Many of us, however, hesitate to seek help or testing for our hearing. Perhaps you’re afraid you’ll be told to wear hearing aids, and envision the large and bulky hearing aids you might have seen on your grandparents decades ago.

In fact, hearing aids have changed a lot since then. They’re often now very small; some are barely noticeable. And hearing aids aren’t the only option available for people experiencing hearing loss.

The earlier you do something about your hearing, the greater the likelihood that you can prevent further hearing decline.
PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Why you shouldn’t ignore hearing loss

Acquired hearing loss can have a serious impact on our life. It is associated with or can contribute to:

social isolation
loneliness
not being able to work as much, or at all
memory problems
trouble thinking clearly
conditions such as dementia.

Hearing loss has also been associated with depression, anxiety and stress. A systematic review and meta-analysis found adults with hearing loss are 1.5 times more likely to experience depression than those without hearing loss.

A large population study in the US found self-reported hearing loss was associated with:

higher levels of psychological distress
increased use of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, and
greater utilisation of mental health services.

The good news is that doing something about your hearing loss can help you live a happier and longer life.

So why don’t people get their hearing checked?

Research has found adults with hearing loss typically wait ten years to seek help for their hearing.

Less than a quarter of those who need hearing aids actually go ahead with them.

Hearing declines slowly, so people may perceive their hearing difficulties aren’t concerning. They may feel they’re now used to not being able to hear properly, without fully appreciating the impact it’s having on their life.

Some people harbour negative attitudes to hearing aids or don’t think they’ll actually help.

Others may have overheard their partner, family or friends say negative things or make jokes about hearing aids, which can put people off getting their hearing checked.

Stigma can play a big part.

People often associate hearing loss with negative stereotypes such as ageing, weakness and “being different”.

Our recent research found that around one in four people never tell anyone about their hearing loss because of experiences of stigma.

Adults with hearing loss who experience stigma and choose not to disclose their hearing loss were also likely not to go ahead with hearing aids, we found.

Modern hearing aids may be a lot smaller than you realise.
Daisy Daisy/Shutterstock

What are my options for helping my hearing?

The first step in helping your hearing is to have a hearing check with a hearing care professional such as an an audiologist. You can also speak to your GP.

If you’ve got hearing loss, hearing aids aren’t the only option.

Others include:

other assistive listening devices (such as amplified phones, personal amplifiers and TV headphones)
doing a short course or program (such as the Active Communication Education program developed via University of Queensland researchers) aimed at giving you strategies to manage your hearing, for instance, in noisy environments
monitoring your hearing with regular checkups
strategies for protecting your hearing in future (such as wearing earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, and not having headphone speakers too loud)
a cochlear implant (if hearing loss is severe)

Hearing care professionals should take a holistic approach to hearing rehabilitation.

That means coming up with individualised solutions based on your preferences and circumstances.

What are modern hearing aids like?

If you do need hearing aids, it’s worth knowing there are several different types. All modern hearing aids are extremely small and discrete.

Some sit behind your ear, while others sit within your ear. Some look the same as air pods.

Some are even completely invisible. These hearing aids are custom fitted to sit deep within your ear canal and contain no external tubes and wires.

Some types of hearing aids are more expensive than others, but even the basic styles are discrete.

In Australia, children and many adults are eligible for free or subsidised hearing services and many health funds offer hearing aid rebates as part of their extras cover.

Despite being small, modern hearing aids have advanced technology including the ability to:

reduce background noise
direct microphones to where sound is coming from (directional microphones)
use Bluetooth so you can hear audio from your phone, TV and other devices directly in your hearing aids.

When used with a smartphone, some hearing aids can even track your health, detect if you have fallen, and translate languages in real time.

Modern hearing aids use Bluetooth so you can hear audio from your phone.
Daisy Daisy/Shutterstock

What should I do next?

If you think you might be having hearing difficulties or are curious about the status of your hearing, then it’s a good idea to get a hearing check.

The earlier you do something about your hearing, the greater the likelihood that you can prevent further hearing decline and reduce other health risks.

And rest assured, there’s a suitable option for everyone.

Katie Ekberg has previously received funding from the Hearing Industry Research Consortium, which funded research into stigma associated with hearing loss and hearing aids.

Barbra Timmer is a part-time employee of Sonova AG, a global hearing care company. She was a Chief Investigator on a Hearing Industry Research Consortium grant that investigated the experiences of stigma for adults with hearing loss. She is the president of Audiology Australia.

– ref. I’m avoiding a hearing test because I don’t want chunky hearing aids. What are my options? – https://theconversation.com/im-avoiding-a-hearing-test-because-i-dont-want-chunky-hearing-aids-what-are-my-options-250925

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 18, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Local newspapers are a lifeline in Ukraine, but USAID cuts may force many to close or become biased mouthpieces

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Galyna Piskorska, Associate Professor, Faculty of Journalism, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University (Ukraine) and Honorary Principal Fellow at the Advanced Centre for Journalism, The University of Melbourne

Three years into Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, Ukrainian journalists are facing enormously difficult challenges to continue their work.

Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, 40% of Ukrainian media outlets have been forced to close down, mostly due to the Russian occupation or financial difficulties caused by the war. Many of these are in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian journalists and media outlets have also become targets. More than 100 media workers have been killed since the full-scale war began.

Some, like 28-year-old journalist Viktoriya Roshchyna, were captured by Russian forces and died in brutal conditions in captivity. More than 30 media workers are still in Russian captivity.

Others were killed by Russian missile and drone attacks, like Tetiana Kulyk, who died alongside her husband, a surgeon, after her home was hit by a drone in late February.

For those journalists that remain, fatigue is a major issue. Many are emotionally exhausted. Some cannot cope and leave their jobs. The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) helps with seminars and psychological support.

Despite the dangers, local media remains in high demand near the front lines of the war. These outlets have lost so much – advertising, subscribers and staff – but their journalists still have the passion and determination to continue their work documenting history.

The role of local media on the front lines

According to researchers who interviewed 43 independent local media outlets last year, the key challenges for newsrooms have not changed since the start of the war:

a shortage of employees (22% of respondents said this was a challenge in 2023, compared to 16% in 2022);
psychological stress (18% in 2023, 16% in 2022)
lack of funds (16% in both years).

Often, journalists must perform different roles in their work, including being a driver, mail carrier and even a psychotherapist.

Without working telephones or internet in areas near the front lines, print newspapers remain the only source of trusted information for many people. This includes up-to-date information on evacuation plans and humanitarian aid, as well as content not related to the war, such as public transport schedules and how to access medicines and necessary items for home repairs.

Tetiana Velika, editor in chief of the Voice of Huliaipillia in southeastern Ukraine, was one of about 120 journalists who took part in a recent online conference organised by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine to discuss the state of Ukraine’s media.

She said media have remained connected with readers through both openness and authenticity. This includes having active social media networks, publishing journalists’ mobile phone numbers and allowing people to reach out anytime.

Vasyl Myroshnyk, the editor in chief of Zorya, a newspaper in eastern Ukraine, described how he travelled 400 kilometres each week to deliver copies of his newspaper to even the most dangerous places.

Svitlana Ovcharenko, editor of the newspaper Vpered in the city of Bakhmut, which was destroyed by Russian forces in the opening weeks of the war, said the paper has remained a lifeline for a displaced population.

We have a unique situation — we don’t have a city. It’s virtual, it’s only on the map, it doesn’t physically exist. Not only is it destroyed, but it’s also been bombed with phosphorus bombs, and no one lives there.

Ovcharenko, who now lives in the city of Odesa, said her newspaper’s readers are scattered all over the world. (There are 6,000 printed copies distributed each week across Ukraine.) The coverage focuses on how former Bakhmut residents have restarted their lives elsewhere, while also paying homage to the city’s past.

Independent media is now at stake

Funding remains a formidable challenge. Advertising revenue has dried up for many outlets, leaving international donors as the primary journalism funding source.

Now, the Trump administration in the United States is gutting much of this funding through its dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). According to one estimate, 80% of Ukrainian media outlets received funding through USAID. As Oksana Romaniuk, director of the Institute of Mass Information, said:

The problem is that almost everyone had grants. The question is that for some, these grants amounted to 100% of their income and they could only survive thanks to grants. These grants amounted to 40–60% for some, less for others.

