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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Provides Guidance for Businesses on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Initiatives in the Workplace

    Source: US State of California

    Policies and practices that combat unalwful discrimination and harrassment remain an important – and legal – tool for improving hiring, retention, and employee engagement

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a coalition of 16 attorneys general, issued guidance to help businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations understand the viability and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policies and practices in creating and maintaining legally compliant and thriving workplaces. The guidance comes in response to concerns from employers stemming from President Trump’s executive order purportedly targeting “illegal DEI and DEIA policies.” The guidance emphasizes that efforts to seek and support diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplaces are not illegal and that the federal government cannot prohibit these efforts in the private sector through an executive order. 

    “The Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Americans with Disabilities Act. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act. All of these ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ laws have made our country fairer and stronger and a place where everyone can thrive. Despite what the President may say, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives are not illegal – nor can he unilaterally make it so,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I urge California businesses not to fall for this scare tactic. Diverse and inclusive workplaces are good for businesses, consumers, and employees alike. In fact, it’s our culture of inclusivity and valuing of diverse perspective that has led California to become a global hub of innovation and the fifth largest economy in the world. To all the businesses hoping to grow and thrive in California, rest assured: We will continue to support your efforts to build and sustain successful and inclusive workplaces.”

    Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Initiatives are Consistent with Federal and State Law 

    The Trump Administration has recently targeted private sector diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies and practices through an executive order directing agencies to “combat illegal private-sector DEIA preferences, mandates, policies, programs, and activities.” This order conflates valid and legal programs and practices supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility with unlawful preferences in hiring and promotion. 

    These initiatives are not the same as illegal hiring or promotional preferences to individuals based on protected characteristics. Instead, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility practices focus on ensuring that businesses can recruit, hire, and retain qualified employees, and that workplaces provides support needed for all employees to have respect, belonging, and exercise their individual potential to develop their skills and contribute to the success of the business. 

    For decades, state and federal courts have consistently recognized that diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policies do not amount to impermissible discrimination. In fact, employment discrimination laws generally require employers to pay attention to the impact their policies and practices have on different groups in order to avoid and limit liability for unlawful conduct. 

    Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Initiatives Help Businesses Prevent Workplace Discrimination  

    In their guidance, the coalition reminds businesses that state and federal law prohibits discrimination in the workplace on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and other protected characteristics. In order to effectively avoid liability for discrimination, employers must take steps to proactively prevent and address discrimination, including by identifying and remediating policies and practices that have an unlawful impact on current and prospective employees. Decades of research and data demonstrate that properly developed and implemented diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives help prevent unlawful discrimination and ensure that discriminatory conduct is promptly identified, reported and addressed when it does occur. 

    Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Initiatives Foster Inclusive Recruiting, Hiring and Retention Practices 

    A study found that companies in the top quartile for diversity were 35% more likely to have financial gains above their respective industry counterparts. When diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility principles are embedded within an organization’s culture, they reduce bias, boost workplace morale, foster collaboration, and create opportunities for all employees. Diverse organizations that prioritize inclusivity tend to outperform their peers, with higher returns, lower turnover, and a more attractive workplace for top talent. 

    The coalition’s guidance highlights best practices for recruitment and hiring, including:  

    • Prioritizing widescale recruitment efforts to attract a larger pool of applicants from a variety of backgrounds. 
    • Using panel interviews, which ensure that multiple people are involved in a hiring or promotion recommendation, helping to eliminate bias. 
    • Setting standardized criteria for evaluating candidates and employees, focused on skills and experience. 
    • Ensuring accessible recruitment and hiring practices and protocols, including reasonable accommodations as appropriate. 

    Additionally, organizations that offer benefits such as employee resource groups, mentorship programs, professionalism trainings, and work groups focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are proven to have heightened employee retention and engagement. Best practices for professional development and retention include:  

    • Ensuring equal access to all aspects of professional development, training and mentor programs that provide clear pathways for career growth. 
    • Setting up Employee Resource Groups to create inclusive and supportive spaces where employees of particular backgrounds or common experiences feel valued and heard. 
    • Conducting training on topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and disability awareness to improve employee confidence and create a shared understanding around cultural norms. 
    • Ensuring equal access to all aspects of employment, including through reasonable workplace accommodations. 

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Illinois, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, and Vermont in issuing the guidance.   

    A copy of the guidance is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Led African Legacies Institute Delegation on Historic Visit to Washington, D.C.

    Source: African Legacies Institute

    The visit reinforced ALI’s unwavering commitment to celebrating and safeguarding the contributions of Africa’s democratic leaders

    WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, February 13, 2025/ — The African Legacies Institute (ALI) (www.AfricanLegacies.org), a pioneering organization dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the legacies of democratic African Heads of State and Government, achieved a significant milestone during a high-profile visit to Washington, D.C. Leading the delegation was H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, who was among a select group of former heads of state invited by the Multicultural Coalition Presidential Inaugural Ball Committee. 

    Accompanying him were ALI officials Rachelle Yayi, Franya Cabral Ruiz, Sheree M. Mitchell, and George Williams II. Representing the Institute with distinction, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn highlighted ALI’s mission to preserve Africa’s democratic legacies, emphasizing the importance of good governance, peaceful transitions of power, and sustainable development to an engaged and supportive audience.

    The visit reinforced ALI’s unwavering commitment to celebrating and safeguarding the contributions of Africa’s democratic leaders. As of 2025, 36 living former African Heads of State and Government have successfully overseen democratic transitions. Their enduring legacy, marked by integrity, visionary leadership, and adherence to constitutional principles, serves as an inspiration for future generations and underscores Africa’s commitment to peace, unity, and sustainable democracy.

    Key Highlights of the Visit

    Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast
    The delegation attended the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria, a bipartisan event established in 1992 that convenes spiritual leaders and global dignitaries from over 50 countries.

    Multicultural Coalition U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball
    The ALI delegation received a special invitation from Chairman Pastor Mark Burns, spiritual advisor to President Trump, to attend the prestigious Multicultural Coalition U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball. The event brought together distinguished figures from politics, entertainment, and advocacy to celebrate leadership and unity.

    Historic Televised Interview with Voice of America
    The visit featured a historic televised interview of H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn conducted by journalist Peter Clottey of Voice of America (VOA), the largest U.S. international broadcaster, reaching an audience of 35 million viewers. The conversation explored the profound contributions of former African democratic heads of state, particularly in national development, peacebuilding, and democratic governance. H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn shared insightful reflections on leadership and the crucial role former African leaders play in shaping the continent’s future. He underscored the importance of preserving their legacies to inspire and guide future generations.

    High-Level Meeting at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
    The ALI delegation engaged with Dr. Joseph Sany, Vice President of the Africa Center at USIP, to explore potential collaborations on peacebuilding, leadership training, and governance frameworks, leveraging the expertise of former African Heads of State.

    Reception at the Hay-Adams Hotel
    The delegation attended a private reception hosted by Gunster Strategies Worldwide, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and industry figures. Distinguished guests included Nigel Farage, African Ambassadors to the U.S., U.S. Ambassadors to Europe, and high-level elected officials.

    Fireside Chat with Engineering Students at Howard University
    H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn led an intimate fireside chat with student leaders from Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture. The discussion reinforced ALI’s commitment to fostering stronger collaborations between Africa and the African Diaspora while encouraging students to support economic development on the continent.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Like dictators before him, Trump threatens international peace and security

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sabine Nolke, Research Associate in International Law, Western Academy for Advanced Research, Western University

    At first, Canadians just shook their collective heads when United States President Donald Trump suggested Canada become the 51st American state.

    They rolled their eyes when he posted a fake image of himself standing next to a Canadian flag amid snowy mountaintops — in actuality, the Swiss Alps.

    Another Trump post showed a map purporting to merge Canada and the U.S. That prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to respond on social media that there was not a “snowball’s chance in hell” that Canadians would soon become Americans.

    Meme wars are one thing, but in the real world, threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a foreign state is quite another. Canadian leaders have stopped laughing, and they now need to situate Trump’s dangerous rhetoric in the language of international law and state-to-state relations.

    As a former Canadian ambassador to the Netherlands, and a permanent representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and international courts and tribunals in The Hague, I know language matters.

    Trump’s threats make it an opportune time to provide a brief snapshot of the historical context for Trump’s rhetoric, and the necessary 21st-century vocabulary with which to respond and shape the public discourse.

    Manifest Destiny

    In threatening hefty tariffs on Canada, Trump cited the flow of fentanyl over the Canada-U.S. border, but it was clear it had little to do with fentanyl, particularly since so little crosses the border into the U.S. Instead, it seems he is coming for Canada’s sovereignty as an independent state.

    When asked on Feb. 3 how Canada could ward off tariffs, Trump reiterated: “What I’d like to see is Canada become our 51st state.”

    Later that same day, Trump paused tariffs on Canada, ostensibly thanks to border measures that Canada, like Mexico, had already announced. But what is still being said by the president of one of the most powerful nations on Earth cannot be unsaid.

    At a Jan. 7 news conference, Trump called the border between Canada and the U.S. an “artificially drawn line” — echoing rhetoric deployed by Vladimir Putin as justification for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. His remarks, in fact, were gleefully retweeted by Russia’s propaganda channel RT.

    Putin claims the Ukrainian border is the result of “administrative” action under the former Soviet Union, while Trump appears to be invoking the 19th century American concept of “Manifest Destiny.”

    He used the phrase verbatim in his inaugural address in the context of planting a flag on Mars, but it is entirely consistent with his plans for, and rhetoric on, Canada.

    As John O’Sullivan, the American diplomat who coined the phrase, wrote in a 1845 article entitled Annexation, it’s America’s destiny to “overspread the continent.” Trump appears to be taking that idea to heart.

    ‘The free white race’

    Arguably the biggest fan of territorial expansion in the 20th century was Adolf Hitler, architect of the Third Reich. Trump reportedly has some of Hitler’s writings on his bedside table. Hitler had this to say in Chapter 4 of Mein Kampf:

    “The extent of the national territory is a determining factor in the external security of the nation. The larger the territory which a people has at its disposal, the stronger are the national defences of that people.”

    Sound familiar?

    But why Canada and not Mexico, you may ask? Likely because he considers Canada less racialized, even though modern-day Canada has a large multicultural population.



    Read more:
    Trump has put down his racist dog whistle and picked up a bull horn

    In 1848, however, in the midst of the American expansionist era, pro-slavery South Carolina Sen. John Calhoun said:

    “We have never dreamt of incorporating into our Union any but the Caucasian race — the free white race. To incorporate Mexico, would be the very first instance of the kind, of incorporating an Indian race; for more than half of the Mexicans are Indians, and the other is composed chiefly of mixed tribes. I protest against such a union as that! Ours, sir, is the Government of a white race.”

    In short, neither the context nor the history informing Trump’s designs on Canada are reassuring for Canadians.

    Rules still matter

    Trump’s dismissive approach to established borders ignores fundamental norms and principles on the sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of states, codified following the Second World War in the Charter of the United Nations. Canada is a founding member of the UN; its status as a sovereign state is not subject to challenge under international law.

    The charter clearly states that “all Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.”

    Similarly, the North Atlantic Treaty obliges NATO member states to “refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.”



    Read more:
    Allies or enemies? Trump’s threats against Canada and Greenland put NATO in a tough spot

    Trump has said he will use “economic force” to annex Canada. The suggestion that an economically devastated Canada could be sufficiently brought to heel has been embraced by the so-called MAGA-sphere, including an influential blogger with ties to Russia.

    International law

    Threatening economic rather than military force does not make Trump’s efforts at subjugating Canada any more acceptable in terms of international law.

    In 1970, in the UN’s Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations and Co-Operations Among States, the UN General Assembly unanimously confirmed that “no state may use … economic, political or any other type of measures to coerce another state in order to obtain from it the subordination of its exercise of its sovereign rights.” While not legally binding, this declaration represents customary international law.

    In 1986, the International Court of Justice ruled in Nicaragua v, United States that:

    “A prohibited intervention must accordingly be one bearing on matters in which each State is permitted, by the principle of State sovereignty, to decide freely. One of these is the choice of a political, economic, social and cultural system, and the formulation of foreign policy. Intervention is wrongful when it uses methods of coercion in regard to such choices, which must remain free ones.”

    Keeping score

    It’s both right and righteous for our elected leaders to say that Canada will never be the 51st state.

    But the time has come, especially in the context of Trump’s threats to buy Greenland, seize the Panama Canal and turn Gaza into a Middle Eastern Riviera, to call out his threats to Canada.

    Amid Trump’s dizzying litany of outlandish pronouncements, Canada’s leaders must keep track of what Trump’s declarations represent:

    • A threat to international peace and security;
    • A threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Canada;
    • Unlawful coercion and intervention in the affairs of a sovereign state;
    • A breach of the UN Charter;
    • A breach of the North Atlantic treaty.

    Trump’s threats are no way to treat an ally, but unfortunately for him, international law is on Canada’s side.

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

    – ref. Like dictators before him, Trump threatens international peace and security – https://theconversation.com/like-dictators-before-him-trump-threatens-international-peace-and-security-248735

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Questions Middle East, Syria Experts Following Fall of Assad Regime

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    February 13, 2025

    February 13, 2025
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) participated in a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing focused on better understanding the impacts of Middle East regional politics, and the residual effects the fall of the Assad regime in Syria may have on American interests as it pertains to Russia, Türkiye and Iran. Senator Ricketts said the following during the hearing:
    Click on the photo to watch
    “As we see what’s unfolding in Syria, we know that the ramifications are from Putin’s war in Russia. There’s miscalculation. There is rippling through the system. We see it in Nagorno-Karabakh, we see it here in Syria. How he [Putin] was not able to support the Assad regime. But we know in years past that Russia was critical to keeping Assad afloat and basically responsible for killing Syrians,” Sen. Ricketts said. “They’ve been getting that historically from Russia, but recently we’ve been reading reports that the Europeans have been in conversation with al-Sharaa about, again, lifting some of the sanctions and one of the conditions being kicking the Russians basically out of their naval base and the air base.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dean Heyl Appointed as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Public Affairs

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of Dean A. Heyl as assistant secretary for public affairs. 

    “It is my great privilege to get to tell the story of the Department of Labor as we seek to advance the fortunes of job seekers, wage earners, and retirees everywhere,” said Heyl.

    Heyl served in the first Trump Administration as the department’s director of the office of public liaison. Prior to returning to the department, he was the president and founder of Heyl Enterprises. He has extensive experience in government relations and as an attorney working with a number of associations. Earlier in his career, he served as a senior advisor to the Idaho attorney general and governor. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration, Challenging Elon Musk’s Unconstitutional Exercise of Power

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Thursday, February 13, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Musk was never elected, nominated, or confirmed — an affront to the U.S. Constitution

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit that challenges Elon Musk’s unlawful exercise of power. In today’s lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that Mr. Musk, an unconfirmed, unelected government employee, is exercising authority that exceeds what the U.S. Constitution permits. In his commanding of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the lawsuit alleges, Mr. Musk is acting with at least as much authority as a “principal officer of the United States” — a position that only Congress can create and one that requires Senate confirmation. The lawsuit alleges that, by acting as a “principal officer,” Mr. Musk is acting in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause, and the coalition seeks to immediately halt this unlawful exercise of power. 

    “Elon Musk does not occupy a position that Congress created or that the Senate confirmed — Mr. Musk occupies a position the President made up. This is a clear and dangerous effort to bypass the nomination and confirmation process required under the Constitution. DOGE’s ransacking of federal agencies has sown tremendous chaos, instilled distrust among the American people, and has caused deep harm to our country,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Like a bull in a china shop, Mr. Musk is wielding an enormous amount of illegitimized power over sensitive systems and important government programs that are vital to the American way of life.”

    In the lawsuit filed today, the attorneys general argue that Mr. Musk has unraveled federal agencies, accessed sensitive data, and caused widespread disruption for state and local governments, as well as critical systems American people rely on daily. By disrupting billions of dollars in federal funding essential for law enforcement, healthcare, education, and other critical services, Mr. Musk’s actions harm the states, including California. 

    In filing today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New Mexico, Arizona, Michigan, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.  

    A copy of the complaint can be found here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan Convicted on Federal Conspiracy and Bribery Charges

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

    CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago today convicted former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives MICHAEL J. MADIGAN on conspiracy and bribery charges for using his official position to corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates.

    Madigan, 82, of Chicago, was convicted on ten counts against him, including one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, four counts of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity, three counts of wire fraud, and two counts of bribery.  The jury acquitted Madigan on four counts of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity, two bribery counts, and an attempted extortion count.  U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey declared a mistrial on six other counts for which the jury did not reach a unanimous verdict – one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, one count of bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, and one count of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity.

    The jury returned its verdicts against Madigan after a four-month trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.  Each wire fraud count is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, while each bribery count is punishable by up to ten years.  The maximum for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and each count of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity is five years.

    Judge Blakey also declared a mistrial as to all six deadlocked counts against a co-defendant, MICHAEL F. MCCLAIN, 77, of Quincy, Ill.  McClain was charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, one count of bribery, one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, and one count of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity.

    Evidence at trial revealed that Madigan, who served as House Speaker and occupied a number of other political roles, conspired with others to cause the utility company Commonwealth Edison to make monetary payments to Madigan’s associates as a reward for their loyalty to Madigan, in return for performing little or no legitimate work for the business.  The true nature of the payments was to influence and reward Madigan in connection with specific legislation ComEd sought in the Illinois General Assembly.

    Madigan was also convicted of scheming to accept legal work unlawfully steered to his private law firm and his son by an Alderman of the Chicago City Council, in exchange for Madigan’s assistance in inducing the Governor of Illinois to appoint the Alderman to a compensated State Board position.

    The verdicts were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago.  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amarjeet S. Bhachu, Diane MacArthur, Sarah E. Streicker, and Julia Schwartz.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian National Pleads Guilty to Perjury

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant convicted of murder, attempted murder and physical and mental torture by Brazilian authorities for his involvement in “The Slaughter of Curió” in 2015

    BOSTON – A Brazilian national residing in Malden, Mass. has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston for lying on his asylum application and at an immigration hearing. Upon applying for a U.S. Visa, the defendant never disclosed his arrest in a case involving the murders of 11 people, mostly teenagers, in Brazil in retaliation for the death of a police officer, an incident known as The Slaughter of Curió.

    Antonio Jose De Abreu Vidal Filho, 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury before U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper who scheduled sentencing for Mau 29, 2025. In May 2024, De Abreu was indicted by a federal grand jury.

    In April 2014, De Abreu joined the Ceara State Military Police – Brazilian state forces who, under the governor, do first line policing on the street. In the early morning hours of Nov. 12, 2015, numerous Brazilian military police officers employed by the government of the Brazilian state of Ceará, including De Abreu, participated in a mass killing event of primarily young people from the impoverished neighborhoods of Barroso, Messejana, Guajeru, Curió and Lagoa Redonda in the capital of Ceará.

    The killings were in retaliation for the death of another police officer who was attempting to defend his wife who was being assaulted. In total, 11 people, mostly teenagers, were murdered and many others seriously injured and tortured. This incident has come to be known as A Chacina do Curió or The Slaughter of Curió or The Curió Massacre. A total of 45 individuals, including De Abreu, were charged by the Brazilian authorities and, on Aug. 31, 2016, De Abreu was arrested and detained by the Brazilian police. He was subsequently released pending trial on May 24, 2017.  

    Two weeks later, on June 9, 2017, while in Recife, Brazil, De Abreu applied for a United States non-immigrant B2 visitor visa. When asked whether he had ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, De Abreu responded “no.” Thereafter, on or about June 21, 2017, the United States Department of State approved De Abreu’s Visa Application and issued him the B2 Visa based upon his false representations. De Abreu used the B2 Visa and travelled to Miami on May 30, 2018.

    Between May 30, 2018 through Aug. 14, 2023, as a result of the approval of his Visa Application, De Abreu obtained various state driver’s licenses, a social security card, travel documents and authorizations for employment.  

    De Abreu applied for asylum on Jan. 29, 2020, and lied when asked whether he had ever been accused, charged, arrested, detained, interrogated and imprisoned in any country other than the United States. He also failed to disclose his arrest and detention in Brazil when he applied for adjustment of status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.

    On June 25, 2023, De Abreu was convicted of 11 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and four counts of physical and mental torture in the First Court of Fortaleza, Ceará. That same day, De Abreu was sentenced to 275 years and 11 months in prison and an arrest warrant issued.

    On Feb. 9, 2024, De Abreu testified under oath at an immigration hearing conducted by U.S. Immigration Court, falsely claiming that he had never lied to immigration officials and that the only reason he had left off important information on immigration documents filed with the United States government was because he had not yet been arrested.

    The charge of misuse of visas, permits and other documents provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of perjury provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of falsifying, concealing and covering up a material fact provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol,  Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Bradley Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Mathew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Denis C. Riordan, District Director of the Fraud Detection and National Security Division of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. This matter was investigated with the assistance of the United States Interagency Human Rights Violators & War Crimes Center. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Sales Executives Charged in Connection With Pre-IPO Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendants Lied to Investors Regarding Hidden Markups and Fees and Stole Millions of Dollars in Investor Funds for Themselves

    Earlier today, at the federal court in Brooklyn, a superseding indictment was unsealed charging Robert Cassino, also known as “Bobby Cassino,” Joseph Passalaqua and Joseph Rivera with securities fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy and securities fraud.  The defendants were arrested today and are being arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho.  Raymond John Pirrello, Jr., also known as “Ray John,” was previously indicted for his involvement in the scheme.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the charges.

    “The defendants repeatedly lied to investors about the costs associated with their investments and diverted millions of dollars in undisclosed mark-up fees to their sales offices,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “My Office will vigorously prosecute those who seek to take advantage of individual investors for their own greed.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), New York Regional Office, for its significant cooperation and assistance during the investigation.

    “At the behest of the company’s leadership, three defendants allegedly enticed investors with material misinformation to steal millions of their dollars through undisclosed upfront fees. This alleged scheme allowed the defendants’ respective sales offices to unlawfully profit at the expense of their clients’ trust and money. The FBI will never permit any individual to engage in hypocritical financial practices to covertly divert investments for personal enrichment,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.

    As detailed in the superseding indictment, Pirrello, Cassino, Passalaqua and Rivera engaged in a scheme to defraud investors and prospective investors in securities offered by the company Late Stage Management, LLC (Late Stage). Late Stage was a New Jersey based manager of investment funds that offered investors “no fee” opportunities to invest in “Pre IPO” stocks, i.e., shares of stock in companies that anticipated an initial public offering (“IPO”) in the near term.  Late Stage worked with several sales offices throughout New Jersey, New York and Florida to promote the investments, including Pre IPO Marketing, Inc. (“Pre IPO Marketing”), Prior2IPO and B4IPO.

    Pirrello worked as the partner to the leadership of Late Stage, and Cassino, Passalaqua and Rivera led operations at Pre IPO Marketing, Prior2IPO and B4IPO, respectively.  Pirrello and co-conspirators communicated with Cassino, Passalaqua, Rivera and others about how to market Late Stage to investors.  Cassino, Passalaqua and Rivera then made material misrepresentations and omissions to investors and potential investors in Late Stage relating to, among other things, the existence and amount of fees paid by investors in stock offered by Late Stage.  For example, they claimed that the only time Late Stage profited was on exit, when the company made its IPO or sold to a larger company, in which case it would be entitled to a 20% share of the investor’s profits.  In reality, however, Late Stage charged fees in the form of upfront markups ranging from 10-50% of each investment.  In total, between approximately March 2019 and July 2022, sales offices working on behalf of Late Stage raised approximately $528 million from investors and diverted approximately $88.6 million in undisclosed upfront markups to Pirrello, Cassino, Passalaqua, Rivera and their co-conspirators.   

    The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    If you believe that you or someone you know was victimized by Pirrello, Cassino, Passalaqua, Rivera or their co-conspirators, please inform the FBI at the following website: www.fbi.gov/Pirrello or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.  Assistant United States  Attorney Jessica K. Weigel is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Special Agent Martin Sullivan and Paralegal Specialist Sarah Burn.

    The Defendants:

    ROBERT CASSINO (also known as “Bobby Cassino”)
    Age: 62
    Long Beach, New York

    JOSEPH PASSALAQUA
    Age:  36
    Sparta, New Jersey

    JOSEPH RIVERA
    Age: 45
    Elmont, New York

    Previously Indicted Defendant:

    RAYMOND JOHN PIRRELLO, JR. (also known as “Ray John”)
    Age: 48
    Sparta, New Jersey

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-499 (S-1) (KAM)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Trisura Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Record Annual Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trisura Group Ltd. (“Trisura” or “Trisura Group”) (TSX: TSU), a leading specialty insurance provider, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

    David Clare, President and CEO of Trisura, stated, “Trisura achieved strong Operating net income of $38.2 million in the quarter, or $0.79 per share, supporting our highest ever annual Operating net income of $135.8 million, driven by growth, strong underwriting, and higher Net investment income. Operating combined ratio of 81.5% for the quarter and 82.9% for the year shows the strength and potential of the combined platform.

    Growth, strong earnings, unrealized gains and the impact of foreign exchange lifted book value by 27% to $785 million, an all-time high. Profitability from core operations continued, resulting in a 19.4% Operating ROE.

    We made significant progress expanding in 2024. Premiums from our US Surety platform grew by 197% in the year, broadening our footprint and developing relationships with important distribution partners. In US Corporate Insurance we bound our first premium, continued to establish our brand and grow our network while we build out licenses.

    We observed weaker performance from a group of US programs we had previously non-renewed. These programs have been included in Exited lines, to clearly demonstrate their impact. Premium growth and profitability continued in our ongoing portfolio of US Programs.

    Despite the impact of Exited lines, Trisura achieved an 88.8% Combined ratio for the year, and a 96.7% Combined ratio in the quarter. Net income in Q4 grew by 70.1% to $19.3 million and we reached our highest annual Net income ever of $118.9 million.

    Growth initiatives remain well-funded with our highest book value yet and a conservative 11% debt-to-capital underscoring flexibility and capacity for growth.”

    Financial Highlights

    • Insurance revenue increased by 5.2% in Q4 2024 led by strength in Primary lines (Surety, Corporate Insurance and Warranty). Importantly, these are the lines that have the highest underwriting margin.
    • Net income of $19.3 million in the quarter grew 70.1% compared to Q4 2023 as a result of growth in the business, higher Net investment income, as well as a lower Loss ratio. Operating net income(1) of $38.2 million in the quarter grew 47.6% compared to Q4 2023, as a result of growth in the business, higher Net investment income, as well as a lower Loss ratio.
    • Operating EPS(2) of $0.79 for the quarter increased compared to $0.54 in the prior year, demonstrating the strength of core operations(3) through continued growth and profitability. EPS of $0.40 in Q4 2024 was greater than $0.23 in Q4 2023, as a result of growth in the business, higher Net investment income, and improved profitability. EPS in the quarter was impacted by a higher Loss ratio associated with Exited lines.
    • Book value reached a new record of $785.3 million and book value per share(4) of $16.44 increased 26.3% from December 31, 2023, the combined result of earnings from Trisura Specialty, investment returns and foreign exchange.
    • ROE(4) of 16.9% increased compared to 12.2% in Q4 2023, demonstrating a return to our mid-teens target. Operating ROE(5) of 19.4% was slightly lower than Q4 2023, as strong profitability from core operations continued, but Shareholders’ equity increased disproportionately from unrealized gains and foreign exchange.
    Amounts in C$ millions Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Variance 2024 2023 Variance
    Insurance revenue 794.2 755.0 5.2% 3,118.3 2,789.2 11.8%
    Net income 19.3 11.3 70.1% 118.9 66.9 77.6%
    Operating net income(1) 38.2 25.9 47.6% 135.8 110.2 23.3%
    EPS – diluted, $ 0.40 0.23 73.9% 2.45 1.42 72.5%
    Operating EPS – diluted, $(2) 0.79 0.54 46.3% 2.80 2.34 19.7%
    Book value per share, $(4) 16.44 13.02 26.3% 16.44 13.02 26.3%
    Debt-to-Capital ratio(4) 11.1% 10.8% 0.3pts 11.1% 10.8% 0.3pts
    ROE(4) 16.9% 12.2% 4.7pts 16.9% 12.2% 4.7pts
    Operating ROE(5) 19.4% 20.0% (0.6pts) 19.4% 20.0% (0.6pts)
    Combined ratio 96.7% 105.4% (8.7pts) 88.8% 91.2% (2.4pts)
    Operating combined ratio(6) 81.5% 88.1% (6.6pts) 82.9% 81.9% 1.0pts

    Insurance Operations

    • Insurance revenue of $794.2 million, increased by 5.2% compared to Q4 2023, reflecting stronger growth from Surety and Warranty in particular. Trisura’s Primary lines (Surety, Corporate Insurance and Warranty) grew by 17.7% in the quarter.
    • The consolidated Operating combined ratio(3) was 81.5% for the quarter reflecting a lower Loss ratio(3) than the prior year, driven by strong results in Surety and Corporate Insurance, slightly offset by investments in our US expansion.
    • Strong underwriting contributed to a loss ratio in Trisura Specialty of 12.8%, a ROE of 27.4% and Operating ROE of 24.9% in Q4 2024.

    Capital

    • The Minimum Capital Test ratio(7) of our regulated Canadian subsidiary was 276% as at December 31, 2024 (251% as at December 31, 2023), which comfortably exceeded regulatory requirements(8) of 150%.
    • As at December 31, 2024, the Risk-Based Capital(9) of the regulated US insurance companies are expected to be in excess of the various company action levels of the states in which they are licensed. Calculations are finalized as statutory returns are completed.
    • Consolidated debt-to-capital ratio of 11.1% as at December 31, 2024 is below our long-term target of 20.0%.

    Investments

    • Net investment income rose 5.8% in the quarter compared to Q4 2023. The portfolio benefited from increased capital generated from strong operational performance.

    Earnings Conference Call

    Trisura will host its Fourth Quarter and 2024 Annual Earnings Conference Call to review financial results at 9:00a.m. ET on Friday, February 14th, 2025.

    To listen to the call via live audio webcast, please follow the link below:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/mghkbw3a/

    A replay of the call will be available through the link above.

    About Trisura Group

    Trisura Group Ltd. is a specialty insurance provider operating in the Surety, Warranty, Corporate Insurance, Program and Fronting business lines of the market. Trisura has investments in wholly owned subsidiaries through which it conducts insurance operations. Those operations are primarily in Canada and the United States. Trisura Group Ltd. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSU”.

    Further information is available at http://www.trisura.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website. Investors should consult the site to access this information. Details regarding the operations of Trisura Group Ltd. are also set forth in regulatory filings. A copy of the filings may be obtained on Trisura Group’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For more information, please contact:

    Name: Bryan Sinclair

    Tel: 416 607 2135

    Email: bryan.sinclair@trisura.com

    Trisura Group Ltd.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
    As at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
    (in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted)
    As at December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
    Cash and cash equivalents         270,378         604,016
    Investments         1,434,534         890,157
    Other assets         42,392         53,712
    Reinsurance contract assets         2,771,163         2,003,589
    Capital assets and intangible assets         29,383         16,657
    Deferred tax assets         44,043         16,314
    Total assets         4,591,893         3,584,445
    Insurance contract liabilities         3,546,053         2,769,951
    Other liabilities         162,302         120,065
    Loan payable         98,272         75,000
    Total liabilities         3,806,627         2,965,016
    Shareholders’ equity         785,266         619,429
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity         4,591,893         3,584,445
    Trisura Group Ltd.
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
    For the three and twelve months ended December 31
    (in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted)
      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 2024 2023
    Insurance revenue         794,162         754,953         3,118,322         2,789,187
    Insurance service expenses         (881,999)         (615,167)         (2,748,110)         (2,245,246)
    Net income (expense) from reinsurance contracts assets         101,624         (135,627)         (253,980)         (458,606)
    Insurance service result         13,787         4,159         116,232         85,335
    Net investment income (loss)         17,138         16,206         67,045         51,669
    Net gains (losses) & net credit impairment losses         2,886         9,058         24,699         (8,763)
    Total investment income         20,024         25,264         91,744         42,906
    Finance expenses from insurance contracts         (7,015)         (27,716)         (78,522)         (75,875)
    Finance income from reinsurance contracts         5,908         23,511         67,732         65,759
    Net insurance finance expenses         (1,107)         (4,205)         (10,790)         (10,116)
    Net financial result         18,917         21,059         80,954         32,790
    Net insurance and financial result         32,704         25,218         197,186         118,125
    Other income         508         727         7,506         7,654
    Other operating expenses         (6,804)         (10,346)         (42,932)         (32,947)
    Other finance costs         (947)         (565)         (3,270)         (2,409)
    Income before income taxes         25,461         15,034         158,490         90,423
    Income tax expense         (6,208)         (3,714)         (39,575)         (23,482)
    Net income         19,253         11,320         118,915         66,941
    Operating net income         38,181         25,875         135,850         110,201
    Other comprehensive income (loss)         17,194         8,452         43,843         6,328
    Comprehensive income         36,447         19,772         162,758         73,269
    Trisura Group Ltd.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    For the three and twelve months ended December 31
    (in thousands of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted)
      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 2024 2023
    Net income 19,253 11,320         118,915         66,941
    Non-cash items (3,127) (11,727)         (20,517)         5,264
    Change in working capital 102,620 100,302         68,598         194,038
    Realized (gains) losses (784) 1,769         (2,314)         3,950
    Income taxes paid (16,609) (1,736)         (42,316)         (9,841)
    Interest paid (984) (1,115)         (2,640)         (2,439)
    Net cash from (used in) operating activities 100,369 98,813         119,726         257,913
    Proceeds on disposal of investments 140,380 12,894         342,306         102,492
    Purchases of investments (221,476) (41,001)         (795,269)         (219,121)
    Acquisition of subsidiary – –         (15,015)         –
    Net purchases of capital and intangible assets (647) 32         (3,835)         (714)
    Net cash (used in) investing activities (81,743) (28,075)         (471,813)         (117,343)
    Shares issued – (63)         2,989         51,507
    Shares purchased under Restricted Share Units plan 922 436         (2,215)         (1,409)
    Loans received – –         46,607         –
    Loans repaid – –         (23,335)         –
    Principal portion of lease payments (234) (510)         (2,006)         (2,034)
    Net cash from (used in) financing activities 688 (137)         22,040         48,064
    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents, during the period 19,314 70,601         (330,047)         188,634
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 262,850 531,484         604,016         406,368
    Currency translation (11,786) 1,931         (3,591)         9,014
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 270,378 604,016         270,378         604,016

    Non-IFRS Financial Measures and other Financial Measures

    Table 1 – Reconciliation of reported Net income to Operating net income(4): reflect Net income, adjusted for certain items to normalize earnings to core operations in order to reflect our North American specialty operations.

      Q4 2024 Q4 2023 2024 2023
    Net income 19,253 11,320 118,915 66,941
    Adjustments:        
    Non-recurring Surety revenues – – – (4,596)
    Impact of certain changes in Fronting reinsurance structures – – 1,435 –
    Loss from run-off program – 19,196 3,714 47,229
    Non-recurring items (3,100) 4,549 3,565 4,549
    Impact of Exited lines 30,577 – 30,577 –
    Impact of SBC (839) 1,589 3,507 (1,914)
    Impact of movement in yield curve within Finance (expenses) income from insurance and reinsurance contracts (396) 2,071 1,207 723
    Net (gains) losses (2,886) (9,058) (24,699) 8,763
    Tax impact of above items, and other tax adjustments (4,428) (3,792) (2,371) (11,494)
    Operating net income 38,181 25,875 135,850 110,201

    Table 2 – ROE(4)and Operating LTM ROE(5): a measure of the Company’s use of equity.

      Q4 2024 Q4 2023
    LTM net income         118,915         66,941
    LTM average equity         702,012         549,672
    ROE 16.9% 12.2%
    Operating LTM net income(1)         135,850         110,201
    Operating LTM ROE 19.4% 20.0%

    Table 3 – Reconciliation of Average equity(10)to LTM average equity: LTM average equity is used in calculating Operating ROE.

      Q4 2024 Q4 2023
    Average equity         702,348         556,538
    Adjustments: days in quarter proration         (336)         (6,866)
    LTM average equity         702,012         549,672

    Footnotes

    (1) See section on Non-IFRS financial measures table 10.2 in Q4 2024 MD&A for details on composition. Operating net income is a non-IFRS financial measure. Non-IFRS financial measures are not standardized financial measures under the financial reporting framework used to prepare the financial statements of the Company to which the measure relates and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other companies. Details and an explanation of how it provides useful information to an investor can be found in the Q4 2024 MD&A, Section 10, Operating Metrics table.

    (2) This is a non-IFRS ratio. Non-IFRS ratios are not standardized under the financial reporting framework used to prepare the financial statements of the Company to which the ratio relates and might not be comparable to similar ratios disclosed by other companies. Details on composition and an explanation of how it provides useful information to an investor can be found in the Q4 2024 MD&A, Section 10, table 10.17.

    (3) See Section 10, Operating Metrics in Q4 2024 MD&A for the definition of Operating Net Income, and for further explanation of “core operations”.

    (4) This is a supplementary financial measure. Refer to Q4 2024 MD&A, Section 10, Operating Metrics table for its composition.

    (5) This is a non-IFRS ratio. See table 10.18 in Q4 2024 MD&A for details on composition, as well as each non-IFRS financial measure used as a component of ratio, and an explanation of how it provides useful information to an investor.

    (6) This is a non-IFRS ratio. Refer to Q4 2024 MD&A, Section 10, Operating Metrics table for its composition. Operating combined ratio excludes the impact of certain items to normalize results in order to reflect our Trisura Specialty operations.

    (7) This measure is calculated in accordance with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada’s (OSFI’s) Guideline A, Minimum Capital Test.

    (8) This target is in accordance with OSFI’s Guideline A-4, Regulatory Capital and Internal Capital Targets.

    (9) This measure is calculated in accordance with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Risk Based Capital for Insurers Model Act.

    (10) Average equity is calculated as the sum of opening equity and closing equity over the last twelve months, divided by two.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

    Note: This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, include statements regarding operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook of our Company and its subsidiaries, as well as the outlook for North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods, and include words such as “expects,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “forecasts”, “potential” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could”.

    Although we believe that our anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of our Company to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors in the countries in which we do business; the behaviour of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates; global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; insurance risks including pricing risk, concentration risk and exposure to large losses, and risks associated with estimates of loss reserves; strategic actions including dispositions; the ability to complete and effectively integrate acquisitions into existing operations and the ability to attain expected benefits; changes in accounting policies and methods used to report financial condition (including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates); the ability to appropriately manage human capital; the effect of applying future accounting changes; business competition; operational and reputational risks; technological change; changes in government regulation and legislation within the countries in which we operate; governmental investigations; litigation; changes in tax laws; changes in capital requirements; changes in reinsurance arrangements and availability and cost of reinsurance; ability to collect amounts owed; catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes or pandemics; the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts and cyberterrorism; risks associated with reliance on distribution partners, capacity providers and program administrators; third party risks; risk that models used to manage the business do not function as expected; climate change risk; risk of economic downturn; risk of inflation; risks relating to cyber-security; risks relating to credit ratings; and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with securities regulators in Canada.

    We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements and information, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, our Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Cautionary Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures

    Reported results conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), in accordance with IFRS. In addition to reported results, our Company also presents certain financial measures, including non-IFRS financial measures that are historical, non-IFRS ratios, and supplementary financial measures, to assess results. Non-IFRS financial measures, such as operating net income, are utilized to assess the Company’s overall performance. To arrive at operating results, our Company adjusts for certain items to normalize earnings to core operations, in order to reflect our North American specialty operations. Non-IFRS ratios include a non-IFRS financial measure as one or more of its components. Examples of non-IFRS ratios include operating diluted earnings per share and operating ROE. The Company believes that non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios provide the reader with an enhanced understanding of our results and related trends and increase transparency and clarity into the core results of the business. Non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios are not standardized terms under IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable to similar terms used by other companies. Supplementary financial measures depict the Company’s financial performance and position, and are explained in this document where they first appear, and incorporates information by reference to our Company’s current MD&A, for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024. To access MD&A, see Trisura’s website or SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These measures are pursuant to National Instrument 52-112 Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – SA Premier features in book of migrant stories – AMES

    Source: AMES

    South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas features in new book that tells the stories of second-generation migrant Australians.

    Titled ‘At the Heart of Identity’, the book is a series of reflections from people sharing their families’ settlement journeys and their own search for identity.

    Premier Malinauskas shares his family’s post war journey to Australia and his own childhood growing up in a migrant community.

    He tells in the book how his family came to Australia in 1949 escaping war-torn Europe.

    “At some point in the late 1930s in regional Hungary a 20-year-old widowed mother named Eta was left little choice but to temporarily leave her daughter with extended family while she sought work at a nearby town. It was a fateful moment. As World War II mercilessly engulfed Europe, Eta quickly found herself caught in the web of the war,” Premier Malinauskas says.

    “Moved from camp to camp as forced labour for the Nazis, no parent could bear to imagine the pain, frustration and sense of desperation that Eta must have felt as every avenue to get back to her daughter was closed. Despite multiple efforts to return to Hungary, by the war’s end Eta had been stuck in a German munitions factory.

    “As the Nazi regime collapsed and Eta closed that chapter of her life, her ambition for reunification with her daughter was again thwarted, this time by another peril in the form of communism. Having had her sole possession, a single bike, confiscated by the Russians at a key roadblock, Eta was again turned around and sent back to Germany,” he says.

    Premier Malinauskas tells how his grandparents met after separately coming to Australia as refugees from the aftermath of WWII.

    “When my grandparents got married, they bought a block of land on Trimmer Parade, Seaton, where they built their home and, for many years, operated a fish and chip shop. I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities,” he says.

    I distinctly remember as a young boy standing at that fish and chip shop my grandfather built with his own bare hands as he told me about the importance of taking opportunities. He was always talking about opportunity – every opportunity you’ve got to grab.

    “An equally clear memory is of the time I inquired about him becoming an Australian citizen and grandpa quickly rushing off to retrieve his naturalisation certificate. I cannot picture the certificate, but I can still feel the depth of meaning it had to him as a symbol of the opportunity this nation and this state had afforded Eta and himself.

     

    “The desire of my grandparents, including Bob and Ursula May from my mum’s side, to seek, seize and share opportunity, even in the face of real hardship, has undoubtedly influenced my politics,” he says.

    Premier Malinauskas says his family’s story is emblematic of Australia’s migration story.

    “…this is a story about a young state in an even younger nation whose infectious optimism about the future gave it the courage to be open to new people looking for one thing above all else: opportunity, the same sort of opportunity our first re-settlers sought 112 years earlier and the exact same sort of opportunity new arrivals to our shores seek today,” he says.

    Other contributors to the book are: former Socceroo Archie Thompson, who has a New Zealand-born father and mother from Papua New Guinea; federal MP Cassandra Fernando, whose parents are from Sri Lanka; leading contemporary artist Saidin Salkic; and architect Maru Jarockyj, whose parent were born in Ukraine.

    Launched at Parliament House, in Canberra this week, as part of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia’s annual ‘Heartlands’ cultural project, the book is a reflection of Australia’s long and diverse history as a nation of migrants.

    AMES CEO Cath Scarth said the book was timely at a point in history when polarisation and divisiveness are on the rise across the globe.

    “Stories of settlement in Australia, no matter where you have come from, are things that unite us,” Ms Scarth said.

    “These stories are reflection of how migrants have helped to build Australia and helped to create the successful brand of multiculturalism we enjoy along with the high levels of social cohesion that we have built,” she said.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Calls for the Senate to Confirm Kelly Loeffler as SBA Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, spoke on the Senate floor in support of Kelly Loeffler to be confirmed as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).
    Chair Ernst has highlighted Kelly Loeffler’s plan to fix the broken SBA and advanced her nomination out of committee on a bipartisan vote of 12-7.
    Watch her full remarks here.
    Ernst’s remarks as delivered:
    “Mr. President, later today we have the opportunity to advance the nomination of the Honorable Kelly Loeffler to be the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
    “Senator Loeffler is immensely qualified for this role.
    “As a successful businesswoman, it is abundantly clear that Senator Loeffler truly understands what it takes to be an entrepreneur and will be an effective voice for small businesses across America.
    “Since President Trump’s election in November, optimism on Main Street has surged to its highest levels since 2018!
    “Our nation’s job creators – small businesses – are excited about the prospect of having a dedicated and knowledgeable leader at the helm of SBA.
    “Last week, the Small Business Committee, where I serve as Chair, favorably reported her nomination out with a bipartisan vote — a sure sign that my friends on both sides of the aisle believe she is fit to lead SBA. 
    “Senator Loeffler will bring accountability back to the agency and promote policies that will truly benefit American small businesses.
    “As evidenced in her nomination hearing, Senator Loeffler’s experience and her expertise make her the right person to lead the SBA and advocate for our small businesses.
    “Growing up on her family’s farm in Bloomington, Illinois, Senator Loeffler experienced firsthand the problems facing America’s farmers and small business owners.
    “And as a fellow farm girl myself, I look forward to having some more Midwest common sense in Washington D.C.!
    “Senator Loeffler also witnessed her parents start up a small trucking business and navigate complex rules and regulations.
    “She understands the struggles small businesses face because you know what, she has experienced them. 
    “Fortunately, Senator Loeffler is ready to cut the red tape and reduce the burdens that so many of our job creators still face today.
    “Senator Loeffler is also a successful entrepreneur.
    “She was the first employee and CEO of a financial technology company.
    “Through her hard work and tenacity, she aggressively grew the company and took it public within three years.
    “Additionally, Senator Loeffler knows what it means to work for Main Street and the American people.
    “During COVID, as a U.S. Senator, she worked tirelessly to bring relief to the people of Georgia, specifically through the Paycheck Protection Program.
    “However, she, like me, recognizes that some took advantage of this program, and they need to be held accountable.
    “During her confirmation hearing, Senator Loeffler detailed her zero-tolerance policy for waste, fraud, and abuse in the SBA.
    “Mr. President, that should be welcome news for all of us.
    “In addition, Senator Loeffler indicated the need for a full-scale audit – I started my political career as an auditor so I agree with this – the full-scale audit at the SBA to uncover any improper spending, and stated she would rely on that data to make the best decisions for the future of SBA.
    “Senator Loeffler also noted the importance of working with Congress, particularly when it comes to disaster relief.
    “She recognized the tragedy of the SBA’s disaster shortfall – which lasted for 66 days in the middle of back-to-back natural disasters – she recognized that this should never happen again. 
    “SBA’s vital role in the disaster process cannot be overstated, and we must ensure we have an Administrator who will alert Congress at the first signs of any concerns.
    “The SBA needs a strong leader with a proven track record in business management, and Senator Loeffler brings all of that and more to the table.
    “I look forward to working with Senator Loeffler to ensure small businesses all across America can thrive and maintain these high levels of optimism we’re already seeing under this administration.
    “I urge my colleagues to advance her nomination. Support her with a yes vote.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Luján, Peters Condemn Weaponization of Federal Communications Commission Against Broadcasters and Public Media

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Letter Text (PDF)
    Washington (February 13, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington regarding recent actions taken by the FCC under the Trump administration demonstrating that the FCC is weaponizing its authority over broadcasters and public media for political purposes.
    In the letter the lawmakers wrote, “We write to express our serious concern about the recent actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Chairman Carr to open or reopen investigations into broadcasting companies without any evidence of wrongdoing in what appears to be an attempt to intimidate broadcasters for political purposes. Specifically, we are concerned by both of your recent assertions that broadcast stations could be investigated over their editorial decision-making, which raises concerns under the First Amendment. Additionally, we are deeply concerned that in just the first two weeks under Chairman Carr, the Commission has reinstated three previously closed complaints against ABC, CBS, and NBC — absent any new evidence — without also reinstating a similar complaint against a Fox broadcasting station. Finally, we are troubled by your announced investigation into PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) member stations without any evidence that these news sources have departed from decades-long practices for sponsorship disclosures. Taken together, these efforts appear politically motivated and designed to punish, censor or intimidate members of the free press based on political disagreement with editorial choices. This weaponization of the FCC is unacceptable. We urge you to immediately cease such conduct and respect the First Amendment.
    The lawmakers continue, “We urge you both to follow the Constitution, immediately cease abusing the FCC’s legal authority, and return to the evidence-based decision-making that has been a staple of the Commission’s long and storied history.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Sounds Alarm on Trump Funding Cuts for Lifesaving Biomed Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    02.13.25
    Cantwell Sounds Alarm on Trump Funding Cuts for Lifesaving Biomed Research
    State University is on the front lines of avian flu research – Trump’s NIH cuts could jeopardize pandemic response
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressing serious alarm over the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine America’s life-saving biomedical research infrastructure, in violation of federal law.
    “This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly,” the Senators wrote.
    Last week, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced it would set the maximum rate for indirect costs to 15 percent—creating a serious funding shortfall for research institutions of all types across the country. This move would dismantle the biomedical research system and stifle the development of new cures for disease.
    This Trump administration action is blatantly illegal as Congress’ bipartisan Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations law prohibits modifications to NIH’s indirect costs. Moreover, Congress specifically included this language in the law after President Trump similarly tried to unilaterally impose a sweeping across-the-board cut for research institutions in his first term – and Congress has included it in every appropriations law since then.
    Research entities in Washington state received $1.29 billion in NIH funding in Fiscal Year 2023, which supports nearly 12,000 jobs and nearly $3 billion in economic activity. A state by state analysis of total NIH funding, jobs supported, and economic activity supported through NIH research is available HERE.
    Earlier this week, Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown joined 21 other attorneys general in filing a multi-state lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts challenging the move. A federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the NIH rate cut and set a hearing for February 21st.
    Sen. Cantwell discussed the repercussions of the proposed NIH cuts during her floor speech explaining her opposition to RFK Jr.’s nomination to head the Health and Human Services Administration last night. Video of Sen. Cantwell’s speech is available HERE, audio HERE, and transcript HERE.
    For decades, Sen. Cantwell has remained a staunch supporter of medical innovation and evidence-based science, including treatments for fentanyl addiction, abortion, vaccinations, stem cell research, and more.
    The full text of the letter is HERE and below.
    Dear Secretary Kennedy,
    We write to express our serious concern with the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine the nation’s biomedical research infrastructure and set us back generations. The steps the Trump Administration has taken will create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions nationwide, threaten to undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars, and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 
    As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others. President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds.
    Just last week, NIH announced an illegal plan to cap indirect cost rates that research institutions rely on. In capping indirect cost rates at 15 percent for NIH-funded grants, this policy would cut funding essential for conducting research, such as operating and maintaining laboratories, equipment, and research facilities. This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly.
    These confusing and harmful policy changes threaten patient safety. The strength of the American research enterprise – recognized as the best in the world – is built on Congress’ bipartisan commitment to supporting essential research infrastructure. This funding, which Congress has long appropriated on a bipartisan basis, fuels groundbreaking medical discoveries and cements the United States’ position as the global leader in biomedical research.
    In addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with everyone from custodians, to research trainees, to scientists facing potential layoffs. NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023. Every dollar the NIH invests in research generates almost $2.50 in economic activity. These reckless policy changes not only threaten biomedical innovation and research, but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers in every state across the nation.
    The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country. Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications “pause” enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research – they cost lives.
    The NIH plays a critical role in our nation’s efforts to fund scientific advancements that improve health and save lives. Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Legislation Strengthens U.S./Israel Alliance, Reinstates “Peace Through Strength” Policies in the Middle East

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    02.13.25
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), introduced a package of three bills focused on promoting stability and security in the Middle East: the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act, the United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025, and the Stop the ICC. These bills work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel military alliance, bolster the U.S. sanctions regime against Iran—the architect of chaos in the Middle East—and prohibit U.S. funding of or cooperation with the antisemitic International Criminal Court (ICC). Much of Sullivan’s Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act dovetails with President Trump’s recent executive orders on Iran and Israel.
    “Taken together, this suite of bills sends a clear message that the United States stands firmly with Israel,” said Senator Sullivan. “The Biden administration refused to enforce the comprehensive Iran sanctions that President Trump enacted during his first term. As a result, Iran was given more than $70 billion and used this windfall to spread terror across the Middle East and in Israel. Congress needs to send a clear message that this must stop. Further, to better protect our interests at home and strengthen our alliance with Israel, we must strengthen the U.S.-Israel security partnership and stand with Israel against antisemitic institutions that threaten the existence of our closest ally in the Middle East. It’s time to return to ‘peace through strength’ in the Middle East and stand stronger than ever against the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies that are threatening Israel and American interests throughout the region.” 
    See below for summaries of Senator Sullivan’s legislation.
    Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act
    This legislation supports the return to a maximum pressure posture toward Iran by strengthening the U.S. sanctions regime against Iran by filling the gaps on existing sanctions legislation and mandating rigorous enforcement of sanctions. Specifically, the legislation expands the range of sanctions to encompass the full logistical chain of Iranian energy exports, it creates an interagency task force to constantly track Iranian illicit activities, and it sunsets the timeline to issue sanctions waivers. It also includes provisions to encourage a new multilateral contact group with like-minded nations to coordinate international sanctions enforcement efforts.
    Specifically, the bill takes several important measures:
    Imposes secondary sanctions on the entire logistical chain of foreign entities supporting Iran’s illicit oil sales, including Chinese banks, maritime insurance providers, and flagging registries, as well as the executive-level leadership in those corporations and their immediate family members. It also imposes sanctions on family members of individuals in Iran sanctioned for terrorism, ballistic missile production, or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) facilities.
    Creates an interagency Iran sanctions working group tasked with constantly tracking illicit transfers of Iranian oil, gas, and related products, with a periodic reporting plan to outline efforts to keep abreast of the evolving sanctions-evasion efforts, and identify new sanctions designations packages.
    Creates a multilateral contact group for harmonizing and enforcing international sanctions on Iran.
    Directs the provision of a private sector reporting mechanism, which financially incentivizes private sector counterparts to share information about illicit Iranian transfer operations.
    Initiates a periodic (180-day) review by the President to justify maintaining existing waivers on eligible nations’ purchase of Iranian oil, accompanied by a detailed, credible plan to phase out the need for waivers for each applicable country. This would include sunset waiver authority on Iran sanctions, following a periodic congressional review.
    Sunsets the presidential sanctions waiver authority in February 1, 2029.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).
    The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025
    This bill strengthens the U.S.-Israel security partnership by extending and expanding existing bilateral security initiatives. It also establishes new cooperative programs, including a broader initiative on unmanned systems, establishing a Defense Innovation Unit in Israel, and advocating for consideration of Israel’s inclusion in the National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB). Finally, it calls for greater cooperation between Israel and regional countries in advancing work on Integrated Air and Missile Defense.
    Specifically, this bill takes several important measures:
    Establishes a program between the United States and Israel on Countering Unmanned Systems (C-UxS). This entails a program of cooperation to develop, test, and deploy advanced C-UxS technologies to address threats posed by UAS, funded at $150 million per year.
    Extension and expansion of the U.S.-Israel Counter-UAS Cooperative Program. This would increase funding for the current initiative from $55 million to $75 million annually.
    Extension and expansion of the United States-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperative Program. Extends the authorization of the U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperative Program to Dec 31, 2028 and increases the authorization to $80 million per year.
    Authorizes cooperation between the United States and Israel on emerging defense technologies for 5 years (United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act).  Provides $47.5 million a year to encourage further defense collaboration with Israel in areas of emerging technologies, including autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum, and biotechnology.
    Reauthorizes the War Reserves Stockpile Authority – Israel (WRSA-I); extends the authorization of WRSA-I, which expires at the end of 2026, through January 1, 2029.
    Establishes a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) office in Israel. A DIU office in Israel will work with the Israeli Minister of Defense and private sector to counter Iran’s development of dual-use defense technologies.
    Israel-National Technology Industrial Base (NTIB) Engagement. This requires the Secretary of Defense to engage with his or her Israeli counterpart to initiate a discussion on the process of Israeli ascension into NTIB. 
    Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD). This requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a report on strengthening IAMD in the Middle East.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
    Stop the ICC Act
    This bill prohibits funding for and cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), based on its antisemitic efforts to prosecute top Israeli officials and create a false equivalence between Israel and Hamas, a terrorist organization. It also prohibits U.S. economic support for the Palestinian Authority (PA) based on its cooperation with the ICC’s investigations against Israeli officials. Specifically, it instructs the President to freeze property assets and deny visas to any foreigners who materially or financially contributed to the ICC’s efforts to “investigate, arrest, detain or prosecute a protected person.” Protected persons are defined as all current and former military and government officials of the U.S. and allies that have not consented to the court’s jurisdiction, such as Israel.  The legislation covers the 32-member NATO and the 19 major non-NATO countries, which include Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, and Egypt. It would also rescind any funds the U.S. has designated for the ICC and prohibit any future money for the court.
    Background:  In May 2024, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced that he was seeking warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leadership. In November 2024, the court issued warrants for Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Gallant and Hamas leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
    This legislation is cosponsored by Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming Delegation Introduces Legislation to Ensure Reliable Mail Delivery in the Cowboy State

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C.—  Senators Cynthia Lummis, John Barrasso, and Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (all R-WY) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Postal Operations Stay Timely and Local (POSTAL) Act. This legislation prevents the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing, consolidating, or downgrading processing and distribution centers (P&DC) if it would eliminate the only P&DC in a state.

    “The people of Wyoming are greatly disadvantaged by the mail delivery policies implemented under the Biden administration,” said Lummis. “It is commonsense for every state to have at least one sorting facility, to ensure efficient and timely in-state mail delivery. I am proud to champion this commonsense mail policy for rural communities, so every American, regardless of zip code, can rely on USPS once again.”

    “The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a lifeline in rural states like Wyoming,” said Barrasso. “Keeping a processing and distribution center in Wyoming will help prevent delays and keep mail operations running smoothly across our state. I’ll continue to fight to make sure the people of Wyoming have access to a reliable and timely postal service.”

    “Wyoming residents and postal employees are deeply concerned about the impact of these planned downgrades,” said Hageman. “The Postal Regulatory Commission found Postmaster General DeJoy’s plan to move processing out of state will lead to substantial delays and undermine reliable mail service for rural communities. For many Wyomingites, USPS is vital for everything from healthcare access to ensuring election integrity. This bill protects Cheyenne and Casper’s P&DC status and safeguards Wyoming’s postal infrastructure.”

    Background:

    • The USPS, under its “Delivering for America” modernization plan, has begun to consolidate or downgrade many of its existing processing and distribution centers, shifting the bulk of mail processing and delivery functions to other locations. 
    • As part of this shift, USPS plans to downgrade both P&DC facilities in Wyoming, shifting Casper’s P&DC operations to Billings, Montana and Cheyenne’s operations to Denver, Colorado, leaving Wyoming without an in-state P&DC.

    Bill text can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Questions Experts on Importance of Increased U.S. Presence in Greenland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) questioned expert witnesses on the strategic importance of Greenland and the need to maintain a strong American presence in the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) Gap.

    During the hearing, Senator Fischer questioned Dr. Rebecca Pincus, Director of the Wilson Center Polar Institute, and Mr. Alexander Gray, a senior fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council, on the importance of Pituffik Space Base and the U.S. radar systems based in Greenland, as well as the significance of the GIUK Gap in light of increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. Senator Fischer highlighted how critical it is that the Department of Defense maintain its access to spectrum airwaves so it can detect and track incoming threats to our homeland.

    Click the image above to watch a video of Sen. Fischer’s questioning

    Click here to download audio

    Click here to download video


    Senator Fischer questions experts:

    Senator Fischer:     Dr. Pincus, there’s been much discussion of late on Greenland, but I think what’s underappreciated is something that you were trying to focus on, and that’s the importance of Greenland to a whole host of U.S. strategic interests that are there. And, obviously, yes, we need to develop a good working relationship, a good partnership, with Greenland. You mentioned the Space Base that’s in Greenland. It’s a critical forward operating location. It is the Department’s northernmost installation. It hosts radar systems that are essential to our missile defense.

    You know, the comment was made that there could be flight paths of ICBMs over Greenland. Well, that may or may not happen. But what is key there is that no matter where in the Arctic ICBMs are flying, what we have to have is radars to be on Greenland so that not only can they track, but they can also detect any incoming threats.

    I’d also like to consider the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) Gap, and Mr. Gray, maybe you’d want to add some into this discussion as well. As we look at the increased Russian submarine activity there in recent years, and you couple that with the growing Chinese and Russian presence in the Arctic, I think it’s hard to understate that Gap’s importance. So, both of you, do you assess that increased U.S. presence in the GIUK Gap would be beneficial?

    Dr. Pincus: Thank you very much, Senator, for that terrific question. You know, I think it’s very helpful to talk in terms of specifics. And in Greenland, we have long had radar installations to give us early warning of incoming ICBMs coming from Eurasia. And in the current era of hypersonics, new missiles, new missile delivery systems, it’s very important that those radars remain in place and that we recapitalize and modernize them to give us as much advance notice as possible. So, there’s a big radar system at the Pituffik Base. There’s a big airfield, there’s a deep-water port on the east coast of Greenland, that is the westernmost point of the GIUK gap. So, it is a key point for monitoring Russian naval activity and, you know, I think we are looking at a set of challenges in the GIUK gap related to Russian activity, undersea activity. That is a real problem set for us.

    The gap between Greenland, Iceland, the U.K., also I would add Norway, provides us some really important points from which to support monitoring and activity. It would be best to talk to the Department of Defense in a classified setting about what specific capabilities and access they may need. But I will say that the 1951 Defense Agreement gives us very wide access to Greenland. We have never had a problem asking for access and permissions and not getting it. And both Greenland and Denmark have made it clear that they stand ready to have that conversation again. I think the Danish defense investments that have been announced include domain awareness capabilities and presence that will help us.

    There’s certainly more that can be done, but I think being very specific about ‘what the problem is’ is helpful in terms of thinking about our appropriate response, and also recognizing that in an event of a contingency, fixed installations—whether it’s a radar asset or an airfield—they would be taken out with long range missile strikes. So, I would say that Russia doesn’t have the capability to seize and hold Greenland, and nor would there be a strong military argument for it to do so, given that its most likely response in the event of a contingency would be to strike those assets and then keep moving on.

    Senator Fischer: Which would also make it extremely important that DOD maintains that spectrum is used to be able to identify what’s coming in, not just for the homeland but also for Greenland.

    Dr. Pincus: Absolutely, and I think having a conversation about air defense and missile defense options we have. We do not have interceptors in Greenland. We do not have interceptors in Canada. We have them in Alaska. So, I think there is a conversation to be had about that specific capability. Thank you.

    Senator Fischer:     Mr. Gray, before I get called out, please.

    Mr. Gray:     Thank you, Senator. So many of our concerns, strategically, about Greenland, going back to the ‘40s, have been about the GIUK gap, and it’s been a concern across multiple great power competitors. It is a concern today. To me, the question is less—Dr. Pincus has made the comment about militarily, it would probably not be taken out. I’m more concerned about a future political arrangement in Greenland that could be influenced or controlled adversely by an adversary power in a way that would prevent us from being able to exercise the type of control or the type of domain awareness over the gap that we have had in recent years.

    That’s why I think these proposals that I’ve mentioned, others have put forward for what is the long-term political arrangement in connection with Greenland—it’s so important because we have to have the ability to maintain some sort of control and some sort of awareness over that gap. 

    Senator Fischer:     Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Military Leaders Confirm to Warren that DoD is Writing a Blank Check to Deploy Troops for Immigration Enforcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 13, 2025

    Warren: “When DOD has been tasked with doing DHS’s job, it has cost taxpayers a lot more money.”

    Warren: “I’m concerned that we’re going to see the same problem that we saw the last time: big costs and little transparency and accountability.” 

    Video of Exchange (YouTube) 

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the SASC Subcommittee on Personnel, questioned General Gregory M. Guillot of the U.S. Air Force, Commander of the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command, and Admiral Alvin Holsey of the U.S. Navy, Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), about the cost, readiness, morale, and national security impacts of deploying American troops to patrol the Southern border and to help detain migrants at Guantanamo Bay. 

    Upon taking office, President Trump ordered NORTHCOM to “seal” the southern border and directed SOUTHCOM to expand Guantanamo’s Migrant Operations Center (MOC) to a capacity of 30,000. Yet, when the Pentagon has been tasked with leading operations typically done by the Department of Homeland Security, taxpayers pay much more. 

    Senator Warren pointed to two examples: it costs 3 times more to deport migrants on military aircraft than civilian planes used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and has cost ICE at least 5 times more per detention bed to hold migrants at the Guantanamo naval base than at facilities in the U.S.

    Admiral Holsey confirmed that the Pentagon does not have a cost estimate for these immigration operations, though DoD is supposed to consider costs before deploying troops. Admiral Holsey committed to providing an estimate to Congress as soon as possible and to inform the committee if he determines that the operations are not militarily effective.

    A 2021 Government Accountability Office report found DoD cost estimates for border deployments were “unreliable” and excluded “significant costs.” Four years later, the DoD has still not implemented any of the GAO’s recommendations to make those cost estimates more accurate. General Guillot said he “assume(d)” that underestimating those costs would put future missions and readiness at risk.  

    Senator Warren also highlighted the potential impact of these deployments on troop morale. 

    “Many Texas National Guard members who deployed to the southern border have felt isolated, without purpose, and some have even committed suicide. I think it is important that we have better oversight over these plans and that we make these plans conform to the law,” said Senator Warren. 

    Senator Warren explained that “political stunts like this” can have serious implications for the military’s budget, readiness, and morale. The goal of this stunt appears to be to feign toughness by militarizing immigration enforcement — even if it means ballooning costs for the Pentagon and damaging readiness and morale for our servicemembers.

    Transcript: Hearing “To receive testimony on the posture of United States Northern Command and United States Southern Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program.” 
    Senate Armed Services Committee
    February 13, 2025 

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, the Trump Administration is sending troops to the southern border and holding immigrants at Guantanamo — redirecting active-duty military personnel from critical missions, and costing taxpayers several times more than when DHS does the same job. That seems to be bad for national security, bad for our military families, and bad for America’s bottom line.

    We’ve seen this before. When the first Trump Administration deployed troops to the border, it pegged the cost at $1 billion over 3 years. But the GAO found that the Department of Defense estimates were “not reliable” and excluded “significant costs.” DOD reports to Congress missed more than half the actual total cost for entire fiscal years. So GAO made 7 detailed recommendations for the Department of Defense to improve its cost estimates, but four years later, the Department of Defense has not executed a single one. Now, DOD estimates that this new border deployment will cost almost $1 billion over just the next 8 months, but that may be another underestimate. 

    General Guillot, you are overseeing the border deployment. Does underestimating the costs of an operation put future missions and future readiness at risk? 

    General Guillot, U.S. Air Force, Commander of the United States Northern Command: Senator, I would assume so, but I think I need to point out that NORTHCOM has not appropriated funds for the Southwest border, and we’ve never had reprogramming or pass through funding. This is all done through the Department Comptroller and the services. 

    Senator Warren: I appreciate that, but I’m asking the question about running past the limits and the consequences of that. Because the money has to come from somewhere and I’m concerned that we’re going to see the same problem that we saw the last time: big costs and little transparency and accountability. 

    When DOD has been tasked with doing DHS’s job, it has cost taxpayers a lot more money. It costs 3 times more to deport migrants on military aircraft than civilian planes that ICE often uses, and has cost ICE at least 5 times more per detention bed to hold migrants at Guantanamo naval base than at facilities in the United States. 

    Any time civilian authorities ask DOD for help, DOD is supposed to evaluate the request based on six criteria, including cost. But we don’t even have a cost estimate for the new Guantanamo operations.

    So, Admiral Holsey, what do you expect the budgetary cost of SOUTHCOM’s Guantanamo operations will be through the end of this fiscal year? 

    Admiral Holsey, U.S. Navy, Commander of the United States Southern Command: Senator, we’re new into the process right now. We have assets down there to start building up a camp. It is a phased approach, so it’s not automatically going up to 30,000 – 

    Senator Warren: So you’re telling me you actually don’t know the cost yet? 

    Admiral Holsey: Not at this point, Ma’am. 

    Senator Warren: Not at this point. So the decision to deploy DoD personnel and assets was made without knowing the cost, which is exactly what DoD is supposed to consider in making the decision to deploy. Will you at least commit to provide that estimate to Congress as soon as you have it? 

    Admiral Holsey: Yes, Senator. I will work with OSD and DoD to get that to you. 

    Senator Warren: Alright. I will hold you to that. I’m relying on you both also to tell us if DOD blows past whatever estimates you give us. Given the potentially astronomical costs, will you commit to informing this committee if you determine that these operations are not militarily effective?

    Admiral Holsey: Yes, Senator. 

    Senator Warren: Alright. You know, we also need to know if the operations are having an unmanageable impact on readiness or morale. Political stunts like this can easily damage troops morale. Many Texas National Guard members who deployed to the southern border have felt isolated, without purpose, and some have even committed suicide. I think it is important that we have better oversight over these plans and that we make these plans conform to the law. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Bonamici Renew Fight Against Misinformation in Pregnancy Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 13, 2025

    Bill Text (PDF) 

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) reintroduced the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation (SAD) Act, to crack down on attempts by crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) to deceive and misinform women seeking reproductive health care. 

    Senators Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto, (D-Nev.), Richard Durbin, (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) joined as co-sponsors. 

    CPCs routinely rely on deceptive advertising practices to trick pregnant women into thinking they offer comprehensive reproductive health care, only to discourage them from getting abortions. These deceptive tactics include making false claims about reproductive health care and lying about the risks of receiving an abortion or using certain forms of contraception. CPCs, which are generally not Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-covered entities, have been found to falsely claim to be HIPPA-compliant in order to collect women’s sensitive health information and in some cases even disclose that data to law enforcement. 

    Nationwide, false advertising by CPCs is preventing women from getting the reproductive health care they need. The SAD Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules prohibiting disinformation in the advertising of abortion services. It would also give the Federal Trade Commission authority to enforce these rules and collect penalties from organizations, including CPCs, that violate these rules. 

    Senator Warren and Representative Bonamici first introduced this bill in the 117th Congress. 

    “Fighting back against misinformation and deceptive practices is an important tool to protect access to safe and reliable reproductive care. Reproductive rights are under attack in our country. This bill will help us push back against crisis pregnancy centers’ attempts to undermine a woman’s right to choose,” said Senator Warren.

    “Crisis pregnancy centers further their own anti-choice agenda by taking advantage of people seeking reproductive care,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Tragically, when CPCs provide false and misleading information about abortion and contraception, patients do not get necessary medical care. The Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation (SAD) Act will put an end to these unfair and deceptive practices so pregnant Americans can access comprehensive, science-based reproductive care.”

    “Crisis pregnancy centers rely on predatory practices to spread deceptive, misleading information and dissuade patients from receiving necessary health care. Patients deserve objective medical guidance from professionals—not inaccurate, stigmatizing, and even life-threatening information. The Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act stops these centers from interfering with patient care and ensures that patients are receiving all of the information they need to make the best decisions for their health,” said Senator Blumenthal.

    “It is critical that patients seeking reproductive care are given accurate medical advice from a trusted doctor, and not preyed on with misinformation from anti-abortion organizations posing as ‘crisis pregnancy centers,’” said Senator Booker. “This legislation will protect women seeking reproductive health care, including abortion care, from fraudulent clinics and predatory lies.”

    “When women seek reproductive health care, they should be able to trust that their provider is offering comprehensive, factual information.  Efforts by crisis pregnancy centers, many of which use half-truths and false advertising to mislead women about their options, undermine the reproductive rights of women,” said Senator Durbin. “I’m joining Senator Warren and Congresswoman Maloney to crack down on the deceptive practices of crisis pregnancy centers.”

    “Women who need reproductive care need certified, comprehensive health care providers with medical expertise to ensure they can make an informed decision about their health care,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Crisis pregnancy centers intentionally confuse vulnerable women in a way that can put their health in danger.”

    “As Republicans cut away at access to reproductive care and amplify health disinformation, it is more important than ever to demand the truth. The Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act is crucial for stopping peddlers of mis-and-disinformation in their tracks, so they do not continue to mislead, lie, and scare people from getting the care they need. Abortion care is health care, and every American should be able to access this care safely,” said Senator Markey.

    “MAGA Republicans are on a crusade to destroy reproductive rights nationwide by spewing misinformation and pushing deceptive practices that undermine access to vital reproductive services,” said Senator Merkley. “We need to get politicians and pundits out of the exam room. Our bill ensures that crisis pregnancy centers across the country will not be able to mislead or lie to Americans seeking reproductive health care, including abortion care.”

    “So-called ‘crisis pregnancy centers,’ propped up by anti-choice extremists, are notorious for misleading women about the services they provide and lying to them about their options for evidence-based reproductive health care. CPCs have also been known to deliberately deceive women into thinking their private health information is protected when it’s not, since they aren’t bound by HIPAA like real health care providers,” said Senator Murray. “As Republican state legislatures continue to funnel taxpayer money to these unaccountable anti-abortion centers, it’s more important than ever that Congress cracks down on their deceptive practices–that’s what this legislation is about.”

    “With reproductive rights constantly under threat, it’s vital that people can access reliable and trustworthy abortion care. These people are preying on pregnant women with misinformation and blatant lies about abortion. It’s wrong, and it’s why Vermont passed legislation to hold them accountable for their lies,” said Senator Welch. “Our bicameral legislation follows Vermont’s lead and requires accountability for engaging in deceptive practices that undermine reproductive rights.”

    “In a post-Roe world, it’s more important than ever that women everywhere have accurate information on which to base their reproductive care decisions,” Senator Wyden said. “Deceptive ‘crisis pregnancy centers’ target vulnerable patients who are looking for medical providers they can trust with their health, safety, and wellbeing and, instead, intercept them with false, harmful misinformation. ‘Crisis pregnancy centers’ must be stopped.

    “The unchecked spread of disinformation about reproductive health continues to endanger patients. This must end. 

    This bill will help stop crisis pregnancy centers from spreading deceptive advertising about abortion, and work to guarantee that everyone can get the accurate information and quality care they need and deserve. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is grateful to Sen. Warren and Reps. Bonamici and Sykes for re-introducing the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation Act and for their continued leadership in the fight to protect sexual and reproductive health care and rights. It’s time to end the manipulative tactics of these fake clinics so that all patients can control their own bodies, lives, and futures,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund. 

    As a practicing OBGYN, I know firsthand how important it is that pregnant people have access to accurate information so that they can make important decisions about their care and lives without bias, stigma or shame,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, Power to Decide CEO and practicing OB-GYN. “We urge Congress to pass the ‘SAD Act’ so that every person has access to medically accurate information and the power to decide their reproductive futures.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Secures Commitment from Fed Chair to Report to Congress If Musk-Led DOGE Attempts to Access Protected Systems or Undermine Agency’s Independence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Secures Commitment from Fed Chair to Report to Congress If Musk-Led DOGE Attempts to Access Protected Systems or Undermine Agency’s Independence

     Senator Reverend Warnock secured a commitment from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, to report to Congress if the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attempts to undermine the agency’s independence

    The commitment came during the Federal Reserve’s semi-annual Monetary Policy Report to Congress during a Wednesday’s Senate Banking committee hearing

    Senator Reverend Warnock’s questioning underscored concern around the recent reports of DOGE accessing several federal agencies’ privileged information

    During the hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock also highlighted the recent news of the dissolution of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    Senator Reverend Warnock on DOGE: “Thousands of Georgians, of all political stripes, have written into my office, and they are alarmed by an unelected billionaire and his hackster’s dangerous and illegal attempts to access American private data”

    Senator Reverend Warnock on CFPB: “Certainly the bureau (CFPB) was not created to be dismantled. Since its inception, the CFPB has been the only federal agency solely dedicated to protecting Americans’ wallets and pocketbooks from scammers, predatory companies, and financial services”

    Watch Senator Reverend Warnock at Thursday’s hearing HERE

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a member of the Banking Committee, secured a commitment from Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, promising to report back to Congress and specifically, the Senate Banking committee, if he learned of any attempt by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access the Federal Reserve’s protected systems or any attempt to undermine the agency’s independence. 

    “Will you commit to report to this committee, majority and minority, immediately, should you become aware of any such attempt by Elon Musk or DOGE to pierce the Fed’s (Federal Reserve) independence or access protected systems?” asked Senator Reverend Warnock.

    “Yes,” said Chair Jerome Powell.

    The line of questioning came as there have been reports that several agencies have been accessed by DOGE, namely the Department of Treasury. Additionally, Senator Warnock addressed the shuttering of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Last congress, Senator Warnock chaired the Banking subcommittee that had jurisdiction over CFPB.

    “Since its inception, the CFPB has been the only federal agency solely dedicated to protecting Americans’ wallets and pocketbooks from scammers, predatory companies, and financial services. The CFPB reduced costs for Americans, returning more than $21 billion to Americans who had been cheated, since its inception. I want to focus on that as folks are talking about chasing after waste and fraud and abuse,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

    The hearing marked the first of the Semiannual Monetary Policy Reports to Congress from the Federal Reserve this Congress, which are written reports to Congress containing discussions of “the conduct of monetary policy and economic developments and prospects for the future.”

    Watch the Senator’s full remarks and line of questioning HERE. 

    See below transcript of the key exchange between Senator Warnock and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell:

    Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “I want to echo the words of ranking member Warren and so many of my colleagues today on DOGE and project 2025’s illegal attack on the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau, certainly the bureau was not created to be dismantled.”

    “Since its inception, the CFPB has been the only federal agency solely dedicated to protecting Americans’ wallets and pocketbooks from scammers, predatory companies, and financial services. The CFPB reduced costs for Americans, returning more than $21 billion to Americans who had been cheated, since its inception. I want to focus on that as folks are talking about chasing after waste and fraud and abuse.”

    “The CFPB has returned more than $21 billion to Americans.” 

    “Make no mistake, this attack on the CFPB will increase costs for Americans and give the green light to fraudsters and predatory actors seeking to cheat hard-working Americans.”

    “Chairman Powell, thousands of Georgians of all political stripes have written into my office, and they are alarmed by an unelected billionaire and his hackster’s dangerous and illegal attempts to access American private data, and the Treasury Department systems that control six trillion dollars in annual payments to millions of American citizens, including social security, Medicare, and tax refunds. 

    “Has Elon Musk or members of his team, to your knowledge, attempted to access the Fed’s protected data and systems?”

    Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powel (JP): “I don’t believe.”

    SRW: “Will you commit to report to this committee, majority and minority, immediately should you become aware of any such attempt by Elon Musk or DOGE to pierce the Fed’s independence or access protected systems?

    JP: “Yes.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Congratulates Brooke Rollins on Confirmation as U.S. Ag Secretary

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Congratulates Brooke Rollins on Confirmation as U.S. Ag Secretary

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen extended his congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her overwhelming confirmation as the new secretary of agriculture.  The U.S. Senate confirmed President Donald J. Trump’s selection to head the USDA on a vote of 72-28. Gov. Pillen issued the following statement:

    “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Sec. Rollins. I know that she will be a strong representative at the federal level  on issues related to ensuring our nation’s food supply, creating new export markets, and meeting the needs of our nation’s farmers and ranchers.  I’ve extended an invitation to Sec. Rollins so she can see first-hand how we utilize our natural resources, innovative technologies and strong work ethic to propel Nebraska to be a top ag producer. I look forward to the time when we can make that visit happen.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attention teens and young people – if you do your taxes, you might get money back

    Source: US State of Oregon

    ax season is here and there may be good reasons to file a tax return even for people who aren’t required to file, which is the case for many young people.

    Young people who work often don’t end up filing a tax return. They may not meet the income threshold requiring them to file a return. Or they be under the misconception that their parents file for them because they are a dependent. Also, they may find tax forms confusing and worry about making a mistake.

    In most cases, young people should file a return to report their income and get any excess withholding refunded.

    Through an ODHS pilot program last year at seven urban, rural and suburban high schools in Oregon, students met after school and prepared their own tax returns using IRS-approved software. A teacher-facilitator helped them access the software on the IRS website and answered their questions about forms and terms. Students in the pilot received refunds of their state and federal tax withholding between $95 and $1,246.

    “The high school pilot really opened our eyes as to the need for this help. Many students didn’t even know they could file. They thought their parents did it for them. And once they logged into the software, they worked through it easily. Some of the refund amounts – over $1000 in several cases – really surprised me,” Meg Reinhold, J.D., ODHS Senior Data and Performance Analyst, Tax Infrastructure Program Coordinator, said. Learn more about the Infrastructure Program below.

    No matter how old someone is, finding ways to file a tax return for free is easy. The Oregon Department of Revenue’s website lists many ways to file for free or to get free help: https://www.oregon.gov/dor/programs/individuals/Pages/get-free-tax-help.aspx.

    And it isn’t too late to file returns from prior years to get withholding back from those years too. Many software programs now help individuals prepare and file their tax returns from previous years.

    Where to get free help filing taxes

    The Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program was created by HB 4117 (2022). The program is funded with $8 million General Fund per biennium. Grants fund culturally relevant and culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments, and rural community organizations to support tax credit education and free tax return preparation for individuals with low incomes. Funding is also used to support and increase the number of certified tax preparers in the state.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Diginex announces new AI functionality after winning Government recognition for AI-powered compliance innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diginex Limited (“Diginex Limited” or the “Company”), a Cayman Islands-based impact technology company specializing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, today announced the development of new AI functionality which is expected to be built leveraging OpenAI’s platform. The Company anticipates that the deployment of this AI feature will contribute to revenue growth starting in 2025 by enhancing diginexESG‘s value proposition and driving increased customer adoption. The initial focus will be on helping companies comply with sustainability disclosure requirements set by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which are increasingly being mandated for companies involved in global ESG reporting. These features will provide rapid data extraction, improved compliance, and enhanced risk assessment for users of the Company’s ESG SaaS reporting product, diginexESG.

    This AI functionality positions diginexESG to capture the growing demand for ESG reporting solutions – a market projected to reach between USD 1.5 billion and USD 4.35 billion by 2027, with an expected CAGR of 15.9% to 30% according to industry research from Verdantix – and is alongside the Company’s recent selection by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) of Hong Kong for the Green and Sustainable Fintech PoC program. The FSTB, which oversees financial and treasury policy for the Hong Kong SAR Government, launched this program to support innovative green fintech solutions with measurable environmental and financial impact. This builds on previous recognition where, in December 2023, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, named Diginex as winner of the “Sustainability or Climate-related Disclosure and Reporting” category.

    The FSTB launched this program to accelerate the development and commercial adoption of green fintech solutions by technology firms and research institutions. “We are thrilled to receive this endorsement and support from FSTB, which underscores the importance of AI technology in addressing significant challenges within the ESG and sustainability industry,” said Mark Blick, Chief Executive Officer of Diginex Limited. “We will be accelerating our efforts to deliver innovative AI-powered functionality that will support companies with their ESG, Climate and Supply Chain data collection and reporting while improving efficiency and customer experience. We plan to collaborate closely with leading global financial institutions to introduce this new feature to their clients.”

    About Diginex Limited

    Diginex Limited is a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands in 2024, with subsidiaries located in Hong Kong, United Kingdom and United States of America. Diginex Limited conducts operations through its wholly owned subsidiary Diginex Solutions (HK) Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (“DSL”) and DSL is the sole owner of (i) Diginex Services Limited, a corporation formed in the United Kingdom and (ii) Diginex USA LLC, a limited liability company formed in the State of Delaware. DSL commenced operations in 2020, is headquartered in Hong Kong, and is a software company that empowers businesses and governments to streamline ESG, climate, and supply chain data collection and reporting. DSL is an impact technology business that helps organizations to address the some of the most pressing ESG, climate and sustainability issues, utilizing blockchain, machine learning and data analysis technology to lead change and increase transparency in corporate social responsibility and climate action.

    Diginex’s products and services solutions enable companies to collect, evaluate and share sustainability data through easy-to-use software. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.diginex.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s product offerings, business strategy, projections and future growth. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Company’s business strategy will be successful. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Diginex
    Investor Relations
    Email:ir@diginex.com

    Jackson Lin
    Lambert by LLYC
    Phone: +1 (646) 717-4593
    Email: jian.lin@llyc.global

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Applied Materials Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Revenue $7.17 billion, up 7 percent year over year
    • GAAP gross margin 48.8 percent and non-GAAP gross margin 48.9 percent
    • GAAP operating margin 30.4 percent and non-GAAP operating margin 30.6 percent
    • GAAP EPS $1.45 and non-GAAP EPS $2.38, down 40 percent and up 12 percent year over year, respectively
    • Generated $925 million in cash from operations and distributed $1.64 billion to shareholders including $1.32 billion in share repurchases and $326 million in dividends

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) today reported results for its first quarter ended Jan. 26, 2025.

    “The industry drive to accelerate the development of advanced compute and more sophisticated AI is gaining momentum,” said Gary Dickerson, President and CEO. “Applied Materials is enabling the major device architecture inflections critical for energy-efficient AI and our focus on high-velocity co-innovation creates unique collaboration opportunities with our customers and partners, positioning Applied for continued growth and outperformance in the years to come.”

    “We delivered strong financial performance in the first fiscal quarter, with record revenue, gross margin expansion and robust shareholder distributions,” said Brice Hill, Senior Vice President and CFO. “ For the second fiscal quarter, we are encouraged by the trends supporting continued customer investments to enable leading-edge technology inflections, while also taking into account export control related headwinds.”

    Results Summary

      Q1 FY2025   Q1 FY2024   Change
      (In millions, except per share amounts and percentages)
    Net revenue $ 7,166     $ 6,707     7%
    Gross margin   48.8 %     47.8 %   1.0 point
    Operating margin   30.4 %     29.3 %   1.1 points
    Net income $ 1,185     $ 2,019     (41)%
    Diluted earnings per share $ 1.45     $ 2.41     (40)%
    Non-GAAP Results          
    Non-GAAP gross margin   48.9 %     47.9 %   1.0 point
    Non-GAAP operating margin   30.6 %     29.5 %   1.1 points
    Non-GAAP net income $ 1,946     $ 1,782     9%
    Non-GAAP diluted EPS $ 2.38     $ 2.13     12%
    Non-GAAP free cash flow $ 544     $ 2,096     (74)%
                       

    A reconciliation of the GAAP and non-GAAP results is provided in the financial tables included in this release. See also “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section.

    Impact of Singapore Tax Incentives

    As a result of new tax incentive agreements in Singapore in fiscal 2025, the company recorded a $644 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, income tax expense due to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets in Singapore.

    Business Outlook

    Applied’s total net revenue, non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP diluted EPS for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, including the estimated impact of recently announced U.S. export regulations, are expected to be approximately as follows:

      Q2 FY2025
    (In millions, except percentage and per share amounts)  
    Total net revenue $ 7,100   +/- $ 400  
    Non-GAAP gross margin   48.4 %    
    Non-GAAP diluted EPS $ 2.30   +/- $ 0.18  
                   

    This outlook for non-GAAP diluted EPS excludes known charges related to completed acquisitions of $0.01 per share and a gain on asset sale of $0.05 per share, and includes a net income tax benefit related to intra-entity intangible asset transfers of $0.04 per share, but does not reflect any items that are unknown at this time, such as any additional charges related to acquisitions or other non-operational or unusual items, as well as other tax-related items, which we are not able to predict without unreasonable efforts due to their inherent uncertainty.

    First Quarter Reportable Segment Information

    Semiconductor Systems Q1 FY2025   Q1 FY2024
      (In millions, except percentages)
    Net revenue $ 5,356     $ 4,909  
    Foundry, logic and other   68 %     62 %
    DRAM   28 %     34 %
    Flash memory   4 %     4 %
    Operating income $ 1,986     $ 1,744  
    Operating margin   37.1 %     35.5 %
    Non-GAAP Results    
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 1,998     $ 1,754  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   37.3 %     35.7 %
    Applied Global Services Q1 FY2025   Q1 FY2024
      (In millions, except percentages)
    Net revenue $ 1,594     $ 1,476  
    Operating income $ 447     $ 417  
    Operating margin   28.0 %     28.3 %
    Non-GAAP Results    
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 447     $ 417  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   28.0 %     28.3 %
    Display Q1 FY2025   Q1 FY2024
      (In millions, except percentages)
    Net revenue $ 183     $ 244  
    Operating income $ 14     $ 25  
    Operating margin   7.7 %     10.2 %
    Non-GAAP Results    
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 14     $ 25  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   7.7 %     10.2 %
    Corporate and Other Q1 FY2025   Q1 FY2024
      (In millions)
    Unallocated net revenue $ 33     $ 78  
    Unallocated cost of products sold and expenses   (305 )     (297 )
    Total $ (272 )   $ (219 )
                   

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Applied provides investors with certain non-GAAP financial measures, which are adjusted for the impact of certain costs, expenses, gains and losses, including certain items related to mergers and acquisitions; restructuring and severance charges and any associated adjustments; impairments of assets; gain or loss, dividends and impairments on strategic investments; certain income tax items and other discrete adjustments. On a non-GAAP basis, the tax effect related to share-based compensation is recognized ratably over the fiscal year. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided in the financial tables included in this release.

    Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate the company’s operating and financial performance and for planning purposes, and as performance measures in its executive compensation program. Applied believes these measures enhance an overall understanding of its performance and investors’ ability to review the company’s business from the same perspective as the company’s management, and facilitate comparisons of this period’s results with prior periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that management does not believe are indicative of Applied’s ongoing operating performance. There are limitations in using non-GAAP financial measures because the non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, and may exclude certain items that may have a material impact upon our reported financial results. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Webcast Information

    Applied Materials will discuss these results during an earnings call that begins at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time today. A live webcast and related slide presentation will be available at https://ir.appliedmaterials.com. A replay will be available on the website beginning at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time today.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those regarding anticipated growth and trends in our businesses and markets, industry outlooks and demand drivers, technology transitions, our business and financial performance and market share positions, our capital allocation and cash deployment strategies, our investment and growth strategies, our development of new products and technologies, our business outlook for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 and beyond, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements and their underlying assumptions are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements include, without limitation: the level of demand for our products; global economic, political and industry conditions, including changes in interest rates and prices for goods and services; the implementation of additional export regulations and license requirements and their interpretation, and their impact on our ability to export products and provide services to customers and on our results of operations; global trade issues and changes in trade and export license policies and our ability to obtain licenses or authorizations on a timely basis, if at all; imposition of new or increases in tariffs and any retaliatory measures; the effects of geopolitical turmoil or conflicts; demand for semiconductor chips and electronic devices; customers’ technology and capacity requirements; the introduction of new and innovative technologies, and the timing of technology transitions; our ability to develop, deliver and support new products and technologies; our ability to meet customer demand, and our suppliers’ ability to meet our demand requirements; the concentrated nature of our customer base; our ability to expand our current markets, increase market share and develop new markets; market acceptance of existing and newly developed products; our ability to obtain and protect intellectual property rights in key technologies; cybersecurity incidents affecting our information systems or information contained in them, or affecting our operations, suppliers, customers or vendors; our ability to achieve the objectives of operational and strategic initiatives, align our resources and cost structure with business conditions, and attract, motivate and retain key employees; the effects of regional or global health epidemics; acquisitions, investments and divestitures; changes in income tax laws; the variability of operating expenses and results among products and segments, and our ability to accurately forecast future results, market conditions, customer requirements and business needs; our ability to ensure compliance with applicable law, rules and regulations and other risks and uncertainties described in our SEC filings, including our recent Forms 10-K and 8-K. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s current estimates, projections and assumptions, and we assume no obligation to update them.

    About Applied Materials

    Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAT) is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. Our expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale enables customers to transform possibilities into reality. At Applied Materials, our innovations make possible a better future. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Liz Morali (408) 986-7977
    liz_morali@amat.com 

    Media Contact:
    Ricky Gradwohl (408) 235-4676
    ricky_gradwohl@amat.com 

     
    APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
       
      Three Months Ended
    (In millions, except per share amounts) January 26,
    2025    		   January 28,
    2024
    Net revenue $ 7,166     $ 6,707  
    Cost of products sold   3,670       3,503  
    Gross profit   3,496       3,204  
    Operating expenses:      
    Research, development and engineering   859       754  
    Marketing and selling   206       207  
    General and administrative   256       276  
    Total operating expenses   1,321       1,237  
    Income from operations   2,175       1,967  
    Interest expense   64       59  
    Interest and other income (expense), net   8       395  
    Income before income taxes   2,119       2,303  
    Provision for income taxes   934       284  
    Net income $ 1,185     $ 2,019  
    Earnings per share:      
    Basic $ 1.46     $ 2.43  
    Diluted $ 1.45     $ 2.41  
    Weighted average number of shares:      
    Basic   814       831  
    Diluted   819       837  
                   
     
    APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
           
    (In millions) January 26,
    2025    		   October 27,
    2024
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,264     $ 8,022  
    Short-term investments   1,949       1,449  
    Accounts receivable, net   5,998       5,234  
    Inventories   5,501       5,421  
    Other current assets   982       1,094  
    Total current assets   20,694       21,220  
    Long-term investments   2,686       2,787  
    Property, plant and equipment, net   3,563       3,339  
    Goodwill   3,768       3,732  
    Purchased technology and other intangible assets, net   237       249  
    Deferred income taxes and other assets   2,390       3,082  
    Total assets $ 33,338     $ 34,409  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Short-term debt $ 799     $ 799  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   4,485       4,820  
    Contract liabilities   2,452       2,849  
    Total current liabilities   7,736       8,468  
    Long-term debt   5,461       5,460  
    Income taxes payable   684       670  
    Other liabilities   832       810  
    Total liabilities   14,713       15,408  
    Total stockholders’ equity   18,625       19,001  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 33,338     $ 34,409  
                   
     
    APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
       
      Three Months Ended
    (In millions) January 26,
    2025    		   January 28,
    2024
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net income $ 1,185     $ 2,019  
    Adjustments required to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:      
    Depreciation and amortization   105       91  
    Share-based compensation   195       170  
    Deferred income taxes   668       (72 )
    Other   95       (235 )
    Net change in operating assets and liabilities   (1,323 )     352  
    Cash provided by operating activities   925       2,325  
    Cash flows from investing activities:      
    Capital expenditures   (381 )     (229 )
    Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired   (28 )     —  
    Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments   1,223       531  
    Purchases of investments   (1,711 )     (749 )
    Cash used in investing activities   (897 )     (447 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:      
    Proceeds from issuance of commercial paper   200       100  
    Repayments of commercial paper   (200 )     (100 )
    Common stock repurchases   (1,318 )     (700 )
    Tax withholding payments for vested equity awards   (142 )     (192 )
    Payments of dividends to stockholders   (326 )     (266 )
    Repayments of principal on finance leases   —       1  
    Cash used in financing activities   (1,786 )     (1,157 )
    Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents   (1,758 )     721  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents—beginning of period   8,113       6,233  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents — end of period $ 6,355     $ 6,954  
           
    Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash equivalents      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,264     $ 6,854  
    Restricted cash equivalents included in deferred income taxes and other assets   91       100  
    Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash equivalents $ 6,355     $ 6,954  
           
    Supplemental cash flow information:      
    Cash payments for income taxes $ 70     $ 139  
    Cash refunds from income taxes $ 70     $ 2  
    Cash payments for interest $ 52     $ 34  
                   

    Additional Information

      Q1 FY2025   Q1 FY2024
    Net Revenue by Geography (In millions)  
    United States $ 917     $ 759  
    % of Total   13 %     11 %
    Europe $ 330     $ 410  
    % of Total   4 %     6 %
    Japan $ 540     $ 565  
    % of Total   8 %     9 %
    Korea $ 1,667     $ 1,231  
    % of Total   23 %     18 %
    Taiwan $ 1,183     $ 559  
    % of Total   17 %     8 %
    Southeast Asia $ 286     $ 186  
    % of Total   4 %     3 %
    China $ 2,243     $ 2,997  
    % of Total   31 %     45 %
           
    Employees(In thousands)      
    Regular Full Time   36.0       34.5  
                   
     
    APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP RESULTS
       
      Three Months Ended
    (In millions, except percentages) January 26,
    2025    		   January 28,
    2024
    Non-GAAP Gross Profit      
    GAAP reported gross profit $ 3,496     $ 3,204  
    Certain items associated with acquisitions1   7       7  
    Non-GAAP gross profit $ 3,503     $ 3,211  
    Non-GAAP gross margin   48.9 %     47.9 %
    Non-GAAP Operating Income      
    GAAP reported operating income $ 2,175     $ 1,967  
    Certain items associated with acquisitions1   12       11  
    Acquisition integration and deal costs   3       3  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 2,190     $ 1,981  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   30.6 %     29.5 %
    Non-GAAP Net Income      
    GAAP reported net income $ 1,185     $ 2,019  
    Certain items associated with acquisitions1   12       11  
    Acquisition integration and deal costs   3       3  
    Realized loss (gain), dividends and impairments on strategic investments, net   (9 )     (1 )
    Unrealized loss (gain) on strategic investments, net   106       (280 )
    Income tax effect of share-based compensation2   (10 )     (26 )
    Income tax effects related to intra-entity intangible asset transfers3   674       22  
    Resolution of prior years’ income tax filings and other tax items   (16 )     33  
    Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments4   1       1  
    Non-GAAP net income $ 1,946     $ 1,782  
    1 These items are incremental charges attributable to completed acquisitions, consisting of amortization of purchased intangible assets.
       
    2 GAAP basis tax benefit related to share-based compensation is recognized ratably over the fiscal year on a non-GAAP basis.
       
    3 Amount for the three months ended January 26, 2025, included changes to income tax provision of $30 million from amortization of intangibles and a $644 million remeasurement of deferred tax assets resulting from new tax incentive agreements in Singapore in fiscal 2025.
       
    4 Adjustment to provision for income taxes related to non-GAAP adjustments reflected in income before income taxes.
       
     
    APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP RESULTS
       
      Three Months Ended
    (In millions, except per share amounts) January 26,
    2025    		   January 28,
    2024
    Non-GAAP Earnings Per Diluted Share      
    GAAP reported earnings per diluted share $ 1.45     $ 2.41  
    Certain items associated with acquisitions   0.01       0.01  
    Realized loss (gain), dividends and impairments on strategic investments, net   (0.01 )     —  
    Unrealized loss (gain) on strategic investments, net   0.13       (0.33 )
    Income tax effect of share-based compensation   (0.01 )     (0.03 )
    Income tax effects related to intra-entity intangible asset transfers1   0.83       0.03  
    Resolution of prior years’ income tax filings and other tax items   (0.02 )     0.04  
    Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share $ 2.38     $ 2.13  
    Weighted average number of diluted shares   819       837  
    1 Amount for the three months ended January 26, 2025, included changes to income tax provision of $0.04 per diluted share from amortization of intangibles and $0.79 per diluted share from a remeasurement of deferred tax assets resulting from new tax incentive agreements in Singapore in fiscal 2025.
       
     
    APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP RESULTS
       
      Three Months Ended
    (In millions, except percentages) January 26,
    2025    		   January 28,
    2024
    Semiconductor Systems Non-GAAP Operating Income      
    GAAP reported operating income $ 1,986     $ 1,744  
    Certain items associated with acquisitions1   12       10  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 1,998     $ 1,754  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   37.3 %     35.7 %
    Applied Global Services Non-GAAP Operating Income      
    GAAP reported operating income $ 447     $ 417  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 447     $ 417  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   28.0 %     28.3 %
    Display Non-GAAP Operating Income      
    GAAP reported operating income $ 14     $ 25  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 14     $ 25  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   7.7 %     10.2 %
    1  These items are incremental charges attributable to completed acquisitions, consisting of amortization of purchased intangible assets.
       

    Note: The reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP segment results above does not include certain revenues, costs of products sold and operating expenses that are reported within corporate and other and included in consolidated operating income.

     
    APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE
       
      Three Months Ended
    (In millions, except percentages) January 26, 2025
       
    GAAP provision for income taxes (a) $ 934  
    Income tax effect of share-based compensation   10  
    Income tax effects related to intra-entity intangible asset transfers   (674 )
    Resolutions of prior years’ income tax filings and other tax items   16  
    Income tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments   (1 )
    Non-GAAP provision for income taxes (b) $ 285  
       
    GAAP income before income taxes (c) $ 2,119  
    Certain items associated with acquisitions   12  
    Acquisition integration and deal costs   3  
    Realized loss (gain), dividends and impairments on strategic investments, net   (9 )
    Unrealized loss (gain) on strategic investments, net   106  
    Non-GAAP income before income taxes (d) $ 2,231  
       
    GAAP effective income tax rate (a/c)   44.1 %
       
    Non-GAAP effective income tax rate (b/d)   12.8 %
           
     
    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FREE CASH FLOW
       
      Three Months Ended
    (In millions) January 26,
    2025    		   January 28,
    2024
    Cash provided by operating activities $ 925     $ 2,325  
    Capital expenditures   (381 )     (229 )
    Non-GAAP free cash flow $ 544     $ 2,096  
                   

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – CBA partners with NSW Government to deliver banking services, building a brighter future for people, businesses and communities – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    CBA to deliver innovative payments and transaction banking services at scale, to shape the State’s digital future.

    NSW Government today announced that Commonwealth Bank has been selected to provide banking services and support to benefit the people, businesses and communities of the State.

    As part of the agreement, CBA will deliver liquidity management, transaction banking, merchant acquiring, FX, cross-border payments and transit payments services, to increase efficiency and make transacting with the government seamless for the people of New South Wales.

    CBA will help shape the State’s digital future by deploying the bank’s innovative payments technologies and transaction banking expertise, including globally recognised responsible AI capabilities, specialised government payment solutions and market leading merchant technologies.

    CBA has been retained to provide transit ticketing services for the NSW Government and will support the State to deliver new technologies for improved journey planning, payment and information access.

    As part of the long-term partnership, CBA is committed to delivering a number of benefits for the broader community and citizens of New South Wales, including investments to support small business, innovation and data insights.

    Approximately 40 per cent of all payments across Australia are processed through CBA’s network, and this rich data and insight will be leveraged to enable the government to make timely and informed data-driven decisions to help build a brighter future for the State.

    The agreement will also help to ensure the safety and security of payments through the implementation of CBA’s leading cyber and fraud management technologies, such as Namecheck, an Australian banking first that has saved the bank’s customers more than $400 million in mistaken payments and scams to date.

    Sinead Taylor, incoming CBA Group Executive, Institutional Banking and Markets, said CBA would bring the bank’s full breadth of transaction banking capabilities to drive better outcomes for New South Wales.

    “We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity by the New South Wales Government to harness our scale, digital innovation and government credentials to support a thriving, resilient and sustainable New South Wales.”

    “CBA is at the forefront of payments modernisation and our secure, resilient and innovative payments technologies, combined with our sophisticated scams and fraud mitigation tools, will drive efficiencies and deliver a better experience for people across the State.”

    “The New South Wales Government and CBA have a history of working together to drive innovation, with our long-standing partnership with Transport for NSW as just one example, and we look forward to broadening our partnership to benefit the people, businesses and communities of New South Wales.”

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Bangladesh: Critical UN report must spur accountability and justice – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International

    Responding to the  UN Fact-Finding report published yesterday which finds reasonable grounds to believe Bangladesh’s former Government and security apparatus  systematically engaged in a range of serious human rights violations raising concerns as to crimes against humanity, Smriti Singh, regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International, said:

    “This 105-page UN report lays bare the scale and severity of the human rights violations committed by the regime led by the ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina to repress anti-government protests in Bangladesh. It echoes and expands on the findings by Amnesty International and other human rights organizations from last year. While the report is an important attempt to address serious violations in the country, the UN should not stop its efforts here. Continued efforts for investigation and fact-finding by UN human rights mechanisms are critical to support accountability and justice for victims in Bangladesh.

    “The Interim Government must take seriously the UN recommendation to consider referring to the International Criminal Court all the incidents which took place between 1 July to 15 August in Bangladesh. The government must also implement other immediate and longer-term recommendations in the report including guarantees of fair trial and due process in ongoing investigations, security and justice sector reform and repeal of draconian laws that restrict civic space, among others.  However, to ensure lasting truth, justice, accountability, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence, the engagement with UN mechanisms and bodies must continue beyond this. Any failure to do so would be to turn our backs on the victims and survivors.”

    (ref. https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ohchr-fact-finding-report-human-rights-violations-and-abuses-related )

    Background

    On 12 February, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published their report based on an independent fact-finding inquiry into alleged human rights violations and abuses that occurred during widespread protests in Bangladesh between 1 July and 15 August 2024.

    Last year, Amnesty International had documented the violence and repression in Bangladesh in response to the students-led quota-reform protests across the country. We published a video verification series documenting evidence of the unlawful use of both lethal and less-lethal force against student protesters.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Luján, Markey, Peters Condemn Weaponization of Federal Communications Commission Against Broadcasters and Public Media 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Attacks Against Public Media Could Threaten New Mexicans’ Access to Vital Local News, Television, and Radio
    Washington, D.C – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington regarding recent actions taken by the FCC under the Trump administration demonstrating that the FCC is weaponizing its authority over broadcasters and public media for political purposes. 
    Across New Mexico, 15 public media organizations rely on over $5.8 million in grants through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to deliver news, entertainment, and much more to the state’s metropolitan, rural, and Tribal communities. Dismantling the CPB could cut off public media to New Mexico’s most rural areas—including during disasters and emergencies when rural communities rely on public media coverage the most. 
    In the letter the lawmakers wrote, “We write to express our serious concern about the recent actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Chairman Carr to open or reopen investigations into broadcasting companies without any evidence of wrongdoing in what appears to be an attempt to intimidate broadcasters for political purposes. Specifically, we are concerned by both of your recent assertions that broadcast stations could be investigated over their editorial decision-making, which raises concerns under the First Amendment. Additionally, we are deeply concerned that in just the first two weeks under Chairman Carr, the Commission has reinstated three previously closed complaints against ABC, CBS, and NBC — absent any new evidence — without also reinstating a similar complaint against a Fox broadcasting station. Finally, we are troubled by your announced investigation into PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) member stations without any evidence that these news sources have departed from decades-long practices for sponsorship disclosures. Taken together, these efforts appear politically motivated and designed to punish, censor or intimidate members of the free press based on political disagreement with editorial choices. This weaponization of the FCC is unacceptable. We urge you to immediately cease such conduct and respect the First Amendment. 
    The lawmakers continue, “We urge you both to follow the Constitution, immediately cease abusing the FCC’s legal authority, and return to the evidence-based decision-making that has been a staple of the Commission’s long and storied history.” 
    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport Sector – Road freight survey to fill key knowledge gaps

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    Registrations for the National Road Freight Survey have opened today (February 14) with company owners, managers, drivers and other essential staff encouraged to have their say in the largest sector snap-shot in more than a decade.
    The survey is being run by independent research firm Research NZ on behalf of Transporting New Zealand, and is available to all road freight industry participants.
    Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the survey is a fantastic opportunity to better understand industry attitudes on key issues including workforce shortages, operating conditions, revenue issues such as tolling and congestion charging, the Cook Strait ferries and road policing.
    “There are over 30,000 people working in the road freight sector across more than 4,000 business entities, carrying 93 percent of the national freight task,” Kalasih says.
    “We want to get a clearer picture of what their leading concerns are, what opportunities they see for improvement, and what might be lesser priorities.”
    He says he is particularly interested in sharing the results with policy makers and industry partners about the retirement intentions of drivers and the employment of migrant workers.
    “We know the average age of truck drivers is rapidly approaching 60, and that migrant truck drivers have played an important supplementary role in filling shortages. However, the survey will give us a clearer picture of what proportion of the workforce intends to retire within five years, what the main barriers are to employing new drivers, and what policy changes we need to prioritise to improve the situation.”
    Kalasih says that Research NZ has kept the survey short, multi-choice and accessible, with the option to provide more in-depth answers.
    “The survey will ask operators to rank leading industry issues in order of importance, and then get more detailed responses on topical issues relating to each of those. This will be followed by some key questions on workforce challenges, the public perception of truck drivers, and what (if any) skill gaps people are noticing with new drivers.”
    “Because of the importance of the road freight industry, and its fragmented nature, people get a lot of survey requests from government, suppliers and supply chain partners. That’s why we’ve ensured this survey is concise, while still being comprehensive. We got feedback from our members on the content and it’s been designed to ensure we’ve got it right.”
    “People who register for the survey before 3 March (the survey launch date) will also enter the draw for an iPad, and there will be more prizes to follow. So get registered and share it with your team today. It’s open to all industry participants.”
    Road freight business owners, managers, drivers and staff can pre-register for the survey at:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Applications Open for Empire State Summer Service Corps

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of applications for the Empire State Summer Service Corps Program, encouraging State University of New York students to apply for one of 150 paid civic and service internships this summer. The special program will take place from May through August 2025. SUNY students are encouraged to apply on the SUNY website between now and March 20, 2025.

    “I have talked about putting money back in the pockets of taxpayers across New York, now it’s time to help put money into the pockets for the youth of New York,” Governor Hochul said. “By providing our youth with meaningful employment opportunities, we are not just giving them a job; we are investing in their future. This program will equip them with valuable skills, empower them to be leaders in their communities, and help them grow into responsible, hardworking individuals who will shape a brighter tomorrow for all of New York.”

    The Empire State Service Corps is one of Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State priorities to expand service opportunities for college students. Students participating in the program dedicate at least 300 hours to paid community service – and convene regularly to share and learn from each other’s experiences. During its first application cycle, almost 2,000 SUNY students submitted applications for 500 spots across 45 SUNY colleges and universities during the 2024-25 academic year. AmeriCorps funding will make it possible to expand the program to serve 150 students this summer.

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “College has the unique power to bring students together in service and learning. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and the support of the Legislature, SUNY is proud to make it possible for hundreds of our students to complete paid service internships in their communities through the Empire State Service Corps.”

    The Empire State Service Corps provides paid civic and service internships in the following areas:

    • K-12 Tutoring: Students will partner with local school districts for regular tutoring sessions to support recovery from pandemic-era interrupted learning.
    • SNAP and basic need outreach: Students will support students with SNAP outreach on campus, as well as provide basic needs support, including shifts at the campus food pantry.
    • Peer Mental Health: On select campuses, students will be trained to serve as peer mental health counselors.
    • Sustainability: Students will serve in campus roles and with local nonprofits and State agencies on sustainability work, such as recycling campaigns, tree planting, pollinator gardens, and sustainability outreach.
    • Anti-Hate and Bias Prevention: Students will serve with local nonprofits focused on ending hate and bias in the community.
    • FAFSA Completion: Students will serve local communities, through visits to local high schools and work on-campus, to support students in completing the FAFSA so they can access financial aid.

    Governor Hochul and the state legislature committed $2.75 million to continue to fund the Empire State Service Corps in the FY25 Enacted Budget.

    Community-based organizations and local school districts interested in hosting Empire State Summer Service Corps members can submit their information at this link here.

    About The State University of New York

    The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Additional Recovery Center in Georgia to Assist Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Debby and Helene

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Bulloch County to assist small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations who sustained economic losses caused by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene.

    Beginning Friday, Feb.14, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the BRC to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The BRC hours of operation is listed below.

    Business Recovery Center (BRC)

    Bulloch County

    Statesboro-Bulloch County Library

    124 S. Main Street

    Statesboro, GA 30458

    Opening: Friday, Feb. 14, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

    Hours:     Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

    Closed: Sunday  

    The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to these disasters. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.  

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.  

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.  

    To apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadlines to return economic injury applications are June 24, 2025, for Tropical Storm Debby and June 30, 2025, for Hurricane Helene.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –