Category: Latin America

MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Prison Inmate of Murder and Hate Crime in Death of Fellow Inmate

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ROCKFORD — An inmate at Thomson Penitentiary in Thomson, Ill., has been convicted of murder and hate crime in the death of a fellow inmate.

After a seven-day trial, the jury in U.S. District Court in Rockford on Tuesday found BRANDON SIMONSON, also known as “Whitey,” 41, of Moorhead, Minn., guilty of all four counts against him, including second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hate crime, and assault relating to the death of Matthew Phillips. U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston set sentencing for Aug. 22, 2025.

According to evidence presented at trial, Simonson conspired with a co-defendant, KRISTOPHER MARTIN, to beat Phillips because he was Jewish. Simonson and Martin assaulted Phillips to gain recognition and membership into a white supremacist anti-semitic prison gang called the Valhalla Bound Skinheads. Evidence showed Simonson punched and kicked Phillips in the face and head, despite Phillips being knocked unconscious and unable to defend himself. The assault on March 2, 2020, led to Phillips’ death three days later.

Martin, also known as “No Luck,” 43, of Brazil, Ind., pleaded guilty earlier this year and is awaiting sentencing.

The convictions were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincenza L. Tomlinson and Ronald DeWald.

“We are grateful to the jury for delivering justice in a very difficult case for Mr. Phillips’ family and the people of the Northern District of Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The significant convictions in this case are the result of the extraordinary dedication and commitment of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners. We will not tolerate criminal acts such as these anywhere in our district, including in our prison system.”

“The FBI and our law enforcement partners hold those accountable who compromise the safety or lives of others, even those serving sentences in prison,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “We continue to ask the public to help keep our communities safe from any acts of violence like those detailed in this case by reporting threatening or suspicious behavior immediately to local law enforcement or the FBI.”

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Ecuadorian National Convicted of Illegal Reentry and Failure to Notify of a Change of Address

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

MINNEAPOLIS – Sebastian Saquinga-Topanta, an Ecuadorian national, pleaded guilty to Illegal Reentry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326, and Failure to Notify of a Change of Address, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1306(b), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

According to court documents, Sebastian Saquinga-Topanta, 31, did not have a lawful immigration status to enter the United States. On September 1, 2022, Saquinga-Topanta was discovered by the U.S. Border Patrol and was removed from the United States as an undocumented alien. He was returned to Ecuador but, soon after, the defendant knowingly, voluntarily, and unlawfully returned to the United States in December 2022.

According to court documents, Saquinga-Topanta was previously apprehended for driving while intoxicated in June 2023. The defendant was arrested twice on warrants in December 2023 and January 2024 for the DUI case. Saquinga-Topanta was questioned about his residence following his arrest. Law enforcement went to the purported address but discovered that the defendant no longer lived there. During a period from January to May of 2024, the defendant failed to register his change of address with the Attorney General. In addition, he was not approved by the Attorney General or the Security of Homeland Security to re-apply and remain in the United States.

This case is 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda A. Williams prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: MATTR Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mattr Corp. (“Mattr” or the “Company”) (TSX: MATR) reported today its operational and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) and interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025, which are available on the Company’s website and at www.sedarplus.com.

Highlights include¹:

On January 2, 2025, the Company completed its acquisition of AmerCable® Incorporated (“AmerCable”), a U.S. manufacturer of highly engineered wire and cable solutions for the net purchase price of US$283 million, equivalent to approximately CAD $407 million based on the USD-CAD exchange rate as of December 31, 2024 which includes the contractual purchase price, initial working capital adjustments, and US$19.3 million of cash in the business. This transaction is still subject to final net working capital adjustments. AmerCable is now reported under the Company’s Connection Technologies segment;
On a consolidated basis (including Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations), Mattr reported revenue of $343 million, net income of $53 million, Adjusted EBITDA² of $54 million, diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) of 0.84 and diluted Adjusted EPS² of $0.34. Results are inclusive of Modernization, Expansion and Optimization (“MEO”)² costs of $2.7 million incurred during the quarter;
During the first quarter of 2025, Mattr’s Continuing Operations (including AmerCable) delivered revenue of $320 million, operating income of $18 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $47 million, an 80% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024;
The Connection Technologies segment’s first quarter revenue increased by 106% to $187 million compared to $91 million in the prior year’s quarter. Operating income increased by 24% to $18 million compared to $15 million in the prior year’s quarter and Adjusted EBITDA from the segment was $30 million, a 73% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024;
The Composite Technologies segment’s first quarter revenue increased by 11% to $133 million compared to $119 million in the prior year’s quarter. Operating income increased by 219% to $13 million compared to $4 million in the prior year’s quarter and Adjusted EBITDA from the segment was $21 million, a 40% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024;
During the first quarter of 2025, Discontinued Operations generated revenue of $23 million, operating income of $7 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $7 million; and
During the first quarter of 2025, the Company committed $11.6 million to new capital expenditures while outlaying approximately $24.1 million in cash, including previously accrued amounts, to support long-term growth in its Composite Technologies and Connection Technologies segments. The Company also repurchased approximately 1.0 million of its common shares for a total repurchase price of $11 million under its normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”). Subsequent to the quarter and as of April 30, 2025, the Company has repurchased 313,800 shares for an aggregate repurchase price of approximately $3.0 million.

_{^{______________________________}}^{1. The Company’s consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025, report Continuing Operations as the Company’s Composite Technologies and Connection Technologies reporting segments and Financial and Corporate. Discontinued Operations include Company’s Thermotite business, its final remaining pipe coating business. Total consolidated figures include figures from both Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations}
^{2. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, and Adjusted EPS are non-GAAP measures. MEO costs is a supplementary financial measure. Non-GAAP measures and supplementary financial measures do not have standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. See “Section 5.0 – Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” for further details and a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures.}

“The first quarter of 2025 saw Mattr leverage its unique product portfolio to deliver strong business performance despite geopolitically driven uncertainty across many end markets,” said Mike Reeves, Mattr’s President & CEO. “With customer adoption of recently released technologies accelerating, robust performance from AmerCable in its first quarter as a Mattr brand, and newly established manufacturing facilities operating at improved levels of efficiency, Q1 saw meaningful year-over-year expansion of both revenue and Adjusted EBITDA generation within both operating segments.”

“Mattr benefitted modestly during the first quarter from acceleration of purchasing decisions by some customers ahead of early April US tariff announcements. While Mattr’s own USMCA compliant products were not directly impacted by these announcements, the uncertain outlook for global trade and macro-economic conditions has undoubtedly impacted customer confidence across much of the critical infrastructure landscape. Consequently, the Company currently expects demand for its products during the second quarter of 2025, and likely beyond, will be unfavorably impacted. While the full year business impact remains unclear, we currently anticipate the second quarter of 2025 will see Mattr’s revenue and Adjusted EBITDA move lower sequentially.”

Mr. Reeves continued, “While the Company cannot control the business environment within which it operates, in recent history the talented teams across our organization have proven nimble, resilient and cost-conscious in the face of challenging conditions. As demonstrated by our first quarter performance, Mattr’s technology driven products, differentiated positioning in key markets, strong customer value proposition and rebalanced, modernized manufacturing footprint create the opportunity for market outperformance, regardless of prevailing conditions.”

Mr. Reeves concluded, “Our hard-earned balance sheet strength enables Mattr to navigate market uncertainties with confidence, remaining committed to technology development, to enhancing cost and operational efficiency across the organization, to extracting commercial synergies from our newly expanded wire and cable portfolio and to creating long-term value for our shareholders, including via additional accretive acquisitions and the continued repurchase of shares under our NCIB.”

Selected Financial Highlights

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2025		2024
	_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts and percentages)}	$	%	$		%
	Revenue	320,120		210,039
	Gross Profit	83,618	26%	59,768		28%
	Operating Income from Continuing Operations ^(a)	18,441	6%	4,029		2%
	Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	48,069		(2,145	)
	Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations	4,657		(3,494	)
	Net Income (Loss) for the period	52,726		(5,639	)
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	0.84		(0.09	)
	Diluted	0.84		(0.09	)
	Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations ^(b)	46,554	15%	25,827		12%
	Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations ^(b)	7,477	32%	4,242		29%
	Total Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA from Operations ^(b)	54,031	16%	30,069		13%
	Total Consolidated Adjusted EPS from Operations ^(b)
	Basic	0.34		0.16
	Diluted	0.34		0.16
^(a)	^{Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, includes no restructuring costs and other net, while operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2024, includes $3.2 million restructuring costs and other net.}
^(b)	^{Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margins and Adjusted EPS are non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP measures do not have standardized meanings under GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. See “Section 5.0 – Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” for further details and a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures.}

1.0 FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

On January 2, 2025, the Company, through its subsidiary, successfully completed the acquisition of AmerCable, a U.S.-based manufacturer of highly engineered wire and cable solutions, from Nexans USA Inc. AmerCable has been incorporated into Mattr’s Connection Technologies segment, which is now the largest segment in its portfolio. The Company paid US$283 million, equivalent to approximately CAD $407 million based on the USD-CAD exchange rate as of December 31, 2024 which includes the contractual purchase price, initial working capital adjustments, and US$19.3 million of cash in the business. The final working capital adjustment is anticipated to be completed during the second half of the year.

During the first quarter of 2025, the Company delivered $320.1 million in revenue from Continuing Operations, a $110.1 million or a 52.4% increase from the same quarter of 2024. The Company’s operating income from Continuing Operations in the first quarter of 2025 was $18.4 million, an increase of $14.4 million, or 357.7%, compared to the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations was $46.6 million during the first quarter of 2025, an increase of $20.7 million, or 80.3%, compared to the first quarter of 2024. These favorable movements as compared to the prior year period were driven by the addition of AmerCable and strong performance across most business lines, despite the economic uncertainties arising from tariff announcements.

The first quarter of 2025 results include $9.5 million in costs associated with the acquisition of AmerCable including the impact of $4.2 million of costs related to the non-cash inventory fair value adjustment, which was part of AmerCable purchase price allocation accounting. The Company’s financial results in the first quarter of 2025 also include the impact of $2.7 million in MEO costs related to the Company’s ongoing MEO strategy and is similar to the $2.7 million of MEO costs recorded in the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, the Company recorded a recovery of $2.2 million in share-based incentive compensation against operating income from Continuing Operations during the first quarter of 2025 driven by the change in the Company’s share price. Comparatively, operating income from Continuing Operations in the prior year’s first quarter included an expense of $7.6 million in share-based incentive compensation.

As at March 31, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents totaling $52.7 million, a decrease from $502.5 million as at December 31, 2024 which included restricted cash. The decrease in cash compared to the year-end 2024 was largely attributable to closing and funding the AmerCable acquisition during the quarter.

Selected Segment Financial Highlights

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2025			2024
	_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars)}	$		%	$		%
	Revenue
	Connection Technologies	187,346			90,757
	Composite Technologies	132,774			119,282
	Revenue from Continuing Operations	320,120			210,039
	Revenue from Discontinued Operations	23,301			14,422
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Connection Technologies	18,041		10%	14,543		16%
	Composite Technologies	12,807		10%	4,017		3%
	Financial and Corporate	(12,407	)		(14,531	)
	Operating Income from Continuing Operations	18,441			4,029
	Operating Income from Discontinued Operations	7,493			3,696
	Adjusted EBITDA ^(a)
	Connection Technologies	30,461		16%	17,617		19%
	Composite Technologies	21,038		16%	15,008		13%
	Financial and Corporate	(4,945	)		(6,798	)
	Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations ^(a)	46,554		15%	25,827		12%
	Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations ^(a)	7,477		32%	4,242		29%
^a)	^{Adjusted EBITDA is non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP measures do not have standardized meanings under GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. See “Section 5.0 – Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” for further details and a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures.}

The Connection Technologies segment now includes the Company’s Shawflex, AmerCable and DSG-Canusa business lines, and delivered revenue of $187.3 million in the first quarter of 2025, a new first quarter record and an increase of $96.6 million when compared to the first quarter of 2024. Its operating income in the first quarter of 2025 was $18.0 million compared to $14.5 million in the first quarter of 2024. The segment delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $30.5 million during the first quarter of 2025, a $12.8 million increase versus the prior year quarter. This was the first quarter the Company’s business included AmerCable’s financial results, which significantly contributed to the increased financial performance in the Connection Technologies segment as compared to the first quarter of 2024. The AmerCable business line contributed strong performance across its end markets in the first quarter of 2025, particularly the mining sector. The Connection Technologies segment results include a $4.2 million impact from non-cash inventory fair value adjustment as part of AmerCable purchase price allocation accounting, which is added back for Adjusted EBITDA purposes. The segment successfully completed all expected first-quarter AmerCable business onboarding activities.

Consolidated revenue generation in the segment’s wire and cable businesses (Shawflex and AmerCable) was strongly favorable compared to the prior year, driven primarily by increases in the mining, energy and industrial sectors, partially offset by weaker sales into infrastructure applications, driven by customer project timing.

DSG-Canusa revenue increased marginally compared to the prior year period, primarily driven by higher sales into automotive end markets in North America as the Company gained market share despite a backdrop of reduced global automotive production during the quarter.

Year-over-year increases in segment operating income and Adjusted EBITDA were primarily driven by the addition of AmerCable, partially offset by $2.7 million of non-capitalizable MEO costs associated with the bifurcation and relocation of its North American footprint. This compares to $0.4 million of MEO cost recognized in the prior year period.

The Composite Technologies segment contains the Company’s Flexpipe® and Xerxes® business lines and delivered revenue of $132.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of $13.5 million, or 11.3%, compared to the first quarter of 2024. Operating income for the segment in the first quarter of 2025 was $12.8 million, an $8.8 million increase from the $4.0 million reported in the first quarter of 2024.

North American Flexpipe revenue increased compared to the same period in the prior year, despite significantly reduced North American completion activity, as the Company continued to secure new customers and further penetrate the large diameter product market. The business also benefitted from some customers accelerating purchases ahead of potential tariff announcements. International revenue was lower year-over-year, primarily due to the timing of orders and deliveries, with the prior-year period benefiting from a significant shipment to the Middle East.

Within Xerxes, first-quarter revenue exceeded the prior-year period, primarily driven by increased sales of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) tanks for retail fuel applications and Hydrochain products for storm water management applications.

Adjusted EBITDA for the Composite Technologies segment in the first quarter of 2025 was $21.0 million, an increase of $6.0 million from the $15.0 million reported in the first quarter of 2024. This increase was primarily driven by higher gross profit resulting from increased revenue. This was partially offset by a slight decline in gross margin, reflecting a change in product mix and increased freight expenses associated with pre-emptive relocation of inventory into the U.S. to mitigate potential tariff impacts. The segment did not incur any non-capitalizable MEO costs in the first quarter of 2025, as the new production facilities for Flexpipe and Xerxes were fully set up and operational, compared to $2.3 million of MEO costs incurred during the first quarter of 2024 for the setup of these production sites.

Discontinued Operations generated revenue of $23.3 million and $7.5 million of Adjusted EBITDA during the first quarter of 2025 compared to $14.4 million in revenue and $4.2 million of Adjusted EBITDA during the first quarter of 2024.

2.0 OUTLOOK

The Company acknowledges that extreme uncertainty exists regarding the magnitude and duration of tariffs impacting the movement of goods between the US and other countries, and the business and economic consequences arising from such tariffs. The Company currently manufactures products in the US and/or Canada that are sold cross-border in all of its business units and imports raw materials and component parts for the production of its products. The Company also sources raw materials from other countries that are currently subject to or may in the future become subject to tariffs by the United States government. The Company continues to diversify its supply chain and has secured sources based in several different countries for a majority of its raw material needs. The Company remains vigilant and prepared to take additional mitigation actions as needed, including raising the selling prices of its products where necessary and permitted under its contractual arrangements. The related economic uncertainty may also cause customers to pause or cancel investment decisions, which could impact overall near-term demand for the Company’s products in certain end markets. The outlook below includes the Company’s current visibility of the potential impact of tariffs. Despite near and medium term geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges, the Company remains positive on the long-term outlook and macro drivers for its products.

The Company has largely completed its disposition of non-core assets and the modernization, expansion and optimization of its North American production network, with the remaining sale of its Brazilian pipe coating business expected to close around mid 2025 and the relocation of its Shawflex manufacturing site expected to be completed at the end of the second quarter of 2025. MEO costs are expected to be $5 to $7 million in the second quarter and will mark the completion of the MEO expense recognition program by the Company. Consequently, over the course of 2025, Mattr is expected to return to more normalized operations, with a primary focus on delivering value from its restructured operational footprint while also ensuring full integration and optimization of AmerCable following its acquisition.

The Company currently anticipates revenue and Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations in the second quarter of the year to fall below the first quarter of 2025, including the recognition of MEO costs during the second quarter within its Connection Technologies segment. The Company observed some accelerated customer purchasing activity during the first quarter – primarily in its Flexpipe business – as a result of tariff uncertainty, and amid this uncertainty, the Company currently anticipates some customer purchasing decisions in the second quarter and beyond may be delayed or reduced.
The Company currently anticipates sales from its Xerxes fuel and water products in the second quarter of 2025 will rise modestly compared to the first quarter as conditions become more favorable for underground installation activity. Production efficiency from the business’s recently established South Carolina site is expected to evolve favorably over the remainder of 2025.
The Company currently anticipates sales of its Flexpipe products in the second quarter of 2025 will be lower than the first quarter, as modestly higher international shipments and continued North American market share gains are likely offset by further reductions in North American completion activity, driven by tariff uncertainty and lower oil prices. Production efficiency from the business’s recently established Texas site is expected to evolve favorably over the remainder of 2025.
The Company currently anticipates sales of its DSG-Canusa products in the second quarter of 2025 will be similar to the first quarter, as lower activity from its automotive customers is expected to be offset by new customer capture and new product introduction. The production efficiency from the business’s recently established Ohio site is expected to evolve favorably over the remaining course of 2025.
The Company currently anticipates sales of Shawflex and AmerCable wire and cable products in the second quarter of 2025 will decline compared to the first quarter, driven primarily by lower deliveries into specific industrial, mining and energy applications, partially offset by higher deliveries into infrastructure applications. The timing of specific deliveries within the AmerCable business drove a particularly strong result during the first quarter, which is still expected to be the strongest quarter of 2025 for this business. Copper price volatility has also increased since the start of the year and is being closely monitored to ensure the impacts arising from any rapid movements are minimized.
The Company has successfully leveraged Shawflex resources to secure early confirmation of US and Canadian customer appetite to utilize AmerCable’s medium voltage products in specific industrial applications and continues to anticipate initial, modest benefits from these expected industrial sector commercial synergies will commence in the second half of 2025. Key AmerCable related factors impacting Connection Technology segment results to date, and going forward, include:
- The Company incurred approximately $1 million of non-routine onboarding expenses related to the acquisition of AmerCable in the first quarter, and expects additional expenses of up to $4 million over the remainder of 2025. These costs are added back for the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.
- The revaluation of AmerCable’s inventory to fair value as part of the purchase price allocation accounting is expected to temporarily lower gross margins in the first half of the year as the inventory is sold. These costs are added back for the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.
- The recognition of intangible assets, including goodwill, customer relationships and trade names as part of the AmerCable purchase price allocation accounting and the corresponding amortization of these assets will impact reported earnings. However, these are non-cash expenses and do not impact the Company’s underlying operational performance or cash flow.

While the Company expects to maintain its “all of the above” approach to capital allocation, with the acquisition of AmerCable and the majority of its large organic MEO projects completed, the Company’s capital deployment in 2025 is expected to focus more heavily on debt repayment and activity under its NCIB. The Company currently anticipates total full year capital expenditures will be $60-$70 million, with approximately $15 million of such amount allocated to maintenance capital, and the remaining amounts allocated to growth projects, including completion of the remaining MEO projects. Given the elevated geopolitical uncertainty, the Company continues to evaluate market conditions and remains prepared to adjust its capital program and spend as needed.
The Company has moved above its normal net-debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA ratio target of 2.0 times, including leases, as a result of its acquisition of AmerCable. Through prioritization of debt repayment, the Company currently expects to move back below its normal target ratio within 12 to 18 months of the acquisition date.

3.0 CONFERENCE CALL AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Mattr will be hosting a Shareholder and Analyst Conference Call and Webcast on Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 9:00 AM ET, which will discuss the Company’s First Quarter 2025 Financial Results. To participate via telephone, please register at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI28b49f607d3649d1b1fc5343ae8247b0 and a telephone number and pin will be provided.

Alternatively, please go to the following website address to participate via webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/gd2jsma9. The webcast recording will be available within 24 hours of the live presentation and will be accessible for 90 days.

About Mattr

Mattr is a growth-oriented, global materials technology company broadly serving critical infrastructure markets, including transportation, communication, water management, energy and electrification. The Company operates through a network of fixed manufacturing facilities. Its two business segments, Composite Technologies and Connection Technologies, enable responsible renewal and enhancement of critical infrastructure.

For further information, please contact:

Meghan MacEachern
VP, Investor Relations & External Communications
Tel: 437-341-1848
Email: meghan.maceachern@mattr.com
Website: www.mattr.com

Source: Mattr Corp.
Mattr.ER

4.0 FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes certain statements that reflect management’s expectations and objectives for the Company’s future performance, opportunities and growth, which statements constitute “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively “forward-looking information”) under applicable securities laws. Such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are predictive in nature or depend on future events or conditions. Forward-looking information involves estimates, assumptions, judgements and uncertainties. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “predict”, “estimate”, “continue”, “intend”, “plan” and variations of these words or other similar expressions.

Specifically, this news release includes forward-looking in-formation in the Outlook Section and elsewhere in respect of, among other things: the ability of the Company to deliver higher returns to all shareholders; the Company’s ability to deliver customer and shareholder value expansion; the expected timing for the closing of the sale of Thermotite; the gross sale proceeds of the sale of Thermotite; the anticipated timing for the final working capital adjustment for the AmerCable acquisition; the expected timing of the relocation of the Shawflex manufacturing site; the expected amount of MEO costs to be incurred in the second quarter of 2025; the expected completion of the MEO expense recognition program; the return to more normalized operations in the remainder of 2025; the decline in consolidated revenue and Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2025; the anticipated customer purchasing decisions in the second quarter of 2025 and beyond; the impact of tariffs implemented by the U.S. administration, including on the demand for the Company’s products in the second quarter of 2025 and beyond; increased sales from Xerxes fuel and water products in the second quarter of 2025; sales of Flexpipe products in the second quarter of 2025; the volume of sales of Shawflex, AmerCable and DSG-Canusa products in the second quarter of 2025; the impact of new DSG-Canusa product introduction; the impact of lower activity of automotive customers; the level of efficiency in the Company’s recently established production facilities, including the Xerxes South Carolina facility, the Flexpipe Texas facility, and the DSG-Canusa Ohio facility; the Company’s approach to capital allocation and expected capital deployment, including debt repayment and activity under the Company’s normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”).

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as a number of factors could cause actual events, results and prospects to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking information. Significant risks facing the Company include but are not limited to the risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis under “Risks and Uncertainties” and in the Company’s Annual Information Form (“AIF”) under “Risk Factors”.

These statements of forward-looking information are based on assumptions, estimates and analysis made by management in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments as well as other factors believed to be reasonable and relevant in the circumstances. These assumptions include those in respect of: the scale and duration of North American trade tariffs; expectations for demand for the Company’s products; sales trends for the Company’s products; North American onshore oilfield customer spending; the Company’s ability to increase efficiency in its newly established manufacturing facilities; the effectiveness of modernization, expansion and optimization efforts; the Company’s cash flow generation and growth outlook; activity levels across the Company’s business segments; the Company’s ability to manage supply chain disruptions and other business impacts caused by, among other things, current or future geopolitical events, conflicts, or disruptions, such as the conflict in Ukraine and related sanctions on Russia; the impact of the Russia and Ukraine conflict on the Company’s demand for products and the strength of its and its customers supply chains; the current Israel-Palestine conflict; the impact of changing interest rates and levels of inflation; regular, seasonal impacts on the Company’s businesses, including in the fiberglass reinforced plastic (“FRP”) tanks business and composite pipe business; expectations regarding the Company’s ability to attract new customers and develop and maintain relationships with existing customers; the continued availability of funding required to meet the Company’s anticipated operating and capital expenditure requirements over time; consistent competitive intensity in the business in which the Company operates; no significant or unexpected legal or regulatory developments, other shifts in economic conditions, or macro changes in the competitive environment affecting the Company’s business activities; key interest rates remaining relatively stable through the remainder of 2025; the accuracy of the forecast data from the Company’s North American convenience store customers; the accuracy of market indicators in determining industry health for AmerCable’s products, such as commodity prices, housing starts, and GDP; the impact of federal stimulus packages in the Connection Technologies reporting segment; heightened demand for electric and hybrid vehicles and for electronic content within those vehicles particularly in the Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa regions; heightened infrastructure spending in Canada, including in respect of commercial and municipal water projects, nuclear plant refurbishment and upgraded communication and transportation networks, communication networks and nuclear refurbishments; sustained health of oil and gas producers; the continued global need to renew and expand critical infrastructure, including energy generation and distribution, electrification, transportation network enhancement and storm management; the Company’s ability to execute projects under contract; the Company’s continuing ability to provide new and enhanced product offerings to its customers; that the Company will identify and successfully execute on opportunities for acquisitions or investments; the higher level of investment in working capital by the Company; the easing of supply chain shortages and the continued supply of and stable pricing or the ability to pass on higher prices to the Company’s customers for commodities used by the Company; the availability of personnel resources sufficient for the Company to operate its businesses; the maintenance of operations by the Company in major oil and gas producing regions; the adequacy of the Company’s existing accruals in respect of environmental compliance and in respect of litigation and tax matters and other claims generally; the impact of adoption of artificial intelligence and other machine learning on competition in the industries which the Company operates; the Company’s ability to meet its financial objectives; the ability of the Company to satisfy all covenants under its Credit Facility (as defined herein) and other debt obligations and having sufficient liquidity to fund its obligations and planned initiatives; and the availability, commercial viability and scalability of the Company’s greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies and related technology and products, and the anticipated costs and impacts on the Company’s operations and financial results of adopting these technologies or strategies. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions in light of currently available information. However, should one or more risks materialize, or should any assumptions prove incorrect, then actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information included in this news release and the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will be achieved.

When considering the forward-looking information in making decisions with respect to the Company, readers should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update forward-looking information after the date of this news release or to revise it to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

To the extent any forward-looking information in this news release constitutes future oriented financial information or financial outlooks, within the meaning of securities laws, such information is being provided to demonstrate the potential of the Company and readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose. Future oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking information generally, are based on the assumptions and subject to the risks noted above.

5.0 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES

The Company reports on certain non-GAAP and other financial measures that are used to evaluate its performance and segments, as well as to determine compliance with debt covenants and to manage its capital structure. These non-GAAP and other financial measures do not have standardized meanings under IFRS and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. The Company discloses these measures because it believes that they provide further information and assist readers in understanding the results of the Company’s operations and financial position. These measures should not be considered in isolation or used in substitution for other measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following is a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures reported by the Company.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is also a non-GAAP measure defined as EBITDA adjusted for items which do not impact day to day operations. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adding back to EBITDA the sum of impairments, costs associated with refinancing of long-term debt and credit facilities, gain on sale of land and other, gain on sale of investment in associates, gain on sale of operating unit, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, share-based incentive compensation cost, foreign exchange (gain) loss and other, net, hyperinflationary adjustments and the impact of transactions that are outside the Company’s normal course of business or day to day operations. The Company believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful supplemental measures that provide a meaningful indication of the Company’s results from principal business activities prior to the consideration of how these activities are financed or the tax impacts in various jurisdictions and for comparing its operating performance with the performance of other companies that have different financing, capital or tax structures. The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of EBITDA that excludes the effect of transactions that fall outside the Company’s ordinary course of business or routine operations. Adjusted EBITDA is used by many analysts as one of several important analytical tools to evaluate financial performance and is a key metric in business valuations. It is also considered important by lenders to the Company and is included in the financial covenants of the Credit Facility.

		Three Months Ended
			March 31,			March 31,
	_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars)}		2025			2024

	Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	$	48,069		$	(2,145	)

	Add:
	Income tax expense		(38,858	)		3,948
	Finance costs, net		9,230			2,226
	Amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and ROU assets		16,883			8,568
	EBITDA from Continuing Operations		35,324			12,597

	Share-based incentive compensation (recovery) cost		(2,192	)		7,632
	Foreign exchange loss		3,907			2,397
	Restructuring costs and other, net		—			3,201
	Cost associated with acquisition ^(a)		5,320			—
	Non-cash impact from inventory fair value adjustment ^(b)		4,195			—
	Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations	$	46,554		$	25,827
^a)	^{Costs associated with the acquisition of AmerCable Incorporated.}
^b)	^{Cost of goods sold impact from purchase price allocation accounting adjustment on acquired inventory from AmerCable acquisition.}

Connection Technologies Segment

		Three Months Ended
			March 31,			March 31,
	_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars)}		2025			2024

	Operating Income	$	18,041		$	14,543

	Add:
	Amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and ROU assets		7,619			1,722
	EBITDA		25,660			16,265

	Share-based incentive compensation (recovery) cost		(368	)		1,319
	Restructuring costs and other, net		—			33
	Cost associated with acquisition ^(a)		974			—
	Non-cash impact from inventory fair value adjustment ^(b)		4,195			—
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	30,461		$	17,617
^a)	^{Costs associated with the acquisition of AmerCable Incorporated.}
^b)	^{Cost of goods sold impact from purchase price allocation accounting adjustment on acquired inventory from AmerCable acquisition.}

Composite Technologies Segment

		Three Months Ended
			March 31,			March 31,
	_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars)}		2025			2024

	Operating Income	$	12,807		$	4,017

	Add:
	Amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and ROU assets		8,667			6,371
	EBITDA		21,474			10,388

	Share-based incentive compensation (recovery) cost		(436	)		1,452
	Restructuring costs and other, net		—			3,168
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	21,038		$	15,008

Financial and Corporate

		Three Months Ended
			March 31,			March 31,
	_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars)}		2025			2024

	Operating Loss	$	(12,407	)	$	(14,531	)

	Add:
	Cost associated with repayment and modification of long-term debt		—			—
	Amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and ROU assets		597			475
	EBITDA		(11,810	)		(14,056	)

	Share-based incentive compensation (recovery) cost		(1,388	)		4,861
	Foreign exchange loss		3,907			2,397
	Cost associated with acquisition ^(a)		4,346			—
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	(4,945	)	$	(6,798	)
^a)	^{Costs associated with the acquisition of AmerCable Incorporated.}

Discontinued Operations

		Three Months Ended
			March 31,			March 31,
	_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars)}		2025			2024

	Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations	$	4,657		$	(3,494	)

	Add:
	Income tax (recovery) expense		2,998			1,869
	Finance costs, net recovery		(162	)		(84	)
	Amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and ROU assets		—			428
	EBITDA from Discontinued Operations		7,493			(1,281	)

	Foreign exchange (gain) loss		(16	)		118
	Loss on sale of operating unit and subsidiary		—			5,405
	Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations	$	7,477		$	4,242

Total Consolidated Mattr (Continuing and Discontinued Operations)

		Three Months Ended
			March 31,			March 31,
	_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars)}		2025			2024

	Net Income (Loss)	$	52,726		$	(5,639	)

	Add:
	Income tax expense		(35,860	)		5,817
	Finance costs, net		9,068			2,142
	Amortization of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and ROU assets		16,883			8,996
	EBITDA		42,817			11,316

	Share-based incentive compensation (recovery) cost		(2,192	)		7,632
	Foreign exchange loss		3,891			2,515
	Loss on sale of operating unit and subsidiary		—			5,405
	Restructuring costs and other, net		—			3,201
	Cost associated with acquisition ^(a)		5,320			—
	Non-cash impact from inventory fair value adjustment ^(b)		4,195			—
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	54,031		$	30,069
^a)	^{Costs associated with the acquisition of AmerCable Incorporated.}
^b)	^{Cost of goods sold impact from purchase price allocation accounting adjustment on acquired inventory from AmerCable acquisition.}

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue and is a non-GAAP measure. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA margin is a useful supplemental measure that provides meaningful assessment of the business results of the Company and its Operating Segments from principal business activities excluding the impact of transactions that are outside of the Company’s normal course of business.

See reconciliation above for the changes in composition of Adjusted EBITDA, as a result of which the table below reflects restated figures for the prior year quarter to align with the updated composition.

Operating margin is defined as operating (loss) income divided by revenue and is a non-GAAP measure. The Company believes that operating margin is a useful supplemental measure that provides meaningful assessment of the business performance of the Company and its Operating Segments. The Company uses this measure as a key indicator of financial performance, operating efficiency and cost control based on volume of business generated.

Adjusted Net Income (attributable to shareholders)

Adjusted Net Income (attributable to shareholders) is a non-GAAP measure defined as Net Income (attributable to shareholders) adjusted for items which do not impact day to day operations. Adjusted Net Income (attributable to shareholders) is calculated by adding back to Net Income (attributable to shareholders) the after tax impact of the sum of impairments, costs associated with refinancing of long-term debt and credit facilities, gain on sale of land and other, gain on sale of investment in associates, gain on sale of operating unit, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, share-based incentive compensation cost, foreign exchange (gain) loss and other, net and hyperinflationary adjustments. The Company believes that Adjusted Net Income (attributable to shareholders) is a useful supplemental measure that provides a meaningful indication of the Company’s results from principal business activities for comparing its operating performance with the performance of other companies that have different financing, capital or tax structures.

Adjusted Earnings Per Share (“Adjusted EPS”)

Adjusted EPS (basic) is a non-GAAP measure defined as Adjusted Net Income (attributable to shareholders) divided by the number of common shares outstanding. Adjusted EPS (diluted) is a non-GAAP measure defined as Adjusted Net Income (attributable to shareholders) divided by the number of common shares outstanding, further adjusted for potential dilutive impacts of outstanding securities which are convertible to common shares. The Company presents Adjusted EPS as a measure of Earning Per Share that excludes the impact of transactions that are outside the Company’s normal course of business or day to day operations. Adjusted EPS indicates the amount of Adjusted Net Income the Company makes for each share of its stock and is used by many analysts as one of several important analytical tools to evaluate financial performance and is a key metric in business valuations.

Total Consolidated Mattr Adjusted EPS (Continuing and Discontinued Operations)

Three Months Ended

March 31,

_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars except for per share amounts)}

2025

2024

Earnings Per Share

Basic

Diluted

Basic

Diluted

Total Consolidated Mattr Net Income (Loss)^(a)

52,726

0.84

(5,842

)

(0.09

)

(0.09

)

Adjustments (before tax):

Share-based incentive compensation (recovery) cost

(2,192

)

7,632

Foreign exchange loss

3,891

2,515

Loss on sale of operating unit and subsidiary

—

5,405

Restructuring costs and other, net

—

3,201

Cost associated with acquisition ^(b)

5,320

—

Non-cash impact from inventory fair value adjustment ^(c)

4,195

—

Tax effect of above adjustments

(1,499

)

(2,066

)

Tax impact of the AmerCable acquisition

(40,819

)

—

Total Consolidated Mattr Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP) ^(a)

21,622

0.34

10,845

0.16

^(a)

^{Attributable to Shareholders of the Company.}

^(b)

^{One-time costs associated with the acquisition of AmerCable Incorporated.}

^(c)

^{One-time cost of goods sold impact from purchase price allocation accounting adjustment on acquired inventory from AmerCable acquisition.}

Total Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA

Total Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined as the sum of long-term debt, current lease liabilities and long-term lease liabilities, less cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash), divided by the Consolidated (Continuing and Discontinued Operations) Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, for the trailing twelve-month period. The Company believes Total Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA is a useful supplementary measure to assess the borrowing capacity of the Company. Total Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA is used by many analysts as one of several important analytical tools to evaluate how long a company would need to operate at its current level to pay of all its debt. It is also considered important by credit rating agencies to determine the probability of a company defaulting on its debt.

See discussion above for the changes into the composition of Adjusted EBITDA. The table below reflects restated figures for the prior year quarters to align with current presentation.

		March 31,		December 31
_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars except Net debt-to-EBITDA ratio)}		2025			2024

Long-term debt	$	449,633		$	471,238
Lease Liabilities		165,869			163,127
Cash and cash equivalents (and restricted cash)		(52,716	)		(502,490	)
Total Net Debt		562,786			131,875

Q1 2024 Adjusted EBITDA		—			30,069
Q2 2024 Adjusted EBITDA		42,824			42,824
Q3 2024 Adjusted EBITDA		36,743			36,743
Q4 2024 Adjusted EBITDA		21,060			21,060
Q1 2025 Adjusted EBITDA		54,031			—
Trailing twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA	$	154,658		$	130,696
Total Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA		3.64			1.01

Total Interest Coverage Ratio

Total Interest Coverage Ratio is a non-GAAP measure defined as Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (Continuing and Discontinued Operations), as defined above, for the trailing twelve-month period, divided by finance costs, net, for the trailing twelve-month period. The Company believes Total Interest Coverage Ratio is a useful supplementary measure to assess the Company’s ability to honor its debt payments. Total Interest Coverage Ratio is used by many analysts as one of several important analytical tools to judge a company’s ability to pay interest on its outstanding debt. It is also considered important by credit rating agencies to determine a company’s riskiness relative to its current debt or for future borrowing.

		March 31,	December 31
_{(in thousands of Canadian dollars except Net debt-to-EBITDA ratio)}		2025		2024

Q1 2024 Adjusted EBITDA	$	—	$	30,069
Q2 2024 Adjusted EBITDA		42,824		42,824
Q3 2024 Adjusted EBITDA		36,743		36,743
Q4 2024 Adjusted EBITDA		21,060		21,060
Q1 2025 Adjusted EBITDA		54,031		—
Trailing twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA	$	154,658	$	130,696

Q1 2024 Finance cost, net		—		2,142
Q2 2024 Finance cost, net		4,341		4,341
Q3 2024 Finance cost, net		4,804		4,804
Q4 2024 Finance cost, net		5,846		5,846
Q1 2025 Finance cost, net		9,068		—
Trailing twelve-month finance cost, net	$	24,059	$	17,133
Total Interest Coverage Ratio		6.43		7.63

Modernization, Expansion and Optimization (“MEO”) Costs

MEO costs is a supplementary financial measure. MEO costs not eligible for capitalization are reported as selling, general and administrative expenses or as cost of goods sold and incurred in support of the Company’s certain specific, planned capital investments into high-return growth and efficiency improvement opportunities. These include the following:

The replacement of the Company’s Rexdale facility in Toronto, Ontario and the expansion of its Connection Technologies segment’s North American manufacturing footprint through:
- a new heat-shrink tubing production site in Fairfield, Ohio; and
- a new wire and cable production site in Vaughan, Ontario.
The addition of two new manufacturing facilities and the elimination of aging manufacturing facilities within the Composite Technologies network, namely:
- the shut-down and exit of aging production capabilities in the Xerxes FRP tank production site footprint;
- a new Xerxes FRP tank production site in Blythewood, South Carolina;
- a new Flexpipe composite pipe production site in Rockwall, Texas along with the co-located Hydrochain™ stormwater infiltration chamber production line.

The Company considers these costs incremental to its normal operating base and would not have been incurred if these projects were not ongoing.

6.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information relating to the Company, including its AIF, is available on SEDAR+ at www. sedarplus.com and on the “Investors Centre” page of the Company’s website at: https://investors.Mattr.com/Investor-Center/default.aspx.

Dated: May 14, 2025

The MIL Network –

May 15, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Castro Statement on Director Gabbard’s Firing of Top Two Officials at the National Intelligence Council

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

May 14, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement:

“Tulsi Gabbard fired the top two officials at the National Intelligence Council for telling the truth. Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act is built on the fiction that the Venezuelan regime controls the gang Tren De Aragua.We know this is false. I joined Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Himes in calling on Gabbard to publicly release these assessments. I also raised this with CIA Director Ratcliffe and Director Gabbard in the March Intelligence Committee hearing. In that hearing, Director Gabbard misrepresented the intelligence we have all now seen that finds no link between the Venezuelan regime and Tren de Aragua.

“The Director of National Intelligence’s most important responsibility is to accurately represent the facts. Instead, she has fired the top two officials at the National Intelligence Council because their analysis was not politically convenient for the President. Under the Trump Administration, intelligence is being politicized and bent to the will of President Trump. That is dangerous because it intimidates intelligence analysts, undercuts the integrity of their work, and undermines our national security.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, Booker, Warren Unveil Bill to Suspend Garnishments for Student Loan Borrowers
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Bill Comes as Trump Admin. Set to Seize Hard-Earned Wages, Tax Refunds, and Social Security Checks for Struggling Borrowers

The Ending Administrative Wage Garnishment Act of 2025 will also reform administration of the administrative wage garnishment program

Bill Text (PDF)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), reintroduced the Ending Administrative Wage Garnishment Act of 2025, legislation that would provide borrower relief and support by suspending garnishment as a tool for student debt collection by the federal government.

On April 22, 2025, the Department of Education announced that, starting May 5th, it will resume collections on defaulted federal student loans, including wage garnishments, tax refund interceptions, and seizure of Social Security benefits. For the nearly 5.5 million people currently in default—and soon for the projected 8 million additional people in delinquency—this means that they will face the government’s harsh collection tactics for the first time in over five years. This shift coincides with mass firings at the Department of Education and limited access to income-driven repayment plans, leaving students without critical support to navigate the repayment process.

“No one should have their hard-earned wages, tax refunds, and Social Security checks seized by Donald Trump—and our bill would ensure they do not,” said Representative Pressley. “The Trump Administration should not be in the business of picking the pockets of our most vulnerable borrowers, gutting the Department of Education or exacerbating the student debt crisis. I am proud to partner with Senators Booker and Warren to push back against this Administration’s shameful garnishment tactics and stand up for our student borrowers.”

“Wage garnishment allows the government to instruct employers to withhold up to 15 percent of an individual’s hard-earned wages, as well as intercept tax refunds, and seize Social Security benefits in order to collect student loan debt,” said Senator Booker. “If resumed, this harmful practice will hurt millions of Americans already struggling to make ends meet while paying off their student loans. This legislation will put an end to the Trump’s administration’s attempt to punish vulnerable student loan borrowers.”

“It’s cruel for the Trump administration to restart collections while it crashes the economy and fires employees that help people navigate the loan repayment system,” said Senator Warren. “Our commonsense bill stops the administration from going after working people and improperly taking a chunk of borrowers’ paychecks.”

“Amidst unprecedented economic uncertainty and as millions of working families are struggling with the rising costs of everyday essentials, the Trump Administration’s calloused decision to unleash abusive and uncontrollable collection tools that have the power to take borrower’s hard earned wages without safeguards. Instead of helping the 5 million borrowers that have fallen into default and the millions more that are behind and now at risk of default later this year, this Administration appears set on inflicting massive economic harm on millions of Americans—a decision that will further drag down an already struggling economy,” said SBPC Policy Director Aissa Canchola Banez. “We applaud Senator Booker and Congresswoman Pressley for introducing the Ending Administrative Garnishment Act which will rein in the Secretary of Education’s authority to subject borrowers to administrative wage garnishment and ensure that critical safeguards are in place.”

The Ending Administrative Wage Garnishment Act of 2025:
- Suspends the Secretary of Education’s authority to garnish wages, tax refunds, Social Security checks, or other earned benefits
- Mandates the Department of Education to:
  - Promptly refund improperly garnished wages within one week.
  - Establish the ability to independently suspend or terminate garnishment operations upon identifying errors.
  - Ensure employers verify garnishment information quarterly.
- Prohibits garnishment on loans that have been outstanding for more than 10 years.
- Establishes a private right of action allowing borrowers to sue employers who improperly garnish wages after a garnishment order is suspended.
- Requires the Department to pay double damages to borrowers whose wages are improperly garnished.
To read the full text of the bill, click here.

Rep. Pressley has been a leading voice in Congress urging President Biden to cancel student debt. Following years of advocacy by Rep. Pressley—in partnership with colleagues, borrowers, and advocates—the Biden-Harris Administration announced a historic plan to cancel student debt that stands to benefit over 40 million people. She has consistently helped borrowers access student debt cancellation resources, including PSLF, and she was proud to welcome a union educator and PSLF recipient as her guest to President Biden’s State of the Union Address in March.
- On October 18, 2024, Rep. Pressley applauded the Biden-Harris Administration’s approval of approximately $4.5 billion in additional student debt cancellation for approximately 60,000 workers nationwide who work in public service.
- On October 2, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined borrowers and advocates to unveil new state-by-state data quantifying the harm that Project 2025 would have on millions of public service workers nationwide.
- On September 10, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Warren and Rep. Jim Clyburn in urging the U.S. Department of Education to consider terminating its contract with student loan servicer MOHELA.
- On August 29, Rep. Pressley issued a statement following the Supreme Court’s refusal to reinstate President Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) student debt relief program.
- On August 9, 2024, Rep. Pressley joined Senator Warren, Representative Dean, and their colleagues urging student loan servicer Navient to reform its flawed process to cancel the private student loans of borrowers who attended fraudulent, for-profit colleges.
- On June 25, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on federal judges in Missouri and Kansas siding with Republican states to block portions of President Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) student debt relief program.
- On June 25, 2024, Rep. Pressley colleagues, borrowers, and advocates urged the Biden Administration to terminate the contract of federal student loan servicer MOHELA. Their calls follow MOHELA’s repeated failure to perform basic loan servicing functions and ongoing harm caused by MOHELA to student loan borrowers.
- On May 20, 2024, Rep. Pressley, along with Reps. Omar, Clyburn and Wilson, led their colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Education to ensure its proposed student debt relief rule is implemented in the most effective and efficient manner possible for millions of borrowers.
- On May 1, 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the Biden Administration’s approval of student loan discharge for 317,000 borrowers who attended The Art Institutes, including over 3,500 borrowers in Massachusetts.
- On April 14, 2024, Rep. Pressley applauded President Biden’s approval of an additional $7.4 billion in student debt cancellation for 277,000 borrowers.
- On April 8, 2024, Rep. Pressley hailed President Biden’s announcement of new plans to provide student debt relief for tens of millions of borrowers across the country.
- On March 21, 2024, Rep. Pressley applauded the Biden-Harris Administration’s approval of $5.8 billion in additional student loan debt cancellation for 77,700 public service workers.
- On March 20, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren led their colleagues in calling on federal agencies to end the practice of offsetting Social Security benefits to pay off defaulted student loans.
- On March 7, 2024, Rep. Pressley welcomed Priscilla Higuera Valentine, a first generation American, a proud union educator with Boston Public Schools and the Boston Teachers Union, and the daughter of a Colombian immigrant, who has received over $117,000 in student debt relief under the Biden-Harris Administration’s improved Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, as her guest to President Biden’s State of the Union Address.
- On February 23, 2024, Rep. Pressley applauded the Biden-Harris Administration’s approval of $1.2 billion in student debt cancellation for nearly 153,000 borrowers nationwide, including $19.5 million in cancellation for 2,490 Massachusetts borrowers.
- On January 26, 2024, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) led their colleagues in calling on the Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to host a fourth session of the student debt negotiated rulemaking to consider relief for borrowers experiencing financial hardship. She applauded ED’s announcement that it would heed their calls.
- On December 11, 2023, Rep. Pressley testified at the U.S. Department of Education’s final hearing on student debt cancellation.
- On December 11, 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Representatives Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, urging him to leverage his existing and full authority under the Higher Education Act to provide expanded student debt relief to working and middle-class borrowers.
- On November 30, 2023, Rep. Pressley emphasized the crucial role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in protecting student loan borrowers from incompetent and predatory student loan servicers.
- On November 6, 2023, Rep. Pressley joined Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Mayor Michelle Wu, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) for a clinic to help federal student loan borrowers access a temporary opportunity to get closer to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
- On September 25, 2023, Rep. Pressley hosted a policy discussion with borrowers and advocates at which they renewed their urgent call for student debt cancellation with loan payments set to resume on October 1, 2023.
- On August 23, 2023, Rep. Pressley, Sen. Warren, and their colleagues led over 80 lawmakers in a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to swiftly deliver on his promise to deliver student debt cancellation to working and middle class families by early 2024.
- On August 22, 2023 Rep. Pressley applauded Governor Maura Healey’s plan to provide student debt relief for health care workers in Massachusetts.
- On June 30, 2023, Rep. Pressley responded to the President’s alternative proposal to deliver relief under the Higher Education Act and called for swift and efficient implementation.
- On June 30, 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming the Supreme Court’s decision to block President Biden’s student debt cancellation plan and calling on the President to use other tools available to swiftly cancel student debt.
- On May 30, 2023, Rep. Pressley filed an amendment to H.R. 3746, legislation to raise the debt ceiling, to protect student loan borrowers and preserve the Biden Administration’s pause on federal student loan payments.
- On May 24, 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement slamming Republicans’ harmful effort to overturn President Biden’s student debt relief, including his debt cancellation plan, the pause on student loan payments, and the expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
- On May 24, 2023, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech in support of President Biden’s plan to cancel student debt, which would benefit millions of people across the country.
- On April 5, 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to the CEO of SoFi Technologies and SoFi Lending Corp calling on the company to answer for its lawsuits attempting to end the student loan payment pause and force borrowers back into repayment.
- On March 7, 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Sens. Warren, Schumer, Sanders, Padilla and Reps. Clyburn, Omar and Wilson led a letter to the Biden Administration expressing continued support for President Biden’s student debt relief plan.
- On February 28, 2023, Rep. Pressley rallied with borrowers and advocates outside the Supreme Court to call on the Supreme Court to affirm the legality of President Biden’s student debt cancellation plan.
- On November 22, 2022, Rep. Pressley issued a statement applauding the extension of the student loan payment pause.
- On October 25, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Senator Warren toured communities across Massachusetts to celebrate the Biden administration’s student debt cancellation plan and help residents sign up for student loan relief.
- On October 12, 2022, Rep. Pressley joined parent borrowers and advocates for a discussion on the impacts of student debt cancellation on parents and families.
- On September 29, 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Reps. Omar, Jones and advocates, held a press conference to call for swift and equitable implementation of President Biden’s student debt cancellation plan.
- On September 21, 2022, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House floor in which she heralded President Biden’s action to cancel student debt for millions of families in the Massachusetts 7th and across the nation. Watch the full video here.
- On September 12, 2022, Rep. Pressley and Senator Warren wrote to the nine federal student loan servicers to inquire about how they are providing borrowers with accurate and timely information about student loan cancellation.
- On August 24, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley issued a statement applauding President Biden’s action to cancel student debt.
- On August 10, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley and Senator Warren Massachusetts joined Massachusetts union leaders in Dorchester for a roundtable discussion on student debt cancellation.
- On July 18, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley delivered remarks at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) national convention and renewed her calls for President Biden to cancel student debt by executive action.
- On July 8, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley with The Debt Collective hosted a virtual roundtable with student debt holders from all walks of life to highlight the intersectional burden the nearly $2 trillion student debt crisis has had on individuals and families.
- On June 22, 2022, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, joined AFL-CIO and union leaders for a roundtable discussion on the importance of student debt cancellation for American workers.
- On May 20, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley applauded the Congressional Black Caucus’ (CBC) statement calling on President Biden to cancel student loan debt.
- On May 4, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley visited Bunker Hill Community College to celebrate the $1 million in federal community project funding she secured and continued her calls for President Biden to cancel student debt.
- On March 17, 2022, Congresswoman Pressley and Arisha Hatch, vice president and chief of campaigns at Color of Change, published an op-ed in Grio calling on President Biden to use his executive order authority to cancel up to $50,000 in student loan debt per borrower.
- On December 8, 2021, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a bicameral letter to President Joe Biden releasing new data about the adverse impact of restarting student loan payments and calling on him to act to cancel up to $50,000 of student debt.
- On December 2, 2021, Congresswoman Pressley delivered remarks on the House floor in which she reiterated her calls for President Biden to cancel $50,000 in federal student loan debt by executive action.
- On October 8, 2021, Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Ilhan Omar and their House colleagues sent a letter to President Biden and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona urging him to release the memo to determine the extent of the administration’s authority to broadly cancel student debt through administrative action.
- On July 29, 2021, Congresswoman Pressley issued a statement reaffirming President Biden’s authority – and the urgency – to cancel student loan debt.
- On June 23, 2021, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Congressman Joe Courtney led their colleagues on a bicameral letter to President Biden calling on him to extend the pause on federal student loan payments.
- On April 13, 2021, Congresswoman Pressley testified at a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Policy hearing to examine the student loan debt crisis in our country.
- On April 1, 2021, Congresswoman Pressley, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, held a press conference calling on President Biden to tackle the student loan debt crisis.
- On February 4, 2021, Congresswoman Pressley, along with several Democratic House and Senate leaders, led their colleagues in reintroducing a bicameral resolution outlining a bold plan for President Biden to tackle the student loan debt crisis.
- On December 17, 2020, Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, Maxine Waters, and Alma Adams introduced a resolution outlining a bold plan for President-elect Joe Biden to cancel up to $50,000 in Federal student loan debt for student loan borrowers.
- On December 10, 2020, Congresswoman Pressley was in Yahoo Finance urging the Biden administration to cancel student debt, stressing the impact on Black borrowers.
- On May 8, 2020, Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Alma Adams, and Ilhan Omar, led 28 of their colleagues and sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy calling for the universal, one-time, student debt cancellation of at least $30,000 per borrower in the next round of COVID-19 relief legislation.
- On March 23, 2020, Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Ilhan Omar introduced the Student Debt Emergency Relief Act, legislation that provides immediate monthly payment relief for federal student loan borrowers.
- On March 17, 2020, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren were on The Hill calling on congressional leadership to include student debt cancellation in the next coronavirus relief package.
- On October 11, 2019, Congresswoman Pressley introduced legislation – the Ending Debt Collection Harassment Act – to protect consumers from abusive debt collection.
- On July 17, 2019, Congresswomen Pressley introduced legislation – the Student Borrower Credit Improvement Act – to provide much needed support to private student loan borrowers with a pathway to financial stability by helping them improve their credit.
###

MIL OSI USA News –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Receives Request for Flexible Credit Line Arrangement with Costa Rica

Source: IMF – News in Russian

May 14, 2025

Washington, DC: After concluding the 2025 Article IV consultation with Costa Rica on May 12, 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board met on the same day in an informal session^[1] to discuss a request from the authorities for a two-year arrangement under the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) with the IMF in an amount equivalent to SDR 1.1082 billion (300 percent of quota or about US$1.5 billion). The authorities intend to treat the credit line as precautionary.

The FCL is reserved for countries with very strong policy frameworks and track records in economic performance. It helps safeguard countries by providing them with upfront access to IMF resources in case needed if future external shocks materialize. The FCL also permits qualifying countries to signal continued commitment to very strong institutional frameworks and macroeconomic and financial policies. Unlike the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, which the authorities completed in 2024, the FCL has no ex-post conditionality.

On the basis of Costa Rica’s very strong economic fundamentals, institutional policy frameworks, and track record, IIMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva intends to recommend approval of the FCL arrangement for Costa Rica when the IMF Executive Board meets again to take a decision in the following weeks. The IMF stands ready to continue its fruitful engagement with Costa Rica.

^[1] During an informal session, IMF staff engages with Executive Board Members to discuss country matters where no formal board decision is expected.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/14/pr25146-costa-rica-imf-receives-request-for-fcl-arrangement

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: May 9th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján, Vasquez Call on Trump Administration to Crack Down on U.S. Firearms Flowing to Latin American Drug Cartels

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the core bipartisan group of senators who negotiated and passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), joined U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) to urge the Trump Administration to use its recent designation of Latin American cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) to take aggressive action to stop the illegal trafficking of American firearms across the Southern Border.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, the lawmakers called for a coordinated federal response to stem the flow of hundreds of thousands of American firearms that arm violent drug cartels, fuel lawlessness along the Southern Border, and bring drugs into communities across the United States.
“We were pleased that President Trump agreed to address the outflow of hundreds of thousands of American-made firearms across the southern border when he initially postponed the implementation of tariffs on our ally Mexico. Accordingly, we urge you to utilize the FTO designation to take aggressive action to stem the flow of American guns to the cartels,” the lawmakers wrote.
Anywhere between 200,000 and 500,000 American firearms are smuggled across U.S. borders into Mexico every year, arming Latin American criminal organizations that have used them to undermine domestic law enforcement and assert control over fentanyl and human trafficking operations back into the United States.
“The new FTO designation for these cartels provides additional legal tools to bolster interagency coordination, disrupt their financial networks, and impose stricter penalties on those who provide material support to these criminal enterprises. Specifically, under current statute, it is unlawful to knowingly provide material support or resources to a Foreign Terrorist Organization and those who do so can be fined or imprisoned for up to 20 years,” the lawmakers continued.
The members urged the administration to effectively and strategically employ the full suite of legal options this new designation enables and offered their assistance to empower it to specifically address the “Iron River” of American firearms that are fueling violence and destruction in communities across the United States and Mexico.
“We hope that you move swiftly and use these new legal authorities to combat southbound arms trafficking. We stand ready to assist in this effort in any way we can, including through legislation that expands your programmatic authorities to address this critical issue,” the lawmakers concluded.
The letter was led by Luján and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in the Senate and U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) and Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) in the House. Alongside Heinrich and Vasquez, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), J. Luis Correa (D-Calif.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Timothy Kennedy (D-N.Y.), and Nellie Pou (D-N.J.).
The full text of the letter is here.
Background on Heinrich-Led Gun Trafficking and Straw Purchase Provisions:
Heinrich-led provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act increased criminal penalties for straw purchasers and made it a crime, for the first time ever, to traffic firearms out of the United States. Straw purchasers are people who buy guns for those who cannot buy them directly themselves due to their age, felony criminal convictions, or other limitations. By increasing penalties for straw purchasing, Heinrich’s provision is helping to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who would use them against our communities. By making it illegal to traffic firearms out of the country, Heinrich’s provision gave law enforcement the tools needed to prosecute and disrupt the flow of firearms to Mexico and the Northern Triangle, fueling the violence that has driven so many to flee their home countries.
To date, the Department of Justice has charged more than 600 defendants using BSCA’s gun trafficking and straw purchasing laws, removing hundreds of firearms off the streets in the process. These cases are significant, often preventing and prosecuting highly dangerous activity, such as crimes linked to organized trafficking rings and transnational criminal organizations.
For example, in March 2024, the Justice Department charged several defendants with trafficking and straw purchasing over 100 firearms, including many military-grade weapons, that were allegedly intended to be smuggled to a Mexican drug cartel. In April 2024, a defendant was sentenced to 276 months in prison for firearms trafficking and straw purchasing, as well as distribution of fentanyl, where the evidence showed that two of the trafficked firearms had been used in gang-related shootings. In 2o23, a defendant was sentenced to two years in prison for running an illegal gun trafficking enterprise, repeatedly taking money to lie on firearm purchase forms and obtain weapons for convicted felons.
In New Mexico, the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico has charged 11 defendants with BSCA violations.
Heinrich’s Longtime Leadership to Tackle Gun Violence:
A gun owner and father, Heinrich has long worked to advance and pass bipartisan policies that save lives, protect public safety, and reduce gun violence.
Heinrich recently co-sponsored the Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act, legislation to protect communities from gun violence by requiring federal law enforcement to coordinate efforts to prevent the importation and trafficking of machinegun conversion devices including ‘auto-sears’ — illegal gun modification devices that can convert semi-automatic weapons into fully-automatic weapons — and seize all profits that come from the illegal trafficking of these devices.
Last month, Heinrich introduced his Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act and bipartisan Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts (BUMP) Act, commonsense legislation designed to protect communities from gun violence, while safeguarding Americans’ constitutional right to own a firearm for legitimate self-defense, hunting, and sporting purposes.
Heinrich also convened a press conference in Albuquerque with New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown, community leaders, and students to announce the introduction of his GOSAFE Act. For photos and videos of that event, click here.
In October 2024, Heinrich secured critical funding for New Mexico law enforcement to purchase four new NIBIN machines for Las Cruces, Farmington, Gallup, and Roswell. This allows law enforcement to trace firearms used in crimes and hold criminals accountable, all while saving officers valuable time and resources.
In July 2023, Heinrich cosponsored the bicameral Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act, legislation to require online and other sellers of gun-making kits to comply with federal firearm safety regulations.
In 2017, Heinrich cosponsored the bipartisan Fix NICS Act, which now requires federal and state authorities to produce background check implementation plans and holds federal agencies accountable for reporting relevant criminal records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Heinrich also led the successful call to repeal the Dickey Amendment, which had previously prevented the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from funding research on gun violence and its effects on public health.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray, WA Broadband Office, Digital Equity Advocates Slam Trump for Ripping Away Resources to Close Digital Divide

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
ICYMI: Senator Murray Blasts Trump’s Attack on Resources to Close Digital Divide: “Republicans Will Have to Explain Why Middle Schoolers in Rural Districts Shouldn’t Get Laptops”
Murray first authored and introduced the Digital Equity Act in 2019 and got it passed into law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
***WATCH FULL PRESS CONFERENCE HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE***
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and author of the Digital Equity Act, held a virtual press conference in response to President Trump illegally blocking funding from the Digital Equity Act after falsely attacking the law as “racist” and “unconstitutional.” Murray first authored and introduced the Digital Equity Act in 2019 and got it passed into law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Joining Senator Murray for the call were Aaron Wheeler, Director of the Washington State Broadband Office, and Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA).
Senator Murray’s Digital Equity Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2022 and provides $2.75 billion to help cities, states, and Tribes close the digital divide by providing individuals and communities with the skills, supports, and technologies necessary to take full advantage of a broadband internet connection—from helping seniors get online to ensuring students in every classroom have the tools they need to succeed.
“A President cannot overrule a law—period. And certainly not through a tweet. But that hasn’t stopped this administration from illegally blocking the funding from the Digital Equity Act to all 50 states. I passed this law in 2021 as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—and I actually first introduced the bill in 2019 to help close the digital divide, even before COVID,” said Senator Murray. “I worked hard and built a massive coalition of support for the Digital Equity Act and I worked really hard to make sure Republicans would be on board too—Senator Portman from Ohio co-led the bill with me. And guess what? Digital Equity passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. And that’s because my Republican colleagues have heard the same stories as I have—like kids in rural communities forced to drive to McDonalds parking lots for Wi-Fi to do their homework… It is insane—absolutely nuts—that Trump is blocking resources to help make sure kids in rural school districts can get hotspots or laptops, all because he doesn’t like the word equity! This administration’s deranged obsession with forcing extremist right-wing culture wars on all of us is not an acceptable or legal reason to deny states access to these funds.”
“Canceling contracts related to Washington State’s $15.9 million Digital Equity Capacity Grant will severely hinder our efforts to close the digital divide,” said Aaron Wheeler, Director of the Washington State Broadband Office. “Cutting this vital program will expose millions of Washington residents to cyber risks, weaken the economic framework of Washington’s communities, and set back educational and workforce opportunities. And the long-term costs of security breaches, cyber theft and public trust will outweigh any short-term budget savings… Our team had just awarded our Advanced Cybersecurity Literacy Program grant to begin the state’s efforts to develop a curriculum that would have rolled out across the state to help educate and protect vulnerable individuals who are often targets of online scams. Then we got the federal notice that our grant had been canceled. We have all seen stories about victims of these complex online crimes and the impact they can have when they fall victim to online fraud. Our cybersecurity work would have helped prevent this by providing education about the online risks everyone faces. The program would have provided the tools people need to avoid these scams.”
“The Digital Equity Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress to help close the digital divide in rural, urban, and Tribal communities. Fifty states and six territories are counting on these funds to implement essential programs, and that work is already underway. NDIA is one of 65 projects recommended for award, and our subgrantees were prepared to launch 13 programs in 11 states beginning on March 1. NDIA’s shovel-ready projects alone would have supported over 30,000 people in applying for jobs, talking to their doctors, completing homework assignments, and learning to avoid online scams. We are grateful to Senator Murray for standing up for this vital work and the communities that cannot afford to be left behind,” said Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA).
Senator Murray first introduced the Digital Equity Act in 2019 and worked hard to build a robust coalition of 100+ organizations to secure strong bipartisan consensus and support for her legislation, ultimately passing it into law as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Senator Murray’s Digital Equity Act provided $2.75 billion to establish three federal grant programs, administered by the NTIA, to promote digital equity nationwide by:
Building Capacity within States through Formula Grants: Creates a five-year $300 million per year formula grant program for all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to fund the creation and implementation of comprehensive digital equity plans in each State.
Spurring Targeted Action through Competitive Grants: Creates a five-year $250 million per year competitive grant program to support digital inclusion projects undertaken by individual groups, coalitions, and/or communities of interest.
Supporting Research and Evidence-Based Policymaking: Tasks NTIA with evaluating digital equity projects and providing policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels with detailed information about which projects are most effective.
Digital equity funds can be used in all kinds of ways to support Washington state families and our economy:
Workforce: supporting the work of local workforce boards, community and technical colleges, and community-based organizations by increasing access to devices across underserved populations, increasing the digital skills of Washington’s current and future workforce, and by increasing the accessibility of state and local resources to workers.
Education: supporting Washington’s public schools, community and technical colleges, and community-based organizations as they work to integrate technology literacy and fluency in their curriculum, reducing barriers and advancing access to technology, including digital devices, internet connection, and digital skills training.
Health Care: supporting the Washington Department of Health and the Washington State Health Care Authority in expanding opportunities for Washingtonians to access telehealth services, reducing the need to travel long distances in rural areas for preventative and specialist care. Additionally, the digital equity funds could be used to work with partner organizations to expand the availability and awareness of culturally sensitive and linguistically accessible online healthcare resources and services.
And much more.
Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below and HERE:
“Thank you everyone for joining. I wish we didn’t need to have this call today, but as usual President Trump is spouting off about something he has no clue about—and he’s making it everyone else’s problem.
“Last week, on a Thursday afternoon President Trump suddenly decided to ‘declare’ the Digital Equity Act, a bipartisan law that I wrote, unconstitutional. Needless to say, a President cannot overrule a law—period. And certainly not through a tweet. But that hasn’t stopped this administration from illegally blocking the funding from the Digital Equity Act to all 50 states.
“I passed this law in 2021 as a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—and I actually first introduced the bill in 2019 to help close the digital divide, even before COVID.
“I remember being in Forks Washington back in 2019, a very remote part of my state on the Olympic Peninsula talking about this bill. A local math teacher told me when it came to high-speed internet and digital resources, they felt like Port Townsend in the 1890s waiting for rail—for anyone who’s not familiar, the train never did make it over the mountains to Port Townsend. But I was determined to not let history repeat itself with high-speed internet.
“So, I worked hard and built a massive coalition of support for the Digital Equity Act and I worked really hard to make sure Republicans would be on board too—Senator Portman from Ohio co-led the bill with me.
“And guess what? Digital Equity passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. And that’s because my Republican colleagues have heard the same stories as I have—like kids in rural communities forced to drive to McDonalds parking lots for Wi-Fi to do their homework. That shouldn’t happen in America!
“Everyone agrees the federal government has a role to play in closing the digital divide. This isn’t a partisan issue. That’s why we saw public statements of support for Digital Equity dollars from Democrats and Republicans.
“Every single state—all 50 of them—submitted a plan to the Biden administration to qualify for Digital Equity dollars, outlining exactly how they would use these funds and why they needed them.
“Not a single Republican governor in 2024 felt the law was unconstitutional then—certainly none of them thought it was ‘racist’ or ‘illegal’ like the President is saying.
“That’s why people as conservative as the Republican governors of Montana and Ohio were touting Digital Equity dollars. Even Kristi Noem’s administration made certain to plaster her name all over the digital equity plan they submitted to the Biden administration.
“Everyone wanted Digital Equity dollars—and listen, call it digital equity or digital opportunity, the money does the same thing! So why is the President all of a sudden doing this?
“It is insane—absolutely nuts—that Trump is blocking resources to help make sure kids in rural school districts can get hotspots or laptops, all because he doesn’t like the word equity!
“This administration’s deranged obsession with forcing extremist right-wing culture wars on all of us is not an acceptable or legal reason to deny states access to these funds.
“Whether it’s helping veterans in Ohio navigate the VA benefits available to them online or making sure seniors in rural Texas can access telehealth resources—Trump is stealing from every state in America.
“Democrats will fight this every step of the way, but my Republican colleagues will need to explain to their constituents why middle schoolers in rural districts shouldn’t get laptops.
“With that, I’m glad to turn it over to Aaron Wheeler who knows better than anyone that Digital Equity dollars will help everyone—in every community, in every part of Washington state.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Peruvian President Appoints E. Arana as New Prime Minister

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

LIMA, May 14 (Xinhua) — Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on Wednesday appointed former Justice Minister Eduardo Arana as the country’s new prime minister following the resignation of Gustavo Adriaenssen.

When asked by D. Boluarte during the oath taking session, “Do you swear before God and the Fatherland to conscientiously and faithfully fulfill the duties of Prime Minister, without engaging in corruption?” E. Arana replied, “I swear.”

Peru’s president then swore in new cabinet members who will serve with her until her term ends next year. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: Red Cat Reports Financial Results for First Quarter 2025 and Provides Corporate Update

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, reports its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 and provides a corporate update.

Recent Operational Highlights

Announced the expansion of our multi-domain Family of Systems with a new line of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This strategic move marks Red Cat’s official entry into the rapidly evolving maritime autonomy market and reinforces its position as a provider of comprehensive, interoperable unmanned systems for air, land, and sea operations.
Expanded our Red Cat Futures Industry Consortium to include Palantir and Palladyne to boost AI capabilities in contested environments, including visual navigation.
Introducing Black Widow™ and Edge 130 drones to the Latin American market at LAAD 2025 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in April 2025.
Introduced our Black Widow™ short-range reconnaissance drone and Edge 130 Tricopter to the Middle East market at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Feb 17-21, 2025.
Introduced Black Widow™ to the Asia Pacific Market at the AISSE conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia in January 2025.
Announced that the Black Widow drone and FlightWave Edge 130 were included on the list of 23 platforms and 14 unique components and capabilities selected as winners of the Blue UAS Refresh. The platforms will undergo National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) verification and cyber security review with the ultimate goal of joining the Blue UAS List.
Partnered with Palantir to deploy Warp Speed, Palantir’s manufacturing OS. This collaboration will transform our supply and manufacturing operations with Palantir’s AI enabled monitoring, process flow enhancement and comprehensive data analysis. Palantir’s Warp Speed will optimize Red Cat’s production and streamline its supply chain, change management, and quality assurance, ultimately reducing costs and improving margins.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

Quarterly Revenue of $1.7 million
Ended the quarter with cash and accounts receivable of $9.3 million
In addition, closed funding of $30.0 million subsequent to quarter end
Reiterate 2025 annual revenue guidance of $80 to $120 million for calendar year 2025, which consists of:
- $25 to $65 million in SRR-related Black Widow sales
- $25 million in Non-SRR Black Widow sales
- $25 million in Edge 130 sales
- $5m in Fang FPV sales

“Red Cat’s momentum continues to build as we execute on our strategy to deliver advanced, AI-enabled unmanned systems across air, land, and sea,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “Our partnership with Palantir to deploy Warp Speed is optimizing our manufacturing and cost efficiency, while our expansion into maritime autonomy with Unmanned Surface Vessels significantly expands our Family of Systems. A strong balance sheet bolstered by a recent $30 million capital raise positions us strongly to meet growing domestic and international demand in the second half of 2025.”

“Our balance sheet remains strong as we transition to production and delivery of our new Black Widow drones,” said Chris Ericson, Red Cat CFO. “We have bolstered our quarter-end cash and receivables of $9 million with an additional $30 million from a capital raise executed soon after quarter-end. This liquidity has given us ample strength and ability to expand manufacturing to meet the impending demands of the U.S. Army’s SRR program and international opportunities for the second half of 2025.”

Conference Call Today

CEO Jeff Thompson and CFO Chris Ericson will host an earnings conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, to review financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. Interested parties can attend the conference call through a live webcast that can be accessed at: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=OqffyYp4

About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.

Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a Family of Systems. This includes the Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed-wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA-compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Contact:

INVESTORS:
E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

NEWS MEDIA:
Phone: (347) 880-2895
Email: peter@indicatemedia.com


RED CAT HOLDINGS
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

		March 31,			December 31,
		2025			2024
ASSETS

Cash	$	7,722,410		$	9,154,297
Accounts receivable, net		1,554,295			489,316
Inventory, including deposits		17,107,860			13,592,900
Intangible assets including goodwill, net		25,718,450			26,124,133
Other		7,552,833			6,243,621

TOTAL ASSETS	$	59,655,848		$	55,604,267

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	2,712,333		$	3,289,634
Debt obligations		350,000			350,000
Customer deposits		220,517			227,484
Operating lease liabilities		2,329,194			1,617,596
Convertible notes payable		25,132,556			—
Total liabilities		30,744,600			5,484,714

Stockholders’ capital		176,779,302			174,864,256
Accumulated deficit/comprehensive loss		(147,868,054	)		(124,744,703	)
Total stockholders’ equity		28,911,248			50,119,553
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	59,655,848		$	55,604,267

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

	Three months ended March 31,
	2025			2024
Revenues	$	1,629,662		$	6,614,029

Cost of goods sold		2,480,072			5,492,825

Gross (loss) profit		(850,410	)		1,121,204

Operating Expenses
Research and development		3,432,593			2,669,502
Sales and marketing		3,314,748			1,410,506
General and administrative		4,880,448			3,084,495
Total operating expenses		11,627,789			7,164,503
Operating loss		(12,478,199	)		(6,043,299	)

Other expense (income)		10,645,152			(635,676	)

Net loss from continuing operations		(23,123,351	)		(5,407,623	)

Loss from discontinued operations		—			(1,373,457	)
Net loss	$	(23,123,351	)	$	(6,781,080	)

Loss per share – basic and diluted	$	(0.27	)	$	(0.09	)

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted		85,505,520			74,204,622


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

		Three months ended March 31,
		2025			2024
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net loss from continuing operations	$	(23,123,351	)	$	(5,407,623	)
Non-cash expenses		12,886,204			1,129,679
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		(5,670,590	)		(97,316	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(15,907,737	)		(4,375,260	)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from divestiture of consumer segment		—			1,000,000
Purchases of property and equipment		(273,103	)		(75,991	)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(273,103	)		924,009

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes payable, net		14,432,879			—
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		316,074			—
Payments of debt obligations, net		—			(147,147	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		14,748,953			(147,147	)

Net cash used in discontinued operations		—			(194,969	)

Net decrease in Cash		(1,431,887	)		(3,793,367	)
Cash, beginning of period		9,154,297			10,245,064
Cash, end of period	$	7,722,410		$	6,451,697

The MIL Network –

May 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: Epsilon Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Epsilon Energy Ltd. (“Epsilon” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: EPSN) today reported first quarter 2025 financial and operating results.

First Quarter 2025 Highlights:

Epsilon – Q1 2025
		Q1 2025	Q4 2024	Q1 2024	QoQ%		YoY%
NRI Production
Gas	MMcf	2,740	1,765	1,666	55	%	64	%
Oil	Mbbl	46	52	37	-12	%	24	%
NGL	Mbbl	16	17	16	-6	%	-2	%
Total	Mmcfe	3,108	2,176	1,982	43	%	57	%

Revenues	$M
Gas		10,614	3,958	2,963	168	%	258	%
Oil		3,270	3,537	2,715	-8	%	20	%
NGL		387	385	373	1	%	4	%
Midstream¹		1,892	1,060	1,936	79	%	-2	%
Total		16,163	8,940	7,987	81	%	102	%

Realized Prices²
Gas	$/Mcf	3.87	2.24	1.78	73	%	118	%
Oil	$/Bbl	71.76	68.38	74.13	5	%	-3	%
NGL	$/Bbl	24.52	22.98	23.16	7	%	6	%

Adj. EBITDA	$M	10,609	5,335	4,595	99	%	131	%

Cash + STI³	$M	7,363	6,990	15,447	5	%	-52	%

Capex⁴	$M	8,035	3,804	21,466	111	%	-63	%

Dividend	$M	1,376	1,370	1,370	0	%	0	%

Share Buybacks	$M	0	0	1,199			-100	%

1) Net of elimination entry for fees paid by Epsilon
2) Excludes impact of hedge realizations
3) Includes restricted cash balance
4) Includes acquisitions

Operations Update:

Epsilon’s capital expenditures were $8.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. These were primarily related to the drilling and completion of 2 gross (0.5 net) Glauconitic wells in the Garrington area of Alberta, Canada (including $4.9 million in drilling carry in favor of the operator to earn a 25% working interest in the large leasehold position).

Jason Stabell, Epsilon’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our Marcellus business performed very well during the quarter with all delayed turn-in-line wells now on production and the lifting of the curtailments we sustained for most of last year. As a result, total gas volumes were up over 50% quarter over quarter. Realized gas prices also rebounded strongly, with Marcellus cash-flows (revenues less operating expenses) up over 200% quarter over quarter and up over 450% from the first quarter last year. This demonstrates the leverage we have in the basin to incremental development in a strong natural gas market. As mentioned previously, we have meaningful remaining undeveloped inventory there. However, we don’t expect any additional development this year.

In Texas, current plans call for 2 gross (0.5 net) new wells over the remainder of the year, in line with our development obligations on the leasehold. The Barnett wells are still economic at current oil prices, but any escalation in activity levels will require higher sustained prices.

Our first two wells in the Alberta JV we entered in October are now on production. Our operating partner is currently evaluating inflow performance and sizing artificial lift and facilities. The current plan is to drill 2 more wells there over the remainder of the year.

With our diversified assets, commodity mix and balance sheet, we remain in a strong position to take advantage of accretive opportunities.”

Current Hedge Book:

NG Hedge Book				Realized – Q125
2025		Jan-25		Feb-25		Mar-25		Apr-25		May-25		Jun-25		Jul-25		Aug-25		Sep-25		Oct-25		Nov-25		Dec-25
NYMEX Henry Hub (LD)
Fixed Swaps	MMBTUs	(232,500	)	(210,000	)	(387,500	)	(255,000	)	(418,500	)	(255,000	)	(263,500	)	(263,500	)	(255,000	)	(263,500	)	(120,000	)	(120,000	)
Hedges per Day	p/day	(7,500	)	(7,500	)	(12,500	)	(8,500	)	(13,500	)	(8,500	)	(8,500	)	(8,500	)	(8,500	)	(8,500	)	(4,000	)	(4,000	)
WA Strike Price	$ / MMBTU	3.47		3.47		3.68		3.21		3.12		3.21		3.21		3.21		3.21		3.21		4.66		4.66
Tenn Z4 300L Basis
Basis Swaps	MMBTUs	(232,500	)	(210,000	)	(232,500	)	(255,000	)	(263,500	)	(255,000	)	(263,500	)	(263,500	)	(255,000	)	(263,500	)
Hedges per Day	p/day	(7,500	)	(7,500	)	(7,500	)	(8,500	)	(8,500	)	(8,500	)	(8,500	)	(8,500	)	(8,500	)	(8,500	)
WA Strike Price	$ / MMBTU	(0.74	)	(0.74	)	(0.74	)	(0.95	)	(0.95	)	(0.95	)	(0.95	)	(0.95	)	(0.95	)	(0.95	)

Hedged Net Price	$ / MMBTU									2.17		2.26		2.26		2.26		2.26		2.26
Settlements	$M	(76.73	)	(94.50	)	(159.50	)	(198.40	)	(28.62	)

NG Hedge Book
2026		Jan-26		Feb-26		Mar-26		Apr-26		May-26		Jun-26		Jul-26		Aug-26		Sep-26		Oct-26		Nov-26		Dec-26
NYMEX Henry Hub (LD)
Fixed Swaps	MMBTUs	(124,000	)	(112,000	)	(124,000	)	(120,000	)	(124,000	)	(120,000	)	(124,000	)	(124,000	)	(120,000	)	(124,000	)
Hedges per Day	p/day	(4,000	)	(4,000	)	(4,000	)	(4,000	)	(4,000	)	(4,000	)	(4,000	)	(4,000	)	(4,000	)	(4,000	)
WA Strike Price	$ / MMBTU	4.66		4.66		4.66		4.09		4.09		4.09		4.09		4.09		4.09		4.09

Crude Hedge Book		Realized – Q125
2025		Jan-25		Feb-25		Mar-25		Apr-25		May-25		Jun-25		Jul-25		Aug-25		Sep-25		Oct-25		Nov-25		Dec-25
NYMEX WTI CMA
Fixed Swaps	Bbls	(4,682	)	(4,091	)	(4,389	)	(6,600	)	(6,600	)	(6,200	)	(6,200	)	(6,000	)	(5,600	)	(3,400	)	(3,200	)	(3,200	)
Hedges per Day	BOPD	(151	)	(146	)	(142	)	(220	)	(213	)	(207	)	(200	)	(194	)	(187	)	(110	)	(107	)	(103	)
WA Strike Price	$/Bbl	74.34		74.34		74.34		71.73		71.76		71.79		71.07		71.06		71.05		70.20		70.20		70.20
Settlements	$M	(3.55	)	12.81		28.09		57.86

Earning’s Call:

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its results on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time (11:00 a.m. Eastern Time).

Interested parties in the United States and Canada may participate toll-free by dialing (833) 816-1385. International parties may participate by dialing (412) 317-0478. Participants should ask to be joined to the “Epsilon Energy First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call.”

A webcast can be viewed at: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=Ehro2Pgc. A webcast replay will be available on the Company’s website (www.epsilonenergyltd.com) following the call.

About Epsilon

Epsilon Energy Ltd. is a North American onshore natural gas and oil production and gathering company with assets in Pennsylvania, Texas, Alberta CA, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward looking statements. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, ‘may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, ‘believe”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and the forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon.

Contact Information:

281-670-0002

Jason Stabell
Chief Executive Officer
Jason.Stabell@EpsilonEnergyLTD.com

Andrew Williamson
Chief Financial Officer
Andrew.Williamson@EpsilonEnergyLTD.com


EPSILON ENERGY LTD. Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations (All amounts stated in US$)

	Three months ended March 31,
	2025			2024
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Gas, oil, NGL, and condensate revenue	$	14,270,790		$	6,051,045
Gas gathering and compression revenue		1,892,350			1,935,698
Total revenue		16,163,140			7,986,743

Operating costs and expenses:
Lease operating expenses		2,755,898			1,768,462
Gathering system operating expenses		552,651			552,570
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and accretion		3,475,857			2,380,426
Impairment expense		6,669			—
General and administrative expenses:
Stock based compensation expense		385,838			321,569
Other general and administrative expenses		1,818,418			1,559,023
Total operating costs and expenses		8,995,331			6,582,050
Operating income		7,167,809			1,404,693

Other income (expense):
Interest income		15,299			266,272
Interest expense		(12,211	)		(8,760	)
Loss on derivative contracts		(1,462,170	)		(100,726	)
Other expense		(22,499	)		(533	)
Other (expense) income, net		(1,481,581	)		156,253

Net income before income tax expense		5,686,228			1,560,946
Income tax expense		1,670,194			54,050
NET INCOME	$	4,016,034		$	1,506,896
Currency translation adjustments		(50,116	)		364
Unrealized loss on securities		—			(4,609	)
NET COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	3,965,918		$	1,502,651

Net income per share, basic	$	0.18		$	0.07
Net income per share, diluted	$	0.18		$	0.07
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic		22,008,766			21,994,207
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted		22,109,819			21,994,207

EPSILON ENERGY LTD. Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets (All amounts stated in US$)

	March 31,			December 31,
	2025			2024
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,892,735		$	6,519,793
Accounts receivable		8,003,517			5,843,722
Prepaid income taxes		—			975,963
Other current assets		647,295			792,041
Total current assets		15,543,547			14,131,519
Non-current assets
Property and equipment:
Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method
Proved properties		194,811,616			191,879,210
Unproved properties		33,425,087			28,364,186
Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment		(126,370,072	)		(123,281,395	)
Total oil and gas properties, net		101,866,631			96,962,001
Gathering system		43,176,418			43,116,371
Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment		(36,777,152	)		(36,449,511	)
Total gathering system, net		6,399,266			6,666,860
Land		637,764			637,764
Buildings and other property and equipment, net		246,894			259,335
Total property and equipment, net		109,150,555			104,525,960
Other assets:
Operating lease right-of-use assets, long term		318,604			344,589
Restricted cash		470,000			470,000
Prepaid drilling costs		22,581			982,717
Total non-current assets		109,961,740			106,323,266
Total assets	$	125,505,287		$	120,454,785

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable trade	$	2,013,172		$	2,334,732
Gathering fees payable		1,651,164			997,016
Royalties payable		2,019,819			1,400,976
Income taxes payable		924,905			—
Accrued capital expenditures		309,630			572,079
Accrued compensation		284,905			695,018
Other accrued liabilities		481,770			371,503
Fair value of derivatives		1,534,675			487,548
Operating lease liabilities		121,293			121,135
Total current liabilities		9,341,333			6,980,007
Non-current liabilities
Asset retirement obligations		3,716,029			3,652,296
Deferred income taxes		12,417,125			12,738,577
Operating lease liabilities, long term		326,527			355,776
Total non-current liabilities		16,459,681			16,746,649
Total liabilities		25,801,014			23,726,656
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized, none issued or outstanding		—			—
Common shares, no par value, unlimited shares authorized and 22,008,766 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024		116,081,031			116,081,031
Additional paid-in capital		12,504,745			12,118,907
Accumulated deficit		(38,864,654	)		(41,505,076	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		9,983,151			10,033,267
Total shareholders’ equity		99,704,273			96,728,129
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	125,505,287		$	120,454,785

EPSILON ENERGY LTD. Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (All amounts stated in US$)

	Three months ended March 31,
	2025			2024
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	4,016,034		$	1,506,896
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and accretion		3,475,857			2,380,426
Impairment expense		6,669			—
Accretion of discount on available for sale securities		—			(216,180	)
Loss on derivative contracts		1,462,170			100,726
Settlement (paid) received on derivative contracts		(415,043	)		488,285
Settlement of asset retirement obligation		(1,600	)		(1,653	)
Stock-based compensation expense		385,838			321,569
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(321,452	)		(22,993	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(2,159,795	)		953,714
Prepaid income taxes		978,542			(68,401	)
Other assets and liabilities		141,640			146,477
Accounts payable, royalties payable, gathering fees payable, and other accrued liabilities		91,390			(1,897,438	)
Income taxes payable		922,326			—
Net cash provided by operating activities		8,582,576			3,691,428
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to unproved oil and gas properties		(5,060,901	)		(3,088,198	)
Additions to proved oil and gas properties		(2,578,866	)		(17,226,449	)
Additions to gathering system properties		(104,275	)		(22,650	)
Additions to land, buildings and property and equipment		—			(7,681	)
Purchases of short term investments – available for sale		—			(4,045,785	)
Proceeds from short term investments – held to maturity		—			10,794,285
Prepaid drilling costs		960,136			1,813,808
Net cash used in investing activities		(6,783,906	)		(11,782,670	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Buyback of common shares		—			(1,203,708	)
Dividends paid		(1,375,612	)		(1,370,409	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,375,612	)		(2,574,117	)
Effect of currency rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(50,116	)		364
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		372,942			(10,664,995	)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period		6,989,793			13,873,628
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	$	7,362,735		$	3,208,633

Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Income tax paid – federal	$	80,000		$	—
Income tax paid – state (PA)	$	5,138		$	—
Income tax paid – state (other)	$	25		$	—
Interest paid	$	657		$	—

Non-cash investing activities:
Change in proved properties accrued in accounts payable	$	341,974		$	2,946,528
Change in gathering system accrued in accounts payable	$	(44,228	)	$	(3,624	)
Asset retirement obligation asset additions and adjustments	$	18,235		$	16,372

	Three months ended March 31,
	2025			2024
Net income	$	4,016,034		$	1,506,896
Add Back:
Interest income, net		(3,088	)		(257,512	)
Income tax expense		1,670,194			54,050
Depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion		3,475,857			2,380,426
Impairment expense		6,669			—
Stock based compensation expense		385,838			321,569
Loss on derivative contracts net of cash received or paid on settlement		1,047,127			589,011
Foreign currency translation loss		10,289			570
Adjusted EBITDA	$	10,608,920		$	4,595,010

Epsilon defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before (1) net interest expense, (2) taxes, (3) depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion expense, (4) impairments of natural gas and oil properties, (5) non-cash stock compensation expense, (6) gain or loss on derivative contracts net of cash received or paid on settlement, and (7) other income. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance as determined under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for net income or cash flow measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP or as a measure of profitability or liquidity.

Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Epsilon has included Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental disclosure because its management believes that EBITDA provides useful information regarding its ability to service debt and to fund capital expenditures. It further provides investors a helpful measure for comparing operating performance on a “normalized” or recurring basis with the performance of other companies, without giving effect to certain non-cash expenses and other items. This provides management, investors and analysts with comparative information for evaluating the Company in relation to other natural gas and oil companies providing corresponding non-U.S. GAAP financial measures or that have different financing and capital structures or tax rates. These non-U.S. GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, measures for financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The MIL Network –

May 15, 2025

MIL-OSI: dLocal Reports 2025 First Quarter Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Record highs across key financial and operational metrics.
TPV milestone of US$8 billion, +53% YoY and +5% QoQ. In constant currency, TPV increased +72% YoY.
Revenue and gross profit record highs of US$217 million and US$85 million. Continued geographic diversification.
Adjusted EBITDA of US$58 million, with Adjusted EBITDA/Gross Profit at 68%, demonstrating our ability to scale efficiently.
Strong cash flow, with free cash flow to net income conversion at 85%, reinforcing cash generating financial model.

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DLocal Limited (“dLocal”, “we”, “us”, and “our”) (NASDAQ:DLO), a technology – first payments platform, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

dLocal’s management team will host a conference call and audio webcast on May 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Please click here to pre-register for the conference call and obtain your dial in number and passcode.

The live conference call can be accessed via audio webcast at the investor relations section of dLocal’s website, at https://investor.dlocal.com/. An archive of the webcast will be available for a year following the conclusion of the conference call. The investor presentation will also be filed on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

“The first quarter of 2025 demonstrated strong execution across many of the levers of our strategic plan. Our commercial team effectively leveraged existing merchant relationships and established new partnerships. Financially, we executed our investment plan in a responsible and efficient manner. In addition, our operations and technology teams delivered improved effectiveness to our merchants, and our legal and regulatory teams focused on expanding our license portfolios,” said Pedro Arnt, CEO of dLocal.

First quarter 2025 financial highlights

dLocal reports in US dollars and in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB

Total Payment Volume (“TPV”) reached a record US$8.1 billion in the first quarter, up 53% year-over-year compared to US$5.3 billion in the first quarter of 2024 and up 5% compared to US$7.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024. In constant currency, TPV growth for the period would have been 72% year-over-year.
Revenues amounted to US$216.8 million, up 18% year-over-year compared to US$184.4 million in the first quarter of 2024 and up 6% compared to US$204.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This quarter-over-quarter increase, above TPV growth, was driven by higher cross-border share in the mix, and partially offset by Mexico, given the commerce seasonality effect in the fourth quarter and partial volume loss with a large merchant. In constant currency, revenue growth for the period would have been 36% year-over-year.
Gross profit was US$84.9 million in the first quarter of 2025, up 35% compared to US$63.0 million in the first quarter of 2024 and up 1% compared to US$83.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The quarter-over-quarter comparison was primarily due to (i) Argentina, with gross profit following revenue trends, in addition to increasing advancement volumes (which have higher take rates) and wider FX spreads in Q1 2025 vs Q4 2024; and (ii) Other LatAm markets, with notable performance in Chile. These positive factors were partially offset by (i) Brazil, due to the migration to the Payment Orchestration model, which brings lower take rates, coupled with one-off incremental processing costs; and (ii) Mexico, as explained above. In addition, despite volume growth across various countries, Other Africa and Asia was adversely affected by increased processing costs in South Africa and Nigeria. In constant currency, gross profit growth for the period would have been 59% year-over-year.
As a result, gross profit margin was 39% in this quarter, compared to 34% in the first quarter of 2024 and 41% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Gross profit over TPV was at 1.05% decreasing from 1.19% in the first quarter of 2024 and from 1.09% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.
Operating profit was US$45.8 million, up 70% compared to US$26.9 million in the first quarter of 2024 and up 8% compared to US$42.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Operating expenses grew by 8% year-over-year, explained by the increase in headcount, as we continue to invest in our capabilities. On the sequential comparison, operating expenses decreased by 6% quarter-over-quarter, primarily attributed to a reduction in G&A and Technology & Development expenses, driven by the decrease in third-party services, travel expenses and timing of implementation of new initiatives. This decrease was partially offset by the growth in headcount and increase in Sales & Marketing expenses, driven by key commercial events.
As a result, Adjusted EBITDA was US$57.9 million, up 57% compared to US$36.8 million in the first quarter of 2024 and up 2% compared to US$56.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA margin was 27%, compared to the 20% recorded in the first quarter of 2024 and 28% in the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA over gross profit of 68% increased compared to 58% in the first quarter of 2024 and slightly increased compared to 68% in the fourth quarter of 2024, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of improvement.
Net financial result was US$7.0 million gain, compared to a net finance gain of US$0.2 million in the first quarter of 2024 and a net finance loss of US$1.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, as explained in the Net Income section.
Our effective income tax rate decreased to 10% from 27% last quarter (or 16% when excluding the tax settlement, as mentioned in the fourth quarter earnings release), as result of higher cross-border share of pre-tax income and a lower pre-tax income in Brazil given the higher costs, as explained previously.
Net income for the first quarter of 2025 was US$46.7 million, or US$0.15 per diluted share, up 163% compared to a profit of US$17.7 million, or US$0.06 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024 and up 57% compared to a profit of US$29.7 million, or US$0.10 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024. During the current period, net income was mostly affected by the positive non-cash mark to market effect related to our Argentine bond investments and lower finance costs.
Free cash flow for the first quarter of 2025 amounted to US$39.7 million, up 200% year-over-year compared to US$13.2 million in the first quarter of 2024 and up 22% compared to US$32.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The variation quarter-over-quarter is primarily explained by improved operational results, partially offset by normal variability in corporate working capital and higher income tax paid and capex.
As of March 31, 2025, dLocal had US$511.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, which includes US$355.9 million of Corporate cash and cash equivalents. The Corporate cash and cash equivalents increased by US$58.0 million from US$298.0 million as of March 31, 2024, despite the US$100 million in shares repurchased throughout 2024. When compared to the US$317.8 million Corporate cash and cash equivalents position as of December 31, 2024, it increased by US$38.1 million quarter-over-quarter.

The following table summarizes our key performance metrics:

	Three months ended March 31
	2025	2024	% change
Key Performance metrics	(In millions of US$ except for %)
TPV	8,107	5,310	53%
Revenue	216.8	184.4	18%
Gross Profit	84.9	63.0	35%
Gross Profit margin	39%	34%	5p.p
Adjusted EBITDA	57.9	36.8	57%
Adjusted EBITDA margin	27%	20%	7p.p
Adjusted EBITDA/Gross Profit	68%	58%	10p.p
Profit	46.7	17.7	163%
Profit margin	22%	10%	12p.p

Special note regarding Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

dLocal has only one operating segment. dLocal measures its operating segment’s performance by Revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, and uses these metrics to make decisions about allocating resources. Adjusted EBITDA as used by dLocal is defined as the profit from operations before financing and taxation for the year or period, as applicable, before depreciation of property, plant and equipment, amortization of right-of-use assets and intangible assets, and further excluding the finance income and costs, impairment gains/(losses) on financial assets, transaction costs, share-based payment non-cash charges,other operating gain/loss,other non-recurring costs, and inflation adjustment. dLocal defines Adjusted EBITDA Margin as the Adjusted EBITDA divided by consolidated revenues. dLocal defines Adjusted EBITDA to Gross Profit Ratio as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Gross Profit. Although Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted EBITDA to Gross Profit Ratio may be commonly viewed as non-IFRS measures in other contexts, pursuant to IFRS 8, (“Operating Segments”), Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted EBITDA to Gross Profit Ratio are treated by dLocal as IFRS measures based on the manner in which dLocal utilizes these measures. Nevertheless, dLocal’s Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted EBITDA to Gross Profit Ratio metrics should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for net income for the periods presented under IFRS. dLocal also believes that its Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted EBITDA to Gross Profit Ratio metrics are useful metrics used by analysts and investors, although these measures are not explicitly defined under IFRS. Additionally, the way dLocal calculates operating segment’s performance measures may be different from the calculations used by other entities, including competitors, and therefore, dLocal’s performance measures may not be comparable to those of other entities. Finally, dLocal is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking guidance for Adjusted EBITDA because dLocal cannot reliably predict certain of their necessary components, such as impairment gains/(losses) on financial assets, transaction costs, and inflation adjustment.

The table below presents a reconciliation of dLocal’s Adjusted EBITDA to net income:

$ in thousands	Three months ended March 31
	2025	2024
Profit for the period	46,667	17,718
Income tax expense	5,262	7,114
Depreciation and amortization	5,062	3,762
Finance income and costs, net	(6,969)	(299)
Share-based payment non-cash charges	6,020	4,461
Other operating loss¹	422	1,819
Impairment loss / (gain) on financial assets	386	(177)
Inflation adjustment	885	2,368
Other non-recurring costs²	123	–
Adjusted EBITDA	57,858	36,766

Note: ¹ The company wrote-off certain amounts related to merchants/processors off-boarded by dLocal. ² Other non-recurring costs consist of costs not directly associated with the Company’s core business activities, including costs associated with addressing the allegations made by a short-seller report and certain class action and other legal and regulatory expenses (which include fees from counsel, global expert services and a forensic accounting advisory firm) in 2025.

dLocal Limited Certain financial information Consolidated Condensed Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (All amounts in thousands of U.S. Dollars except share data or as otherwise indicated)

	Three months ended March 31
	2025	2024
Continuing operations
Revenues	216,759	184,430
Cost of services	(131,880)	(121,459)
Gross profit	84,879	62,971

Technology and development expenses	(6,767)	(5,465)
Sales and marketing expenses	(7,135)	(4,631)
General and administrative expenses	(24,324)	(24,332)
Impairment (loss)/gain on financial assets	(386)	177
Other operating (loss)/gain	(422)	(1,819)
Operating profit	45,845	26,901
Finance income	12,228	18,257
Finance costs	(5,259)	(17,958)
Inflation adjustment	(885)	(2,368)
Other results	6,084	(2,069)
Profit before income tax	51,929	24,832
Income tax expense	(5,262)	(7,114)
Profit for the period	46,667	17,718

Profit attributable to:
Owners of the Group	46,630	17,708
Non-controlling interest	37	10
Profit for the period	46,667	17,718

Earnings per share (in USD)
Basic Earnings per share	0.16	0.06
Diluted Earnings per share	0.15	0.06

Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:
Exchange difference on translation on foreign operations	3,526	(669)
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax	3,526	(669)
Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax	50,193	17,049

Total comprehensive income for the period
Owners of the Group	50,174	17,036
Non-controlling interest	19	13
Total comprehensive income for the period	50,193	17,049

dLocal Limited Certain financial information Consolidated Condensed Interim Statements of Financial Position as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 (All amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)

	March 31, 2025	December 31, 2024
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	511,506	425,172
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	125,487	129,319
Trade and other receivables	477,349	496,713
Derivative financial instruments	463	2,874
Other assets	28,001	18,805
Total Current Assets	1,142,806	1,072,883

Non-Current Assets
Trade and other receivables	15,518	18,044
Deferred tax assets	5,468	5,367
Property, plant and equipment	4,007	3,377
Right-of-use assets	3,852	3,645
Intangible assets	65,301	63,318
Other assets	4,695	4,695
Total Non-Current Assets	98,841	98,446
TOTAL ASSETS	1,241,647	1,171,329

LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables	614,133	597,787
Lease liabilities	1,107	1,137
Tax liabilities	20,631	21,515
Derivative financial instruments	1,098	6,227
Financial liabilities	54,248	50,455
Provisions	543	500
Total Current Liabilities	691,760	677,621

Non-Current Liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities	1,862	1,858
Lease liabilities	2,825	2,863
Total Non-Current Liabilities	4,687	4,721
TOTAL LIABILITIES	696,447	682,342

EQUITY
Share Capital	570	570
Share Premium	187,671	186,769
Treasury Shares	(200,980)	(200,980)
Capital Reserve	38,556	33,438
Other Reserves	(17,390)	(20,934)
Retained earnings	536,654	490,024
Total Equity Attributable to owners of the Group	545,081	488,887
Non-controlling interest	119	100
TOTAL EQUITY	545,200	488,987
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES	1,241,647	1,171,329

dLocal Limited Certain interim financial information Consolidated Statements of Cash flows for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (All amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars)

	Three months ended March 31
	2025	2024
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before income tax	51,929	24,832
Adjustments:
Interest Income from financial instruments	(5,106)	(7,442)
Interest charges for lease liabilities	41	43
Other interests charges	883	127
Finance expense related to derivative financial instruments	414	9,878
Net exchange differences	4,142	7,637
Fair value loss/(gain) on financial assets at FVPL	(7,343)	(10,815)
Amortization of Intangible assets	4,584	3,424
Depreciation and disposals of PP&E and right-of-use	703	400
Share-based payment expense, net of forfeitures	6,020	4,461
Other operating gain	422	1,819
Net Impairment loss/(gain) on financial assets	386	(177)
Inflation adjustment and other financial results	6,083	(5,892)
	63,158	28,295
Changes in working capital
Increase in Trade and other receivables	21,082	(32,836)
Decrease / (Increase) in Other assets	1,025	3,219
Increase / (Decrease) in Trade and Other payables	16,346	45,964
Increase / (Decrease) in Tax Liabilities	965	(1,120)
Increase / (Decrease) in Provisions	43	4
Cash (used) / generated from operating activities	102,619	43,526
Income tax paid	(7,208)	(3,558)
Net cash (used) / generated from operating activities	95,411	39,968

Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions of Property, plant and equipment	(945)	(786)
Additions of Intangible assets	(6,567)	(5,022)
Acquisition of financial assets at FVPL	(41,374)	–
Collections of financial assets at FVPL	47,416	(243)
Interest collected from financial instruments	5,106	7,442
Payments for investments in other assets at FVPL	(10,000)	–
Net cash (used in) / generated investing activities	(6,364)	1,391

Cash flows from financing activities
Interest payments on lease liability	(41)	(43)
Principal payments on lease liability	(663)	(95)
Finance expense paid related to derivative financial instruments	(3,132)	(10,151)
Net proceeds from financial liabilities	5,790	–
Interest payments on financial liabilities	(2,166)	–
Other finance expense paid	(714)	(127)
Net cash used in by financing activities	(926)	(10,416)
Net increase in cash flow	88,121	30,943

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	425,172	536,160
Net (decrease)/increase in cash flow	88,121	30,943
Effects of exchange rate changes on inflation and cash and cash equivalents	(1,787)	5,254
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	511,506	572,357

About dLocal
dLocal powers local payments in emerging markets, connecting global enterprise merchants with billions of emerging market consumers in more than 40 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through the “One dLocal” platform (one direct API, one platform, and one contract), global companies can accept payments, send pay-outs and settle funds globally without the need to manage separate pay-in and pay-out processors, set up numerous local entities, and integrate multiple acquirers and payment methods in each market.

Forward-looking statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements convey dLocal’s current expectations or forecasts of future events, including guidance in respect of total payment volume, revenue, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA. Forward-looking statements regarding dLocal and amounts stated as guidance are based on current management expectations and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause dLocal’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are described in the “Risk Factors,” “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” sections of dLocal’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless required by law, dLocal undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events after the date hereof. In addition, dLocal is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking guidance for Adjusted EBITDA, because dLocal cannot reliably predict certain of their necessary components, such as impairment gains/(losses) on financial assets, transaction costs, and inflation adjustment.

Investor Relations Contact:
investor@dlocal.com

Media Contact:
media@dlocal.com

The MIL Network –

May 15, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: ICE Tampa conducts worksite enforcement at rapidly expanding community, arrests 33 illegal aliens

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

WILDWOOD, Fla. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the support of the Florida Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Prison’s Coleman Federal Correctional Complex, and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested 33 illegal aliens May 13 during a targeted worksite enforcement operation at construction sites in one of the fastest growing communities in the nation located 20 miles south of Ocala.

The multiagency operation, directed by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tampa, led to the arrest of 33 illegal aliens from Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. Four are charged with felony reentry after being previous removed from the United States. During the operation, more than 360 individuals were interviewed. As federal officers encountered construction workers, more than 30 could be seen fleeing from the construction sites.

“Worksite enforcement investigations are integral to uncovering many crimes, including unauthorized employment, document fraud, human smuggling, and sometimes human trafficking,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah C. McCombs. “Following the president’s executive order, HSI Tampa will continue enforcing the immigration laws throughout the state of Florida to the fullest extent of the law.”

“State Troopers are proud to support ICE-HSI in their immigration enforcement efforts, and participate in all aspects of immigration enforcement operations,” said Florida Highway Patrol Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Florida Highway Patrol is committed to leading state efforts to enforce federal immigration law and ensuring Governor DeSantis’ immigration enforcement directives are faithfully executed.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this central Florida region’s population rose nearly five percent to 151,565, making it the nation’s fastest-growing metro area from 2022 to 2023.

The main function of HSI’s worksite enforcement program is to assist the field in maintaining the integrity in the U.S. immigration system, ease pressure at the borders, promote self-compliance in the business community, and protect employment opportunities for the nation’s workforce.

HSI conducts investigations that target egregious worksite violators. These investigations lead to criminal, civil, or administrative judgments against employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers. These actions seek to deter employers who hire unauthorized workers. Investigations often uncover multiple forms of criminal activity, such as human smuggling, document fraud, human rights abuses and other violations linked to the employment of unauthorized workers.

ICE officials have continually emphasized the agency’s continued focus to identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.

Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

For more information about ICE HSI Tampa and its efforts to enhance public safety in Florida, follow us on X at @HSITampa.

Learn more about worksite enforcement by visiting ICE’s Worksite Enforcement Investigations.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Director General in Ecuador to Support Nuclear Power Plans, the Galapagos and More

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Alongside energy, the Director General and Foreign Minister Sommerfeld also discussed how IAEA initiatives to promote the benefits of nuclear science are supporting Ecuador’s progress in many key development areas.

High on the agenda was cancer care, where IAEA flagship initiative Rays of Hope is increasing access to radiotherapy in the country. During his trip, Mr Grossi visited Carlos Andrade Marin Hospital where he was pleased to see “how IAEA efforts and local investment in cancer care — including access to radiotherapy — are making a life-changing difference.”

Nuclear science is also a powerful tool to boost food security and strengthen food export potential, and the IAEA’s Atoms4Food is helping Ecuador and other countries battle invasive insect pests like Mediterranean Fruit Fly, make banana crops more resilient to disease and map water resources to ensure a sustainable supply.

NUTEC Plastics, the IAEA initiative to use nuclear science to monitor and reduce marine plastic pollution, is also of relevance to the coastal country. During his trip, the Director General exchanged on the importance of tackling plastic pollution in valuable ecosystems, such as Antarctica where he recently launched microplastics research, and the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador where the IAEA has helped establish one of the world’s leading laboratories in microplastics. He also met with a range of local partners already working with the IAEA on the archipelago to preserve biodiversity and work for a healthier ocean.

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Plead Guilty to Illegal Entry into the United States

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 9, 2025, Adrian Santos-Miranda, 31, and Yanela Guerra-Matamoros, 36, citizens of Cuba, pleaded guilty to a criminal complaint charging them with illegally entering the United States at a time or place other than designated for entering the country by immigration authorities.

According to court records, on May 8, 2025, at approximately 3:40 p.m., U.S. Border Patrol received an image of two individuals, later identified as the defendants, walking south from the Canadian Border in the area of Mud Creek, approximately two miles east of the village of North Troy, VT. Border Patrol agents responded to the area, followed foot signs through the woods and mud, and at approximately 7:00 p.m., located the two defendants, who fled further into the woods when approached. The agents apprehended the two defendants, who appeared to be the same individuals in the image they had received. The agents then conducted an immigration inspection. Neither defendant was able to provide Border Patrol with the necessary documents that would allow them to stay or remain in the U.S. legally. Both defendants were placed under arrest. Border Patrol conducted further record checks, which identified the defendants as citizens of Cuba with no current legal status in the United States.

Santos-Miranda and Guerra-Matamoros had their initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on May 9, 2025, where they pleaded guilty and received a time-served sentence. Santos-Miranda and Guerra-Matamoros had faced up to 6 months’ imprisonment.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Santos-Miranda is represented by Mark D. Oettinger, Esq. and Guerra-Matamoros is represented by Jason J. Sawyer, Esq.

This case is 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).

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Decades of neglect: Migrant farm worker housing needs national regulatory standards
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By C. Susana Caxaj, Associate Professor, Nursing, Western University

Housing for migrant workers in Western Canada. Many workers live in poorly maintained housing and face surveillance and harassment from employers. (Elise Hjalmarson/RAMA Okanagan)

In today’s political climate, temporary migrants in Canada are being scapegoated for everything from rising grocery bills to the affordable housing crisis. Yet migrant workers, particularly farm workers, face a hidden housing crisis that needs urgent attention.

Much of Canada’s ability to produce food hinges on hiring migrant agricultural workers from countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Jamaica and elsewhere. Yet, housing for migrant agricultural workers in Canada is often overcrowded, dangerous and undignified.

Amid government inaction, our group of 29 researchers, clinicians and advocates with the Coalition for National Housing Standards for Migrant Agricultural Workers (CoNaMi), have developed a proposal for national housing standards. This work is backed by clinical experience, hundreds of interviews and surveys and migrant agricultural workers’ own advocacy.

Inadequate housing

When two of us — Anelyse and Susana — interviewed 151 migrants in Ontario and British Columbia as part of our research, workers described conditions of isolation, crowding, inadequate ventilation, poor maintenance and close proximity to hazards such as agrochemicals.

Both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers struggled to access health care, groceries and social services. In addition, their phone and internet access was often unreliable.

Some workers reported employer-imposed restrictions on leaving the property, and bans on visitors. These living conditions pose serious risks to workers.

Similarly to research led by the Centre for Climate Justice in British Columbia, we also encountered several workers who endured significant hardships as a result of extreme weather events.

Consistent with recent research in Nova Scotia, we found that a lack of meaningful union representation, precarious status and low wages created coercive conditions in which workers felt forced to accept poor living conditions.

Marginalization and exploitation

As migrant workers typically live on the farms where they work, the lines between work and home can be blurred. This living arrangement often contributes to isolation and surveillance by employers. It may also enable harassment and abuse.

Furthermore, migrants are geographically separated from their families for months or years at a time. Research that Adam has conducted in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, Jill in Québec and Susana in Ontario and British Columbia, outlines how poor housing conditions not only threaten workers’ health and well-being, but also contribute to their marginalization and exploitation.

Workers often describe feeling demeaned and controlled, and they wonder why Canada, a country so willing to accept their labour, is so reluctant to accept their common humanity.

In 2024, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery has described Canada’s temporary foreign worker program, accessed by migrant agricultural workers to come to Canada, as “a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery,” a statement echoed by international human rights watchdog Amnesty International.

Yet the federal government has failed to meaningfully improve housing conditions or establish clear, enforceable and mandatory standards. This inaction persists despite years of reviews, consultations and recommendations.

In fact, a study commissioned by the federal government to review the possibility of a national housing standard for migrant agricultural workers in 2018 called for greater consistency in housing quality assessments.

Academic experts have long called for a national housing standard, as well as proactive and unannounced housing inspections. Other professional and labour organizations have identified the need for greater inter-jurisdictional co-ordination and attention to issues of safety, pandemic preparedness, privacy and dignity.

Furthermore, safeguarding housing quality requires policy changes that provide meaningful status and adequate collective bargaining representation to migrant workers, as these conditions underlie their vulnerability in housing.

In the 2020 Auditor General of Canada report, the need for national minimum accommodation requirements for migrant agricultural workers was identified. However, housing remains a key concern for these workers who have not yet benefited from such proposed recommendations.

National housing standard

A national housing standard for migrant agricultural workers is a crucial step towards protecting their rights and mitigating their vulnerability. These standards must include:
1. Appropriate and enforced housing standards: Ensure robust and proactive enforcement of housing standard. Living quarters must be well-constructed, safe and dignified.
2. Privacy, security, access and freedom: Guarantee workers’ rights to privacy, movement, access to health and social services and freedom from surveillance. Workers must have access to transportation and be able to enjoy rest, leisure and a social life.
3. Dignified living conditions: Safeguard basic rights to comfort, storage and personal care by prescribing minimum standards and ratios for private bedrooms, common areas, laundry and cooking facilities. Workers should have private bedrooms and reliable internet access.
4. Health and safety in housing: Protect workers from the spread of illness, extreme weather events and other hazards through proper air conditioning, ventilation and reduced occupancy ratios for bathrooms and kitchens.
5. Co-ordinated government leadership: Prevent different jurisdictions passing the buck by mandating co-ordination, data-sharing and training among federal, provincial and municipal governments. For example, inspectors should be trauma-informed and armed with strategies to mitigate implicit bias and to anticipate barriers this group faces because of their precarious status. The federal government must lead with adequate funding and policy reform to address barriers that prevent workers from advocating for decent housing.
The evidence is clear. Canadian governments must raise the bar from the floor, and create national standards for migrant agricultural workers’ housing.

C. Susana Caxaj has received Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to carry out this research. Previously, her work has been funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research, Vancouver Foundation and Western University. She is a co-founder and member of the Migrant Worker Health Expert Working Group.

Anelyse Weiler receives funding from SSHRC and the Hari Sharma Foundation. She is a board member with the B.C. Employment Standards Coalition and is involved with the Worker Solidarity Network.

J. Adam Perry receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Jill Hanley receives funding from SSHRC and CIHR for her research on farmworkers. She is affiliated with the Immigrant Workers Centre and the SHERPA University Institute.

– ref. Decades of neglect: Migrant farm worker housing needs national regulatory standards – https://theconversation.com/decades-of-neglect-migrant-farm-worker-housing-needs-national-regulatory-standards-255709
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Secretary-General/Peacekeeping, Yemen & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Secretary-General/peacekeeping
Peacekeeping ministerial meeting
Yemen
Security Council
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Lebanon
Syria
Syria returnees
Deputy Secretary-General/trip announcement
Somalia
Haiti
José “Pepe” Mujica
Noon briefing guests – tomorrow
Noon briefing guest – Andrew Saberton

SECRETARY-GENERAL/PEACEKEEPING
The Secretary-General is continuing his meetings in Berlin. As you know, he is in Berlin to attend the Ministerial Meeting on Peacekeeping. Right now, he is meeting with Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of Germany and they are just starting a press stakeout.
Earlier today, he said that he is heartened by the exceptional turn-out of Ministers from across the globe, representing the full range of peacekeeping partners. Just to let you know that we have an update that more than 130 Member States were present and 74 Member States made pledges to support peace operations.
The Secretary-General added that this meeting comes at a time when unfortunately, peacekeeping operations are facing serious liquidity problems. He called on all Member States to respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time.
These remarks were made during a joint press conference with the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, and Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius. He noted that he is especially pleased to be in Berlin so soon after the new Government took office, and he looks forward to building on our partnership in the time ahead.
Mr. Guterres also met today with Ms. Reem Alabali-Radovan, Minister for Development and Economic Cooperation of Germany. Tomorrow, he is scheduled to hold discussions with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of Germany, before he departs to Iraq to attend the League of Arab States Summit.  

PEACEKEEPING MINISTERIAL MEETING 
During the Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, the United Nations unveiled a new multi-year initiative funded by the Federal Republic of Germany to provide women troops deployed in Peace Operations with gender-specific protective gear, including ballistic vests and helmets. During an award ceremony held earlier today during the Member States’ gathering, Nils Hilmer, State Secretary at the German Ministry of Defense and Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, announced the selection of Fiji, Guatemala, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mongolia and Tanzania, to receive the equipment – in recognition of their commitment to the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy and the deployment of women in operational roles. The project, worth one million Euros in total, aims to enhance the performance, safety and security of women peacekeepers in complex and volatile mission environments and ultimately promote their participation in peacekeeping efforts.

YEMEN
Hans Grundberg, the Special Envoy for Yemen, briefed the Security Council this morning and welcomed the announcement on 6 May of a cessation of hostilities between the USA and Ansar Allah. He said that this step represents an important and necessary de-escalation in the Red Sea and in Yemen following the resumption, on 15 March, of US airstrikes against targets in Ansar Allah-controlled areas.
He said that events in recent weeks, however, have also served as stark reminders that Yemen is ensnared in the wider regional tensions. The attack carried out by Ansar Allah on Ben Gurion Airport on 4 May, and the subsequent strikes by Israel on Hudaydah Port, Sana’a Airport, and other locations in response, represent a dangerous escalation, and the threats and attacks, regrettably, continue.
Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, told Council members that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, and those most in peril are the country’s children. Half of Yemen’s children – or 2.3 million – are malnourished, he said, and 600,000 of them are severely so.
Mr. Fletcher warned that Yemen’s 2025 humanitarian response plan is barely 9 per cent funded – less than half of what we received at the same time last year. These shortfalls have very real consequences. He said that we expect pipeline gaps as early as June or July – right when malnutrition numbers will peak.  
Mr. Grundberg will speak at the stakeout once he is done in the Council and we will let you know when that happens.

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=14%20May%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoV4ApxYiYE

MIL OSI Video –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Peacekeeping: UN Chief urges stronger global support |Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

“Blue helmets can mean the difference between life and death,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged renewed global commitment to peacekeeping during the opening of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, warning that operations are facing unprecedented financial and political pressure.

“My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment,” Guterres said. “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one United’s human family. That is what our peace operations are about.”

Highlighting the symbolic and operational importance of the United Nations peacekeeping forces, the Secretary-General stated, “The UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.”

Guterres pointed to several countries that transitioned from war to stability with the help of UN missions. “There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN peacekeeping, including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste. Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops,” he said.

However, he also emphasized the human cost of these missions. “Through the decades, 4400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said, inviting participants to join him in a moment of silence.

As part of a broader reform process initiated by Member States, Guterres referenced the “Pact for the Future,” which calls for a comprehensive review of peace operations. “The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep,” he said.

He acknowledged the difficulties of operating in increasingly polarized geopolitical contexts. “We see increasing differences of views around our peacekeeping operations work, and then what circumstances with what mandates they should be deploys. And for how long,” he noted.

Guterres also addressed the challenge of shrinking financial resources. “Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical,” he stated. “It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have and use them well.”

Concluding his address, the Secretary-General called for continued Member State engagement. “Supported at every step by Member States, we look forward to your government’s support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together,” he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6sqSjouK68

MIL OSI Video –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Trade and Gender Group discusses new work programme, potential MC14 outcomes

Source: WTO

Headline: Trade and Gender Group discusses new work programme, potential MC14 outcomes

The co-Chairs of the Informal Working Group (IWG), Ambassador Clara Delgado of Cabo Verde, Ambassador Patricia Benedetti of El Salvador and Ambassador Simon Manley of the United Kingdom, reported on the consultations held with members to shape the Group’s priorities ahead of MC14. They highlighted the importance of agreeing on the Work Plan for 2025-26, which will help identify practical ways to move the substantive work of the IWG forward.
Key themes raised by members included gender-disaggregated trade data, digitalization as a tool for women’s empowerment, support for women entrepreneurs, and mainstreaming gender issues across WTO bodies. Members also called for continued collaboration with other international organizations. A draft work plan will be finalized in the coming weeks.
International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade
The WTO launched the second edition of the International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade, which recognizes impactful gender-responsive trade policies. The deadline for applications has been extended to 15 May, with eight submissions received so far. Winners will be announced in June 2025, with further details on the award ceremony to follow. The Prize, first introduced to mark International Women’s Day in 2024, will now be awarded annually, following a decision made by the IWG in November 2024.
WEIDE Fund
The WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) provided an update on the implementation of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund. Launched at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in February 2024, the Fund has raised USD 22 million in donations and pledges, aiming to bridge resource and skills gaps for women-led businesses in the digital economy.
The Fund targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and offers grants of up to USD 30,000, alongside technical support, to enhance digital competence and market access. The Fund aims to foster growth in digital skills and financial readiness, with a focus on empowering women entrepreneurs globally.
With applications now open for women entrepreneurs, the initiative has already selected four business support organizations (BSOs), following a competitive call for proposals, to help administer grants in four countries: Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia and Nigeria. Over 2,000 applications have been received from all four countries following a call launched on 22 April 2025.
Presentations
The Dominican Republic presented progress and lessons learned from its gender-responsive programme ProDominicana, supporting women exporters since 2020. Key initiatives include a national plan for export promotion, gender equality policies, and the development of a platform to track women-led export businesses.
ProDominicana organizes annual events, such as Women in Export meetings, fostering partnerships and expanding business-to-business (B2B) opportunities. It has also launched a comprehensive institutional strategy to strengthen women’s participation in exports, with collaboration from government bodies, women’s associations and international partners. Additionally, ProDominicana provides training programmes with a focus on export and trade development, which have benefitted hundreds of women.
These initiatives reflect the Dominican Republic’s commitment to promoting gender equality and enhancing opportunities for women entrepreneurs. For this purpose, ProDominicana has been working with ITC on various projects including the SheTrades Hub and the WEIDE Fund.
The Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) updated members about its work on data on women involved in trade in Central America, noting the importance of women’s participation in economic activities. Central America has made strides in integrating gender into trade agreements, with policies promoting gender equality and specific measures supporting women in e-commerce and access to financing.
The region’s population is predominantly female, and efforts are focused on reducing gender gaps, particularly in leadership roles within businesses and political participation. The need for better gender-disaggregated data and more support for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields was underlined. The region’s gender equality policy emphasizes democratic security, economic integration, and the need for continued efforts to ensure women’s participation in decision-making processes.
The WTO Secretariat informed the IWG that due to budgetary constraints, the length of the second edition of the World Trade Congress on Gender has been adjusted. In this regard, there will be a one-day symposium organized back-to-back with the next IWG meeting in July. A programme will be communicated in due course.

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MIL OSI Economics –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: The Amazon can wait no longer

Source: Amnesty International –

By Warriors for the Amazon (Guerreras por la Amazonía)

Throughout our lives, we have witnessed the suffering and devastation wrought on the Amazon region by oil extraction. We, the young women who today call ourselves “Warriors for the Amazon“, are part of a movement that, together with the Union of People Affected by Texaco’s Oil Operations (UDAPT), the “Eliminen los Mecheros, Enciendan la Vida” (Remove the flares, Ignite life) collective and our communities and families, is fighting for the present and future of the Amazon and against oil pollution.

We grew up alongside the gas flares, those fire monsters used for oil extraction that pollute our air and our water. Every single flame from the monsters represents more pollution, more suffering and more sickness for our people, as well as more destruction for the home we share with thousands of species. We watch every day as insects and animals are burned in the flames. Pollution is killing our loved ones: our mothers, fathers, grandparents, neighbours and friends, who are falling prone to diseases such as cancer. Many of them face long journeys to Quito or other cities to seek specialist medical care. Some do not survive this unjust reality.

The flares are also time bombs, releasing methane and other pollutants that heat our atmosphere and contribute to climate disasters that disproportionately affect those of us already suffering from pollution.

Despite all this, the Ecuadorian state continues to allow these flares to operate and multiply unchecked. Together with UDAPT, other collectives, our families and our communities, since 2020 we have been bringing legal action calling for the flares to be eliminated. After a long and exhausting battle, in July 2021 the courts ruled in our favour. And yet the state has ignored us for more than three years now. The number of flares has increased, from 447 in 2019 to 486 in 2023. This situation is unsustainable and constitutes a violation of our human rights.

We are not asking for the flares to be turned off. Rather, as ordered by the court, we are demanding the removal of all the flares that affect our lives, nature and other communities. The Ecuadorian state, and all other countries in which flares are used, must undertake not only to remove them, but also to repair the damage already done. We cannot allow oil extraction to continue destroying lives.

We call upon Ecuador’s president-elect, Daniel Noboa, to acknowledge that he has a duty not only to govern, but also to protect life, health and nature. During 50 years of oil exploitation, no president has taken meaningful action on human rights and environmental justice because these issues have not been a priority for them. In regions such as the Amazon or Esmeraldas, which were recently hit by a devastating oil spill caused by negligence on the part of Petroecuador, the Ecuadorian state continues to extract oil wealth at the expense of people’s land and rights. For those of us who live in these sacrifice zones, all that remains is pollution and death. Our fight is not only against the flares, but also to bring to an end the violation of our rights and the rights of those affected by the oil industry and climate change.

We cannot allow the Ecuadorian government to continue to ignore the harsh reality facing communities in the country’s Amazon region or those affected by oil extraction. It must stop putting money before health or life. In the context of the climate crisis, urgent action can no longer be put off. Our struggle, which should be shared by the entire country, is a struggle for a future in which our families can live in peace, breathe clean air and drink water that is not polluted.

This is not a message of despair, but rather one of hope for change. We know we are not alone. Every day, more and more people join our cause from both within and outside Ecuador, recognizing that our struggle is a fight for life itself. At this critical juncture, we urge presidential candidates to avoid empty rhetoric and take concrete action instead. The time has come to build a true common home for us and for those who will come after us.

MIL OSI NGO –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: S&P assigns Positive Outlook to Banco Itaú Chile’s Risk Rating

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SANTIAGO, Chile, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BANCO ITAÚ CHILE (SSE: ITAUCL) – – S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) revised its outlook on Banco Itau Chile to “Positive” from “Stable”, based on an improvement in asset quality metrics, strengthened capitalization and a decrease in its exposure to Colombia.

Additionally, S&P affirmed its ‘BBB+’ long- term issuer credit rating for Banco Itaú Chile.

For detailed information, please visit Banco Itaú Chile’s Investor Relations website at ir.itau.cl.

Investor Relations – Banco Itaú Chile
IR@itau.cl | ir.itau.cl

The MIL Network –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – Visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina – 26-05-2025 – Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Source: European Parliament

Argentina © under the license of Adobe Stock

From 26 May to 30 May 2025, an IMCO Delegation will visit Buenos Aires to discuss on cooperation on key policy IMCO areas while obtaining feedback from Argentinian stakeholders and authorities on the issues that relate to the responsibilities of IMCO.

The focus will be on exchanging insights across several key areas such as digital and e-commerce cooperation, simplification and reduction of regulatory burden, consumer protection, customs, and alignment of product standards to ensure compliance for Argentinian goods available in the EU.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of strengthened controls on Brazilian black pepper: unfair competition for Italian and European spice processors – E-001849/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001849/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Roberto Vannacci (PfE)

Due to rising Rapid Alert System[1] notifications based on analyses of unprocessed or semi-processed pepper at EU borders, the Commission, under the Official Controls Regulation[2], has reinforced controls on black pepper imports from Brazil, creating a de facto sanitary trade barrier.

Salmonella poses a serious risk in ready-to-eat foods, and Italian and European spice processors recognise that it must be eliminated, along with E. coli, Listeria and other natural agricultural contaminants. Hence, they have invested heavily in steam sterilisation equipment, making sterilisation a key hazard control step.

Despite these efforts, increased official controls have led to a sharp drop in Brazilian pepper imports. The way the analysis is performed makes it unnecessary to perform sterilisation in the EU, giving an advantage to non-EU operators who import raw pepper, sterilise it abroad, and re-export it to the EU, occasionally using dilution techniques or other practices banned in the EU, creating unfair competition for European spice processors.

Considering the above, can the Commission answer the following:

1.Is it aware that Brazilian pepper is diverted to other countries and re-enters the EU in spice blends?

2.What is its position on the unfair competition faced by Italian and European spice processors?

3.Does it intend to treat black pepper as a raw material and allow clearance after port sterilisation, as in the US?

Submitted: 7.5.2025

[1] https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety/rasff_en.

[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32017R0625.
Last updated: 14 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Guilty of Re-Entry of Removed Alien

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ (“AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ”) , age 29, a native of Honduras, pled guilty on May 13, 2025, to an indictment charging him with re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. His sentencing is set for June 17, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long.

According to court documents, AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ re-entered the United States after being previously deported on June 8, 2018. On December 22, 2024, AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, was booked into the Orleans Justice Center after being arrested for several state charges. Thereafter, on March 5, 2023, The Pacific Enforcement Response Center issued a detainer for AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, after he was arrested in Jefferson Parish on municipal and traffic attachments. Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans picked up AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, on March 7, 2025, after his release from local custody and turned him over to immigration authorities.

EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

This case is 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).

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Empowering teen students to achieve more with Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot
Source: Microsoft

Headline: Empowering teen students to achieve more with Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot

Learn about Microsoft 365 Copilot availability for students aged 13 and older. Enhance learning with AI, enterprise protection, and IT controls.

We’re excited to announce Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot availability for students aged 13 and older is coming this summer with enterprise data protection and IT controls. AI provides new and unique learning opportunities when integrated thoughtfully as a complement to established practices with input from educators. A study from Microsoft Research found that most students demonstrated remarkable curiosity when using AI, asking sophisticated questions that extended beyond their task at hand and led to deeper understanding. Further, the latest report from LinkedIn calls for action to equip the future workforce with AI and uniquely human skills as demand is rapidly increasing.

We’re optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead to help students advance their learning and build skills to prepare for success in their future. We’ll share impact and insights from our private preview for students aged 13 and older, product details, and resources to help you get started.

Try Copilot Chat today

Increasing student agency with Copilot Chat

Throughout our preview, we heard feedback from K-12 institutions that reinforced the importance of providing training and support for educators and students, setting appropriate guidelines, and granting permission to experiment and learn together. They also demonstrated what’s possible when these needs are met. Read on for testimonials from Fulton County Schools and Brisbane Catholic Education, with more insights from our preview and resources later in the blog.

Fulton County Schools first set a foundation with an AI task force, evaluation of over 200 use cases, and alignment on critical goals such as preparing students for their future and giving every student the opportunity to learn in a way that works best for them. After initial training, educators introduced Copilot Chat as a thought partner, provided coaching on topics like prompting, and quickly saw student confidence and curiosity increase. Students used it to ideate, receive immediate feedback without judgment, design multimedia projects, identify and fix code errors, adjust content based on their preferences or pace, and manage their time. Educators are also now able to challenge them more than ever, and students are using Copilot Chat as a force multiplier to bring their ideas and passions to life in ways they couldn’t previously imagine or access.

Hear Johns Creek High School educators and students share their experience with Copilot Chat in their own words in the following video and read the full story.

Read the Johns Creek High School story

For Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE), the journey began with a plan to use AI to support their mission to teach, challenge, and transform in a time where there are increasing needs for reduction of administrative workload and evolution of learning models for digital-native students. Educators in an early trial reported saving an average of 9.3 hours per week which contributed to BCE’s interest and confidence to expand access more broadly. Copilot Chat increased student agency, enabled more project-based work, and accelerated a shift they’ve been trying to make for years to help students truly become learners, not just receivers of knowledge. Shane Tooley, Assistant Principal, noted, “The real promise of Copilot Chat isn’t efficiency—it’s cognition. It’s helping us push students beyond knowledge recall into evaluation, synthesis, and justification.”

BCE’s success was built on strong leadership buy-in, aligning AI with broader strategic goals, ongoing measurement, and transparent engagement with opportunities for co-design. It sparked new ways of thinking, a culture of sharing, and thoughtful reflection on the future of education. Learn more about how BCE boosts agency and efficiency with Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot.

My role has shifted from lesson planner to facilitator and mentor. One of the most powerful moments was watching a student ask Copilot Chat to reformat their assignment for dyslexia accessibility. That’s agency. That’s personalization. And it happened without pulling the teacher away from the rest of the class.

Michael Parker, Student Academic Performance and Growth Leader, Trinity College

Get started with Copilot Chat, learn more about Microsoft 365 Copilot

Copilot Chat offers free, secure AI chat powered by GPT-4o and the ability to maintain IT control with enterprise data protection and management and is included with Microsoft 365. It also includes features like file upload, image generation, Copilot Pages, and agents. Learn more by reviewing our Copilot Chat documentation. Copilot Chat will be generally available for students aged 13 and older this summer and administrators will need to take additional steps to grant access based on their institution’s plans and preferences. We recommend administrators review the details on managing Copilot Chat access for students and begin taking the next steps to prepare today.

Manage Copilot Chat access for students

When you add a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat becomes more powerful by drawing on the Microsoft Graph for access and understanding of your institutional data, working directly in productivity apps like Outlook, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, and Excel, and using advanced measurement and management tools. Microsoft 365 Copilot will be eligible to purchase as an add-on for students aged 13 and older with a Microsoft 365 subscription later in May 2025. Higher education institutions like Indiana University and Miami Dade College are already seeing the impact of Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance career readiness and increase student engagement.

Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot offer enterprise data protection, the same enterprise terms available in our Microsoft 365 offerings. This means we secure your data, your data is private, your existing Microsoft 365 access controls and policies apply, you’re guarded against AI security and copyright risks, and your data isn’t used to train foundation models. Keeping your institutional data protected is important, and Copilot Chat has built-in safeguards to help ensure it stays that way. Additionally, IT administrators and security professionals can further secure, manage, and analyze the use of Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, and agents across their institution with the Copilot Control System.

We look forward to hearing how Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot bring new opportunities to life for your students and institutions. A National 4-H Council survey with young people found that many kids (72%) are seeking support from adults in learning how to use these tools correctly and with confidence. The importance of helping students, educators, and staff adapt to an evolving future will increase and we’ll continue to provide access to the latest technology and relevant resources.

Explore Microsoft Copilot for personal use

Many students are not only starting to use AI tools in the classroom, but also at home and for purposes outside of schoolwork. Microsoft Copilot for individuals is designed to inform, entertain, and inspire and can be accessed for free with a Microsoft personal account. Learn more about default settings and policies to protect those aged 13 and older using Microsoft Copilot. Microsoft 365 Personal or Family is also available for use of productivity apps and credits for new AI features. Eligible students can receive a 50% discount on Microsoft 365 Personal and starting today—students in the United States can sign up for a free three-month trial.

Additional insights from our preview

We want to thank the inspiring educators, students, and institutional leaders who have shared their insights with us and agreed to share them more broadly with you. Participants emphasized the importance of professional development, guidelines, prompting practice, and creating space for transparency and sharing of successes and failures. Educators noticed Copilot Chat helped keep students engaged, immediately receive and act on feedback, improve their research and analysis process, explore counterarguments, and build AI skills that they’ve already begun using to their advantage in the hiring process and even teaching to their employers in part-time jobs. Students also appreciated time savings, providing relief from the stress of deadlines, through the ability to easily brainstorm, troubleshoot issues, ask unlimited questions, and learn at their own pace.

Shane Tooley, Assistant Principal Curriculum at St. Peter Claver College says, “If you’re on the fence about AI, it comes down to this: Your students will surprise you. Given the chance, they’ll use AI ethically and meaningfully. The key is to guide them—not restrict them. Show them what good use looks like.”

Students in Onslow County enjoyed interacting with Copilot Chat to learn more about historical figures, create questions geared towards their specific needs, and receive assistance while away from school. One educator reflected, “Using AI was an eye-opening experience, all I had ever heard or thought about were the negatives, but actually using it allowed me to see many of the wonderful benefits it can bring to our students’ educational experience.”

Jorge Ledezma, Director of Educational Technology, Santa Margarita Catholic High School advises, “It’s crucial to provide AI literacy courses and resources so that students can learn how to use AI responsibly. Furthermore, emphasizing the importance of privacy and security when using AI tools is vital. This not only helps students understand the ethical implications but also ensures they are well-prepared to navigate the digital world safely.”

In Saga Prefecture, ⁠instructors helped students use Copilot Chat to learn how to prompt AI tools, program 3D games in Python, resolve issues on their own, and take initiative to further explore their interests. They used Copilot Chat side by side with Microsoft MakeCode for easy access to troubleshooting support and the ability to ask deeper questions about the task at hand. Educators and leaders emphasized the importance of data protection when providing AI tools to their students.

Dr. Faisal Al Busaidi, Director General of Information Technology, Ministry of Education Oman urges, “Successful adoption of Copilot Chat hinges on the preparedness of educators. I strongly encourage institutions to invest in structured training programs that empower teachers to guide students in using AI tools effectively and thoughtfully.”

Educators at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby noted that Copilot Chat fostered further independence and critical thinking for their students as they reflected on how to use AI effectively and responsibly in and outside of school. They also expressed the importance of providing training for students and staff, and that like any new technology in education—the experience will only be as good as the guidelines and learning sequence that accompany it.

Lisvette Flores Quiñones, Department of Education, Puerto Rico shared “Copilot Chat’s use in education and document management has been incredibly beneficial in all teaching and learning processes, I look forward to continuing learning and exploring the potential of AI. I encourage my students to start with Copilot Chat, adjust information to their learning style, and to be specific in their prompts to achieve great results.”

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

Use free, secure AI chat powered by GPT-4o with agents and IT controls.

Resources to begin your AI journey

Educators in our preview program consistently highlighted the need for training in AI rollout and we have several resources and tools to help you and your students get started:
- AI Classroom Toolkit – Try this creative resource to introduce AI to teen students that blends engaging narrative stories with instructional information for an immersive and informative learning experience.
- Copilot Chat Adoption Kit – Review the collection of resources for IT, educators, and guardians to get started with Copilot Chat.
- Family Safety Toolkit – Learn more about online safety guidance for all ages, tools and tips, and resources we have developed over time through engagement with young people and digital safety partnerships.
- Minecraft Education AI Foundations – Discover a set of accessible, interactive materials for building AI literacy such as curriculum, short videos, Minecraft lessons, and more.
- Additional free AI tools – Explore the AI-enhanced Learning Accelerators to help students build foundational skills, GitHub Copilot to empower the next generation of developers, and Khan Academy Writing Coach.
- FarmBeats for Students program expansion – Access a free, comprehensive course providing training on precision agriculture, data science, and AI designed for classrooms of all kinds.
Discover even more resources for educators, leaders, and administrators:
MIL OSI Global Banks –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas Guard Participates in CENTAM Guardian 2025 in Guatemala

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

More than 60 Arkansas National Guardsmen are participating in CENTAM Guardian 2025 in Guatemala. CENTAM Guardian 2025 is an annual multi-national exercise designed to strengthen interoperability, information sharing and counter-threat capabilities between the United States and participating Central American and Caribbean partner nations.

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE, FBI investigation reveals illegal alien from Guatemala fraudulently sponsored unaccompanied alien children

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

WASHINGTON — An illegal alien from Guatemala was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey for allegedly submitting sponsorship applications with false statements to the U.S. government to gain custody of two unaccompanied alien children after they entered the United States illegally, following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, FBI investigation.

“Attempting to exploit the sponsorship system to gain custody of unaccompanied alien children puts those minors at serious risk,” said ICE acting Director Todd Lyons. “ICE works alongside our law enforcement partners to prevent trafficking and exploitation by individuals falsely claiming to be family. ICE remains firmly committed to detecting deception, upholding the integrity of the immigration process, and, above all, protecting these at-risk children.”

According to the criminal complaint, Luciano Tinuar Quino, also known as “Luciano Tinuar Guino,” 57, who illegally entered the United States in 2016 and previously resided in the area of Orange, New Jersey, submitted multiple applications to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement under penalties of perjury to sponsor and obtain custody of two UACs.

“Protecting children means holding individuals accountable when they use deception to exploit our systems. ORR acted swiftly to identify the fraud and share with our law enforcement counterparts who located the children and ensured justice was served,” said ORR acting Director Angie M. Salazar.

As alleged in the complaint, after a 15-year-old Guatemalan male (UAC-1) illegally entered the United States in April 2022, Tinuar Quino submitted applications to sponsor this UAC that falsely: (1) claimed to be his father; (2) claimed his own name was “A.S.T.” as listed on a Guatemala national identification card he submitted; and (3) provided his date of birth. To prove his relationship with UAC-1, Tinuar Quino submitted a photoshopped image, which he asserted was a photo of himself with UAC-1’s mother. As a result, the boy was transported from Texas to New Jersey to live with Tinuar Quino.

“The prior administration’s border policies created chaos and allowed bad actors to prey upon the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will always seek strong legal penalties to protect children from those who would do them harm.”

“This prosecution is an example of my office’s dedication to keeping children safe,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District New Jersey. “We will continue to bring to justice those who take advantage of our country’s Unaccompanied Alien Children program and threaten the safety of our community.”

“This was a clear attempt from an individual unlawfully in the United States seeking to undermine our laws and target children, and the FBI will not tolerate it,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We remain laser-focused on ensuring people who come into the United States intending to wreak havoc and intentionally violate our rule of law will face serious consequences.”

Tinuar Quino is also charged with submitting false information in an attempt to obtain custody of another UAC. Specifically, the complaint charges that in June 2022, Tinuar Quino submitted an application to sponsor a 17-year-old Guatemalan male (UAC-2) who had entered the United States illegally. As alleged, Tinuar Quino falsely: (1) claimed to be UAC-2’s father; (2) stated that his name was “J.R.M.” as listed on a Guatemala national identification card he submitted; and (3) provided his date of birth. ORR did not approve this application.

Tinuar Quino is charged with two counts of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

These charges are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 365 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 334 U.S. convictions; more than 281 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

The ICE Homeland Security Investigations and FBI Newark field offices are jointly investigating with assistance from the FBI’s Legal Attaché team in Guatemala. Additionally, the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C. and ORR have provided valuable assistance.

Senior Trial Attorney Christian Levesque of HRSP, JTFA Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Sussman of the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.

This case is 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 other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.

As a federal criminal investigatory agency, ICE HSI’s role is to take swift action to investigate any criminal activity for which HSI has jurisdiction related to UAC. This includes investigating the exploitive smuggling networks that bring UAC to the United States as well as any criminals who may exploit these at-risk youths here in the United States.

Individuals across the world can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 866-DHS-2-ICE. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on more than 400 laws enforced by ICE.

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

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Illegal alien sentenced for prohibited person in possession of a firearm, following ICE, local law enforcement partner investigation

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

LINCOLN, Neb. — Michael Alexander Ayala-Ramirez, 20, an illegal alien from El Salvador, was sentenced on May 8, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of prohibited person in possession or a firearm or firearms, following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, local law enforcement investigation.

U.S. District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Ayala-Ramirez to a total of 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ayala-Ramirez’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release and will face removal from the United States.

“This case is a stark reminder of why strong collaboration between federal and local law enforcement is non-negotiable,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “A convicted felon and illegal alien in possession of firearms isn’t just breaking the law — he’s a direct threat to the people of Lincoln. When dangerous individuals enter and remain in this country illegally, they put all of us at risk. HSI will “aggressively” investigate, dismantle, and bring to justice anyone who endangers American lives.”

On July 4, 2024, a pickup truck was reported stolen from the Denver International Airport. On July 6, 2024, an Ogallala police officer observed the stolen truck and attempted to contact it. The stolen truck had three occupants, Michael Ayala-Ramirez, codefendant Pablo Escobar-Alas, and codefendant Selvin Escobar-Rivera. The driver of the vehicle, Ayala-Ramirez, attempted to flee from law enforcement, which lead to a high-speed chase through multiple counties and involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Stop sticks were successfully deployed near the Deuel and Keith County line and the truck ended up in a ditch near a farmyard in Deuel County.

Ayala-Ramirez and Escobar-Alas were the driver and front seat passenger. They got out of the vehicle carrying bags and attempted to hide under another vehicle in the farmyard momentarily. The bags were later found to contain a Smith & Wesson pistol that was reported stolen, a Sig Sauer pistol, a Glock pistol, and a Del Ton DTI-15 rifle. Ayala-Ramirez and Escobar-Alas then stole a pickup truck from the farmyard, which lead to another high-speed chase. They were arrested after stop sticks were successfully deployed once again.

Escobar-Rivera was in the backseat of the first stolen truck and he fled on foot after the initial stop. He was later arrested, and a second Smith & Wesson pistol was found on the floorboard of the backseat where he had been sitting. This pistol was also reported stolen.

All three of the defendants have previously been deported and have no legal basis to return to the United States.

Pablo Escobar-Alas and Selvin Escobar-Rivera’s cases are still active and pending.

This case was investigated by ICE HSI, Nebraska State Patrol, Deuel County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, and the Denver Police Department.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK advocates clean energy development in Guatemala
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story

UK advocates clean energy development in Guatemala

English

Español de América Latina

An official from the UK’s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) engaged with stakeholders in Guatemala to advance energy transition.
Mitchell Lloyd, Senior Policy Advisor on International Energy Transition at DENZ visited Guatemala 12-14 May. He met with the General Directorate of Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, other government departments, private sector and international financing institutions developing clean energy initiatives in Guatemala.

The discussions included a series of topics ranging from the need to galvanize global and local leadership and foster international cooperation on a clean energy transition, to unlocking clean growth, job opportunities and build robust clean energy supply chains.

Guatemala has significant potential to develop clean energy projects, with a renewable capacity potential of 3,700 MW that could be integrated into the country’s electricity grid between 2024 and 2040. This includes various sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy.

The visit supports the UK’s government mission to become a clean energy superpower, protecting households from unstable fossil fuel markets, including coal, while at the same time unlocking job opportunities at home and abroad for the clean energy sector.

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Published 14 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Continuing Promise 2025 Set to Begin

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

The U.S. Navy Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will deploy this June-August to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2025 mission. After several months of detailed planning, USNS Comfort is scheduled to visit Grenada, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic during the nearly three month-long mission.

MIL Security OSI –

May 15, 2025

Category: Latin America

IMF Communications Department

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UK advocates clean energy development in Guatemala

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