Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Kick Off Summer on Victoria Day at Government House

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 15, 2025

    Summer has arrived at Government House! To celebrate, the team at Government House is taking things outdoors for some Victoria Day free, family fun. 

    Be at Government House Monday, May 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. for a classic car show, to visit furry friends in the petting zoo and enjoy a tasty treat. 

    “Spending Victoria Day at Government House is the perfect way to kick off the season,” Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Eric Schmalz said. “Bring family and friends and celebrate the warmer months ahead with an afternoon of outdoor activities on the great lawns which surround this historic site.”

    In addition, Government House is now open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitor experience hosts are ready to welcome you all summer long. 

    Visitors are also encouraged to explore the sprawling, blooming gardens, the Amédée Forget Museum and check out the newest exhibit in the Queen Elizabeth II Art Gallery. There is always something to see and do at Government House.

    For more information, visit: https://governmenthousesk.ca/events/summer-kick-off.

    About Government House

    Government House is a National Historic Site and Provincial Heritage Property with a mission to provide visitors with an accessible historic place to preserve, promote and celebrate Saskatchewan’s living heritage. Government House is the steward of a vibrant collection and historic property that is living and ever-changing. Experience the story of Government House through educational experiences, engaging programs and collaborative partnerships. 

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting Alberta’s wildfire evacuees

    Emergency evacuations due to the threat of a wildfire or other natural disaster can cause incredible emotional and financial stress for those affected. To help ease the costs of evacuating and provide some peace of mind, Alberta’s government provides emergency evacuation payments to assist those who have been forced from their homes for an extended period of time.

    “Being forced from your home is one of the most difficult things a family can face. Our government is here to support Albertans every step of the way – helping cover urgent costs and providing reassurance during an incredibly stressful time. We’re committed to ensuring families have the help they need, when they need it most.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    Each adult resident of an affected community who has been evacuated for seven days or more is eligible to receive a one-time payment of $1,250 and $500 for each dependent child under the age of 18. These evacuation payments help pay for temporary accommodations, food and other necessities while evacuees are away from their homes. Most insurance policies will also provide coverage for additional living expenses if the insured are forced to leave due to a disaster.

    “Whether flood or fire, evacuations due to natural disasters can be incredibly stressful. As always, our government is working hard to ensure help is there for those who need it and do everything we can to support Albertans through this wildfire season.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

    Evacuees can apply for the payments online and will have up to 60 days to apply following the start of an evacuation order for their respective community. Payments will be made by e-transfer within 24 hours of application, which is the fastest and most efficient way to receive these payments. Evacuees unable to apply online or receive e-transfer can call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 for assistance and to make alternate payment arrangements.

    “In the face of floods and fires, Alberta’s government remains committed to providing essential support and resources to protect and assist Albertans during this wildfire season, ensuring that help is always within reach for those affected.”

    Mike Ellis, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

    For those who may need help with evacuating, Alberta’s Income Support Emergency Contact Centre is available 24-7 to provide support. Vulnerable Albertans or those in acute financial need who may need additional financial support for items such as food, clothing, transportation and temporary shelter as they leave their community should contact the Income Support Emergency Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135.

    “Wildfires are a reality of life in Alberta’s forests, but no Albertan should have to face them alone. Our government is standing with affected communities every step of the way – supporting firefighting efforts on the ground, providing critical information and ensuring families have the support they need to get through these challenging times.”

    Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

    The most up-to-date evacuation information is available at alberta.ca/emergency, Alberta Emergency Alert or by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.

    Quick facts

    • Each adult resident of an affected community who has been evacuated for seven days or more is eligible to receive a one-time payment of $1,250 and $500 for each dependent child under the age of 18.
    • Evacuees can apply for the payments online and will have up to 60 days to apply following the start of an evacuation order for their respective community.
    • Payments will be made by e-transfer within 24 hours of application. Those unable to apply online or receive e-transfers can call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre for assistance and to make alternate payment arrangements.
    • Albertans can connect with Alberta Supports for more information about the benefits available and how to apply by visiting alberta.ca/alberta-supports, emailing [email protected], calling 1-877-644-9992 toll free, or visiting your local Alberta Supports Office for in-person services.
      • Help is available in more than 100 languages.
      • For after-hours support, the Emergency Income Support Contact Centre is available 24-7 at 1-866-644-5135.

    Related Information

    • Alberta Supports
    • Income Support Emergency Contact Centre
    • Alberta.ca/emergency
    • Alberta Emergency Alert app
    • Alberta Wildfire app

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New B.C. council launched to support forestry in B.C.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The members of the Provincial Forest Advisory Council are reputable, subject-matter experts. They all have the skills and insight needed to advance stewardship of B.C.’s forests.

    All committee members were jointly appointed by the Minister of Forests and the BC Green Caucus. You can read about each committee member below.

    Co-chair:
    Garry Merkel – Centre of Indigenous Land Stewardship director, faculty of forestry, University of British Columbia (UBC)

    Garry Merkel (nadi’ denezā) is Tahltan from northwestern British Columbia – what is now known as the Stikine River area. He is a great-grandfather and is a professional forester with more than 50 years of experience working in most areas of the forest/lands sector. He is the director of the Centre of Indigenous Land Stewardship currently housed in the faculty of forestry at UBC and has a long public policy history in B.C. and beyond. The most recent was co-chairing with Al Gorley the cabinet-appointed Old Growth Review Panel that produced A New Future for Old Forests, A Strategic Review of How British Columbia Manages its Old Forests Within its Ancient Ecosystems (2021).  Government adopted the 14 recommendations in this review. Merkel continues as an independent mentor, coach, facilitator and adviser to support the government in its leadership role, the forest sector and ultimately the overall provincial land sector through this transition.

    Co-chair:
    Shannon Janzen, former vice-president and chief forester, Western Forest Products

    Shannon Janzen became the first woman in Canada to be appointed chief forester of a major forest products company in 2013 and later served as a vice-president of Western Forest Products from 2015 until 2022. Now the owner of Hypha Consulting Inc., she works with Indigenous communities to support their vision for economic and environmental reconciliation. Starting in operations, she spent over a decade in silviculture and planning, later becoming a lead negotiator for the Coast Forest Conservation Initiative. Her work in the Great Bear Rainforest earned her recognition as the Professional Forester of the Year in 2009. 

    Janzen has negotiated agreements benefiting First Nations and implemented cost-saving initiatives including LEAN supply chain programs and LiDAR Forest Inventory programs. She has also led carbon accounting for forest products and managed environmental social governance initiatives for publicly traded companies. Once a volunteer firefighter, Janzen is committed to making business sense of doing the right thing for people and the planet, tackling complex challenges with optimism and focus.

    Norah White, deputy chief forester, B.C. government

    Norah White is deputy chief forester and executive director in British Columbia’s Office of the Chief Forester within the provincial Ministry of Forests, the division of the provincial government responsible for leadership in forest stewardship and sustainable fibre supply.

    White has an extensive background in provincial forest stewardship policy and has led recent sector-wide change in the areas of forest planning, forest carbon, and the management of old forests and ecosystems.

    She holds a bachelor of science in forestry from the University of British Columbia (2004), an executive master of business administration from Simon Fraser University (2022), and a micro-certificate in forest carbon management from UBC’s faculty of forestry (2022).

    White received her registered professional forester designation in 2007 and is an active member of Forest Professionals BC. She lives within the territory of the Lekwungen peoples, also known as Victoria, B.C., with her spouse and their two daughters, ages 12 and 14.

    Jason Fisher, executive director, Forest Enhancement Society of BC

    Jason Fisher, a registered professional forester, is the executive director of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). FESBC invests the funding it receives from the Ministry of Forests to support forest enhancement projects throughout B.C. that reduce wildfire risk, enhance wildlife habitat, assist in the recovery of forests affected by fire, insects and disease, and/or reduce greenhouse emissions through enhancing the utilization of wood waste for bioenergy.

    Fisher earned degrees in forestry and law, and has worked in the private and public sector, serving as a vice-president with Dunkley Lumber and Pinnacle Renewable Energy and as an associate deputy minister in B.C.’s forest ministry. He is also an instructor at the University of Northern British Columbia, where he teaches a senior-level forest policy and management course. Fisher and his family live in Prince George, located within the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh.

    Jeff Bromley, chairperson, United Steelworkers Wood Council

    Elected Steelworkers Wood Council Chair in 2019, Jeff Bromley was a rank and file IWA member beginning in 1994 when he was hired as an operator at the Elko Sawmill at age 25.

    Bromley was born in Richmond and grew up in the mining town of Kimberley with his mother and stepfather, who was also an IWA member at the Canal Flats sawmill. He earned his associated degree at East Kootenay Community College (now College of the Rockies) with a major in history and a minor in political science.

    Rising through the ranks of Local 1-405, Bromley was elected shop steward and plant committee secretary in 1999, and served as trustee from 2001 until 2008. His advocacy and political action activities have included the USW’s Stop the Killing, Enforce the Law campaign, the softwood lumber lobby effort in Ottawa and the Forest Renewal campaign in Victoria. Bromley has been a local union instructor through District 3’s Back to the Locals instructor program.

    Bromley was elected third vice-president of Local 1-405 in 2008 and, in 2010, graduated from the USW’s leadership development program. Elected financial secretary in 2012, he has served the local union in a full-time staff role since 2012.

    Harry Nelson, associate professor, faculty of forestry, UBC

    Harry Nelson is an associate professor in the faculty of forestry at UBC, specializing in economics and policy. His research interests are in analyzing natural and environmental resource policy around how lands and resources are managed in Canada and the forces driving change in forestry, with the goal of developing solutions that can help enhance the long run sustainability of Canadian forests and the communities and businesses that rely upon them. Long-standing areas of his research include investigating the changing role of Indigenous peoples in land and resource management in Canada and assessing how forest-sector firms, governments and others are adapting to climate change impacts in forestry.

    Hugh Scorah, postdoctoral fellow, UBC

    Hugh Scorah is a researcher at UBC forestry and a business and finance consultant for the agricultural and forest sectors. He has worked on projects related to softwood lumber trade, small and medium-sized enterprises in forestry, community forestry, wildfire risk mitigation, economics of silviculture, hydrological risk and liability in forestry, timber auction design, the economics of sustained yield forestry and pricing of forest tenures.

    Al Gorley, retired professional forester and former president, Professional Foresters Association

    Al Gorley has over 50 years experience in forestry and natural resource management. Born in Burns Lake, he lived in a variety of communities in the northwest while growing up, including Queen Charlotte City (Daajing Giids), Kitwanga, Terrace, and Prince Rupert. His early career with the BC Forest Service saw him stationed in Houston, Lower Post, Ootsa Lake and Smithers.

    During a second stint in Houston as forest district manager, he also served as president of the Association of British Columbia Forest Professionals and board chair for Northwest Community College. In 1994, he was appointed regional manager for the Prince George Forest Region and, for a while, worked concurrently as executive director of Forest Practices Code implementation. In 1998, he moved to Victoria to take on the role of vice-president for land and resources at Forest Renewal BC and was later promoted to chief operating officer.

    In 2002, Gorley started his own consulting firm and worked with a wide variety of industries, communities and governments throughout the province, nationally and internationally, on natural resource and management matters. From 2004 until 2007, he served as president of the McGregor Model Forest and was a founding director of the Canadian Model Forest Network. He is a past member of the BC Forest Appeals Commission and Environmental Board and was chair of the Forest Practices Board from 2010 until 2013.

    In 2019, Gorley was appointed to co-chair a strategic review of how old growth forests are managed in B.C., resulting in the 2020 report A New Future for Old Forests. Now retired, he continues to encourage management approaches that will support community and economic well-being within the envelope of ecosystem sustainability.

    Laurie Kremsater, professional forester, biologist, researcher and educator

    Laurie Kremsater is a professional forester and a professional biologist with more than 35 years experience in forest ecology and wildlife resource management. She completed her bachelor of science in forestry with honours and her master of science in forest wildlife ecology at UBC (1989).

    She was a member of the Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel, was part of the 1990s Old Growth Strategy and part of the team that directed Weyerhaeuser’s Forest Strategy – the most extensive research, adaptive management and monitoring work in B.C. concerning sustaining biodiversity during forest management. Her initial research concerned black-tailed deer ecology and forest birds, then her work expanded to include small mammals, amphibians, species at risk and biodiversity more broadly. Her work now focuses on managing ecosystems as a whole, helping to develop sustainable forest management plans that maintain biological diversity. She designs landscape reserves for the Great Bear Rainforest Order area and trains others to undertake that task. She is helping incorporate Ecosystem-Based Management into planning for Sechelt Community Forest and Lakes Forest Landscape Plan.

    Educating and developing training materials are passions, all aimed at sustaining biodiversity, while maintaining sustainable economic timber opportunity. Kremsater works for academia, government, industry and non-government organizations. After many years as a research associate at UBC, she became an independent consultant, then joined Madrone Environmental for a period, and now once again is consulting on her own, trying, not so successfully yet, to slow down.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Concluding a successful spring session

    [. In addition to the work in the assembly, this session saw the government advocate fiercely for a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, build and strengthen relationships with trade partners, and defend Alberta’s economy and Albertan jobs.

    In the face of global trade tensions and market uncertainty, the rising cost of living remains one of the largest challenges facing Albertans. This spring, Alberta’s government took action to ease that burden. Budget 2025 delivered the promised income tax cut, saving families up to $1,500 per year. The Automobile Insurance Act was passed to enable better, faster, cheaper auto insurance for Albertans, and we passed legislation to expand energy options by enabling hydrogen blending and making critical reforms to ensure Albertans have access to affordable, reliable utilities when they need them most.

    “Every piece of legislation our government brought forward this session was driven by one goal: to make life better for Albertans. I’m proud to be part of a team that meets the challenges Albertans are facing today and positions our province for long-term success.”

    Joseph Schow, Government House Leader and Minister of Tourism and Sport

    Alberta’s government also passed legislation to deliver on its mandate to restore health and safety for families and communities. The Compassionate Intervention Act introduced a new approach to addressing the addiction crisisadding another tool to the Alberta Recovery Model and giving Albertans struggling with severe addiction the opportunity to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their family, community and culture. Legislation was also passed that implements lessons learned during previous emergency responses and empowers municipalities through expanded options for local policing.

    This session Alberta’s government passed 19 bills, fulfilled multiple platform commitments and delivered on the strong mandate received from Albertans two years ago.

    Other highlights

    • The Agricultural Operation Practices Amendment Act provides clarity for the emerging biogas industry, spurring job-creating investment in rural Alberta.
    • The Critical Infrastructure Defence Amendment Act protects essential infrastructure and supports the government’s work under the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act.
    • The Education Amendment Act reflects changes in the education landscape, strengthening democratic accountability in school boards, and increasing clarity and efficiency in the teacher discipline process.
    • The Election Statutes Amendment Act protects democracy, delivers fair and open elections and restores confidence in every vote cast.
    • The Health Statutes Amendment Act continues the work to refocus the healthcare system, ensuring patients receive the care they need, when and where they need it.
    • The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act strengthens local governance and collaboration, streamlines processes and bolsters protections for new home builders and buyers.
    • The Professional Governance Act ensures Alberta has a modern, uniform governance framework for professional regulatory organizations.
    • The Wildlife Amendment Act aligns the Wildlife Act with current knowledge and best practices, supporting enhanced opportunities for hunting and trapping, reducing human-wildlife conflicts and streamlining enforcement approaches.

    Related information

    • Bill Status for Legislature 31, Session 1

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Detect early, stop cancer

    Half of all people living in Alberta will have cancer during their lifetime. They deserve high-quality cancer care, including early detection. That’s why Alberta’s government is extending the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program and is providing grants to four organizations to improve access to cancer screening – particularly in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

    Launched as a pilot in 2022, the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program was designed to assess whether a provincially coordinated approach could improve lung cancer outcomes through earlier detection and timely treatment. After a promising launch, it is being extended with a $2-million investment and an additional $500,000 from the Alberta Cancer Foundation. This funding will allow the pilot to continue offering screenings to eligible individuals for an additional year while plans are finalized to transition the program to a permanent, provincewide program. 

    “We’re making progress, with more people in Alberta surviving lung cancer than ever before, but more work remains. That’s why we’re funding the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program to support early detection and improved patient outcomes.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

    Treatment for early-stage lung cancer is significantly more effective, less burdensome for patients and their families, and more cost-effective for the health care system. Since its launch, the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program has screened more than 3,800 eligible people in Alberta, with almost 90 per cent of detected lung cancers identified at an early stage.

    “Late-stage lung cancer is much harder to treat or cure because the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body or there’s too much cancer in the lungs. Screening with low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer earlier, before someone has symptoms.”

    Dr. Alain Tremblay, medical lead, Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program

    “This year alone, more than 2,700 Albertans will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Our donors are proud to support vital projects like this that strengthen cancer screening across the province and make a meaningful and lasting impact.”

    Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation 

    More funding available for screening, prevention

    Detecting cancer early is crucial to saving lives, and Alberta’s government continues to make early detection more accessible and easier to navigate.

    The Cancer Research in Screening and Prevention Program is providing about $3 million to support cancer prevention and screening initiatives to improve health outcomes for people living in Alberta, including research, education, marketing and public policy development. Eligible Alberta-based health agencies and organizations, post-secondary institutions, non-profits, First Nations and Métis communities, as well as municipalities, can apply for funding under the program.

    Four organizations received funding for their projects in 2024:

    • Alberta Health Services – Optimizing screening for subsequent primary cancers in recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation – $343,518
    • Lakeland Métis Nation Association – Lakeland Métis Nation cancer screening awareness program – $600,000
    • Siksika Health Services – Siksika Nation cancer screening and prevention – $997,850
    • University of Alberta – A Phase 3 randomized trial of prostate cancer screening using high resolution micro-ultrasound versus MRI – $987,000

    “As a two-time cancer survivor, I know first-hand that early detection saves lives. This funding empowers us to raise awareness and deliver culturally relevant education in our Métis communities, ensuring citizens have the tools and knowledge to take charge of their health.”

    Melina Power, president & CEO, Lakeland Métis Nation Association

    The deadline to apply for 2025-26 program funding, which includes a dedicated Indigenous stream, is May 30.

    Quick facts

    • Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in Alberta.
    • In typical clinical settings, more than 70 per cent of lung cancer cases are detected in advanced stages.
    • Alberta Health Services already operates provincewide screening programs for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer.
    • Since the Cancer Research in Screening and Prevention Program launched in 2022, nine organizations have received funding to initiate a total of 18 projects.

    Related Information

    • Cancer Care Alberta
    • Screening for Life
    • Alberta Cancer Foundation
    • Cancer Research for Screening and Prevention Program Fund
    • Cancer Research for Screening and Prevent Program – Recipients

    Related news

    • Bringing mobile lung screening to rural Alberta (Sept. 25, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: To Combat Race Discrimination, Energy Department Terminates Funding for Harvard University

    Source: US Department of Energy

    In case you missed it, the Department of Energy issued a notice to Harvard University this week terminating approximately $89 million in grant funding from DOE’s Office of Science and Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy due to the University’s policy of racial discrimination. This cancellation from DOE resulted in an immediate savings of $7 million to the American taxpayer and was issued in coordination with the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism’s letter to Harvard University announcing the termination of $450 million in grants from eight government agencies in addition to $2.2 billion that was previously frozen by the Trump Administration.

    Excerpts of DOE’s letters to Harvard President Dr. Alan Garber are below:

    DOE understands that Harvard University (Harvard) continues to engage in race discrimination, including in its admission process, and in other areas of student life, such as access to the Law Review at Harvard Law School. We are also aware of recent events at Harvard involving antisemitic action that suggest the institution has a disturbing lack of concern for the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students. Harvard’s ongoing inaction in the face of repeated and severe harassment and targeting of Jewish students has ground day-to-day campus operations to a halt, deprived Jewish students of learning and research opportunities to which they are entitled, and brought shame upon the University and our nation as a whole.

    Indeed, as the Harvard Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias concluded, actions at Harvard during the 2023-2024 academic year resulted in widespread abuse of Jewish and Israeli students by an institution “that mainstreamed and normalized what many Jewish and Israeli students experience as antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias.”

    DOE maintains a firm policy of not supporting entities, individuals or actions that engage in discrimination or which promote and condone, by action or acquiescence, antisemitism. Despite being aware of deeply rooted racial discrimination and antisemitism at Harvard, Harvard has refused to take immediate, definitive and appropriate remedial action.

    Therefore, based on the available information, DOE has concluded that no modification of the Harvard projects could align the projects with agency priorities and any continued funding of the projects is inconsistent with DOE’s stewardship of American taxpayer funds and would be inconsistent with the DOE’s overall mission and goals.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Wright Announces New Policy for Increasing Accountability, Identifying Wasteful Spending of Taxpayer Dollars

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Energy (DOE) today announced new actions to increase accountability and promote responsible stewardship of American taxpayer dollars. In a Secretarial Memorandum entitled, “Ensuring Responsibility for Financial Assistance,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright outlined DOE’s policy for evaluating financial assistance on a case-by-case basis to identity waste of taxpayer dollars, protect America’s national security and advance President Trump’s commitment to unleash affordable, reliable and secure energy for the American people. 

    “Over the past 110 days, the Energy Department has been hard at work reviewing the billions of dollars that were rushed out the door, particularly in the final days of the Biden administration, and what we have found is concerning,” said Secretary Wright. “With this process, the Department will ensure we are doing our due diligence, utilizing taxpayer dollars to generate the largest possible benefit to the American people and safeguarding our national security. Any reputable business would have a process in place for evaluating spending and investments before money goes out the door, and the American people deserve no less from their federal government.”

    To comply with the Secretary’s memorandum, the DOE has begun requesting additional information needed to evaluate 179 awards. These awards total over $15 billion in financial assistance. DOE is prioritizing large-scale commercial projects that require more detailed information from the awardees for the initial phase of this review, but this process may extend to other DOE program offices as the reviews progress.

    Full Policy Memorandum is below:

    Secretarial Policy on Ensuring Responsibility for Financial Assistance

    It is the policy of the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure that financial assistance award recipients and the individual projects are, among other things, financially sound and economically viable, aligned with national and economic security interests, and consistent with Federal law and this Administration’s policies and priorities and program goals and priorities (Standards).  This policy is consistent with the general Federal Stewardship and Substantial Involvement of DOE in the financial assistance awards and essential to identifying and avoiding fraud, waste and abuse.

    DOE intends to conduct focused reviews of awards and other forms of financial assistance on a case-by-case basis, especially for the large complex awards, or on groups of homogenous awards if DOE determines that such a review will adequately address the goals as set forth above.  To conduct this review, DOE may utilize information previously submitted by the award recipient, DOE’s own investigation or analyses or submit  information requests to recipients for information relevant to the project to help inform DOE’s decisional process including, but not limited to,  information regarding a project’s financial health, a project’s technological and engineering viability, market conditions, compliance with award terms and conditions and compliance with legal requirements, including those related to national security.

    To accomplish DOE’s objectives, it is the policy of DOE to require that its financial assistance recipients provide written responses and supporting documentation to its information requests within communicated timeframes, and to cooperate with program personnel on any follow up requests, including verbal requests, in a timely manner, to facilitate this review.  While many financial assistance awards may incorporate the audit rights under 2 C.F.R. part 200, other forms of awards have different information gathering rights available to DOE.  However, in connection with the administration and management of its awards, DOE is entitled to obtain current, accurate and complete information about the project and the recipient.

    It is also the policy of DOE to treat the responses to these information requests as confidential and solely for use in managing the awards and as part of its oversight, including audit, functions.  Responses, as well as responsive information the recipient has previously provided to DOE, will be shared within DOE only to the extent required for proper management and oversight of the awards. Consistent with the National Security Presidential Memorandum on U.S. Government-Supported Research and Development National Security Policy-33, DOE may share information regarding risk identified as part of this due diligence process with other governmental entities.

    If it is determined that a project meets Standards, then those projects will proceed.  If it is determined that projects do not meet Standards, DOE may modify the project or, DOE in its discretion, may terminate the project based on the outcome of DOE’s evaluation, as allowed by law.  Further, if a recipient of financial assistance fails to respond to information requests within the provided timeframe, does not respond to follow-up questions in a timely manner, or offers incomplete responses that do not reasonably facilitate DOE’s review, DOE may treat as the recipient’s refusal to cooperate as grounds for termination of the award or the withholding of funding.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks of Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Welcome to the 12th Annual Conference on Financial Market Regulation.  It is a pleasure to kick off this two-day conference.  Thank you to all who have submitted papers in connection with the conference and to the discussants who have dissected them.  I would also like to thank the staff of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis, led by Dr. Robert Fisher, for their efforts in planning this program as well as our academic partners.  Today’s program covers a number of timely topics. We have a number of different tracks at the conference, so I thought that I would briefly discuss two topics that caught my attention.[1]

    Private Market Capital Raising

    First, panelists will discuss the economic implications of individual investments in private markets.  One panel will discuss findings related to a systematic study of private equity investments by individual investors.[2]  This topic directly impacts capital formation concerns, but also impacts the issue of expanding investment opportunities for individual investors. Notably, the authors found that contrary to concerns about adverse selection, private equity investments by individual investors perform similarly to those of institutions and outperform public markets. Of particular interest, they identified three innovations that enable individuals to invest in private equity: “the proliferation of funds with low minimum commitments, pooling capital via advisors, and leveraging advisors’ networks to access fund managers.”  These structural observations are relevant as the Commission looks at regulatory mechanisms to increase capital formation. The need to empower retail investment in private companies is critical – both from a capital formation perspective and from an investor diversification lens. 

    Additionally, in exploring ways to expand opportunities by promoting greater retail investing in private companies, changes to the accredited investor definition should be considered. While the accredited investor definition has served as the benchmark for financial sophistication on a national – and perhaps global – level, and has provided stability and predictability to market participants, we look to ways to address some potential unintended consequences of the standard during the forty-plus years since it was introduced.

    In promoting opportunities for retail investment in private companies, we should not shy away from discussing the potential investment risks, including the risk of financial losses.  However, investments in private, growth-stage companies that are higher-risk, higher-reward may be beneficial as part of a person’s diversified portfolio, particularly if the exposure is through pooled investment vehicles.  Modern portfolio theory supports the view that a more diversified portfolio impacts overall economic risk.

    As such, we should seek to modernize the exemptive landscape.  If an individual believes that the risk is appropriate and the framework limits investors to those who are financially sophisticated, can sustain the risk of investment loss, can fend for themselves, and have other relevant characteristics, then our regulatory regime should not deny such individual a source of potential wealth accumulation and portfolio diversification. 

    While current and future regulatory proxies for financial sophistication may never be perfect, we should acknowledge that investor protection might also exist through diversification by expanding opportunities for individual investors to allow them to obtain the investment exposure through financial professionals operating under a best interest or fiduciary duty obligation. 

    Notably, recent investor surveys conducted by the Office of the Investor Advocate found that there is investor appetite by accredited and non-accredited investors, for investing in private companies.  Specifically, 14.4% of accredited investors reported being “interested” in investing in this space, while 4.7% of non-accredited investors reported interest.[3]  Investors in both categories – including persons that are currently non-accredited but may be deemed accredited under any new potential standards—have a desire to optimize their investment returns.  I appreciate the thoughtful economic research related to private markets – this research will likely inform any future policymaking.

    Recent Greenwashing by Funds and Impacts on Investments

    Second, attendees will develop a better understanding of the extent to which funds engaged in “greenwashing” – and more specifically, how such practices impacted investors’ returns.  This is particularly interesting, given the focus on these types of funds recently.  The authors of one paper presented this week, The Economics of Greenwashing Funds, found that “funds engaging in greenwashing charge higher fees while attracting greater flows from investors.”[4]  Charging higher average fees and thus impacting overall returns is concerning in any environment, especially when it is unclear whether improved outcomes were achieved. As it pertains to transactional and investment costs, I also note that the authors found that “greenwashing funds are more likely to incur regulatory costs and experience outflows, as reflected in ESG-related comment letters from the SEC.”  To the extent that funds elect to pursue strategies not directly tied to financial performance of the underlying investments, investors should not be penalized through higher overall investment costs, without corresponding clear and unequivocal disclosure of the downsides of such strategies.  

    These are only two examples of the thoughtful and relevant topics in the program.  There are many other interesting topics, including with respect to crypto.  Your research will help inform policymaking and economic analysis in future regulatory endeavors. 

    Thank you to the economists for your work and thank you for your participation in this conference.  In addition to the presentations, I hope that there will be productive side conversations throughout the next two days. One never knows whether the next great idea will start with some notes jotted down on a napkin.

     


    [1] My remarks reflect solely my individual views as a commissioner and do not necessarily reflect the views of the full U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or my fellow Commissioners.

    [2] Cynthia Mei Balloch (London School of Economics), Federico Mainardi (University of Chicago), Sangmin Oh (Columbia University), Petra Vokata (The Ohio State University) Democratizing Private Markets: Private Equity Performance of Individual Investors (forthcoming). 

    [3] Katherine Carman, Alycia Chin, Steven Nash, and Brian Scholl. Exploring Accredited Investors and Private Market Securities Ownership, OIAD Working Paper (2025) (forthcoming).

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Pillen Issues Statement on Historic Budget Package

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    .

    “I commend the Nebraska Legislature for its work in passing a balanced and historically conservative 2025-2027 biennial budget package. Nebraskans expect us to reduce government spending, invest in our kids, and lower property taxes.

    I thank the Legislature for rolling back expanded spending, putting idle pillowcase money to work, and having the courage to say no to more spending increases. This budget puts money toward education, property tax relief, elimination of the developmental disability waitlist, and bolsters our national nuclear security, all while closing the $432 million deficit reported in November. With this balanced budget, we have the opportunity to make further investments in addressing our property tax crisis. I look forward to working with the Legislature in the coming weeks to do the right thing for Nebraskans.”

    Gov. Pillen will review the budget package delivered today for any additional spending reductions, which would result in line-item vetoes.

    “When we commit to strong fiscal conservatism, investing in our kids, and reducing the tax burden for everyday Nebraskans, we make sure our state is the greatest state in the union to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV Representatives Attend Balmoral Show

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    TUV representatives from all levels of government were pleased to attend this year’s Balmoral Show. Under blue skies and amidst strong crowds, our team engaged with many members of the farming community to listen, discuss and stand alongside them on the pressing issues facing agriculture today.

    Across countless conversations, the same key concerns emerged:
    • Labour’s proposed plans to extend Inheritance Tax – a direct threat to family farms.
    • Stormont’s new Nutrient Action Plan – viewed by many as unworkable and deeply unfair to local producers.
    • The ongoing crisis of Bovine TB – a long-standing issue that still lacks effective resolution.

    Many livestock and poultry breeders raised concerns over continuing difficulties in moving animals across the Irish Sea Border — whether for shows, sales, or the introduction of new bloodlines to pedigree stock. The end of the grace period for veterinary medicines from GB to Northern Ireland in December 2025 also remains a critical worry for many.

    Added to this are growing national and international pressures:
    • The trade deal to import beef from America.
    • GB’s ongoing challenges with Bluetongue.
    • Europe’s outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease.

    These are not abstract concerns — they are matters which threaten livelihoods, food security, and the future of rural life.

    The TUV remains resolutely committed to speaking up for our farming and agri-food sector — in Westminster, Stormont, and local councils. We will continue to stand against policies that punish our producers and defend Northern Ireland’s right to trade and farm freely within our own country.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Taskforce launched to enhance police response to people smuggling

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Taskforce launched to enhance police response to people smuggling

    A new dedicated taskforce has been launched to transform the way in which the police respond to organised immigration crime gangs operating from the UK.

    Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney

    A new dedicated taskforce has been launched to transform the way in which the police respond to organised immigration crime gangs operating from the UK, facilitating people-smuggling across the Channel.   

    The Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce will be led by Deputy Chief Constable, Wendy Gunney, who is the National Lead for Serious Organised Crime at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).  

    Wendy will be supported by a full-time, dedicated assistant chief constable, and will report progress on a regular basis to the Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, and the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper.  

    The taskforce will be responsible for delivering progress on recent recommendations made by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), following an inspection of the approach to tackling organised immigration crime across the UK.  

    The inspection, commissioned in January 2024 by the then Home Secretary, looked at police force performance in relation to organised immigration crime between January 2024 and July 2024. It found that while progress has been made, more must be done, with HMICFRS setting out 10 key recommendations, including the need for more effective action against smuggling gangs based in the UK.  

    This new approach will ensure all police forces work alongside the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force to treat this crime type as a priority. 

    In practice, this will mean better information-sharing and more co-ordinated tasking, ensuring UK policing is able to use every tool at its disposal to prevent organised criminal networks from undermining UK immigration law, and working to identify and dismantle any smuggling gangs operating from a UK base.    

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:  

    This new specialist taskforce directly responds to recommendations made by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and marks a significant step in our Plan for Change to secure Britain’s borders. By bringing together expertise under Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney’s leadership and working closely with Martin Hewitt, we are ensuring a co-ordinated, nationwide approach that will put this vital issue at the forefront of policing priorities.

    This taskforce reflects our commitment to giving law enforcement the tools they need to dismantle criminal networks that undermine our immigration system and put lives at risk. Police forces and regional organised crime units across the UK need to rapidly gear up the response to organised immigration crime, and smuggling and trafficking gangs.  Already we have set up the Border Security Command, and the National Crime Agency has substantially increased its operations and intelligence gathering work with other countries.

    These gangs undermine border security and put lives at risk. We need every possible tool to stop them and put dangerous criminals behind bars.

    Deputy Chief Constable, Wendy Gunney, said:   

    The Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce will enable our well-established partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to create a multi-agency, national response in tackling organised immigration crime.  

    The taskforce will build on existing work driven by the NPCC’s modern slavery and organised immigration crime programme, which supports local force operational activity and intelligence collection linked to the wider organised immigration crime threat.  

    By working this way, we will accelerate intelligence and information sharing, ensuring organised immigration crime is disrupted robustly and effectively.

    Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, said:  

    Wendy’s wealth of experience and knowledge on serious and organised crime is a vital asset in our fight to tackle border security threats, and I am delighted she has agreed to lead this taskforce.   

    This is a key part of my whole-system approach to securing our borders, because it puts tackling immigration crime at the forefront of policing priorities.   

    Police forces across the UK are already very committed to this issue, and while immigration-related arrests and charges have increased, we know there is more to do. So, this is about optimising that collective effort to deliver a properly functioning immigration system, and a safe and secure border.

    This latest step comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues his visit in Tirana today, to step up co-operation on migration and expand successful joint initiatives with Albania to more countries in the region.   

    It also follows the Prime Minister unveiling of the government’s immigration white paper earlier this week, a comprehensive plan that will bring net migration to the UK down significantly, and restore fairness in our immigration system.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM: The world has paid the price for Putin’s aggression. He must now pay for avoiding peace.

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM: The world has paid the price for Putin’s aggression. He must now pay for avoiding peace.

    Piling the pressure on the Kremlin will be the focus of discussions at the European Political Community [EPC] today, after Putin dodged US arranged peace talks in Istanbul yesterday [Thursday].

    • Prime Minister to convene leaders at EPC to drive forward response to Putin’s stalling tactics

    • Russian energy expected to be central target in widespread sanctions action in the coming weeks if Russia does not agree a ceasefire

    • Comes as around 40 leaders meet at the European Political Community summit in Tirana today

    Piling the pressure on the Kremlin will be the focus of discussions at the European Political Community [EPC] today, after Putin dodged US arranged peace talks in Istanbul yesterday [Thursday].

    More than 40 leaders will attend the Tirana summit today, discussing shared challenges facing the continent and the threat to global stability and security posed by Putin.

    It comes after President Zelenskyy underscored Ukraine’s position as the party of peace and travelled to Turkey in good faith this week, in preparation for peace talks with Russia.

    But Putin failed to attend.

    Leaders are expected to reiterate calls for a full and unconditional ceasefire today and demand Russia prove that they are serious about bringing its invasion to an end. For more than two months, Russia has failed to substantively respond to the US’ calls for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire and genuine peace talks.

    Work has already begun on what further sanctions can be implemented to degrade Russia’s ability to prolong the war if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire.  Today, leaders are expected to progress the conversations held in Kyiv at the weekend about sanctions, with a focus on Russian energy revenues.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    People in Ukraine and across the world have paid the price for Putin’s aggression in Ukraine and across Europe, now he must pay the price for avoiding peace.

    Putin’s tactics to dither and delay, while continuing to kill and cause bloodshed across Ukraine, is intolerable.

    For the past three years, Ukraine has been fighting for peace and security, while Russia has sent thousands of young men and women to their deaths and compromised global stability.

    Alongside the US and more than 30 other partners, we have been clear that we will not stand for Russia kicking a ceasefire down the road.

    A full, unconditional ceasefire must be agreed and if Russia is unwilling to come to the negotiating table, Putin must pay the price.

    During the summit, the Prime Minister is expected to lead a security roundtable with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, as well as discussing with key partners including France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Ukraine latest efforts with the US to secure peace and an end of the bloodbath in Ukraine. It comes as Putin repeatedly ignored requests for peace talks in Istanbul this week.

    The Kremlin’s biggest source of tax revenue is oil exports, and with forecasts cut by almost a quarter because of Western sanctions and compounding slowing global growth prices, further measures are likely to cause significant pain. Oil and gas tax revenues were already a third lower in dollar terms 2024 than in 2022, the first year of the war; and they are already down by almost 20% year-on-year in February and March.

    The Prime Minister is clear that supporting Ukraine, and degrading Russia’s economy and ability to prolong the war as they wreak havoc across Europe, is vital to protecting national and Euro-Atlantic security, and delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Russian aggression is plain for all to see. Just this week the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed that the Russia Secret Service was behind a major blaze at a Polish shopping centre, while in a landmark decision, the International Civil Aviation Organisation ruled that the Russian Federation was behind the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 in July 2014, killing 298 people, including 10 UK citizens.

    Last week, the Prime Minister announced the UK’s largest ever package of sanctions on Russia’s Shadow Fleet. The sanctions will apply further pressure on the Russian economy, which is stalling as Putin’s national wealth fund starts to run out, the non-defence sector is in recession and global oil prices are falling.

    Russia’s defence and security spending is now 40% of all federal spending and 8% GDP – a post-1990 high and double the size of federal social services spending.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Binah Capital Group Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Grew Total Revenue 18% Year-over-Year to $49 Million –

    – Assets Under Management (“AuM”) Increased 3% Year-over-Year to $26 Billion –

    – Net Income of $1 Million –

    – Increased EBITDA1to $2.2 Million from $(0.0) Million in the Prior Year –

    NEW YORK, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Binah Capital Group, Inc. (“Binah”, “Binah Capital” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BCG; BCGWW), a leading financial services enterprise that owns and operates a network of industry-leading firms empowering independent financial advisors, today announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    “We once again delivered strong results, which is a continued testament to our differentiated RIA platform,” stated Craig Gould, Chief Executive Officer of Binah Capital Group. “Highlighting our business model’s sustained momentum and the effective execution of our growth initiatives, we achieved double-digit year-over-year growth in both revenue and EBITDA while delivering GAAP profitability in the first quarter. Subsequent to quarter-end, we were pleased to welcome Bleakley Financial Group to the Binah family, underscoring the strength of our open-architecture platform and the confidence that leading entrepreneurial firms place in Binah. Additionally, we further expanded and strengthened our executive leadership with the appointment of Ryan Marcus as our Chief Business Development and Engagement Officer. Looking ahead, we believe our resilient and differentiated platform leaves us well-positioned to navigate the dynamic macro environment and drive long-term shareholder value.”

    First Quarter 2025 Key Highlights

    • Total advisory and brokerage assets in the first quarter grew 3% year-over-year to $26 billion.
    • Total revenue increased 18% year-over-year to $49 million.
    • Gross profit of $8.6 million, compared to $7.8 million in the prior-year period.
    • Total operating expenses were $7 million, compared to $10 million in the prior-year period. The change in operating expenses was primarily due to costs incurred in the prior-year period related to the consummation of the business combination but did not occur in the first quarter of 2025.
    • GAAP net income of $1 million, compared to GAAP net loss of $(1.6) million in the prior-year period.
    • EBITDA* increased to $2.2 million, compared to an EBITDA of $(0.0) in the prior year period. The increase was primarily attributable to higher revenue growth and lower expenses, as the first quarter 2025 did not include the business combination related costs that occurred in the prior-year period.

    Liquidity and Capital

    The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $9 million and outstanding long-term debt of $25 million as of March 31, 2025.

    _______________

    * See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for additional information and a reconciliation to GAAP for all Non-GAAP metrics.

    About Binah Capital Group

    Binah Capital Group (“Binah Capital”, “Binah” or the “Company,” is a financial services enterprise that owns and operates a network of industry-leading firms that empower independent financial advisors. As a national broker-dealer aggregator, Binah specializes in delivering value through its innovative hybrid-friendly model, making it an optimal platform for RIAs navigating today’s complex financial landscape. Binah’s portfolio companies are built to help advisors run, manage, and execute commission-based business seamlessly while providing best in class resources to support their advisory practice. We don’t just offer tools—we cultivate partnerships. Binah Capital Group stands alongside RIAs as a trusted ally, delivering the structure, flexibility, and cutting-edge solutions they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

    For more, please visit: www.binahcap.com

    Contact:

    Binah Capital Investor Relations
    ir@binahcap.com

    Binah Capital Public Relations
    media@binahcap.com

    Non-GAAP Financial Measure

    EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure, defined as net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation expense, amortization, interest expense and income tax. The Company presents EBITDA because management believes that it can be a useful financial metric in understanding the Company’s earnings from operations. EBITDA is not a measure of the Company’s financial performance under GAAP or liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. The principal limitations of EBITDA are that it excludes certain expenses that are required by U.S. GAAP to be recorded in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, EBITDA is subject to inherent limitations as these metrics reflect the exercise of judgment by management about which expenses are excluded or included in determining EBITDA. A reconciliation of EBITDA to Net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, appears below.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that are intended to be subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections and other applicable laws. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, many of which are outside the control of Binah. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding: Binah’s financial and operational outlook; Binah’s operational and financial strategies, including planned growth initiatives and the benefits thereof, Binah’s ability to successfully effect those strategies, and the expected results therefrom. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” ‎‎”intend,” “anticipate,” “goals,” “prospects,” “will,” “would,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions).

    While Binah believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, it cautions that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. The factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: our ability to comply with supervisory and regulatory compliance obligations, the risk we may be held liable for misconduct by our advisors; poor performance of our investment products and services; our ability to effectively maintain and enhance our brand and reputation; our ability to expand and retain our customer base; our future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash; the risk that an increase in government regulation of the industries and markets in which we operate could negatively impact our business; the impact of worldwide and regional political, military or economic conditions, including declines in foreign currencies in relation to the value of the U.S. dollar, hyperinflation, devaluation and significant political or civil disturbances in international markets; and the effectiveness of Binah’s control environment, including the identification of control deficiencies.

    These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties set forth in documents filed by Binah with ‎the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including the Annual ‎Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent ‎periodic reports. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Binah cautions you not to place undue reliance on the ‎forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Binah assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Binah does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

    Binah Capital Group Consolidated Balance Sheet

    BINAH CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    MARCH 31, 2025 AND DECEMBER 31, 2024
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
        Unaudited        
        March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
    ASSETS                
    Assets:                
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   $ 8,821     $ 8,486  
    Receivables, net:                
    Commission receivable     9,603       9,198  
    Due from clearing broker     565       873  
    Other     1,672       938  
    Property and equipment, net     511       599  
    Right of use assets     3,574       3,730  
    Intangible assets, net     933       1,021  
    Goodwill     39,839       39,839  
    Other assets     2,359       1,993  
                     
    Total Assets   $ 67,877     $ 66,677  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
                     
    Liabilities:                
    Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities   $ 11,332     $ 10,208  
    Commissions payable     11,460       11,468  
    Operating lease liabilities     3,675       3,820  
    Notes payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $702 and $739 as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively     19,091       19,561  
    Promissory notes-affiliates     5,313       5,442  
                     
    Total Liabilities     50,870       50,499  
                     
    Mezzanine Equity:                
    Redeemable Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001, 2,000,000 shares authorized, 1,572,000 and 1,555,000 shares outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024     15,121       14,947  
    Stockholders’ Equity:                
    Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001, 500,000 shares authorized, 150,000 shares outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024     1,500       1,500  
    Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 55,000,000 authorized, 16,602,460 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024            
    Additional paid-in-capital     22,606       22,984  
    Accumulated deficit     (22,220 )     (23,253 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity and Mezzanine Equity     17,007       16,178  
                     
    TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 67,877     $ 66,677  


    Binah Capital Group Consolidated Statement of Operations

    BINAH CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 2025 AND 2024
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
           
        Three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    Revenues:            
    Revenue from Contracts with Customers:                
    Commissions   $ 41,141     $ 34,395  
    Advisory fees     6,916       5,685  
    Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers     48,057       40,080  
    Interest and other income     879       1,369  
                     
    Total revenues     48,936       41,449  
                     
    Expenses:                
    Commissions and fees     40,298       33,655  
    Employee compensation and benefits     4,351       3,457  
    Rent and occupancy     285       295  
    Professional fees     536       4,337  
    Technology fees     753       362  
    Interest     566       1,062  
    Depreciation and amortization     187       301  
    Other     503       (578 )
                     
    Total expenses     47,479       42,891  
                     
    Income (loss) before provision for income taxes     1,456       (1,442 )
                     
    Provision for income taxes     423       139  
                     
    Net income (loss)   $ 1,033     $ (1,581 )
                     
    Net income attributable to Legacy Wentworth Management Services LLC members           730  
                     
    Net income (loss) attributable to Binah Capital Group, Inc.   $ 1,033     $ (2,311 )
                     
    Net income (loss) per share basic and diluted   $ 0.06     $ (0.14 )
                     
    Weighted average shares: basic and diluted     16,602       16,566  


    Binah Capital Group Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to EBITDA

    EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. EBITDA is defined as net income plus interest expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. The Company presents EBITDA because management believes that it can be a useful financial metric in understanding the Company’s earnings from operations. EBITDA is not a measure of the Company’s financial performance under GAAP or liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP.

    Below is a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA for the periods presented (in millions):

                 
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
    EBITDA Reconciliation   2025     2024  
    Net income (loss)   $ 1.0       (1.5 )
    Interest expense     0.6       1.1  
    Provision for income taxes     0.4       0.1  
    Depreciation and amortization     0.2       0.3  
    EBITDA   $ 2.2       (0.0 )

    _____________________________

    1Non-GAAP Financial Measures. EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income (loss) adjusted for depreciation expense, amortization expense, interest expense, and income tax. See the section captioned “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for a detailed description and reconciliation of such Non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, as required by Regulation G.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Suicide prevention framework will save lives

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    New clinical guidance will offer best practices for recognizing and supporting people at risk for suicide, helping more people get the right care and saving more lives.

    “Every life lost to suicide is a profound tragedy,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This new framework represents a critical step in ensuring that individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts can access the support they need to move toward hope and healing. It sets a clear path for how we will care for and support those most at risk.”

    In partnership with the Province, the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) led the development of a suicide-risk-reduction framework to support health-care organizations in improving care provided to people at risk for suicide. It will apply to patients who are 18 and older and are accessing mental-health or substance use care in hospital emergency departments, acute psychiatry or medical inpatient units or outpatient mental-health services.

    “People experiencing a mental-health crisis need to be met with compassion and person-centred care,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions. “When someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide, it is especially important that they get timely supports for as long as they need. This framework will support our health-care facilities in offering best practice guidance so clinicians can help more people with the right care.”

    Through an early, consistent, and systematic process, the framework offers guidance to enhance the detection of individuals at risk for suicide. It also provides suggestions that can help eliminate bias and barriers to care, including stigma and experiences of discrimination or Indigenous-specific racism.

    It also includes best practices to maximize the patient’s safety during and after their care. With a tailored care plan, evidence-based treatment, effective transition to community care, and follow up and monitoring post-discharge, better outcomes can be achieved.

    “When someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide, asking compassionate questions and truly listening can make all the difference,” said Jonny Morris, CEO, CMHA BC. “This framework helps health-care teams have these vital conversations, understand each person’s unique story, and support informed decisions about care. We’re deeply grateful to the Province of B.C., our partners, and especially the courageous and wise individuals whose lived experiences shaped this important work.”

    Building on best practices in Canadian and international jurisdictions, the framework was created with input from people with lived and living experience with mental-health crises. Indigenous cultural safety is embedded throughout the framework, as Indigenous Peoples disproportionately experience poorer health outcomes within the health-care system.

    In addition to prioritizing cultural safety, the framework is based on a foundation of patient and family engagement, trauma-informed care and close collaboration with community care providers, which can help ensure the continuity of care.

    “The release of the suicide-risk reduction framework is an important step for British Columbia, and I want to thank our partners for their collaboration,” said Lesley Lutes, professor, director of the Centre for Obesity and Well-Being Research Excellence, department of psychology, UBC Okanagan; and director of advocacy, BC Psychological Association. “When we treat mental health with the same level of rigour and evidence-based interventions as we do with physical health, we save lives.”

    This work is part of the Province’s efforts to build up the entire continuum of mental-health and substance-use care for people to get the right support for them. This includes increasing early intervention and prevention, adding and expanding treatment and recovery services, building complex care housing, adding overdose prevention services and more.

    If you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call 1 800 SUICIDE (784-2433).

    Quick Facts:

    • In Canada, approximately 12 people die by suicide each day, which translates to 4,500 deaths per year.
    • In B.C., there are an average of approximately 615 deaths by suicide every year.
    • Males accounted for 75% of suicide deaths in B.C. in 2023.
    • In Canada, overall suicide rates are higher among some Indigenous populations than non-Indigenous populations.
      • Suicide rates across First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities vary greatly.
    • Deaths by suicide in the province more than double the motor vehicle fatalities in B.C.

    Learn More:

    To see the suicide-risk-reduction framework, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/SuicidePrevention_Framework.pdf

    To find mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C., visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Chicago-Area Tax Preparer for Allegedly Fabricating Credits, Expenses, and Deductions on Customer Returns

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Note: View the complaint here.

    The Justice Department filed a complaint in a federal court in Chicago today seeking to permanently bar tax preparer Stacy Thomas, of Orland Park, Illinois, individually and doing business as Rapid Tax Refunds LLC, Rapid Tax Refund Profs LLC, and Rapid Refunds Income Tax Service Inc., from preparing federal tax returns for others.

    The complaint alleges that Thomas and her businesses prepare and file false federal tax returns that understate her customers’ tax liabilities by claiming false residential energy credits, false Schedule C business expenses, and false charitable deductions. The government further alleges in the complaint that customers interviewed by the IRS confirmed that they never told Thomas they incurred the residential energy or business expenses or made the charitable contributions she reported on their income tax returns, and that Thomas claimed those items without their knowledge or consent.

    According to the complaint, the IRS estimates that by repeatedly understating their customers’ tax liabilities, Thomas and her businesses have caused the United States to lose nearly $13 million in tax revenue.

    The Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’ Dirty Dozen Tax Scams, and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS warns taxpayers to avoid “ghost preparers” and lists other improper acts that tax preparers engage in to take advantage of their unsuspecting customers.

    In the past decade, the Justice Department’s Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Wrap Technologies, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies, Inc, (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”), a global leader in innovative public safety technologies and non-lethal tools, today announced financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Q1 2025 Financial Results:

    • Cash increased to $6.2 million, up from $3.6 million in Q1 2024
    • Margins increased over 21 points from 56.6% in Q1 2024 to 77.8% in Q1 2025, with cost of revenue decreasing 73.4%, from $640 thousand to $170 thousand, respectively.
    • Operating loss improved 5.2%, from $(4.1) million in Q1 2024 to $(3.9) million in Q1 2025.
    • Q1 2025 revenue was $765 thousand.
    • Net income was $109 thousand in Q1 2025 as compared to $117 thousand in Q1 2024.

    Recent Operational Highlights:

    • The revamped training and learning management system is expected to be ready for launch.
    • Customer reports show increased BolaWrap deployments.
    • Recent shifts in policies associated with costly effects of higher uses of force.
    • Departments with dedicated Crisis Intervention Teams are reporting increased usage in the growing mental health crises and response to Medical Behavioral Emergencies.
    • Company signed and executed a sales and marketing partnership which provides the Company coverage in the U.S. public safety market and federal government.
    • The Company’s move to the VA Facility is complete and manufacturing operations are substantially ready.
    • The Company completed the acquisition of W1 Global, LLC, a preeminent managed services and consulting firm led by an executive team of former high-ranking law enforcement and U.S. Intelligence Community professionals, with deep competencies in complex international criminal investigation, regulatory matters and compliance issues.
    • Expanded Wrap’s leadership in managed services with the addition of Joseph Bonavolonta, a 27-year FBI veteran, and Rob Heuchling, with a 15-year FBI career, to scale the Company’s support offerings.
    • Appointed Stephen M. Renna, former Executive at the Export-Import Bank of the United States, to lead Wrap’s international growth and financing strategy, strengthening its global expansion efforts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Precision Drilling Corporation Announces Voting Results from the 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Precision Drilling Corporation (Precision or the Company) is pleased to announce the results of the election of board members at its 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on May 15, 2025 (the Annual Meeting). Shareholders approved the election of all eight (seven of whom are independent) of the nominee directors presented in the Company’s Management Information Circular (the Circular), dated April 2, 2025.

    The shares represented at the Annual Meeting voting in favour of individual nominee directors are as follows:

    Nominee

    # Votes For

    % Votes For

    # Votes Withheld

    % Votes Withheld

    William T. Donovan 6,024,596 97.27% 169,249 2.73%
    Steven W. Krablin 5,860,994 94.63% 332,851 5.37%
    Lori A. Lancaster 6,108,219 98.62% 85,626 1.38%
    Susan M. MacKenzie 6,079,078 98.15% 114,767 1.85%
    Kevin O. Meyers 6,022,290 97.23% 171,555 2.77%
    David W. Williams 6,109,239 98.63% 84,606 1.37%
    Alice L. Wong 6,088,633 98.30% 105,212 1.70%
    Kevin A. Neveu 6,082,655 98.20% 111,190 1.80%
             

    All other items of business set forth in the Circular and considered at the Annual Meeting passed, including the non-binding advisory vote on the Corporation’s approach to executive compensation.

    The full results on all matters voted upon at the Annual Meeting will be filed on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov).

    About Precision

    Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as Alpha™ that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Our drilling services are enhanced by our EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions, which bolsters our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps and rental equipment all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel.

    Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PD” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PDS”.

    Additional Information

    For more information about Precision, please visit our website at www.precisiondrilling.com or contact:

    Lavonne Zdunich, CPA, CA
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    403.716.4500

    800, 525 – 8th Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1G1
    Website: www.precisiondrilling.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: XBP Europe Holdings, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Revenue of $37.7 million, a decrease of 1.2% year-over-year and increase of 5.7% sequentially
    • Gross margin of 30.1%, a 380 bps increase year-over-year and 190 bps increase sequentially
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $3.7 million, an increase of 25.6% year-over-year and decrease of 16.1% sequentially

    LONDON and Santa Monica, Calif., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XBP Europe Holdings, Inc. (“XBP Europe” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: XBP), a pan-European integrator of bills, payments, and related solutions and services seeking to enable the digital transformation of its clients, announced today its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    “Our strong momentum continued into 2025, reflected by growing revenue, gross margin, and Adjusted EBITDA. We saw revenue growth for the third straight quarter, along with gross margin expansion on a year-over-year and sequential basis, driven by expanded use of AI technology and improved operational leverage,” said Andrej Jonovic, Chief Executive Officer of XBP Europe.

    First Quarter Highlights

    • Revenue: Total Revenue was $37.7 million, a decrease of 1.2% year-over-year and an increase of 5.7% sequentially.
      • Bills & Payments segment revenue was $26.3 million, a decline of 1.2% year-over-year and an increase of 1.8% sequentially.
      • Technology segment revenue was $11.4 million, a decrease of 1.0% year-over-year and an increase of 16% sequentially.
    • Operating Loss: Operating Loss was $1.8 million compared to Operating Profit of $1.3 million a year ago and $1.0 million in the 4Q 2024. The decline was primarily driven by the recognition of $3.8 million of non-cash stock-based compensation due to accelerated vesting of RSUs and Options. When adjusted for this item, our Operating Profit was $2.0 million in the quarter, an improvement of $0.7 million year-over-year and $1.0 million sequentially, driven primarily by higher gross profit.
    • Net Loss: Net loss from continuing operations was $3.9 million. Adjusting for the previously mentioned non-cash stock-based compensation expense, our net loss from continuing operations was $0 million, compared with a net loss from continuing operations of $0.9 million a year ago and $0.2 million in the fourth quarter 2024.
    • Adjusted EBITDA(1): Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations was $3.7 million, an increase of $0.8 million or 25.5% year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 9.8%, an increase of 210 basis points year-over-year.
    • Adequate Liquidity: The Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $9.7 million as of March 31, 2025.

    Pending Acquisition: As announced on March 4, 2025, XBP Europe has entered into an exclusive, non-binding letter of intent with Exela Technologies, Inc. to acquire Exela Technologies BPA, LLC (“BPA”), a leading provider of business process automation solutions. The closing of the acquisition will be subject to BPA completing a corporate reorganization which is expected to create a sustainable capital structure with a substantially deleveraged balance sheet. If completed, the acquisition will expand XBP Europe’s revenue to approximately $1 billion from $143 million on a pro forma basis for the year ending December 31, 2024. The parties have agreed to act in good faith to negotiate definitive agreements, complete due diligence, undertake necessary regulatory approvals, and seek any necessary approvals, including from XBP Europe’s shareholders. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be entered into or that the proposed transaction will be consummated. Readers are cautioned that those portions of the LOI that describe the proposed transaction are non-binding. XBP Europe only intends to announce additional details regarding the proposed transaction if and when a definitive agreement is executed.

    Below is the note referenced above:

    (1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA is attached to this release.

    Supplemental Investor Presentation
    An investor presentation relating to our first quarter 2025 performance is available at investors.xbpeurope.com. This information has also been furnished to the SEC in a current report on Form 8-K.     
      
    About Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    This press release includes constant currency, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA, each of which is a financial measure that is not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with useful insights into the Company’s financial performance, results of operations, and liquidity, helping them understand the Company’s business trends and compare its results.

    The Company’s board of directors and management use these measures to evaluate the Company’s performance on a consistent basis across periods by excluding effects of the Company’s capital structure (such as varying debt levels, interest expense, and transaction costs from the November 2023 business combination). Adjusted EBITDA also seeks to remove the effects of integration and related restructuring expenses and other similar non-routine items, some of which are outside management’s control. Restructuring expenses are primarily related to the implementation of strategic actions and initiatives related to the rightsizing of the business. All of these costs are variable and dependent upon the nature of the actions being implemented and can vary significantly driven by business needs. Accordingly, due to that significant variability, we exclude these charges since we do not believe they truly reflect our past, current or future operating performance.

    The constant currency presentation excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We calculate constant currency revenue and Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis by converting our current-period local currency financial results using the exchange rates from the corresponding prior-period and compare these adjusted amounts to our corresponding prior period reported results.

    The Company does not consider these non-GAAP measures in isolation or as an alternative to liquidity or financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. A limitation of these non-GAAP financial measures is that they exclude significant expenses and income that are required by GAAP to be recorded in the Company’s financial statements. In addition, they are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which expenses and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures and therefore the basis of presentation for these measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures are not required to be uniformly applied, are not audited and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for results prepared in accordance with GAAP, and their presentation may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Net loss is the GAAP measure most directly comparable to the non-GAAP measures presented here. For a reconciliation of the comparable GAAP measures to these non-GAAP financial measures, see the schedules attached to this release.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements included in this press release are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “may”, “should”, “would”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “seem”, “seek”, “continue”, “future”, “will”, “expect”, “outlook” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding future events, estimated or anticipated future results and benefits, future opportunities for XBP Europe Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) and its industry, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements reflect the current expectations of Company management and are not guarantees of actual performance. Actual results may differ materially due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: (1) legal proceedings against the Company or others; (2) the Company’s inability to meet the continued listing standards of Nasdaq or another securities exchange; (3) disruptions from the proposed acquisition of Exela Technologies BPA, LLC (“BPA”) and related bankruptcy proceedings of BPA and certain of its subsidiaries’; (4) failure to realize benefits from the November 2023 business combination with CF Acquisition Corp. VIII; (5) acquisition-related costs; (6) changes in laws or regulations; (7) adverse effects from economic, business, or competitive factors; (8) market volatility due to geopolitical and economic factors; (9) challenges in achieving profitability, retaining clients, managing growth, or recruiting and retaining personnel; and (10) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 19, 2025, as amended, and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In addition, forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts as of the date of this communication. Subsequent events may alter these assessments, and they should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this release.
         
    About XBP Europe
    XBP Europe is a pan-European integrator of bills, payments and related solutions and services seeking to enable digital transformation of its more than 2,000 clients. The Company’s name – ‘XBP’ stands for ‘exchange for bills and payments’ and reflects the Company’s strategy to connect buyers and suppliers, across industries, including banking, healthcare, insurance, utilities and the public sector, to optimize clients’ bills and payments and related digitization processes. The Company provides business process management solutions with proprietary software suites and deep domain expertise, serving as a technology and services partner for its clients. Its cloud-based structure enables it to deploy its solutions across the European market, along with the Middle East and Africa. The physical footprint of XBP Europe spans 15 countries and approximately 30 locations and a team of approximately 1,500 individuals. XBP Europe believes its business ultimately advances digital transformation, improves market wide liquidity by expediting payments, and encourages sustainable business practices. For more information, please visit: www.xbpeurope.com.

    For more XBP Europe news, commentary, and industry perspectives, visit: https://www.xbpeurope.com/
    And please follow us on social:
    X: https://X.com/XBPEurope
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XBPEurope/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xbp_europe/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xbp-europe/

    The information posted on XBP Europe’s website and/or via its social media accounts may be deemed material to investors. Accordingly, investors, media and others interested in XBP Europe should monitor XBP Europe’s website and its social media accounts in addition to XBP Europe’s press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.

    XBP Europe Holdings, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024
    (in thousands of United States dollars except share and per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)
     
        March 31,    December 31,   
        2025   2024  
    ASSETS                
    Current assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 9,681   $ 12,099  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $929 and $1,198, respectively     26,928     19,810  
    Inventories, net     3,650     3,823  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     5,756     4,228  
    Current assets held for sale     1,526     1,378  
    Total current assets     47,541     41,338  
    Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $42,655 and $40,325, respectively     12,223     11,272  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets, net     4,861     4,805  
    Goodwill     22,656     21,666  
    Intangible assets, net     1,173     1,121  
    Deferred income tax assets     7,101     7,026  
    Long term notes receivable     2,280      
    Other noncurrent assets     1,142     817  
    Total assets   $ 98,977   $ 88,045  
                   
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
    LIABILITIES                
    Current liabilities                
    Accounts payable   $ 13,507   $ 12,553  
    Related party payables     4,544     5,443  
    Accrued liabilities     25,015     17,993  
    Accrued compensation and benefits     17,951     16,482  
    Customer deposits     328     277  
    Deferred revenue     7,419     6,870  
    Current portion of finance lease liabilities     4     12  
    Current portion of operating lease liabilities     1,826     1,734  
    Current portion of long-term debts     5,443     4,958  
    Current liabilities held for sale     1,761     2,443  
    Total current liabilities     77,798     68,765  
    Related party notes payable     1,512     1,451  
    Long-term debt, net of current maturities     24,289     23,966  
    Pension liabilities     10,862     10,339  
    Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion     3,227     3,271  
    Other long-term liabilities     1,677     1,599  
    Total liabilities   $ 119,365   $ 109,391  
    Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)                
                   
    STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
    Preferred stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively          
    Common Stock, par value of $0.0001 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 35,711,498 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and 30,166,102 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024, respectively     36     30  
    Additional paid in capital     7,494     1,611  
    Accumulated deficit     (28,055)     (23,705)  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss:                
    Foreign currency translation adjustment     (102)     474  
    Unrealized pension actuarial gains, net of tax     239     244  
    Total accumulated other comprehensive loss     137     718  
    Total stockholders’ deficit     (20,388)     (21,346)  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit   $ 98,977   $ 88,045  
    XBP Europe Holdings, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
    (in thousands of United States dollars except share and per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)
           
        Three months ended March 31, 
     
           2025      2024
     
    Revenue, net   $ 37,531   $ 38,047  
    Related party revenue, net     142     66  
    Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)     26,309     28,062  
    Related party cost of revenue     9     18  
    Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)     10,953     6,968  
    Related party expense     1,562     926  
    Depreciation and amortization     627     808  
    Operating profit (loss)   $ (1,787)     1,331  
    Other expense (income), net                
    Interest expense, net     1,721     1,417  
    Related party interest expense, net     23     19  
    Foreign exchange losses, net     (71)     753  
    Changes in fair value of warrant liability     2     (37)  
    Pension income, net     (369)     (423)  
    Net loss before income taxes   $ (3,093)     (398)  
    Income tax expense     762     460  
    Net loss from continuing operations   $ (3,855)     (858)  
    Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes     (495)     (1,350)  
    Net loss   $ (4,350)   $ (2,208)  
    Loss per share:               
    Basic and diluted – continuing operations   $ (0.12)   $ (0.03)  
    Basic and diluted – discontinued operations     (0.02)     (0.04)  
    Basic and diluted   $ (0.14)   $ (0.07)  
    XBP Europe Holdings, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
    (in thousands of United States dollars)
    (Unaudited)
            
        Three months ended March 31,   
           2025      2024     
    Cash flows from operating activities              
    Net loss   $ (4,350)   $ (2,208)  
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:               
    Depreciation     542     776  
    Amortization of intangible assets     117     181  
    Debt issuance cost amortization     105      
    Credit loss expense     (274)     217  
    Changes in fair value of warrant liability     2     (37)  
    Stock-based compensation expense     3,587      
    Unrealized foreign currency losses (gains)     (546)     759  
    Change in deferred income taxes     156     44  
                   
    Change in operating assets and liabilities               
    Accounts receivable     (5,816)     (1,160)  
    Inventories     285     (102)  
    Prepaid expense and other assets     (1,547)     (1,342)  
    Accounts payable     377     1,463  
    Related party payables     (267)     (1,711)  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     6,151     (791)  
    Deferred revenue     288     492  
    Customer deposits     261     (191)  
    Net cash used in operating activities     (929)     (3,610)  
                   
    Cash flows from investing activities               
    Purchase of property, plant and equipment     (968)     (385)  
    Additions to internally developed software     (123)      
    Net cash used in investing activities     (1,091)     (385)  
                   
    Cash flows from financing activities               
    Borrowings under secured borrowing facility         37  
    Principal payments on 2024 Term Loan A Facility     (189)      
    Principal payments on 2024 Term Loan B Facility     (552)      
    Principal payments on long-term obligations         (235)  
    Proceeds from secured credit facility     1,655     976  
    Principal payments on secured credit facility     (1,356)        
    Principal payments on finance leases     (8)     (100)  
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (450)     678  
    Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents     90     (87)  
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (2,380)     (3,404)  
                   
    Cash and equivalents, beginning of period, including cash from discontinued operations     12,106     6,905  
    Cash and equivalents, end of period, including cash from discontinued operations   $ 9,726   $ 3,501  
                   
    Supplemental cash flow data:                
    Income tax payments, net of refunds received     271     (16)  
    Interest paid     928     534  
    XBP Europe Holdings, Inc.
    Schedule 1: Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and constant currency revenues
     
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to GAAP Measures  
             
    Non-GAAP constant currency revenue reconciliation      
      Three Months ended March 31,  
    ($ in thousands) 2025
        2024  
    Revenues, as reported (GAAP) 37,673
        38,113  
    Foreign currency exchange impact(1) 766      
    Revenues, at constant currency (Non-GAAP) 38,438
        38,113  
             
    Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations  
                   
        Three Months Ended March 31,     
    (dollars in thousands)     2025
        2024
        
    Net loss from continuing operations   $ (3,855)   $ (858)  
    Income tax expense     762     460  
    Interest expense including related party interest expense, net     1,744     1,436  
    Depreciation and amortization     627     807  
    EBITDA from continuing operations     (722)     1,846  
    Restructuring and related expenses(2)     667     332  
    Foreign exchange losses, net     (71)     752  
    Stock-based compensation expense(3)     3,818      
    Changes in fair value of warrant liability     2     (37)  
    Transaction Fees(4)         49  
    Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations   $ 3,694   $ 2,942  

    (1)  Constant currency excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and is computed by applying the average exchange rates for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, to the revenues during the corresponding period in 2025.
    (2)  Adjustment represents costs associated with restructuring, including employee severance and vendor and lease termination costs.
    (3)  Related to accelerated vesting of RSU and stock awards.
    (4)  Represents transaction costs incurred as part of the Business Combination.

    Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations              
                 
      Three Months Ended March 31, 
     
    (dollars in thousands) 2025      2024
     
    Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (495)   $ (1,350)  
    Income tax expense        
    Interest expense, net   14     10  
    Depreciation and amortization   32     150  
    EBITDA from discontinued operations   (449)     (1,190)  
    Foreign exchange losses (gains), net   (359)     80  
    Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations $ (808)   $ (1,110)  

    Source: XBP Europe Holdings, Inc.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: South Bow Reports First-quarter 2025 Results and Declares Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Bow Corp. (TSX & NYSE: SOBO) (South Bow or the Company) reports its first-quarter 2025 financial and operational results and provides an update on its 2025 outlook. Unless otherwise noted, all financial figures in this news release are in U.S. dollars.

    Highlights

    Safety and operational performance

    • Recorded first-quarter 2025 throughput of approximately 613,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) on the Keystone Pipeline, with a System Operating Factor (SOF) of 98%, and approximately 726,000 bbl/d on the U.S. Gulf Coast segment of the Keystone Pipeline System.
    • Demonstrated strong project execution, completing construction of the Blackrod Connection Project’s 25-km crude oil and natural gas pipeline segments while achieving excellent safety performance. South Bow remains on schedule to complete the facility work and be ready for in-service in early 2026, with associated cash flows expected to increase through 2027.
    • Subsequent to period end, responded to an oil release at Milepost 171 (MP-171) of the Keystone Pipeline near Fort Ransom, N.D., on April 8, 2025. With approval from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), South Bow safely restarted the pipeline late on April 15, 2025 with certain operating pressure restrictions. See “Milepost 171 incident” of this news release.

    Financial performance

    • Demonstrated financial resilience despite significant market volatility, owing to the Company’s highly contracted assets.
      • Generated revenue of $498 million and net income of $88 million ($0.42/share).
      • Recorded normalized earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (normalized EBITDA)1 of $266 million. Lower demand for uncommitted capacity on South Bow’s pipeline systems resulted in an 8% decrease in normalized EBITDA from the fourth quarter of 2024.
      • Delivered distributable cash flow1 of $151 million.
    • Maintained total long-term debt and net debt1 outstanding of $5.7 billion and $4.9 billion, respectively, during the first quarter of 2025. The Company’s net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio1 was 4.6 times as of March 31, 2025.

    Returns to shareholders

    • Declared dividends totalling $104 million or $0.50/share to shareholders during the first quarter of 2025.
    • South Bow’s board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.50/share, payable on July 15, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 30, 2025. The dividends will be designated as eligible dividends for Canadian income tax purposes.

    Spinoff activities

    • Implemented South Bow’s new enterprise resource planning system, marking a significant milestone in fully establishing South Bow as an independent company. Exiting the Transition Services Agreement (TSA) with TC Energy Corporation (TC Energy) continues progressing with plans to implement South Bow’s new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system in the second half of 2025.

    South Bow’s unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and notes (the financial statements), and management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2025 are available on South Bow’s website at www.southbow.com, under South Bow’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in South Bow’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at www.sec.gov. The disclosure under the section “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in South Bow’s MD&A as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2025 is incorporated by reference into this news release.

    ____________________________

    1 Non-GAAP financial measure or ratio that do not have standardized meanings under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and may not be comparable to measures presented by other entities. See “Non-GAAP financial measures” of this news release.

    Financial and operational results

    $ millions, unless otherwise noted Three Months Ended
    Dec. 31, 2024 March 31, 2025 March 31, 2024
    FINANCIAL RESULTS      
    Revenue 488 498 544
    Income from equity investments 12 13 12
    Net income 55 88 112
    Per share 1 0.26 0.42 0.54
    Normalized net income 2 112 98 114
    Per share 1 2 0.54 0.47 0.55
    Normalized EBITDA 2 290 266 298
    Keystone Pipeline System 250 235 277
    Marketing 24 16 9
    Intra-Alberta & Other 16 15 12
    Distributable cash flow 2 183 151 178
    Dividends declared 104 104
    Per share 1 0.50 0.50
    Capital expenditures 3 28 32 12
    Total long-term debt 4 5,716 5,719 5,924
    Net debt 2 5 4,901 4,910 5,421
    Net debt-to-normalized EBITDA (ratio) 2 6 4.5 4.6 4.8
    Common shares outstanding, weighted average diluted (millions) 7 208.4 208.7 207.6
    Common shares outstanding (millions) 7 208.0 208.2 207.6
           
    OPERATIONAL RESULTS      
    Keystone Pipeline SOF (%) 96 98 96
    Keystone Pipeline throughput (Mbbl/d) 621 613 643
    U.S. Gulf Coast segment of Keystone Pipeline System throughput (Mbbl/d) 8 784 726 779
    Marketlink throughput (Mbbl/d) 615 549 582
    1. Per share amounts, with the exception of dividends, are based on weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.
    2. Non-GAAP financial measure or ratio that do not have standardized meanings and may not be comparable to measures presented by other entities. See “Non-GAAP financial measures” of this news release.
    3. Capital expenditures per the investing activities of the consolidated statements of cash flows of the financial statements.
    4. Total long-term debt at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 includes the Company’s senior unsecured notes and junior subordinated notes. Total long-term debt at March 31, 2024 includes the Company’s long-term debt to affiliates of TC Energy.
    5. Includes 50% equity treatment of South Bow’s junior subordinated notes.
    6. South Bow expects that its net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio will increase modestly through the course of 2025 as the Company continues to invest in the Blackrod Connection Project and incur one-time costs of approximately $40 million to $50 million associated with the spinoff from TC Energy (the Spinoff). Consistent with the Company’s outlook on leverage, South Bow anticipates exiting 2025 with a net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio of approximately 4.8 times and that the Company will begin reducing its leverage once the Blackrod Connection Project starts generating cash flow in 2026.
    7. The common shares issued on Oct. 1, 2024 have been used for comparative periods, as the Company had no common shares outstanding prior to the Spinoff. For periods prior to Oct. 1, 2024, it is assumed there were no dilutive equity instruments, as there were no equity awards of South Bow outstanding prior to the Spinoff.
    8. Comprises throughput originating in Hardisty, Alta. transported on the Keystone Pipeline, and throughput originating in Cushing, Okla. transported on Marketlink for destination in the U.S. Gulf Coast.

    Milepost 171 incident

    • On April 8, 2025, South Bow responded to an oil release at MP-171 of the Keystone Pipeline near Fort Ransom, N.D., activating emergency response protocols and working closely with regulators, local officials, landowners, and the surrounding community. After receiving approval from PHMSA, South Bow safely restarted the pipeline late on April 15, 2025.
    • PHMSA issued a Corrective Action Order (CAO) requiring South Bow to undertake corrective actions, including operating under pressure restrictions for specific segments of the pipeline. The CAO also requires a root cause failure analysis (RCFA) and metallurgical testing, which independent third parties are currently conducting. South Bow will share the findings of these investigations in the coming months.
    • South Bow is actively monitoring the performance of the Keystone Pipeline to ensure safe and reliable operations and anticipates meeting its contractual throughput commitments under the CAO.
    • South Bow has recovered substantially all released volumes and is progressing towards complete remediation of the site by mid-2025. Environmental remediation costs are largely expected to be recovered through the Company’s insurance policies.
    • South Bow demonstrated its ability to respond quickly and return its assets to service following the incident. A core South Bow value is ‘We Are Safe’ and incident prevention on the Company’s pipeline systems is paramount.
      • The Company’s integrity program is extensive, continuously and proactively incorporates new learnings and technologies, and upholds a commitment to maintaining safe operations.
      • Preliminary remedial actions in response to the MP-171 incident include completion of the RCFA by third-party experts and implementation of its recommendations. South Bow will also work with its suppliers and industry experts to determine the failure mechanism. The Company expects to complete a combination of in-line inspection runs and investigative excavations to further advance its asset integrity and reliability.

    Outlook

    Market outlook

    • Crude oil pipeline capacity in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin continues to exceed crude oil supply. As a result, the demand for uncommitted capacity on South Bow’s Keystone Pipeline is expected to remain low in the near term. Additionally, rapidly changing global trade policies, including tariffs, have introduced economic and geopolitical uncertainty, leading to significant volatility in commodity prices and pricing differentials.

    2025 guidance

    • South Bow’s guidance aims to inform readers about Management’s expectations for 2025 financial and operational results. Readers are cautioned that these estimates may not be suitable for any other purpose. See “Forward-looking information and statements” of this news release for additional information regarding factors that could cause actual events to be significantly different from those expected.

    South Bow’s 2025 annual guidance is outlined below:

    $ millions, except percentages 2025 Original Guidance 1 2 2025 Guidance 2 2025 YTD Actuals
    Normalized EBITDA 1,010 +/- 3% 1,010 +1% / -2% 266
    Interest expense 325 +/- 2% 325 +/- 2% 83
    Effective tax rate (%) 23% – 24% 23% – 24% 23%
    Distributable cash flow 535 +/- 3% 535 +/- 3% 151
    Capital expenditures      
    Growth 110 +/- 3% 110 +/- 3% 48
    Maintenance 3 65 +/- 3% 65 +/- 3% 13
    1. See South Bow’s March 5, 2025 news release “South Bow Reports Fourth-quarter and Year-end 2024 Results, Provides 2025 Outlook, and Declares Dividend”, available on South Bow’s website at www.southbow.com, under South Bow’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in South Bow’s filings with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
    2. Assumes average foreign exchange rate of C$/U.S.$1.4286.
    3. Maintenance capital expenditures are generally recoverable through South Bow’s tolling arrangements.
      • South Bow is reaffirming its outlook for normalized EBITDA of approximately $1.01 billion in 2025, underpinned by the Company’s highly contracted cash flows and structural demand for services, including solid financial performance in the first quarter of 2025. Approximately 90% of South Bow’s normalized EBITDA is secured through committed arrangements, which carry minimal commodity price or volumetric risk.
        • With market fundamentals and policy uncertainty expected to persist in the near term, and South Bow’s operational priorities in response to the MP-171 incident, the Company believes that any potential financial contributions from uncommitted capacity on the Keystone Pipeline will be limited in the near term. Accordingly, the Company is reducing the upper end of its normalized EBITDA guidance of $1.01 billion to 1%, and is increasing the lower end to -2% due to strong first-quarter 2025 performance.
        • The findings of the RCFA and South Bow’s next steps in response to the MP-171 incident may further impact the Company’s financial and operational outlook for 2025.
      • Normalized EBITDA for the second quarter of 2025 is expected to be approximately 7% to 8% lower than first-quarter 2025 normalized EBITDA of $266 million, with a reduced outlook for South Bow’s Marketing segment as the Company realizes losses associated with certain positions that were unwound in early 2025 in the face of pricing volatility. Additional losses associated with these positions will be recognized in the third and fourth quarters of 2025.

    Capital allocation priorities

    • South Bow takes a disciplined approach to capital allocation to preserve optionality and maximize total shareholder returns over the long term. The Company’s capital allocation priorities are built on a foundation of financial strength and supported by South Bow’s stable, predictable cash flows. South Bow’s capital allocation priorities include:
      • paying a sustainable base dividend;
      • strengthening the Company’s investment-grade financial position; and
      • leveraging existing infrastructure within South Bow’s strategic corridor to offer customers competitive connections and enhanced optionality.

    Conference call and webcast details

    South Bow’s senior leadership will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company’s first-quarter 2025 results on May 16, 2025 at 8 a.m. MT (10 a.m. ET).

    Register ahead of time to receive a unique PIN to access the conference call via telephone. Once registered, participants can dial into the conference call from their telephone via the unique PIN or click on the “Call Me” option to receive an automated call directly on their telephone.

    Visit www.southbow.com/investors for the replay following the event.

    Non-GAAP financial measures

    In this news release, South Bow references certain non-GAAP financial measures and ratios that do not have standardized meanings under GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. These non-GAAP measures include or exclude adjustments to the composition of the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Management considers these non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios to be important in evaluating and understanding the operational performance and liquidity of South Bow. These non-GAAP measures and non-GAAP ratios should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP.

    South Bow’s non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios include:

    • normalized EBITDA;
    • normalized net income;
    • normalized net income per share;
    • distributable cash flow;
    • net debt; and
    • net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio.

    These measures and ratios are further described below, with a reconciliation to their most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    Normalizing items

    Normalized measures are, or include, non-GAAP financial measures and ratios and include normalized EBITDA, normalized net income, normalized net income per share, distributable cash flow, and net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio. Management uses these normalized measures to assess the financial performance of South Bow’s operations and compare period-over-period results. During certain reporting periods, the Company may incur costs that are not indicative of core operations or results. These normalized measures represent income (losses), adjusted for specific normalizing items that are believed to be significant; however, they are not reflective of South Bow’s underlying operations in the period.

    These specific items include gains or losses on sales of assets or assets held for sale, unrealized fair value adjustments related to risk management activities, tariff charges, acquisition, integration, and restructuring costs, and other charges, including but not limited to, impairment, contractual costs, and settlements.

    South Bow excludes the unrealized fair value adjustments related to risk management activities, as these represent the changes in the fair value of derivatives, but do not accurately reflect the gains and losses that will be realized at settlement and impact income. Therefore, South Bow does not consider them reflective of the Company’s underlying operations, despite providing effective economic hedges. Realized gains and losses on grade financial contracts are adjusted to improve comparability, as they settle in a subsequent period to the underlying transaction they are hedged against.

    Separation costs relate to internal costs and external fees incurred specific to the Spinoff. These items have been excluded from normalized measures, as Management does not consider them reflective of ongoing operations and they are non-recurring in nature.

    South Bow excludes tariff charges as they are not reflective of ongoing business conducted by the Company and are subject to uncertainty.

    Normalized EBITDA

    Normalized EBITDA is used as a measure of earnings from ongoing operations. Management uses this measure to monitor and evaluate the financial performance of the Company’s operations and to identify and evaluate trends. This measure is useful for investors as it allows for a more accurate comparison of financial performance of the Company across periods for ongoing operations. Normalized EBITDA represents income before income taxes, adjusted for the normalizing items, in addition to excluding charges for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, and interest income.

    The following table reconciles income (loss) before income taxes to normalized EBITDA for the indicated periods:

    $ millions Three Months Ended
    Dec. 31, 2024   March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024  
    Income before income taxes 72   114   146  
    Adjusted for specific items:      
    Depreciation and amortization 62   62   61  
    Interest expense 84   83   94  
    Interest income and other 28   (6 ) (7 )
    Risk management instruments 57   6    
    Keystone variable toll disputes (3 )    
    Milepost 14 (MP-14) costs 4      
    Separation costs (1 ) 3   4  
    Tariff charges   1    
    Keystone XL costs and other (13 ) 3    
    Normalized EBITDA 290   266   298  

    The following table reconciles income (loss) before income taxes to normalized EBITDA by operating segment for the indicated periods:

    $ millions Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2024
    Keystone Pipeline
    System
      Marketing   Intra-Alberta &
    Other
      Total  
    Income (loss) before income taxes 205   (32 ) (101 ) 72  
    Adjusted for specific items:        
    Depreciation and amortization 59     3   62  
    Interest expense (1 )   85   84  
    Interest income and other (1 ) (1 ) 30   28  
    Risk management instruments   57     57  
    Keystone variable toll disputes (3 )     (3 )
    MP-14 costs 4       4  
    Separation costs     (1 ) (1 )
    Keystone XL costs and other (13 )     (13 )
    Normalized EBITDA 250   24   16   290  
    $ millions Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
    Keystone Pipeline
    System
      Marketing Intra-Alberta &
    Other
      Total  
    Income (loss) before income taxes 175   9 (70 ) 114  
    Adjusted for specific items:        
    Depreciation and amortization 59   3   62  
    Interest expense   83   83  
    Interest income and other (2 ) (4 ) (6 )
    Risk management instruments   6   6  
    Separation costs   3   3  
    Tariff charges   1   1  
    Keystone XL costs and other 3     3  
    Normalized EBITDA 235   16 15   266  
    $ millions Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
    Keystone Pipeline
    System
      Marketing   Intra-Alberta &
    Other
      Total  
    Income (loss) before income taxes 218   9   (81 ) 146  
    Adjusted for specific items:        
    Depreciation and amortization 60     1   61  
    Interest expense 1   1   92   94  
    Interest income and other (2 ) (1 ) (4 ) (7 )
    Separation costs     4   4  
    Normalized EBITDA 277   9   12   298  


    Normalized net income and normalized net income per share

    Normalized net income represents net income adjusted for the normalizing items described above and is used by Management to assess the earnings that are representative of South Bow’s operations. By adjusting for non-recurring items and other factors that do not reflect the Company’s ongoing performance, normalized net income provides a clearer picture of the Company’s continuing operations. This measure is particularly useful for investors as it allows for a more accurate comparison of financial performance and trends across different periods. On a per share basis, normalized net income is derived by dividing the normalized net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding at the end of the period. Management believes this per share measure is valuable for investors as it provides insight into South Bow’s profitability on a per share basis, assisting in evaluating the Company’s performance.

    The following table reconciles net income to normalized net income for the indicated periods:

    $ millions, except common shares outstanding and per share amounts Three Months Ended
    Dec. 31, 2024   March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024  
    Net income 55   88   112  
    Adjusted for specific items:      
    Risk management instruments 57   6    
    Keystone variable toll disputes (3 )    
    MP-14 costs 4      
    Separation costs 27   3   4  
    Tariff charges   1    
    Keystone XL costs and other (13 ) 3    
    Tax effect of the above adjustments (15 ) (3 ) (2 )
    Normalized net income 112   98   114  
    Common shares outstanding, weighted average diluted (millions) 208.4   208.7   207.6  
    Normalized net income per share 0.54   0.47   0.55  


    Distributable cash flow

    Distributable cash flow is used to assess the cash generated through business operations that can be used for South Bow’s capital allocation decisions, helping investors understand the Company’s cash-generating capabilities and its potential for returning value to shareholders. Distributable cash flow is based on income before income taxes, adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest income and other, the normalizing items discussed above, and further adjusted for specific items, including income and distributions from the Company’s equity investments, maintenance capital expenditures, which are capitalized and generally recoverable through South Bow’s tolling arrangements, and current income taxes.

    The following table reconciles income before income taxes to distributable cash flow for the indicated periods:

    $ millions Three Months Ended
    Dec. 31, 2024   March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024  
    Income before income taxes 72   114   146  
    Adjusted for specific items:      
    Depreciation and amortization 62   62   61  
    Interest income and other 28   (6 ) (7 )
    Normalizing items, net of tax 1 34   10   3  
    Income from equity investments (12 ) (13 ) (12 )
    Distributions from equity investments 20   19   20  
    Maintenance capital expenditures 2 (15 ) (13 ) (4 )
    Current income tax recovery (expense) (6 ) (22 ) (29 )
    Distributable cash flow 183   151   178  
    1. Normalizing items per normalized EBITDA reconciliation, net of tax.
    2. Maintenance capital expenditures are generally recoverable through South Bow’s tolling arrangements.


    Net debt and net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio

    Net debt is used as a key leverage measure to assess and monitor South Bow’s financing structure, providing an overview of the Company’s long-term debt obligations, net of cash and cash equivalents. Management believes this measure is useful for investors as it offers insights into the Company’s financial health and its ability to manage and service its debt obligations. Net debt is defined as the sum of total long-term debt with 50% treatment of the Company’s junior subordinated notes, operating lease liabilities, and dividends payable, less cash and cash equivalents, per the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

    Net debt-to-normalized EBITDA ratio is used to monitor South Bow’s leverage position relative to its normalized EBITDA for the trailing four quarters. This ratio provides investors with insight into the Company’s ability to service its long-term debt obligations relative to its operational performance. A lower ratio indicates stronger financial health and greater capacity to meet its debt obligations.

    $ millions, except ratios Dec. 31, 2024   March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024  
    Long-term debt to affiliates of TC Energy         —                      5,924  
    Senior unsecured notes         4,629           4,632           —  
    Junior subordinated notes         1,087           1,087           —  
    Total long-term debt         5,716           5,719           5,924  
    Adjusted for:      
    Hybrid treatment for junior subordinated notes 1         (544 )         (544 )         —  
    Operating lease liabilities         22           21           19  
    Dividends payable         104           104           —  
    Cash and cash equivalents         (397 )         (390 )         (522 )
    Net debt         4,901           4,910           5,421  
           
    Normalized EBITDA for the trailing four quarters         1,091           1,059           1,136  
    Net debt-to-normalized EBITDA (ratio) 4.5   4.6   4.8  
    1. Includes 50% equity treatment of South Bow’s junior subordinated notes.

    Forward-looking information and statements

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements), including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of applicable securities legislation, that are based on South Bow’s current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. All statements other than statements of historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as, “anticipate”, “will”, “expect”, “estimate”, “potential”, “future”, “outlook”, “strategy”, “maintain”, “ongoing”, “intend”, and similar expressions suggesting future events or future performance.

    In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements, including certain financial outlooks, pertaining to, without limitation, the following: South Bow’s corporate vision and strategy, including its strategic priorities, its satisfaction thereof, and outlook; the Blackrod Connection Project, including in-service dates, and costs thereof; PHMSA approvals and completion of the CAO; expected interest expense and tax rate; expected capital expenditures; expected dividends; expected one-time costs relating to the Spinoff; expected shareholder returns and asset returns; demand for uncommitted capacity on the Keystone System; treatment under current and future regulatory regimes, including those relating to taxes, tariffs, and the environment; South Bow’s financial guidance for 2025 and beyond, including 2025 normalized EBITDA, 2025 interest expense, 2025 distributable cash flow, and 2025 capital expenditures; South Bow’s financial strength and flexibility; expected exit of the TSA and implementation of the SCADA system; expected receipt and sharing of investigative, root cause, and failure mechanism findings related to the MP-171 incident; expected ability to meet contractual throughput commitments on the Keystone Pipeline under the CAO; expectation that South Bow will ensure safe and reliable operations on the Keystone Pipeline; expected timing for the remediation of the MP-171 incident; potential financial contributions from uncommitted capacity on the Keystone Pipeline System; and impacts of the findings of the RCFA and response to the MP-171 incident on the financial and operational outlook.

    The forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that South Bow has made in respect thereof as of the date of this news release regarding, among other things: oil and gas industry development activity levels and the geographic region of such activity; that favourable market conditions exist and that South Bow has and will have available capital to fund its capital expenditures and other planned spending; prevailing commodity prices, interest rates, inflation levels, carbon prices, tax rates, and exchange rates; the ability of South Bow to maintain current credit ratings; the availability of capital to fund future capital requirements; future operating costs; asset integrity costs; that all required regulatory and environmental approvals can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; and prevailing regulatory, tax, and environmental laws and regulations.

    Although South Bow believes the assumptions and other factors reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that these assumptions and factors will prove to be correct and, as such, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially, including, but not limited to: the regulatory environment and related decisions and requirements; the impact of competitive entities and pricing; reliance on third parties to successfully operate and maintain certain assets; the strength and operations of the energy industry; weakness or volatility in commodity prices; non-performance or default by counterparties; actions taken by governmental or regulatory authorities; the ability of South Bow to acquire or develop and maintain necessary infrastructure; fluctuations in operating results; adverse general economic and market conditions; the ability to access various sources of debt and equity capital on acceptable terms; and adverse changes in credit. The foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the results implied by forward-looking statements, refer to South Bow’s annual information form dated March 5, 2025, available under South Bow’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and, from time to time, in South Bow’s public disclosure documents, available on South Bow’s website at www.southbow.com, under South Bow’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in South Bow’s filings with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

    Management approved the financial outlooks contained in this news release, including 2025 normalized EBITDA, 2025 interest expense, 2025 distributable cash flow, and 2025 capital expenditures as of the date of this news release. The purpose of these financial outlooks is to inform readers about Management’s expectations for the Company’s financial and operational results in 2025, and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date hereof. South Bow does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    About South Bow

    South Bow safely operates 4,900 kilometres (3,045 miles) of crude oil pipeline infrastructure, connecting Alberta crude oil supplies to U.S. refining markets in Illinois, Oklahoma, and the U.S. Gulf Coast through our unrivalled market position. We take pride in what we do – providing safe and reliable transportation of crude oil to North America’s highest demand markets. Based in Calgary, Alberta, South Bow is the spinoff company of TC Energy, with Oct. 1, 2024 marking South Bow’s first day as a standalone entity. To learn more, visit www.southbow.com.

    Contact information

    Investor Relations

    Martha Wilmot                                             
    investor.relations@southbow.com
    Media Relations

    Solomiya Lyaskovska
    communications@southbow.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Terry Sanford to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Terry Sanford to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Terry Sanford to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker
    jejohnson6

    A man who served as governor, U.S. Senator and university president soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker. The N.C. Historical Marker Program is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    The marker commemorating Terry Sanford will be unveiled Friday, May 23 at 11 a.m., during a roadside ceremony at the intersection of NC 751 and Science Drive in Durham.

    Sanford, who served as governor of North Carolina from 1961-65, also served his state and country in numerous roles throughout his public career.  

    Born Aug. 20, 1917, in Laurinburg, N.C., Sanford was the second of five children in a middle-class family. He attended Presbyterian Junior College (now St. Andrews Presbyterian College) and then the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating from the latter in 1939. While at the UNC, Sanford met fellow student Margaret Rose Knight, whom he would marry in 1942, and the couple would have two children.

    Following graduation, Sanford entered the University of North Carolina School of Law. While continuing to study law, Sanford joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in December 1941 and after training, he was assigned to duty in Ohio and Missouri. Following the entry of the United States into World War II, Sanford enlisted in the Army on the first anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was assigned first to the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment as a medic, and then to the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment. In the latter regiment, he saw combat in Italy, southern France, and Belgium (the Battle of the Bulge).

    Following the war, Sanford reentered law school and graduated from the university in 1946. He was admitted to the state bar later in the year. Already entertaining ambitions to one day run for governor, he became assistant director of the University of North Carolina’s Institute of Government before becoming a full-time attorney in Fayetteville. He also served as a captain in the North Carolina Army National Guard.  

    A slow but steady rise in the Democratic Party of North Carolina and state government followed over the next few years, including a job in the North Carolina State Ports Authority, presidency of the North Carolina Young Democratic Clubs, state senator representing the 10th District, and campaign manager for former governor W. Kerr Scott’s successful 1954 run for the U.S. Senate, culminating with his successful run for governor in 1960.

    In December 1969, he was selected to be the new president of Duke University. Upon inauguration, he immediately ended a cap on the number of Jewish students who could be enrolled at the school. Facing a budget deficit and a small endowment, he worked to attract more students, increase enrollment, and increase annual donations. He also sought to improve relations between the student body and the administration, declaring opposition to the Vietnam War, supporting peaceful protest, and increasing student involvement in administration operations. He established the Institute of Policy Studies and Public Affairs, now the Sanford School of Public Policy.

    In 1986, Sanford was elected to the U.S. Senate. He supported efforts to bring about an end to the civil war in Nicaragua and created an International Commission for Central American Recovery and Development to promote regional development under the oversight of the Center for International Development Research at Duke University. As in the case of the North Carolina Fund, the commission would be funded by private philanthropy. The commission became informally known as the “Sanford Commission,” although he was not a member. He also participated in efforts to recruit Democratic candidates for the 1988 presidential election. He ran for reelection in 1992 but lost to Republican candidate Lauch Faircloth.

    Sanford devoted his remaining years to law and teaching at Duke. He died of cancer at home on April 18, 1998, and was interred at Duke Chapel.

    For more information about the historical marker, please visit  https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2024/07/10/terry-sanford-1917-1998-g-144, or call (919) 814-6625  

    The Highway Historical Marker Program is a collaboration between the N.C. departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Transportation.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    May 15, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Castor, Soto Urge Federal Investigation into Unlawful Diversion of Medicaid Funds to Hope Florida

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Darren Soto (FL-09) are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to investigate the potentially unlawful diversion of $10 million in Medicaid funds by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, the Hope Florida Foundation and Centene in a letter released today.

    Reps. Castor and Soto’s call for a Medicaid fraud investigation comes on the heels of the debate in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee over the future of Medicaid and House Republicans’ cruel proposal to kick millions of Americans off Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. Republicans repeatedly claimed during the marathon Energy and Commerce debate that they were concerned about waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid. Castor and Soto now point to a concrete example of potential fraud and abuse, while urging an immediate investigation into this inappropriate diversion of taxpayer funds to an unrelated political action committee. 

    “As members of the U.S. House Committee that provides oversight of Medicaid, I can assure you that Congress is very focused on waste, fraud and abuse of Medicaid dollars. Any unlawful diversion of Medicaid dollars in Florida means that the state is less able to provide services to our neighbors who rely on Medicaid and the providers who serve them,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The lawmakers continued, “The diversion of Medicaid dollars requires immediate investigation. These are proceeds that rightfully belong to state taxpayers to serve the citizens who rely on Medicaid, including children, pregnant women, neighbors with disabilities and those served by long-term care.”

    Castor and Soto serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicaid, and advocated for families and providers during the 26-hour Energy and Commerce Committee markup of the House Republicans’ cruel proposal to slash Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, which concluded yesterday.

    Read the full letter here and below:

    RE: Urge Investigation into Unlawful Diversion of Medicaid Funds in Florida 

    Dear Acting Inspector General Hodgkins and Administrator Oz:

    A recent bipartisan investigation by the Florida Legislature and press reports have uncovered that proceeds from a legal settlement between the State of Florida and Florida’s largest Medicaid managed care operator, Centene, were inappropriately diverted to unrelated political committees. Federal law requires that Medicaid proceeds be used solely for health services authorized by law and for the benefit of those served by Medicaid. Therefore, we respectfully request that you investigate the potential unlawful diversion of Medicaid funds by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Hope Florida Foundation and Centene. Medicaid is a federal/state partnership, and the federal government may be entitled to recoup funds from the legal settlement and improperly diverted funds as well.

    Hope Florida was established in 2021 as a referral program, operated by state employees, to direct Floridians to businesses, faith-based organizations and nonprofits for housing and social services instead of to government agencies. The Hope Florida Foundation is Hope Florida’s nonprofit arm and is subject to spending limits on lobbying and campaigns. According to its website, Hope Florida “firmly believe(s) that more government is not always the best solution to the problem. Instead, government is utilized as a meaningful connection point and then gets out of the way.” Many Florida state agencies prominently display links on their homepage to Hope Florida, directing individuals to a Hope Navigator instead of contacting a state agency, including the websites of Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Florida Department of Elder Affairs. AHCA administers Florida’s Medicaid program.

    On September 27, 2024, the State of Florida reached a settlement agreement with Centene relating to the overbilling of taxpayers by over $67 million. The agreement directed Centene to pay $10 million to the Hope Florida Foundation through a wire transfer and pay the remaining $57 million to AHCA. The settlement also stated that “AHCA desires an expanded role for Hope Florida in the Florida Medicaid program.”  

    On October 16, two days after receiving the $10 million wire transfer, the Hope Florida Foundation wired $5 million to Secure Florida’s Future, a 501(c)4 nonprofit that proposed spending the ‘grant’ on a “long-term, targeted business partner recruitment strategy and public awareness campaign.” 

    On October 17, Secure Florida’s Future donated $2 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc., a Political Action Committee (PAC) controlled by Governor DeSantis’s then-chief of staff James Uthmeier that was created to campaign against Amendment 3, a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida. Governor DeSantis strongly opposed Amendment 3. Days later, Secure Florida’s Future sent Keep Florida Clean Inc. an additional $1.75 million. 

    On October 22, the Hope Florida Foundation wired $5 million to the 501(c)4 nonprofit Save Our Society from Drugs that proposed spending the ‘grant’ on “developing and implementing strategies that directly address the substance use crisis facing our communities.” 

    On October 23, the next day, Save Our Society from Drugs donated $1.6 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc. Over the coming days, Save Our Society from Drugs donated an additional $3.15 million to Keep Florida Clean Inc. 

    While there are limited financial disclosure requirements associated with 501(c)4 organizations, records appear to show that a total of $8.5 million from the Centene settlement with AHCA went from the Hope Florida Foundation to the Amendment 3-focused Keep Florida Clean, Inc. PAC, the same PAC that also donated funding to the Republican Party of Florida and the Florida Freedom Fund. 

    The transfer of Medicaid dollars to a charitable committee and then political committees appears to run afoul of federal law, including 18 U.S.C. 1347 (to knowingly execute or attempt a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program or obtain money from it) and 18 U.S.C. 371 (for two or more people to agree to defraud the United States.), and may implicate other relevant statutes and regulations. As members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee that provides oversight of Medicaid, we can assure you that Congress is very focused on waste, fraud and abuse of Medicaid dollars. Any unlawful diversion of Medicaid dollars in Florida means that the state is less able to provide services to our neighbors who rely on Medicaid and support the providers who serve them.

    Hope Florida had raised only about $2 million during its three years of existence, but in one fell swoop, received $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, which was immediately funneled through other nonprofits to a PAC directed by the Governor’s Chief of Staff. The Florida House of Representatives initiated an investigation into what State Representative Alex Andrade called a potential “conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud,” but ultimately determined that “the best avenue is probably a federal investigation because…these were Medicaid dollars.”  The diversion of Medicaid dollars requires immediate investigation. These are proceeds that rightfully belong to serve the citizens who rely on Medicaid, including children, pregnant women, neighbors with disabilities and those served by long-term care.

    Therefore, we respectfully urge you to investigate whether or not the $10 million settlement scheme violates federal law and complies with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) legal and regulatory framework and any other applicable federal laws and regulations.  

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Illinois NPR As Trump Administration Threatens Public Media

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    May 15, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with leadership from National Public Radio (NPR) stations across Illinois to discuss the importance of continuing to fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), NPR, and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) after President Trump issued an executive order seeking to prohibit these programs from receiving any federal funds. 

    “As a democracy, we should pride ourselves on having freedom of the press.  Yet, the Trump Administration continues to threaten journalists and news outlets, including our public media,” said Durbin.  “NPR and PBS provide unbiased, informative news to Illinoisans, especially those who live in rural areas.  We cannot let the Trump Administration bulldoze the press, which holds our government accountable.  I will continue to fight for and protect funding and support for public media in Illinois.”

    Photos of the meeting are available here.

    Through the government funding bill passed earlier this year, CPB will receive $535 million in advanced appropriations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. However, the Trump Administration has rescinded all funding that goes directly to NPR and PBS, including funding appropriated for FY 2025, FY 2026, and FY 2027. NPR and PBS provide educational programming for young children, unbiased and local news, especially in rural communities, and lifesaving emergency alerts during natural disasters.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp. (“WTMA”) and Evolution Metals LLC (“EM”) Announce Effectiveness of SEC Registration Statement Ahead of Strategic Business Combination

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO , May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp. (OTC: WTMA), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, and Evolution Metals LLC, which is dedicated to developing a secure, reliable global supply chain for critical minerals and materials (CMM), today announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has declared effective their registration statement on Form S-4, paving the way for the consummation of this previously- announced business combination.

    In connection with the business combination WTMA and EM plan to acquire 100% interest of five operating companies: (1) KCM Industry Co., Ltd., (2) NS World Co., Ltd., (3) KMMI INC., (4) Handa Lab Co., Ltd., and (5) Critical Mineral Recovery, Inc. Upon closing, the combined company will be renamed Evolution Metals & Technologies Corp. (“EM&T” or referred to in the Form S-4 as “New EM”), and expects to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol EMAT.

    EM&T’s business is to leverage advanced technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide integrated midstream and downstream CMM recycling and processing of oxides, metals, magnet alloys, battery materials, and rare earth magnets for key industries including, but not limited to, the automotive, aerospace, defense, healthcare, high tech, consumer electronics and appliances, and renewable energy industries, while driving a sustainable future.

    “This is an important step in our mission to build a Western critical materials champion,” said Daniel Mamadou, CEO of Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp. “It perfectly aligns with our original vision to bring together proven technologies, experienced operators, and strategic capital to solve one of the most urgent supply chain vulnerabilities in the Western world. EM&T is not just another company – we believe it is the platform that will deliver on what others have only promised.”

    David Wilcox, Managing Member of Evolution Metals LLC, added, “Today marks a transformative step toward American resilience in critical materials. This merger represents a direct response to the policy imperatives outlined by the U.S. government from reshoring strategic industries to securing CMM supply chains. The future of EM&T is built to execute on those priorities with speed and scale. “The immediate need for critical minerals and materials is mid-stream processing. Without the combined expertise of separation, salts for batteries, metals, alloys, metallics, sintered and bonded magnet-making capabilities under one Western roof, Chinese companies will continue to monopolize key steps in this supply chain, leaving all other nations and industries vulnerable. By integrating CMM recycling, processing, and advanced materials production, EM&T expects to be positioned to reduce dependence on China-controlled supply chains and strengthen America’s industrial and national security. EM&T plans to deliver real impact – environmentally, strategically, and economically.”

    About Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp.

    Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp. (OTC: WTMA) is a blank check company focused on identifying high-impact technology metals businesses aligned with global sustainability and security trends. One of WTMA’s co-sponsors, Welsbach Holdings Pte Ltd, is an independent platform focused on the support and development of projects related to technology metals and materials.

    About Evolution Metals LLC

    Evolution Metals LLC is committed to establishing a secure, robust and reliable supply chain for critical minerals & materials (CMM) that is 100% independent of China for sourcing or supplying feedstocks. EM’s strategy is to acquire and develop manufacturing, recycling and processing facilities to produce essential products (including magnets, battery feedstocks and related materials) for industrial uses such as, but not limited to, electric vehicles, electronics, environmental technologies and aerospace and defense applications. EM aims to support the creation of jobs, industry and manufacturing to promote a greener future by providing bespoke solutions to support its clients globally.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements made in this press release are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strive,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking . The forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and beliefs of the management of WTMA and EM, as applicable, and are inherently subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstances and their potential effects and speak only as of the date of such statement. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed and identified in public filings made with the SEC by WTMA and the following: WTMA’s ability to complete the proposed Business Combination or, if WTMA does not consummate such proposed Business Combination, any other initial business combination; the risk that the consummation of the proposed Business Combination is significantly delayed; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination; the risk that the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination disrupts EM’s current plans; New EM’s ability to successfully integrate the business and operations of the target companies (the “Target Companies”) into its ongoing business operations and realize the intended benefits of New EM’s acquisition of the Target Companies; New EM’s ability to secure sufficient funding to successfully rebuild Critical Mineral Recovery Inc.’s recycling facility with significant expansion on management’s expected timeline and budget, or at all; unexpected costs related to the proposed Business Combination; expectations regarding New EM’s strategies and future financial performance, including future business plans, expansion and acquisition plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products and services, pricing, operating expenses, product and service acceptance, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and New EM’s ability to invest in growth initiatives; satisfaction or waiver (if applicable) of the conditions to the proposed Business Combination, including, among other things: (i) approval of the proposed Business Combination and related agreements and transactions by the WTMA stockholders, the holder of the EM member units and the holders of the equity interests of the other Target Companies, (ii) receipt of approval for listing on Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) the shares of WTMA common stock to be issued in connection with the Business Combination, and (iii) the absence of any injunctions; that the amount of cash available in the trust account and from certain other investments is at least equal to the minimum available cash condition amount, after giving effect to redemptions by WTMA stockholders and certain transaction expenses; the occurrence of any other event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; the implementation, market acceptance and success of New EM’s business model and growth strategy; the ability to obtain or maintain the listing of New EM’s common stock on Nasdaq following the proposed Business Combination; limited liquidity and trading of WTMA’s public securities; the amount of any redemptions by existing holders of WTMA common stock being greater than expected; WTMA’s ability to raise financing in the future; WTMA’s success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, New EM’s officers, key employees or directors following the completion of the proposed Business Combination; WTMA officers and directors allocating their time to other businesses and potentially having conflicts of interest with WTMA’s business or in approving the proposed Business Combination; the use of proceeds not held in the trust account or available to WTMA from interest income on the trust account balance; the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment, including New EM’s ability to meet, and continue to meet, applicable regulatory requirements; New EM’s ability to execute its business plan, including with respect to its technical development and commercialization of products, and its growth and go-to-market strategies; New EM’s ability to achieve sustained, long-term profitability and commercial success; operational risks, including with respect to New EM’s use of agents or resellers in certain jurisdictions, New EM’s ability to scale up its manufacturing quantities of its products, New EM’s outsourcing of manufacturing and such manufacturers’ ability to satisfy New EM’s manufacturing needs on a timely basis, the availability of components or raw materials used to manufacture New EM’s products and New EM’s ability to process customer order backlog; New EM’s revenue deriving from a limited number of customers; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations, including with respect to New EM’s planned operations outside of the U.S. and Korea; New EM’s ability to attract and retain talented personnel; New EM’s ability to compete with companies that have significantly more resources; New EM’s ability to meet certain certification and compliance standards; New EM’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights and ability to protect itself against potential intellectual property infringement claims; the outcome of any known and unknown litigation and regulatory proceedings, including any proceedings that may be instituted against WTMA or EM following announcement of the proposed Business Combination; the potential characterization of New EM as an investment company subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and other factors detailed under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Registration Statement on Form S 4, initially filed with the SEC on November 12, 2024, as amended (the “Registration Statement”). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of the assumptions made by the management of WTMA, EM and the other Target Companies prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, WTMA, EM and the other Target Companies undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    WTMA has filed the Registration Statement with the SEC, which was declared effective by the SEC on May 14, 2025. The Registration Statement includes a document that serves as a proxy statement and prospectus of WTMA, referred to as a “proxy statement/prospectus,” containing information about the proposed Business Combination and the respective businesses of WTMA, EM and the Target Companies. WTMA will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to WTMA stockholders. WTMA stockholders are urged to read the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and any amendments thereto and, when available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the special meeting to be held to approve the proposed Business Combination, because these documents will contain important information about WTMA, EM, the other Target Companies and the proposed Business Combination. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of WTMA as of a record date established for voting on the proposed Business Combination. Stockholders of WTMA will also be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about WTMA without charge, at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and WTMA’s other filings with the SEC can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to: chris@welsbach.sg. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, WTMA’s website is not incorporated by reference in, and is not part of, this press release.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release does not constitute (i) a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed Business Combination, or (ii) an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a definitive offering document.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    WTMA and EM and their respective directors and officers or managers and other members of management and employees may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed Business Combination. WTMA stockholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding directors and officers of WTMA in WTMA’s proxy statement/prospectus. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from WTMA’s stockholders in connection with the proposed Business Combination will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus that WTMA intends to file with the SEC.

    Investor & Media Contacts

    Judith McGarry
    Evolution Metals LLC
    Tel: +1 (415) 971-2900
    Email: judith.mcgarry@evolution-metals.com

    Daniel Mamadou
    Chief Executive Officer
    Welsbach Technology Metals Acquisition Corp.
    Tel: +1 (251) 280-1980
    Email: daniel@welsbach.sg

    Private Investment in Public Equity (“PIPE”)
    Email: PIPE@Evolution-Metals.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global Announces First Quarter 2025 Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), (the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced its first quarter results for the period ended March 31, 2025.

    Q1 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Revenue CAGR 60% for trailing 60 months
    • Commercial Revenues increased 41% over Q1 2024
    • Positive GAAP Gross Margin 8%
    • Adjusted non-GAAP Gross Margin, net of non-cash costs 21%
    • Net cash used in Operations for Q1 2025 $1.8 million vs. Q1 2024 $3.0 million
    • Backlog of $6.3 million
    • Debt free and $100 million line of credit available and unused

    Q1 2025 and Recent Operational Highlights

    • In Q1 2025 we shipped EV ARC™ units, ARC Mobility™ trailers, energy storage systems (ESS), lighting poles and smart city infrastructure solutions to locations across California, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Oregon, and internationally to Croatia, Serbia, Spain and Romania
    • Achieved CE (Conformité Européenne) certification on EV ARC™
    • Granted U.S. Patent for High-Volume Battery Assembly and Safety Technology
    • Expanded our European sales network with three new distribution partners
      • Seltis Glass Design S.R.L. for the Romanian market
      • Evrosimovski Consulting Ltd. for the North Macedonian market
      • BBA International for the Albanian market
    • Entered Middle Eastern market through partnership with Solvana
    • Launched BeamPatrol™ partnership with Zero Motorcycles with two BeamPatrol™ units at MotoGP in Austin to charge electric motorcycle demonstrations
    • Expanded into Romania with First EV ARC™ Sales through our Romanian reselling agent, Seltis Glass Design SRL
    • Won the Award for Innovation in Sustainable Infrastructure at the 2025 Congress of Mayors and Local Administration of Romania
    • Won the 2024 Award for Business Success by Serbian Chamber of Commerce

    “Though we are navigating through a series of uncertainties in the U.S. market, our other expansion efforts lead us to believe that we have the pieces in place to return to growth in this and future quarters,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “Sales of our flagship product EV ARC™ increased in the first quarter. Our battery business is doing some of the most interesting and promising work it has ever done. Our international expansion strategy is gaining momentum and bearing fruit. We have sufficient cash and working capital to continue to operate the business into the future. We have no debt and no going concern. We’re generating gross profits which, net of non-cash items, are still north of 20%. We have proposals out and items in our pipeline, which would simply not have been possible this time last year before we introduced our fantastic new product lineup and expanded beyond the US market. Losing the immediate benefits of U.S. federal government sales has been tough on us, but we are managing through that and have created a foundation for growth which is resistant to those sorts of upheavals, and which I believe, will create opportunities for growth which far out strip anything that we’ve ever done before.”

    Revenues
    For the first quarter of 2025, Beam Global’s revenues were $6.3 million. The Company has a Revenue CAGR of 60% for the trailing 60 months, as of the three months ending March 31, 2025. Revenues were diverse across commercial entities and state and local governments with a significant rebalancing towards enterprise customers. For the first quarter of 2025, 53% of revenues were derived from commercial customers compared to 16% in the same period in 2024. International customers comprised 25% of all revenue as of March 31, 2025 compared to 11% for the three months ended March 31, 2024. We believe that the decrease in revenue is mainly a result of uncertainty in the U.S. government’s zero emission vehicle strategy related to the presidential election.

    Gross Profit

    Gross profit for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, was $0.5 million, or 8% gross margin, compared to gross profit of $1.5 million, or 10% gross margin in the first quarter of the prior year. The gross profit includes a non-cash negative impact of $1.0 million for depreciation and amortization of intangible assets resulting from the AllCell acquisition. Our gross margin, net of non-cash items, was 21% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to 12% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Our engineering team has continued to implement design changes which have reduced the bill of materials for the EV ARCTM, improving the product margins throughout 2024 and leading into 2025. Additionally, we have continued to recognize synergies and positive gross margin contributions from our acquisitions. We expect the Company’s revenue to grow in the future and our fixed overhead absorption to continue to improve resulting in improved gross margins.

    Operating Expenses and Impairment of Goodwill

    The first quarter 2025 total operating expenses of $16.0 million included $10.8 million of goodwill impairment, for the single reporting unit, because our market capitalization no longer exceeded our net assets at March 31, 2025 due to the decrease in our stock price since December 31, 2024. Our operating expenses, net of non-cash items for the three months ended March 31, 2025 are $4.1 million compared to 2024 of $3.8 million, a variance of $0.2 million or 6%. The Company believes the goodwill impairment reported during the three months ended March 31, 2025 is not a negative indicator of historic or current operating results and not a negative indicator of future performance as the Company has taken significant steps to diversify its geographical reach and product offerings while focusing on strategic growth. The Company believes that the resulting non-cash charge has no impact on the Company’s compliance with its cash flows or available liquidity and that its acquired entities are contributing positively to its operations and growth potential.

    Net Loss

    The first quarter net loss of $15.5 million included $12.5 million of non-cash expense items such as goodwill impairment, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and provisions for credit losses in 2025, compared to a net loss of $3.0 million with non-cash expenses of $1.1 million in 2024. The first quarter 2025 net loss excluding non-cash items was $2.8 million compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2024.

    Cash

    On March 31, 2025, we had cash of $2.5 million, compared to cash of $4.6 million at December 31, 2024.

    Net cash used for operating activities was $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to $3.0 million for the same period in 2024.

    We have historically met our cash needs through a combination of debt and equity financing and more recently through increasing gross profit contributions. Our cash requirements are generally for operating activities and acquisitions.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    To supplement our condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with GAAP, we present Non-GAAP financial measures, in this press release. We use Non-GAAP in conjunction with GAAP measures as part of our overall assessment of our performance to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies and to communicate with our board of directors concerning our financial performance. We believe Non-GAAP is also helpful to investors, analysts and other interested parties because it can assist in providing a more consistent and comparable overview of our operations across our historical financial periods. Non-GAAP has limitations as an analytical tool. Therefore, you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Because of these limitations, you should consider Non-GAAP measurements alongside other financial performance measures, including attributable to other GAAP measures. In evaluating Non-GAAP measures you should be aware that in the future, we may incur expenses that are the same as, or similar to, some of the adjustments reflected in this press release. Our presentation of Non-GAAP should not be construed to imply that our future results will be unaffected by the types of items excluded from the calculations of Non-GAAP measures. Non-GAAP is not presented in accordance with GAAP and the use of these terms vary from others in our industry.

    Conference Call May 15, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET 

    Management will host a conference call on Thursday May 15, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET to review financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session.

    Participants can register for the conference through the following link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10200046/ff2f9aecc8

    Please note that registered participants will receive their call-in number upon registration.

    Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may call in by calling:

    PARTICIPANT CALL IN (TOLL FREE): 1-844-739-3880

    PARTICIPANT INTERNATIONAL CALL IN: 1-412-317-5716

    Please ask to join the Beam Global call.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit BeamForAll.comLinkedInYouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This Beam Global Press Release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements in this Press Release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may,” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results. These statements relate to future events or future results of operations. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause Beam Global’s actual results to be materially different from these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by law, Beam Global expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1-858-799-4583
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1-858-335-8465
    Press@BeamForAll.com

     
    Beam Global
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,   December 31,
      2025   2024
      (Unaudited)    
    Assets      
    Current assets      
    Cash $ 2,504   $ 4,572
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $498 and $259 7,145   8,027
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,150   2,243
    Inventory, net 11,845   12,284
    Total current assets 23,644   27,126
           
    Property and equipment, net 13,531   13,704
    Operating lease right of use assets 1,650   1,893
    Goodwill   10,580
    Intangible assets, net 7,810   8,037
    Deposits 120   119
    Total assets $ 46,755   $ 61,459
           
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
    Current liabilities      
    Accounts payable $ 8,316   $ 8,959
    Accrued expenses 2,393   2,462
    Sales tax payable 435   195
    Deferred revenue, current 1,042   847
    Note payable, current 64   63
    Contingent consideration, current 93   93
    Operating lease liabilities, current 539   696
    Total current liabilities 12,882   13,315
           
    Deferred revenue, noncurrent 857   800
    Note payable, noncurrent 182   199
    Contingent consideration, noncurrent 216   216
    Other liabilities, noncurrent 3,432   3,380
    Deferred tax liabilities, noncurrent 1,609   1,290
    Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent 905   971
    Total liabilities 20,083   20,171
           
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)      
           
    Stockholders’ equity      
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 authorized, none outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value, 350,000,000 shares authorized, 15,043,045 and 14,835,630 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. 15   15
    Additional paid-in-capital 147,518   147,072
    Accumulated deficit (120,166)   (104,643)
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) (695)   (1,156)
           
    Total stockholders’ equity 26,672   41,288
           
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 46,755   $ 61,459
           
    Beam Global
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
    (Unaudited, In thousands except per share data)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
      2025   2024
           
    Revenues $ 6,324   $ 14,561
           
    Cost of revenues 5,823   13,082
           
    Gross profit 501   1,479
           
           
    Operating expenses 5,265   4,527
           
    Impairment of goodwill 10,780  
           
    Loss from operations (15,544)   (3,048)
           
    Other income (expense)      
    Interest income 23   71
    Other income (expense) 4   (56)
    Interest expense (6)   (4)
    Other income 21   11
           
    Loss before income tax expense (15,523)   (3,037)
           
    Net Loss $ (15,523)   $ (3,037)
           
    Net foreign currency translation benefit (expense) 461   (329)
    Total Comprehensive Loss $ (15,062)   $ (3,366)
           
    Net Loss per share – basic/diluted $ (1.04)   $ (0.21)
           
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic/diluted 14,990   14,422
           

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Trust Stamp files its 2025 Q1 10-Q and provides forward-looking estimates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Atlanta, GA, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trust Stamp announced that:

    1. It filed its Q1 10-Q report for the three months ended 31 March 2025 after the Nasdaq market closed on May 15th, 2025.
    2. Q1 2025 recognized revenue was $545 thousand, decreased from $574 thousand for Q1 of 2024, with an additional $197 thousand of revenue fully earned but subject to deferred recognition under ASC 606.
    3. Estimates of anticipated revenue from existing contracted customers for FY 2025 are believed to exceed $5.0m and do not include projected revenue from contracted customers that are not yet revenue-generating.
    1. Continuing expense reductions for the balance of 2025 are estimated to result in new savings of $0.18m per month compared to expenses in 2024.
    1. Cash burn for the remaining nine months of 2025 is estimated at an average of $0.24m per month based solely on projected revenue from contracted customers that are currently revenue-generating. The Company believes its projected burn is covered by cash on hand (supplemented by an unused $6.1m “At The Market” equity distribution agreement that was announced on February 25th, 2025) as well as anticipated revenues described above.

    In addition, Trust Stamp announced that as of the date of this release, institutional customers registered on the Orchestration Layer platform have increased to ninety-four from eighty at the end of Q4 2024, with the addition of twelve community banks and two credit unions. 

    Inquiries:
    Trust Stamp                                                   Email: Shareholders@truststamp.ai 

    About Trust Stamp

    Trust Stamp is a global provider of AI-powered services for use in multiple sectors including banking and finance, regulatory compliance, government, healthcare, real estate, communications, and humanitarian services. Its technology empowers organizations via advanced solutions that reduce fraud, tokenize and secure data, securely authenticate users while protecting personal privacy, reduce friction in digital transactions, and increase operational efficiency, enabling customers to accelerate secure financial inclusion and reach and serve a broader base of users worldwide.

    With team members from twenty-two nationalities in eight countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Trust Stamp trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market (Nasdaq: IDAI).

    Safe Harbor Statement: Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Remarks 

    All statements in this release that are not based on historical fact are “forward-looking statements” including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The information in this announcement may contain forward-looking statements and information related to, among other things, the company, its business plan and strategy, and its industry. These statements reflect management’s current views with respect to future events based on information currently available and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The company does not undertake any obligation to revise or update these statements.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: This election, young people held the most political power. Here’s how they voted

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Intifar Chowdhury, Lecturer in Government, Flinders University

    This election, a lot of focus was directed at young voters. With Millennials and Gen Z now making up a larger share of the electorate than Baby Boomers, this was deserved.

    But for all the attempts to reach these cohorts, whether through TikTok, influencers or podcasts, how did they actually vote?

    Preliminary analysis of electorates with high shares of young people suggests the youth vote was complex and nuanced. The voting bloc continued its unpredictability, with support fragmented across parties, candidates and age groups.

    Analysing voting patterns

    On May 9, I analysed the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) electoral division results alongside youth enrolment statistics, to explore how the youngest electorates voted.

    Rather than treating voters aged 18–44 as a single, homogeneous bloc, I separated them into Gen Z (aged 18–29) and Millennial (aged 30–44) categories. Evidence suggests that generation is more useful for analysis than age alone.

    Electorates with higher shares of young people tended to favour the left, particularly Labor. Even in Liberal-held seats that didn’t change hands, there were clear swings against the Coalition.

    Of course, electoral outcomes are shaped by more than age or generational factors. Seat-level voting reflects a complex mix of influences.

    But while we await individual-level public opinion data, the best available insights come from examining electoral division characteristics using Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census data.

    What happened?

    Surprisingly, the Greens lost three of the country’s most youth-concentrated electorates: Melbourne, Brisbane and Griffith.

    In Melbourne – still the electorate with the highest share of Gen Z voters – the Greens retained the largest primary vote, but lost the seat on preferences.

    However, in Griffith, Labor had a higher primary vote, while in Brisbane, both major parties outpolled the Greens.

    These electorates also have high percentages of renters, public servants, and residents earning above $90,000 a year – demographics that did not necessarily advantage the Greens. In fact, higher-income areas showed a slight lean towards the Liberals.

    Other electorates with large youth shares also showed interesting dynamics. In La Trobe and Lindsay, both held by the Liberals but with growing shares of Millennials and renters, there were swings against the party.

    Labor experienced swings against them in seats such as Solomon, Wills and Pearce.

    Wills maintained a strong Greens primary vote, while Solomon recorded a significant independent vote. This is consistent with high shares of renters, public servants against the Coalition and tertiary-educated women, who are more likely to support minor parties and independents.

    These patterns suggest a quiet divergence between Millennial and Gen Z voters. Millennials, while more likely than older generations to support progressive parties like Labor and, to a lesser extent, the Greens, do not show the same enthusiasm for independents. This indicates Millennials remain more aligned with traditional party politics.

    In contrast, Gen Z voters appear more willing to abandon major parties altogether. This is a generational difference in values and political socialisation, but also a broader shift toward issue-based, campaign-sensitive, less predictable polling.

    A fragmented young electorate

    Even when we take into account the demographic makeup of seats, for a deeper analysis, disentangling the effects of overlapping factors is important. For example, as researcher Nicholas Biddle points out, age and renting are often correlated, so which variable is doing the explanatory work? Is it youth itself, housing tenure, or something else entirely? I dug deeper.

    This further exploration revealed housing and employment factors played a role, even when we account for generational differences.

    Electorates with high shares of renters were significantly more likely to support Labor and less likely to vote Liberal. Public-sector workers leaned clearly towards Labor and away from the Coalition.

    Meanwhile, higher-income electorates (earning more than $90,000 a year) showed a slight, but not statistically significant, movement toward the Liberals and independents, and away from Labor and the Greens.

    Electorates with a larger share of overseas-born residents also leaned modestly toward Labor, likely reflecting swings in areas with significant Chinese populations.

    It’s difficult to know much about gender yet as we don’t have access to the right data. But we can find the intersecting effect of gender with other variables, such as higher education.

    This revealed one of the most striking findings: the strongest positive predictor of a Greens or independent vote, removing all other variables, was the share of university-educated women. These voters consistently turned away from both major parties.

    By contrast, electorates with more tertiary-educated people overall, but not specifically women, were more likely to stick with the major parties.

    With younger generations containing more university-educated women than ever before, this is sobering news for both Labor and the Liberals.

    Big takeaways

    One mistake we keep making is treating the youth vote as a single bloc. This election reminds us there are two generations within the youth base.

    Gen Z are still in their political formative years and they’re showing signs of drifting further from the major parties.

    But Millennials, while still firmly left-leaning, seem to remain anchored to the two-party system.

    Perhaps it’s a sign of political “adulting” – a recognition that minor parties and independents can struggle to wield power in the lower house.

    Labor can still bank on Millennials, for now. But Gen Z, especially those who are highly educated, are the cohort to watch. They’re less loyal, and far less convinced that the traditional party structure speaks to them.

    There’s no way to sugarcoat it for the Liberals: there’s no good news here in their current form.

    But no party can get complacent.

    The modern Australian electorate may lean left overall, but it’s also increasingly disillusioned with the majors. Preferential voting may mask this shift, but it doesn’t halt it.

    The Greens, meanwhile, also have some soul-searching to do. Their campaign didn’t collapse, but their primary vote stalled.

    To become a serious third party in the House of Representatives, the Greens must grow their primary vote and find a way to hold onto their volatile, youthful base as it ages.

    Intifar Chowdhury 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. This election, young people held the most political power. Here’s how they voted – https://theconversation.com/this-election-young-people-held-the-most-political-power-heres-how-they-voted-255769

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Banning young people from social media sounds like a silver bullet. Global evidence suggests otherwise

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jasleen Chhabra, Research Fellow, Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne

    Monkey Business / Shutterstock

    Around 98% of Australian 15-year-olds use social media. Platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram are where young people connect with friends and online communities, explore and express their identities, seek information, and find support for mental health struggles.

    However, the federal government, seeking to address concerns about young people’s mental health, has committed to ban under-16s from these platforms from later this year.

    There is no doubt social media presents risks to young people. These include cyberbullying, posts related to disordered eating or self-harm, hate speech, and the basic risk of spending long hours scrolling or “doomscrolling”.

    But is banning young people really the answer? We reviewed 70 reports from experts in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada to understand what they recommend – and found broad agreement that a ban may not address the real problems.

    Humans preventing harm

    The overall verdict is that we need a much more thoughtful response than just a ban: only a coordinated approach between governments, regulators, tech companies and young people themselves will address youth mental health and online safety.

    We should be asking what we can do to make online spaces safer for young people, not jumping straight to removing them entirely.

    Content moderation is one area in need of urgent attention. Young people regularly report being exposed to harmful and age-inappropriate content on social media, while platforms replace moderation staff with cheaper AI systems.

    Automated processes have their place, but many recommendations in our review emphasised the importance of human moderators to keep up.

    Data and endless advertising

    A second issue exists around the collection and use of user data. Tech platforms have built their business model around user engagement and ad revenue.

    To keep users scrolling (and watching ads), companies collect large amounts of user data to deliver highly personalised feeds.

    Many experts advocate against the widespread collection and use of young people’s data, particularly for delivering advertising materials that promote dieting, unregulated supplements and cosmetic procedures. Posts like these often appear in an endless stream, interspersed between non-harmful and entertaining content.

    Starting with safety

    Alongside greater regulation of advertising material, many experts emphasised the need to consider “safety by design”.

    In other words, social media should be designed from the outset to prevent harming users. It may mean the end of “addictive” features such as infinite scrolling, frequent push notifications, and auto-play videos.

    Regulators also need the tools and power to hold platforms to account.

    That includes financial penalties, more transparent reporting from big tech companies, and taking proactive steps to keep harmful material off these platforms – not just taking down content after the fact.

    Age-checking tech troubles

    Our review did find a small number of reports that recommend barring young people from social media. However, experts questioned the feasibility of age verification technology and raised privacy concerns.

    The federal government has passed the buck to social media companies for actually implementing age verification of users.

    Platforms must take “reasonable steps” to restrict access by under-16s. It is unclear what these steps will be, but the prospect of facial recognition or digital ID checks raises serious privacy concerns.

    Others argue that banning under-16s from social media will drive them to less regulated online spaces, including online forums such as the notorious 4Chan, where some pages have an explicit “no rules” policy.

    It is also important to acknowledge that many young people find important support and communities on social media. Taking away social media may present risks to mental health in these circumstances.

    Listening to young people

    An age ban sounds decisive but comes with its own set of questions.

    In the absence of social media, where do young people questioning their sexual or gender identity go to find information and support? What would a ban mean for young people who engage with news on social media?

    There is little evidence about what impact a ban will have on young people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.

    What’s more, young people have had minimal input into the policy. They have the insight to offer practical, real-world insights into what works and what does not.

    A blanket ban does nothing to make social media platforms safer for users. It might just delay problems and expose young people to an avalanche of harm when they log on at the age of 16.

    A ban brings its own risks

    The push to ban social media for under-16s is driven by genuine concerns. But unless it is a part of a broader, more thoughtful approach to online safety, it risks doing more harm than good.

    If we want a healthier digital environment, we can’t just lock out young people and hope for the best.

    Vita Pilkington receives funding from the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Margaret Cohan Research Scholarship, both awarded by the University of Melbourne.

    Zac Seidler has been awarded an NHMRC Investigator Grant. He is also the Global Director of Research with the Movember Institute of Men’s Health. He advises government on men’s health, masculinities, violence prevention and social media policy.

    Jasleen Chhabra 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. Banning young people from social media sounds like a silver bullet. Global evidence suggests otherwise – https://theconversation.com/banning-young-people-from-social-media-sounds-like-a-silver-bullet-global-evidence-suggests-otherwise-256587

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: A trial is testing ways to enforce Australia’s under-16s social media ban. But the tech is flawed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexia Maddox, Senior Lecturer in Pedagogy and Education Futures, La Trobe University

    De Visu/Shutterstock

    Australia’s move to ban under-16s from social media is receiving widespread praise. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore and Japan, are also now reportedly considering similar moves.

    The ban was legislated in November 2024 and is due to take effect in December 2025. The law says social media platforms can’t use official IDs such as passports to check Australian users’ ages, and shouldn’t track Australians. But it doesn’t specify the alternative.

    To test alternative methods, the federal government commissioned a trial of currently available technologies designed to “assure” people’s age online. Run by the Age Check Certification Scheme, a UK-based company specialising in testing and certifying identity verification systems, the trial is in its final stages. Results are expected at the end of June.

    So what are the technologies being trialled? Are they likely to work? And how might they – and the social media ban itself – alter the relationship all of us have with our dominant forms of digital communication?

    Dead ends for age verification

    Age verification confirms a person’s exact age using verified sources such as government-issued IDs. Age assurance is a broader term. It can include estimation techniques such as analysing faces or metadata to determine if users meet age requirements.

    In 2023 the federal government rejected mandating verification technologies for age-gating pornography sites. It found them “immature” with significant limitations. For example, database checks were costly and credit card verification could be easily worked around by minors.

    Nonprofit organisation Digital Rights Watch also pointed out that such systems were easily bypassed using virtual private networks – or VPNs. These are simple tools that hide a user’s location to make it seem like they are from a different country.

    Age assurance technologies bring different problems.

    For example, the latest US National Academies of Sciences report shows that facial recognition systems frequently misidentify children because their facial features are still developing.

    Improving these systems would require massive collections of children’s facial images. But international human rights law protects children’s privacy, making such data collection both legally and ethically problematic.

    Flawed testing of innovative tech?

    The age assurance technology trial currently includes 53 vendors hoping to win a contract for new innovative solutions.

    A range of technology is being trialled. It includes facial recognition offering “selfie-based age checks” and hand movement recognition technologies that claim to calculate age ranges. It also includes bespoke block chains to store sensitive data on.

    There are internal tensions about the trial’s design choices. These tensions centre on a lack of focus on ways to circumvent the technology, privacy implications, and verification of vendors’ efficacy claims.

    While testing innovation is good, the majority of companies and startups such as IDVerse, AgeCheck, and Yoti in the trial, will likely not hold clout over the major tech platforms in focus (Meta, Google and Snap).

    This divide reveals a fundamental problem: the companies building the checking tools aren’t the ones who must use them in the platforms targeted by the law. When tech giants don’t actively participate in developing solutions, they’re more likely to resist implementing them later.

    Google recently proposed storing ID documents in Google Wallet for age verification.
    nitpicker/Shutterstock

    Unresponsive tech companies

    Some major tech companies have shown little interest in engaging with the trial. For example, minutes from the trial’s March advisory board meeting reveal Apple “has been unresponsive, despite multiple outreach attempts”.

    Apple has recently outlined a tool to transmit a declared age range to developers on request. Apple suggests iOS will default the age assurance on Apple devices to under 13 for kids’ accounts. This makes it the responsibility of parents to modify age, the responsibility of developers to recognise age, and the responsibility of governments to legislate when and what to do with an assured age per market.

    Google’s recent Google Wallet proposal for age assurance also misses the mark on privacy concerns and usefulness.

    The proposal would require people over 16 to upload government-issued IDs and link them to a Google account. It would also require people trust Google not track where they go across the internet, via a privacy-preserving technology that remains a promise.

    Crucially, Meta’s social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram also do not let you login with Google credentials. After all, they are competitors. This raises questions about the usefulness of Google’s proposal to assure age across social media platforms as part of the government’s under-16s ban.

    Meanwhile, Google is also suggesting AI chatbots should be directly targeted and available to children under 13, creating something akin to a “social network of one”, which are out of scope of the ban.

    Rather than engage with Australian age verification systems, companies such as Apple and Google are promoting their own solutions which seem to prioritise keeping or adding users to their services, or passing responsibility elsewhere.

    For the targeted platforms that enable online social interactions, delay in engagement fits a broader pattern. For example, in January 2025, Mark Zuckerberg indicated Meta would push back more aggressively against international regulations that threaten its business model.

    A shift in internet regulation

    Australia’s approach to banning under-16s from using social media marks a significant shift in internet regulation. Rather than age-gating specific content such as porn or gambling, Australia is now targeting basic communication infrastructure – which is what social media have become.

    It centres the problem on children being children, rather than on social media business models.

    The result is limiting childrens’ digital rights with experimental technologies while doing little to address the source of perceived harm for all of us. It prioritises protection without considering children’s rights to access information and express themselves. This risks leaving the most vulnerable children being cut off from digital spaces essential to their success.

    Australia’s approach puts paternal politics ahead of technical and social reality. As we get closer to the ban taking effect, we’ll see how this approach to regulate social communication platforms offers young people respite from the platforms their parents fear – yet continue to use everyday for their own basic communication needs.

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

    ref. A trial is testing ways to enforce Australia’s under-16s social media ban. But the tech is flawed – https://theconversation.com/a-trial-is-testing-ways-to-enforce-australias-under-16s-social-media-ban-but-the-tech-is-flawed-256332

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Viral ‘Hongdae boy’ videos expose the fringe group of South Korean men trying to sleep with foreign women

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanna Elfving-Hwang, Associate Professor (Korean Society and Culture), Dean International (Korea), Curtin University

    Shutterstock

    If you’re on TikTok, you may have come across “Hongdae boys” or “Hongdae guys” recently. In a social media context, the term refers to a group of young South Korean men who prey on foreign women (particularly white women) visiting the Hongdae area in Seoul’s Mapo district.

    Largely made viral by popular South Korean TikToker Sean Solo (@itsseansolo) creating parodies of these men, Hongdae boys are depicted as men who make brazen (and slightly awkward) attempts at picking up unsuspecting tourists or foreign students.

    Some of these women, who are often viewed as sexually “available”, have sometimes been inspired by K-dramas or K-pop idols to visit Korea in search of the perfect South Korean boyfriend.

    So what’s behind the rise of Hongdae boy videos? And is Seoul turning into a place to avoid if you’re a young female traveller? Well, no. But Sean Solo’s parodies of this recognisable type of South Korean man shouldn’t be dismissed as purely comedy.

    A trend warranting further attention

    Much of the funny viral Hongdae boy content is aimed squarely at foreign audiences. In fact, your average South Korean is more likely to associate the phrase “Hongdae man” (Hongdae namja) with the “Hongdae look” that showcases carefully curated streetwear inspired by hip-hop, rap and vintage elements.

    Hongdae, a famous nightlife spot, is very popular with foreign visitors and South Korean students. In the 1990s it became the cradle of the underground and indie music scene, and remains a buzzing centre for arts and culture.

    Come nighttime, however, it has a reputation for becoming hookup central. There are even “hunting bars” (hunting pocha) where single men and women can go to try and find a match.

    While Hongdae guys are by no means representative of all Korean men (a point Sean Solo emphasises) the fact these men exist, and have become a recognisable part of Hongdae’s nightlife, speaks to serious broader issues of misogyny and gendered thinking.

    Ongoing issues for South Korean women

    South Korea has a reputation for being socially conservative, and K-dramas have emphasised this squeaky clean image. But in recent years, a growing number of South Korean women have spoken out about issues of sexual harassment and violence, including a crisis of digital sex crimes.




    Read more:
    AI is fuelling a deepfake porn crisis in South Korea. What’s behind it – and how can it be fixed?


    This has led to public demonstrations expanding on the global #MeToo movement.

    We’ve also seen the rise of the so-called 4B movement (also called the “Four Nos”). Described as more of an individual lifestyle choice rather than an organised movement, the aim of 4B is to push back against societal standards imposed on South Korean women regarding marriage, childbirth and relationships.

    As Asian studies expert Min Joo Lee notes, foreign women who are married to Korean men and living in Korea are often exoticised as dutiful housewives aspiring for “tradition”, while South Korean women are seen as troublesome and demanding.

    Gender equality issues have also been used as a political football by some politicians. For instance, recently impeached President Suk Yeol Yoon’s 2022 presidential campaign relied on a narrative of male disempowerment to mobilise the vote of young, disaffected men.

    Another setback came in late 2023, when the Supreme Court delivered a final verdict in a case deemed significant for the country’s #MeToo movement. It involved Seo Ji-hyun, a former prosecutor who, in 2018, filed a lawsuit seeking damages against a former male senior prosecutor who she accused of sexual harassment and abuse of power. The court dismissed her claims.

    Foreign fantasies and reality

    For foreign women unaware of South Korea’s gender inequality issues, and who expect the sugar-coated image of Korean men they’ve seen in K-pop or K-dramas, the reality of the hookup culture may come as a shock.

    The disjuncture between reality and the foreign fantasy of South Korea has increasingly been of interest to social commentators and researchers like myself. My own research on the topic has identified a kind of “global Koreanness” that has taken on a life of its own in the imaginations of non-Korean fans overseas.

    The Hongdae boy narrative is similar to the 4B movement in that it is fuelled by attention from outside South Korea. While the 4B movement was widely reported in Western media, it was driven by a relatively small group of courageous women who didn’t actually get mainstream attention in South Korea.

    Nonetheless, having a spotlight on these women still amplified their struggle to fight back against gendered ideas of what’s expected of them. These are ideologies that might treat them as objects to be looked at and “consumed” (such as with K-pop idols), or expect them to prioritise marriage and childbearing, over their own careers, to address a declining population.

    Hongdae boy videos, both comedic and otherwise, may have a similar effect. They’re drawing attention to the gendered expectations many South Korean women face, and the ways in which they are dismissed in their pursuit for equality.

    Joanna Elfving-Hwang receives funding from the Core University Program for Korean Studies through the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and Korean Studies Promotion Service of the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS-2022-OLU-2250005).

    ref. Viral ‘Hongdae boy’ videos expose the fringe group of South Korean men trying to sleep with foreign women – https://theconversation.com/viral-hongdae-boy-videos-expose-the-fringe-group-of-south-korean-men-trying-to-sleep-with-foreign-women-256475

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: How accurate are my medical records? You might be surprised how often errors creep in

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sheree Lloyd, Senior Lecturer in Health Services Management, University of Tasmania

    DC Studio/Shutterstock

    Medical records of hundreds of patients at a Sydney hospital’s cancer genetics service have been reviewed following irregularities related to care by a single specialist.

    According to St Vincent’s Hospital, in about 520 records, there were matters such as poor documentation, incomplete correspondence and a lack of genetic counselling.

    In about 20 records, there were errors that carried potential risk – even if, ultimately, there had been no harm to patients – such as providing incorrect information and advice.

    Every now and again, cases like these make the headlines. Some examples of flawed medical records relate to individual human error. Some relate to issues in how electronic patient record systems are designed.

    These and other reasons mean errors can arise when records are created, accessed and shared.

    A huge potential for errors

    Health-care records describe the symptoms, conditions or problems being treated. They contain details about a patient’s medication, diet, mobility, social history, family concerns, observations, test results and language spoken. Health-care workers also document the plan to restore health, and progress. So entries must be correct, complete and timely.

    However, the scale of health-related communication and documentation is vast.

    Each day on average in Australia there are more than 33,000 hospitalisations, more than 112,000 out-patient services provided and more than 24,000 visits to emergency departments.

    Each month there are millions of specialist letters and discharge summaries shared to My Health Record

    Every interaction with a health-care professional requires notes to be made in a medical record.

    For example, a patient in a metropolitan public hospital is likely to be seen by at least three teams of nurses in a day, two or more junior doctors or registrars, as well as a specialist. Physiotherapists, speech therapists and other allied health workers may also be involved in someone’s care. Health-care teams record notes on paper, in electronic health records or a combination.

    There are also the millions of medical records updated in general practice, or by allied health workers outside hospitals.

    In hospital, multiple staff work in a team, each needing to consult and update a patient’s medical record.
    Rido/Shutterstock

    What type of errors are common?

    Accurate and timely medical records are supposed to allow staff to make safe clinical decisions, and to provide high-quality and continuous care. However, errors have been discovered in several audits and studies, including those related to medications.

    One review looked at how adverse drug reactions were recorded in electronic health records at one large Australian hospital. It found half of the reactions recorded lacked the minimum information required to inform clinicians about future treatment. One-third of records misclassified the type of reaction.

    A study of medication charts in Australia and New Zealand found at least one simple error on the medication charts of about 94% of the records reviewed. These included illegible drug names, missing information and inadequate documentation of allergies.

    One study from the United States found written errors, such as unclear documentation or not using plain language, were among the most common communication errors in the records analysed.

    What happens when there are errors?

    Errors in health-care records can spread, affecting how health-care professionals communicate with each other about the patient, potentially affecting care.

    Missing or inaccurate records can affect evidence collected as part of criminal, coronial or medical negligence investigations.

    As some hospital funding relies on the number and types of patients and interventions recorded, inaccurate records can affect health budgets.

    With inaccurate records, national and international collection of correct health-care information can be compromised.

    What causes errors?

    Errors in health-care records are caused by missing or incomplete information, including when health-care workers do not document changes.

    Difficulty in quickly finding important information, or delays in reporting new information, can contribute to errors, misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. This could be due to the ease of use of the electronic health record, the bulky or disorganised paper record or that health workers are busy.

    Health-care teams report using a mixed record systems (using both paper and electronic records) can cause problems.

    Then there’s “note bloat”, when staff copy and paste information from one place to another. This allows wrong information to perpetuate. This is a well-known hazard leading to errors, stress and wasted time.

    Abbreviations used in health-care records, particularly in medication charts, can be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

    An Australian study found one in three medication errors were technology-related and due to poor design or functionality.

    A Swedish study involved patients reviewing notes in their own medical records. It found almost 36% of patients found an error and more than 26% found an omission. About 18% of patients were offended by the content of the notes.

    Errors can arise when there are both paper and electronic records.
    val lawless/Shutterstock

    What can we do?

    Improving the accuracy of medical records is not just health workers’ responsibility, although clearly they have a major role to play. Their workplaces, the IT companies that design the electronic systems, even patients, can also play a role.

    Health workers can make sure medical records are complete, accessible, accurate, readable and long-lasting.

    Workplaces, such as hospitals, can highlight in training and education the importance of documentation and how poor practices can lead to errors, and contribute to safety and quality problems.

    IT companies can design electronic health records that support how health workers need to communicate with each other, and the way they work.

    Patients can ask their health provider to correct errors found in their records, including in My Health Record.

    Sheree Lloyd 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. How accurate are my medical records? You might be surprised how often errors creep in – https://theconversation.com/how-accurate-are-my-medical-records-you-might-be-surprised-how-often-errors-creep-in-256233

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz