Category: Latin America

MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Murkowski Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Maternal and Infant Mortality Crisis
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

Bipartisan Senators Lead Effort to Combat Infant and Maternal Mortality Across the United States

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) reintroduced the Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services (MOMS) Act, bipartisan legislation that addresses the maternal and infant mortality crisis by increasing the number of trained midwives in the United States. The bipartisan legislation would increase funding for midwifery education and increase diversity in the maternity care workforce by recruiting students from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maternal and infant mortality is higher for Black, Native American, and Hispanic communities than their white counterparts. Integrations of midwifery into maternal health care has been linked to healthy births for moms and babies.

“For decades, midwives have long been an essential part of New Mexico’s health care system – safely delivering children, caring for families, and improving maternal health outcomes,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to once again partner with Senator Murkowski to reintroduce bipartisan legislation that delivers critical funding for midwifery education to boost the maternity care workforce and increase diversity. As the maternal and infant mortality crisis continue to impact communities across our country, this legislation is an important step to address this disparity and keep families healthy.”

“Access to quality maternal care is critical to the health and well-being of mothers and their babies. In Alaska, workforce shortages and geography present significant challenges to expecting mothers living in rural communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m proud to again join the reintroduction of the Midwives for MOMS Act, which would address gaps in maternal health care by expanding opportunities for midwifery training and education. This legislation provides support for this essential workforce in Alaska and across the country to improve maternal health and perinatal care.”

Specifically, the Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services (MOMS) Act would:
- Authorize $15 million in grants to educate midwives who are trained in accredited midwifery programs that do not sit in schools or nursing and are eligible to sit for national certification exams;
- Authorize $20 million in grants to educate nurse midwives who graduate from accredited nurse-midwifery programs and are eligible to sit for a national certification exam; and
- Prioritize midwifery programs that demonstrate a focus on increasing racial and ethnic minority representation in midwifery education to address the significant lack of diversity in the maternity care workforce.
The bill is supported by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM), and the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC).

In addition to Senators Luján and Murkowski, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).

Full text of the legislation is available here.
MIL OSI USA News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE prevents UAC smuggling incident in Arizona

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

YUMA, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection thwarted an attempted smuggling incident with an unaccompanied alien child in Yuma April 29. U.S. border officials apprehended a woman attempting to smuggle a 5-year-old boy — identified as “John Doe” in the legal complaint — after the child’s mother allegedly paid a smuggler to transport him illegally into the United States.

CBP worked with the Mexican Consulate to find the child’s mother, a 24-year-old woman living in Veracruz, Mexico, who presented herself at the San Luis Port of Entry later that night to recover her child.

The mother claimed that the smuggler coordinated with the child’s father to drop off the little boy, however, the child told investigators that he was being taken to live with a man he didn’t know.

“The smuggling of unaccompanied alien children is among the most vile and inhumane crimes imaginable,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigation Arizona Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola. “Even more vile, in this case the child’s own mother handed him over to strangers—mules—who attempted to smuggle him into the U.S. using fake identity documents. The woman posing as his guardian also admitted she was going to leave him with a man she didn’t know. It’s horrifying, heartbreaking, and a stark reminder of why HSI aggressively pursues these criminals and the networks that enable them.”

During an interview with ICE HSI special agents, the boy’s mother also revealed that she paid the smuggler, Gloria Lopez Corona, to bring her child to the United States — and that she intended to illegally enter the U.S. April 30 to join her husband, the child’s father, who is an illegal alien with a prior history of illegally entering the U.S.

ICE HSI takes swift action to investigate any criminal activity related to unaccompanied alien children. This includes investigating the exploitive smuggling networks that bring UACs to the United States as well as any criminals who may exploit these at-risk youths here in the United States.

“The mother and father in this case are actively violating U.S. border laws and undermining our nation’s security,” continued Burrola. “The father has been deported three times previously, and now both parents have endangered their young child by paying smugglers to facilitate illegal entry. Criminal smuggling networks have no regard for human life and trusting them with a child is both reckless and tragic.”

ICE HSI combats human smuggling by working with its law enforcement partners to deter, disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks that engage in it. Special agents use their expertise and rely on HSI’s authorities to seize assets and eliminate profit incentives, work with nongovernmental organizations to protect and assist victims, and bring traffickers to justice.

If you suspect someone may be involved in or a victim of human smuggling or trafficking contact local law enforcement, dial 911 or the ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 227

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Note: The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
SEL7

URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Tornado Watch Number 227
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
325 PM CDT Mon May 5 2025

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

* Tornado Watch for portions of
Southeast New Mexico
West Texas

* Effective this Monday afternoon and evening from 325 PM until
900 PM CDT.

* Primary threats include…
A few tornadoes possible
Scattered large hail likely with isolated very large hail events
to 3 inches in diameter possible
Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
mph possible

SUMMARY…Supercell thunderstorms will pose a threat for a few
tornadoes and large to very large hail (potentially up to baseball
size/2.75 inches in diameter) as they move slowly east-northeastward
through the afternoon and evening. Severe wind gusts up to 65-75 mph
may also occur on a more isolated basis.

The tornado watch area is approximately along and 60 statute miles
north and south of a line from 30 miles northwest of Roswell NM to
20 miles east southeast of Midland TX. For a complete depiction of
the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
WOU7).

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

&&

OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 223…WW 224…WW
225…WW 226…

AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
surface and aloft to 3 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
storm motion vector 24025.

…Gleason

Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
SAW7
WW 227 TORNADO NM TX 052025Z – 060200Z
AXIS..60 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
30NW ROW/ROSWELL NM/ – 20ESE MAF/MIDLAND TX/
..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM N/S /21NW CME – 19SE MAF/
HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..3 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24025.

LAT…LON 34460490 32710189 30970189 32730490

THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
FOR WOU7.

Watch 227 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

Note: Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

Mod (50%)

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

Low (20%)

Wind

Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

Mod (40%)

Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

Mod (30%)

Hail

Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

Mod (60%)

Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

Mod (50%)

Combined Severe Hail/Wind

Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

High (80%)

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

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: ARRAY Technologies Enhances ARRAY STI H250™ Tracker with SmarTrack® Backtracking and Diffuse Capabilities
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARRAY Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) (“ARRAY” or the “Company”), a leading global provider of solar tracking technology products, software and services, today announced the expansion of its SmarTrack^® software to include backtracking and diffuse optimization capabilities for its ARRAY STI H250™ dual-row tracker. This advancement brings algorithm training and optimization tools, already proven on the DuraTrack^® platform, to H250 installations across Europe and other global markets.

“Our H250 tracker has long been a trusted solution in markets with challenging site conditions, and the addition of SmarTrack Backtracking and Diffuse takes its performance to the next level,” said Neil Manning, president and chief operating officer of ARRAY Technologies. “By applying algorithmic training and real-time sensor data, we’re empowering our customers to optimize their solar energy output across more geographies and more terrain types, ultimately improving project returns.”

Engineered to tackle the challenges of irregular terrain, the H250 tracker is widely deployed in Europe, South America, and Africa. With the addition of SmarTrack® Backtracking and Diffuse, project developers and asset owners can now further improve energy production in complex environments and variable weather conditions. These tools help trackers automatically adjust to minimize shading and maximize light capture, even on cloudy days.
- ARRAY SmarTrack™ Backtracking uses algorithmic training and terrain analysis and production data to reduce shading and maximize morning and evening energy generation. The system intelligently adjusts each motor block based on its unique slope characteristics, leading to sustained improvements in energy yield. Once optimized, backtracking parameters remain valid for the life of the project.
- ARRAY SmarTrack™ Diffuse allows projects to continue performing at a high level during overcast conditions. By analyzing real-time Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) sensor data, the system dynamically flattens tracker angles to capture more scattered light, increasing energy capture when direct sunlight is limited.
These capabilities were validated in Spain and Brazil and are available for immediate deployment on new and existing H250 projects. In combination with ARRAY’s hardware and integrated software platform, SmarTrack is currently optimizing over 5 GW of solar capacity worldwide.

To learn more about SmarTrack software or the H250 tracker, visit arraytechinc.com.

About ARRAY
ARRAY Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) is a leading global provider of solar tracking technology to utility-scale and distributed generation customers who construct, develop, and operate solar PV sites. With solutions engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions, ARRAY’s high-quality solar trackers, software platforms and field services combine to maximize energy production and deliver value to our customers for the entire lifecycle of a project. Founded and headquartered in the United States, ARRAY is rooted in manufacturing and driven by technology – relying on its domestic manufacturing, diversified global supply chain, and customer-centric approach to design, deliver, commission, train, and support solar energy deployment around the world. For more news and information on ARRAY, please visit arraytechinc.com.

Forward Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections regarding its business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. Forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with the risks and uncertainties that affect our business and operations, particularly those described in more detail in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents on file with the SEC, each of which can be found on our website www.arraytechinc.com. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Media Contact
Nicole Stewart
505-589-8257
nicole.stewart@arraytechinc.com

Investor Relations Contact
ARRAY Technologies, Inc.
Investor Relations
investors@arraytechinc.com

The MIL Network –
May 6, 2025

MIL-OSI: Palomar Holdings, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LA JOLLA, Calif., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Palomar Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLMR) (“Palomar” or “Company”) reported net income of $42.9 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025 compared to net income of $26.4 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ was $51.3 million, or $1.87 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025 as compared to $27.8 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024.

First Quarter 2025 Highlights

Gross written premiums increased by 20.1% to $442.2 million compared to $368.1 million in the first quarter of 2024
Net income of $42.9 million compared to $26.4 million in the first quarter of 2024
Adjusted net income⁽¹⁾ increased 84.6% to $51.3 million compared to $27.8 million in the first quarter of 2024
Total loss ratio of 23.6% compared to 24.9% in the first quarter of 2024
Catastrophe loss ratio⁽¹⁾ of -0.3% compared to 3.1% in the first quarter of 2024
Combined ratio of 73.1% compared to 76.9% in the first quarter of 2024
Adjusted combined ratio⁽¹⁾ of 68.5% compared to 73.0%, in the first quarter of 2024
Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses⁽¹⁾ of 68.9% compared to 69.8%, in the first quarter of 2024
Annualized return on equity of 22.6% compared to 21.7% in the first quarter of 2024
Annualized adjusted return on equity⁽¹⁾ of 27.0% compared to 22.9% in the first quarter of 2024

^{(1) See discussion of “Non-GAAP and Key Performance Indicators” below.}

Mac Armstrong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I am very pleased with our strong start to 2025, as our first quarter saw sustained gross written premium growth and record adjusted net income. The quarter featured 85% adjusted net income growth, a 69% adjusted combined ratio, and a 27% adjusted ROE. Our results demonstrate our continued execution of the Palomar 2X strategic imperative as well as concerted efforts to build a leading specialty insurance franchise with a resilient and diversified portfolio.  Our 20% gross written premium growth was driven by both new products like Crop and Casualty as well as our balanced mix of residential and commercial property products. Importantly, our same-store premium growth rate was 37%⁽²⁾, demonstrating the strong underlying momentum that exists across our portfolio of specialty products.”  

Mr. Armstrong continued, “Beyond our financial performance, we remain focused on executing all our 2025 strategic imperatives. We continue to make investments across our organization, including the successful acquisition of Advanced AgProtection. This acquisition enhances the talent and operational scale of our Crop franchise and is expected to strengthen the near-term and long-term prospects of Palomar.” 

^{(2) Excludes the impact of lines of business exited or discontinued since prior year.}

Underwriting Results

Gross written premiums increased 20.1% to $442.2 million compared to $368.1 million in the first quarter of 2024, while net earned premiums increased 52.1% compared to the prior year’s first quarter.

Losses and loss adjustment expenses for the first quarter were $38.7 million, comprised of $39.2 million of attritional losses, offset by $0.5 million of favorable development on prior year catastrophe events. The loss ratio for the quarter was 23.6%, comprised of an attritional loss ratio of 23.9% and a catastrophe loss ratio⁽¹⁾ of -0.3% compared to a loss ratio of 24.9% during the same period last year comprised of an attritional loss ratio of 21.8% and a catastrophe loss ratio⁽¹⁾ of 3.1%.

Underwriting income⁽¹⁾ for the first quarter was $44.1 million resulting in a combined ratio of 73.1% compared to underwriting income of $25.0 million resulting in a combined ratio of 76.9% during the same period last year. The Company’s adjusted underwriting income⁽¹⁾ was $51.6 million resulting in an adjusted combined ratio⁽¹⁾ of 68.5% in the first quarter compared to adjusted underwriting income⁽¹⁾ of $29.2 million and an adjusted combined ratio⁽¹⁾ of 73.0% during the same period last year. The Company’s adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses⁽¹⁾ was 68.9% compared to 69.8% during the same period last year.

Investment Results
Net investment income increased by 69.1% to $12.1 million compared to $7.1 million in the prior year’s first quarter. The increase was primarily due to higher yields on invested assets and a higher average balance of investments held during the three months ended March 31, 2025 due to cash generated from operations and proceeds from the August 2024 public offering. The weighted average duration of the fixed-maturity investment portfolio, including cash equivalents, was 4.09 years at March 31, 2025. Cash and invested assets totaled $1.2 billion at March 31, 2025. During the first quarter, the Company recorded $2.3 million net realized and unrealized losses related to its investment portfolio as compared to net realized and unrealized gains of $3.0 million during the same period last year.

Tax Rate
The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was 20.1% compared to 23.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. For the current quarter, the Company’s income tax rate differed from the statutory rate due primarily to the tax impact of the permanent component of employee stock options offset by non-deductible executive compensation expense.

Stockholders’ Equity and Returns
Stockholders’ equity was $790.4 million at March 31, 2025, compared to $501.7 million at March 31, 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company’s annualized return on equity was 22.6% compared to 21.7% for the same period in the prior year while adjusted return on equity⁽¹⁾ was 27.0% compared to 22.9% for the same period in the prior year.

Full Year 2025 Outlook
For the full year 2025, the Company expects to achieve adjusted net income of $186 million to $200 million, an increase from the Company’s initial outlook of adjusted net income of $180 million to $192 million. This range includes an estimate of $8 million to $12 million of catastrophe losses for the remainder of the year.

Conference Call
As previously announced, Palomar will host a conference call Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to discuss its first quarter 2025 results at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). The conference call can be accessed live by dialing 1-877-423-9813 or for international callers, 1-201-689-8573, and requesting to be joined to the Palomar First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call. A replay will be available starting at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on May 6, 2025, and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921, or for international callers, 1-412-317-6671. The passcode for the replay is 13752911. The replay will be available until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on May 13, 2025.

Interested investors and other parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the investor relations section of the Company’s website at http://ir.palomarspecialty.com/. The online replay will remain available for a limited time beginning immediately following the call.

About Palomar Holdings, Inc.
Palomar Holdings, Inc. is the holding company of subsidiaries Palomar Specialty Insurance Company (“PSIC”), Palomar Specialty Reinsurance Company Bermuda Ltd. (“PSRE”), Palomar Insurance Agency, Inc., Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company (“PESIC”), Palomar Underwriters Exchange Organization, Inc. (“PUEO”), First Indemnity of America Insurance Co. (“FIA”), and Palomar Crop Insurance Services, Inc. (“PCIS”). Palomar’s consolidated results also include Laulima Exchange (“Laulima”), a variable interest entity for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Palomar is an innovative specialty insurer serving residential and commercial clients in five product categories: Earthquake, Inland Marine and Other Property, Casualty, Fronting, and Crop. Palomar’s insurance subsidiaries, PSIC, PSRE, and PESIC, have a financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent) from A.M. Best. FIA carries an “A-” (Stable) rating from A.M. Best.

To learn more, visit PLMR.com.

Non-GAAP and Key Performance Indicators

Palomar discusses certain key performance indicators, described below, which provide useful information about the Company’s business and the operational factors underlying the Company’s financial performance.

Underwriting revenue is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as total revenue, excluding net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of total revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP to underwriting revenue.

Underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as income before income taxes excluding net investment income, net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, and interest expense. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of income before income taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP to underwriting income.

Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook, net of tax impact. Palomar calculates the tax impact only on adjustments which would be included in calculating the Company’s income tax expense using the estimated tax rate at which the company received a deduction for these adjustments. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of net income calculated in accordance with GAAP to adjusted net income.

Annualized Return on equity is net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period.

Annualized adjusted return on equity is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted net income expressed on an annualized basis as a percentage of average beginning and ending stockholders’ equity during the period. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of return on equity calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted return on equity.

Loss ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of losses and loss adjustment expenses, to net earned premiums.

Expense ratio, expressed as a percentage, is the ratio of acquisition and other underwriting expenses, net of commission and other income to net earned premiums.

Combined ratio is defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio. A combined ratio under 100% generally indicates an underwriting profit. A combined ratio over 100% generally indicates an underwriting loss.

Adjusted combined ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio calculated excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of combined ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted combined ratio.

Diluted adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted net income divided by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period, reflecting the dilution which could occur if equity-based awards are converted into common share equivalents as calculated using the treasury stock method. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of diluted earnings per share calculated in accordance with GAAP to diluted adjusted earnings per share.

Catastrophe loss ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as the ratio of catastrophe losses to net earned premiums. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of loss ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to catastrophe loss ratio.

Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted combined ratio excluding the impact of catastrophe losses. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of combined ratio calculated using unadjusted GAAP numbers to adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses.

Adjusted underwriting income is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as underwriting income excluding the impact of certain items that may not be indicative of underlying business trends, operating results, or future outlook. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of income before income taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP to adjusted underwriting income.

Tangible stockholders’ equity is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as stockholders’ equity less goodwill and intangible assets. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of stockholders’ equity calculated in accordance with GAAP to tangible stockholders’ equity.

Safe Harbor Statement
Palomar cautions you that statements contained in this press release may regard matters that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the company’s current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Palomar that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business. The forward-looking statements are typically, but not always, identified through use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “enable,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “intends,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “predict,” “probable,” “potential,” “possible,” “should,” “continue,” and other words of similar meaning. Actual results could differ materially from the expectations contained in forward-looking statements as a result of several factors, including unexpected expenditures and costs, unexpected results or delays in development and regulatory review, regulatory approval requirements, the frequency and severity of adverse events and competitive conditions. These and other factors that may result in differences are discussed in greater detail in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Contact
Media Inquiries
Lindsay Conner
1-551-206-6217
lconner@plmr.com

Investor Relations
Jamie Lillis
1-203-428-3223
investors@plmr.com

Source: Palomar Holdings, Inc.

Summary of Operating Results:

The following tables summarize the Company’s results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024			Change			% Change
	($ in thousands, except per share data)
Gross written premiums	$	442,163		$	368,078		$	74,085			20.1	%
Ceded written premiums		(230,745	)		(228,171	)		(2,574	)		1.1	%
Net written premiums		211,418			139,907			71,511			51.1	%
Net earned premiums		164,070			107,866			56,204			52.1	%
Commission and other income		830			528			302			57.2	%
Total underwriting revenue ⁽¹⁾		164,900			108,394			56,506			52.1	%
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		38,743			26,837			11,906			44.4	%
Acquisition expenses, net of ceding commissions and fronting fees		46,359			31,798			14,561			45.8	%
Other underwriting expenses		35,733			24,804			10,929			44.1	%
Underwriting income ⁽¹⁾		44,065			24,955			19,110			76.6	%
Interest expense		(85	)		(740	)		655			(88.5	)%
Net investment income		12,071			7,139			4,932			69.1	%
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments		(2,338	)		3,002			(5,340	)		(177.9	)%
Income before income taxes		53,713			34,356			19,357			56.3	%
Income tax expense		10,791			7,974			2,817			35.3	%
Net income	$	42,922		$	26,382		$	16,540			62.7	%
Adjustments:
Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments		2,338			(3,002	)		5,340			(177.9	)%
Expenses associated with transactions		2,088			—			2,088			—	%
Stock-based compensation expense		4,745			3,820			925			24.2	%
Amortization of intangibles		707			390			317			81.3	%
Tax impact		(1,494	)		204			(1,698	)		NM
Adjusted net income ⁽¹⁾	$	51,306		$	27,794		$	23,512			84.6	%
Key Financial and Operating Metrics
Annualized return on equity		22.6	%		21.7	%
Annualized adjusted return on equity ⁽¹⁾		27.0	%		22.9	%
Loss ratio		23.6	%		24.9	%
Expense ratio		49.5	%		52.0	%
Combined ratio		73.1	%		76.9	%
Adjusted combined ratio ⁽¹⁾		68.5	%		73.0	%
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.57		$	1.04
Diluted adjusted earnings per share ⁽¹⁾	$	1.87		$	1.09
Catastrophe losses	$	(542	)	$	3,359
Catastrophe loss ratio ⁽¹⁾		(0.3	)%		3.1	%
Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses ⁽¹⁾		68.9	%		69.8	%
Adjusted underwriting income ⁽¹⁾	$	51,605		$	29,165		$	22,440			76.9	%
NM – not meaningful

^{(1) Indicates Non-GAAP financial measure – see above for definition of Non-GAAP financial measures and see below for reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.}

Condensed Consolidated Balance sheets

Palomar Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and par value data)

	March 31,			December 31,
	2025			2024
	(Unaudited)
Assets
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,015,892 in 2025; $973,330 in 2024)	$	991,759		$	939,046
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: $44,462 in 2025; $32,987 in 2024)		44,367			40,529
Equity method investment		2,259			2,277
Other investments		11,031			5,863
Total investments		1,049,416			987,715
Cash and cash equivalents		119,312			80,438
Restricted cash		15			101
Accrued investment income		8,590			8,440
Premiums receivable		334,247			305,724
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net of ceding commissions and fronting fees		102,861			94,881
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses and loss adjustment expenses		30,361			47,076
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses		361,227			348,083
Ceded unearned premiums		295,275			276,237
Prepaid expenses and other assets		92,292			91,086
Deferred tax assets, net		5,596			8,768
Property and equipment, net		2,393			429
Goodwill and intangible assets, net		24,925			13,242
Total assets	$	2,426,510		$	2,262,220
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	$	65,405		$	70,079
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses		543,889			503,382
Unearned premiums		813,462			741,692
Ceded premium payable		179,105			190,168
Funds held under reinsurance treaty		34,200			27,869
Total liabilities		1,636,061			1,533,190
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024		—			—
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 26,735,132 and 26,529,402 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively		3			3
Additional paid-in capital		501,950			493,656
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(16,642	)		(26,845	)
Retained earnings		305,138			262,216
Total stockholders’ equity		790,449			729,030
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,426,510		$	2,262,220

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

Palomar Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (loss) (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024
Revenues:
Gross written premiums	$	442,163		$	368,078
Ceded written premiums		(230,745	)		(228,171	)
Net written premiums		211,418			139,907
Change in unearned premiums		(47,348	)		(32,041	)
Net earned premiums		164,070			107,866
Net investment income		12,071			7,139
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments		(2,338	)		3,002
Commission and other income		830			528
Total revenues		174,633			118,535
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses		38,743			26,837
Acquisition expenses, net of ceding commissions and fronting fees		46,359			31,798
Other underwriting expenses		35,733			24,804
Interest expense		85			740
Total expenses		120,920			84,179
Income before income taxes		53,713			34,356
Income tax expense		10,791			7,974
Net income	$	42,922		$	26,382
Other comprehensive income, net:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale		10,203			(2,514	)
Net comprehensive income	$	53,125		$	23,868
Per Share Data:
Basic earnings per share	$	1.61		$	1.06
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.57		$	1.04

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic		26,658,106			24,862,367
Diluted		27,399,997			25,468,564

Underwriting Segment Data

The Company has a single reportable segment and offers specialty insurance products. Gross written premiums (GWP) by product, location and company are presented below:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2025					2024
	($ in thousands)
			% of					% of						%
	Amount		GWP			Amount		GWP			Change			Change
Product
Earthquake	$	130,245		29.5	%	$	105,729		28.7	%	$	24,516			23.2	%
Casualty		110,487		25.0	%		51,935		14.1	%		58,552			112.7	%
Inland Marine and Other Property		99,284		22.5	%		76,876		20.9	%		22,408			29.1	%
Fronting		53,927		12.2	%		94,831		25.8	%		(40,904	)		(43.1	)%
Crop		48,220		10.9	%		38,707		10.5	%		9,513			24.6	%
Total Gross Written Premiums	$	442,163		100.0	%	$	368,078		100.0	%	$	74,085			20.1	%

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2025					2024
	($ in thousands)
			% of					% of
	Amount		GWP			Amount		GWP
State
California	$	139,723		31.6	%	$	157,217		42.7	%
Texas		44,991		10.2	%		40,795		11.1	%
Hawaii		20,358		4.6	%		12,516		3.4	%
Florida		18,641		4.2	%		13,924		3.8	%
Washington		15,669		3.5	%		12,002		3.3	%
New York		14,597		3.3	%		8,030		2.2	%
New Mexico		12,395		2.8	%		7,469		2.0	%
Colorado		12,168		2.8	%		9,605		2.6	%
Other		163,621		37.0	%		106,520		28.9	%
Total Gross Written Premiums	$	442,163		100.0	%	$	368,078		100.0	%

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2025					2024
	($ in thousands)
			% of					% of
	Amount		GWP			Amount		GWP
Subsidiary
PSIC	$	230,917		52.2	%	$	222,657		60.5	%
PESIC		190,786		43.1	%		136,493		37.1	%
Laulima		16,037		3.7	%		8,928		2.4	%
FIA		4,423		1.0	%		—		—	%
Total Gross Written Premiums	$	442,163		100.0	%	$	368,078		100.0	%

Gross and net earned premiums

The table below shows the amount of premiums the Company earned on a gross and net basis and the Company’s net earned premiums as a percentage of gross earned premiums for each period presented:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024			Change			% Change
	($ in thousands)
Gross earned premiums	$	375,776		$	302,872		$	72,904			24.1	%
Ceded earned premiums		(211,706	)		(195,006	)		(16,700	)		8.6	%
Net earned premiums	$	164,070		$	107,866		$	56,204			52.1	%

Net earned premium ratio		43.7	%		35.6	%

Loss detail

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024			Change			% Change
	($ in thousands)
Catastrophe losses	$	(542	)	$	3,359		$	(3,901	)		(116.1	)%
Non-catastrophe losses		39,285			23,478			15,807			67.3	%
Total losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	38,743		$	26,837		$	11,906			44.4	%

Catastrophe loss ratio		(0.3	)%		3.1	%
Non-catastrophe loss ratio		23.9	%		21.8	%
Total loss ratio		23.6	%		24.9	%

The following table represents a reconciliation of changes in the ending reserve balances for losses and loss adjustment expenses:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2025			2024
	(in thousands)
Reserve for losses and LAE net of reinsurance recoverables at beginning of period	$	155,299		$	97,653
Add: Balance acquired from FIA⁽¹⁾		6,788			—
Add: Incurred losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, related to:
Current year		43,059			26,333
Prior years		(4,316	)		504
Total incurred		38,743			26,837
Deduct: Loss and LAE payments, net of reinsurance, related to:
Current year		4,998			4,895
Prior years		13,170			9,432
Total payments		18,168			14,327
Reserve for losses and LAE net of reinsurance recoverables at end of period		182,662			110,163
Add: Reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and LAE at end of period		361,227			292,024
Reserve for losses and LAE gross of reinsurance recoverables on unpaid losses and LAE at end of period	$	543,889		$	402,187

^{(1) Represents amounts recognized in Reserve for losses and LAE net of reinsurance recoverables upon acquisition of FIA on 1/1/2025, in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations.}

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Non-GAAP financial measures discussed above reconcile to their most comparable GAAP measures as follows:

Underwriting revenue

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024
	(in thousands)
Total revenue	$	174,633		$	118,535
Net investment income		(12,071	)		(7,139	)
Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments		2,338			(3,002	)
Underwriting revenue	$	164,900		$	108,394

Underwriting income and adjusted underwriting income

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024
	(in thousands)
Income before income taxes	$	53,713		$	34,356
Net investment income		(12,071	)		(7,139	)
Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments		2,338			(3,002	)
Interest expense		85			740
Underwriting income	$	44,065		$	24,955
Expenses associated with transactions		2,088			—
Stock-based compensation expense		4,745			3,820
Amortization of intangibles		707			390
Adjusted underwriting income	$	51,605		$	29,165

Adjusted net income

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024
	(in thousands)
Net income	$	42,922		$	26,382
Adjustments:
Net realized and unrealized losses (gains) on investments		2,338			(3,002	)
Expenses associated with transactions		2,088			—
Stock-based compensation expense		4,745			3,820
Amortization of intangibles		707			390
Tax impact		(1,494	)		204
Adjusted net income	$	51,306		$	27,794

Annualized adjusted return on equity

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024
	(in thousands)

Annualized adjusted net income	$	205,224		$	111,176
Average stockholders’ equity	$	759,739		$	486,455
Annualized adjusted return on equity		27.0	%		22.9	%

Adjusted combined ratio

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024
	(in thousands)
Numerator: Sum of losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses, and other underwriting expenses, net of commission and other income	$	120,005		$	82,911
Denominator: Net earned premiums	$	164,070		$	107,866
Combined ratio		73.1	%		76.9	%
Adjustments to numerator:
Expenses associated with transactions	$	(2,088	)	$	—
Stock-based compensation expense		(4,745	)		(3,820	)
Amortization of intangibles		(707	)		(390	)
Adjusted combined ratio		68.5	%		73.0	%

Diluted adjusted earnings per share

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025		2024
	(in thousands, except per share data)

Adjusted net income	$	51,306	$	27,794
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted		27,399,997		25,468,564
Diluted adjusted earnings per share	$	1.87	$	1.09

Catastrophe loss ratio

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024
	(in thousands)
Numerator: Losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	38,743		$	26,837
Denominator: Net earned premiums	$	164,070		$	107,866
Loss ratio		23.6	%		24.9	%

Numerator: Catastrophe losses	$	(542	)	$	3,359
Denominator: Net earned premiums	$	164,070		$	107,866
Catastrophe loss ratio		(0.3	)%		3.1	%

Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025			2024
	(in thousands)
Numerator: Sum of losses and loss adjustment expenses, acquisition expenses, and other underwriting expenses, net of commission and other income	$	120,005		$	82,911
Denominator: Net earned premiums	$	164,070		$	107,866
Combined ratio		73.1	%		76.9	%
Adjustments to numerator:
Expenses associated with transactions	$	(2,088	)	$	—
Stock-based compensation expense		(4,745	)		(3,820	)
Amortization of intangibles		(707	)		(390	)
Catastrophe losses		542			(3,359	)
Adjusted combined ratio excluding catastrophe losses		68.9	%		69.8	%

Tangible Stockholders’ equity

	March 31,			December 31,
	2025			2024
	(in thousands)
Stockholders’ equity	$	790,449		$	729,030
Goodwill and intangible assets		(24,925	)		(13,242	)
Tangible stockholders’ equity	$	765,524		$	715,788

The MIL Network –

May 6, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard halts 3 illegal passenger for hire vessels in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Source: United States Coast Guard

05/05/2025 03:11 PM EDT

A Coast Guard Station San Juan boat crew and Sector San Juan Marine Investigators halted three illegal passenger-for-hire vessels, Saturday, in Fajardo. Vessels Hecht, El Lindo and Making Waves were found conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations, one of which was found operating in violation of previous federal Captain of the Port (COTP) Order. Over the past year, Coast Guard enforcement efforts have yielded voyage terminations for 18 illegal passenger-for-hire operations. “The prevalence of illegal passenger-for-hire operations in our area is a concerning and serious matter,” said Lt. Michael Robinson, Sector San Juan marine investigator. “Passenger-for-hire operations is a regulated activity. If you use your recreational vessel for this purpose without adherence to the applicable federal regulations, you could be subject to substantial fines and possible jail time. Our purpose is to protect passengers from this illicit practice and ensure the safety of boaters within Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Finds Atlanta Woman Guilty of Methamphetamine Trafficking

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury convicted Vannesa Violante-Lujano of attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in June 2022, federal authorities at the U.S.-Mexico border seized approximately 220 pounds of Cartel-sourced methamphetamine destined for Minnesota. Special agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) then conducted an undercover operation in Lakeville, Minnesota. During the undercover operation, Violante-Lujano and a co-conspirator met an undercover officer at a Lakeville truck stop and attempted to pick up the 220-pound shipment of methamphetamine. The attempted drug deal was captured on video, and Violante-Lujano and her co-conspirator were apprehended by the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) shortly thereafter.

“Minnesota has become a hub for Cartel-sourced methamphetamine,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “In 2022, the Cartel was flooding the border with their poison. In this case, the Cartel sent 220 pounds of deadly methamphetamine—worth $6 million—across the border, bound for Minnesota. I am grateful to the excellent work of law enforcement, who not only seized these drugs, but also utilized an undercover operation to catch the state-side drug dealers.”

After a four-day trial before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court, Violante-Lujano was convicted by a jury on one count of attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Following the verdict, Violante-Lujano was taken into custody pending sentencing.

This case is the result of an investigation by the DEA and MSP.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett S. Fields and David P. Steinkamp tried the case.

MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National Arrested for Child Pornography Offense

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BOSTON – A Dominican national has been arrested and charged with transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Jorge Junior Alvarez Rodriguez, 21, was charged with one count of transportation of child pornography. Alvarez will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston later today.

According to the charging documents, On May 3, 2025, upon arrival at t Boston’s Logan Airport from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Alvarez was flagged for secondary screening. It is alleged that during a review of Alvarez’s cell phone, files depicting CSAM were found. It is further alleged that law enforcement identified multiple files depicting children as young as four to seven years old.

The charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Patrol, Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Maynard of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Murray Call on President Trump to Secure Release of Joseph St. Clair

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

05.05.25

Cantwell, Murray Call on President Trump to Secure Release of Joseph St. Clair

St. Clair, a Washingtonian and military vet, is being wrongfully detained in Venezuela

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) sent a letter asking President Donald Trump to secure the release of Joseph St. Clair, a Washingtonian who is being wrongfully detained in Venezuela.

“[St. Clair] is a decorated U.S Air Force veteran who served four tours in Afghanistan and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each day he is held, it prolongs his suffering, and the suffering of his friends and family,” the Senators write. “We must have decisive action by the U.S. Government to secure his release along with other Americans being wrongfully detained by Venezuela.”

Both senators met with members of St. Clair’s family this week.

The full text of the letter is HERE and below.

Mr. President:

We are writing to urge your personal involvement in pressing for the release of Joseph St. Clair, who is being wrongfully detained in Venezuela. He is a decorated U.S Air Force veteran who served four tours in Afghanistan and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each day he is held, it prolongs his suffering, and the suffering of his friends and family.

We must have decisive action by the U.S. Government to secure his release along with other Americans being wrongfully detained by Venezuela.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien and Mexican National Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Kilograms of Methamphetamine

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Illegal Alien and Mexican National Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Kilograms of Methamphetamine

Defendant possessed over four pounds of 100% pure Methamphetamine

BRUNSWICK, GA: A jury convicted a Mexican national illegally living in Hazlehurst, Georgia at trial for receiving a package from Jalisco, Mexico containing over two kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine.

Ismael Delgado-Celis, 37, of Mexico, was convicted of Possession and Attempt to Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine following a jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The Defendant is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years and up to life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

During testimony and evidence produced during the trial the Government established that on September 12, 2024, the Defendant attempted to receive a package directly from Mexico containing what was described as a horse saddle. Before the package was delivered, law enforcement agents removed the saddle and discovered over two kilograms of pure methamphetamine that had been hidden inside. The package was then delivered to the Defendant by law enforcement under the guise of a United States Postal delivery. The Defendant accepted the package from law enforcement and brought it inside his residence.

“This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Keeping our communities safe is our highest priority.”

“This conviction sends a strong message to those who attempt to smuggle dangerous narcotics into our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Thanks to the dedicated collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels, we were able to disrupt a major methamphetamine trafficking operation and hold the perpetrator accountable.”

“This conviction highlights the critical role Customs and Border Protection plays in disrupting the transnational flow of deadly narcotics,” said Zachary Thomas, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP Atlanta. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at every level to safeguard our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigation, Customs and Border Protection, and the Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura and Deputy Criminal Chief Greg Gilluly.

MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Illegal Alien Border Crossers from Honduras Indicted in Miami

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

MIAMI – Two serial illegal border crossers from Honduras have been charged by South Florida federal grand jurors with Illegal Reentry After Removal, in violation of 8 U.S.C. 1326.

According to the indictment in case number 25-cr-20192, this is at least the fifth time Marvin Wilton Max Ayala (Max Ayala), an alien from Honduras, has unlawfully entered the United States. He was encountered in South Florida on April 1, after having entered the country illegally, without inspection, admission, or parole by an immigration officer. It was not Max Ayala’s first brush with immigration: The Honduran national was previously removed from the United States on November 21, 2012, April 6, 2015, May 4, 2020, and August 5, 2021.

According to the indictment in case number 25-cr-20186, this is at least the fourth time Brayan Josue Matute-Lobo (Matute-Lobo), also an alien from Honduras, has unlawfully entered the United States. He was encountered in South Florida on March 8, after having entered the country illegally, without inspection, admission, or parole by an immigration officer. It was not Matute-Lobo’s first brush with immigration: This Honduran national was previously removed from the United States on February 12, 2016, April 21, 2016, and December 22, 2016.

Both defendants will be held at the Federal Detention (FDC) Miami pending resolution of their criminal cases.

U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne of the Southern District of Florida and acting Field Office Director Juan Agudelo of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) Prosecutions Unit Miami announced the charges.

ICE-ERO investigated the cases. Special Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Roca Shaw is prosecuting them

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-20186.

###

MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration for Halting Development of Wind Energy

Source: US State of California

Impeding wind development threatens economic growth and climate progress

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a collation of 18 attorneys general, today filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its unlawful attempt to freeze the development of offshore wind energy. Attorney General Bonta and the multistate coalition allege that the President’s directive harms their states’ efforts to secure reliable, diversified, and affordable sources of energy to meet their increasing demand for electricity and help reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants, meet clean energy goals, and address climate change. The attorneys general also allege that the moratorium threatens to thwart the states’ significant investments in wind industry infrastructure, supply chains, and workforce development — investments that already total billions of dollars.

“The Trump Administration’s directive to halt the development of offshore wind energy is illegal,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This reckless directive will not only reverse America’s progress in clean energy initiatives, but our communities will also suffer the economic consequences of the President’s misguided lawlessness. The President has promised that his actions would lower energy costs, but instead, energy prices have only gone up and will continue to skyrocket. In California, we will continue to hold the President accountable for breaking the law and protect our significant progress in expanding cleaner, cheaper energy for American families.”

On January 20, President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum that, among other things, indefinitely halted all federal approvals necessary for the development of offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. Pursuant to this directive, federal agencies have stopped all permitting and approval activities. Wind energy is a homegrown source of reliable, affordable energy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, creates billions of dollars in economic activity and tax payments, and already supplies more than 10% of the country’s electricity.

In addition to relying on onshore wind energy, in California, there are also currently five federal offshore wind leases off of California’s coast. Two are located offshore by Humboldt, while the remaining three are offshore from Morro Bay. These new developments are designed to bring substantial amounts of clean energy to the grid, including enough to power 1.6 million homes and potentially more. The President’s directive will not only derail the clean energy transition, but will also threaten to increase consumer energy costs. The President’s directive also jeopardizes substantial economic benefits to California, including the creation of thousands of union jobs, increased tax revenue particularly in the Humboldt area, and the provision of more than $50 million to support communities, Native American Tribes, or other interested parties that are expected to be affected by the lease development.

Through the lawsuit, the attorneys general allege that the President’s directive and federal agencies’ subsequent implementation of it violate multiple federal laws, including the Administrative Procedure Act. The attorneys general are asking the Court to declare the President’s directive illegal and prevent the Administration from taking any action to delay or prevent wind energy development.

Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New York, Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, in filing the lawsuit.

A copy of the complaint is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced For Illegal Re-entry

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that SANTIAGO PUENTE-GARCIA (“PUENTE-GARCIA”), age 26, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on April 30, 2025 after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced PUENTE-GARCIAto an imprisonment term of time served , followed by one (1) year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court records, PUENTE-GARCIA was previously removed from the United States on February 4, 2022. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on October 29, 2024.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

* * *

MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Statement on Water Repayments from Mexico

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released the following statement regarding the recent news on Mexican water repayments.

“Water is the lifeblood of our community. I welcome South Texas getting its rightfully owed water,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “However, any water from Mexico must also be met with increased federal funding to improve our local infrastructure.”

“We lose 40% of the Mexican water payments to evaporation and seepage. If we don’t get our infrastructure in order, we will never be out of the woods.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE Phoenix arrest Guatemalan criminal alien wanted by authorities in New Mexico on a sex-related offense against a child

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

PHOENIX, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Phoenix officers and agents arrested criminal alien Francisco Alexander Pablo-Antonio, 23, on May 2, following a routine vehicle stop.

Though the Guatemalan national was arrested in Phoenix, Pablo faces an outstanding criminal arrest warrant in New Mexico’s Magistrate Court for the County of San Juan, where he is charged with criminal sexual communication with a child, a Class Four felony offense.

“Illegal aliens who perpetrate egregious crimes against the most vulnerable in our communities will be prioritized for arrest and detention,” said ERO Deputy Field Office Director Alejandro Almeida. “ERO Phoenix is resolute in its mission to protect American communities through robust immigration enforcement efforts focused on public safety.”

Pablo was initially encountered by U.S. Border Patrol agents near El Paso, Texas, in December 2018. He was issued a notice to appear in March 2019 and released on his own recognizance with strict conditions. An immigration judge ordered Pablo removed from the United States on Sept. 7, 2019, three days before the New Mexico Farmington Magistrate filed criminal charges against him.

He will be held without bond pending determination on his criminal case.

If you have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally, call the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. You can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Arizona, follow us on X at @ERO__Phoenix.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: WA joins states suing Trump over illegal attacks on wind energy development

Source: Washington State News

SEATTLE — Washington state filed suit today alongside 18 attorneys general against the Trump administration over its unlawful attempt to freeze the development of wind energy.

“We can’t unleash American energy by kneecapping some of the fastest growing, most innovative, and cleanest resources in the country,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “Without a robust clean energy economy, we will see worsening climate change, more expensive energy from toxic fossil fuels, fewer jobs, and fewer solutions to our greatest challenges.”

On Jan. 20, President Trump issued a presidential memo that indefinitely halted all federal approvals necessary for the development of offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. Federal agencies have stopped all permitting and approval activities, and have even stopped a fully permitted project in New York that had already begun construction.

Wind energy is a homegrown source of reliable, affordable energy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, creates billions of dollars in economic activity and tax payments, and supplies more than 10% of the country’s electricity.

The attorneys general say the president’s directive harms their states’ efforts to secure reliable, diversified, and affordable sources of energy to meet their increasing demand for electricity and help reduce emissions of harmful air pollutants, meet clean energy goals, and address climate change. The directive also threatens to thwart the states’ significant investments in wind industry infrastructure, supply chains, and workforce development—investments that already total billions of dollars.

The memo and associated halt on project approvals could threaten Washington’s ability to meet its greenhouse gas emissions requirements and renewable energy goals. It also threatens an increasingly important part of Washington’s economy. Washington has also enacted multiple state laws that require the phase out of polluting fossil fuels to be replaced with clean renewable energy like that from wind.

Wind power is the second largest contributor to Washington’s renewable energy generation after hydroelectric power. In 2024, Washington generated 8,421 Megawatt hours from wind power alone. In contrast to fossil fuels, which are often subject to volatile market conditions, wind power enhances Washington’s energy security and economic stability.

The president’s directive and federal agencies’ subsequent implementation of it violate the Administrative Procedure Act and other federal laws by providing no reasoned explanation for categorically and indefinitely halting all wind energy development — a sudden change that reverses longstanding federal policy and is inconsistent with recent federal action propping up other forms of energy. The abrupt halt on all permitting violates numerous federal statutes that prescribe specific procedures and timelines for federal permitting and approvals — procedures the administration wholly disregarded in stopping wind energy development altogether.

In filing this lawsuit, the attorneys general are asking the court to declare the president’s directive illegal and prevent the administration from taking any action to delay or prevent wind energy development.

Joining AG Brown in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, and Rhode Island.

A copy of the complaint is available here.

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Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Media Contact:

Email: press@atg.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 753-2727

General contacts: Click here

Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Washington joins states suing to stop dismantling federal Health and Human Services
Source: Washington State News

SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown today joined 18 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other Trump administration officials to stop the dismantling of HHS.

Since taking office, Kennedy and the Trump administration have fired thousands of federal health workers, shuttered vital programs, and abandoned states to face mounting health crises without federal support. The attorneys general argue that Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration have robbed HHS of the resources necessary to effectively serve the American people.

“These actions are both plainly illegal and a moral failing. More Americans will suffer from illness, injury, and death without these commonsense programs,” Brown said. “A robust public health system that serves communities with the most barriers to appropriate medical care is vital.”

The administration has wreaked havoc across the entire health system through their reckless and illegal cuts. Among the examples are
- Miners suffering from black lung disease have been left unprotected as congressionally mandated surveillance programs were abruptly shut down.
- Workers have lost reliable access N95 masks following the closure of the nation’s only federal mask approval laboratory.
- Key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease laboratories have been shuttered, including those responsible for testing and tracking measles, effectively halting the federal government’s ability to monitor the disease nationwide.
- Hundreds of employees working on mental health and addiction treatment, including half of the entire workforce at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), have lost their jobs, and all SAMHSA regional offices are now closed.
- Pregnant women and newborns are now at risk after the firing of the entire CDC maternal health team and Head Start centers could face closures after many regional employees at the Office of Head Start were let go.
- The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which provides life-saving care to more than 137,000 9/11 first responders and survivors, has lost the doctors needed to certify new cancer diagnoses, leaving American heroes without access to the health care they deserve.
These sweeping actions are in clear violation of hundreds of federal statutes and regulations. The administration is disregarding the constitutional separation of powers and undermining the laws and budgets enacted by Congress to protect public health.

The coalition is urging the court to halt the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore the critical health services that millions of Americans depend on.

In April, Brown joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration for abruptly and unlawfully slashing billions of dollars in vital state health funding. Days later, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the Administration, temporarily reinstating the funding.

Joining Washington in this lawsuit – led by Brown, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha – are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

A copy of the complaint is available here.

-30-

Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Media Contact:

Email: press@atg.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 753-2727

General contacts: Click here

Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

MIL OSI USA News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration over Unlawful Mass Firings and Dismantling at HHS
Source: US State of California

17th lawsuit against Trump Administration asks court to block implementation of “Make America Healthy Again” Directive

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration challenging the unlawful mass firing of roughly 10,000 full-time U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees, the consolidation of 28 HHS divisions into 15 divisions, and the closing of half of HHS’s ten regional offices — including one in San Francisco. Announced on March 27, these actions were part of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Directive to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA Directive). In their lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the MAHA Directive is arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), is beyond the scope of presidential power, and violates the Appropriations Clause and Separation of Powers doctrine of the U.S. Constitution. Accordingly, they ask the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island to declare the MAHA Directive unconstitutional and illegal, and to block its implementation in order to undo the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore the critical health services that millions of Americans depend on.

“The Trump Administration does not have the power to incapacitate a department that Congress created, nor can it decline to spend funds that were appropriated by Congress for that department. That’s why my fellow attorneys general and I are taking the Trump Administration to court — HHS is under attack, and we won’t stand for it,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our States, and our people, are facing real harms as a result of the MAHA Directive. We look forward to making our case in court.”

Congress has passed dozens of laws for HHS to enforce and authorized HHS to spend about $1.8 trillion in 2024 alone because, in Congress’s judgment, the work of the Department is that critical. The MAHA Directive has had devastating consequences on HHS’s core mission to protect the health and well-being of all Americans. Following the MAHA Directive, work across several agencies within HHS came to a halt overnight. Further, the MAHA Directive layoffs compounded staff departures through a series of so-called “buy-out” offers, meaning that all told, in the last three months, HHS has lost roughly 20,000 of the 82,000 employees who were working at the agency as of January 2025. In addition, workers across the country can no longer reliably access N95 masks following the closure of the nation’s only federal mask approval laboratory. Key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease laboratories have also been shuttered, including those responsible for testing and tracking measles, effectively halting the federal government’s ability to monitor the disease nationwide.

In their lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that:
- Long before he was nominated by President Trump to lead HHS, Secretary Kennedy had a history of spinning conspiracy theories about the Department and advocating for the evisceration of the Department’s statutorily mandated work promoting public health.
- The MAHA Directive has caused substantial harm to their States. Among other things, the regional staff who were fired helped to provide critical support to early childhood programs within the Administration for Children and Families like Head Start. If Head Start programs in their States are forced to pause operations or close, hundreds of thousands of children (and their families) would be left without child care, early education, and health supports, which would inevitably impact and strain their States’ social support programs.
- The MAHA Directive has disabled HHS from performing its regulatory and enforcement functions. For example, the Office of Compliance and Enforcement within the Center for Tobacco Products — a subagency within HHS — typically filed more than 100 complaints a week seeking civil monetary penalties against retailers that repeatedly sold tobacco to customers under 21, in violation of federal law. The MAHA Directive wiped out the Office of Compliance and Enforcement, straining the ability of remaining staff to seek penalties.
In filing today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

A copy of the complaint can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Leads Challenge to Trump Administration’s Attempt to Block Wind Energy

Source: US State of New York

EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 17 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to end the Trump administration’s arbitrary and indefinite halt on new wind energy development across the country. On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued a sweeping presidential directive suspending all federal approvals for wind energy projects, threatening to undermine a critical source of clean energy and job growth in the United States. As a result, countless wind energy project applications are now frozen. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that this blockade on all wind energy projects is unlawful and will be seeking a preliminary injunction to immediately stop the administration from enforcing the freeze while litigation proceeds.

“This administration is devastating one of our nation’s fastest-growing sources of clean, reliable, and affordable energy,” said Attorney General James. “This arbitrary and unnecessary directive threatens the loss of thousands of good-paying jobs and billions in investments, and it is delaying our transition away from the fossil fuels that harm our health and our planet.”

Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the president’s directive is at odds with years of bipartisan support for offshore and onshore wind energy projects, including during President Trump’s first term. It also directly contradicts the president’s own Executive Orders issued on the same day, which declared a “national energy emergency,” singled out New York and several other states for the country’s lack of energy supply, and called for the expansion of most forms of domestic energy production, but not wind energy.

The attorneys general argue this unilateral halt on wind energy development is harming states’ ability to provide reliable, affordable electricity to their residents. States have a responsibility to meet increasing electricity demand while also mitigating climate harms and reducing pollution caused by fossil fuels. In addition, the indefinite halt on federal approvals is already putting state investments and economic benefits from wind energy projects in jeopardy. New York’s wind projects currently support over 4,400 jobs throughout the state and are expected to create more than 18,000 additional new jobs in the coming years. Those jobs will not materialize if these projects are halted. The administration’s indefinite blockade could leave billions of dollars in states’ clean energy investments stranded or underutilized and significantly harm their economic development.

This wind energy blockade is also impeding New York and other states’ ability to meet their energy and climate goals. These are statutory targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, more specifically, meet target dates for electricity generated by wind power. New York’s Climate Law requires the state to obtain 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040.

Attorney General James and the coalition warn that the halt on wind energy development will delay the replacement of fossil fuels with clean energy, a shift that will exacerbate climate, public health, and environmental harms to people across the nation and the globe. The administration’s blockade would derail key projects already under development, many of which are expected to power millions of homes and support tens of thousands of jobs. The attorneys general also note that the risk of these harms to the industry and the states has risen sharply in recent weeks, as the Trump administration ordered a project off the coast of New York, which had already received federal approval, to immediately stop construction.

Attorney General James and the coalition assert that the president is acting outside of his legal authority and has no statutory right to unilaterally shut down the permitting process. They are asking the court to intervene and rule the approval blockade unlawful, restoring the wind energy permitting process and protecting the wind energy industry long-term.

Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: ICYMI: “Trump’s Tariffs Are Lifting Some U.S. Manufacturers”
Source: The White House
President Donald J. Trump’s relentless pursuit of an American manufacturing renaissance is “boosting demand for some U.S.-made goods, with smaller players reaping the early benefits,” writes The Wall Street Journal, as companies onshore production and buy their products in America.

Here are a few examples from the story:
- “‘We are swamped. We are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week in both Chicago and Cleveland,’ said Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc., which makes manufacturing tools, including industrial screwdrivers, clamps and hoists. Schron said his factories in Ohio and Illinois are ‘going like gangbusters,’ partly owing to new orders from customers looking to avoid paying import tariffs.”
- “Donny Chaplin, president of Grand River Rubber & Plastics in Ashtabula, Ohio, said he has seen a rush of new inquiries and orders. Two previous customers that had switched to Chinese suppliers a few years ago came back in recent days wanting to buy rubber gaskets from Grand River again, for the plastic pails they manufacture. Three manufacturers of oil filters also got in touch, wanting to shift business from China, with two already placing orders. All together, the new business will be worth about $5 million a year if it is completed, or roughly 10% of Grand River’s revenue. That might require the company to hire new employees and expand production lines.”
- “The tariffs are a lifeline for the U.S. companies that sprang up during the Covid-19 pandemic to produce face masks, rubber gloves and other personal protective equipment, after shipments from Asia declined. The companies struggled in the pandemic’s aftermath, when hospitals and clinics abandoned U.S. manufacturers and returned to lower-cost suppliers in China, U.S. executives said. But new U.S. tariffs on rubber gloves from China have doubled the price from a few months ago, and ‘the folks that are relying on China are scrambling for other sources,’ said Alan Rust, chief growth officer for SafeSource Direct … ‘We were getting stiffed for a very long time, but just recently we’ve been getting a lot more inquiries.’”
- “Employees for Massachusetts-based AccuRounds are working overtime to accommodate rising orders for the company’s shafts, valves and other steel components. The company recently added two customers that had shifted business from AccuRounds to suppliers in Singapore and China in recent years. First-quarter sales were 20% higher from a year earlier, said Chief Executive Michael Tamasi.”
- “Michigan-based Whirlpool, which assembles 80% of its U.S. appliances at domestic factories, says its Asian competitors have had an unfair advantage, as they manufacture their appliances overseas but haven’t been paying import tariffs on them since 2023, when one imposed during Trump’s first term expired. Those rivals’ access to cheaper components and steel in Asia helps give them a $150 retail price advantage on washers, Whirlpool says. Chief Executive Marc Bitzer said the latest tariffs on imported assembled appliances should help close the price gap. ‘The tariffs will finally help create a level playing field for Whirlpool,’ he said in April during a call with analysts.”
Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports:
- “At the local Excel Dryer plant, William Gagnon, the chief operating officer, is unfazed. In fact, President Donald Trump’s import taxes so far have been nothing but good news for one of the world’s largest makers of restroom hand dryers. Gagnon, 48, credits Trump’s first-term tariffs with changing the math on production location decisions … the president’s second-term ‘reciprocal’ tariffs might result in the elimination of trade barriers that prevent Excel’s high-velocity hand dryers from dominating markets in countries such as Brazil and Australia … By making foreign goods more expensive, the import taxes make domestic suppliers more competitive while also discouraging Americans from purchasing cheap Chinese copies of Excel’s hand dryers. The tariffs also offer hope of prying open foreign markets … The tariffs Trump imposed on China this year also have brought more work home for one of Excel Dryer’s local suppliers: Double A Molding in Monson, Massachusetts … As Trump escalated his trade spat with China in recent weeks, Double A felt the effects.”
MIL OSI USA News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Guilty of Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain Louisiana Driver’s License

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOSE GUADALUPE MUNOZ-PEREZ (“MUNOZ”), age 46, a native of Mexico, pleaded guilty on April 29, 2025 to illegally using a social security number to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

MUNOZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. United States District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter set sentencing for June 5, 2025.

According to court documents, on July 24, 2020, MUNOZ applied for the renewal of a Louisiana driver’s license using the name of a real person, and that person’s Social Security number at a Public Tag Agency in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. A Public Tag Agency is an authorized entity that handles various vehicle-related transactions of behalf of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

The Social Security Administration confirmed that Social Security number was legitimately issued to an individual in Puerto Rico. MUNOZ admitted that by applying for the renewal, he knowingly intended to deceive others, including employers, by falsely representing that the name and Social Security number had been assigned to him by the Commissioner of Social Security.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025

MIL-OSI: RUBIS: Q1 2025 trading update – Continued strong operating performance of Rubis’ diversified business model

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Paris, 5 May 2025, 5:45pm

Energy Distribution
- Retail & Marketing – Solid volume growth at +4%, gross margin at €218m (+4%)
  - Strong momentum of the retail business both in Africa and in the Caribbean region
  - Bitumen activity performing well in Togo and South Africa – Nigeria volume growth resumes
- Support & Services – Revenue up 2% at €266m
  - Lower bitumen trading margins as a result of higher in-house activity
Renewable Electricity Production
- Secured portfolio up 22% vs March 2024 at 1.1 GWp
No direct impact of trade tariffs on the business
2025 Guidance reaffirmed

SALES BREAKDOWN BY SEGMENT AND BY REGION

(in €m)	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024
Energy Distribution	1,687	1,652	+2%
Retail & Marketing	1,420	1,392	+2%
Europe	215	209	+3%
Caribbean	584	590	-1%
Africa	621	593	+5%
Support & Services	266	260	+2%
Renewable Electricity Production	11	8	+28%
TOTAL	1,697	1,660	+2%

On 5 May 2025, Clarisse Gobin-Swiecznik, Managing Partner, commented on the Q1 2025 activity: “Our position as distributor of energy and mobility solutions, leader in a diversity of regions, has once again proved successful. Q1 demonstrates Rubis’ resilience and ability to deliver strong performance in a challenging global environment. Our Energy Distribution businesses achieved robust growth across all regions while Photosol delivered according to plan. Looking ahead, we remain confident in our 2025 guidance, supported by the strength and growth potential of our diverse businesses”

HIGHLIGHTS

No direct impact of trade tariffs on the business

None of Rubis’ businesses is directly concerned by the trade tariffs turmoil ongoing. The Group does not operate in the US, nor in China.

New geographical development: Acquisition of Soida in Angola

In March 2025, Rubis Énergie acquired 60% of the share capital of Soida (Sociedade Industrial de Derivados Asfálticos), adding to its existing share of 35% acquired at the end of 2022 and leading to a final stake in the Company of 95%. Soida distributes bitumen in Angola with a market share well over 50% and extending further bitumen geographical footprint.

Publication of first Sustainability Statement (CSRD) including strategy and updated climate ambitions for 2030

Rubis’ first Sustainability Statement (CSRD format) was published on 28 April covering among others: Climate change – Update on decarbonisation targets and financial implications. Beyond regulatory requirements, the Sustainability Statement provides a solid foundation for shaping the Group’s Think Tomorrow 2026–2030 Roadmap, which will integrate business-specific priorities and be co-constructed with the operating entities.

Q1 2025 COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE

1. ENERGY DISTRIBUTION – RETAIL & MARKETING

In Q1 2025, volume continued to increase across the board. Margins also saw an upward trend, with some variability.

Volume sold and gross margin by product in Q1 2025

	Volume (in ‘000 m³)			Gross margin (in €m)
(in ‘000 m³)	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024
LPG	346	343	1%	83	84	-0%
Fuel	1,071	1,048	2%	113	103	10%
Bitumen	135	100	35%	21	23	-6%
TOTAL	1,552	1,491	4%	218	209	4%

Volume sold and gross margin by region in Q1 2025

	Volume (in ‘000 m³)			Gross margin (in €m)
	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024
Europe	255	245	4%	65	62	4%
Caribbean	584	573	2%	85	80	7%
Africa	712	674	6%	68	67	1%
TOTAL	1,552	1,491	4%	218	209	4%

LPG volume was slightly up. The main drivers for growth over the quarter were bulk in France, where sales teams were particularly dynamic and won several new contracts. Autogas in France also saw a strong performance, as a result of several contracts won with service stations in 2024. Market share in France continued to increase, benefiting from a high level of customer engagement. These strong dynamics were partially offset by lower volume in Morocco where the market faced a product shortage after difficult weather conditions kept the supply vessels from unloading the product. Gross margin remained stable.

As regards fuel:
- in the retail business (representing 49% of fuel volume and 52% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) volume grew by 4% vs Q1 2024. Gross margin increased by 14%, driven by:
  - increasing volume in East Africa, with Zambia, Uganda and Rwanda showing significant growth rates thanks to rebranded service stations,
  - Madagascar also saw significant volume and margin growth year over year, thanks to a well-maintained network and improved logistics, enabling the Company to increase its market share,
  - activity continued to be very dynamic in the Caribbean, with Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana still performing well. The situation in Haiti remains unchanged with half of the service stations closed at the end of March 2025;
- the Commercial and Industrial business (C&I, representing 28% of fuel volume and 24% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) increased by 2% in volume and decreased by 1% in gross margin over the period, led by Kenya, Zambia, Guyana, Suriname and Barbados;
- the aviation segment (representing 20% of fuel volume and 19% of fuel gross margin in Q1 2025) saw increased margins in Q1 2025 at +6% despite a slight volume decline of 2%. This performance was mainly driven by the Eastern Caribbean region, where some airlines decreased their frequencies, and the pricing environment was favourable.
Bitumen volume was up 35% yoy, mainly driven by Nigeria where Rubis’ supply situation was particularly strong. Togo and South Africa also saw strong volume increase, with improving margins. Gross margin showed a 6% decrease yoy and is the result of a different product mix in Nigeria.

2. ENERGY DISTRIBUTION – SUPPORT & SERVICES

The Support & Services activity recorded €266m of revenue (+2% yoy) in Q1 2025.

Volume excluding crude deliveries was up 5% and margins were down 4% vs Q1 2024.

In the Caribbean, trading activity was dynamic with +5% in volume.

In Africa, bitumen shipping activity was at a level comparable to that of Q1 2024 (volume +1%) with more numerous but shorter routes.

SARA refinery and logistics operations present specific business models with stable earnings profile.

3. RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION – PHOTOSOL

Operational data	Q1 2025	Q1 2024	Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024
Assets in operation (MWp)	535	450	+19%
Electricity production (GWh)	102	81	+26%
Sales (in €m)	11	8	+28%

Over Q1 2025, Photosol commissionned 12MWp, leading its assets in operation to grow by 19% yoy at 535 MWp. The secured portfolio increased by 22% to 1.1 GWp with 53 MWp new projects secured over Q1 2025. The pipeline reached 5.7 GWp (+21% yoy). Revenue for Q1 2025 stood at €11m, up 28% vs Q1 2024, benefitting from portfolio expansion and a higher load factor.

In April 2025, Alix Lajoie became President and Thomas Aubagnac became CEO of Photosol, as planned. Both were previously Deputy CEOs since 2023. The two founders, David Guinard and Robin Ucelli, remain shareholders and Board members of Photosol.

OUTLOOK – FY 2025 GUIDANCE REAFFIRMED

The working assumptions used to establish the 2025 guidance remain unchanged.

Group EBITDA is expected at €710m to €760m in 2025 (assuming IAS 29 – hyperinflation impact unchanged versus 2024).

Reminder: Photosol 2027 ambitions:

Secured portfolio⁽¹⁾ above 2.5 GWp
Consolidated EBITDA⁽²⁾: €50-55m, of which c.10% EBITDA contribution from farm-down initiatives
- Power EBITDA⁽³⁾: €80-85m
- Secured EBITDA⁽⁴⁾: €150-200m

NON-FINANCIAL RATING

MSCI: AA (reiterated in Dec-24)
Sustainalytics: 29.2 (from 30.7 previously)
ISS ESG: C (from C- previously)
CDP: B (reiterated in Feb-25)

Webcast for investors and analysts
Date: 5 May 2024, 6:00pm
Link to register: https://channel.royalcast.com/rubisen/#!/rubisen/20250505_1
Participants from Rubis:

Marc Jacquot, CFO
Clémence Mignot-Dupeyrot, Head of IR

Upcoming events
Shareholders’ Meeting: 12 June 2025
Q2 & H1 2025 results: 9 September 2025
Q3 & 9M 2025 trading update: 4 November 2025
Q4 & FY 2025 results: 12 March 2026

(1) Includes ready-to-build, under construction and in operation capacities.
(2) EBITDA reported in Rubis Group consolidated financial statements.
(3) Aggregated EBITDA from operating PV through electricity sales.
(4) Illustrative EBITDA coming from secured portfolio.

Press Contact

Analyst Contact

RUBIS – Communication department

RUBIS – Clémence Mignot-Dupeyrot, Head of IR

Tel: +33 (0)1 44 17 95 95

presse@rubis.fr

Tel: +33 (0)1 45 01 87 44

investors@rubis.fr

Attachment

RUBIS: Q1 2025 trading update – Continued strong operating performance of Rubis’ diversified business model

The MIL Network –

May 6, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Vasquez Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand High-Speed Internet Across Rural New Mexico
Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would permanently authorize and improve the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect Program, which delivers broadband internet to underserved rural communities. The legislation is co-led by Representatives Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL).

“In places like southern New Mexico, lack of broadband means a student falls behind in school, a rancher misses out on modern ag tools, or a senior can’t connect to telehealth services,” said Vasquez. “Every family and small business deserves access to high-speed internet, no matter their zip code. My bipartisan bill invests in the infrastructure rural communities need to stay connected, competitive, and healthy.”

Almost one in four rural New Mexicans still lacks access to reliable broadband, cutting them off from critical services and opportunities that are increasingly dependent on digital access—including education, healthcare, agriculture, and small business development.

“In our interconnected world, it is essential that American families and small businesses across the country have access to reliable high-speed internet no matter where they live,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “The ReConnect Program helps do that by delivering affordable internet to rural communities that too often find themselves left behind. I’m proud to support bipartisan legislation that will improve this program to help our small business compete globally and ensure families can connect with loved ones, school, and health care providers.”

“As small broadband providers in rural areas work tirelessly to bridge the digital divide, the ReConnect program has been an important resource to get the job done,” said Shirley Bloomfield, NTCA Rural Broadband Association CEO. “The ReConnecting Rural America Act improves upon this already successful program to better target funding where it is needed most, recognizes that experience matters when it comes to delivering rural broadband, and ensures that those in the most rural and hard to serve areas receive the same high-quality, high-speed broadband as those in urban areas. We greatly appreciate Representative Nunn for introducing this legislation today and thank him for his leadership on this critical issue.”

The ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025 would codify and enhance the ReConnect Program within the Rural Electrification Act, establishing stronger minimum broadband speeds and ensuring federal support reaches the communities most in need of internet service upgrades. It addresses the disparities in internet connection by:
- Authorizing $650 million annually through 2030 for broadband deployment in unserved and underserved rural areas,
- Requiring a minimum broadband speed of 100 Mbps upload and 100 Mbps download,
- Focusing funding on areas where at least 75% of households lack access to 100/20 Mbps service,
- Allowing USDA to offer a mix of loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations,
- Prioritizing small, remote, and underserved rural communities, and
- Providing up to 100% grant funding for tribal areas, colonias, and other socially vulnerable or persistently poor communities.
The bill also supports the deployment of broadband for precision agriculture on cropland and ranchland, and ensures that participating providers join affordability programs such as Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program. It is endorsed by the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association and NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association.

Text of the bill can be found here.

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MIL OSI USA News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Introduces Expanding Regional Airports Act to Support Rural Communities

Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, April 29, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the bipartisan Expanding Regional Airports Act alongside Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS-01). The bill aims to increase funding for regional airports, such as Las Cruces International Airport, to conduct critical upgrades of security systems, runway and hangar infrastructure, and passenger facilities.

“In a state as large as New Mexico, regional airports are a way to ensure our state is fully connected,” said Vasquez. “However, without dedicated funding, these airports can’t expand to serve the needs of our growing communities. That’s why I am introducing the Expanding Regional Airports bill to promote expanded tourism and business travel to Las Cruces and other similar communities, improving the entire economy.”

“Rural communities like those in the Big First District depend on regional airports to connect them with the rest of the world,” said Rep. Mann. “The Expanding Regional Airports Act provides necessary updates to strengthen the reliability regional airports offer their communities, drive economic growth, and equip these airports to maintain the livelihoods of small communities and their surrounding areas. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance our bill and give our regional airports the resources they deserve.”

“Airports like Las Cruces International Airport often lack the funding to make critical upgrades to security infrastructure, runways, and hangars,” said Las Cruces Airport Director Andy Hume. “This bill would allow for more flights directly into Las Cruces, boosting our local economy and creating a better and safer passenger experience.”

The Expanding Regional Airports Act builds on Rep. Vasquez’s commitment to expanding local economies through funding for air travel. Last Congress, he fought to preserve the Essential Air Service program, through which Cavern City Air Terminal receives $3,425,385 and Grant County Airport gets $4,830,725. He also successfully passed an amendment to begin the process of restoring commercial air service to Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: District of Arizona Charges 287 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct in Arizona this Week

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

PHOENIX, Ariz. – During this week of enforcement operations from April 26, 2025, through May 5, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 287 defendants. Specifically, the United States filed 107 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 156 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 21 cases against 24 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Recent matters of interest include:

United States v. Krystal Lopez: On April 29, 2025, BPAs ran a registration check on a vehicle which showed a positive history of alien smuggling. The vehicle pulled into a gas station. The driver exited the vehicle and entered the store. BPAs approached the vehicle and saw a person hiding in the back seat underneath a blanket. A search of the vehicle revealed two additional people in the trunk. All three people were determined to be citizens of Mexico illegally present in the United States. The driver, Krystal Lopez, had been arrested one month prior for alien smuggling and was released pending trial in that case. She was charged by complaint in this case and ordered detained pending trial. [Lopez CR-25-02060 and MJ-25-07625]

United States v. Gloria Lopez Corona: On April 29, 2025, Gloria Lopez Corona crossed into the United States through the San Luis Port of Entry attempting to smuggle a five-year-old child. Corona presented a birth certificate for a two-year-old, which was inconsistent with the child she was presenting for entry. After being referred to secondary, she admitted to smuggling the child. The child had been given melatonin gummies and was sleepy and disoriented. Agents were able to find the child’s mother, Reyna Cecilia Hernandez Reyes, a Mexican citizen. Reyes admitted to giving her child to an unknown female to be smuggled into the United States. Both women were charged. [Lopez Corona et al 25-01540MJ]

United States v. Carlos Murillo: On April 30, 2025, Carlos Murillo, a Naturalized United States Citizen, was encountered by Border Patrol after transporting Marcelino Garcia-Alejo, an illegal alien. Murillo had been recruited to smuggle aliens via Facebook. He admitted to previously smuggling aliens, and believed he would be paid $700.00 for smuggling Garcia-Alejo. [Murillo 25-01544MJ]

Criminal complaints and indictments are simply methods by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-071_May 2 Immigration Enforcement

# # #

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York City arrests illegal alien who facilitated daughter’s sexual abuse

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

May 5, 2025New York, NY, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

Marcia Lorena Bueno Guartatanga, arrested by ICE New York City May 1

NEW YORK — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Ecuadorian national Marcia Lorena Bueno Guartatanga May 1. The 38-year-old illegal alien has criminal convictions for acting in a manner to injure a child for allowing her husband to sexually abuse her daughter.

“Whether a perpetrator, conspirator or facilitator — depraved, predatory actions against children should not be tolerated by the public and will not be tolerated by this field office. What makes this situation even more unfathomable is the mother’s role in the victimization of her daughter,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City acting Field Office Director William P. Joyce. “ICE remains committed to prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing aliens who violate children in the most abhorrent manner.”

Bueno entered the United States on an unknown date and at an unknown location without admission or parole by an immigration official. On Oct. 8, 2022, Bueno was convicted of an act to injure a child less than age 17 and hindering prosecution in White Plains. She was sentenced to 95 days in prison and three years of probation. She was arrested and indicted for allowing her child to be sexually abused by her husband.

During a targeted operation in Cortlandt, ICE Fugitive Operations officers arrested Bueno without incident pursuant to a warrant of arrest for violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. She is currently in ICE detention pending removal proceedings.

Learn more about ERO New York City’s mission to preserve public safety on X at @ERONewYork.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: DHS Announces Historic Travel Assistance and Stipend for Voluntary Self-Deportation

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

The First Illegal Alien to Utilize Travel Assistance has Already Returned to Honduras

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a historic opportunity for illegal aliens to receive both financial and travel assistance to facilitate travel back to their home country through the CBP Home App. Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App to self-deport will also receive a stipend of $1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app.

Self-deportation is a dignified way to leave the U.S. and will allow illegal aliens to avoid being encountered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Even with the cost of the stipend, it is projected that the use of CBP Home will decrease the costs of a deportation by around 70 percent. Currently the average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an illegal alien is $17,121.

The first use of travel assistance has already proven successful. An illegal alien that the Biden Administration allowed into our country recently utilized the program to receive a ticket for a flight from Chicago to Honduras. Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week.

“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers. Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport.”

Illegal aliens submitting their intent to voluntarily self-deport in CBP Home will also be deprioritized for detention and removal ahead of their departure as long as they demonstrate they are making meaningful strides in completing that departure. Participation in CBP Home Self-Deportation may help preserve the option for an illegal alien to re-enter the United States legally in the future.

Qualifying aliens need to submit their “Intent to Depart” via the CBP Home app. For further information, visit DHS.gov/CBPhome.

MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Recognizing May 5-10 For Safety and Health Week

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on May 5, 2025

The Government of Saskatchewan is recognizing May 5-10 as Safety and Health Week in Saskatchewan.

“This week is a time to focus on the role each of us can play in creating safe, healthy workplaces and communities,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter said. “There is always more work to be done in building a safer Saskatchewan.”

Safety and Health Week, formerly known as North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, began in 1997 and is observed annually in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The purpose of the day is to focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community.

Visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety’s website for more information and tools and resources for safety and health in the workplace.

The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety fosters safe, healthy and productive workplaces for Saskatchewan through education, intervention and enforcement.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Shane Seilman
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-520-2705
Email: shane.seilman2@gov.sk.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Heelstone Renewable Energy, a Qualitas Energy company, acquires renewable development portfolio from Valor Infrastructure Partners (“VIP”) and appoints new CEO
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- The transaction includes the acquisition of VIP’s portfolio of greenfield solar and onshore wind projects located in the Southwest and Western regions of the United States
- Mike Weich, former CEO of VIP, will assume the role of CEO at Heelstone Renewable Energy (“Heelstone”)
- This acquisition represents another milestone in Heelstone’s strategic expansion into a fully integrated renewable energy independent power producer (IPP)
DURHAM, N.C., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heelstone Renewable Energy (“Heelstone”), a premier U.S. utility-scale renewable energy platform, has acquired the wind and solar development assets and the team of Valor Infrastructure Partners (“VIP”), a renewable energy company based in Palm Beach, Florida. This transaction marks Heelstone’s first acquisition since its purchase in May 2024 by Qualitas Energy, a leading global investment and management platform with a dual focus on both funding and developing renewable energy, energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure.

The acquired portfolio of development-stage projects includes a number of early-stage onshore wind projects in the Western region of the country, as well as an advanced-stage solar PV project in Texas, which has an expected installed capacity of 190 MWp and a targeted commercial operation date (COD) between 2027 and 2028, subject to development progress.

As part of the transaction, eleven experienced professionals from VIP will join Heelstone’s team, bringing deep expertise across onshore renewables—including solar, wind, and battery storage. Among them are Mike Weich, former CEO of VIP, who will assume the role of CEO at Heelstone, and Daryl Hart, former Chief Development Officer of VIP, who will take on same role at Heelstone.

Heelstone, headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, now comprises around 60 professionals whose capabilities span the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects. The team brings a robust understanding of the U.S. market landscape, backed by extensive experience in project execution.

With a portfolio of over 5 GW and a track record that has been built over more than a decade, Heelstone continues to grow as a premier renewable energy development platform. Under the ownership of Qualitas Energy, the company is evolving into a fully integrated IPP and reinforcing its intention to become a market leader in developing, de-risking, and executing renewable energy projects. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in that objective, as it will expand the company’s capabilities, technology focus, and geographic reach.

Alejandro Ciruelos, Partner and Country Head USA at Qualitas Energy said: “Heelstone’s resilient business model and solid fundamentals provide a strong foundation for long-term growth. The integration of VIP’s team and select assets enhances our platform, combining best-in-class capabilities with a maturing project pipeline. With this strengthened position, Heelstone is ready to capitalise on strategic opportunities—both organically and through acquisitions—at a pivotal moment for the renewable energy industry, where high-quality execution is key to success.”

Mike Weich, CEO at Heelstone Renewable Energy, added: “I’m honored to lead Heelstone at such an exciting time for the company. With the support of Qualitas Energy and the addition of the VIP team, we’re well-equipped to expand our footprint and accelerate the delivery of high-quality renewable energy projects. Together, we’re building a stronger, more agile platform ready to meet the growing demand for clean energy across the U.S.”

About Heelstone Renewable Energy
Heelstone Renewable Energy, LLC (Heelstone) is a leading solar and storage independent power producer with expertise in development, construction, and operation. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Heelstone has extensive knowledge of project finance and a proven track record from over a decade in bringing utility-scale solar projects to fruition. Heelstone continues to add to its development pipeline and operating portfolio as it expands its presence in markets across the United States. For more information, visit www.heelstoneenergy.com.

About Qualitas Energy
Qualitas Energy is a leading global investment and management platform with a dual focus on both funding and developing renewable energy, energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure.

Since 2006, the Qualitas Energy team has managed investments of over €14 billion in renewable energies worldwide. These investments have been deployed through five vehicles: Fotowatio / FRV, Vela Energy, Qualitas Energy III, Qualitas Energy IV, and Qualitas Energy V.

Qualitas Energy’s existing portfolio currently comprises over 11 GW of operating and development energy assets across Spain, Germany, the UK, Italy, Poland, Chile, and the United States. This includes 7 GWp of solar PV, 4 GW of wind energy, 242 MW of concentrated solar power (CSP), 136 MW of battery storage, 66 MW of hydroelectric power, and 1.9 TWh of biomethane.

Qualitas Energy has produced enough energy to supply 1.2 million homes and has successfully avoided the emission of 1 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent since 2022.

The Qualitas Energy team is composed of more than 540 professionals across fifteen offices in Madrid, Berlin, London, Milan, Hamburg, Wiesbaden, Trier, Cologne, Stuttgart, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Santiago, Durham, Bristol, and Edinburgh.

Please visit qualitasenergy.com for further information.

Media contacts
Henar Hernández
Global Head of Communications
henar.hernandez@qenergy.com
+34 697 11 68 72

Headland qualitas@headlandconsultancy.com +44 7435 546304 | +44 7311 369929

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b408bdd9-6bd6-41fb-8e09-4615cffe2648

The MIL Network –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: A pope of the Americas: What Francis meant to 2 continents

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Neomi De Anda, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Dayton

A portrait of Pope Francis is projected onto a water fountain in Lima, Peru, on April 21, 2025. AP Photo/Martin Mejia

Most stories about Pope Francis mention that he made history as the first pontiff from Latin America. In fact, Francis was the first pope in centuries to be born outside Europe. But what impact did that actually have on the Catholic Church? The Conversation U.S. asked Neomi De Anda, a theologian at the University of Dayton, to explain the significance of having a pope from the Southern Hemisphere.

Where do you see the influence of Pope Francis’ Latin American background?

In reality, Francis is not only the first Latin American pope; he’s the first American pope. Francis is Argentine, the child and grandchild of Italian immigrants, and the first to be born in “América.” Though geography divides it into two continents, North and South, it is one land – one many Indigenous communities call “Turtle Island” or “Abya Yala.”

In the pope’s 2024 video message to the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States, he called upon them “to be bridge-builders between the Americas” and to be a church that “welcomes, accompanies, and integrates” migrants. Speaking in Spanish, he invited the academy “to do theology with your head, your hearts, and your hands” and to integrate “the richness of both cultures, North and South, at the service of a dignified life.”

Pope Francis arrives for a massive open-air Mass in a park just a few yards from the U.S. border in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Feb. 17, 2016.
AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills

This message emphasizes Francis’ view of “synodality” – meaning a church that walks together – and his understanding of the connection among all people in the Americas and the Caribbean. It also shows a recurring theme of his papacy: the connections between pastoral care and theology.

The greeting also highlights his desire for all to have a life of well-being, or “buen vivir,” through God’s love. As Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “I came so that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” This is also a key theme in a 2007 document produced after a meeting of Latin American bishops, known as Aparecida. Francis, then a cardinal, was a primary drafter.

Aparecida points out Latin America’s abundance of aquifers and forest lands, which are “humanity’s lungs.” It laments economic factors leading to environmental destruction and climate change – themes that would prove important to Francis’ papacy. The document stresses God’s care for people whose lands are being pillaged and who are forced to migrate. It claims “nothing and no one” can take away the strength, joy and peace God gives to the world’s most vulnerable.

Francis repeatedly acknowledged the Catholic Church’s role in crimes against Indigenous people, and he apologized. How did ideas about colonialism shape his papacy?

Francis spent much time and attention learning more about the experiences of Native communities: from his visit to Chiapas, Mexico, in 2016; to the Amazon Synod, a meeting of Catholic bishops from the Pan-Amazon Region, Indigenous leaders from this region, theologians and other subject matter experts in 2019; to his tour across Canada in 2022.

After the synod, Francis released a letter titled Querida Amazonia, which includes a call for Catholic leaders to learn more about the lives of Native peoples from across the nine countries of the Amazon.

During the papal Mass Francis celebrated in Chiapas, Mexico, in 2016, you can see the deep intermixing of local cultures and customs with the liturgy. For example, women spread incense across the altar using clay vessels, alongside deacons using a thurible, the metal burner typically used in services. Animal images at the front of the platform represented the integration of all of creation.

Pope Francis delivers his message during Mass in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, on Feb. 15, 2016.
AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Throughout his trip to Canada in 2022 – whose purpose, in part, was to apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in the Indigenous boarding school system – Francis presented a disposition of listening and care. He spent more time meeting with people and hearing about their experiences than giving prepared speeches on the perspective of the church.

For First Nations peoples, the pope’s visit was an opportunity for reconciliation – but for some, it also reopened old wounds. One of their requests was that the church reject the Doctrine of Discovery: ideas about conversion to Christianity that colonial powers used to justify abuses.

Talking to reporters on the plane returning to Rome, Francis named what had been done to Indigenous children in boarding schools as “genocide.” The following year, the Vatican released a repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery and documents associated with those ideas.

Are there other ways that the pope did – or didn’t – make the church feel more inclusive?

Francis’ papacy did less to change teachings on another topic shaped by colonialism: gender, sexuality and women. The Catholic Church maintains that there are two genders – male and female – which complement each other, a binary system that replaced more flexible ways of thinking about gender in some cultures.

Members of a delegation of Indigenous peoples in Quebec await a meeting with Pope Francis on July 29, 2022.
Ciro Fusco/Pool ANSA via AP

The question of whether to ordain women as deacons arose from the Amazon Synod and continued at the church’s global Synod on Synodality, but without resolution.

An emphasis on women’s role as child-bearers is embedded in the theological understanding of Mary as mother of Christ and the mother of the church. Whether intentionally or not, however, I would argue Francis laid groundwork for teaching about women and gender to expand.

Appointments of women to high Vatican positions point to small shifts in practice. The presence of trans people among the last people who paid respects to Francis at his funeral marks a sign of possibilities that hopefully will continue.

Although of “the church” might make us think of clergy, all who are baptized are the church. Around the world, Catholic communities have developed in many ways, with multiple forms of leadership – especially women lay leaders. The Vatican needs to continue to affirm that reality.

The Catholic Church understands diversity as a gift of the Holy Spirit. My hope is for someone to continue in Francis’ vein of appreciating that pluralism.

Neomi De Anda consults for the Louisville Institute, funded by Lily Endowment Inc. She receives funding from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Religion and Theology. She is a past president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States and is affiliated with the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative.

– ref. A pope of the Americas: What Francis meant to 2 continents – https://theconversation.com/a-pope-of-the-americas-what-francis-meant-to-2-continents-255093

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 6, 2025

Category: Latin America

Cantwell, Murray Call on President Trump to Secure Release of Joseph St. Clair

St. Clair, a Washingtonian and military vet, is being wrongfully detained in Venezuela