According to media researchers, without donor aid or state budget support in 2025, newspapers and magazines may decrease by a further 20% in Ukraine, while subscription circulation could drop by 25–30%.

The heavy reliance on such funding has already led to the closure of some outlets, while others have been forced to launch public fundraising campaigns.

Donor funding has also given Ukrainian outlets a measure of independence, allowing them to report on corruption within the Ukrainian government, for example. Many independent outlets are now vulnerable to being taken over by commercial or political entities. When these groups gain control, they can influence media coverage to benefit their own interests. This is known as “media capture”.

Research shows how this has occurred in other post-conflict and developing countries where independent media outlets have been transformed into business entities more focused on profits and maintaining good relations with authorities than on producing quality journalism.

This is a critical time for the future of Ukrainian media, to ensure it remains financially self-sufficient and free from the influence of both Russian propaganda and Ukrainian oligarchs. Without this funding, the preservation of Ukraine’s independent media and democracy remain under dire threat.

Galyna Piskorska 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. Local newspapers are a lifeline in Ukraine, but USAID cuts may force many to close or become biased mouthpieces – https://theconversation.com/local-newspapers-are-a-lifeline-in-ukraine-but-usaid-cuts-may-force-many-to-close-or-become-biased-mouthpieces-250917

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 18, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Scientific misconduct is on the rise. But what exactly is it?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nham Tran, Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney

PowerUp/Shutterstock

German anaesthesiologist Joachim Boldt has an unfortunate claim to fame. According to Retraction Watch, a public database of research retractions, he is the most retracted scientist of all time. To date, 220 of his roughly 400 published research papers have been retracted by academic journals.

Boldt may be a world leader, but he has plenty of competition. In 2023, more than 10,000 research papers were retracted globally – more than any previous year on record. According to a recent investigation by Nature, a disproportionate number of retracted papers over the past ten years have been written by authors affiliated with several hospitals, universities and research institutes in Asia.

Academic journals retract papers when they are concerned that the published data is faked, altered, or not “reproducible” (meaning it would yield the same results if analysed again).

Some errors are honest mistakes. However, the majority of retractions are associated with scientific misconduct.

But what exactly is scientific misconduct? And what can be done about it?

From fabrication to plagiarism

The National Health and Medical Research Council is Australia’s primary government agency for medical funding. It defines misconduct as breaches of the Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

In Australia, there are broadly eight recognised types of breaches. Research misconduct is the most severe.

These breaches may include failure to obtain ethics approval, plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification and misrepresentation.

This is what was behind many of Boldt’s retractions. He made up data for a large number of studies, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the Klinikum Ludwigshafen, a teaching hospital in Germany, in 2010.

In another case, China’s He Jiankui was sentenced to three years in prison in 2019 for creating the world’s first genetically edited babies using the gene-editing technology known as CRISPR. His crime was that he falsified documents to recruit couples for his research.

The “publish or perish” culture within academia fuels scientific misconduct. It puts pressure on academics to meet publication quotas. It also rewards them for greater research output, in the form of promotions, funding and recognition. And this can mean research quality is sacrificed for quantity.

Honest mistakes

But not all research misconduct is premeditated. Some is the result of honest mistakes made by scientists.

For example, Sergio Gonzalez, a young scientist at the Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier in France, mistakenly uploaded several wrong images to an academic paper and its supplementary material. This didn’t have any effect on the findings of the paper, which were based on the correct images.

But it still represented a case of image duplication and misrepresentation of data. This lead to the journal retracting the paper and launching an investigation. The investigation concluded the breach was unintentional and resulted from the pressures of academic research.

Fewer than 20% of all retractions are due to honest mistakes. Researchers usually contact the publisher to correct errors when they are detected, with no major consequences.

The need for a national oversight body

In many countries, an independent national body oversees research integrity.

In the United Kingdom, this body is known as the Committee on Research Integrity. It is responsible for improving research integrity and addressing misconduct cases. Similarly, in the United States, the Office of Research Integrity handles allegations of research misconduct.

In contrast, Australia lacks an independent body directly tasked with investigating research misconduct. There is a body known as the Australian Research Integrity Committee. But it only reviews the institutional procedures and governance of investigations to ensure they are conducted fairly and transparently – and with limited effectiveness. For example, last year it received 13 complaints, only five of which were investigated.

Instead Australia relies on a self-regulation model. This means each university and research institute aligns its own policy with the Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. Although this code originated in medical research, its principles apply across all disciplines.

For example, in archaeology, falsifying an image or deliberately reporting inaccurate carbon dating results constitutes data fabrication. Another common breach is plagiarism, which can also be applied to all fields.

But self-governance on integrity matters is fraught with problems.

Investigations often lack transparency and are carried out internally, creating a conflict of interest. Often the investigative teams are under immense pressure to safeguard their institution’s reputation rather than uphold accountability.

A 2023 report by the Australia Institute called for the urgent establishment of an independent, government-funded research integrity watchdog.

The report recommended the watchdog have direct investigatory powers and that academic institutions be bound by its findings.

The report also recommended the watchdog should release its findings publicly, create whistleblower protections, establish a proper appeals process and allow people to directly raise complaints with it.

Research credibility is on the line

The consequences of inadequate oversight are already evident.

One of the biggest research integrity scandals in Australian history involved Ali Nazari, an engineer from Swinburne University. In 2022 an anonymous whistleblower alleged Nazari was part of an international research fraud cartel involving multiple teams.

Investigations cast doubt on the validity of the 287 papers Nazari and the other researchers had collectively published. The investigations uncovered numerous violations, including 71 instances of falsified results, plagiarism and duplication, and 208 instances of self-plagiarism.

Similarly, Mark Smyth, formerly of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, fabricated research data to support grant applications and clinical trials. An independent inquiry concluded he used his reputation, status and authority to bully and intimidate junior colleagues.

If Australia had a independent research integrity body, there would be a clear governance structure and an established and transparent pathway for reporting breaches at a much earlier stage.

Timely intervention would help reduce further breaches through swift investigation and corrective action. Importantly, consistent governance across Australian institutions would help ensure fairness. It would also reduce bias and uphold the same standards across all misconduct cases.

The call for an independent research integrity watchdog is long overdue.

Only through impartial oversight can we uphold the values of scientific excellence, protect public trust, and foster a culture of accountability that strengthens the integrity of research for all Australians.

Nham Tran has received funding from Australian Research Council.

– ref. Scientific misconduct is on the rise. But what exactly is it? – https://theconversation.com/scientific-misconduct-is-on-the-rise-but-what-exactly-is-it-247352

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 18, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Less than 1% of the world’s biggest radio telescope is complete – but its first image reveals a sky dotted with ancient galaxies

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Randall Wayth, SKA-Low Senior Commissioning Scientist and Adjunct Associate Professor, Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, Curtin University

The first image from an early working version of the SKA-Low telescope, showing around 85 galaxies. SKAO

Part of the world’s biggest mega-science facility – the SKA Observatory – is being built in outback Western Australia.

After decades of planning, countless hours of work, and more than a few setbacks, an early working version of the telescope has captured its first glimpse of the sky.

Using 1,024 of what will eventually be 131,072 radio antennas, the first SKA-Low image shows a tiny sliver of sky dotted with ancient galaxies billions of light-years from Earth.

This first snapshot shows the system works, and will improve dramatically in the coming months and years – and starts a new chapter in our exploration of the universe.

A glimpse of the universe

The SKA-Low telescope is currently under construction on Wajarri Yamaji Country in Western Australia, around 600 kilometres north of Perth. Together with the SKA-Mid telescope (under construction in South Africa), the two telescopes will make up the world’s largest and most sensitive radio observatory.

SKA-Low will consist of thousands of antennas spread across a vast area. It is designed to detect low-frequency radio signals from some of the most distant and ancient objects in the universe.

The first image, made using just 1,024 of the planned 131,000 antennas, is remarkably clear, confirming that the complex systems for transmitting and processing data from the antennas are working properly. Now we can move on to more detailed observations to analyse and verify the telescope’s scientific output.

Bright galaxies, billions of years old

The image shows a patch of the sky, approximately 25 square degrees in area, as seen in radio waves.

Twenty-five square degrees is an area of sky that would fit 100 full Moons. For comparison, it would be about the area of sky that a small apple would cover if you held it at arm’s length.

The first image from an early working version of the SKA-Low telescope, showing around 85 galaxies.
SKAO

The dots in the image look like stars, but are actually some of the brightest galaxies in the universe. These galaxies are billions of light-years away, so the galaxies we are seeing now were emitting this light when the universe was half its current age.

They are so bright because each of these distant galaxies contains a supermassive black hole. Gas orbiting around black holes is very hot and moves very quickly, emitting energy in X-rays and radio waves. SKA-Low can detect these radio waves that have travelled billions of light years across the universe to reach Earth.

The world’s largest radio telescope

SKA-Low and SKA-Mid are both being built by the SKAO, a global project to build cutting-edge telescopes that will revolutionise our understanding of the universe and deliver benefits to society. (SKA stands for “square kilometre array”, describing the initial estimated collecting area of all the antennas and radio dishes put together.)

My own involvement in the project began in 2014. Since then I, along with many local and international colleagues, have deployed and verified several prototype systems on the path to SKA-Low. To now be part of the team that is making the first images with the rapidly growing telescope is extremely satisfying.

A complex system with no moving parts

SKA-Low will be made up of 512 aperture arrays (or stations), each comprised of 256 antennas.

Unlike traditional telescopes, aperture arrays have no moving parts, which makes them easier to maintain. The individual antennas receive signals from all directions at once and – to produce images – we use complex mathematics to combine the signals from each individual antenna and “steer” the telescope.

The SKA-Low telescope uses arrays of radio antennas (called stations) to create images of the universe.
SKAO / Max Alexander

The advantages and flexibility of aperture arrays come at the cost of complex signal processing and software systems. Any errors in signal timing, calibration or processing can distort the final image or introduce noise.

For this reason, the successful production of the first image is a key validation – it can only happen if the entire system is working.

The shape of the universe and beyond

As SKA-Low grows, it will see more detail. Simulations show the full telescope may detect up to 600,000 galaxies in the same patch of sky shown in the first test image.
SKAO

Once completed, SKA-Low promises to transform our understanding of the early universe.

The antennas of the full telescope will be spread across an area approximately 70 kilometres in diameter, making it the most sensitive low-frequency radio array ever built.

This unprecedented sensitivity to low-frequency radio signals will allow scientists to detect the faint signals from the first stars and galaxies that formed after the Big Bang – the so-called “cosmic dawn”. SKA-Low will be the first radio telescope capable of imaging this very early period of our universe.

It will also help map the large-scale structure of the universe. We expect the telescope will also provide new insights into cosmic magnetism, the behaviour of interstellar gas, and the mysterious nature of dark matter and dark energy.

The sensitivity and resolution of SKA-Low gives it a huge discovery potential. Seven out of the top 10 discoveries from the Hubble Space Telescope were not part of the original science motivation. Like the HST, SKA-Low promises to be a transformative telescope. Who knows what new discoveries await?

What’s next

SKA-Low’s commissioning process will ramp up over the course of the year, as more antenna arrays are installed and brought online. With each additional station, the sensitivity and resolution of the telescope will increase. This growth will also bring greater technical challenges in handling the growing complexity and data rates.

By the end of 2025, SKA-Low is expected to have 16 working stations. The increased volume of output data at this stage will be the next major test for the telescope’s software systems.

By the end of 2026, the array is planned to expand to 68 working stations at which point it will be the the most sensitive low-frequency radio telescope on Earth.

This phase will be the next big test of the end-to-end telescope system. When we get to this stage, the same field you see in the image above will be able to comprehensively map and detect up to 600,000 galaxies. I’m personally looking forward to helping bring it together.

Randall Wayth 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. Less than 1% of the world’s biggest radio telescope is complete – but its first image reveals a sky dotted with ancient galaxies – https://theconversation.com/less-than-1-of-the-worlds-biggest-radio-telescope-is-complete-but-its-first-image-reveals-a-sky-dotted-with-ancient-galaxies-252382

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 18, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Stop waiting for a foreign hero: NZ’s supermarket sector needs competition from within

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Katerina Asher, Retail Academic Researcher, PhD Candidate & Sessional Academic, University of Sydney

non c/Shutterstock

New Zealand’s concentrated supermarket sector is back in the spotlight after Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she was open to offering “VIP treatment” to a third international player willing to create competition.

However, New Zealanders hoping for a foreign hero to break up the current supermarket concentration will be waiting a long time.

It could take five years or more for an international brand such as Aldi to enter New Zealand and establish a nationwide chain. It is a risky bet. So far, no foreign operator has expressed interest publicly in setting up shop here on a national scale.

To create more competition in the supermarket sector, the New Zealand government needs go back to where the issues began: allowing multiple companies to merge until there were few alternatives for shoppers.

Breaking up two of the major entities in the sector would be a relatively quick way to reintroduce competition and improve affordability for everyone.

The rise in concentration

The current state of New Zealand’s supermarket sector – dominated by Woolworths (formerly Countdown), Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island – is a result of successive mergers and acquisitions along two tracks.

The first was Progressive Enterprises’ (owner of Foodtown, Countdown and Five Guys banners) purchase of Woolworths New Zealand (which also owned Big Fresh and Price Chopper) in 2001.

Progressive Enterprises was sold to Woolworths Australia, its’ current owner, in 2005. In less than 25 years, six brands owned by multiple companies were whittled down to a single brand, Woolworths.

The second was the concentration of the “Foodstuffs cooperatives” network. This network once included four regional cooperatives and multiple banners including Mark’n Pak and Cut Price, as well as New World, PAK’nSave and Four Square.

The decision of the four legally separate cooperatives to include “Foodstuffs” in their company name blurred the lines between them. The companies looked similar but remained legally separate.

As a result of mergers, these four separate companies have now become Foodstuffs North Island – franchise limited share company, operating according to “cooperative principlies” and Foodstuffs South Island, a legal cooperative.

In a recent failed application to merge into one company, Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island admitted to sharing information between the two legally separate companies. They are also not meaningfully competing with each other as they operate in regions which do not overlap.

Breaking up the current players to compete

While the Commerce Commission declined the clearance for Foodstuffs North Island Limited and Foodstuffs South Island to merge into one single national grocery entity, more can be done to drive competition in the supermarket sector.

The fastest option would be to break up the “Foodstuffs” companies into smaller entities, with the breakaway and re-branding of PAK’nSave across both islands.

But to do this the government would need to update legislation to allow parliament to force divestiture, consistent with the United Kingdom and the United States.

This would allow New Zealand to go from three supermarket companies to five or more in a short period of time.

Reducing the power dependency of suppliers and customers on the current companies would also reduce barriers to entry for overseas brands.

Global players will take too long

Breaking up the local dominant supermarket players is simply faster, and more straightforward, than waiting for a foreign company to enter New Zealand. It takes time and is expensive to build scale with stores. It can also be risky, as recent history in Australia shows.

Aldi Australia, a favourite of New Zealand consumers hoping for a global alternative, took 20 years to reach scale as a third major player in that country. Originally from Germany, Aldi entered Australia as a declining brand – Franklins – left the market.

In 2017, another German company, Kaufland, announced ambitious plans to enter the Australian market, starting with 20 stores. It purchased its first site in 2018 and hired 200 staff. However, the company abandoned launch plans in 2020 and divested completely from the market.

Additionally, it took US-based bulk retail store Costco three years – and NZ$100 million – to go from announcing its plans for one New Zealand store to open. The retailer has hinted at opening a second location but this has not yet happened.

In the end, the solution to New Zealand’s concentrated supermarket sector needs to come from within. Breaking up the power held by the dominant supermarket companies will allow prices to come down more quickly than waiting for a foreign supermarket to arrive.

The government allowed the market to become concentrated, so it can now fix it. An international brand is not the hero – local, New Zealand-owned competition is.

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

– ref. Stop waiting for a foreign hero: NZ’s supermarket sector needs competition from within – https://theconversation.com/stop-waiting-for-a-foreign-hero-nzs-supermarket-sector-needs-competition-from-within-251910

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Canadian General Investments, Limited Files Annual Disclosure Documents

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Canada, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian General Investments, Limited (CGI) (TSX:CGI) (LSE: CGI) (the Company), announces that it has submitted its 2024 Annual Report, which includes the Management Report of Fund Performance and Audited Financial Statements and the 2025 Management Information Circular, including the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Form of Proxy and Annual Information Form with applicable Canadian securities regulators and to the National Storage Mechanism (https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism).

PDF versions of these documents are also available at www.canadiangeneralinvestments.ca and at www.sedarplus.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Jonathan A. Morgan
President & CEO
Phone: (416) 366-2931
Fax: (416) 366-2729
e-mail: cgifund@mmainvestments.com
website: www.canadiangeneralinvestments.ca

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION NAMES ROMAYN RICHARDS AS INTERCONNECTION OMBUDSMAN

Source: US State of Maine

New Role Aims to Improve Maine’s Interconnection Process for Renewable Energy Projects and Help Resolve Customer Disputes

March 17, 2025

Hallowell, Maine – The Maine Public Utilities Commission (Commission) has named Romayn Richards to the newly created position of Interconnection Ombudsman. This position was established pursuant to 35-A M.R.S. 3474(4) and as set forth in Chapter 328 of the Commission’s rules.

As Interconnection Ombudsman, Richards will assist customers seeking interconnection of renewable energy projects by facilitating the efficient and fair resolution of disputes between customers seeking to interconnect and investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities. Additionally, Richards will review interconnection policies to identify opportunities for reducing disputes, convene stakeholder meetings to facilitate effective communication, and track interconnection-related concerns.

“We are pleased to add this position at the direction of the Legislature and look forward to better serving both customers and our investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities throughout the interconnection process,” said Commission Chair Philip L. Bartlett II.

Im honored to take on this new role and look forward to working with customers, utilities, developers, and the various other stakeholders to help improve Maines interconnection process, said Richards. My goal is to facilitate a fair and effective process for resolving interconnection disputes, while ensuring clear communication exists between all parties involved throughout the process.

Richards holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Power Engineering from Maine Maritime Academy. He has been with the Commission since November 2022 working as a Utility Analyst in the Electric and Gas Division, where he has collaborated with renewable energy interconnection experts to ensure that the Commissions small generator interconnection procedures reflect nationally recognized best practices.

Prior to joining the Commission, Richards worked as a Distribution Planning Engineer at Central Maine Power Company. He also held roles as a Reliability Engineer throughout Maines shipbuilding and pulp and paper industries.

For more information on Small Solar Interconnection Issues, please visit:

CONTACT: Susan Faloon, Media Liaison CELL: 207-557-3704 EMAIL: susan.faloon@maine.gov

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Coface SA: Disclosure of trading in own shares (excluding the liquidity agreement) made on March 10, 2025 to March 14, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

COFACE SA: Disclosure of trading in own shares (excluding the liquidity agreement) made on March 10, 2025 to March 14, 2025

Paris, 17 March 2025 – 17.45

Pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of 16 April 2014 on market abuse¹

The main features of the 2024-2025 Share Buyback Program have been published on the Company’s website (http://www.coface.com/Investors/Disclosure-requirements, under “Own share transactions”) and are also described in the 2023 Universal Registration Document.

Trading session of (Date)	Number of shares	Weighted average price	Gross amount	MIC Code	Purpose of buyback
10/03/2025	12,000	16.5508 €	198,609 €	XPAR	LTIP
11/03/2025	11,478	16.4003 €	188,243 €	XPAR	LTIP
12/03/2025	9,000	16.5253 €	148,727 €	XPAR	LTIP
13/03/2025	9,000	16.5720 €	149,148 €	XPAR	LTIP
14/03/2025	8,500	16.7526 €	142,397 €	XPAR	LTIP
Total 10/03/2025 – 14/03/2025	49,978	16.5498 €	827,125 €		LTIP

CONTACTS

ANALYSTS / INVESTORS
Thomas JACQUET: +33 1 49 02 12 58 – thomas.jacquet@coface.com
Rina ANDRIAMIADANTSOA: +33 1 49 02 15 85 – rina.andriamiadantsoa@coface.com

FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2025
(subject to change)

Q1-2025 results: 5 May 2025 (after market close)
Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting: 14 May 2025
H1-2025 results: 31 July 2025 (after market close)
9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025 (after market close)

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
This press release, as well as COFACE SA’s integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group’s website: http://www.coface.com/Investors

For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2024 and our 2023 Universal Registration Document (see part 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).

Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust.
You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.

COFACE: FOR TRADE
As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for more than 75 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment.
Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets. with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring.
Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets.
In 2024, Coface employed ~5,236 people and registered a turnover of €1.84 billion.

www.coface.com

COFACE SA is listed in Compartment A of Euronext Paris
ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA

1 Also in pursuant to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (and updates); Article L.225-209 and seq. of the French Commercial Code; Article L.221-3, Article L.241-1 and seq. of the General Regulation of the French Market Authority (AMF); AMF Recommendation DOC-2017-04 Guide for issuers on their own shares transactions and for stabilization measures.

Attachment

2025 03 17 – Declaration – Own shares transaction

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Canada: Nearly 230 transition housing spaces open for women, children leaving violence

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Julia (Boyle) Davidson, executive director, Ishtar Women’s Resources Society –

“We at Ishtar Women’s Resource Society are grateful to be moving our Ishtar Transition House to a bright and welcoming new home. The new house will enable us to support more women and their children, including a second-stage housing unit.”

Makenna Rielly, executive director, Victoria Women’s Housing Society –

“Transitional housing provides women and children fleeing intimate-partner violence time to determine their next steps. It allows them space to create safety plans, address trauma and remain within their community, minimizing disruption in their lives. In partnership with BC Housing and the community, we work to rebuild lives.”

Daylene Jones, executive director, Haven Society –

“The addition of second-stage housing to our community will make a huge difference for women and children impacted by violence. The ability to take the time needed to process, heal, and prepare for their future in a safe, supportive, and affordable living environment is essential for those leaving violence.”

Liza Scott, interim executive director, Cowichan Women Against Violence Society –

“We are pleased to announce the opening of Kw’i Lelum (‘Rise House’), providing safe, transitional housing for women, children, and families escaping violence. Rooted in cultural connection and community support, Kw’i Lelum offers a secure environment and resources to empower survivors on their path to independence.”

Kristy Rogge, executive director, Cythera Transition House Society –

“The opening of the Bernice Gehring Building is an incredible milestone and opportunity for our community. This space will be home to our second-stage program and longer-term housing for women and children. This first-of-its-kind housing project will provide a safe, stable environment, empowering families to rebuild, heal, and thrive in their community.”

Syma Nehal, program director, Nisa Foundation –

“Nisa Homes was born out of a need to support the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community. As such, we work hard to provide a place for women to live comfortably and feel safe in a supportive home environment, explore their cultural identity, and directly connect with their community.”

MIL OSI Canada News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Operation Take Back America Results in the Administrative Arrest of 81 Illegal Aliens, 25 of Whom Were Also Charged with Felony Criminal Offenses

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Louisville, KY – During the week of March 10 through March 14, 2025, as part of Operation Take Back America, multiple federal law enforcement agencies in Kentucky worked together to repel the invasion of illegal immigration throughout the Commonwealth. The operation, coordinated out of Louisville, resulted in 81 administrative arrests of illegal aliens. Of the 81 illegal aliens arrested, 25 were also charged with immigration-related criminal offenses, including illegal reentry after deportation or removal, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of controlled substances. In the Western District of Kentucky, 53 illegal aliens were administratively arrested, with 18 being criminally charged.

The illegal aliens not charged criminally will be held in ICE custody, pending removal proceedings and potential deportation.

The arrests included illegal aliens from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, India and Palau.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, Sam Olson, Field Officer Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Acting Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and U.S. Marshal Gary B. Burman of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement.

“I commend the work of our federal law enforcement partners, prosecutors, and support personnel who worked tirelessly to make this operation a success,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The aggressive investigation and prosecution of those who violate immigration laws positively impacts the security of our communities and of the Nation.”

The following 18 illegal aliens were charged by indictment or criminal complaint in the Western District of Kentucky:

Moises Archaga-Garcia, age 46, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 10, 2025, Archaga-Garcia was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about July 30, 2003. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Luis Alberto Torres-Flores, age 35, a citizen of El Salvador, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 10, 2025, Torres-Flores was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about August 29, 2014. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Lorenzo Perez-Perez, age 33, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 10, 2025, Perez-Perez was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about December 7, 2011, and January 21, 2016. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Aroldo Rodriguez-Navarro, age 40, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 10, 2025, Rodriguez-Navarro was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about August 25, 2009, and June 5, 2014. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Angel David Zuniga-Baca, age 35, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and reentry after deportation or removal. On or about October 12, 2024, Zuniga-Baca possessed a firearm in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. On or about March 10, 2025, Zuniga-Baca was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about November 16, 2009, and April 25, 2014. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison.

Ewin Cabrera-Cabrera, age 33, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 11, 2025, Cabrera-Cabrera was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about April 10, 2014, and February 7, 2013. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Roberto Cruz-Pacheco, age 34, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 11, 2025, Cruz-Pacheco was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about December 31, 2008. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Darwin Martinez-Figueroa, age 41, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 11, 2025, Martinez-Figueroa was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about May 17, 2014, and April 11, 2018. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Williams Josue Rodriguez-Calix, age 28, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 11, 2025, Rodriguez-Calix was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about December 12, 2018. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Jose Rodriguez, age 39, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 11, 2025, Rodriguez was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about December 1, 2011, and February 28, 2020. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Zoiber Hernandez-Dominguez, age 50, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. On or about December 16, 2024, Hernandez-Dominguez possessed a firearm in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Marcos Juarez-Morente, age 38 a citizen of Guatemala, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 13, 2025, Juarez-Morente was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about January 20, 2006, and May 19, 2006. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Esteban Perez-Cristostomo, age 45, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 13, 2025, Perez-Cristostomo was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about January 21, 2010. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Ramiro Galeana-Arzate, age 28, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 14, 2025, Galeana-Arzate was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about December 4, 2020. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Humberto Avila-Duran, age 54, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 14, 2025, Avila-Duran possessed a firearm in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. On the same day, Avila-Duran was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about January 21, 2011, March 3, 2011, March 8, 2011, August 14, 2012, May 9, 2014, May 13, 2014, and November 13, 2020. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison.

Humberto Avila-Murillo, age 28, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. On or about March 14, 2025, Avila-Murillo possessed a firearm in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Edi Diaz-Lopez, age 30, a citizen of Mexico, was charged possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On or about January 3, 2025, Diaz-Lopez possessed a firearm and methamphetamine with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Alvaro Mandujano-Rodriguez, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and reentry after deportation or removal. On or about October 7, 2023, Mandujano-Rodriguez was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about November 29, 2025. On the same date, Mandujano-Rodriguez possessed two firearms in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

There is no parole in the federal system.

The operation was coordinated by HSI Nashville and ICE/ERO Chicago. The cases are being investigated by the HSI, ICE/ERO, FBI, ATF, DEA, and USMS.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: Enstar Group Limited Announces Expiration and Results of Cash Tender Offer For Junior Subordinated Notes Due 2040

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enstar Group Limited (“Enstar”) (Nasdaq: ESGR) today announced the expiration and final results of its previously announced cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) for any and all of the outstanding 5.750% Fixed-Rate Reset Junior Subordinated Notes due 2040 issued by Enstar’s wholly owned subsidiary, Enstar Finance LLC, that Enstar guarantees on a junior subordinated basis (the “Notes”).

The Tender Offer expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 14, 2025 (the “Expiration Time”). The principal amount of the Notes that was validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Tender Offer as of the Expiration Time according to information provided by D.F. King & Co., Inc., the Information and Tender Agent for the Tender Offer, is set forth in the table below. The amount in the table below does not include $737,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes that remain subject to the guaranteed delivery procedures.

Title of Notes	CUSIP Number/ISIN	Principal Amount Outstanding	Aggregate Principal Amount Tendered
5.750% Fixed-Rate Reset Junior Subordinated Notes due 2040	29360A AA8 / US29360AAA88	$350,000,000	$232,560,000

Enstar expects to accept for purchase all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the Expiration Time, including Notes delivered in accordance with the guaranteed delivery procedures. Settlement for the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Expiration Time and accepted for purchase by Enstar is expected to take place on March 19, 2025. Holders of Notes accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will receive the previously announced consideration of $1,000 for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from the last interest payment date to, but not including, the settlement date for the Tender Offer.

The Tender Offer was made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase dated March 10, 2025 and the related Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. and Truist Securities, Inc. acted as the Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer. D.F. King & Co., Inc. acted as the Information and Tender Agent for the Tender Offer.

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION TO PURCHASE NOTES. THE TENDER OFFER WAS MADE SOLELY PURSUANT TO THE OFFER DOCUMENTS, WHICH SET FORTH THE COMPLETE TERMS OF THE TENDER OFFER.

About Enstar

Enstar is a NASDAQ-listed leading global insurance group that offers innovative capital release solutions through its network of group companies operating in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Belgium and Australia. A market leader in completing legacy acquisitions, Enstar has acquired over 120 companies and portfolios since its formation.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Enstar and its management team. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Important risk factors regarding Enstar can be found under the heading “Risk Factors” in Enstar’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, Enstar undertakes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statements or publicly announce any updates or revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein, to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, except as required by law.

Contact: Enstar Communications
Telephone: +1 (441) 292-3645

Enstar Group Limited

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: You’ve heard of the Big Bang. Now astronomers have discovered the Big Wheel – here’s why it’s significant

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Themiya Nanayakkara, Lead Astronomer at the James Webb Australian Data Centre, Swinburne University of Technology

The Big Wheel alongside some of its neighbours. Weichen Wang et al. (2025)

Deep observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have revealed an exceptionally large galaxy in the early universe. It’s a cosmic giant whose light has travelled over 12 billion years to reach us. We’ve dubbed it the Big Wheel, with our findings published today in Nature Astronomy.

This giant disk galaxy existed within the first two billion years after the Big Bang, meaning it formed when the universe was just 15% of its current age. It challenges what we know about how galaxies form.

What is a disk galaxy?

Picture a galaxy like our own Milky Way: a flat, rotating structure made up of stars, gas and dust, often surrounded by an extensive halo of unseen dark matter.

Disk galaxies typically have clear spiral arms extending outward from a dense central region. Our Milky Way itself is a disk galaxy, characterised by beautiful spiral arms that wrap around its centre.

An artist impression of the Milky Way showcasing the dusty spiral structures similar to The Big Wheel.

Studying disk galaxies, like the Milky Way and the newly discovered Big Wheel, helps us uncover how galaxies form, grow and evolve across billions of years.

These studies are especially significant, as understanding galaxies similar to our own can provide deeper insights into the cosmic history of our galactic home.

A giant surprise

We previously thought galaxy disks form gradually over a long period: either through gas smoothly flowing into galaxies from surrounding space, or by merging with smaller galaxies.

Usually, rapid mergers between galaxies would disrupt the delicate spiral structures, turning them into more chaotic shapes. However, the Big Wheel managed to quickly grow to a surprisingly large size without losing its distinctive spiral form. This challenges long-held ideas about the growth of giant galaxies.

Our detailed JWST observations show that the Big Wheel is comparable in size and rotational speed to the largest “super-spiral” galaxies in today’s universe. It is three times as big in size as comparable galaxies at that epoch and is one of the most massive galaxies observed in the early cosmos.

In fact, its rotation speed places it among galaxies at the high end of what’s called the Tully-Fisher relation, a well-known link between a galaxy’s stellar mass and how fast it spins.

Remarkably, even though it’s unusually large, the Big Wheel is actively growing at a rate similar to other galaxies at the same cosmic age.

The Big Wheel galaxy is seen at the centre. In striking contrast, the bright blue galaxy (upper right) is only about 1.5 billion light years away, making the Big Wheel roughly 50 times farther away. Although both appear a similar size, the enormous distance of the Big Wheel reveals its truly colossal physical scale.
JWST

Unusually crowded part of space

What makes this even more fascinating is the environment in which the Big Wheel formed.

It’s located in an unusually crowded region of space, where galaxies are packed closely together, ten times denser than typical areas of the universe. This dense environment likely provided ideal conditions for the galaxy to grow quickly. It probably experienced mergers that were gentle enough to let the galaxy maintain its spiral disk shape.

Additionally, the gas flowing into the galaxy must have aligned well with its rotation, allowing the disk to grow quickly without being disrupted. So, a perfect combination.

An illustration of how a massive spiral galaxy forms and evolves over billions of years. This evolutionary path is similar to real-world galaxies like Andromeda, our closest spiral galaxy neighbour, which also developed distinct spiral arms similar to the Big Wheel.

A fortunate finding

Discovering a galaxy like the Big Wheel was incredibly unlikely. We had less than a 2% chance to find this in our survey, according to current galaxy formation models.

So, our finding was fortunate, probably because we observed it within an exceptionally dense region, quite different from typical cosmic environments.

Besides its mysterious formation, the ultimate fate of the Big Wheel is another intriguing question. Given the dense environment, future mergers might significantly alter its structure, potentially transforming it into a galaxy comparable in mass to the largest ones observed in nearby clusters, such as Virgo.

The Big Wheel’s discovery has revealed yet another mystery of the early universe, showing that our current models of galaxy evolution still need refinement.

With more observations and discoveries of massive, early galaxies like the Big Wheel, astronomers will be able to unlock more secrets about how the universe built the structures we see today.

Themiya Nanayakkara receives funding from Australian Research Council.

– ref. You’ve heard of the Big Bang. Now astronomers have discovered the Big Wheel – here’s why it’s significant – https://theconversation.com/youve-heard-of-the-big-bang-now-astronomers-have-discovered-the-big-wheel-heres-why-its-significant-252170

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Canada: Ensuring long-term predictable public transit funding for Cape Breton Regional Municipality with over $8 million through the Canada Public Transit Fund

Source: Government of Canada News (2)

Sydney, Nova Scotia, March 17, 2025 — By working closely with its partners across Canada, the federal government is ensuring that more Canadians will be able to live near public transit, connecting them to jobs, services, and their communities.

Today, Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Member of Parliament for Sydney–Victoria; Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso; and Mayor Cecil Clarke announced a federal investment of more than $8 million in transit funding for Cape Breton Regional Municipality, providing predictable and long-term funding.

Through the new Canada Public Transit Fund’s Baseline Funding stream, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality will receive an annual funding allocation amounting to over $8 million over 10 years. Funding will upgrade, replace, or modernize the Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s public transit infrastructure, and maintain it in a state of good repair.

This investment, beginning in 2026 until 2036, will help increase the housing supply and affordability as part of complete, transit-oriented communities, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

MIL OSI Canada News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: The Mona Lisa is a vampire

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Frankie Dytor, Research Fellow, literature, art history and gender studies, University of Exeter

Louvre Museum/Canva, CC BY-SA

When Bernard Berenson learned that Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa had been stolen from the Louvre Gallery in Paris, the art critic heaved an enormous sigh of relief. Finally, he reflected, he could remove himself once and all from the dangerous influence of the work. “She had simply become an incubus,” he recalled years later, “and I was glad to be rid of her.”

At long last, Berenson had freed himself from the vampiric face of the Mona Lisa.

Today Leonardo’s painting, happily recovered in 1913 for generations of visitors after its theft in 1911, still looms large as perhaps the definitive symbol of Italian Renaissance art.

French president Emmanuel Macron recently announced plans for a project titled Nouvelle Renaissance, which will see the artwork moved to its own exhibition room, relieving pressure on the main gallery space. One of the most visited artworks in the world, Berenson’s pronouncement of the enigmatically smiling figure as a male demon in female human form, sits oddly with her endless appearance on t-shirts and tea-towels.

But looking again at how the myth of the Mona Lisa emerged, I believe that her fame is due not just to the painting’s display of artistic ingenuity – but to the troubling vampirism and gender ambiguity that 19th-century critics saw in Leonardo’s work.

This article is part of Rethinking the Classics. The stories in this series offer insightful new ways to think about and interpret classic books and artworks. This is the canon – with a twist.

Unlike many of his artistic contemporaries, Leonardo’s reputation remained relatively stable following his death in 1519. But praise for his work was, for centuries, caveated with one apparently intractable problem: he seemed a better draughtsman, inventor and scientist than artist proper.

John Ruskin, England’s preeminent mid-Victorian critic, wrote off the Mona Lisa as a total mess. He lamented that the painting’s background was simply “grotesque” being all “blue and unfinished”.

But as the century progressed, the tide began to turn, particularly in France. Writers newly praised the strange feelings that Leonardo’s paintings provoked, interrogating the nervous smiles and ironic stares of their subjects. “You are fascinated and troubled,” the historian Jules Michelet imagined in his monumental book Histoire de France (1855), describing himself in the Louvre moving like hypnotised prey towards the sinister artworks.

The Mona Lisa was being slowly injected with a dose of eerie, haunted beauty. But it wasn’t until 1873, when the Oxford aesthete Walter Pater published his explosive book Studies in the History of the Renaissance that the character of the Mona Lisa took a decisively gothic turn. In it, Pater described her as one of the undead:

She is older than the rocks on which she sits; like the vampire, she has been dead many times and learned the secrets of the grave

“Lady Lisa”, as Pater memorably nicknamed her, turned from an Italian noblewoman into a dangerously deathly femme-fatale. Pater claimed that she carried all of time and history within her body, bearing the world’s experience from “the animalism of Greece” to “the sins of the Borgia”.

The passage caused shockwaves, and a generation of readers were hooked. The poet Richard Le Gallienne recalled in his memoir how his friends were “all going round quoting the famous description”, as wannabe aesthetes endlessly recited, copied and reworked Pater’s lines.

Pater scholar Michael Davis has explained how the book “queered the Renaissance”: he called on his readers to worship at the altar of a strange beauty, demanding that they “burn” with a “hard, gemlike flame” as they did so. Pater’s new reading of Mona Lisa was at the heart of an erotic revolution. The Mona Lisa had become a symbol of a new way of looking and feeling, charged with the aching pain of melancholic beauty.

By the early 20th century, an industry of criticism had developed that took increasingly outrageous stances against the Mona Lisa.

Stories circulated about virtuous mothers who refused to allow reproductions of the work to enter their home. Sigmund Freud reworked Pater’s interpretation of the Mona Lisa’s “unfathomable smile” to evidence his theory of Leonardo’s homosexuality, claiming that the Mona Lisa’s smile was in fact a painting of his dead mother’s smile. Pater’s passage, as the Irish writer W. B. Yeats summarised, had taken on a “revolutionary importance” and with it the Mona Lisa changed from a minor work to an icon of a decadent generation.

Beyond the canon

As part of the Rethinking the Classics series, we’re asking our experts to recommend a book or artwork that tackles similar themes to the canonical work in question, but isn’t (yet) considered a classic itself. Here is Frankie Dytor’s suggestion:

The lesbian poet couple Katharine Bradley and Edith Cooper, published the poem La Gioconda (the Italian name for the Mona Lisa) under the pseudonym “Michael Field” in 1892:

Historic, side-long, implicating eyes;

A smile of velvet’s lustre on the cheek;

Calm lips the smile leads upward; hand that lies

Glowing and soft, the patience in its rest

Of cruelty that waits and does not seek

For prey; a dusky forehead and a breast

Where twilight touches ripeness amorously:

Behind her, crystal rocks, a sea and skies

Of evanescent blue on cloud and creek;

Landscape that shines suppressive of its zest

For those vicissitudes by which men die.

The poets frequently turned to historical subjects and artworks to explore queer and same-sex desire. Here, they show themselves to be the disciples of Pater’s cult of beauty, openly incorporating his stress on the “cruelty” that surrounds the “historic” features of the figure.

But they also go beyond Pater, revelling in the desire that saturates the work, such as the twilight touching the Mona Lisa’s breast “amorously”.

Frankie Dytor receives funding from The British Academy.

– ref. The Mona Lisa is a vampire – https://theconversation.com/the-mona-lisa-is-a-vampire-249987

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: Museums have tons of data, and AI could make it more accessible − but standardizing and organizing it across fields won’t be easy

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bradley Wade Bishop, Professor of Information Sciences, University of Tennessee

Museum collections are invaluable to many researchers. Miguel Habano/E+ via Getty Images

Ice cores in freezers, dinosaurs on display, fish in jars, birds in boxes, human remains and ancient artifacts from long gone civilizations that few people ever see – museum collections are filled with all this and more.

These collections are treasure troves that recount the planet’s natural and human history, and they help scientists in a variety of different fields such as geology, paleontology, anthropology and more. What you see on a trip to a museum is only a sliver of the wonders held in their collection.

Museums generally want to make the contents of their collections available for teachers and researchers, either physically or digitally. However, each collection’s staff has its own way of organizing data, so navigating these collections can prove challenging.

Creating, organizing and distributing the digital copies of museum samples or the information about physical items in a collection requires incredible amounts of data. And this data can feed into machine learning models or other artificial intelligence to answer big questions.

Currently, even within a single research domain, finding the right data requires navigating different repositories. AI can help organize large amounts of data from different collections and pull out information to answer specific questions.

But using AI isn’t a perfect solution. A set of shared practices and systems for data management between museums could improve the data curation and sharing necessary for AI to do its job. These practices could help both humans and machines make new discoveries from these valuable collections.

As an information scientist who studies scientists’ approaches to and opinions on research data management, I’ve seen how the world’s physical collection infrastructure is a patchwork quilt of objects and their associated metadata.

AI tools can do amazing things, such as make 3D models of digitized versions of the items in museum collections, but only if there’s enough well-organized data about that item available. To see how AI can help museum collections, my team of researchers started by conducting focus groups with the people who managed museum collections. We asked what they are doing to get their collections used by both humans and AI.

Museums can have vast collections – everything from samples from archeological sites to preserved insects to dinosaur bones. And huge collections means lots of data to collect and organize.
Justin Pumfrey/The Image Bank via Getty Images

Collection managers

When an item comes into a museum collection, the collection managers are the people who describe that item’s features and generate data about it. That data, called metadata, allows others to use it and might include things like the collector’s name, geographic location, the time it was collected, and in the case of geological samples, the epoch it’s from. For samples from an animal or plant, it might include its taxonomy, which is the set of Latin names that classify it.

All together, that information adds up to a mind-boggling amount of data.

But combining data across domains with different standards is really tricky. Fortunately, collection managers have been working to standardize their processes across disciplines and for many types of samples. Grants have helped science communities build tools for standardization.

In biological collections, the tool Specify allows managers to quickly classify specimens with drop-down menus prepopulated with standards for taxonomy and other parameters to consistently describe the incoming specimens.

A common metadata standard in biology is Darwin Core. Similar well-established metadata and tools exist across all the sciences to make the workflow of taking real items and putting them into a machine as easy as possible.

Special tools like these and metadata help collection managers make data from their objects reusable for research and educational purposes.

Many of the items in museum collections don’t have a lot of information describing their origins. AI tools can help fill in gaps.

All the small things

My team and I conducted 10 focus groups, with a total of 32 participants from several physical sample communities. These included collection managers across disciplines, including anthropology, archaeology, botany, geology, ichthyology, entomology, herpetology and paleontology.

Each participant answered questions about how they accessed, organized, stored and used data from their collections in an effort to make their materials ready for AI to use. While human subjects need to provide consent to be studied, most species do not. So, an AI can collect and analyze the data from nonhuman physical collections without privacy or consent concerns.

We found that collection managers from different fields and institutions have lots of different practices when it comes to getting their physical collections ready for AI. Our results suggest that standardizing the types of metadata managers record and the ways they store it across collections could make the items in these samples more accessible and usable.

Additional research projects like our study can help collection managers build up the infrastructure they’ll need to make their data machine-ready. Human expertise can help inform AI tools that make new discoveries based on the old treasures in museum collections.

Bradley Wade Bishop receives funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Science Foundation.

– ref. Museums have tons of data, and AI could make it more accessible − but standardizing and organizing it across fields won’t be easy – https://theconversation.com/museums-have-tons-of-data-and-ai-could-make-it-more-accessible-but-standardizing-and-organizing-it-across-fields-wont-be-easy-250487

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI: PIMCO Announces 2025 Managing Directors

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PIMCO, a global leader in active fixed income with deep expertise across public and private markets, is pleased to share the promotion of the officers of the firm to Managing Director.

“Our goal is to have a Managing Director group as a collective that represents broad skillsets and expertise across our business globally, and leaders who embody PIMCO’s core values and our commitment to integrity and excellence – the key elements of our culture”, said PIMCO Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Roman and PIMCO Group Chief Investment Officer Daniel Ivascyn.

The following officers have been promoted to Managing Director with these objectives in mind:

Ben Ensminger-Law
Mr. Ensminger-Law is a managing director and portfolio manager in the New York office. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2018, he was an analyst at Claren Road and previously worked at Citigroup in the U.S. and Asia. He began his career at MMC and has 24 years of investment experience. He holds an MBA from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University.

Esteban Burbano
Mr. Burbano is a managing director and fixed income strategist in the New York office. He joined PIMCO in 2009. Prior to joining PIMCO, Mr. Burbano was at Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. He has 21 years of investment experience and holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also received undergraduate degrees in economics and engineering.

Kirill Zavodov
Mr. Zavodov is a managing director and portfolio manager in the London office. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2020, he was a managing director in the merchant banking division of Goldman Sachs. He began his career at The Blackstone Group. He has 14 years of investment experience and holds a Ph.D. in financial economics from the University of Cambridge.

Rachit Jain
Mr. Jain is a managing director and portfolio manager in the London office. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2009, he was an assistant director in the principal trading group at Royal Bank of Scotland/ABN Amro. He has 17 years of investment experience and holds master’s and undergraduate degrees in mathematics and computing from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi, India.

Sam Watkins
Mr. Watkins is a managing director and head of PIMCO’s business in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2022, he worked at Goldman Sachs. Previously, he worked at Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, and Macquarie Bank in Australia. He has 24 years of investment and financial services experience and holds an undergraduate degree in agricultural economics from the University of Sydney.

DISCLOSURES

About PIMCO

PIMCO is a global leader in active fixed income with deep expertise across public and private markets. We invest our clients’ capital across a range of fixed income and credit opportunities, drawing upon our decades of experience navigating complex debt markets. Our flexible capital base and deep relationships with issuers have helped us become one of the world’s largest providers of traditional and nontraditional solutions for companies that need financing and investors who seek strong risk-adjusted returns.

Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of PIMCO’s sponsored investment products and separately managed accounts, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. PIMCO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Contact:
Michael Reid
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Ph. 212-597-1301
Email: michael.reid@pimco.com

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Plants Struggled for Millions of Years After the World’s Worst Climate Catastrophe

Source: US State of Connecticut

A team of scientists from University College Cork (Ireland), the University of Connecticut (USA), and the Natural History Museum of Vienna (Austria) have uncovered how plants responded to catastrophic climate changes 250 million years ago. Their findings, published in GSA Bulletin, reveal the long, drawn-out process of ecosystem recovery following one of the most extreme periods of warming in Earth’s history: the “End-Permian Event.”

UConn Department of Earth Sciences Professor and Department Head Tracy Frank, Professor Chris Fielding, and Associate Professor Michael Hren are co-authors on the paper. Frank and Hren performed a series of geochemical analyses through the sedimentary strata recording the event to help tie down ancient climate conditions, and Fielding provided sedimentological data to constrain ancient environmental conditions.

The End-Permian Extinction, also known as the Great Dying, is the most severe ecological crisis of the past 500 million years.

“It is believed to have entailed a five-fold increase in atmospheric CO₂, global temperature rise of up to 10° C or more, ozone depletion, widespread wildfires, and changes in rainfall patterns across the Earth’s surface,” says Fielding.

With more than 80% of ocean species wiped out, the end-Permian event was the worst mass extinction of all time. But the impacts of this event for life on land have been elusive. By examining fossil plants and rocks from eastern Australia’s Sydney Basin, researchers have pieced together a multi-million-year story of resilience, recovery, and the long-term effects of climate change following the Great Dying.

The long, unsteady path to ecosystem recovery

The fossils from these Australian rocks show that conifers, like modern pines, were some of the earliest to colonize the land immediately after the End-Permian catastrophe. However, the recovery back to flourishing forests was not smooth sailing.

The researchers discovered that even higher temperatures during the “Late Smithian Thermal Maximum,” approximately 3 million years after the End-Permian Extinction, caused the collapse of these conifer survivors. In turn, they were replaced by tough, shrubby plants resembling modern clubmosses. This scorching period lasted for about 700,000 years and made life challenging for trees and other large plants.

It wasn’t until a subsequent significant cooling event—the “Smithian-Spathian Event”—that large, but unusual plants called “seed ferns” began to flourish and establish more stable forests. These plants eventually came to dominate Earth’s landscapes for millions of years, paving the way for the lush forests during the Mesozoic “age of dinosaurs.”

“The first post-apocalyptic floras were ‘opportunistic’ in nature, perhaps the equivalent of what in the modern world are called ‘weeds.’ These plants were mostly small, and were sparsely distributed. Larger trees and other more complex plant types took considerable time to become established as surface conditions gradually improved,” says Fielding.

After millions of years, the forest ecosystems of the Mesozoic came to look like those from before the end-Permian collapse. But crucially, the plant species that made up the new forests were completely different. “The term ‘recovery’ can be misleading” says Chris Mays, Leader of the Mass Extinction Group at University College Cork, “forests recover eventually, but extinction is forever.”

What does this mean for us?

By understanding how ancient plant ecosystems weathered extreme climate swings, researchers hope to learn valuable lessons about how modern plants and ecosystems might cope with today’s climate crisis. Ecosystems depend on a fragile balance, with plants as the backbone of land food webs and climate regulation.

“This research highlights how crucial plants are, not just as the base of land food chains, but also as natural carbon sinks that stabilize Earth’s climate,” explains Ph.D. student Marcos Amores, the study’s lead author, who spent time in the UConn Earth Science Department as a visiting scholar. “The disruption of these systems can have impacts lasting hundreds of thousands of years, so protecting today’s ecosystems is more important than ever.”

This deep dive into Earth’s distant past reminds us that plants are unsung heroes of life on Earth—then, now, and in the future.

“The protracted and complex path back to ‘normality’ after the end-Permian crisis tells us that Earth can recover from devastating environmental tipping points, but that recovery may take periods of time beyond the range of human endurance or even existence,” says Fielding.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Final Phase of Gant Overhaul Expected to Start This Summer

Source: US State of Connecticut

The multi-year project to overhaul and expand one of UConn’s largest, most visible, and most heavily used academic buildings will soon enter its final stretch with the start of the last phase of renovations.

The Gant Science Complex, often described colloquially as the workhorse of UConn’s academic infrastructure at Storrs, has undergone extensive renovations that started in 2018 and have significantly transformed much of the once-outdated structure.

If all remains on schedule, work is slated to begin this summer on the final phase of renovations at the complex, which fronts North Eagleville and Auditorium Roads.

Completion of the project will mark a milestone for UConn, which received funding for the work under the state’s Next Generation Connecticut initiative.

UConn students walk through the Gant Science Complex on the first day of classes for the spring 2025 semester on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

That visionary program is part of the larger UConn 2000 initiative, which has built the state’s innovation economy through investments in its flagship university, as supported by generations of Connecticut legislators and governors since the mid-1990s.

NextGenCT included construction of UConn’s Science 1 building in addition to the Gant renovations. Science 1 opened nearby in 2023, complementing Gant as interdisciplinary research facilities that anchor the university’s Northwest Science District.

Both buildings support goals in the 10-year Strategic Plan, including expanding UConn’s research impact, powering a thriving Connecticut, and promoting holistic student success.

“The hallmarks of a great university are not only the research and academic knowledge it produces, but also its commitment to providing the modern labs, learning spaces, and support facilities that cultivate that important work,” says Anne D’Alleva, UConn’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

“We often jokingly refer to the Gant Science Complex as the workhorse of our Storrs campus because so much of the hands-on research, teaching, and collaborative learning takes place there on a daily basis,” she says. “The renovations of this important complex will be integral to UConn’s ability to reach new heights and power the Connecticut innovation economy.”

The U-shaped Gant Science Complex houses several academic departments and their associated classrooms, lecture halls, teaching and research laboratories, faculty offices, and support space.

It was built between 1970 and 1974 and is named for the late Edward V. Gant, a longtime engineering professor who also served three stints as UConn’s acting president. He died in 1985.

The science complex that bears his name had about 285,000 gross square feet of space at the start of the renovation, with the current project adding about 25,000 additional square feet upon completion.

The first phase of renovations, which involved Gant South, was completed in 2019, followed by a two-year renovation period at Gant West. In both cases, the full wings were overhauled along with the connector between the wings and the central plaza.

A central Light Court area, a new signature feature of the complex, was completed and occupied in January 2020.

The phased approach has allowed UConn to continue using large portions of the complex even when other areas were under construction, minimizing disruption to academic operations and eliminating the need for temporary facilities.

Construction on the last phase will start this summer if all remains on schedule with bidding, timely availability of equipment, and other factors.

The third and final phase of work at Gant will involve renovating and expanding the North Wing and its connector to the West Wing and includes a fourth-floor addition for advanced research.

The renovated North Wing will offer updated laboratory teaching facilities and support spaces for the Department of Ecology & Environmental Biology, as well as multidisciplinary science teaching labs and teaching labs for Biology 1000 level courses on the ground through second floors.

Support spaces include a new advising and tutoring center for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and a new facility for biology central storage. The third and fourth floors will be prepared for future advanced research activities.

UConn’s Board of Trustees recently gave its approval to begin working toward the final phase, which would start with demolition and abatement, site work, and purchasing equipment with long lead times for delivery.

In addition to the interior renovations, the building’s façade and roof are being reconstructed to better prevent leaks and save energy, while the outdoor plaza area is being improved to be more inviting and accessible to the campus community.

If all remains on schedule, the renovated North Wing will open during the 2027-28 academic year.

The project also aligns with UConn’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, meeting Connecticut High Performance Building standards and aiming for LEED Gold certification.

LEED-certified buildings are designed with methods to reduce operating costs, conserve energy and water, cut down on waste sent to landfills, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure a healthy working environment for occupants. The U.S. Green Building Council confers the certification after a review process.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025

Category: Australia

February2025

April-February2024-25

Indian Railways’ financial condition is good, providing more subsidy to passengers: Union Railway MinisterThe cost of travel per kilometer by train is ₹1.38, but passengers are charged only 73 paise.

Changing methods of data collection

Streamers’ approach

Why does it matter?

Personalised or predetermined?

What is payday lending and why is it a concern?

Why do borrowers use (expensive) payday loans?

Why were new laws dealing with payday loans introduced?

What did ASIC say?

Why are payday lenders moving consumers to larger loans?

What might be a better approach?

Filling the gaps

Finding pumped hydro near the Coalitions’s proposed nuclear sites

Mapping 300 potential pumped hydro sites

More where that came from

Why you shouldn’t ignore hearing loss

So why don’t people get their hearing checked?

What are my options for helping my hearing?

What are modern hearing aids like?

What should I do next?

The role of local media on the front lines

Independent media is now at stake

From fabrication to plagiarism

Honest mistakes

The need for a national oversight body

Research credibility is on the line

A glimpse of the universe

Bright galaxies, billions of years old

The world’s largest radio telescope

A complex system with no moving parts

The shape of the universe and beyond

What’s next

The rise in concentration

Breaking up the current players to compete

Global players will take too long

New Role Aims to Improve Maine’s Interconnection Process for Renewable Energy Projects and Help Resolve Customer Disputes

What is a disk galaxy?

A giant surprise

Unusually crowded part of space

A fortunate finding

Beyond the canon

Collection managers

All the small things

Indian Railways’ financial condition is good, providing more subsidy to passengers: Union Railway Minister

The cost of travel per kilometer by train is ₹1.38, but passengers are charged only 73 paise.