NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI China: China willing to expand all-round cooperation with ADB: Chinese premier

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, March 24 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda on Monday in Beijing, expressing willingness to further expand all-round cooperation between China and the ADB.

    Li said in recent years, affected by geopolitical turbulence and rising protectionism, the world economy has recovered slowly with increased instability and uncertainty.

    Li called on Asian countries to strengthen solidarity and coordination, adhere to multilateralism, advance regional economic integration, break down barriers to the flow of trade, investment and technology, and maintain the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains.

    At the same time, all sides should strengthen macro policy coordination, deepen exchanges and cooperation in science and technology innovation, enhance the efficiency and resilience of the Asian economy, better withstand various risks, and join hands to achieve common development, Li added.

    Noting that the ADB is an important multilateral development institution in the Asia-Pacific region, Li said China is ready to further expand all-round cooperation with the ADB, push the partnership to a new level, better achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, and provide more public goods for the region.

    The premier said both sides should strengthen financial cooperation in such fields as environmental protection, green and low-carbon development, elderly care and medical care, and deepen knowledge cooperation in such fields as the development of emerging industries, fiscal and tax system reform, and aging response.

    China is ready to share its useful experience in poverty reduction and digital economy with other developing members in the Asia-Pacific to support them in better meeting challenges and achieving sustainable development, said Li.

    Kanda said at a time when international trade is increasingly fragmented, China is committed to further deepening reform and high-level opening-up, which not only achieves steady growth of its own economy, but also makes important contributions to economic growth in Asia and the world at large.

    ADB attaches great importance to cooperation with China, and is willing to take the 40th anniversary of cooperative ties as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with China in knowledge innovation, green development and other fields, promote the development of the Asia-Pacific region, and push the cooperative partnership between both sides to a higher level.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Peng Liyuan calls for global efforts to end TB epidemic

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

    BEIJING, March 24 — Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and also the World Health Organization (WHO) goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS, on Monday called on the international community to commit more, invest more and deliver more on global TB prevention and treatment.

    In a written statement to the WHO World TB Day 2025, Peng said that with the powerful drive of the WHO and sustained efforts of the international community, notable progress has been achieved in the global fight against TB, and 79 million lives have been saved since 2000.

    It is of great significance that the WHO hosted the virtual meeting to encourage discussions on “Commit, Invest, Deliver,” rally the strength of all parties to tackle the public health challenge of TB, and make solid strides toward the goal of ending the epidemic, she said.

    Peng said that over the past more than 10 years, she has visited many medical facilities, schools and communities both at home and abroad, and witnessed the encouraging progress in TB response in different parts of the world, especially in China.

    Placing great emphasis on TB prevention and treatment, the Chinese government has included TB response in the Healthy China strategy and formulated a national plan to guide relevant efforts, she said.

    At the same time, China has been committed to facilitating the rapid development of TB control technologies, and made its “patient-centered support and care” more scientific and feasible. Thanks to the tireless work of all those working on TB prevention and treatment, the cure rate of the disease in China has been kept above 90 percent, she said.

    Peng said removing the threat of TB is the shared aspiration of all. But the fight remains difficult and challenging, and achieving the goal of ending TB epidemic is still an arduous task, which requires the international community to come together to commit more, invest more and deliver more.

    Peng pledged to continue to work with all parties to advance TB prevention and treatment, safeguard people’s health with love, and share warmth and kindness with unwavering dedication.

    “Let’s all contribute to building a global community of health for all,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: IMPOSING TARIFFS ON COUNTRIES IMPORTING VENEZUELAN OIL

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and in view of the national emergency declared with respect to Venezuela in Executive Order 13692 of March 8, 2015 (Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela), as continued most recently in the notice of February 27, 2025 (Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Venezuela), I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that the actions and policies of the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  The activities of the Tren de Aragua gang, a transnational criminal organization originating in Venezuela and designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, have intensified this threat, as highlighted in Proclamation 10903 of March 14, 2025 (Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act Regarding the Invasion of the United States by Tren De Aragua).  Furthermore, Venezuela’s ongoing destabilizing actions, including its support for illicit activities, necessitate further economic measures to protect United States interests.

    In light of these circumstances, and to address the continued national emergency with respect to Venezuela that forms the basis for Executive Order 13692 and subsequent orders, I hereby order:

    Section 1.  Findings.  (a)  The Tren de Aragua gang, a transnational criminal organization with origins in Venezuela, has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States due to its extensive involvement in terrorist activities such as kidnapping and violent attacks, including the assassination of a Venezuelan opposition figure, that destabilize communities across the Western Hemisphere.  The prior administration’s open-borders policies facilitated the infiltration of the United States by members of Tren de Aragua, allowing these dangerous criminals to establish a foothold within United States cities and prey upon American citizens. The Maduro regime aided and facilitated the influx of Tren de Aragua members into the United States during the prior administration by failing to control its borders, permitting the gang’s operations to flourish within Venezuela, and refusing to take action against its members, thereby exacerbating the illegal immigration crisis.

    (b)  Existing sanctions on Venezuela, including those imposed in Executive Order 13692, Executive Order 13808 of August 24, 2017 (Imposing Additional Sanctions with Respect to the Situation in Venezuela), Executive Order 13850 of November 1, 2018 (Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela), and Executive Order 13884 of August 5, 2019 (Blocking Property of the Government of Venezuela), remain in effect.  The actions and policies of the Maduro regime that were the basis for those orders continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  These actions include:

    (i)    The systematic undermining of democratic institutions through the suppression of free and fair elections and the illegitimate consolidation of power by the regime of Nicolás Maduro;

    (ii)   Endemic economic mismanagement and public corruption at the expense of the Venezuelan people and their prosperity;

    (iii)  The regime’s responsibility for the deepening humanitarian and public health crisis in Venezuela; and

    (iv)   The destabilization of the Western Hemisphere through the forced migration of millions of Venezuelans, imposing significant burdens on neighboring countries.

    Sec. 2.  Imposition of Tariffs.  (a)  On or after April 2, 2025, a tariff of 25 percent may be imposed on all goods imported into the United States from any country that imports Venezuelan oil, whether directly from Venezuela or indirectly through third parties.  Duties imposed by this order will be supplemental to duties on imports already imposed pursuant to IEEPA, section 232 of the Trade Expansion of 1962, section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, or any other authority.

    (b)  The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, is hereby authorized to determine in his discretion whether the tariff of 25 percent will be imposed on goods from any country that imports Venezuelan oil, directly or indirectly, on or after April 2, 2025.

    (c)  Once imposed on a country at the Secretary of State’s discretion, the tariff of 25 percent shall expire 1 year after the last date on which the country imported Venezuelan oil, or at an earlier date if the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, so determines at his discretion.  

    Sec. 3.  Administration and Enforcement.  (a)  The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, is hereby authorized to impose the tariffs established by this order.

    (b)  The Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, is hereby authorized to:

    (i)    Determine whether a country has imported Venezuelan oil, directly or indirectly;

    (ii)   Issue regulations, guidance, and determinations as necessary to implement this order;

    (iii)  Coordinate with the heads of other executive departments and agencies to ensure compliance; and

    (iv)   Take any additional actions consistent with applicable law to carry out the purposes of this order.

    (c)  Any prior Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, or other Presidential directive or guidance that is inconsistent with the direction in this order is hereby terminated, suspended, or modified to the extent necessary to give full effect to this order.

    (d)  Any other Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, or other Presidential directive or guidance that applies to Venezuela or a country subject to a tariff under section 2 of this order remains in full effect, except to the extent specified in subsection (c) of this section.

    (e)  If the Secretary of State, at his discretion, decides to impose a tariff under section 2 of this order on China, that tariff shall also apply to both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region, as a measure to reduce the risk of transshipment and evasion.

    Sec. 4.  Reporting and Review.  The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce shall submit periodic reports to the President, within 180 days of the date of this order and no less than every 180 days thereafter, assessing the effectiveness of the tariffs described in this order and the ongoing conduct of the Maduro regime.

    Sec. 5.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this order:

    (a)  The term “Venezuelan oil” means crude oil or petroleum products extracted, refined, or exported from Venezuela, regardless of the nationality of the entity involved in the production or sale of such crude oil or petroleum products.

    (b)  The term “indirectly” includes purchases of Venezuelan oil through intermediaries or third countries where the origin of the oil can reasonably be traced to Venezuela, as determined by the Secretary of Commerce.

    Sec. 6.  Effective Date.  This order is effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 2, 2025.

    Sec. 7.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   The authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  The functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

                                  DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        March 24, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Quarry Association says Immediate RMA reform needed to avoid quarry material shortages

    Source: Aggregate and Quarry Association of NZ

    The quarry industry warns of shortages and rising prices of foundation materials for housing and infrastructure due to at least two more years of delays in obtaining consents under the Government’s RMA reforms.
    Aggregate and Quarry Association (AQA) CEO Wayne Scott says while quarries support the intent of yesterday’s announcements, it is totally unacceptable to wait until 2027 at the earliest to get any meaningful change in resource consenting.
    He says Government Ministers were told upon taking office that two existing National Policy Statements had drafting flaws stopping quarries from getting consents on land needed to supply the rock, aggregate and sand needed for homes and roads. Over one-third of existing quarries across New Zealand are impacted by the NPS Highly Productive Land.
    “We were told the problems with the flaws in the Highly Productive Land and Indigenous Bio-diversity national policy statements would be fixed,” says Wayne Scott.
    “Yesterday’s announcements show little intent from the Government to address these in a timely manner.”
    He says Ministers appear to believe that introducing the two new RMA bills before the end of the year – and passing them before the 2026 election – will solve all resource consenting and planning issues.
    “The new Natural Environment and Planning Acts will include National Policy Statements and presumably any fixes, then there will be a process for each region to develop a regulatory plan. That’s great but we need action now not in 2027 at the earliest.”
    Wayne Scott says the Government has been repeatedly advised that quarries around much of the country are at capacity and its big infrastructure and housing agenda will soon exceed supply.
    “There may be a view that the Fast-track Approvals Act would sort out issues for quarries. That legislation is very welcome but it’s only going to apply to eight out of a thousand active quarries around New Zealand. “
    He says all other quarries wanting to expand or develop a new site will have to do so under an RMA reform process that will take some years to bed in. In the interim, many will face constraints from two flawed National Policy Statements which two successive Governments promised to fix and both have failed to do so.
    “Quarries are already stretched to meet supply and costs can now only rise. We need urgent attention to resource consenting constraints now,” says Wayne Scott.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Doco – Greenpeace launches documentary exploring freshwater pollution in Canterbury

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace campaigner Will Appelbe says, “For decades, Canterbury’s lakes, rivers, and drinking water have been heading on a rapid downhill trajectory as a result of industry polluters. But it’s not too late to turn that around. People across Canterbury are fighting back to protect their access to fresh water – and that’s the story we’ve told through this documentary.”
    There will be an advance screening of the documentary at Lumiere Cinemas, Christchurch, at 6pm on Thursday 3rd April. Tickets are free, but there will be limited seats available.
    Appelbe, who is himself a Canterbury resident, says, “We know that no matter where they live or who they vote for, New Zealanders want to be able to go swimming in the local rivers, fishing in the lakes, and to be able to drink the water coming out of their kitchen tap. But these fundamental Kiwi values are being eroded by the ongoing pollution of fresh water by the intensive dairy industry.”
    “Central to NZ’s freshwater crisis is the fact that Waitaha Canterbury has the most polluted water in the country. We are a hot spot for contaminated drinking water, unswimmable rivers, and lakes choked with algal bloom. It shouldn’t be this way. Those who are responsible for protecting the health of water in this region have failed drastically.
    “Environment Canterbury has a responsibility to protect freshwater that’s used to source drinking water. Despite knowing about this issue, nitrate contamination is only getting worse in Canterbury. We’re coming up to local body elections later this year, and we expect safe drinking water to become a major election issue.”
    Greenpeace is also running two town hall events in Canterbury – in Ashburton on the 4th April, and Methven on the 6th April – to provide free drinking water testing for nitrate contamination.
    “We know that elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water have been linked to increased human health risks by a growing body of international science. This includes an increased risk of bowel cancer and pre-term birth, at levels much lower than what the NZ government allows to be present in drinking water.”
    “We provide this free drinking water testing so that everyone – no matter where they live – knows whether the water coming out of their tap is safe to drink. Ultimately, though, this is simply a bandaid over a bullet wound. We need to stop the nitrate pollution at the source – the intensive dairy industry – if we want to have any shot at improving water quality in the Waitaha.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Department Advances Efforts to Lower Costs and Increase Consumer Choice

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today announced the Department of Energy (DOE) has further postponed the implementation of three of the Biden-Harris administration’s restrictive mandates on home appliances. These actions, taken in accordance with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, “Unleashing Prosperity through Deregulation,” marks a key step in lowering costs, enhancing performance, and expanding options for American consumers.

    “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Energy is taking critical steps every day to help American families prosper,” said Secretary Wright. “By removing burdensome regulations put in place by the Biden administration, we are returning freedom of choice to the American people, ensuring consumers can choose the home appliances that work best for their lives and budgets. This power should not belong to the federal government.”

    The Department’s notices officially postpone the effective dates for three home appliance rules:

    • Test Procedures for Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
    • Efficiency Standards for Walk-In Coolers and Freezers
    • Efficiency Standards for Gas Instantaneous Water Heaters

    In addition, under the leadership of President Trump, the Department has officially withdrawn four conservation standards, including standards on electric motors, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and external power supplies. This continued commitment to the American people will slash unnecessary red tape and regulations that raise prices, reduce consumer choice, and frustrate the American people.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: GAZA – MSF condemns Israeli strike on Nasser hospital in Gaza, calls for protection of health facilities – MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    JERUSALEM, 25 MARCH 2025 – Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) strongly condemns Israel’s strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza—the largest remaining functioning hospital in the Gaza Strip, where MSF teams work. 

    On 23 March, Israeli forces targeted the hospital’s inpatient surgical department, killing two people, according to the Ministry of Health. MSF teams confirmed there were several people injured, one of which was admitted to our trauma unit, and that severe damage was done to the building. 

    This attack shows a total disregard for the protection of medical facilities, endangered patients and medical staff and the very provision of healthcare. As Israeli forces escalate their operations in Gaza once again, MSF calls for the respect and protection of healthcare facilities, patients and medical staff in Gaza, where the health system has been all but destroyed.

    “Strikes such as these are horrific for staff and patients” says Claire Nicolet, MSF head of emergencies in Gaza. “We cannot go back to repeated attacks on health care facilities when the health system in Gaza is already hanging by a thread, and no supplies have entered in weeks.”

    While Gaza’s healthcare system has collapsed, and the medical needs of people continue to skyrocket, medical workers are yet again forced to fear for their lives while providing care. At Nasser hospital, two MSF colleagues, who were working in different hospital departments, described panic among patients at the time of the attack.

    ” The distance between us and the explosion was so close that we could’ve been hit too,” explains an MSF nurse who works in another ward in Nasser hospital and was close by when the strike happened. “Our colleagues, medical staff, patients and their caretakers were all terrified.”

    During Israel’s war on Gaza, MSF has witnessed relentless attacks on health facilities, a complete disregard for patients, medical workers and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), resulting in the systematic dismantling of Gaza’s health system. Not a single hospital in the Gaza Strip is currently fully functional, and only 21 out of the enclave’s 36 hospitals are partially functioning, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

    As one of the last main hospitals in southern Gaza, Nasser hospital is providing care for people with severe burns and trauma injuries, newborns, and pregnant women.

    Since returning in mid-May 2024, MSF teams have been supporting the emergency, pediatric, and maternity departments at Nasser hospital, as well as running a burn and trauma unit. In February 2024, MSF teams were forced to flee after the hospital was shelled by Israeli forces.

    Furthermore, Nasser Hospital as other health facilities in Gaza is facing several challenges of supplies, including hygiene items, medication and surgical items, while Israeli authorities continue their siege on the Strip for over 20 days. Due to the numerous influxes of patients from recent bombings, MSF stocks are decreasing faster than expected, and the blockade is making it impossible for our teams to restock vital items such as antibiotics, painkillers and anesthetics.

    In a separate incident on May 24, MSF teams in Al-Mawasi primary health care clinic were forced to close the emergency room, evacuate the facility and suspend activities for the day due to close-by shootings and shelling. Healthcare facilities, patients and medical staff must be protected.

    MSF calls once again for the immediate restoration of the ceasefire and for the resumption of the entry of essential aid and basic supplies, which people in Gaza desperately need.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Presses USDA to Reverse $1 Billion in Canceled Local Food Purchases for Farmers, Schools & Food Banks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and a group of her colleagues are demanding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) immediately reverse the cancellation of local food purchase programs that allow states, territories, and Tribes, including Wisconsin, to purchase food from Wisconsin farmers to be used by local emergency food providers, schools, and childcare centers. Specifically, Baldwin is calling on the administration to reverse course on the cancellation of the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS). Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced earlier this month that the Trump Administration had reneged on contracts with the state that support Wisconsin farmers and food banks through the LFPA program.

    “We ask that you reverse the cancellation,” wrote Baldwin and the lawmakers in a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. “We have grave concerns that the cancellation…poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.”

    In their letter, the lawmakers warned of the harmful impacts this move by the Trump Administration will have on American farmers and families. According to Governor Evers’ Office, as of the end of 2024, nearly 300 Wisconsin farmers had participated in the Wisconsin LFPA Program, which distributed more than $4 million in food and served all 72 of Wisconsin’s counties. More than half of the participating farmers—55 percent—were new or beginning farmers. The program was set to enter its third year in just a few weeks based on Wisconsin’s contractual agreement with the federal government. USDA also told school nutritionists that it would end a companion program that connects farmers with local schools. The loss of the two programs is estimated to cut off farmers nationwide from more than $1 billion in support and would cut Wisconsin’s promised funding by nearly $6 million.

    The letter was led by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) and co-signed by 29 other Senate colleagues.

    A full version of this letter is available here and below.

    Dear Secretary Rollins:  

    We write to express serious concerns regarding the cancellation of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs supporting local and regional food purchases providing assistance to those in need. These successful programs, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), allow states, territories, and Tribes to purchase local foods from nearby farmers and ranchers to be used for emergency food providers, schools, and childcare centers.  

    At a time when food insecurity remains high, providing affordable, fresh food to food banks and families while supporting American farmers is critical. Notably, LFPA and LFS have benefitted producers and consumers by providing funding for purchases through all 50 states, four territories, and 84 tribal governments. Through LFPA and LFS, USDA has prioritized the procurement and distribution of healthy, nutritious, domestic food. It has also taken an important step towards igniting rural prosperity by expanding and strengthening markets among farmers and rural economies. As of December 2024, the programs had supported over 8,000 producers, providing increased marketing opportunities.  

    Most importantly, we ask that you reverse the cancellation of LFPA and LFS. We also ask that you provide a thorough and complete update on USDA’s implementation of LFPA and LFS, including answers to the following questions:  

    1. What is the status of reimbursements for entities that have agreements with USDA through LFPA and LFS? What is the last date for which states, territories, and Tribes received reimbursements for food purchases under LFPA and LFS?
    2. Has the Administration conducted any assessments of how these program cancellations will impact producers and recipient organizations (e.g., food banks, schools, child care centers)? If so, please provide a copy of any such assessments.  

    We have grave concerns that the cancellation of LFPA and LFS poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.  

    Please provide responses to the information requested in our questions no later than Friday, April 4. Thank you for your attention to this urgent and important matter.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Rishworth Newschat on the Today Show with James Bracey

    Source: Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    Topics: Budget; Teal MP Monique Ryan’s husband removing political signage; Brisbane Olympics.

    JAMES BRACEY, HOST: Welcome back to Today. The Albanese Government is this morning banking on voters looking past a decade of deficits as they prepare to hand down their fourth Federal Budget, focusing instead on the nation’s books being in better shape now than they were at the end of the pandemic. Joining us to discuss today’s headlines is Minister for Social Services and the NDIS Amanda Rishworth and political strategist Scott Emerson. Morning to you both. Great to chat with you. A busy day today. So, let’s get into it. Amanda, is it fair to be asking Australians to look past the Budget when Australia’s debt will reach $940 billion this financial year?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND THE NDIS: I think what’s important is to look at the action that we have taken. We inherited a mess from the Liberal Party, and we’ve been working very diligently and responsibly to put the Budget in a better nick, quite frankly. We’ve turned two Liberal deficits into surpluses and now we’re reducing the deficit this year and reducing the debt so that Australians are paying less in interest than they otherwise would have.

    JAMES BRACEY: Scott, it’s been reported today young people are battling bracket creep. 63 per cent of Australians aged 45 and over are too scared to retire. Should Labor really be asking them to be hanging on?

    SCOTT EMERSON, POLITICAL STRATEGIST: Well, I think we know, James, this is a cost-of-living Budget. People are struggling. It’s got to be a cost-of-living election coming up in a matter of days being announced. The problem for Labor is that people are feeling it very hard out there. They are doing it tough. And when Jim Chalmers’ selling point is a decade at least of deficits going forward, it’s a hard sell. The problem also for Labor is it didn’t intend to bring down this Budget. Their expectation was that they would be in the election already not have to reveal these numbers. Because of Cyclone Alfred that all got delayed.

    JAMES BRACEY: Yeah, the Budget no one saw coming. And as it comes out today, Michelle, apparently so do the claws. Footage emerging of Peter Jordan, the husband of Teal MP Monique Ryan, tearing down a poster of his wife’s Liberal rival. Now, Amanda, things are getting really ugly out there.

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: I would say that we have pretty civil elections here in Australia compared to other countries. But of course, that obligation relies on all of us to continue to act civilly. I know from time to time in my state and around the place posters do get taken down and vandalised. And it’s important that if people feel others are doing the wrong thing to go through the appropriate channels.

    JAMES BRACEY: All right. The other big issue today, after four long years, Brisbane’s Olympic blueprint is being unveiled. Really looking forward to seeing what they’ve got for us today. Scott, we’re finally going to have a concrete plan. Will it be enough, though, to calm the farm?

    SCOTT EMERSON: Well, I think the problem for Premier David Crisafulli is he did say repeatedly before the election that there wouldn’t be any new stadiums. What everyone is expecting today is that there will be a new stadium at Victoria Park. I guess his argument will be we’ve got to do it right. We’re going to be on the world’s spotlight in 2032. We’ve got to have appropriate stadiums. All the previous Labor government had a was all over the shop. It was three years of wasted planning. So, today is the big day, the D day. What will be interesting is if they scrap the Brisbane arena, which is going to be funded by the Federal government, and get that $2.5 billion reallocated to the other stadium and other facilities.

    JAMES BRACEY: Amanda, a lot of work’s got to be done between now and 2032. Can Brissy pull it off?

    AMANDA RISHWORTH: I am very hopeful that Brisbane can pull it off because it’s such an exciting opportunity. Of course, the Federal government will work with the state government. We, of course, need to make sure that for our contribution, we’re getting value for that. Any investment provides a lasting legacy for Brisbane beyond the games. But look, we are ready to work, of course, across the board to make sure that this is the best games that Australia could possibly put on.

    JAMES BRACEY: There’s a lot of heavy reading ahead of us today with the budget and Brisbane’s big announcement. Thanks so much for your time today, Amanda and Scott.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Announces Foreign Arms Sales Task Force

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast announced the formation of a new task force charged with crafting legislative reforms to ensure the foreign arms sales process meets the demands of the future.

    “This task force will examine the process, make it more transparent, and ensure we’re getting instruments of war – which are also instruments of peace – into the hands of the right partners at the pace that war, deterrence and preparation require,” Chairman Mast said.

    “This is a no-fail mission for our committee, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to ensure the arms sales process places American interests and those of our closest allies front and center.” 

    The task force will propose overdue reforms aimed at eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that encumber the current foreign arms sales process. These efforts will result in more efficient partnerships between the government and private sector stakeholders, a stronger defense industrial base, and foreign partners being better armed more quickly with American systems and hardware.

    In addition to announcing the formation of the task force, Chairman Mast named Rep. Ryan Zinke, (MT-01), to serve as its chairman.

    “The United States military is the finest fighting force and the strongest force for good on the planet. We operate with high lethality and some of the most technologically advanced systems ever created by man. And yet, our closest allies get the bureaucratic shaft when they try to meet their defense needs with made-in-America equipment and systems,” Rep. Zinke said.

    “My goal with the task force is to examine the red tape in foreign military sales and streamline the process for our allies and American companies, while also ensuring mission-critical information is not shared with adversaries.”

    Members serving on the task force include:

     

    Republican Members:

    Rep. Ryan Zinke, (MT-01)

    Rep. Michael Lawler, (NY-17)

    Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, (PA-7)

    Rep. Maria Salazar, (FL-27)

    Rep. Young Kim, (CA-40)

    Rep. Scott Perry, (PA-10)

    Rep. Michael Baumgartner, (WA-5)

    Democrat Members:

    Rep. Brad Sherman, (CA-32)

    Rep. William Keating, (MA-9)

    Rep. Joaquin Castro, (TX-20)

    Rep. Sara Jacobs, (CA-51)

    Rep. Madeleine Dean, (PA-4)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Corporation Announces Results of Conversion of its Series 38 Preferred Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Corporation (“Brookfield”) (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN) today announced that after having taken into account all election notices received by the deadline for the conversion of its Cumulative Class A Preference Shares, Series 38 (the “Series 38 Shares”) (TSX: BN.PF.E) into Cumulative Class A Preference Shares, Series 39 (the “Series 39 Shares”), there were 42,035 Series 38 Shares tendered for conversion, which is less than the one million shares required to give effect to conversion into Series 39 Shares. Accordingly, there will be no conversion of Series 38 Shares into Series 39 Shares and holders of Series 38 Shares will retain their Series 38 Shares.

    About Brookfield Corporation
    Brookfield Corporation is a leading global investment firm focused on building long-term wealth for institutions and individuals around the world. We have three core businesses: Alternative Asset Management, Wealth Solutions, and our Operating Businesses which are in renewable power, infrastructure, business and industrial services, and real estate.

    We have a track record of delivering 15%+ annualized returns to shareholders for over 30 years, supported by our unrivaled investment and operational experience. Our conservatively managed balance sheet, extensive operational experience, and global sourcing networks allow us to consistently access unique opportunities. At the center of our success is the Brookfield Ecosystem, which is based on the fundamental principle that each group within Brookfield benefits from being part of the broader organization. Brookfield Corporation is publicly traded in New York and Toronto (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN).

    For more information, please visit our website at bn.brookfield.com or contact:

    Media:
    Kerrie McHugh
    Tel: (212) 618-3469
    kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com    		 Investor Relations:
    Katie Battaglia
    Tel: (212) 776-2252
    Email: katie.battaglia@brookfield.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – ABC Afternoon Briefing

    Source: Historic Cooma Gaol listed on the NSW State Heritage Register

    TOM LOWREY: Earlier I spoke with Federal Education Minister Jason Clare. Jason Clare, thanks for joining Afternoon Briefing.
    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Thanks for having me.
    LOWREY: The school funding puzzle is now somewhat complete, with Queensland having signed on. With this whole picture now in place, is money the solution to the problems education’s facing broadly? Is that sort of the message here?
    CLARE: It’s two things. It’s funding, but it’s got to be tied to real reform, reforms that are going to help our children who fall behind to catch up at school and to keep up and to finish school. You know, the big challenge that we’re confronting at the moment is the number of kids finishing high school is dropping. Not everywhere, not in the non-government system, but certainly in our public schools. It’s dropped from about 83 per cent about seven or eight years ago down to 73 per cent. And as you know, as everyone watching knows, it’s more important to finish school today than it was when we were at school. We’ve got to turn that around. And that’s why – I was, we have been insistent that this can’t be a blank cheque. This is the biggest investment by the Commonwealth Government in public education ever. It’s worth about $16.5 billion over the next 10 years. But it’s not a blank cheque. It’s tied to the biggest set of reforms to education in decades.
    LOWREY: I wanted to touch on those targets. I think you have a Year 12 completion rate target of around 84 per cent or so by the end of the decade. Is that achievable? That would be a record high.
    CLARE: The key to achieving that is making sure that the young people who are falling behind in primary school get the extra support they need. What NAPLAN data shows us is that the children who fall behind in their first test when they’re eight years old, four out of five of those children are still behind when they sat the NAPLAN test in Year 9. In other words, 80 per cent of the children who are behind when they’re little are still behind when they’re in the middle of high school. They’re the children most likely to not finish high school. What we also know is if you intervene early, if you identify those children early, even before they sit that test, maybe in kindergarten prep year one, and you provide them with extra individualised support, then they can catch up faster. Things like catch-up tutoring, where a child gets taken out of a class of 30 children into a class with three or four, four days a week for 40 minutes. If it’s done right, then a child can learn as much in six months as they normally learn in 12 months. In other words, they catch up. That’s the sort of real practical reform that’s going to make a difference to help more young people finish high school.
    LOWREY: Yeah. There’s a clause in these agreements that requires, I think evidence-based teaching is the language. For those that don’t know, what are you sort of referring to there? And are you intervening in how teachers should run their classroom?
    CLARE: No. I think the reading wars are over. I think the evidence is now pretty clear about how to teach children to read about all of the techniques that really work. Synthetic phonics is a classic example of that. All of the evidence shows us what works to help young people learn. We’re embedding that in the curriculum, in the university degrees. But this will help to roll that out in classrooms across the nation as well. And state ministers, state governments are doing a lot of the heavy lifting in that regard right across the country.
    LOWREY: Public schools aren’t going to be fully funded nationwide still for some time. There’s still a process to grow the funding to get to that point. And at the same time, we always hear stories about private schools building new pools or orchestra pits, or, I think, someone has a Scottish castle. Is there work to do on the private school funding side of ledger, do you think?
    CLARE: First this is not about building classrooms. It’s about the children in the classrooms. It’s the investment in the children.
    LOWREY: Is there something about school funding?
    CLARE: Yeah, no, absolutely. This takes us back to the work that David Gonski did more than 10 years ago. And he set a formula for how we should fund our schools, private schools and public schools. Private schools are funded at that level that David Gonski said they should be at all those years ago. Public schools aren’t, not until now. That’s why today’s a big day. You know, this is a big deal. No government has ever done this before, ever. This agreement that we’ve now struck with every state and territory means that every public school across the country is going to be funded at that level that David Gonski said they should be at. And it ratchets up year after year after year to get to that level. You know, I’m a kid from a public school in the western suburbs of Sydney. I’m the first person in my family to finish school, first person in my family to finish Year 10. I’m only here because of the schools I went to, the teachers who taught me. I understand how important it is. This sort of investment tied to these sorts of reforms are going to help kids like the kid I was, the kids that I went to school with. It’s going to help to make sure that every child in the country, wherever they go to school, whether it’s a non-government school or a government school, get the resources and the support that they need to get a great start in life.
    LOWREY: I want to touch on another issue going on in education, higher education. In fact, the US has been reviewing funding agreements with Australian universities. Do you have a picture yet of the impact of those reviews? I think they’re being sent questionnaires almost on their ideological positions to try and justify the funding they’re receiving.
    CLARE: Yeah, we’re starting to get more information. This emerges out of a review that the US Government has initiated into foreign aid and research has been caught in that. We understand that at least seven Australian universities have been affected by this, that they’re conducting research that’s either been suspended or stopped. I’ve asked my department to work with those universities, get more information from other Australian universities about potential research that might be affected. The Australian Embassy in Washington is working with US departments to get a better understanding of this. We expect that the outcomes of that review that the US has initiated will be clearer in the second half of April. 
    Australian universities do great research. To put it in perspective, we’re a nation that represents about 0.3 per cent of the globe’s population, but we do 3 per cent of the world’s research, so we punch above our weight. It’s the reason that countries like the US want to work with us and work with our universities. Ultimately, the US will make their own decisions about the research that they want to fund. But we think it’s worth working with Australia because we’ve got great universities.
    LOWREY: Yeah, look, some of these questions that academics are being asked, things like, can you confirm that your organisation does not work with any party that espouses anti-American beliefs, or that this work is not climate or environmental justice sort of projects. Is that appropriate to be asking Australian academics those kinds of questions about their research? Is it foreign interference even?
    CLARE: No, I don’t think it is. This is US-funded research of US universities working with Australian universities. Ultimately, it’s up to the US about what research it wants to fund. I would advocate for the US to want to work with our universities because they’re some of the best in the world. And that’s why the Australian Embassy is working with US officials to get a better understanding about this issue.
    LOWREY: What’s your advice to those universities? Should they write back? Should they fill in these questionnaires?
    CLARE: They are, they are. I think overwhelmingly, it’s not universities themselves, but it’s individual researchers in our universities that are responding to requests from individual researchers in individual US universities. But it’s not just the universities that are answering these questions. We’re seeking further information from the US.
    LOWREY: Would you consider, or the Australian government consider stepping in to fill the breach if some of this funding is pulled? You mentioned the sort of notable work they’re doing.
    CLARE: No, I don’t think it’s practical for the Australian Government to underwrite this sort of research. But whether it’s the United States or whether it’s Europe or anybody else that collaborates with Australian universities, they know, like we know, that our universities are some of the best in the world. Our researchers are extraordinary. I encourage them to continue the work they’re doing.
    LOWREY: Just quickly on the Budget we’re going to see tomorrow, anything in particular to look out for in the education space? And do you think there’s broadly concerns about the government handing down a big spending budget? Is that what Australians want to see at this point in time, with inflation still a concern?
    CLARE: I think most Australians want to make sure we’re investing in the areas that are going to set us up for the future, and that’s what education does. Three big things in my area. One is cutting the cost of childcare for more than a million Australian families. We announced that almost two years ago, implemented that almost two years ago. That continues to have a big impact for families across the country. For the average family with one child in childcare saves them more than $2,000 a year. Then there’s this, the big investment that we’re making in our schools that are going to help more children to finish high school. We want more young people to be able to finish high school, then go on to TAFE or to university, and that’s where free TAFE comes in. And that’s also where cutting the cost of HECS comes in. We’ve said that if we win the next election, we’ll cut the cost of HECS debt for 3 million Australians by 20 per cent. I’ll give you an example about what that means. The average HECS debt today is about 27 grand. If we win the election, will be able to implement that change that will cut that debt for that individual by $5,500. That’s a lot of money in people’s pockets. You’ll see that in the Budget tomorrow night.
    LOWREY: Just quickly, on your part of the world, in Western Sydney, there’s been a lot of talk about how the conflict in Gaza is cutting through to voters, particularly in your electorate and the electorate surrounding it. Are you concerned that issue might see Labor bleed votes to the Greens and to some high-profile independents as well?
    CLARE: I don’t take any vote for granted. I’ve had the privilege to represent Western Sydney, the area that I grew up, now for a long time. I work my guts out for my community every single day, but I also know that my community is hurting in a way that not every community is. This isn’t a conflict on the other side of the world, for my community it’s much closer to home. The dead bodies that they see on television sometimes are family, they’re relatives, and so it affects my community in a very unique and personal way, and so I’m very conscious of that. My job is to represent my community every single day the best I can, and I’ll continue to do that.
    LOWREY: Jason Clare thanks for joining me. 
    CLARE: Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds Man Guilty of Strangulation in Southeast Washington

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Desmond Fletcher, 37, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, has been found guilty by a jury of one count of felony strangulation and two counts of misdemeanor assault for charges that took place in southeast Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                The verdict was returned on March 24, 2025, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Judith Pipe scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2025.

                According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours of September 4, 2023, Fletcher came to the home of the victim, a woman he had been seeing romantically. Once inside, the defendant confronted the victim, following her from room to room, as he strangled and assaulter her, causing her to black-out and urinate. The victim’s minor daughter was also home at the time of the assault. The victim ultimately ran to a next-door neighbor and asked her to call 911.

                Strangulation is widely recognized as one of the most lethal forms of intimate partner violence. A major strangulation study in San Diego, which is frequently cited, found: “Many victims suffer internal injuries, including permanent brain damage. Signs and symptoms do exist and can be documented even without visible injury… Most abusers do not strangle to kill. They strangle to show they can kill.  Victims often suffer major long-term emotional and physical impacts. Surviving victims are much more likely to die later if their abuser has strangled them.” The study also noted that “…..the odds of becoming a victim of attempted homicide increased by 700%, and the odds of becoming a homicide victim increased by 800%, among women who had been strangled by their partner.”

                In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Trisha Jhunjhnuwala and Sarah Roessler, from the Domestic Violence Felony Unit of the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section of the Superior Court Division, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Permanent supportive, complex-care homes planned for Kamloops

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People living with complex mental-health and substance-use challenges in Kamloops will soon have access to robust health and social supports in housing, with 20 new complex-care homes planned for the community.

    “This project is part of our work to make communities safer for everyone by delivering real solutions to address the complex challenges people face,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “By providing a safe place to live with enhanced supports, individuals facing complex challenges can find a pathway to hope and healing.”

    The Province, through BC Housing, is proposing to build the 20 complex-care homes on a subdivided portion of a 5.5-hectare (13.5 acres) lot in the Columbia Precinct area of Kamloops. BC Housing will be partnering with a housing provider to operate the site, at 1100 Glenfair Dr., as well as Interior Health, which will provide health services to complex-care clients. The operator, not yet selected, will bring proven experience in providing support for residents and being a point of contact for neighbours. Staff will work with residents and the surrounding community on an ongoing basis to address any concerns.

    “People living with substance-use challenges are often experiencing multiple concurrent challenges such as homelessness, health and mental-health conditions, which pose significant barriers to accessing the treatment they need,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The new Kamloops complex-care housing project will provide comprehensive care and supports for people and will help many community members get the support they need to lead healthier lives.”

    Complex-care housing provides voluntary housing and support services to people with significant health needs, including mental-health or substance-use challenges and other health issues, such as brain injuries or mobility challenges. Teams of professionals will work with residents to provide the supports needed to maintain stable housing and improve their quality of life. A non-profit operator will manage the building and provide support services. Interior Health staff will provide and connect tenants to the health services they need.

    “These new homes will provide much-needed support for some of our most vulnerable residents, ensuring they have access to the care and stability they need,” said Margot Middleton, deputy mayor of Kamloops. “This project is an important step toward building a healthier, more inclusive community for everyone in Kamloops.”

    Before construction can begin on a new three-storey building, one of the nine aging buildings requires demolition. BC Housing is working with its partners to develop individualized relocation plans based on personal housing needs for each of the 21 current tenants to ensure no one is displaced. Moving expenses will be covered by BC Housing.

    “With dedicated health and social services in place, we’ve seen and experienced how complex-care housing supports people in communities,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health. “This expansion of purpose-built housing will enable us to meet the diverse needs of some of our most vulnerable community members in Kamloops.”

    This site was selected for complex-care housing because of its proximity to health services, transit, shops and other amenities in the area.

    Quick Facts:

    • The project will be funded through the Province’s Complex-Care Housing Program, announced in Budget 2022.
    • BC Housing continues to work toward replacing the aging housing units at 1100 Glenfair in Kamloops with approximately 340 new, high-quality affordable homes for seniors.
    • This complex-care housing project is one of several projects in the Columbia Precinct that will expand the housing options available to people in Kamloops.
    • Once complete, the complex-care housing will be a separate property from the year-round seniors shelter planned for 1055 Glenfair Dr. in Kamloops, which is in the planning stages.
    • The new complex-care building will be separated with fencing, separate entrances and exits.
    • Construction is expected to begin in 2026, pending approvals.

    Learn More:

    For more information on the complex-care housing project, visit the Let’s Talk Housing page here: https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/kamloops-complex-care-housing

    To learn more about government’s new Homes for People action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436

    To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

    A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: Homes for BC – Map of Building Projects Across BC | BC Housing (bchousing.org)

    Join BC Housing to listen and learn from people in British Columbia who are creating inclusive housing communities. Subscribe to BC Housing’s podcast, Let’s Talk Housing on:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Better, faster, cheaper auto insurance

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Amendments to the Income Tax Act, 2000 will Continue to Make Life More Affordable for Saskatchewan Residents

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 24, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan will amend The Income Tax Act, 2000 to incorporate initiatives announced in the 2025-26 Budget. Changes to the Act include introducing the Fertility Treatment Tax Credit and Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit, as well as ensuring the continued indexation of tax credits for initiatives in The Saskatchewan Affordability Act and other income tax programs. 

    “Our government listened to the priorities of Saskatchewan people and delivered a budget that addresses those priorities, including making life more affordable,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Jim Reiter said. “These tax credits provide relief for parents trying to grow their families without worrying about the high costs of fertility treatments and create incentives for businesses to invest and scale-up their operations.”

    The Fertility Treatment Tax Credit supports access to fertility treatments by offering a refundable tax credit of 50 per cent toward the costs of an eligible fertility treatment in Saskatchewan of up to $20,000.  

    The Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit supports Saskatchewan’s small and medium-sized businesses, which are critical to a growing economy. It includes a 45 per cent non-refundable tax credit for individuals or corporations who invest equity in eligible small and medium-sized businesses in Saskatchewan. The credit focuses on sectors such as food and beverage manufacturing, as well as machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing sectors.

    “The introduction of the Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit will have a positive effect on the Regina and Saskatchewan business communities,” Regina and District Chamber of Commerce President Mike Tate said. “By introducing tax relief and incentives, the amendments will reduce the financial burden on businesses and allow for reinvestment in innovation, expansion and job creation. This will enable local businesses to thrive while attracting new investments to Saskatchewan.”

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI Dr. Paul Joined Sen. Kennedy in Protecting Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    March 24, 2025

     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

     

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On friday, enator Rand Paul (R-KY) joins Senator John Kennedy’s (R-LA) legislation to prevent veterans from losing their Second Amendment right to purchase or own firearms when they receive help managing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act would preserve the constitutional rights of Veterans.

    “No veteran should have to choose between getting the help they need and preserving their constitutional rights. The VA’s longstanding policy unfairly targets those who served our country, placing bureaucratic decisions above due process. I’m proud to join this effort to defend the Second Amendment rights of our veterans and ensure they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.” – Dr. Rand Paul

    “Our veterans should not receive less due process rights than other Americans just because they served our country and asked the federal government for a helping hand. Under the VA’s interpretation of the law, however, unelected bureaucrats punish Louisiana and America’s veterans by forcing them to choose between their Second Amendment rights and getting the help they need as they manage their financial affairs. I’m proud to introduce the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act to stand up for veterans’ constitutional rights by ending this unfair practice.” – Senator Kennedy

    Because of the VA’s interpretation of current law, the VA sends a beneficiary’s name to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) whenever a fiduciary is appointed to help a beneficiary manage his or her VA benefit payments.

    Ultimately, VA employees decide whether veterans receive help from a fiduciary.

    The bill would prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting a veteran’s personal information to NICS unless a relevant judicial authority rules that the beneficiary is a danger to himself or others.

    You can read the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Paid Parental Leave Superannuation Contribution

    Source:

    If you receive Parental Leave Pay from 1 July 2025

    The government will pay superannuation on government funded Parental Leave Pay. This is known as the Paid Parental Leave Superannuation Contribution (PPLSC).

    If you care for a child, born or adopted, from 1 July 2025 and you receive Parental Leave Pay from Services Australia in 2025–26 and onwards, we will pay a PPLSC.

    Claims for Parental Leave Pay will continue through Services AustraliaExternal Link.

    For more information on claiming Parental Leave Pay and the eligibility conditions that apply, see Services Australia Parental Leave PayExternal Link.

    What you need to do

    If you’re eligible to receive government funded Parental Leave Pay check your:

    • personal details are up to date and ensure your name and address match with both Services Australia and us
    • super fund has your current details – ensuring your name and address in the super fund’s records exactly match the details we have in our records.

    If you have changed your name, you will need to update your name with the ATO and Services AustraliaExternal Link.

    Paid Parental Leave Superannuation Contribution

    Services Australia will let us know how much Parental Leave Pay you’ve been paid. The PPLSC will be based on the Superannuation Guarantee rate, it includes an interest component, and will be paid as a lump sum. In most circumstances, we’ll pay your superannuation contribution to the fund your superannuation contributions are currently paid to.

    We’ll pay the contribution after the end of the financial year in which you received the Parental Leave Pay. We’ll start paying superannuation contributions in the 2026–27 financial year and will let you know when we’ve paid the contribution to your fund.

    If you share Parental Leave Pay with another person, you are both eligible for a PPLSC on your portion of the Parental Leave Pay.

    Your PPLSC is not considered income for the purposes of social security, family assistance, and child support.

    If Services Australia adjusts your Parental Leave Pay we may need to amend your entitlement to a PPLSC.

    Concessional contributions cap

    PPLSC will be taxed at 15% in the hands of the superannuation fund, and will count towards your concessional contributions cap.

    We will let you know you if you exceed your concessional contributions.

    If you believe your super contributions have, or will, exceed a contributions cap due to special circumstances you can apply for a excess contributions determination.

    Employers

    Payment of government funded Parental Leave Pay has not changed.

    However, we will pay PPLSC directly to your employee’s superannuation fund after the relevant financial year has ended. Contributions will start in the 2026–27 financial year.

    Employers are still able to make other super contributions.

    For more information about providing Parental Leave Pay see Services Australia Providing Parental Leave PayExternal Link.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ICE, Law Enforcement Partners Arrest 370 Alien Offenders During Enhanced Operation in Massachusetts

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

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal law enforcement partners apprehended 370 illegal aliens in Massachusetts during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation focusing on transnational organized crime, gangs, and egregious illegal alien offenders March 18-23.

    “The Commonwealth is a safer place for our residents to live and work because ICE and our federal law enforcement partners arrested hundreds of alien offenders and removed them from the streets of Massachusetts,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Throughout this enhanced enforcement operation, we targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in and around Boston. Our efforts resulted in 370 arrests throughout the commonwealth. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the homeland through the eradication of transnational criminal organizations, dismantling dangerous criminal gangs preying on the American public, locating and arresting criminal alien offenders, and making our communities a safer place to live.”

    During the six-day enhanced operation, ICE and federal law enforcement partners targeted egregious criminal alien offenders including transnational criminal organizations known to operate in and around Boston and throughout Massachusetts. These organizations include the notorious MS-13, Tren de Aragua, Trinitarios, and 18th Street gangs.

    “This week’s enhanced enforcement operations with our partners from the FBI, DEA, ATF, DSS and CBP prove that we are taking a whole of government approach to protecting our communities from foreign nationals involved in transnational gangs, drug traffickers, child predators, violent criminals and dangerous individuals living in New England,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “ICE will use every resource and authority we have to prioritize the safety and security of our communities.”

    “Everyone should agree that we cannot and will not tolerate individuals who not only violate our immigration laws but then commit crimes that endanger our communities. Those who enter and remain in this country unlawfully are breaking the law,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah B. Foley. “My office remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that dangerous individuals are identified, prosecuted, and removed, so that the people of Massachusetts can live and work in safe and secure communities.”

    205 of those arrested had significant criminal convictions or charges. Six were foreign fugitives currently facing charges or convictions for murder, drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering

    “Safeguarding the integrity of the immigration and citizenship process is critical. We simply can’t permit violent and dangerous criminals to enter or remain in the United States under false pretenses, with unknown allegiances and intentions. It’s a direct threat to public safety and our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Jodi Cohen. “There’s no question our communities are safer today because of this enhanced, targeted operation. FBI Boston, like all our federal partners, will continue to support ICE with these efforts.”

    Law enforcement officials seized approximately 44 kilograms of methamphetamines, 5 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, three firearms and ammunition from illegal alien offenders during the operation.

    “DEA is proud to have worked with our federal partners in this successful enforcement effort using all of the resources of the federal government to remove violent criminal aliens from our communities, said DEA New England Field Division acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau. “DEA has prioritized investigations on those involving violent, illegal criminal aliens responsible for flooding our communities with deadly and dangerous drugs. DEA’s core mission is to keep the American public safe by seizing deadly and dangerous drugs before they get into our communities, and to bring justice to the criminals responsible for manufacturing, distributing, and supplying these drugs.”

    ICE and their federal law enforcement partners made many of the apprehensions after local jurisdictions refused to honor immigration detainer requests to turn over the offenders and instead chose to release aliens from custody, forcing officers and agents to make at-large arrests in Massachusetts communities.

    “The successful outcome of this immigration enforcement operation demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division James M. Ferguson. “By targeting individuals who pose a threat to public safety, we are reinforcing our commitment to protecting our communities and upholding the integrity of our nation’s immigration laws.”

    “The Diplomatic Security Service is fully committed to supporting the Administration’s priority to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system,” said Diplomatic Security Service Boston Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matthew O’Brien. “This enhanced operation definitively made our communities safer. DSS proudly coordinates with our U.S. and international law enforcement partners to conduct passport, visa fraud, and human trafficking investigations and assist in apprehending fugitives to protect the integrity of U.S. borders and prevent illegal immigration.”

    Among those arrested during the enhanced targeted operation include:

    • A Dominican alien who illegally re-entered the U.S. after removal charged with multiple drug distribution crimes, arrested in Boston.
    • A Dominican alien who illegally re-entered the U.S. after removal charged with trafficking fentanyl, arrested in Boston.
    • A Chilean alien convicted of 4 counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old, arrested in Marlborough.
    • A Brazilian alien charged with manslaughter, homicide by a motor vehicle, homicide while under the influence of liquor, breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a crime, and larceny, arrested in Worcester.
    • A Honduran alien who illegally re-entered the U.S. after removal convicted of rape of a child, assault and battery of a person over 14 and failure to register as a sex offender, arrested in Salem.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted for murder and convicted for firearms trafficking in his native country, arrested in Milford.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted for homicide in in his home country, arrested in Lowell.
    • A Russian alien charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and wanted in his native country for armed robbery and membership in a criminal organization, arrested in Medford.
    • A Dominican alien wanted for homicide in his native country, arrested in Dorchester.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted in his native county for failure to serve a sentence after his convictions for homicide and illegal possession of a firearm arrested in Marlborough.
    • A Salvadoran alien previously deported from the U.S. and documented 18th Street gang member convicted of assault and battery and sentenced to two and a half years committed arrested in Wakefield.
    • A Guatemalan alien charged with rape and convicted of enticing a minor under the age of 16, released by the New Bedford District Court without the ICE detainer being honored, arrested in New Bedford.
    • A Jamaican alien previously deported from the U.S. convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, armed robbery, possession of a firearm, and assault arrested in Pittsfield.
    • A Brazilian alien wanted for in his native country for drug trafficking, money laundering, membership in a criminal organization arrested in West Yarmouth.

    Partner law enforcement participating in the operation were the Boston offices of the FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service and DSS, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston and @HSINewEngland.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Risch, Wyden, Crapo Team Up for Bipartisan Bill to Boost Mass Timber Industry Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    March 24, 2025

    International Mass Timber Conference Kicks off in Portland, Oregon

    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Idaho’s U.S. Senator James Risch today launched a renewed bipartisan effort to promote the use of mass timber in federal building projects and military construction.

    The bipartisan Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act—which is cosponsored by Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Idaho’s U.S. Senator Mike Crapo—would incentivize the use of mass timber building materials by providing a preference in federal building contracts for mass timber products, giving mass timber companies the ability to compete for federal construction, renovation, or acquisition of public buildings and for military construction. The bill’s reintroduction coincides with the start of the International Mass Timber Conference—the largest gathering of mass timber experts in the world—in Portland this week.

    “Mass timber creates jobs in rural and urban communities, reduces wildfire risk, increases forest resiliency, and helps us shrink our carbon footprint,” said Merkley. “This expanding industry presents a huge opportunity for Oregon, and we must do all we can to harness its power for our economy and environment. By using mass timber in federal projects, our bipartisan effort around this critical industry will help tackle our nation’s biggest challenges while creating good-paying jobs in Oregon and across the Pacific Northwest.”

    “As a trained forester, I understand how important the timber industry is to Idaho communities, wildfire risk reduction, and forest management,” said Risch. “The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act is commonsense legislation to benefit Idaho’s forests, create jobs, and increase economic growth.”

    “Mass timber has huge potential to generate jobs in Oregon, reduce carbon emissions, and build an innovative approach to combat the shortage of housing in Oregon and nationwide,” said Wyden. “This fresh use for timber also directly addresses the immediate threat of wildfires caused by the climate crisis. Simply put, the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act adds up to a huge win for our state that helps protect Oregonians and boosts our timber economy.”

    “Idaho’s timber industry already provides a wealth of benefits in its resourcefulness across a number of critical projects in our state,” said Crapo. “Boosting demand for Idaho timber in the construction of federal buildings will harness the incredible work already done in our forests, and create new opportunities for Idaho companies, workers and products.”

    The bipartisan bill creates a two-tier contracting preference for mass timber and other innovative wood projects. The first-tier preference applies to mass timber that is made within the U.S. and responsibly sourced from state, federal, private, and Tribal forestlands. The optional second tier applies to mass timber products that are sourced from restoration practices, fire mitigation projects, and/or underserved forest owners. Additionally, this bill contains a reporting requirement for a whole building lifecycle assessment. The results of this assessment will help provide additional evidence of the carbon sequestration benefits of mass timber buildings.

    The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act is endorsed by the American Wood Council, Sustainable Northwest, Forest Landowners Association, National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), Weyerhaeuser, Freres Engineered Wood, Oregon Forest Industries Council, Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC), Oregon iSector, Washington Mass Timber Accelerator, Pacific Northwest Mass Timber Tech Hub, American Forest Resource Council, and Oregon Department of Forestry.

    “Mass timber and wood construction presents a real opportunity to grow our domestic manufacturing and sustain our rural communities in the process. The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act is an important first step in expanding new markets for wood products, ensuring that the nation’s single biggest developer – the federal government – can help invest in this emerging technology. This is a win-win proposal: not only would the bill expand markets and support domestic manufacturing; it would also support active forest management, help reduce wildfire risk and create jobs in forestry, manufacturing and construction. We applaud Senators Merkley and Risch for their bipartisan leadership and support for forestry communities nationwide,” said Jackson Morrill, President and CEO of the American Wood Council.

    “Sustainable Northwest commends Senator Merkley and Senator Risch for introduction of the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act. This practical legislation will spur use of innovative wood products in public buildings, support American manufacturing, and build critical markets for restoration of our nation’s forests,” said Dylan Kruse, President of Sustainable Northwest.

    “Private forest landowners, many from multi-generational family businesses, are the backbone of forest health in the U.S. But rising natural disasters and limited recovery tools threaten their ability to keep forests healthy and resilient. Expanding market access is critical to their success, and we thank Senator Merkley and Senator Risch for their leadership on the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act of 2025. By replacing carbon-intensive materials with American-grown timber, this policy strengthens our wood products supply chain, supports rural economies, and ensures the future of our working forests,” said Scott Jones, CEO of the Forest Landowners Association.

    “We commend Senators Merkley and Risch for re-introducing the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act. Wood is an abundant, renewable, and sustainable building material. When we build with American-grown wood, we bolster our nation’s private working forests and the rural communities that depend on them. As global leaders in modern, sustainable forest management, U.S. forest owners are already growing the wood needed to expand mass timber construction. Because of the strong relationship between forest products markets and sustainable forest management, today we have 60% more wood in our forests than we had in the 1950s. This positions mass timber construction to deliver wins for the economies of rural communities, our nation’s water quality, wildlife, and more. We look forward to working with the Senators as well as their colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to advance this important legislation,” said Dave Tenny, President and CEO of NAFO.

    “Wood products are the most sustainable, versatile and cost-effective building material we have. Building more with wood decreases the country’s dependence on materials that have a much higher environmental impact and rely on large amounts of fossil fuels in their production. Additionally, wood products manufacturing facilities are critical drivers of rural economies, and increased wood products demand and usage will bolster and continue to provide jobs in these communities. Mass timber has emerged as a transformative way to use wood in larger and taller buildings and grow the market for wood construction and wood buildings. The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act recognizes the importance of sustainably managed wood as a building material in the construction of federal buildings, and we commend Senator Merkley and Senator Risch for introducing this important piece of legislation,” said Kristen Sawin, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Weyerhaeuser.

    “The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act seeks to foster innovative wood products development by encouraging the use of sustainable, renewable, and domestically supplied wood products for Federal projects. Freres Engineered Wood wholeheartedly supports this act for encouraging innovation inbuilding design and construction, as well as the social benefits of resilient forests, healthy habitats, and prosperous rural communities, from sustainable forest management across our Federal lands,” said Tyler Freres, Vice President at Freres Engineered Wood.

    “The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act is not just legislation; it is a commitment to building a sustainable future. By embracing mass timber, we are investing in our planet, expanding economic opportunities, and setting a standard for environmentally responsible construction. This legislation will not only allow us to create structures that stand tall but it will foster a legacy of stewardship for generations to come,” said David Walter, CEO of the CRTC Building Innovation Center.

    “The private, public and civic sectors are coming together to support Mass Timber as never before in Oregon and Washington. This bill will find support for its preferences and lifecycle assessment provisions from our Mass Timber partnerships,” said Greg Wolf, Executive Director of Oregon iSector.

    “The Washington Mass Timber Accelerator, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating sustainable and equitable adoption of mass timber in construction in Washington and nationally, is pleased to support the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act. The State of Washington is poised to supply high-quality mass timber products to public buildings across the United States, sourced from federal forest restoration projects and forests cared for and managed by Tribal Nations – contributing to wildfire risk reduction and rural community economic development. These mass timber buildings can be built with labor standards and apprenticeship opportunities, and will endure long into the future, and serve as a celebration and reminder of our commitment to people and planet,” said Erica Spiritos, Director at the Washington Mass Timber Accelerator.

    “The Pacific Northwest Mass Timber Tech Hub enthusiastically welcomes and strongly endorses the introduction of the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act bill, which will help the United States restore well-paying jobs to rural communities, tackle the urgent challenges of wildfire risk and housing supply, and contribute to national security through a reduced reliance on foreign-sourced steel,” said Iain Macdonald, Director at the Pacific Northwest Mass Timber Tech Hub.

    Full text of the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf Concludes Sixty-Third Session

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    NEW YORK, 24 March (Office of Legal Affairs) ― The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf held its sixty-third session at United Nations Headquarters from 17 February to 21 March.  The plenary parts of the session were held from 24 to 28 February and from 10 to 14 March.  The remainder of the session was devoted to the technical examination of submissions at the premises of the Division, including geographic information systems laboratories and other technical facilities.

    During the first plenary part of the session, the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, Elinor Hammarskjöld, addressed the Commission for the first time since her appointment.  She acknowledged the crucial contribution of the Commission to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and paid tribute to the significant work carried out by the members of the Commission in this regard.  Noting the ongoing liquidity crisis affecting regular budget operations of the United Nations Secretariat, the Under‑Secretary-General reiterated that the Division would continue to do its utmost to deliver high-quality support to the Commission within the available means.

    The Submissions of the following coastal States were considered by the Commission and its subcommissions: Mauritius in respect of the region of Rodrigues Island (partial submission); Palau in respect of the North Area (partial amended submission); Portugal; Spain in respect of the area of Galicia (partial submission); Namibia; Cuba in respect of the eastern polygon in the Gulf of Mexico; Mozambique; and Madagascar; as well as revised submissions made by Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin (partial revised submission); Cook Islands concerning the Manihiki Plateau (revised submission); Iceland in respect of the western, southern and south-eastern parts of the Reykjanes Ridge (partial revised submission); Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Oriental and Meridional Margin (partial revised submission); and the Russian Federation in the Area of the Gakkel Ridge in the Arctic Ocean (partial revised submission).

    The Commission approved three sets of recommendations, namely in regard to the submissions made by Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin (partial revised submission); Cuba in respect the eastern polygon in the Gulf of Mexico; and Iceland in respect of the western, southern and south-eastern parts of the Reykjanes Ridge (partial revised submission).

    During its plenary meetings, with regard to the submission made by Guyana, the Commission decided to defer its consideration in view of an objection conveyed by Venezuela.

    The Commission further heard presentations on the submission of Mozambique, which was a repeat presentation made upon the request of the coastal State; the partial revised submission made by Brazil in respect of the Brazilian Oriental and Meridional Margin; and the partial submission made by Viet Nam in respect of the Central Area.

    Underscoring the importance that submitting States attach to the work of the Commission, delegations were represented in the plenary at the high level:  the delegation of Mozambique was headed by the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Estêvão Tomás Rafael Pale; the delegation of Cuba was headed by the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío Domínguez; and the delegation of the Russian Federation was headed by the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Alexander Kozlov.

    In view of the progress in its work, the Commission decided to establish subcommissions to consider the partial submission made by Mexico in respect of the eastern polygon in the Gulf of Mexico; the submission made by the United Republic of Tanzania; and the partial submission made by Denmark in respect of the Southern Continental Shelf of Greenland. With a view to facilitating the efficient consideration of submissions, the Commission decided that subcommissions could actively consider two submissions in parallel, as needed.

    The Commission appointed the new member of the Commission, Ahmed Er Raji (Morocco), to subcommissions.  In view of the resignation of Mr. Brekke due to health reasons and the establishment of new subcommissions, the Commission also adjusted the membership of some existing subcommissions and subsidiary bodies.  The Commission also elected David Cole Mosher (Canada) as Vice-Chair of the Commission for the remainder of the current two-and-a-half-year term — until 15 December.

    With regard to the request of the General Assembly in its resolution 79/144 for the Secretary-General to develop and make available training courses to assist States in relation to the preparation, making and maintenance of submissions, as well as their consideration, the secretariat informed the Commission that no earmarked voluntary trust fund contributions for such activities had been received as of 13 March, and that, if no contributions were received by April, the secretariat would not be in a position to deliver on this mandate in 2025.

    The Commission also continued its consideration of initiatives to enhance efficiency in its work, including the development of technical bulletins and templates for presentations and recommendations.

    Further details on the sixty-third session will be available in the Statement of the Chairperson of the Commission (document CLCS/63/2).

    The background press release on this session is available at https://press.un.org/en/2025/sea2206.doc.htm.

    Background

    Established pursuant to article 2 of annex II to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Commission makes recommendations to coastal States on matters related to the establishment of the outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, based on information submitted by those coastal States.  The recommendations are based on the scientific data and other material provided by coastal States in relation to the implementation of article 76 of the Convention and do not prejudice matters relating to the delimitation of boundaries between States with opposite or adjacent coasts or prejudice the position of States that are parties to a land or maritime dispute, or application of other parts of the Convention or any other treaties.  The limits of the continental shelf established by a coastal State on the basis of the recommendations are final and binding. In the case of disagreement by a coastal State with the recommendations of the Commission, the coastal State shall, within a reasonable time, make a revised or new submission to the Commission.

    Under rule 23 of its rules of procedure (Public and private meetings), the meetings of the Commission, its subcommissions and subsidiary bodies are held in private, unless the Commission decides otherwise.

    As required under the rules of procedure of the Commission, the executive summaries of all the submissions, including all charts and coordinates, have been made public by the Secretary‑General through continental shelf notifications circulated to Member States of the United Nations, as well as States Parties to the Convention.  The executive summaries are available on the Division’s website at:  www.un.org/depts/los/clcs_new/clcs_home.htm.  The summaries of recommendations adopted by the Commission are also available on the above-referenced website.

    The Commission is a body of 21 experts in the field of geology, geophysics or hydrography serving in their personal capacities. Members of the Commission are elected for a term of five years by the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention having due regard to the need to ensure equitable geographical representation. Not fewer than three members shall be elected from each geographical region.

    Currently, two seats on the Commission are vacant as a result of the resignation of Mr. Brekke and the long-standing vacancy resulting from a lack of nominations from the Group of Eastern European States.  A call for nominations has been circulated to States Parties with a view to filling these vacancies at a by-election to be conducted at the thirty-fifth Meeting of States Parties, scheduled to be convened from 23 to 27 June. The nomination period opened on 12 February and will close on 12 May at midnight.

    The Convention provides that the State party which submitted the nomination of a member of the Commission shall defray the expenses of that member while in performance of Commission duties.  A voluntary trust fund for the purpose of defraying the cost of participation of the members of the Commission from developing countries has been established.  It has facilitated the participation of several members of the Commission from developing countries in the sessions of the Commission.

    The convening by the Secretary-General of the sessions of the Commission, with full conference services, including documentation, for the plenary parts of these sessions, is subject to approval by the General Assembly of the United Nations.  The Assembly does so in its annual resolutions on oceans and the law of the sea, which also address other matters relevant to the work of the Commission and the conditions of service of its members.

    For additional information on the work of the Commission see the website of the Division at www.un.org/depts/los/index.htm.  In particular, the most recent Statements by the Chair on the progress in the work of the Commission are available at http://www.un.org/depts/los/clcs_new/commission_documents.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace: Government’s RMA overhaul a hostile takeover of nature

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace is hitting out at the Government’s plan to scrap and rewrite the Resource Management Act (RMA), calling it a hostile takeover of nature.
    “The government’s proposed reforms are based on the dangerous idea that if you own a piece of land, you should be able to do what you like with it – even if that means polluting rivers, cutting down forests, or pumping nitrates into drinking water,” says Greenpeace spokesperson Gen Toop.
    “This isn’t reform – it’s environmental vandalism.”
    In its announcement, the Government has signalled that it plans to premise the country’s legal environmental protection framework on private property rights.
    “Treating nature as private property ignores the reality that rivers, forests, and wildlife don’t stop at the boundary line. As we’ve seen in Canterbury, the nitrate pollution from intensive dairy farms doesn’t stay on the farm. It can travel underground and contaminate people’s drinking water many kilometres away,” says Toop.
    “Alongside the Fast Track Approvals Act and the Treaty Principles Bill, this is part of the Luxon Government’s war on nature designed to tear apart environmental protections so that corporations can exploit and pollute the environment with no guardrails.”
    “This Government can’t even manage getting lunches to school kids – we certainly can’t trust them to rewrite the rules on something as complex and critical as environmental protection.”
    Greenpeace is calling for the Government to halt the RMA reforms and instead strengthen laws that protect nature and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Diversified Royalty Corp. Announces Fourth Quarter and Year End 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Royalty Corp. (TSX: DIV and DIV.DB.A) (the “Corporation” or “DIV”) is pleased to announce its financial results for the three months (“Q4 2024”) and year ended December 31, 2024.

    Highlights

    • The weighted average organic royalty growth1 of DIV’s diversified royalty portfolio was 5.9% in Q4 2024 and 5.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 6.8% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 (“Q4 2023”) and 8.4% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The weighted average organic royalty growth1 on a constant currency basis was 5.4% in Q4 2024 and 4.8% for the year ended December 31, 2024.
    • Revenue was $17.0 million in Q4 2024 and $65.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, up 3.9% and 15.0%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023.
    • Adjusted revenue1 was $18.4 million in Q4 2024 and $70.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, up 3.8% and 14.0%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023.
    • Distributable cash1 was $12.6 million in Q4 2024 and $44.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, up 21.5% and 17.5%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023.
    • Payout ratio1 was 82.3% in Q4 2024 based on dividends of $0.0625 per share for the quarter, compared to 84.2% in Q4 2023 based on dividends of $0.0609 per share for the comparable quarter and 90.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024 based on dividends of $0.2487 per share for the year, compared to 90.2% based on dividends of $0.2415 per share for the comparable year.
    • In celebration of DIV’s 10-year anniversary, we are proud to recognize the following:
      • On October 6, 2014, we announced our name change to “Diversified Royalty Corp.”
      • DIV’s very first dividend was $0.0157 per share, paid on November 28, 2014
      • The total dividends paid to shareholders since then is $269.1 million, or $2.25 per share

    Fourth Quarter Commentary

    Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of DIV stated, “Overall, DIV is pleased with how its royalty partners performed with weighted average organic royalty growth of 5.9% in Q4 2024 and 5.0% for the year ended December 31, 2024. As with all portfolios, there are varying degrees of performance within the portfolio. Mr. Lube, our largest royalty partner, continued to see strong double-digit growth, generating SSSG1 (defined below) of 12.0% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2024, and 10.5% for the year ended December 31, 2024. This exceptional performance is the result of Mr. Lube’s management team working with their franchisees to share best practices and optimize the performance of each location. DIV’s other variable royalty partners generated mixed results with Oxford generating positive SSSG and Mr. Mikes generating negative SSSG in Q4. DIV’s fixed royalty partners, Nurse Next Door, Stratus and BarBurrito made their fixed royalty payments. DIV is deferring 20% of Sutton’s royalties to help them invest in the business and build on the positive momentum in Q4. DIV continues to see a decrease in royalty income from AIR MILES® because of the loss of Metro as a loyalty partner and continued softness across the AIR MILES® Rewards Program.”

    1. Adjusted revenue and distributable cash are non-IFRS financial measures, payout ratio is a non-IFRS ratio and weighted average organic royalty growth and Same-store-sales growth or SSSG are supplementary financial measures – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

    Fourth Quarter Results

       Three months ended December 31,
    		     Year ended December 31,
    		  
    (000’s)   2024     2023       2024     2023  
    Mr. Lube + Tires $ 8,602   $ 7,810     $ 31,190   $ 28,429  
    Stratusa   2,268     2,099       8,714     8,171  
    BarBurrito   2,101     2,032       8,403     2,032  
    Nurse Next Doorb   1,341     1,316       5,309     5,207  
    Oxford   1,206     1,162       4,530     4,521  
    Sutton   899     1,095       4,206     4,339  
    Mr. Mikes   1,040     1,130       4,226     4,570  
    AIR MILES®   896     1,044       3,640     4,352  
    Adjusted revenuec $ 18,352   $ 17,688     $ 70,218   $ 61,621  
                               

    a) Stratus royalty income for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, was US$1.6 million and US$6.4 million, respectively, translated at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.4000 and $1.3703 to US$1, respectively (three months and year ended December 31, 2023 – royalty income of US$1.5 million and US$6.1 million, respectively, translated at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.3610 and $1.3493 to US$1, respectively).
    b) Represents the DIV Royalty Entitlement plus management fees received from Nurse Next Door.
    c) DIV Royalty Entitlement and adjusted revenue are non-IFRS financial measures and as such, do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. For additional information, refer to “Non-IFRS Measures” in this news release.

    In Q4 2024, DIV generated $17.0 million of revenue compared to $16.4 million in Q4 2023. After considering the DIV Royalty Entitlement2 (defined below) related to DIV’s royalty arrangements with Nurse Next Door, DIV’s adjusted revenue2 was $18.4 million in Q4 2024, compared to $17.7 million in Q4 2023. Adjusted revenue increased primarily due to incremental revenue received through the acquisition of the BarBurrito rights on October 4, 2023, positive SSSG2 at Mr. Lube + Tires and Oxford, the annual contractual royalty increases at Stratus and Nurse Next Door, partially offset by negative SSSG from Mr. Mikes and lower royalty income from AIR MILES® and the 20% deferral of the Sutton royalties, all as discussed in further detail below.

    2. Adjusted revenue and DIV Royalty Entitlement are non-IFRS financial measures and SSSG are supplementary financial measures – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

    Royalty Partner Business Updates

    Mr. Lube + Tires: Mr. Lube Canada Limited Partnership (“Mr. Lube + Tires”) generated SSSG3 of 12.0% for the Mr. Lube + Tires stores in the royalty pool for Q4 2024 and 10.5% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to SSSG of 14.0% and 17.1%, for the same respective prior periods in 2023.

    3. Same-store-sales growth or SSSG is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

    Stratus: Royalty income from SBS Franchising LLC (“Stratus”) was $2.3 million (US$1.6 million translated at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.4000 to US$1.00) for Q4 2024 and $8.7 million (US$6.4 million translated at an average foreign exchange rate of $1.3703 to US$1.00) for the year ended December 31, 2024. The fixed royalty payable by Stratus increases each November at a rate of 5% until and including November 2026 and 4% each November thereafter during the term of the license, with the most recent increase effective November 15, 2024.

    Nurse Next Door: The royalty entitlement to DIV (the “DIV Royalty Entitlement4”) from Nurse Next Door Professional Homecare Services Inc. (“Nurse Next Door”) was $1.3 million in Q4 2024 and $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The DIV Royalty Entitlement from Nurse Next Door grows at a fixed rate of 2.0% per annum during the term of the license, with the most recent increase effective October 1, 2024.

    4. DIV Royalty Entitlement is a non-IFRS measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

    Mr. Mikes: SSSG5 for the Mr. Mikes Restaurants Corporation (“Mr. Mikes”) restaurants in the Mr. Mikes royalty pool was -4.7% in Q4 2024 and -3.4% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to SSSG of 7.3% and 10.1%, for the same respective prior periods in 2023. The lower SSSG percentage in the current period is primarily due to lower restaurant guest traffic. In addition, in the comparable period, SSSG was measured against quarters that included the impact from COVID-19 related government regulations, including vaccine mandates.

    Royalty income and management fees of $1.0 million were generated by Mr. Mikes in Q4 2024, compared to $1.2 million in Q4 2023, which excludes approximately $0.05 million from the partial payment of deferred contractual royalty fees and accrued management fees. Royalty income and management fees of $4.2 million were generated for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $4.4 million generated for the year ended December 31, 2023, excluding approximately $0.18 million from the partial payment of deferred contractual royalty fees and accrued management fees.

    5. Same-store-sales growth or SSSG is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

    Oxford: The Oxford Learning Centres, Inc. (“Oxford”) locations in the Oxford royalty pool generated SSSG6 (on a constant currency basis) of 4.0% in Q4 2024 and 0.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to SSSG of -0.2% and 5.9%, for the same respective prior periods in 2023. Oxford’s SSSG has returned to being positive after lapping the completion of the Ontario Government funding of student learning support, which included private tutoring, which funding completed in the first half of 2023.

    6. Same-store-sales growth or SSSG is a supplementary financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

    AIR MILES®: In Q4 2024, royalty income of $0.9 million was generated from the AIR MILES® Licenses compared to $1.0 million generated in Q4 2023, a decrease of 14.2% from the comparable quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2024, royalty income of $3.6 million was generated compared to $4.4 million generated in the comparable year, a decrease of 16.4%. The decrease is largely due to the loss of AIR MILES® sponsor Metro and continued softness in the AIR MILES® Rewards Program.

    Sutton: In Q4 2024, royalty income of $0.9 million was generated by Sutton, which is net of a 20% royalty deferral, compared to $1.1 million generated in Q4 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, royalty income of $4.1 million was generated, which includes a 20% royalty deferral for Q4, 2024, compared to $4.3 million generated in the comparable year. DIV and Sutton entered into a royalty deferral agreement during Q4 2024, which provides Sutton with a 20% deferral of royalties from October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025. The deferred royalties do not accrue interest and are due in full on December 31, 2027. Sutton finished 2024 on a strong note, opening two new franchise locations in Q4 and has a growing pipeline of franchise opportunities across Canada. Sutton intends to invest the deferred royalties to complete the rebuild of its management team, increase investment in marketing, roll out its rebranded logo across Canada, increase business development, and build on the positive momentum that began in the back half of 2024.

    BarBurrito: Royalty income from BarBurrito Restaurants Inc. (“BarBurrito”) was $2.1 million for Q4 2024 and $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The royalty payable by BarBurrito initially grows at a fixed rate of 4% per annum each March from and including March 2025 to and including March 2030 and, commencing on January 1, 2031, will fluctuate based on the gross sales of the BarBurrito locations in the royalty pool.

    Distributable Cash and Dividends Declared

    In Q4 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2024, distributable cash7 increased to $12.6 million ($0.0759 per share) and $44.8 million ($0.2762 per share), respectively, compared to $10.4 million ($0.0723 per share) and $38.1 million ($0.2671 per share), in the respective periods in 2023.

    The increase in distributable cash7 for the quarter was primarily due to higher adjusted revenue7, lower general and administrative expenses, lower professional fees, lower interest expense, and lower salaries and benefits. The increase in distributable cash7 for the year was primarily due to higher adjusted revenue7, lower general and administrative expenses, and lower professional fees, partially offset by higher interest expense and higher and salaries and benefits.

    The increase in distributable cash per share7 for the quarter and year end were primarily due to an increase in distributable cash, partially offset by a higher weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

    In Q4 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2024, the payout ratio7 was 82.3% on dividends of $0.0625 per share and 90.0% on dividends of $0.2487 per share, respectively, compared to the payout ratio of 84.2% on dividends of $0.0609 per share and 90.2% on dividends of $0.2410 per share for the same respective periods in 2023. The decrease in payout ratio for the quarter and year end were primarily due to higher distributable cash per share7, partially offset by higher dividends declared per share.

    7. Adjusted revenue and distributable cash are non-IFRS financial measures and distributable cash per share and payout ratio are non-IFRS ratios – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

    Net Income

    Net income for Q4 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $4.0 million and $26.6 million, respectively, compared to net income of $9.1 million and $31.7 million for the same respective periods in 2023. The decrease in net income in Q4 2024 was primarily due to impairment loss on intangible assets and higher share-based compensation expense, partially offset by higher adjusted revenue8 and lower general and administrative expenses, interest expense on credit facilities, and income tax expense. The decrease in net income for the year was primarily due to impairment loss on intangible assets, higher share-based compensation expense, salaries and benefits, and interest expense on credit facilities, partially offset by higher adjusted revenue8 and lower general and administrative expenses, and income tax expense.

    8. Adjusted revenue is a non-IFRS financial measure – see “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

    About Diversified Royalty Corp.

    DIV is a multi-royalty corporation, engaged in the business of acquiring top-line royalties from well-managed multi-location businesses and franchisors in North America. DIV’s objective is to acquire predictable, growing royalty streams from a diverse group of multi-location businesses and franchisors.

    DIV currently owns the Mr. Lube + Tires, AIR MILES®, Sutton, Mr. Mikes, Nurse Next Door, Oxford Learning Centres, Stratus Building Solutions and BarBurrito trademarks. Mr. Lube + Tires is the leading quick lube service business in Canada, with locations across Canada. AIR MILES® is Canada’s largest coalition loyalty program. Sutton is among the leading residential real estate brokerage franchisor businesses in Canada. Mr. Mikes operates casual steakhouse restaurants primarily in western Canadian communities. Nurse Next Door is a home care provider with locations across Canada and the United States as well as in Australia. Oxford Learning Centres is one of Canada’s leading franchisee supplemental education services. Stratus Building Solutions is a leading commercial cleaning service franchise company providing comprehensive building cleaning, and office cleaning services primarily in the United States. BarBurrito is the largest quick service Mexican restaurant food chain in Canada.

    DIV’s objective is to increase cash flow per share by making accretive royalty purchases and through the growth of purchased royalties. DIV intends to continue to pay a predictable and stable monthly dividend to shareholders and increase the dividend over time, in each case as cash flow per share allows.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, ”project”, “should”, “believe”, “confident”, “plan” and “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements made in relation to: Sutton having a growing pipeline of franchise opportunities across Canada; Sutton intends to invest the deferred royalties to complete the rebuild of its management team, increase investment in marketing, roll out its rebranded logo across Canada, increase business development and build on the positive momentum that began in the back half of 2024; DIV’s intention to pay monthly dividends to shareholders; and DIV’s corporate objectives. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events, performance, or achievements of DIV to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by such forward-looking information. DIV believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this news release are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In particular, risks and uncertainties include: DIV’s royalty partners may not make their respective royalty payments to DIV, in whole or in part; the decline in royalties received under the AIR MILES® licenses could cause AM Royalties Limited Partnership (“AM LP”) to be required to make partial or full repayment of the outstanding principal amount under its credit agreement, or cause AM LP to be in default under its credit agreement; current positive trends being experienced by certain of DIV’s royalty partners (and their respective franchisees) may not continue and may regress, and current negative trends experienced by certain of DIV’s royalty partners (including their respective franchisees) may continue and may regress; DIV and its royalty partners performance may not meet management’s expectations; DIV may not be able to make monthly dividend payments to the holders of its common shares; Sutton may not pay all deferred royalties in accordance with the timing required or at all; Sutton’s investment of the deferred royalties may not achieve their intended effects; Sutton may require further deferrals of royalties beyond those contemplated by the current deferral agreement; dividends are not guaranteed and may be reduced, suspended or terminated at any time; or DIV may not achieve any of its corporate objectives. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking information included in this news release is not a guarantee of future performance, and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting DIV’s business and the businesses of its royalty partners can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of its Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2025 and in DIV’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available under DIV’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    In formulating the forward-looking information contained herein, management has assumed that DIV will generate sufficient cash flows from its royalties to service its debt and pay dividends to shareholders; lenders will provide any necessary waivers required in order to allow DIV to continue to pay dividends; lenders will provide any other necessary covenant waivers to DIV and its royalty partners; the performance of DIV’s royalty partners will be consistent with DIV’s and its royalty partners’ respective expectations; recent positive trends for certain of DIV’s royalty partners (including their respective franchisees) will continue and not regress; current negative trends experienced by certain of DIV’s royalty partners (including their respective franchisees) will not materially regress; Sutton will pay all deferred royalties in accordance with the required timing in full and will not require further deferrals; Sutton’s investment of the deferred royalties will achieve its intended effects; the businesses of DIV’s respective royalty partners will not suffer any material adverse effect; and the business and economic conditions affecting DIV and its royalty partners will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect.

    All of the forward-looking information in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that it will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, DIV. The forward-looking information in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and DIV assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

    Non-IFRS Measures

    Management believes that disclosing certain non-IFRS financial measures, non-IFRS ratios and supplementary financial measures provides readers with important information regarding the Corporation’s financial performance and its ability to pay dividends and the performance of its royalty partners. By considering these measures in combination with the most closely comparable IFRS measure, management believes that investors are provided with additional and more useful information about the Corporation and its royalty partners than investors would have if they simply considered IFRS measures alone. The non-IFRS financial measures, non-IFRS ratios and supplementary financial measures do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Investors are cautioned that non-IFRS measures should not be construed as a substitute or an alternative to net income or cash flows from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS.

    “Adjusted revenue”, “adjusted royalty income”, “DIV Royalty Entitlement” and “distributable cash” are used as non-IFRS financial measures in this news release.

    Adjusted revenue is calculated as royalty income plus DIV Royalty Entitlement and management fees. The following table reconciles adjusted revenue and adjusted royalty income to royalty income, the most directly comparable IFRS measure disclosed in the financial statements:

       Three months ended December 31,
    		     Year ended December 31,
    		  
    (000’s)   2024     2023       2024     2023  
    Mr. Lube + Tires $ 8,543   $ 7,750     $ 30,953   $ 28,196  
    Stratus   2,269     2,099       8,714     8,171  
    BarBurrito   2,080     2,013       8,320     2,013  
    Oxford   1,194     1,152       4,487     4,481  
    Sutton   872     1,068       4,096     4,229  
    Mr. Mikes   1,025     1,115       4,181     4,520  
    AIR MILES®   896     1,044       3,640     4,352  
    Royalty income $ 16,879   $ 16,241     $ 64,391   $ 55,962  
    DIV Royalty Entitlement   1,320     1,295       5,228     5,126  
    Adjusted royalty income $ 18,199   $ 17,536     $ 69,619   $ 61,088  
    Management fees   153     152       599     533  
    Adjusted revenue $ 18,352   $ 17,688     $ 70,218   $ 61,621  
                               

    For further details with respect to adjusted revenue and adjusted royalty income, refer to the subsection “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    The most closely comparable IFRS measure to DIV Royalty Entitlement is “distributions received from NND LP”. DIV Royalty Entitlement is calculated as distributions received from NND LP, before any deduction for expenses incurred by NND Holdings Limited Partnership (“NND LP”), which expenses include legal, audit, tax and advisory services. Note that distributions received from NND LP is derived from the royalty paid by Nurse Next Door to NND LP. The following table reconciles DIV Royalty Entitlement to distributions received from NND LP in the financial statements:

       Three months ended December 31,     Year ended December 31,
    		  
    (000’s)   2024     2023       2024     2023  
    Distributions received from NND LP $ 1,314   $ 1,284     $ 5,197   $ 5,095  
    Add: NND Royalties LP expenses   2     2       27     22  
    DIV Royalty Entitlement   1,316     1,286       5,224     5,117  
               
    Less: NND Royalties LP expenses   (2 )   (2 )     (27 )   (22 )
    DIV Royalty Entitlement, net of NND Royalties LP expenses $ 1,314   $ 1,284     $ 5,197   $ 5,095  
                               

    For further details with respect to DIV Royalty Entitlement, refer to the subsection “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    The following table reconciles distributable cash to cash flows generated from operating activities, the most directly comparable IFRS measure disclosed in the financial statements:

      Three months ended December 31,
    		     Year ended December 31,
    		  
    (000’s)   2024     2023       2024     2023  
               
    Cash flows generated from operating activities $ 11,724   $ 7,400     $ 46,491   $ 30,816  
               
    Current tax expense   (1,300 )   (845 )     (6,516 )   (5,061 )
    Accrued interest on convertible debentures   788     788       –     –  
    Accrued interest on bank loans   (13 )   –       (438 )   –  
    Distributions on MRM units earned in current periods   (34 )   (38 )     (138 )   (164 )
    Mandatory principal payments on credit facilities   –     (577 )     (643 )   (1,008 )
    Payment of lease obligations   (28 )   (28 )     (110 )   (107 )
    NND LP expenses   (2 )   (2 )     (27 )   (22 )
    Accrued DIV Royalty Entitlement, net of distributions   2     –       27     –  
    Foreign exchange and other   (13 )   394       146     229  
    Changes in working capital   (33 )   (527 )     303     3,579  
    Transactions costs   –     32       –     32  
    Taxes paid   1,512     1,648       6,012     7,691  
    Note receivable   –     2,130       (305 )   2,130  
    Distributable cash $ 12,603   $ 10,376     $ 44,802   $ 38,115  
                               

    For further details with respect to distributable cash, refer to the subsection “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    “Distributable cash per share” and “payout ratio” are non-IFRS ratios that do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and therefore may not be comparable to similar ratios presented by other issuers. Distributable cash per share is defined as distributable cash, a non-IFRS measure, divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The payout ratio is calculated by dividing the dividends per share during the period by the distributable cash per share, a non-IFRS measure, generated in that period. For further details, refer to the subsection entitled “Non-IFRS Ratios” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    “Weighted average organic royalty growth” is the average same store sales growth percentage related to Mr. Lube + Tires, Oxford and Mr. Mikes (excluding the collection of Mr. Mikes deferred royalty management fees) plus the average increase in adjusted royalty income from AIR MILES®, Sutton (less 20% deferral in Q4, 2024), Nurse Next Door and Stratus over the prior comparable period taking into account the percentage weighting of each royalty partner’s adjusted royalty income in proportion of the total adjusted royalty income for the period, excluding BarBurrito as there was no full-period adjusted royalty income generated from BarBurrito in the prior period. Weighted average organic royalty growth is a supplementary financial measure and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. However, the Corporation believes that weighted average organic royalty growth is a useful measure as it provides investors with an indication of the change in year-over-year growth of each royalty partner, taking into account the percentage weighting of royalty partner’s growth in proportion of total growth, as applicable. The Corporation’s method of calculating weighted average organic royalty growth may differ from those of other issuers or companies and, accordingly, weighted average organic royalty growth may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers or companies.

    “Same store sales growth” or “SSSG” and “system sales” are supplementary financial measures and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. SSSG and system sales figures are reported to DIV by its Royalty Partners – see “Third Party Information”. For further details, refer to the subsection entitled “Supplementary Financial Measures” under “Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Supplementary Financial Measures” in the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    Third Party Information

    This news release includes information obtained from third party company filings and reports and other publicly available sources as well as financial statements and other reports provided to DIV by its royalty partners. Although DIV believes these sources to be generally reliable, such information cannot be verified with complete certainty. Accordingly, the accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed. DIV has not independently verified any of the information from third party sources referred to in this news release nor ascertained the underlying assumptions relied upon by such sources.

    THE TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR THE ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    Additional Information

    The information in this news release should be read in conjunction with DIV’s consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    Additional information relating to the Corporation and other public filings, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    Contact:
    Sean Morrison, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Diversified Royalty Corp.
    (236) 521-8470

    Greg Gutmanis, Chief Financial Officer and VP Acquisitions
    Diversified Royalty Corp.
    (236) 521-8471

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Announces Experts on First Amendment and Freedom of the Press as Witnesses for Hearing on So-Called ‘Censorship Industrial Complex’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch: “Newsflash for my colleagues across the aisle: their claims of a ‘vast cover-up’ against conservatives will get debunked as quickly as their claims about supporting free speech.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on The Constitution, announced the Minority witnesses for the Subcommittee hearing titled “The Censorship Industrial Complex.” Instead of focusing the first Subcommittee hearing on actual and proven instances of censorship by the Trump Administration against their political adversaries, the Majority has focused this hearing on a perceived—and unproven—censorship enterprise against conservatives.   
    “Newsflash for my colleagues across the aisle: their claims of a ‘vast cover-up’ against conservatives will get debunked as quickly as their claims about supporting free speech,” said Sen. Peter Welch. “The Republican party has pushed disinformation for years, and this sham hearing on the so-called anti-conservative ‘censorship industrial complex’ is yet another example. Instead of focusing on the actual censorship directed, unabashedly, by the White House, they’re pushing this false narrative that their voices are being silenced. I’m thankful to be joined by Professor Mary Anne Franks and Gabe Rottman tomorrow, who will speak on the importance of the First Amendment and press freedom.” 
    Witnesses for the Minority will include: 
    Mary Anne Franks. Ms. Franks is the Eugene L. and Barbara A. Bernard Professor in Intellectual Property, Technology, and Civil Rights Law at George Washington University School of Law, and an expert in the First Amendment and technology.  
    Gabe Rottman: Mr. Rottman is the Vice President of Policy at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. In this role he works at the intersection of press freedom and technology.  
    Majority witnesses will include Mollie Hemingway, senior editor for The Federalist, Jonathan Turley, conservative legal scholar, and Benjamin Weingarten, a Senior Contributor for The Federalist.  
    More details on the hearing are included below: 
    Title:                      The Censorship Industrial Complex
    Date:                      Tuesday, March 25, 2025
    Time:                      2:00 p.m. ET
    Location:   Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building
    Livestream:           Watch live HERE.
    Media Note: Members of the media who wish to attend the hearing in person should RSVP to their respective Senate press gallery. Hearing room space is limited. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Wrap Technologies, Inc. to Report Fourth Quarter 2024 and Full Year Financial Results on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”) today announced it will hold a conference call on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time) to discuss its financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Wrap management will host the presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    Interested parties may submit questions to the Company prior to the call at ir@wrap.com by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 28, 2025. Questions will be addressed based on the relevance to the Company’s strategic direction and execution, stockholder base and public disclosure rules.

    Date: Monday, March 31, 2025
    Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time)
    Webcast Link: Click here to register

    The fourth quarter 2024 earnings press release with financial results and other related materials will be available on the “Investors” section of Wrap’s website at ir@wrap.com.

    About Wrap Technologies, Inc.
    Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) is a global leader in public safety solutions, bringing together cutting-edge technology with exceptional people to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations.

    Wrap’s BolaWrap® solution is a safer way to gain compliance—without pain. This innovative, patented device deploys light, sound, and a Kevlar® tether designed to safely restrain individuals from a distance, giving officers critical time and space to manage non-compliant situations before resorting to higher-force options. The BolaWrap 150 does not shoot, strike, shock or incapacitate, instead, it helps officers operate lower on the force continuum, reducing the risk of injury to both officers and subjects. Used by over 1,000 agencies across the U.S. and in 60 countries, BolaWrap® is backed by training certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), reinforcing Wrap’s commitment to public safety through cutting-edge technology and expert training.

    Wrap Reality™ VR is an advanced, fully immersive training simulator designed to enhance decision-making under pressure. As a comprehensive public safety training platform, it provides first responders with realistic, interactive scenarios that reflect the evolving challenges of modern law enforcement. By offering a growing library of real-world situations, Wrap Reality™ equips officers with the skills and confidence to navigate high stakes encounters effectively, leading to safer outcomes for both responders and the communities they serve.

    Wrap’s Intrensic solution (“Intrensic”) is an advanced body-worn camera and evidence management system built for efficiency, security, and transparency. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern law enforcement, Intrensic seamlessly captures, stores, and manages digital evidence, ensuring integrity and full chain-of-custody compliance. With automated workflows, secure cloud storage, and intuitive case management tools, it streamlines operations, reduces administrative burden, and enhances courtroom credibility.

    Trademark Information
    Wrap, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Wrap Reality™ and Wrap Training Academy are trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc., some of which are registered in the U.S. and abroad. All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.

    Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements – Safe Harbor Statement
    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should”, “believe”, “target”, “project”, “goals”, “estimate”, “potential”, “predict”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Moreover, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the expected benefits of the acquisition of W1 Global, LLC, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing standards; the Company’s ability to successfully implement training programs for the use of its products; the Company’s ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company’s ability to develop sales for its products; the market acceptance of existing and future products; the availability of funding to continue to finance operations; the complexity, expense and time associated with sales to law enforcement and government entities; the lengthy evaluation and sales cycle for the Company’s product solutions; product defects; litigation risks from alleged product-related injuries; risks of government regulations; the business impact of health crises or outbreaks of disease, such as epidemics or pandemics; the impact resulting from geopolitical conflicts and any resulting sanctions; the ability to obtain export licenses for counties outside of the United States; the ability to obtain patents and defend intellectual property against competitors; the impact of competitive products and solutions; and the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand, as well as other risk factors mentioned in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    (800) 583-2652
    ir@wrap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Satellogic Reports 2024 Financial Results and Business Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Revenue up 28% to $12.9 million in 2024

    Redomicile to U.S. Nears Completion; Set to Accelerate Market Opportunities

    Completed $10 Million Private Placement

    Entered into $50 Million At-The-Market (ATM) Program

    NEW YORK, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Satellogic Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in sub-meter resolution Earth Observation (“EO”) data collection, today provided a business update and financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    “The second half of 2024 was highlighted by commercial milestones, including a pivotal agreement with Maxar Intelligence granting them exclusive rights to task Satellogic’s high-revisit constellation and use our cost-effective satellite imagery to support national security missions for the U.S. Government and select U.S. partners internationally.” said Satellogic CEO, Emiliano Kargieman.

    “Additionally, we were selected by NASA as one of eight recipients of NASA’s Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program (CSDA) On-Ramp1 Multiple Award contract, with a maximum cumulative value of $476 million for all award winners. We have begun work on our first task order with NASA, an 18-month, seven figure award that will allow NASA researchers to utilize Satellogic data for critical earth science imagery analysis. This award highlights Satellogic’s commitment to delivering high-quality Earth observation data to advance scientific research and enhance life on Earth,” said Kargieman.

    “In 2024, we have made good progress in raising capital to further invest in the business. In December we announced the private placement of $10 million made by a single institutional investor and the filing of a $150 million shelf registration statement and the entry into a $50 million ATM program. We are pleased to have successfully completed this private placement, which positions us for continued growth as we advance our mission and continue our focus on our U.S. strategy, the National Security market, and our global Space Systems opportunities. The shelf registration statement and ATM program allow for future flexibility in our capital markets strategy by establishing a framework for potential future capital-raising opportunities to further strengthen our liquidity position,” concluded Kargieman.

    “We are also excited to disclose our intended domestication to the U.S. in December, which is expected to be completed by the end of the month,” commented Rick Dunn, Satellogic CFO. We believe the domestication will continue to lower our barriers to entry in the U.S. and allied markets and improve transparency for investors and customers.”

    “In terms of financial results, we ended 2024 with $22.5 million of cash on hand and continued to reduce our cash used in operations by $13.7 million, or 27.6%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. Our revenue increased 28% to $12.9 million, while our cost of sales, excluding depreciation expense, remained flat year-over-year. As a percentage of revenue, our cost of sales were 39% for the year ended December 31, 2024, a substantial improvement compared to 50% in the prior year.”

    “While our improving revenue performance and strategic progress are encouraging and confidence-building, we’ve continued the work started in 2023 to realign and streamline our business to better position us to capitalize on near-term growth opportunities. Specifically, we further reduced our workforce by 104 full time equivalents in the second quarter of 2024, incurring approximately $2.0 million in cumulative severance-related charges that have been paid out in 2024, and also identified additional operating cost reductions. The cumulative impact of these workforce reductions and operating expense savings is expected to result in approximately $9.6 million of annual savings. As a result of our previously announced successful Mark V deployment, the Company now has capacity to meet current customer needs and we expect to moderate our constellation growth initiatives going forward to pace with expected customer growth.”

    “We expect that our revenue for 2025 will largely be dependent on closing opportunities within our Space Systems line of business, which we anticipate will contribute considerable per unit cash flow and strong gross margin. As we look to 2025 and beyond, management continues to focus on near-term growth opportunities and moving the Company forward on a path to profitability,” concluded Dunn.

    Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

    • Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased by $2.8 million, or 28%, to $12.9 million, as compared to revenue of $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was driven primarily by a $5 million increase in imagery ordered by new and existing Asset Monitoring customers, partially offset by a $2.2 million decrease in revenue generated from the Space Systems business line. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 included $9.5 million attributable to our Asset Monitoring line of business, $1.8 million attributable to our Space Systems line of business, and $1.6 million attributable to our CaaS line of business compared to $4.5 million, $3.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively, in the prior year.
    • Cost of Sales, excluding depreciation expense, for the year ended December 31, 2024, remained flat at $5.0 million, as compared to $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. However, as a percentage of revenue, our cost of sales were 39% for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to 50% for the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Selling, General and Administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreased by $2.0 million, or 6%, to $33.0 million, as compared to $35.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in salaries, wages, stock-based compensation and other benefits as a result of the Company’s workforce reductions in 2024 and other expense reductions resulting from continued cash control measures during 2024. Additionally, the decrease was driven by lower expense for estimated credit losses on accounts receivable and lower insurance costs due to rate improvements on certain policies. These decreases were partially offset by a $4.0 million increase in professional fees consisting mainly of the accrued, nonrecurring advisory fee pursuant to the subscription agreement entered into with Liberty in connection with going public in 2022 and professional fees related to the secured convertible notes.
    • Engineering expenses for the year ended June 30, 2024, decreased $7.8 million, or 35%, to $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from $22.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was driven primarily by a decrease in salaries, wages, and other benefits and stock-based compensation as a result of the Company’s workforce reductions in 2024 and other expense reductions resulting from continued cash control measures during 2024, in addition to fees resulting from the termination of our high-throughput plant lease in the Netherlands.
    • Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, increased by $55.2 million to $116.3 million, as compared to a net loss of $61.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in the change in fair value of financial instruments ($60.0 million) and other expenses ($3.2 million) offset by increases in revenue and decreases in operating costs.
    • Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, improved by $10.4 million to $33.7 million, from an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $44.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to year-over-year increases in revenue and decreases in operating expenses.
    • Cash was $22.5 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $23.5 million at December 31, 2023.
    • Net cash used in operating activities was $35.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $49.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This decline in net cash used by operations was primarily due to workforce reduction and overall cost control initiatives.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We monitor a number of financial performance and liquidity measures on a regular basis in order to track the progress of our business. Included in these financial performance and liquidity measures are the non-GAAP measures, Non-GAAP EBITDA and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA. We believe these measures provide analysts, investors and management with helpful information regarding the underlying operating performance of our business, as they remove the impact of items that we believe are not reflective of our underlying operating performance. The non-GAAP measures are used by us to evaluate our core operating performance and liquidity on a comparable basis and to make strategic decisions. The non-GAAP measures also facilitate company-to-company operating performance comparisons by backing out potential differences caused by variations such as capital structures, taxation, capital expenditures and non-cash items (i.e., depreciation, embedded derivatives, debt extinguishment and stock-based compensation) which may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to operating performance. However, different companies may define these terms differently and accordingly comparisons might not be accurate. Non-GAAP EBITDA and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA are not intended to be a substitute for any GAAP financial measure. For the definitions of Non-GAAP EBITDA and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, net loss, see below.

    We define Non-GAAP EBITDA as net loss excluding interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We did not incur amortization expense during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

    We define Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA as Non-GAAP EBITDA further adjusted for professional fees related to the secured convertible notes, other income (expense), net, changes in the fair value of financial instruments and stock-based compensation. Other income, net consists mainly of differences related to foreign exchange gains and losses as well as gains and losses on disposal of property and equipment.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of Non-GAAP EBITDA and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA to its net loss for the periods indicated.

      Years Ended December 31,
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars) 2024   2023
    Net loss available to stockholders $ (116,272 )   $ (61,018 )
    Interest expense   71       51  
    Income tax expense   2,858       9,082  
    Depreciation expense   12,655       17,256  
    Non-GAAP EBITDA $ (100,688 )   $ (34,629 )
    Professional fees related to Secured Convertible Notes   2,444       —  
    Other expense (income), net   2,107       (9,271 )
    Change in fair value of financial instruments   60,071       (6,474 )
    Stock-based compensation   2,335       6,299  
    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA $ (33,731 )   $ (44,075 )
                   

    About Satellogic

    Founded in 2010 by Emiliano Kargieman and Gerardo Richarte, Satellogic (NASDAQ: SATL) is the first vertically integrated geospatial company, driving real outcomes with planetary-scale insights. Satellogic is creating and continuously enhancing the first scalable, fully automated EO platform with the ability to remap the entire planet at both high-frequency and high-resolution, providing accessible and affordable solutions for customers.

    Satellogic’s mission is to democratize access to geospatial data through its information platform of high-resolution images to help solve the world’s most pressing problems including climate change, energy supply, and food security. Using its patented Earth imaging technology, Satellogic unlocks the power of EO to deliver high-quality, planetary insights at the lowest cost in the industry.

    With more than a decade of experience in space, Satellogic has proven technology and a strong track record of delivering satellites to orbit and high-resolution data to customers at the right price point.

    To learn more, please visit: http://www.satellogic.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Satellogic’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Satellogic and include statements concerning Satellogic’s strategic realignment as a U.S. company, and the visibility and high growth opportunities it will provide in connection therewith. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Satellogic. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to generate revenue as expected, (ii) our ability to effectively market and sell our EO services and to convert contracted revenues and our pipeline of potential contracts into actual revenues, (iii) risks related to the secured convertible notes, (iv) the potential loss of one or more of our largest customers, (v) the considerable time and expense related to our sales efforts and the length and unpredictability of our sales cycle, (vi) risks and uncertainties associated with defense-related contracts, (vii) risk related to our pricing structure, (viii) our ability to scale production of our satellites as planned, (ix) unforeseen risks, challenges and uncertainties related to our expansion into new business lines, (x) our dependence on third parties to transport and launch our satellites into space, (xi) our reliance on third-party vendors and manufacturers to build and provide certain satellite components, products, or services, (xii) our dependence on ground station and cloud-based computing infrastructure operated by third pirates for value-added services, and any errors, disruption, performance problems, or failure in their or our operational infrastructure, (xiii) risk related to certain minimum service requirements in our customer contracts, (xiv) market acceptance of our EO services and our dependence upon our ability to keep pace with the latest technological advances, (xv) competition for EO services, (xvi) challenges with international operations or unexpected changes to the regulatory environment in certain markets, (xvii) unknown defects or errors in our products, (xviii) risk related to the capital-intensive nature of our business and our ability to raise adequate capital to finance our business strategies, (xix) substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, (xx) uncertainties beyond our control related to the production, launch, commissioning, and/or operation of our satellites and related ground systems, software and analytic technologies, (xxi) the failure of the market for EO services to achieve the growth potential we expect, (xxii) risks related to our satellites and related equipment becoming impaired, (xxiii) risks related to the failure of our satellites to operate as intended, (xxiv) production and launch delays, launch failures, and damage or destruction to our satellites during launch and (xxv) the impact of natural disasters, unusual or prolonged unfavorable weather conditions, epidemic outbreaks, terrorist acts and geopolitical events (including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea region) on our business and satellite launch schedules. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Satellogic’s Annual Report on Form 20-F and other documents filed or to be filed by Satellogic from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Satellogic assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Satellogic can give no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations:

    Ryan Driver, VP of Strategy & Corporate Development
    ryan.driver@satellogic.com

    Media Relations:

    Satellogic
    pr@satellogic.com

    SATELLOGIC INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
    UNAUDITED
     
      Year Ended December 31,
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts) 2024   2023
    Revenue $ 12,870     $ 10,074  
    Costs and expenses      
    Cost of sales, exclusive of depreciation shown separately below   5,024       5,056  
    Selling, general and administrative   32,992       34,968  
    Engineering   14,405       22,197  
    Depreciation expense   12,655       17,256  
    Total costs and expenses   65,076       79,477  
    Operating loss   (52,206 )     (69,403 )
    Other (expense) income, net      
    Interest income, net   970       1,722  
    Change in fair value of financial instruments   (60,071 )     6,474  
    Other (expense) income, net   (2,107 )     9,271  
    Total other (expense) income, net   (61,208 )     17,467  
    Loss before income tax   (113,414 )     (51,936 )
    Income tax expense   (2,858 )     (9,082 )
    Net loss available to stockholders $ (116,272 )   $ (61,018 )
    Other comprehensive loss      
    Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax   (538 )     279  
    Comprehensive loss $ (116,810 )   $ (60,739 )
           
    Basic net loss per share for the period attributable to holders of Common Stock $ (1.28 )   $ (0.68 )
    Basic weighted-average Common Stock outstanding   91,164,286       89,539,910  
    Diluted net loss per share for the period attributable to holders of Common Stock $ (1.28 )   $ (0.68 )
    Diluted weighted-average Common Stock outstanding   91,164,286       89,539,910  
                   
    SATELLOGIC INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    UNAUDITED
     
      December 31,
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)  2024     2023 
    ASSETS      
    Current assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents $         22,493     $         23,476  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $148 and $126, respectively                          1,464       901  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                           3,907                               2,173  
    Total current assets                         27,864                             26,550  
    Property and equipment, net                         27,228                             41,130  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   877       3,195  
    Other non-current assets                           5,722                               5,507  
    Total assets $         61,691     $         76,382  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY      
    Current liabilities      
    Accounts payable $         3,754     $         7,935  
    Warrant liabilities                         11,511                               2,795  
    Earnout liabilities                           1,501       419  
    Operating lease liabilities   363       2,143  
    Contract liabilities                           5,871                               3,728  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities                         11,621                               4,372  
    Total current liabilities                         34,621                             21,392  
    Secured Convertible Notes at fair value   79,070       —  
    Operating lease liabilities   516       1,789  
    Contract liabilities   —       1,000  
    Other non-current liabilities   516       526  
    Total liabilities                       114,723                             24,707  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Stockholders’ (deficit) equity      
    Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023                                 —                                     —  
    Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 385,000,000 shares authorized, 83,000,501 shares issued and 82,432,678 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 77,289,166 shares issued and 76,721,343 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023                                 —                                     —  
    Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 13,582,642 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023                                 —                                     —  
    Treasury stock, at cost, 567,823 shares as of December 31, 2024 and 567,823 shares as of December 31, 2023                         (8,603 )                           (8,603 )
    Additional paid-in capital                       356,247                           344,144  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (571 )     (33 )
    Accumulated deficit   (400,105 )     (283,833 )
    Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity                       (53,032 )                           51,675  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity $         61,691     $         76,382  
                   
    SATELLOGIC INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    UNAUDITED
     
      Year Ended December 31,
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars) 2024   2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net loss $ (116,272 )   $ (61,018 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:      
    Depreciation expense   12,655       17,256  
    Debt issuance costs   2,397       —  
    Operating lease expense   1,515       2,751  
    Stock-based compensation   2,335       6,299  
    Change in fair value of financial instruments   60,071       (6,474 )
    Foreign exchange differences   (2,936 )     (10,933 )
    Loss on disposal of property and equipment   4,377       —  
    Expense for estimated credit losses on accounts receivable, net of recoveries   22       1,126  
    Non-cash change in contract liabilities   (1,323 )     1,188  
    Other, net   234       666  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
    Accounts receivable   (1,126 )     (385 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (1,666 )     2,114  
    Accounts payable   (2,356 )     1,533  
    Contract liabilities   2,532       598  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   7,200       (2,059 )
    Operating lease liabilities   (2,024 )     (2,233 )
    Cash paid for interest on Secured Convertible Notes   (1,525 )     —  
    Net cash used in operating activities   (35,890 )     (49,571 )
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Purchases of property and equipment   (5,038 )     (14,885 )
    Other   6       450  
    Net cash used in investing activities   (5,032 )     (14,435 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Proceeds from Secured Convertible Notes   30,000       —  
    Payments of debt issuance costs   (2,397 )     —  
    Tax withholding payments for vested equity-based compensation awards   (660 )     (458 )
    Proceeds from exercise of Public Warrants   1       —  
    Proceeds from PIPE Investment, net of transaction costs   9,600       —  
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options   911       375  
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   37,455       (83 )
    Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (3,467 )     (64,089 )
    Effect of foreign exchange rate changes   2,546       10,900  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – beginning of period   24,603       77,792  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – end of period $ 23,682     $ 24,603  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Sector – Meet Cotality: CoreLogic Embraces a New Name and Bold Vision for the Future of the Property Industry

    Source: CoreLogic

    CoreLogic to rebrand to Cotality, reflecting the company’s mission to unify property professionals, strengthen industry relationships and drive innovation globally.

    CoreLogic today announced its global rebrand to Cotality, marking the company’s progression to a leader in property information, analytics and data-enabled solutions from its origins in financial services supporting the mortgage industry.

    This rebrand introduces a new name, logo and brand identity that reflect the company’s transformation into an information services provider that is creating a faster, smarter and more people-centric property industry.
    “The property ecosystem underpins the prosperity of individuals, businesses, governments and society as a whole. But at the core, it’s people, businesses and communities that drive it forward. Cotality’s insights build on this, by turning questions into futures you can see,” said Patrick Dodd, President and CEO of Cotality.
    “This rebrand reflects innovation, evolution and commitment to uniting property professionals – strengthening businesses, fostering relationships and powering outcomes that balance logic and data with humanity and emotion. Our name is changing to demonstrate the company’s unmatched dedication and service to clients around the world.”
    The new name, Cotality, reflects the company’s deep commitment to collaboration and connectivity, both internally and externally, while honoring its CoreLogic roots. It also signifies its approach of totality, delivering comprehensive data and insights across the entire property ecosystem and beyond. Tying it all together is the company’s spirit of vitality – placing the idea that helping people thrive is at the center of every insight and workflow.
    “While remaining true to our core DNA, the time is right to launch a refreshed brand that captures our evolution,” said Lisa Claes, CEO of Cotality International, pointing to its significantly expanded capability and customer solution set following a suite of acquisitions, sustained product investment and strengthened industry partnerships.
     Alongside the new Cotality name sits the tagline: Intelligence Beyond BoundsTM. 
    This tagline serves as both a first impression and a powerful expression of the company’s identity. It is an embodiment of the seamless integration of data, technology, artificial intelligence, insights and people that inspire Cotality to collaborate across the entire lifecycle of properties and homeowners.
    “For CoreLogic Australia, New Zealand and UK, Cotality captures our unique position and reinforces to the market that we are part of a global, technology-enabled information services leader, whose solutions truly unlock Intelligence beyond bounds.”
    “Our new name and tagline reflect the essence of who we are and where we’re headed. This transformation is a natural evolution, honoring our roots while embracing a future defined by collaboration, innovation and impact,” said Kristie Vainikos Stegen, Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Cotality. “This isn’t just about a new look; it’s about harnessing the power of data and technology and empowering people – internally and externally – to drive meaningful change globally.”
    Cotality empowers industry professionals across home lending, insurance, real estate and government worldwide. With operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India and Germany, Cotality’s new global brand identity will build on CoreLogic’s trusted legacy to deliver innovation and drive smarter decisions while expanding its global reach.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Sector – Resource Management reform set to streamline desperately needed thermal generation – ERA

    Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

    Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes the prospect of new planning legislation to replace the Resource Management Act, reducing unnecessary red tape and streamlining decision-making about where development can and should be enabled while protecting the environment.
    Chief Executive John Carnegie says replacing the Resource Management Act with a Planning Act and Natural Environment Act will streamline consenting and provide confidence to investors looking to invest in our natural resources and build the thermal generation desperately needed to ensure a secure, resilient and affordable energy system.
    “It is widely acknowledged that under the current settings, the Resource Management Act is serving neither those who wish to utilise our abundant natural resources nor those who wish to protect them.”
    We’re pleased to see the government working from the basis that the clear allocation of property rights is a fundamental tenet of a well-functioning economy. This is critical to unlocking the investment we need to thrive and grow.
    It is crucial that the new proposed frameworks minimise blurred edges with other legislative frameworks, such as the Crown Minerals Act and the Climate Change Response Act.”
    Carnegie says it is great to see steps taken to improve decision-making by focusing on evidence-based outcomes.
    “New Zealand can’t afford to keep being a nation that says no – and as we’ve consistently said, we need a fuel and technology agnostic resource management system that enables access to develop our natural resources.”
    Carnegie says Energy Resources Aotearoa will input into policy detail to ensure all fuel and technology types are considered before the two new Acts are introduced into the House by the end of this year.
    “We look forward to working collaboratively with the Government to ensure the new settings reflect the urgent need to encourage the development of natural gas and its use by our exporters and power sector that we so badly need to keep the lights on.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 to Host National Oil Company (NOC)-International Oil Company (IOC) Forum in Cape Town, Strengthening Public-Private Sector Partnerships in Africa’s Energy Market

    SOURCE: African Energy Chamber

    The inaugural NOC-IOC Forum at African Energy Week 2025: Invest in African Energies will foster collaboration between Africa’s national oil companies and international oil companies to drive investment, enhance capacity building and unlock the continent’s hydrocarbon potential

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 24, 2025/ — This year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference will debut the first-ever National Oil Company (NOC) and International Oil Company (IOC) Forum, a dynamic platform that brings key public and private sector stakeholders into direct conversation to drive investment, secure new deals, foster local capacity building and advance exploration.

    A key focus of the forum will be enhancing collaboration in the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbon resources across the continent, with an emphasis on data sharing and joint decision-making to unlock untapped potential. In South Africa, TotalEnergies is preparing to drill its first exploration well on Block 3B/4B, leveraging 14,000 km of 2D seismic and 10,800 km² of 3D seismic, with a large set of exploration prospects already identified. In Angola, Sonangol is ramping up offshore exploration on Block 6/24, focusing on geological and geophysical studies and seismic data reprocessing to assess the block’s resource potential, which includes a possible commercial oil discovery. Meanwhile, in Equatorial Guinea, GEPetrol has partnered with Panoro Energy on Block EG-23, conducting subsurface studies to evaluate the block’s potential, with the possibility of drilling an exploration well.

    In parallel, new market activity is reshaping Africa’s exploration landscape, as both NOCs and IOCs pursue strategic acquisitions, partnerships and project expansions. Chevron has strengthened its presence in Equatorial Guinea by securing PSCs for two highly prospective offshore blocks. In October 2024, Brazilian NOC Petrobras acquired a 10% stake in the offshore Deep Western Orange Basin in South Africa as part of its strategy to boost reserves and expand its footprint in Africa’s emerging oil and gas markets. Last month, Chinese state-backed company Sinopec signed an $850 million contract with Algerian NOC Sonatrach for exploration and development, securing a PSC covering the Hassi Berkane North license. Sonatrach is also in discussions with Eni, TotalEnergies, Chevron and ExxonMobil for exploration and development activities in the region. The NOC-IOC Forum will provide a key platform to examine these developments, fostering discussions on how public and private sector cooperation can accelerate exploration, attract capital and unlock new resource opportunities.

    The NOC-IOC Forum will also focus on forging new partnerships to drive capacity-building programs and facilitate knowledge-sharing, empowering local talent in the oil and gas sector. The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) has been active in establishing partnerships to support the country’s goal of producing first oil by year-end. This includes a collaboration with QatarEnergy focused on providing training and development opportunities for NAMCOR employees in industry-specific skills. In October 2024, NAMCOR also signed an agreement with global technology company SLB to improve operational performance in decarbonization, green hydrogen and sustainable energy, with an emphasis on local capacity development. Meanwhile, Mozambique’s Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos is investing in specialized offshore drilling services, reinforcing the state’s involvement in the country’s oil and gas projects through an agreement with Italian multinational oilfield services company Saipem.

    Additionally, the NOC-IOC Forum will facilitate the exchange of insights on regional and global energy regulations, helping participants navigate the evolving energy landscape. In the Republic of Congo, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo is working closely with private sector companies and IOCs to gather input for its upcoming Gas Master Plan, as well as developing a new gas code aimed at modernizing the regulatory framework to attract foreign investment. This push for regulatory improvements has driven increased IOC activity in the country, with Eni advancing the second phase of its $5 billion Congo LNG project and TotalEnergies committing $600 million to expand its E&P operations, specifically in the deep offshore Moho Nord Field.

    The NOC-IOC Forum offers a strategic platform for both African NOCs and IOCs to present their exploration strategies, access available acreage and showcase ongoing energy developments. By facilitating direct engagement across sectors, the forum will drive insightful exchanges on sharing data and insights to improve decision-making, optimizing operational efficiencies and unlocking new investment opportunities. These discussions will ensure that partnerships are mutually beneficial, aligning national development goals with commercial objectives while fostering a more integrated and strategic approach to Africa’s energy future.

    “The launch of the first-ever NOC-IOC Forum at AEW 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s energy sector. By positioning key national and international stakeholders in direct dialogue, the forum aims to drive investment, foster collaboration and empower local talent. This is an exciting opportunity for both NOCs and IOCs to present their strategies, forge new partnerships and contribute to the sustainable development of Africa’s hydrocarbon sector,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Bodies – WHO in the Western Pacific urges decisive action to end TB

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    Manila, 24 March 2025 – On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for countries to invest in and deliver on commitments to end tuberculosis by 2030. This is especially urgent in the WHO Western Pacific Region, where nearly one in every five TB cases occur. With an estimated 1.9 million new cases and 95 000 deaths due to TB in 2023, the impact of this disease for families and communities in this Region is profound. Any delay in diagnosis or gap in care can have devastating consequences.

    TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affect the lungs. It spreads through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze or spit. TB is preventable and curable with specific antibiotics, but it still kills more people than any other infection. Furthermore, if treatment is interrupted, TB bacteria can become drug resistant. Treatment of drug-resistant TB is more expensive and associated with more side-effects.

    Guidance from the Regional Framework on TB

    The regional TB response has been guided by the Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB: 2021–2030.However, implementation of the Framework in countries in the Region is hindered by challenges such as limited health-care infrastructure, inadequate research and innovation capacity, unaddressed poverty and inequities, and lack of sustainable funding. Additionally, information on people with TB who are diagnosed by private health-care providers is often not reported to national TB programmes, making it difficult or impossible for them to receive the latest WHO-recommended diagnostics and treatment regimens.

    A recent article published in the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease titled “The Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB: Overview and critical reflection” examines the Regional Framework. Co-authored by WHO staff and partner agencies, the article underscores the urgency of transforming commitments into action, providing a road map for countries to implement the Framework and address persistent barriers to TB elimination.

    “Every missed TB case is a lost opportunity to save a life,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “We must turn our commitments into decisive action, ensuring that every person at risk gets the timely, high-quality diagnosis and care that they deserve.”

    Strengthening TB services and resilient health systems

    While most countries have integrated TB screening into their routine health services, some still face challenges. Strengthening these efforts will enable early detection and continuity of care, particularly in underserved areas. Modern approaches and tools − such as telemedicine, portable diagnostic devices and rapid tests – can help health workers detect TB cases early and ensure that treatment and services continue even during crises.

    The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of TB services to crises, and demonstrated the need for resilient and scalable approaches. Countries need to ensure that diagnostics, medications and patient support remain available free of charge even during public health emergencies.

    To address underreporting of TB cases, public−private collaboration should be considered and improved. This can be done by linking private providers to national TB programmes, offering incentives for private sector reporting, and enforcing mandatory TB case reporting. This will help patients in private care access WHO-recommended diagnostics and treatments, which may be free or low-cost in the public sector.

    Innovation in diagnostics and treatments is also essential to strengthen TB care in both the public and private sectors. “Every cent invested in TB care and research brings us closer to a TB-free future. To get there, we need public−private partnerships and sustainable funding mechanisms,” said Dr Piukala.

    Addressing social determinants and improving multisectoral collaboration

    Addressing the social determinants of TB – which include poverty and inequities − requires a holistic approach with strong multisectoral involvement and accountability. Financial protection mechanisms, such as compensation for people who are being treated for TB and are unable to work, are essential to reduce economic hardship. Expanding social support programmes − for example, food assistance in high-risk communities − can also decrease the risk of TB infection. Improving access to care in underserved areas will help ensure more equitable treatment coverage.

    Effective implementation of the Framework requires strong local political commitment and context-specific interventions. With declines in sources of external funding for TB control, countries must increase domestic investment in TB programmes, incorporating control of the disease into national health budgets. Long-term, sustainable financing models are essential for continuous service delivery without reliance on external donors.

    WHO is providing clear guidance and targeted support to help countries turn commitments into action. This is essential to protect hard-won gains and achieve ambitious targets to end TB by 2030.

    “Ending TB is about upholding the right of every individual to live a healthy and dignified life,” said Dr Piukala. “With political commitment, sustainable funding and united action across sectors, we can accelerate progress and move closer to a TB-free Western Pacific.”

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –