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  • MIL-OSI USA: 100 Days of Making America Safe Again

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: 100 Days of Making America Safe Again

    WASHINGTON – In just 100 days, President Trump and Secretary Noem have delivered major victories addressing the crisis at the southern border, removing violent criminal illegal aliens from American communities, and stopping the flow of illicit drugs into our homeland

    He’s accomplished more in 100 days than most presidents achieve in an entire term

    PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT:   

    Thanks to President Trump, we have the most secure border in American history

    On day one, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border

    President Trump immediately reinstated “Remain in Mexico” and ended catch and release

    Daily border encounters have plunged 95% since President Trump took office

    Under President Trump’s leadership, Secretary Noem and Secretary Kennedy have reunited nearly 5,000 unaccompanied children with a safe relative or guardian

    Migrants are turning BACK before they even reach our border— migration through Panama’s Darien Gap is down 99

    99%

    President Trump is finishing the border wall

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) already has 85 miles of new construction either planned or under construction

    United States (U

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    ) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U

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    Coast Guard (USCG) have seized nearly 232,000 pounds of fentanyl and other illicit drugs—stopping them from ever reaching American communities

    President Trump is fulfilling his promise to carry out mass deportations—starting with the worst of the worst

    The Trump Administration empowered our brave men and women in law enforcement to use common sense to do their jobs effectively

    DHS repealed Biden-era rules that allowed criminal aliens to hide from law enforcement in places like schools and churches to avoid arrest

      
    DHS returned to using the term “illegal alien” which is the statutory language

    President Trump will not allow political correctness to hinder law enforcement

    President Trump mobilized the federal government to help with immigration enforcement

    DHS deputized the Texas National Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Prisons, U

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    Marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, members of the State Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to assist with immigration operations

    Operation Tidal Wave, the first 287(g) enforcement operation coordinated with state and federal law enforcement partners, resulted in over 800 arrests

    DHS has secured 579 signed agreements with state and local partnerships under 287(g)

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are empowering state and local law enforcement to get these criminal illegal aliens off our streets

    The Trump Administration has arrested over 158,000 illegal aliens in 2025 alone, including more than 600 members of Tren de Aragua

    Under President Trump, U

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    Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) is targeting the worst of the worst, 75% of their arrests are criminal illegal aliens with convictions or pending charges

     
    To fulfill President Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations, the administration is now detaining some of the most dangerous illegal aliens, including violent criminals and members of terrorist gangs, at Guantanamo Bay

    At President Trump’s direction, DHS deported nearly 300 Tren de Aragua and MS-13 terrorists to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) Prison in El Salvador, where they no longer pose a threat to the American people

    At President Trump’s direction, Secretary Noem launched a multimillion-dollar nationwide and international ad campaign, urging illegal aliens to leave the U

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    voluntarily or face deportation with no chance of return

    President Trump ended the CBP One app that allowed more than one million aliens to illegally enter the U

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    The Trump Administration replaced this disastrous program with the CBP Home app, which has a new self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country

    So far, thousands of illegal aliens have used the app to self-deport

    The Trump Administration is enforcing the Alien Registration Act which requires aliens to register with the federal government

    If illegal aliens fail to comply, they face fines and imprisonment

    Deportations have already exceeded 142,000—this is just the beginning

    President Trump is putting the safety of Americans first and delivering justice for victims of illegal aliens and drug cartels

    President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the federal detention of illegal aliens accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury

    President Trump designated international drug cartels and other criminal gangs, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

    This enables a whole-of-government approach to dismantle their drug and human trafficking operations

    The days of unchecked cartel and gang violence are over

    The Trump Administration secured the extradition of 29 Mexican drug cartel members who are facing charges including racketeering, drug-trafficking, murder, illegal use of firearms, money laundering, and other crimes

    Some of these individuals include:

    Rafael Caro Quintero, alleged to have been among those responsible for the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena and others

    This cartel kingpin unleashed violence, destruction, and death across the U

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    and Mexico and spent four decades atop DEA’s most wanted fugitives list

    Martin Sotelo, alleged to have participated in the 2022 murder of Deputy Sheriff Ned Byrd

    Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, alleged to have helped lead the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación

    Ramiro Perez Moreno and Lucio Hernandez Lechuga, alleged to be high-ranking members of Los Zetas

    The Trump Administration extradited Eswin Mejia, an illegal alien arrested for killing 21-year-old Sarah Root in a drunk driving crash, from Honduras

    President Trump reopened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office, which was shuttered by the Biden Administration

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for the victims of illegal alien crime and ensuring they have access to much needed resources and support they deserve

    President Trump is restoring integrity and common sense to our legal immigration system

    President Trump ended the broad abuse of humanitarian parole and returned the program to a case-by-case basis

    As part of this effort, Secretary Noem terminated the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela parole programs

    President Trump restored integrity to our immigration system by returning the Temporary Protect Status (TPS) immigration program to its original status: temporary

    No longer will this program be abused and exploited by illegal aliens

    Secretary Noem rescinded the previous administration’s extension of Venezuelan, Haitian, and Afghan TPS

    President Trump is returning common sense to our legal immigration system and national security by revoking visas of terrorist sympathizers

    Those who glorify and support terrorists who kill Americans are not welcome in the U

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    Some examples include:

    ICE arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student who led activities aligned with Hamas and passed out pro-Hamas propaganda flyers

    Dr

    Rasha Alawieh was deported after she admitted to attending the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, a brutal terrorist who led Hezbollah and was responsible for killing hundreds of Americans

    ICE arrested Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown foreign exchange student whose father-in-law is a senior advisor to Hamas

    To keep America safe, DHS is now conducting enhanced vetting of visa applicants, including monitoring foreign aliens’ social media accounts to identify any support for terrorist organizations

    President Trump is using tariffs as a negotiating tool to force other countries to take decisive action that puts American safety, prosperity, and national security first

    President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on countries that have been ripping off America for years

    Unfair trade practices made our supply chain dependent on foreign adversaries, eroded our industrial base, and hurt American workers

    This has gravely impacted our national security

    Now, President Trump is fighting back and putting America first

    President Trump’s tariffs forced Mexico to deploy 10,000 troops on our southern border to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal aliens into our country and Canada to add thousands of personnel to the northern border

    Under President Trump, Secretary Noem refocused DHS to its core mission of protecting the American homeland and eliminating government waste

    The USCG eliminated an ineffective information technology (IT) program, saving nearly $33 million, and is now focusing resources where they’re most needed to protect our homeland

    The Trump Administration stopped aliens on the Terror Watchlist from receiving Medicaid benefits

    Secretary Noem ended the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) FEMA grant program that was wasteful and ineffective

    This resulted in nearly a billion dollars being directed to the Disaster Relief Fund

    To stop policies that were magnets for illegal immigration, DHS froze all funding to non-governmental organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and announced a partnership with the U

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    Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure taxpayer dollars do not go to housing illegal aliens

    Secretary Noem ended collective bargaining for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Security Officers, which constrained TSA’s chief mission to safeguard our transportation systems and keep Americans safe

    Bottom Line: President Trump campaigned on border security and immigration enforcement, the American people voted for it, and Secretary Noem and DHS are delivering beyond anyone’s expectations

    President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue fighting every day to secure our border and keep American communities safe

    This is just the beginning of a new Golden Age of America

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Juno Mission Gets Under Jupiter’s and Io’s Surface

    Source: NASA

    New data from the agency’s Jovian orbiter sheds light on the fierce winds and cyclones of the gas giant’s northern reaches and volcanic action on its fiery moon.
    NASA’s Juno mission has gathered new findings after peering below Jupiter’s cloud-covered atmosphere and the surface of its fiery moon, Io. Not only has the data helped develop a new model to better understand the fast-moving jet stream that encircles Jupiter’s cyclone-festooned north pole, it’s also revealed for the first time the subsurface temperature profile of Io, providing insights into the moon’s inner structure and volcanic activity.
    Team members presented the findings during a news briefing in Vienna on Tuesday, April 29, at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly.
    “Everything about Jupiter is extreme. The planet is home to gigantic polar cyclones bigger than Australia, fierce jet streams, the most volcanic body in our solar system, the most powerful aurora, and the harshest radiation belts,” said Scott Bolton, principal investigator of Juno at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. “As Juno’s orbit takes us to new regions of Jupiter’s complex system, we’re getting a closer look at the immensity of energy this gas giant wields.”

    Lunar Radiator
    While Juno’s microwave radiometer (MWR) was designed to peer beneath Jupiter’s cloud tops, the team has also trained the instrument on Io, combining its data with Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) data for deeper insights.
    “The Juno science team loves to combine very different datasets from very different instruments and see what we can learn,” said Shannon Brown, a Juno scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. “When we incorporated the MWR data with JIRAM’s infrared imagery, we were surprised by what we saw: evidence of still-warm magma that hasn’t yet solidified below Io’s cooled crust. At every latitude and longitude, there were cooling lava flows.”
    The data suggests that about 10% of the moon’s surface has these remnants of slowly cooling lava just below the surface. The result may help provide insight into how the moon renews its surface so quickly as well as how as well as how heat moves from its deep interior to the surface.
    “Io’s volcanos, lava fields, and subterranean lava flows act like a car radiator,” said Brown, “efficiently moving heat from the interior to the surface, cooling itself down in the vacuum of space.”
    Looking at JIRAM data alone, the team also determined that the most energetic eruption in Io’s history (first identified by the infrared imager during Juno’s Dec. 27, 2024, Io flyby) was still spewing lava and ash as recently as March 2. Juno mission scientists believe it remains active today and expect more observations on May 6, when the solar-powered spacecraft flies by the fiery moon at a distance of about 55,300 miles (89,000 kilometers).

    Colder Climes
    On its 53rd orbit (Feb 18, 2023), Juno began radio occultation experiments to explore the gas giant’s atmospheric temperature structure. With this technique, a radio signal is transmitted from Earth to Juno and back, passing through Jupiter’s atmosphere on both legs of the journey. As the planet’s atmospheric layers bend the radio waves, scientists can precisely measure the effects of this refraction to derive detailed information about the temperature and density of the atmosphere.
    So far, Juno has completed 26 radio occultation soundings. Among the most compelling discoveries: the first-ever temperature measurement of Jupiter’s north polar stratospheric cap reveals the region is about 11 degrees Celsius cooler than its surroundings and is encircled by winds exceeding 100 mph (161 kph).
    Polar Cyclones
    The team’s recent findings also focus on the cyclones that haunt Jupiter’s north. Years of data from the JunoCam visible light imager and JIRAM have allowed Juno scientists to observe the long-term movement of Jupiter’s massive northern polar cyclone and the eight cyclones that encircle it. Unlike hurricanes on Earth, which typically occur in isolation and at lower latitudes, Jupiter’s are confined to the polar region.
    By tracking the cyclones’ movements across multiple orbits, the scientists observed that each storm gradually drifts toward the pole due to a process called “beta drift” (the interaction between the Coriolis force and the cyclone’s circular wind pattern). This is similar to how hurricanes on our planet migrate, but Earthly cyclones break up before reaching the pole due to the lack of warm, moist air needed to fuel them, as well as the weakening of the Coriolis force near the poles. What’s more, Jupiter’s cyclones cluster together while approaching the pole, and their motion slows as they begin interacting with neighboring cyclones.
    “These competing forces result in the cyclones ‘bouncing’ off one another in a manner reminiscent of springs in a mechanical system,” said Yohai Kaspi, a Juno co-investigator from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. “This interaction not only stabilizes the entire configuration, but also causes the cyclones to oscillate around their central positions, as they slowly drift westward, clockwise, around the pole.”
    The new atmospheric model helps explain the motion of cyclones not only on Jupiter, but potentially on other planets, including Earth.
    “One of the great things about Juno is its orbit is ever-changing, which means we get a new vantage point each time as we perform a science flyby,” said Bolton. “In the extended mission, that means we’re continuing to go where no spacecraft has gone before, including spending more time in the strongest planetary radiation belts in the solar system. It’s a little scary, but we’ve built Juno like a tank and are learning more about this intense environment each time we go through it.”
    More About Juno
    NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages the Juno mission for the principal investigator, Scott Bolton, of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. Juno is part of NASA’s New Frontiers Program, which is managed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The Italian Space Agency funded the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper. Lockheed Martin Space in Denver built and operates the spacecraft. Various other institutions around the U.S. provided several of the other scientific instruments on Juno.
    More information about Juno is at: https://www.nasa.gov/juno
    News Media Contacts
    DC AgleJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-393-9011agle@jpl.nasa.gov
    Karen Fox / Molly WasserNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov
    Deb SchmidSouthwest Research Institute, San Antonio210-522-2254dschmid@swri.org
    2025-062

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Lunar Drill Technology Passes Tests on the Moon

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s PRIME-1 (Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment 1) mission was designed to demonstrate technologies to help scientists better understand lunar resources ahead of crewed Artemis missions to the Moon. During the short-lived mission on the Moon, the performance of PRIME-1’s technology gave NASA teams reason to celebrate.  
    “The PRIME-1 mission proved that our hardware works in the harshest environment we’ve ever tested it in,” said Janine Captain, PRIME-1 co-principal investigator and research chemist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. “While it may not have gone exactly to plan, this is a huge step forward as we prepare to send astronauts back to the Moon and build a sustainable future there.” 
    Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission launched to the Moon on Feb. 26, 2025, from NASA Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39A, as part of the company’s second Moon delivery for NASA under the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign. The IM-2 Nova-C lunar lander, named Athena, carried PRIME-1 and its suite of two instruments: a drill known as TRIDENT (The Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain), designed to bring lunar soil to the surface; and a mass spectrometer, Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations (MSOLO), to study TRIDENT’s drill cuttings for the presence of gases that could one day help provide propellant or breathable oxygen to future Artemis explorers.  
    The IM-2 mission touched down on the lunar surface on March 6, just around 1,300 feet (400 meters) from its intended landing site of Mons Mouton, a lunar plateau near the Moon’s South Pole. The Athena lander was resting on its side inside a crater preventing it from recharging its solar cells, resulting in an end of the mission.
    “We were supposed to have 10 days of operation on the Moon, and what we got was closer to 10 hours,” said Julie Kleinhenz, NASA’s lead systems engineer for PRIME-1, as well as the in-situ resource utilization system capability lead deputy for the agency. “It was 10 hours more than most people get so I am thrilled to have been a part of it.” 
    Kleinhenz has spent nearly 20 years working on how to use lunar resources for sustained operations. In-situ resource utilization harnesses local natural resources at mission destinations. This enables fewer launches and resupply missions and significantly reduces the mass, cost, and risk of space exploration. With NASA poised to send humans back to the Moon and on to Mars, generating products for life support, propellants, construction, and energy from local materials will become increasingly important to future mission success.  
    “In-situ resource utilization is the key to unlocking long-term exploration, and PRIME-1 is helping us lay this foundation for future travelers.” Captain said.
    The PRIME-1 technology also set out to answer questions about the properties of lunar regolith, such as soil strength. This data could help inform the design of in-situ resource utilization systems that would use local resources to create everything from landing pads to rocket fuel during Artemis and later missions.  
    “Once we got to the lunar surface, TRIDENT and MSOLO both started right up, and performed perfectly. From a technology demonstrations standpoint, 100% of the instruments worked.” Kleinhenz said.
    The lightweight, low-power augering drill built by Honeybee Robotics, known as TRIDENT, is 1 meter long and features rotary and percussive actuators that convert energy into the force needed to drill. The drill was designed to stop at any depth as commanded from the ground and deposit its sample on the surface for analysis by MSOLO, a commercial off-the-shelf mass spectrometer modified by engineers and technicians at NASA Kennedy to withstand the harsh lunar environment. Designed to measure the composition of gases in the vicinity of the lunar lander, both from the lander and from the ambient exosphere, MSOLO can help NASA analyze the chemical makeup of the lunar soil and study water on the surface of the Moon.  
    Once on the Moon, the actuators on the drill performed as designed, completing multiple stages of movement necessary to drill into the lunar surface. Prompted by commands from technicians on Earth, the auger rotated, the drill extended to its full range, the percussion system performed a hammering motion, and the PRIME-1 team turned on an embedded core heater in the drill and used internal thermal sensors to monitor the temperature change.
    While MSOLO was able to perform several scans to detect gases, researchers believe from the initial data that the gases detected were all anthropogenic, or human in origin, such as gases vented from spacecraft propellants and traces of Earth water. Data from PRIME-1 accounted for some of the approximately 7.5 gigabytes of data collected during the IM-2 mission, and researchers will continue to analyze the data in the coming months and publish the results.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Technology Enables Leaps in Artificial Intelligence

    Source: NASA

    Artificial intelligence lets machines communicate autonomously

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly, as intelligent software proves capable of various tasks. The technology usually requires a “human in the loop” to train it and ensure accuracy. But long before the arrival of today’s generative artificial intelligence, a different kind of AI was born with the help of NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley — one that only exists between machines, running without any human intervention.
    In 2006, Geoffrey Barnard founded Machine-to-Machine Intelligence Corp. (M2Mi) at Ames’ NASA Research Park, envisioning an automated, satellite-based communication network. NASA Ames established a Space Act Agreement with the company to develop artificial intelligence that would automate communications, privacy, security, and resiliency between satellites and ground-based computers.
    Central to the technology was automating a problem-solving approach known as root cause analysis, which NASA has honed over decades. This methodology seeks to identify not only the immediate cause of a problem but also all the factors that contributed to the cause. This would allow a network to identify its own issues and fix itself. 
    NASA Ames’ director of nanotechnology at the time wanted to develop a communications network based on small, low-powered satellites, so Ames supported M2Mi in developing the necessary technology. 
    Barnard, now CEO and chief technology officer of Tiburon, California-based branch of M2Mi, said NASA’s support laid the foundation for his company, which employs the same technology in a ground-based network. 
    The company’s M2M Intelligence software performs secure, resilient, automated communications on a system that runs across hundreds of networks, connecting thousands of devices, many of which were not built to communicate with each other. The M2Mi company worked with Vodafone of Berkshire, England, to build a worldwide network across more than 500 smaller networks in over 190 countries. The companies M2M Wireless and TriGlobal have begun using M2M Intelligence for transportation logistics. 
    With NASA’s help, emerging industries are getting the boost they need to rapidly develop technologies to enhance our lives. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Soars to New Heights in First 100 Days of Trump Administration

    Source: NASA

    Today is the 100th day of the Trump-Vance Administration after being inaugurated on Jan. 20. In his inaugural address, President Trump laid out a bold and ambitious vision for NASA’s future throughout his second term, saying, “We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.” NASA has spent the first 100 days in relentless pursuit of this goal, continually exploring, innovating, and inspiring for the benefit of humanity.
    “In just 100 days, under the bold leadership of President Trump and acting Administrator Janet Petro, NASA has continued to further American innovation in space,” said Bethany Stevens, NASA press secretary. “From expediting the return of American astronauts home after an extended stay aboard the state-of-the-art International Space Station, to bringing two new nations on as signatories of the Artemis Accords, to the historic SPHEREx mission launch that takes us one step closer to mapping the secrets of the universe, NASA continues to lead on the world stage. Here at NASA, we’re putting the America First agenda into play amongst the stars, ensuring the United States wins the space race at this critical juncture in time.”
    A litany of victories in the first 100 days set the stage for groundbreaking success throughout the remainder of the term. Read more about NASA’s cutting-edge work in this short, yet dynamic, period of time below:
    Bringing Astronauts Home Safely, Space Station Milestones

    America brought Crew-9 safely home. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams, and Nick Hague, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth after a successful mission aboard the International Space Station, splashing down in the Gulf of America. Their safe return reflects America’s unwavering commitment to the agency’s astronauts and mission success.
    A new, American-led mission launched to space. The agency’s Crew-10 mission is currently aboard the space station, with NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, joined by international partners from Japan and Russia. NASA continues to demonstrate American leadership and the power of space diplomacy as we maintain a continuous human presence in orbit.
    The agency welcomed home NASA astronaut Don Pettit, concluding a seven-month science mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. Pettit landed at 6:20 a.m. Kazakhstan time, April 20 on his 70th birthday, making him NASA’s oldest active astronaut and the third oldest person to reach orbit.
    NASA astronaut Jonny Kim launched and arrived safely at the International Space Station, marking the start of his first space mission. Over eight months, he’ll lead groundbreaking research that advances science and improves life on Earth, proving once again that Americans are built to lead in space.
    The four members of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-11, NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov were named by NASA. Launching no earlier than July 2025, this mission continues America’s leadership in long-duration human spaceflight while strengthening critical global partnerships.
    NASA announced Chris Williams will launch in November 2025 for his first spaceflight. His upcoming mission underscores the pipeline of American talent ready to explore space and expand our presence beyond Earth.
    NASA is inviting U.S. industry to propose two new private astronaut missions to the space station in 2026 and 2027 – building toward a future where American companies sustain a continuous human presence in space and advance our national space economy.
    NASA and SpaceX launched the 32nd Commercial Resupply Services mission, delivering 6,700 pounds of cargo to the International Space Station. These investments in science and technology continue to strengthen America’s leadership in low Earth orbit. The payload supports cutting-edge research, including:

    New maneuvers for free-flying robots

    An advanced air quality monitoring system

    Two atomic clocks to explore relativity and ultra-precise timekeeping

    Sending Humans to Moon, Mars

    Teams began hot fire testing the first of three 12-kW Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) thrusters. These high-efficiency thrusters are a cornerstone of next-generation spaceflight, as they offer greater fuel economy and mission flexibility than traditional chemical propulsion, making them an asset for long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. For Mars in particular, SEP enables three key elements required for success:

    Sustained cargo transport

    Orbital maneuvering

    Transit operations

    NASA completed the fourth Entry Descent and Landing technology test in three months, accelerating innovation to achieve precision landings on Mars’ thin atmosphere and rugged terrain.
    NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications experiment aboard Psyche broke new ground, enabling the high-bandwidth connections vital for communications with crewed missions to Mars.
    Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission One successfully delivered 10 NASA payloads to the Moon, advancing landing, autonomy, and data collection skills for Mars missions.
    Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission achieved the southernmost lunar landing, collecting critical data from challenging terrain to inform Mars exploration strategies.
    NASA cameras aboard Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander captured unprecedented footage of engine plume-surface interactions, offering vital data for designing safer landings on the Moon and Mars.
    The agency’s Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies (SCALPSS) 1.1 aboard Blue Ghost collected more than 9,000 images of lunar descent, providing insights on lander impacts and terrain interaction to guide future spacecraft design.
    New SCALPSS hardware delivered for Blue Origin’s Blue Mark 1 mission also is enhancing lunar landing models, helping build precision landing systems for the Moon and Mars. The LuGRE (Lunar Global Navigation Satellite System Receiver Experiment) on Blue Ghost acquired Earth navigation signals from the Moon, advancing autonomous positioning systems crucial for lunar and Mars operations.
    The Electrodynamic Dust Shield successfully cleared lunar dust, demonstrating a critical technology for protecting equipment on the Moon and Mars.
    Astronauts aboard the space station conducted studies to advance understanding of how to keep crews healthy on long-duration Mars missions.
    NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture Workshop gathered industry, academic, and international partners to refine exploration plans and identify collaboration opportunities.

    Artemis Milestones

    NASA completed stacking the twin solid rocket boosters for Artemis II, the mission that will send American astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. This is a powerful step toward returning our nation to deep space.
    At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, teams joined the core stage with the solid rocket boosters inside the Vehicle Assembly Building.
    Engineers lifted the launch vehicle stage adapter atop the SLS (Space Launch System) core stage, connecting key systems that will soon power NASA’s return to the Moon.
    Teams received the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage and moved the SLS core stage into the transfer aisle, clearing another milestone as the agency prepares to fully integrate America’s most powerful rocket.
    NASA attached the solar array wings that will help power the Orion spacecraft on its journey around the Moon, laying the groundwork for humanity’s next giant leap.
    Technicians installed the protective fairings on Orion’s service module to shield the spacecraft during its intense launch and ascent phase, as NASA prepares to send astronauts farther than any have gone in more than half a century.
    The agency’s next-generation mobile launcher continues to take shape, with the sixth of 10 massive modules being installed. This structure will carry future Artemis rockets to the launch pad.
    NASA and the Department of Defense teamed up aboard the USS Somerset for Artemis II recovery training, ensuring the agency and its partners are ready to safely retrieve Artemis astronauts after their historic mission around the Moon.
    NASA unveiled the Artemis II mission patch. The patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all.

    America First in Space

    NASA announced the first major science results from asteroid Bennu, revealing ingredients essential for life, a discovery made possible by U.S. leadership in planetary science through the OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer) mission. The team found salty brines, 14 of the 20 amino acids used to make proteins, and all five DNA nucleobases, suggesting that the conditions and ingredients for life were widespread in our early solar system. And this is just the beginning – these results were from analysis of only 0.06% of the sample.
    NASA was named one of TIME’s Best Companies for Future Leaders, underscoring the agency’s role in cultivating the next generation of American innovators.
    NASA awarded contracts to U.S. industry supporting Earth science missions,  furthering our understanding of the planet while strengthening America’s industrial base.
    As part of the Air Traffic Management-Exploration project, NASA supported Boeing’s test of digital and autonomous taxiing with a Cessna Caravan at Moffett Federal Airfield. The test used real-time simulations from the agency’s Future Flight Central to gather data that will help Boeing refine its systems and safely integrate advanced technologies into national airspace, demonstrating American aviation leadership.
    NASA successfully completed its automated space traffic coordination objectives between the agency’s four Starling spacecraft and SpaceX’s Starlink constellation. Teams demonstrated four risk mitigation maneuvers, autonomously resolving close approaches between two spacecraft with different owner/operators.  
    In collaboration with the National Institute of Aeronautics, NASA selected eight finalists in a university competition aimed at designing innovative aviation solutions that can help the agriculture industry. NASA’s Gateways to Blue Skies seeks ways to apply American aircraft and aviation technology to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and resiliency of American farms. 
    In Houston, United Airlines pilots successfully conducted operational tests of NASA-developed technologies designed to reduce flight delays. Using technologies from the Air Traffic Management Exploration project, pilots flew efficient re-routes, avoiding airspace with bad weather upon departure. United plans to expand the use of these capabilities, another example of how NASA innovations benefit all humanity. 
    On March 11, NASA’s newest astrophysics observatory, SPHEREx, launched on its journey to answer fundamental questions about our universe, thanks to the dedication and expertise of the agency’s team. Riding aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, SPHEREx will scan the entire sky to study how galaxies formed, search for the building blocks of life, and look back to the universe’s earliest moments. After launch, SPHEREx turned on its detectors, and everything is performing as expected.

    Also onboard were four small satellites for NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, which will help scientists understand how the Sun’s outer atmosphere becomes solar wind. These missions reflect the best of the agency – pushing the boundaries of discovery and expanding our understanding of the cosmos.

    On March 14, NASA’s EZIE (Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer) mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This trio of small satellites will study auroral electrojets, or intense electric currents flowing high above Earth’s poles, helping the agency better understand space weather and its effects on our planet. The mission has taken its first measurements, demonstrating that the spacecraft and onboard instrument are working as expected.
    The X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft cleared another hurdle on its way to first flight. The team successfully completed an engine speed hold test, confirming the “cruise control” system functions as designed. 
    NASA researchers successfully tested a prototype that could help responders fight and monitor wildfires, even in low-visibility conditions. The Portable Airspace Management System, developed by NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations project, safely coordinated simulated operations involving drones and other aircraft, tackling a major challenge for those on the front lines. This is just one example of how NASA’s innovation is making a difference where it’s needed most. 
    NASA’s Parker Solar Probe completed its 23rd close approach to the Sun, coming within 3.8 million miles of the solar surface while traveling at 430,000 miles per hour – matching its own records for distance and speed. That same day, Parker Solar Probe was awarded the prestigious Collier Trophy, a well-earned recognition for its groundbreaking contributions to heliophysics. 
    In response to severe weather that impacted more than 10 states earlier this month, the NASA Disasters Response Coordination System activated to support national partners. NASA worked closely with the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency serving the central and southeastern U.S. to provide satellite data and expertise that help communities better prepare, respond, and recover. 
    As an example of how NASA’s research today is shaping the transportation of tomorrow, the agency’s aeronautics engineers began a flight test campaign focused on safely integrating air taxis into the national airspace. Using a Joby Aviation demonstrator aircraft, engineers are helping standardize flight test maneuvers, improving tools to assist with collision avoidance and landing operations, and ensuring safe and efficient air taxis operations in various weather conditions.
    NASA premiered “Planetary Defenders,” a new documentary that follows the dedicated team behind asteroid detection and planetary defense. The film debuted at an event at the agency’s headquarters with digital creators, interagency and international partners, and now is streaming on NASA+, YouTube, and X. In its first 24 hours, it saw 25,000 views on YouTube – 75% above average – and reached 4 million impressions on X. 
    Finland became the 53rd nation to sign the Artemis Accords, reaffirming its commitment to the peaceful, transparent, and responsible exploration of space. This milestone underscores the growing global coalition led by the United States to establish a sustainable and cooperative presence beyond Earth.
    In Dhaka, Bangladesh, NASA welcomed a new signatory to the Artemis Accords. Bangladesh became the 54th nation to commit to the peaceful, safe, and responsible exploration of space. It’s a milestone that reflects our shared values and growing global momentum, reaffirming the United States’ leadership in building a global coalition for peaceful space exploration. 
    At NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, engineers conducted calibration flights for a new shock-sensing probe that will support future flight tests of the X-59 quiet supersonic demonstrator. Mounted on a research F-15D that will follow the X-59 closely in flight, the probe will gather data on the shock waves the X-59 generates, providing important data about its ability to fly faster than sound, but produce only a quiet thump.
    In its second asteroid encounter, Lucy flew by the asteroid Donaldjohanson and gave NASA a close look at a uniquely shaped fragment dating back 150 million years – an impressive performance ahead of its main mission target in 2027.
    A celebration of decades of discovery, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 35th anniversary with new observations ranging from nearby solar system objects to distant galaxies – proof that Hubble continues to inspire wonder and advance our understanding of the universe.
    The SPHEREx team rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, spotlighting NASA’s newest space telescope and its bold mission to explore the origins of the universe.
    NASA received six Webby Awards and six People’s Voice Awards across platforms – recognition of America’s excellence in digital engagement and public communication.
    The NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed and Advanced Air Transport Technology project concluded testing of a 2.5-megawatt Wright Electric motor designed to eventually serve large aircraft. The testing used the project’s capabilities to simulate altitude conditions of up to 40,000 feet while the electric motor, the most powerful tested so far at the facility, ran at both full voltage and partial power. NASA partnered with the Department of Energy on the tests.
    U.S. entities can now request the Glenn Icing Computational Environment (GlennICE) tool from the NASA Software Catalog and discover solutions to icing challenges for novel engine and aircraft designs. A 3D computational tool, GlennICE allows engineers to integrate icing-related considerations earlier in the aircraft design process and enable safer, more efficient designs while saving costs in the design process.

    For more about NASA’s mission, visit:

    Home Page

    -end-
    Bethany StevensHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Media to Agency’s 25th Annual Student Launch Challenge

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s annual Student Launch challenge will bring middle school, high school, and college students from around the country together to launch high-powered rockets and payloads. On Saturday, May 3, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. CDT (or until the last rocket launches), student teams will convene for the agency’s 25th annual challenge at Bragg Farms in Toney, Alabama, near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. 

    Live streaming will begin at 8:20 a.m. CDT on NASA Marshall YouTube.
    Media interested in covering Student Launch events should contact Taylor Goodwin at 938-210-2891.
    Winners will be announced June 9 during a virtual awards ceremony once all teams’ flight data has been verified.
    Seventy-one teams participated this year; 47 teams are expected to launch in-person. Teams not traveling to Alabama are allowed to conduct final test flights at a qualified launch field near them.
    Schedule of Events:
    Rocket Fair: Friday, May 2, 2025, 3-6 p.m. at the Von Braun Center East Hall.A free event for the public to view rockets and meet the student teams.
    Launch Day: Saturday, May 3, 2025, gates open at 7 a.m. and the event runs from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (or until last rocket launch) at Bragg Farms, in Toney, Alabama. This is a free public event with live rocket launches. Please be weather aware. Lawn chairs are recommended. Pets are not permitted.
    Back-up Launch Day: Sunday, May 4, 2025, is reserved as a back-up launch day in case of inclement weather. If needed, the event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (or until last rocket launches) at Bragg Farms.

    [embedded content]

    About the Competition
    Student Launch provides relevant, cost-effective research and development of rocket propulsion systems and reflects the goals of NASA’s Artemis Program, which will establish the first long-term presence on the Moon and pave the way for eventual Mars missions.
    Each year, the payload component changes to reflect current NASA missions. As Student Launch celebrates its 25th anniversary, the payload challenge will include “reports” from STEMnauts, non-living objects representing astronauts. The STEMnaut “crew” must relay real-time data to the student team’s mission control, just as the Artemis astronaut crew will do as they explore the lunar surface.  
    Eligible teams compete for prizes and awards and are scored in nearly a dozen categories including safety, vehicle design, social media presence, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) engagement.
    Marshall’s Office of STEM Engagement hosts Student Launch to encourage students to pursue careers in STEM through real-world experiences. Student Launch is a part of the agency’s Artemis Student Challenges– a variety of activities exposing students to the knowledge and technology required to achieve the goals of the Artemis missions.
    In addition to the NASA Office of STEM Engagement’s Next Gen STEM project, NASA Space Operations Mission Directorate, Northrup Grumman, National Space Club Huntsville, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Association of Rocketry, Relativity Space and Bastion Technologies provide funding and leadership for the competition.
    For more information about Student Launch, please visit:https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-student-launch/
    Taylor Goodwin NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama256-544-0034taylor.goodwin@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Offers Assistance for April Storm Survivors in Kentucky

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Offers Assistance for April Storm Survivors in Kentucky

    FEMA Offers Assistance for April Storm Survivors in Kentucky

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – FEMA is offering a wide variety of help to people affected by the April severe storms in Kentucky

    Every homeowner or renter who suffered damage or loss is encouraged to apply

    Money provided by FEMA does not have to be repaid

    FEMA can provide money to eligible applicants for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance

    Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster

    The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts

    Money provided by FEMA may include:Serious Needs: Money for lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation

    Displacement: Money to help with housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster

    The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while you look for a rental unit

    Home Repair or Replacement: Money to help you repair or replace your home damaged by the disaster

    The money can also help with pre-existing damage to parts of your home where the disaster caused further damage

    Rental Assistance: Money you can use to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster

    Personal Property: Money to help you repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster

    This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, additional computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment

    Child Care: Money to help you pay for increased or childcare expenses caused by the disaster

    Transportation: Money to help you repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle you can use

    Moving and Storage Expenses: Money to help you move and store personal property from your home to prevent additional damage

    Applicants should keep their current contact information on file with FEMA as the agency may need to schedule a home inspection or get additional information

    How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceSurvivors in the Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties who have disaster-caused damage or loss from the April storm can apply for federal disaster assistance under the major disaster declaration DR-4864 in several ways:Online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Visit any Disaster Recovery Center

    To find a center close to you, visit fema

    gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”)

    Use the FEMA mobile app

    FEMA works with every household on a case-by-case basis

    Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    It is open 7 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    Eastern Daylight Time

    Help is available in many languages

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service

     Apply Separately for Each DisasterWhen two or more disasters are declared in the same state, FEMA ensures survivors receive all eligible assistance while preventing a duplication of federal benefits

    Disaster survivors affected by multiple disasters should apply with FEMA separately for each individual disaster

     When applying for FEMA assistance, be sure to specify the damage and the date it occurred to ensure you are applying under the correct declaration number

    DR-4860-KY for the severe storms, straight-line winds, landslides and mudslides that occurred from Feb14 – March 7

    Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson, Woodford counties may be eligible

    The deadline to apply under DR-4860-KY is May 25

    DR-4864-KY for the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred on April 2 and continuing

    Homeowners and renters in the Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties may be eligible

    The deadline to apply under DR-4864-KY is June 25

    Homeowners and renters in Woodford County may be eligible for federal assistance under DR-4860-KY or/and DR-4864-KY

    If you had property damage or loss in Woodford County from the February severe incident, and then again from the April severe incident, you will need to complete two separate disaster assistance applications

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Tue, 04/29/2025 – 13:47

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In the Starlight: Jason Phillips’ Unexpected Path to Johnson Procurement

    Source: NASA

    Sometimes an unexpected turn in a carefully planned career path leads to surprising opportunities for growth and exciting new experiences. For Jason Phillips, that turn steered toward NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

    Phillips joined the U.S. Air Force in 1994 and planned to serve for at least 20 years, but in 2010—while preparing for a third deployment after 14 years of service—he found himself facing a medical separation from the military. “In a very short amount of time I had to figure out next steps for a career and lifestyle that no longer involved being an active duty servicemember,” he said.
    Thanks to a special hiring authority obtained by Peterson Air Force Base’s Office of Procurement, Phillips was able to transition to the civil service and apply his experience as an Air Force contracting officer to a new role. Phillips returned home to Houston and shifted from a Defense Department job to NASA as a contract specialist, spending his first 10 years at Johnson supporting all aspects of the Center Operations Directorate. He was then tasked with the challenge of serving as a lead contracting officer within Johnson’s procurement office for the International Space Station Program.  
    Phillips currently leads a team of highly skilled acquisition professionals who support a variety of contracts that sustain the International Space Station’s operations, maximize science conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory, and pave the way for a seamless transition to commercial low Earth orbit destinations. He oversees the team’s daily work, which includes strategic planning and acquisition of contracts valued at more than $21 billion. Specifically, the team handles NASA’s Cargo Resupply Services contracts, a cooperative agreement with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, and the Research, Engineering & Mission Integration Services-2 contract.

     “I am responsible for providing high-quality procurement products, services, and support to ensure that executive and technical customer needs are met and exceeded while maintaining compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and guidelines,” he said. That work has included modifying the program’s original acquisition strategy to minimize delays, target cost savings, and emphasize critical infrastructure and services such as the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems aboard the space station.
    Phillips enjoys seeing the direct impact of his work. “This career field almost always allows me to see the fruits of my labor, whether I am procuring office supplies and equipment or managing construction projects,” he said, noting that the remodeling of Johnson’s building 20 was his first project at the center. He is also proud to have supported the career progression of fellow procurement professionals and technical staff. “It’s a nod to those who came before me and provided me with their leadership and technical knowledge of procurement.”

    Phillips said that staying humble and accountable is key to finding mission-focused solutions that benefit everyone. He also cautioned against making assumptions. “The people around you are very willing to offer thoughts and insights into a solution to your problem,” he said. “There is so much knowledge to be gained by listening.”
    He encourages the Artemis Generation to seek opportunities to expand their technical knowledge and grow professionally. “Help yourself so that you may help others.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Provides April 2025 Production and Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – New private debt facility with a division of Macquarie Group for up to $300 million to fund initial HPC project development at Panther Creek, validating the attractiveness of Bitfarms’ potential HPC data center development pipeline-

    –Operational hashrate of 19.5 EHuM and fleet efficiency of 19 w/TH–

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s second amended and restated prospectus supplement dated December 17, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, Ontario, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF), a global energy and compute infrastructure company, today issued its latest monthly production report. All financial references are in U.S. dollars.

    CEO Ben Gagnon stated, “In April, we secured an attractive financing facility for up to $300 million with a division of Macquarie Group, one of the world’s largest and most reputable infrastructure investors. These funds will be used solely to fund HPC data center development at our Panther Creek location. Panther Creek has the scale, location, power availability, and fiber connectivity that we expect will attract notable HPC counterparties. This site also has the quickest energization timeline of our three PA sites, and we are already working on the Site Map Plans, development timelines and renderings needed in order to begin to build out the powered land.

    “We are confident this partnership will not only accelerate our buildout at Panther Creek, but also open doors to future opportunities with Macquarie as we look to scale our project and potentially expand to other sites within our portfolio. Amidst the surging AI revolution and the growing demand for power and infrastructure, this financing arrives at a pivotal time. We believe the analyses provided by our strategic partners, ASG and WWT, along with Macquarie’s due diligence and industry expertise, validate our HPC opportunity thesis at Panther Creek, strengthen our HPC pipeline and strategy, and position Bitfarms as a market leader in sourcing and developing large-scale, high-quality HPC data center projects.

    “Our Bitcoin business is strong, and we remain bullish on mining economics with our newly upgraded mining fleet.  We have no need nor plans for a large miner purchase in 2025 or 2026, enabling us to focus our efforts on developing U.S. energy and HPC infrastructure, which we believe will create lasting shareholder value.”

    April 2025 Select Operating Highlights

    Key Performance Indicators April 2025 March 2025
    (proforma)
    Total BTC earned 268 280
    Month End Operating EHuM 19.5 19.5
    BTC/Avg. EH/s 16 17
    Average Operating EHuM 17.2 16.4
    Energized Capacity (MW) 461 461
    Watts/Terahash Efficiency (w/TH) 19 19
    • 19.5 EHuM operational at April 30, 2025.
    • 17.2 EHuM average operational, up 5% M/M.
    • 16 BTC/average EHuM, 6% lower M/M.
    • 268 BTC earned, 4% lower M/M.
    • 8.9 BTC earned daily on average, equal to ~$837,000 per day based on a BTC price of $94,000 at April 30, 2025.

    April 2025 Financial Update

    • Treasury of 1,005 BTC, down from 1,140 BTC last month and representing $94 million based on the Bitcoin price of $94,000 at April 30, 2025.

    About Bitfarms Ltd.
    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global energy and compute infrastructure company that develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated HPC and Bitcoin mining data centers. Bitfarms currently has 15 operating Bitcoin data centers situated in four countries: the United States, Canada, Argentina and Paraguay.

    Powered primarily by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    https://x.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Glossary of Terms

    • Y/Y or M/M= year over year or month over month
    • BTC or BTC/day = Bitcoin or Bitcoin per day
    • EH or EH/s = Exahash or exahash per second
    • EHuM = Exahash Under Management, which includes Bitfarms’ proprietary hashrate and hashrate being hosted by Bitfarms for third-party hosting clients
    • MW or MWh = Megawatts or megawatt hour
    • GW or GWh= Gigawatts or gigawatt hour
    • w/TH = Watts/Terahash efficiency (includes cost of powering supplementary equipment)
    • HPC/AI = High Performance Computing / Artificial Intelligence
    • Energized capacity= Power available

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding the North American energy and compute infrastructure strategy, opportunities relating to the potential of the Company’s data centers for HPC/AI opportunities, the potential to deploy the proceeds of the Macquarie Group financing facility at the Panther Creek location, the merits and ability to secure long-term contracts associated with HPC/AI customers, the success of the Company’s HPC/AI strategy in general and its ability to capitalize on growing demand for AI computing while securing predictable cash flows and revenue diversification, the Company’s energy pipeline and its anticipated megawatt growth, the Company’s ability to drive greater shareholder value, projected growth, target hashrate, and other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information.

    Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information.

    This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of Bitfarms at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Bitfarms to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors, risks and uncertainties include, among others: an inability to apply the Company’s data centers to HPC/AI opportunities on a profitable basis; a failure to secure long-term contracts associated with HPC/AI customers on terms which are economic or at all; the construction and operation of new facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion of existing facilities may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; an inability to satisfy the Panther Creek location related milestones which are conditions to loan drawdowns under the Macquarie Group financing facility; an inability to deploy the proceeds of the Macquarie Group financing facility to generate positive returns at the Panther Creek location; new miners may not perform up to expectations; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; the ongoing ability to successfully mine digital currency is not assured; failure of the equipment upgrades to be installed and operated as planned; the availability of additional power may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the power purchase agreements and economics thereof may not be as advantageous as expected; potential environmental cost and regulatory penalties due to the operation of the former Stronghold plants which entail environmental risk and certain additional risk factors particular to the former business and operations of Stronghold including, land reclamation requirements may be burdensome and expensive, changes in tax credits related to coal refuse power generation could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and future development efforts, competition in power markets may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and the market value of the assets, the business is subject to substantial energy regulation and may be adversely affected by legislative or regulatory changes, as well as liability under, or any future inability to comply with, existing or future energy regulations or requirements, the operations are subject to a number of risks arising out of the threat of climate change, and environmental laws, energy transitions policies and initiatives and regulations relating to emissions and coal residue management, which could result in increased operating and capital costs and reduce the extent of business activities, operation of power generation facilities involves significant risks and hazards customary to the power industry that could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations, and there may not have adequate insurance to cover these risks and hazards, employees, contractors, customers and the general public may be exposed to a risk of injury due to the nature of the operations, limited experience with carbon capture programs and initiatives and dependence on third-parties, including consultants, contractors and suppliers to develop and advance carbon capture programs and initiatives, and failure to properly manage these relationships, or the failure of these consultants, contractors and suppliers to perform as expected, could have a material adverse effect on the business, prospects or operations; the digital currency market; the ability to successfully mine digital currency; it may not be possible to profitably liquidate the current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on operations; an increase in network difficulty may have a significant negative impact on operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; the anticipated growth and sustainability of hydroelectricity for the purposes of cryptocurrency mining in the applicable jurisdictions; the inability to maintain reliable and economical sources of power to operate cryptocurrency mining assets; the risks of an increase in electricity costs, cost of natural gas, changes in currency exchange rates, energy curtailment or regulatory changes in the energy regimes in the jurisdictions in which Bitfarms operates and the potential adverse impact on profitability; future capital needs and the ability to complete current and future financings, including Bitfarms’ ability to utilize an at-the-market offering program ( “ATM Program”) and the prices at which securities may be sold in such ATM Program, as well as capital market conditions in general; share dilution resulting from an ATM Program and from other equity issuances; the risks of debt leverage and the ability to service and eventually repay the Macquarie Group financing facility; volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance; the risk that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting could result in a misstatement of financial position that may lead to a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements if not prevented or detected on a timely basis; risks related to the Company ceasing to qualify as an “emerging growth company”; risks related to unsolicited investor interest, takeover proposals, shareholder activism or proxy contests relating to the election of directors; historical prices of digital currencies and the ability to mine digital currencies that will be consistent with historical prices; and the adoption or expansion of any regulation or law that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business, or make it more costly to do so. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to Bitfarms’ filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at www.sec.gov), including the management’s discussion & analysis for the year-ended December 31, 2024 Although Bitfarms has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by Bitfarms. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Bitfarms does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Bitfarms
    Tracy Krumme
    SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms.
    +1 786-671-5638
    tkrumme@bitfarms.com

    Media Contact: 

    Bitfarms
    Caroline Brady Baker 
    Director, Communications   
    cbaker@bitfarms.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Westhaven Announces Brokered Private Placement for Gross Proceeds of up to C$4.0 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) (“Westhaven” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the “Agent”) to act as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with a best efforts, private placement (the “Offering“) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$4,000,000 from the sale of any combination of the following, provided that at least 50% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, which includes the potential gross proceeds of the Agent’s Option (as defined below), will be raised from the sale of Units (as defined herein):

    • units of the Company (each, a “Unit”) at a price of C$0.12 per Unit;
    • common shares of the Company that will qualify as “flow-through shares” within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a “FT Share”) at a price of C$0.135 per FT Share; and
    • flow-through units of the Company to be sold to charitable purchasers (each, a “Charity FT Unit”, and collectively with the Units and FT Shares, the “Offered Securities”) at a price of C$0.18 per Charity FT Unit.

    Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a “Unit Share”) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Charity FT Unit will consist of one FT Share and one half of one Warrant. Each whole Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share”) at a price of C$0.18 at any time on or before that date which is 24 months after the closing date of the Offering.

    The Agent will have an option, exercisable in full or in part, up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to sell up to an additional C$600,000 in Offered Securities (the “Agent’s Option”).

    The Offered Securities will be offered by way of the “accredited investor” and “minimum amount investment” exemptions under NI 45-106 in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. The Units may also be sold in offshore jurisdictions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the “U.S. Securities Act“), as amended. The Unit Shares, FT Shares and Warrant Shares issuable from the sale of Offered Securities will be subject to a hold period ending on the date that is four months plus one day following the closing date of the Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Units for working capital and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the FT Shares will be used for Canadian exploration expenses on the Company’s projects in British Columbia and will qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures”, as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Qualifying Expenditures”), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2026 and renounced to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares.

    The Offering is scheduled to close on or around May 15, 2025, or such other date as the Company and the Agent may agree, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

    The Company will pay to the Agent a cash commission of 6% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of the Offering, including any exercise of the Agent’s Option (the “Agent’s Commission”). In addition, the Company will issue to the Agent warrants of the Company (each warrant, a “Broker Warrant”), exercisable for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date, to acquire in aggregate that number of common shares of the Company which is equal to 6% of the number of Offered Securities sold under the Offering, including any exercise of the Agent’s Option, at an exercise price equal to C$0.12 per common share.

    To the extent that any directors and/or officers of the Company participate in the Offering, such participation will constitute a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). The Company expects any participation by directors and officers in the Offering will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 based on the fact that neither the fair market value of the Units, FT Shares or Charity FT Units subscribed for by directors and officers, nor the consideration for such securities to be paid by them, will exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization.

    The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended, or any state securities law, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    On behalf of the Board of Directors

    WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP.

    “Gareth Thomas”

    Gareth Thomas, Director

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    About Westhaven Gold Corp.

    Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company targeting low sulphidation, high-grade, epithermal style gold mineralization within Canada’s newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls ~61,512 hectares (~615 square kilometres) within four gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose Gold Project is the most advanced property, with an updated 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment that validates the Project’s potential as a robust, low cost and high margin 11-year underground gold mining opportunity with average annual life-of-mine gold production of 56,000 ounces and having a Cdn$454 million after-tax NPV6% and 43.2% IRR (base case parameters of US$2,400 per ounce gold, US$28 per ounce silver and CDN/US$ exchange rate of $0.72). Initial capital costs are projected to be Cdn$184 million with a payback period of 2.1 years. Please see Westhaven’s news release dated March 3rd, 2025 (Link: March 3, 2025 News Release) for details of the updated PEA. The technical report supporting this disclosure can be found under the Company’s profile on Sedar+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company’s website. The Shovelnose Gold Project is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, pipelines and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration and development. Qualified Person: The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Peter Fischl, P.Geo, who is a Qualified Person for the Company under the definitions established by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhaven’s website at www.westhavengold.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, which is based upon the Company’s current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. The forward-looking information included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s expectations with respect to the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; completion of the Offering and the date of such completion. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

    Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, and without limitation: that the Offering may not close within the timeframe anticipated or at all or may not close on the terms and conditions currently anticipated by the Company for a number of reasons including, without limitation, as a result of the occurrence of a material adverse change, disaster, change of law or other failure to satisfy the conditions to closing of the Offering; the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to complete its planned exploration program; that the Company will not derive the expected benefits from its current program; the Company may not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently contemplated; the Company may fail to find a commercially viable deposit at any of its mineral properties; the Company’s plans may be adversely affected by the Company’s reliance on historical data compiled by previous parties involved with its mineral properties; mineral exploration and development are inherently risky industries; the mineral exploration industry is intensely competitive; additional financing may not be available to the Company when required or, if available, the terms of such financing may not be favourable to the Company; fluctuations in the demand for gold or gold prices generally; the Company may not be able to identify, negotiate or finance any future acquisitions successfully, or to integrate such acquisitions with its current business; the Company’s exploration activities are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licenses, concessions, leases, permits and regulatory consents, which may be withdrawn or not granted; the Company’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; there is no guarantee that title to the properties in which the Company has a material interest will not be challenged or impugned; the Company faces various risks associated with mining exploration that are not insurable or may be the subject of insurance which is not commercially feasible for the Company; the volatility of global capital markets over the past several years has generally made the raising of capital more difficult; inflationary cost pressures may escalate the Company’s operating costs; compliance with environmental regulations can be costly; social and environmental activism can negatively impact exploration, development and mining activities; the success of the Company is largely dependent on the performance of its directors and officers; the Company’s operations may be adversely affected by First Nations land claims; the Company and/or its directors and officers may be subject to a variety of legal proceedings, the results of which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company may be adversely affected if potential conflicts of interests involving its directors and officers are not resolved in favour of the Company; the Company’s future profitability may depend upon the world market prices of gold; dilution from future equity financing could negatively impact holders of the Company’s securities; failure to adequately meet infrastructure requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company’s projects now or in the future may be adversely affected by risks outside the control of the Company; the Company is subject to various risks associated with climate change, the Company is subject to general global risks arising from epidemic diseases, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, rising inflation, tariffs and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company’s operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all is uncertain; as well as other risk factors in the Company’s other public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Company’s expectations, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this offering document is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FTC Solar Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • First quarter revenue of $20.8 million, up 58% q/q, above target
    • Cost efficiencies drive operating expenses to multi-year low
    • Seeing increased customer interest and activity including bid activity up 60% y/y
    • Upsized promissory note offering expected to close in Q2
    • Strengthened Board of Directors with addition of two new members

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FTC Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FTCI), a leading provider of solar tracker systems, today announced financial results for the first quarter that ended March 31, 2025.

    “We’re pleased to report first quarter results which were ahead of target mid-points on all metrics,” said Yann Brandt, President and Chief Executive Officer of FTC Solar. “In recent months we have added multiples of our current annual revenue run rate to our backlog, signed agreements totaling more than 6.5 gigawatts with Tier 1 customers, added incremental liquidity for our balance sheet, strengthened our sales team, further strengthened our product offering and capabilities, and increased our commercial traction with bids on many gigawatts of future projects. 

    “Much of our recent momentum has been driven by the significant expansion of our innovative and differentiated 1P product line, including high wind offerings up to 150mph, terrain-following options, large stow range, compatibility across module manufacturers and types, and the upcoming availability of 100% domestic content. This compelling product line has helped drive significant increases in customer visits, bidding volume, average project size and customer access.

    “Overall, I’m bullish on the long-term potential and prospects for FTC Solar. We’re well positioned in a growth market to take significant share, with the right combination of people and products, providing the best value for our customers. Our priority is to demonstrate continued progress and convert the increased customer interest and wins into sustainable growth and profitability.”

    Summary Financial Performance: Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024

        U.S. GAAP     Non-GAAP(c)  
        Three months ended March 31,  
    (in thousands, except per share data)   2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Revenue   $ 20,803     $ 12,587     $ 20,803     $ 12,587  
    Gross margin percentage     (16.6 %)     (16.7 %)     (14.4 %)     (13.7 %)
    Total operating expenses   $ 7,113     $ 10,394     $ 6,645     $ 8,702  
    Loss from operations(a)   $ (10,560 )   $ (12,502 )   $ (9,750 )   $ (10,655 )
    Net loss   $ (3,819 )   $ (8,771 )   $ (10,801 )   $ (10,873 )
    Diluted loss per share(b)   $ (0.58 )   $ (0.70 )   $ (0.84 )   $ (0.87 )
      (a)   Adjusted EBITDA for Non-GAAP
      (b)   Prior year amounts per share have been revised to reflect the 1-for-10 reverse stock split, effective November 29, 2024
      (c)   See below for reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest comparable GAAP measures
           

    The contracted portion of the company’s backlog1 now stands at approximately $482 million. 

    First Quarter Results
    Total first-quarter revenue was $20.8 million, which was above our target range. This revenue level represents an increase of 57.6% compared to the prior quarter and an increase of 65.3% compared to the year-earlier quarter due to higher product volumes.

    GAAP gross loss was $3.4 million, or 16.6% of revenue, compared to gross loss of $3.8 million, or 29.1% of revenue, in the prior quarter. Non-GAAP gross loss was $3.0 million or 14.4% of revenue. The result for this quarter compares to non-GAAP gross loss of $1.7 million in the prior-year period.

    GAAP operating expenses were $7.1 million. On a non-GAAP basis, operating expenses were $6.6 million. This result compares to non-GAAP operating expenses of $8.7 million in the year-ago quarter. 

    GAAP net loss was $3.8 million or $0.58 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $12.2 million or $0.96 per diluted share in the prior quarter and a net loss of $8.8 million or $0.70 per diluted share (post-split) in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA loss, which excludes an approximate $5.9 million net gain from the change in fair value of the warrant liability, gain from collection of a contingent earnout payment and other non-cash items, was $9.8 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA losses of $9.8 million(2) in the prior quarter and $10.7 million in the year-ago quarter.

    Subsequent Events
    The company announced today the appointments of Darrell Jackson and Max Sultan to its Board of Directors. The appointments were effective as of April 28, 2025.

    Mr. Jackson brings more than 30 years of executive and Board leadership experience to FTC Solar. He has been the CEO of The Efficace Group, an executive coaching and consulting firm, since 2018. Prior to Efficace, he served as President and CEO of Seaway Bank and Trust Company. Earlier in his career, he spent more than 19 years at Northern Trust Company, serving in various roles, including as EVP and President of Wealth Management, and spent approximately 14 years with BMO Harris. Mr. Jackson currently serves on the Janus Henderson Funds Board of Trustees, is an independent director for Amalgamated Financial Corporation, and is on the Board of Directors of two privately held companies, Dome Construction, Inc., and William R. Gray and Company. Mr. Jackson earned a BA in Communications from St. Xavier University and holds an Executive MBA degree from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

    Mr. Sultan is currently a partner at Applied Value Group, a strategy and operations management consulting firm, having joined the firm in August 2013. He has led consulting engagements on issues including sourcing and supply chain, product design and innovation, and commercial excellence, and has worked with several renewable energy clients. Mr. Sultan has been a member of the Board of Directors of ES Solar, a private residential and commercial installer based in Utah since June 2023. He has previously served on the Boards of Applied Value Technologies and Division 5, LLC. Mr. Sultan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. Mr. Sultan was nominated to the Board by AV Securities, Inc., pursuant to the terms of the Promissory Note placement which closed in December 2024.

    Outlook
    For the second quarter, we expect revenue at the midpoint of our guidance range to show continued sequential growth relative to the first quarter. We continue to expect 2025 revenue to be weighted toward the second half and continue to expect to achieve adjusted EBITDA breakeven on a quarterly basis within 2025.

    (in millions)   1Q’25
    Guidance    		   1Q’25
    Actual    		   2Q’25
    Guidance(3)
    Revenue   $18.0 – $20.0   $20.8   $19.0 – $24.0
    Non-GAAP Gross Loss   $(4.8) – $(2.3)   $(3.0)   $(4.4) – $(2.0)
    Non-GAAP Gross Margin   (26.6%) – (11.7%)   (14.4%)   (23.4%) – (8.5%)
    Non-GAAP operating expenses   $7.7 – $8.4   $6.6   $7.8 – $8.6
    Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA   $(13.3) – $(10.0)   $(9.8)   $(13.3) – $(10.0)
                 

    First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call
    FTC Solar’s senior management will host a conference call for members of the investment community at 8:30 a.m. E.T. today, during which the company will discuss its first quarter results, its outlook and other business items. This call will be webcast and can be accessed within the Investor Relations section of FTC Solar’s website at https://investor.ftcsolar.com. A replay of the conference call will also be available on the website for 30 days following the webcast.

    About FTC Solar Inc.
    Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is a global provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and engineering services. Solar trackers significantly increase energy production at solar power installations by dynamically optimizing solar panel orientation to the sun. FTC Solar’s innovative tracker designs provide compelling performance and reliability, with an industry-leading installation cost-per-watt advantage.

    Footnotes
    1. The term ‘backlog’ or ‘contracted and awarded’ refers to the combination of our executed contracts (contracted) and awarded orders (awarded), which are orders that have been documented and signed through a contract, where we are in the process of documenting a contract but for which a contract has not yet been signed, or that have been awarded in writing or verbally with a mutual understanding that the order will be contracted in the future. In the case of certain projects, including those that are scheduled for delivery on later dates, we have not locked in binding pricing with customers, and we instead use estimated average selling price to calculate the revenue included in our contracted and awarded orders for such projects. Actual revenue for these projects could differ once contracts with binding pricing are executed, and there is also a risk that a contract may never be executed for an awarded but uncontracted project, or that a contract may be executed for an awarded but uncontracted project at a date that is later than anticipated, or that a contract once executed may be subsequently amended, supplemented, rescinded, cancelled or breached, including in a manner that impacts the timing and amounts of payments due thereunder, thus reducing anticipated revenues. Please refer to our SEC filings, including our Form 10-K, for more information on our contracted and awarded orders, including risk factors.
    2. A reconciliation of prior quarter Non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest comparable GAAP measures may be found in Exhibit 99.1 of our Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2025.
    3. We do not provide a quantitative reconciliation of our forward-looking non-GAAP guidance measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those measures is not available without unreasonable efforts due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying these measures as a result of changes in project schedules by our customers that may occur, which are outside of our control, and the impact, if any, of credit loss provisions, asset impairment charges, restructuring or changes in the timing and level of indirect or overhead spending, as well as other matters, that could occur which could significantly impact the related GAAP financial measures.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on our current expectations and projections regarding our business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties described in more detail above and in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents, including Current Reports on Form 8-K, that we have filed, or will file, with the SEC. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements as predictions of future events, as actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties described in more detail above and in our filings with the SEC, including the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents, including Current Reports on Form 8-K, that we have filed, or will file, with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of the date on which they are made. FTC Solar 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, except as required by law.

    FTC Solar Investor Contact:
    Bill Michalek
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    FTC Solar
    T: (737) 241-8618
    E: IR@FTCSolar.com

     
    FTC Solar, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
    (unaudited)
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
    (in thousands, except shares and per share data)   2025     2024  
    Revenue:            
    Product   $ 18,202     $ 10,905  
    Service     2,601       1,682  
    Total revenue     20,803       12,587  
    Cost of revenue:            
    Product     20,111       12,367  
    Service     4,139       2,328  
    Total cost of revenue     24,250       14,695  
    Gross loss     (3,447 )     (2,108 )
    Operating expenses            
    Research and development     924       1,439  
    Selling and marketing     1,136       2,388  
    General and administrative     5,053       6,567  
    Total operating expenses     7,113       10,394  
    Loss from operations     (10,560 )     (12,502 )
    Interest expense     (711 )     (317 )
    Interest income     6       181  
    Gain from disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary     3,204       4,085  
    Gain from change in fair value of warrant liability     4,604       —  
    Other income, net     4       36  
    Loss from unconsolidated subsidiary     (112 )     (265 )
    Loss before income taxes     (3,565 )     (8,782 )
    (Provision for) benefit from income taxes     (254 )     11  
    Net loss     (3,819 )     (8,771 )
    Other comprehensive income (loss):            
    Foreign currency translation adjustments     28       (181 )
    Comprehensive loss   $ (3,791 )   $ (8,952 )
    Net loss per share:            
    Basic(*)   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.70 )
    Diluted(*)   $ (0.58 )   $ (0.70 )
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding:            
    Basic(*)     12,888,695       12,556,938  
    Diluted(*)     14,588,972       12,556,938  

    ___________

    (*) Prior year amounts per share and number of shares, as applicable, have been revised to reflect the 1-for-10 reverse stock split, effective November 29, 2024.
     
    FTC Solar, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (unaudited)
     
    (in thousands, except shares and per share data)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
    ASSETS            
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 5,909     $ 11,247  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $1,625 and $1,717 at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively     44,238       39,709  
    Inventories     6,828       10,144  
    Prepaid and other current assets     14,123       15,028  
    Total current assets     71,098       76,128  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     959       1,149  
    Property and equipment, net     1,951       2,217  
    Goodwill     7,173       7,139  
    Equity method investment     842       954  
    Other assets     2,038       2,341  
    Total assets   $ 84,061     $ 89,928  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Current liabilities            
    Accounts payable   $ 14,636     $ 12,995  
    Accrued expenses     23,245       20,134  
    Income taxes payable     407       325  
    Deferred revenue     2,237       5,306  
    Other current liabilities     10,373       10,313  
    Total current liabilities     50,898       49,073  
    Long-term debt     10,169       9,466  
    Operating lease liability, net of current portion     344       411  
    Warrant liability     4,916       9,520  
    Other non-current liabilities     2,206       2,422  
    Total liabilities     68,533       70,892  
    Commitments and contingencies            
    Stockholders’ equity            
    Preferred stock par value of $0.0001 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024     —       —  
    Common stock par value of $0.0001 per share, 850,000,000 shares authorized; 13,068,309 and 12,853,823 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024     1       1  
    Treasury stock, at cost; 1,076,257 shares as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024     —       —  
    Additional paid-in capital     367,601       367,318  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (514 )     (542 )
    Accumulated deficit     (351,560 )     (347,741 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     15,528       19,036  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 84,061     $ 89,928  
     
     
    FTC Solar, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (unaudited)
     
        Three months ended March 31,  
    (in thousands)   2025     2024  
    Cash flows from operating activities            
    Net loss   $ (3,819 )   $ (8,771 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:            
    Stock-based compensation     280       1,639  
    Depreciation and amortization     302       404  
    Gain from change in fair value of warrant liability     (4,604 )     —  
    Gain from sale of property and equipment     (3 )     —  
    Amortization of debt discount and issue costs     210       177  
    Paid-in-kind non-cash interest     492       —  
    Provision (credit) for obsolete and slow-moving inventory     —       177  
    Loss from unconsolidated subsidiary     112       265  
    Gain from disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary     (3,204 )     (4,085 )
    Warranties issued and remediation added     1,045       838  
    Warranty recoverable from manufacturer     80       98  
    Credit loss provisions(reversals)     (92 )     670  
    Deferred income taxes     426       225  
    Lease expense and other     327       309  
    Impact on cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
    Accounts receivable     (4,437 )     (1,770 )
    Inventories     3,316       (116 )
    Prepaid and other current assets     918       45  
    Other assets     (216 )     (226 )
    Accounts payable     1,688       3,989  
    Accruals and other current liabilities     2,539       (6,200 )
    Deferred revenue     (3,069 )     1,285  
    Other non-current liabilities     (415 )     (523 )
    Lease payments and other, net     (359 )     (287 )
    Net cash used in operations     (8,483 )     (11,857 )
    Cash flows from investing activities:            
    Purchases of property and equipment     (83 )     (432 )
    Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     3       —  
    Equity method investment in Alpha Steel     —       (1,035 )
    Proceeds from disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary     3,204       4,085  
    Net cash provided by investing activities     3,124       2,618  
    Cash flows from financing activities:            
    Proceeds from stock option exercises     3       —  
    Net cash provided by financing activities     3       —  
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     18       (59 )
    Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     (5,338 )     (9,298 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     11,247       25,235  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period   $ 5,909     $ 15,937  
     

    Notes to Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Nearest Comparable GAAP Measures

    We utilize Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Loss, and Adjusted EPS as supplemental measures of our performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net loss plus (i) provision for (benefit from) income taxes, (ii) interest expense, net, (iii) depreciation expense, (iv) amortization of intangibles, (v) stock-based compensation, (vi) loss from changes in fair value of our warrant liability, and (vii) Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) transition costs, non-routine legal fees, costs associated with our reverse stock split, severance and certain other costs (credits). We also deduct the contingent gains arising from earnout payments and project escrow releases relating to the disposal of our investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary and gains from changes in fair value of our warrant liability from net loss in arriving at Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted Net Loss as net loss plus (i) amortization of debt discount and issue costs and intangibles, (ii) stock-based compensation, (iii) loss from changes in fair value of our warrant liability, (iv) CEO transition costs, non-routine legal fees, costs associated with our reverse stock split, severance and certain other costs (credits), and (v) the income tax expense (benefit) of those adjustments, if any. We also deduct the contingent gains arising from earnout payments and project escrow releases relating to the disposal of our investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary and gains from change in fair value of our warrant liability from net loss in arriving at Adjusted Net Loss. Adjusted EPS is defined as Adjusted Net Loss on a per share basis using our weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

    Non-GAAP gross profit (loss), Non-GAAP operating expense, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS are intended as supplemental measures of performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We present these non-GAAP measures, many of which are commonly used by investors and analysts, because we believe they assist those investors and analysts in comparing our performance across reporting periods on an ongoing basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. In addition, we use Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies.

    Non-GAAP gross profit (loss), Non-GAAP operating expense, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and you should not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. These Non-GAAP financial measures, when presented, are reconciled to the most closely applicable GAAP measure as disclosed below.

    The following table reconciles Non-GAAP gross profit (loss) to the most closely related GAAP measure for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively:

        Three months ended March 31,  
    (in thousands, except percentages)   2025     2024  
    U.S. GAAP revenue   $ 20,803     $ 12,587  
    U.S. GAAP gross loss   $ (3,447 )   $ (2,108 )
    Depreciation expense     173       168  
    Stock-based compensation     243       216  
    Severance costs     34       —  
    Non-GAAP gross loss   $ (2,997 )   $ (1,724 )
    Non-GAAP gross margin percentage     (14.4 %)     (13.7 %)
     

    The following table reconciles Non-GAAP operating expenses to the most closely related GAAP measure for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively:

        Three months ended March 31,  
    (in thousands)   2025     2024  
    U.S. GAAP operating expenses   $ 7,113     $ 10,394  
    Depreciation expense     (129 )     (102 )
    Amortization expense     —       (134 )
    Stock-based compensation     (37 )     (1,423 )
    CEO transition     (160 )     —  
    Non-routine legal fees     —       (33 )
    Reverse stock split     (1 )     —  
    Severance costs     (141 )     —  
    Non-GAAP operating expenses   $ 6,645     $ 8,702  
     

    The following table reconciles Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA to the related GAAP measure of loss from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively:

        Three months ended March 31,  
    (in thousands)   2025     2024  
    U.S. GAAP loss from operations   $ (10,560 )   $ (12,502 )
    Depreciation expense     302       270  
    Amortization expense     —       134  
    Stock-based compensation     280       1,639  
    CEO transition     160       —  
    Non-routine legal fees     —       33  
    Reverse stock split     1       —  
    Severance costs     175       —  
    Other income, net     4       36  
    Loss from unconsolidated subsidiary     (112 )     (265 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ (9,750 )   $ (10,655 )
     

    The following table reconciles Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Loss to the related GAAP measure of net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively:

        Three months ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    (in thousands, except shares and per share data)   Adjusted
    EBITDA    		     Adjusted Net
    Loss    		     Adjusted
    EBITDA    		     Adjusted Net
    Loss    		  
    Net loss per U.S. GAAP   $ (3,819 )   $ (3,819 )   $ (8,771 )   $ (8,771 )
    Reconciling items –                        
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes     254       —       (11 )     —  
    Interest expense     711       —       317       —  
    Interest income     (6 )     —       (181 )     —  
    Amortization of debt discount and issue costs in interest expense     —       210       —       177  
    Depreciation expense     302       —       270       —  
    Amortization of intangibles     —       —       134       134  
    Stock-based compensation     280       280       1,639       1,639  
    Gain from disposal of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary(a)     (3,204 )     (3,204 )     (4,085 )     (4,085 )
    Gain from change in fair value of warrant liability(b)     (4,604 )     (4,604 )     —       —  
    CEO transition(c)     160       160       —       —  
    Non-routine legal fees(d)     —       —       33       33  
    Reverse stock split(e)     1       1       —       —  
    Severance costs(f)     175       175       —       —  
    Adjusted Non-GAAP amounts   $ (9,750 )   $ (10,801 )   $ (10,655 )   $ (10,873 )
                             
    Adjusted Non-GAAP net loss per share (Adjusted EPS):                        
    Basic(g)   N/A     $ (0.84 )   N/A     $ (0.87 )
    Diluted(g)   N/A     $ (0.84 )   N/A     $ (0.87 )
                             
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding:                        
    Basic(g)   N/A       12,888,695     N/A       12,556,938  
    Diluted(g)   N/A       12,888,695     N/A       12,556,938  
    (a) We exclude the gain from collections of contingent contractual amounts arising from the sale in 2021 of our investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary as these amounts are not considered part of our normal ongoing operations.
    (b) We exclude non-cash changes in the fair value of our outstanding warrants as we do not consider such changes to impact or reflect changes in our core operating performance.
    (c) In connection with hiring a new CEO in August 2024, we agreed to upfront and incremental sign-on bonuses (collectively, the “sign-on bonuses”), a portion of which was paid to our CEO in 2024, with clawback provisions over the next two years, and a portion of which will be paid in 2025 and 2026, all contingent upon continued employment as of the payment date. These sign-on bonuses will be expensed each period through October 1, 2026, to reflect the required service periods. We do not view these sign-on bonuses as being part of the normal on-going compensation arrangements for our CEO.
    (d) Non-routine legal fees represent legal fees and other costs incurred for specific matters that were not ordinary or routine to the operations of the business.
    (e) We incurred incremental professional fees in 2025 relating to final reconciliation of information relating to our stock compensation awards as a result of the Reverse Stock Split that was consummated effective November 29, 2024.
    (f) Severance costs in 2025 were due to restructuring changes.
    (g) Prior year shares and amounts, as applicable, have been revised to reflect the 1-for-10 reverse stock split, effective November 29, 2024.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TC Energy reports solid first quarter 2025 results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Expect to place approximately $8.5 billion of projects into service in 2025, tracking to roughly 15 per cent under budget

    Announced $2.4 billion of new natural gas and nuclear power generation growth projects

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TC Energy Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TC Energy or the Company) released its first quarter results today. François Poirier, TC Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “As natural gas and electricity are forecasted to drive the majority of growth in final energy consumption through 2035, we are pleased to announce two new growth projects that represent strategic investments in North America’s energy future. We have approved the Northwoods project on our ANR system, designed to serve electric generation demand in the U.S. Midwest, including data centres and overall economic growth.” Poirier continued, “Demonstrating our commitment to delivering long-lived value through investment in high-quality, emission-less nuclear power generation, we have also sanctioned Unit 5 at Bruce Power for its Major Component Replacement. Backed by long-term contracts with credible counterparties and attractive build multiples1, these projects collectively highlight our disciplined strategy and our ability to capture high-value, low-risk opportunities across our portfolio.”

    Financial Highlights
    (All financial figures are unaudited and in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted)

    • First quarter 2025 financial results from continuing operations2:
      • Comparable earnings3 of $1.0 billion or $0.95 per common share compared to $1.1 billion or $1.02 per common share in first quarter 2024
      • Net income attributable to common shares of $1.0 billion or $0.94 per common share compared to $1.0 billion or $0.95 per common share in first quarter 2024
      • Comparable EBITDA2 of $2.7 billion, similar to first quarter 2024
      • Segmented earnings of $2.0 billion compared to $1.9 billion in first quarter 2024
    • Reaffirming 2025 outlook:
      • Comparable EBITDA is expected to be $10.7 to $10.9 billion4
      • Comparable earnings per common share (EPS) outlook remains consistent with our 2024 Annual Report, and is expected to be lower than 2024
      • Capital expenditures are anticipated to be $6.1 to $6.6 billion on a gross basis, or $5.5 to $6.0 billion of net capital expenditures5
    • Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.85 per common share for the quarter ending June 30, 2025.

    Operational Highlights

    • Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines deliveries averaged 27.6 Bcf/d, up eight per cent compared to first quarter 2024
      • Total NGTL System deliveries set a new record of 17.8 Bcf on February 18, 2025
      • Canadian Mainline receipts averaged 5.0 Bcf/d, an increase of 14 per cent compared to first quarter 2024
    • U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines daily average flows were 31.0 Bcf/d, up five per cent compared to first quarter 2024
      • GTN set a new all-time record of 3.2 Bcf on February 19, 2025
      • Deliveries to LNG facilities averaged 3.5 Bcf/d, up five per cent compared to first quarter 2024
    • Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines flows averaged 3.1 Bcf/d, six per cent higher than first quarter 2024
      • Set a daily flow record of 4.1 Bcf on March 31, 2025
    • Bruce Power achieved 87 per cent availability in first quarter 2025, reflecting a planned outage on Unit 5
    • Cogeneration power plant fleet achieved 98.6 per cent availability in first quarter 2025, attributed to fewer forced outages and spring outages completed successfully ahead of plan.

    Project Highlights

    • The Southeast Gateway pipeline is ready for service. CFE has agreed to our contracted rate and accepted all requirements for in-service. Approval of our regulated rates from the Comisión Nacional de Energía (CNE) is expected by the end of May, at which time we anticipate the in-service of the Southeast Gateway pipeline. While 100 per cent of our capacity is contracted with the CFE and we have no requests for interruptible service, approval of the regulated rate by the CNE is normal course prior to commencing service. The 1.3 Bcf/d, 715-kilometre natural gas pipeline was constructed approximately 13 per cent under the original cost estimate in less than three years from the project’s final investment decision
    • Approved the Northwoods project, an expansion project on our ANR system designed to provide 0.4 Bcf/d of capacity to serve natural gas-fired electric generation demand in the U.S. Midwest, including data centres and overall economic growth. The project has an anticipated in-service date of late 2029 with an estimated cost of approximately US$0.9 billion, and expects to deliver a compelling build multiple in the range of five to seven times
    • Received approval of the Unit 5 Major Component Replacement (MCR) final cost and schedule estimate from the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) on April 2, 2025. The $1.1 billion Unit 5 MCR is expected to commence in fourth quarter 2026 with a return to service in early 2030
    • ANR and GLGT each filed Section 4 Rate Cases with FERC requesting an increase to their respective maximum transportation rates expected to become effective November 1, 2025, subject to refund. We will pursue a collaborative process to find a mutually beneficial outcome with our customers through settlement.
        three months ended
    March 31
    (millions of $, except per share amounts)     2025       20241  
             
    Income        
    Net income (loss) attributable to common shares from continuing operations     978       988  
    per common share – basic   $ 0.94     $ 0.95  
             
    Segmented earnings (losses)        
    Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines     516       501  
    U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines     1,109       1,043  
    Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines     211       212  
    Power and Energy Solutions     135       252  
    Corporate     (5 )     (61 )
    Total segmented earnings (losses)     1,966       1,947  
             
    Comparable EBITDA from continuing operations        
    Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines     890       846  
    U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines     1,367       1,306  
    Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines     233       214  
    Power and Energy Solutions     224       320  
    Corporate     (5 )     (16 )
    Comparable EBITDA from continuing operations     2,709       2,670  
    Depreciation and amortization     (678 )     (635 )
    Interest expense included in comparable earnings     (840 )     (780 )
    Allowance for funds used during construction     248       157  
    Foreign exchange gains (losses), net included in comparable earnings     (10 )     43  
    Interest income and other     51       75  
    Income tax (expense) recovery included in comparable earnings     (292 )     (281 )
    Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests included in comparable earnings     (177 )     (171 )
    Preferred share dividends     (28 )     (23 )
    Comparable earnings from continuing operations     983       1,055  
    Comparable earnings per common share from continuing operations   $ 0.95     $ 1.02  
             
        three months ended
    March 31
    (millions of $, except per share amounts)     2025       2024  
             
    Cash flows2        
    Net cash provided by operations3     1,359       2,042  
    Comparable funds generated from operations3,4     1,949       2,436  
    Capital spending5     1,809       1,897  
    Disposition of equity interest, net of transaction costs6     —       (38 )
             
    Dividends declared        
    per common share   $ 0.85   7 $ 0.96  
             
    Basic common shares outstanding(millions)        
    – weighted average for the period     1,039       1,037  
    – issued and outstanding at end of period     1,040       1,037  
    1. Results reflect continuing operations.
    2. Includes continuing and discontinued operations.
    3. Represents three months of Liquids Pipelines earnings in first quarter 2024 compared to Liquids Pipelines earnings of nil for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Refer to the Discontinued operations section and the 2024 Annual Report for additional information.
    4. Comparable funds generated from operations is a non-GAAP measure used throughout this news release. This measure does not have any standardized meaning under GAAP and therefore is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The most directly comparable GAAP measure is net cash provided by operations. For more information on non-GAAP measures, refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section of this news release.
    5. Capital spending reflects cash flows associated with our Capital expenditures, Capital projects in development and Contributions to equity investments. Refer to Note 4, Segmented information of our Condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.
    6. Included in the Financing activities section of the Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
    7. Reflects TC Energy’s proportionate allocation following the spinoff Transaction.

    CEO Message
    Throughout the first three months of 2025, TC Energy showcased the strength of our business and our position as an industry leading natural gas and power and energy solutions company. While evolving macroeconomic conditions continue to contribute to market uncertainty, we have reaffirmed our 2025 outlook based on our highly contracted, low-risk business with 97 per cent of our comparable EBITDA underpinned by rate-regulation and/or long-term take-or-pay contracts. We delivered strong operational and financial results, achieving approximately one per cent growth in both comparable EBITDA and segmented earnings compared to first quarter 2024, despite removing a second unit from service at Bruce Power for its MCR. These results continue to demonstrate the overall resiliency of our business. We remain focused on maximizing the value of our assets through safety and operational excellence, executing our selective portfolio of growth projects and ensuring financial strength and agility as we deliver solid growth, low risk and repeatable performance for our shareholders.

    The Southeast Gateway pipeline is now ready for service, representing a significant milestone in project execution. The 1.3 Bcf/d, 715-kilometre natural gas pipeline was constructed approximately 13 per cent under the original cost estimate in less than three years from the project’s final investment decision. Our partner and customer, CFE, has agreed to our contracted rate and accepted all requirements for in-service. We are jointly working with the CNE and the Secretary of Energy to obtain the approval of the regulatory rates, required for interruptible service. While 100 per cent of our capacity is contracted with the CFE and we have no requests for interruptible service, approval of the regulated rate by the CNE is normal course and required by Mexican regulation prior to commencing service. We expect to receive CNE approval by the end of May, at which time we anticipate the in-service of the Southeast Gateway pipeline. Southeast Gateway in-service will represent an important inflection point for TC Energy, contributing significant long-term contracted cash flow to our overall growth profile. The Government of Mexico has announced plans to bring approximately 29 gigawatts of new installed capacity online by 2030, including approximately 8.5 gigawatts of capacity from new natural gas plants6. The Southeast Gateway project is a critical component of this plan, strategically positioned to support operations of 10 of 14 planned natural gas power plants that support the country’s transition to lower-emitting, more reliable sources of energy while driving economic growth and energy security.

    As natural gas and electricity are forecasted to drive the majority of growth in final energy consumption through 2035, TC Energy’s portfolio of natural gas and power assets are presented with attractive in-corridor opportunities with visibility through the end of the decade. Reflecting this opportunity, we have sanctioned the Northwoods project on our ANR system in the range of a five to seven times build multiple. Under a 20 year, take-or-pay contract, the estimated US$0.9 billion project is designed to serve natural gas-fired electric generation demand in the U.S. Midwest, including data centres and overall economic growth. The estimated in-service date of the 0.4 Bcf/d capacity project is late 2029. The Northwoods project exemplifies our strategic focus on executing high value, in-corridor, low-risk projects at attractive build multiples, underpinned by long-term take-or-pay contracts with creditworthy counterparties, allowing us to continue to deliver solid growth, low risk and repeatable performance.

    Looking forward, led by a three-fold increase in LNG exports, strong growth in power generation driven by coal-to-gas conversions and data centre demand, we expect our assets will play a pivotal role in the delivery of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy. Our origination pipeline remains one of the most robust we have seen in decades, with several projects in advanced stages of development, largely related to coal-to-gas conversions and data centre demand growth. Over the past six months, we have sanctioned approximately $4 billion of new capital projects and believe we have line of sight to an increased cadence of project announcements in the second half of 2025 and into 2026. While we anticipate the majority of incremental capital would be weighted toward the end of the decade, we have added capital expenditures in 2025 and 2026 that further enhances our comparable EBITDA growth profile in 2027 and beyond, while ensuring the safety and reliability of our systems. These investments directly support service provided to our customers and their requests for capacity additions. Consistent with our disciplined approach to capital allocation, we expect projects to align with our target of five to seven times build multiples and underpinned by long-term contracts with strong counterparties.

    As electricity demand in Ontario is anticipated to grow 75 per cent by 20507, Bruce Power continues play a critical role. On April 2, 2025, we received approval of the Unit 5 MCR final cost and schedule estimate from the Ontario IESO. The $1.1 billion Unit 5 MCR is expected to commence in fourth quarter 2026 with a return to service in early 2030. As we progress the refurbishment program at Bruce Power, the team remains focused on achieving the highest level of reliability, availability and safety performance at the site. On January 31, 2025, Unit 4 was removed from service to commence its MCR program, with a return to service expected in 2028. Unit 3 MCR and Unit 4 MCR continue to advance on plan for both cost and schedule. The average 2025 plant availability percentage, excluding the Unit 3 and Unit 4 MCR programs, is expected to be in the low-90 per cent range, and reflects planned maintenance on Unit 2 anticipated in the third quarter of 2025. The MCR program provides TC Energy with line of sight to meaningful growth capital at attractive returns through the end of the decade, backed by a long-term contract to 2064 with the Ontario IESO.

    We continue to expect approximately $8.5 billion of projects to be placed into service in 2025, which includes the Southeast Gateway pipeline project. Our focus on project execution is a cornerstone of our strategic priorities. For the remaining projects anticipated to be placed in service in 2025, we are tracking to schedule and below initial cost estimates. High-grading projects remains a priority to optimize returns to maximize value. We will continue to sanction projects with a compelling risk/return profile to fill our $6.0 billion annual net capital expenditure limit and extend the duration of our project backlog, ensuring visibility to growth opportunities through 2030. Through this, we can continue to organically grow comparable EBITDA to support our three to five per cent dividend growth target and further reduce leverage over time.

    TC Energy’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly common share dividend of $0.85 per common share for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, equivalent to $3.40 per common share on an annualized basis.

    Teleconference and Webcast
    We will hold a teleconference and webcast on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 6:30 a.m. (MDT) / 8:30 a.m. (EDT) to discuss our first quarter 2025 financial results and Company developments. Presenters will include François Poirier, President and Chief Executive Officer; Sean O’Donnell, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer; and other members of the executive leadership team.

    Members of the investment community and other interested parties are invited to participate by calling 1-833-752-3826 (Canada/U.S.) or 1-647-846-8864 (International toll). No passcode is required. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. Alternatively, participants may pre-register for the call here. Upon registering, you will receive a calendar booking by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This process will bypass the operator and avoid the queue. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call.

    A live webcast of the teleconference will be available on TC Energy’s website at TC Energy — Events and presentations or via the following URL: https://www.gowebcasting.com/13942. The webcast will be available for replay following the meeting.

    A replay of the teleconference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until midnight EDT on May 8, 2025. Please call 1-855-669-9658 (Canada/U.S.) or 1-412-317-0088 (International toll) and enter passcode 6585702.

    The unaudited interim Condensed consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) are available on our website at www.TCEnergy.com and will be filed today under TC Energy’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

    About TC Energy
    We’re a team of 6,500+ energy problem solvers connecting the world to the energy it needs. Out extensive network of natural gas infrastructure assets is one-of-a-kind. We seamlessly move, generate and store energy and deliver it to where it is needed most, to home and businesses in North America and across the globe through LNG exports. Our natural gas assets are complemented by our strategic ownership and low-risk investments in power generation.

    TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at www.TCEnergy.com.

    Forward-Looking Information
    This release contains certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties and is based on certain key assumptions. Forward-looking statements are usually accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “estimate” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, but are not limited to, statements related to expectations with respect to Southeast Gateway, including receipt of CNE approval, in-service date, cash flows and other impacts, expectations related to Northwoods project, including expected in-service dates and related expected capital expenditures, expected comparable EBITDA and comparable earnings in total and per common share and the sources thereof, expectations with respect to Bruce Power, including the MCR program and associated cost and schedule estimates, expectations with respect to the approximate value of projects to be placed in-service in 2025, expectations with respect to identified FERC rate cases, including timelines, processes and outcomes, expectations with respect to our strategic priorities, and the execution thereof, expectations with respect to our ability to maximize the value of our assets through safety and operational excellence, expected cost and schedules for planned projects, including projects under construction and in development and the associated capital expenditures, expectations about energy demand levels and drivers thereof, expectations about our ability to execute our identified portfolio of growth projects and ensure financial strength and agility, our ability to deliver solid growth, low risk and repeatable performance, our expected net capital expenditures, including timing, and expected industry, market and economic conditions, and ongoing trade negotiations, including their expected impact on our business, customers and suppliers. Our forward-looking information is subject to important risks and uncertainties and is based on certain key assumptions. Forward-looking statements and future-oriented financial information in this document are intended to provide TC Energy security holders and potential investors with information regarding TC Energy and its subsidiaries, including management’s assessment of TC Energy’s and its subsidiaries’ future plans and financial outlook. All forward-looking statements reflect TC Energy’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. As actual results could vary significantly from the forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. We do not update our forward-looking information due to new information or future events, unless we are required to by law. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the most recent Quarterly Report to Shareholders and the 2024 Annual Report filed under TC Energy’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and the “Forward-looking information” section of our Report on Sustainability and our GHG Emissions Reduction Plan which are available on our website at www.TCEnergy.com.

    Non-GAAP and Supplementary Financial Measure
    This release contains references to the following non-GAAP measures: comparable EBITDA, comparable earnings, comparable earnings per common share and comparable funds generated from operations. These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. These non-GAAP measures are calculated by adjusting certain GAAP measures for specific items we believe are significant but not reflective of our underlying operations in the period. These comparable measures are calculated on a consistent basis from period to period and are adjusted for specific items in each period, as applicable except as otherwise described in the Condensed consolidated financial statements and MD&A. Refer to: (i) each business segment and the discontinued operations section for a reconciliation of comparable EBITDA to segmented earnings (losses); (ii) Consolidated results section and the discontinued operations section for reconciliations of comparable earnings and comparable earnings per common share to Net income attributable to common shares and Net income per common share, respectively; and (iii) Financial condition section for a reconciliation of comparable funds generated from operations to Net cash provided by operations. Refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section of the MD&A in our most recent quarterly report for more information about the non-GAAP measures we use. The MD&A is included with, and forms part of, this release. The MD&A can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under TC Energy’s profile.

    This release contains references to build multiple, which is non-GAAP ratio which is calculated using capital expenditures and comparable EBITDA, of which comparable EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. We believe build multiple provides investors with a useful measure to evaluate capital projects.

    This release also contains references to net capital expenditures, which is a supplementary financial measure. Net capital expenditures represent capital costs incurred for growth projects, maintenance capital expenditures, contributions to equity investments and projects under development, adjusted for the portion attributed to non-controlling interests in the entities we control. Net capital expenditures reflect capital costs incurred during the period, excluding the impact of timing of cash payments. We use net capital expenditures as a key measure in evaluating our performance in managing our capital spending activities in comparison to our capital plan.

    Download full report here: https://www.tcenergy.com/siteassets/pdfs/investors/reports-and-filings/annual-and-quarterly-reports/2025/tce-2025-q1-quarterly-report.pdf

    Media Inquiries:
    Media Relations
    media@tcenergy.com
    403.920.7859 or 800.608.7859

    Investor & Analyst Inquiries:
    Gavin Wylie / Hunter Mau
    investor_relations@tcenergy.com
    403.920.7911 or 800.361.6522

    1 Build multiple is a non-GAAP ratio calculated by dividing capital expenditures by comparable EBITDA. Please note our method for calculating build multiple may differ from methods used by other entities. Therefore, it may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. For more information on non-GAAP measures and the supplementary financial measure, refer to the Non-GAAP and Supplementary financial measure section of this news release.
    2 Prior year results have been recast to reflect the Liquids Pipelines business as a discontinued operation as a result of the Spinoff Transaction.
    3 Comparable EBITDA, comparable earnings and comparable earnings per common share are non-GAAP measures used throughout this news release. These measures do not have any standardized meaning under GAAP and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The most directly comparable GAAP measures are Segmented earnings, Net income attributable to common shares and Net income per common share, respectively. We do not forecast Segmented earnings. For more information on non-GAAP measures, refer to the Non-GAAP Measures section of this news release.
    4 Based on USD/CAD foreign exchange rate of 1.35.
    5 Net capital expenditures are adjusted for the portion attributed to non-controlling interests and is a supplementary financial measure used throughout this news release. For more information on non-GAAP measures and the supplementary financial measure, refer to the Non-GAAP and Supplementary financial measure section of this news release.
    6 Source: Government of Mexico, CFE fourth quarter 2024 investor presentation
    7 Source: Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon welcomes Ericsson to the ranks of “Verizon Frontline Verified” partners

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon welcomes Ericsson to the ranks of “Verizon Frontline Verified” partners

    BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Frontline today announced Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions as the latest partner to earn “Verizon Frontline Verified” status. 

    Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions is the market leader in 4G and 5G Wireless WAN edge solutions for business, public sector, and public safety agencies. With Ericsson, organizations can connect sites, vehicles, mobile workforces, and IoT devices simply and securely using cellular technology. Ericsson joins the ever-growing list of vendors meeting the high standards required to become “Verizon Frontline Verified.” 

    “Modern public safety operations require secure, nonstop connectivity with access to mission-critical applications and the Internet for every scenario,” said Justin Blair, VP and Head of Carriers, Americas. “Our work with Verizon to ensure our mobile products have reached ‘Verizon Frontline Verified’ status will give our Verizon Frontline customers additional levels of confidence that they are turning to a leader in mobile critical communications.”

    Ericsson’s products, like the Cradlepoint R980 router – which supports the recently-launched Verizon Frontline Network Slice – help the Verizon Frontline Team deliver mission-critical communications capabilities to public safety agencies across the nation. The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 is a compact, ruggedized, wireless network solution that provides 4G LTE and 5G connectivity for vehicles and IoT applications.

    Other 5G Ericsson Cradlepoint products that are now “Verizon Frontline Verified” include the Ericsson Cradlepoint:

    • E3000 enterprise router
    • W1855 outdoor wideband adapter
    • R1900 ruggedized router for vehicles
    • R2105 outdoor all-in-one router for vehicles

    “Ericsson is a leader in the industry,” said Calvin Jackson, a senior manager for crisis response with Verizon Frontline who also helps lead Verizon Frontline’s Innovation Program. “They’ve been a partner of ours for a long time and build their products with Verizon’s reliable, resilient and secure network in mind, making them a trusted solution for public safety agencies everywhere.”

    The “Verizon Frontline Verified” program offers a special designation to vendors whose products have been tested and met the rigorous standards required for public safety use on the Verizon network. The products eligible for this status are specifically designed to assist public safety officials and first responders during all types of hazards and emergencies.

    Vendors looking to earn the “Verizon Frontline Verified” designation must first be part of the Verizon Frontline Innovation Program. Vendors in this program can request to have specific products go through the verification process. More information on the program can be found here.

    Verizon Frontline is the advanced network and technology built for first responders – developed over three decades of partnership with public safety officials and agencies on the front lines – to meet their unique and evolving needs. Learn more at our site. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DG joins high-level meeting to support the accessions of Ethiopia and Uzbekistan

    Source: WTO

    Headline: DG joins high-level meeting to support the accessions of Ethiopia and Uzbekistan

    The Director-General stressed that pursuing lasting economic reforms and accession to the WTO required strong political commitment. She highlighted Ethiopia’s economic reforms under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s “Home-Grown Economic Reform Programme” which aimed at structural transformation of the economy and private sector growth. She noted moreover that the reforms have also created an enabling environment for Ethiopia to benefit from its membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
    Continued support by President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan had also underpinned Uzbekistan’s reform programme, DG Okonjo-Iweala said.  Key presidential decrees had aimed to reduce exclusive rights in several sectors and address other issues of concern to WTO members, while a Presidential Decree in March replaced export restrictions with export duties. This makes the export regime more predictable and transparent, the Director-General noted.
    She also took the opportunity to thank both WTO members and multilateral institutions such as the IMF and World Bank for their assistance in helping build institutional capacity and provide training to acceding governments. The fact that large economies like Ethiopia and Uzbekistan wish to join the WTO reaffirmed the continued importance of the organization and the stability and predictability provided by the multilateral trading system. The Director-General’s comments are available here.
    World Bank and IMF representatives lent their support to domestic reforms being undertaken by Ethiopia and Uzbekistan and looked forward to their accession to the WTO.
    Antonella Bassani, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, noted that Uzbekistan had emerged as one of the top reformers worldwide, having completed over 200 domestic legal reforms since 2020. There was an expectation that Uzbekistan was in the final stretch of its WTO membership negotiations. Ms Bassani said WTO accession remained critical for emerging and developing economies and the World Bank was ready to support the process.
    Amit Dar, World Bank Acting Vice President for the Eastern and Southern Africa Region, highlighted the reforms undertaken by Ethiopia. He acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in the areas of state-owned enterprises, competition, intellectual property rights, trade facilitation and subsidies. He emphasized that the World Bank remains fully committed to supporting Ethiopia through providing technical assistance and resources to help Ethiopia achieve its WTO membership goals and deepen its integration into world markets.
    Kenneth Kang, Deputy Director, Strategy, Policy and Review Department of the IMF, stressed the importance of structural reforms for generating a predictable and stable trade policy environment and the need for careful macroeconomic management and commended both countries on their progress. He noted that economic reforms during the accession process had a positive impact on economic growth. This has been demonstrated in a recent joint study by IMF and WTO staff that showed economies that made deeper commitments during their accession processes grew on average 1.5 percentage points faster than they otherwise would have done.
    Highlighting the economic and legislative reforms undertaken by their respective countries, representatives from Ethiopia and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to conclude accession negotiations by MC14, to be held in Cameroon in March 2026.
    Ethiopia’s State Minister for Finance Eyob Tekalgn said that WTO accession was important for further accelerating economic reforms. Ethiopia’s membership of the AfCFTA had also anchored its reform programme. He also pointed to the need for financial support to build capacity, notably for negotiations and implementation of reforms and to bring legislation into conformity with WTO rules. He added that Ethiopia was working actively to complete bilateral market access negotiations and hoped to conclude these shortly.
    Uzbekistan’s Chief Negotiator Azizbek Urunov noted key steps taken recently, including bringing its food and product safety rules in line with the WTO agreements. To date, nearly 120 legal acts had been harmonized with WTO agreements, he said, with various other draft laws expected to become law soon. Regarding privatization, Mr Urunov noted that Uzbekistan is on course to meet its goal of increasing the share of the private sector in the economy to 85 per cent by 2030.
    Both representatives indicated they were ready to take all the remaining necessary steps to complete their respective reform programmes and become WTO members.
    WTO accessions of Ethiopia and Uzbekistan
    Ethiopia held its 5th Working Party meeting on 19 March 2025. More information on Ethiopia’s accession is available here.
    Uzbekistan held its 9th Working Party meeting on 5 and 6 December 2024. More information on Uzbekistan’s accession is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales modernises the world-class TACTIS armoured vehicle training centre for the Royal Netherlands Army

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales modernises the world-class TACTIS armoured vehicle training centre for the Royal Netherlands Army

    • Thales has secured a major contract to modernise the TACTIS (Tactical Indoor Simulator) training centre for armoured vehicles used by the Royal Netherlands Army, one of the most advanced training centres in the world.
    • This strategic project equips the Dutch land forces with cutting-edge AI technologies based on advanced behavioural engines and terrain reasoning algorithms, as well as ultra-realistic training environments, enhancing their training for complex missions and improving their overall readiness.
    • The contract consolidates Thales’s role as the world leader in virtual simulation systems for armoured fighting vehicles.
    Copyright ©COMMIT / Royal Netherlands Army” id=”image-b7bc5371-c18a-4e5d-9116-443c12080bf7″ data-id=”b7bc5371-c18a-4e5d-9116-443c12080bf7″ data-original=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b7bc5371-c18a-4e5d-9116-443c12080bf7/-/inline/no/A1.jpg” data-mfp-src=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b7bc5371-c18a-4e5d-9116-443c12080bf7/-/resize/1200x/-/format/auto/” alt=”Copyright ©COMMIT / Royal Netherlands Army”/>
    Copyright ©COMMIT / Royal Netherlands Army

    With the return of symmetric and high-intensity combat on the battlefield, the importance of armoured vehicles is now more crucial than ever. Thales’s TACTIS solution effectively addresses the needs of armed forces, offering a comprehensive range of training capabilities, from individual technical skills to tactical proficiency at a company level. This includes a mobile component that enables the ​ ​ deployment of high-fidelity simulators in military barracks or any other location.

    The TACTIS centre is uniquely capable of interconnecting up to 76 simulators simultaneously, allowing for mission rehearsals with up to 200 crew members. This synergy is further enhanced by the integration of up to 2,500 virtual entities known as “Computer-Generated Forces”, enabling force members to conduct exercises in a combined arms environment.

    The contract will fully modernise the TACTIS centre for the Royal Netherlands Army. This modernisation will include the simulation of more than 20 new types of vehicles, including the new generation of combat vehicle, the CV90 MkIV. Thales will cooperate with BAE Hägglunds, the vehicle manufacturer, to deliver high-fidelity simulations. The modernized training centre will also offer the ability to integrate future weapon systems that will be deployed within the Royal Netherlands Army, such as the LEO2A8 main battle tank.

    The virtual environment will also reflect the new threats emerging on the battlefield including urban warfare. The level of immersion will be enhanced through the use of Unreal Engine 5, the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D tool, allowing for the creation of ultra-realistic, high-quality training environments. This cutting-edge technology not only ensures effective learning but also simulates realistic combat conditions, enabling forces to prepare more effectively for contemporary challenges. Thanks to TACTIS, team training is optimised to effectively meet the demands of new operational theatres.

    “The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has always been a step ahead when it comes to training their forces using simulation. We are honoured that they have renewed their trust in Thales through the modernization of their armoured fighting vehicle training centre ‘TACTIS’. It remains a world-class reference recognised by NATO member countries in Europe. This mid-life upgrade will incorporate Thales’s latest generation of simulation capabilities, offering unmatched immersion and realism to ensure force readiness for increasingly complex missions. This new contract is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Thales, reinforcing our continued commitment to safeguarding the security and sovereignty of European nations” said Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice-President, Avionics, Thales.

    Copyright ©Thales” id=”image-f3e805f8-874c-4935-9878-a893f6bfdb85″ data-id=”f3e805f8-874c-4935-9878-a893f6bfdb85″ data-original=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/f3e805f8-874c-4935-9878-a893f6bfdb85/-/inline/no/Baneer.jpg” data-mfp-src=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/f3e805f8-874c-4935-9878-a893f6bfdb85/-/resize/1200x/-/format/auto/” alt=”Copyright ©Thales”/>
    Copyright ©Thales

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

    The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

    Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

    About Thales in the Netherlands

    With a presence in the Netherlands for over 100 years, Thales develops and delivers cutting-edge technologies for the global defence and security markets, including high-tech sensors, systems, command & control, communication systems, and cybersecurity solutions.

    With more than 3000 employees in seven locations, we work together with local universities, government, partners and our local eco-system to develop solutions resulting in more than 80% export. The State of the Netherlands holds 1% of Thales Nederland B.V. shares.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thirty years of WTO accessions

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Since its establishment on 1 January 1995 to oversee the multilateral trade agreements negotiated by its 128 original members, the WTO has seen an ongoing expansion of its membership and continued interest from many economies seeking to join the organization. As a result, the percentage of world trade accounted for by WTO members has risen from 87 per cent in 1995 to over 98 per cent today.

    Over the past 30 years, 60 countries and customs territories have applied for accession to the WTO. Of these, 38 have completed the process, bringing the WTO’s total membership to 166. Meanwhile, 22 economies are currently at various stages of negotiating their accession.

    Although those seeking to join the WTO have followed similar paths of economic reform, WTO accession processes have varied significantly. Some completed the process relatively quickly – for example, after just three to four years of negotiations, the Kyrgyz Republic and Oman joined the WTO, in 1998 and in 2000, respectively. Others, such as Kazakhstan and Seychelles, spent nearly two decades in accession talks before becoming members, both in 2015. These longer timelines reflect the evolving nature of the accession process.

    Unlike accessions in the era of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), WTO accessions require far-reaching structural reforms that go well beyond traditional trade-opening, often encompassing multiple sectors of the acceding economy. Moreover, the process demands a thorough understanding of the applicant’s economic systems, policy frameworks and reform priorities, which must be underpinned by broad-based domestic consensus.

    Why, then, do governments choose to undertake the rigorous demands of WTO accession? For many, the answer lies in a desire to modernize institutions and regulatory practices, enhance the business environment and attract foreign direct investment. These motivations often go hand-in-hand with broader national goals, including market-oriented reforms, poverty reduction and sustainable development.

    Market-opening and structural reforms, for instance, have been central to the evolution of many economies. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia in 1991, international trade played a pivotal role in transforming the economies of the newly independent states and in strengthening their ties with the global economy. WTO membership served as a powerful vehicle for the modernization of these economies, as well as of other formerly centrally planned economies, such as China and Viet Nam.

    In addition, least-developed countries (LDCs), beginning with Cambodia and Nepal in 2004, and most recently Comoros and Timor-Leste in 2024 – making a total of 11 LDC accessions to date – have used the accession process to lay the foundations for poverty reduction and sustainable economic growth.

    In the cases of Cabo Verde, Samoa and Vanuatu, WTO membership was soon followed by graduation from LDC status (in 2008, 2014 and 2020, respectively). For others, including the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Nepal and Cambodia, graduation is expected before the end of this decade.

    As many LDCs began their accession processes while classified as “fragile and conflict-affected states”, WTO membership has also played an important role in reshaping perceptions of their economic and development potential.

    Recently, WTO economists quantified the economic impact of undertaking the robust commitments required for WTO accession. Their analysis found that economies implementing reforms and making deeper commitments during accession negotiations grew an average of 1.5 percentage points faster than they otherwise would have done. A review of both completed and ongoing accessions underscores that the WTO accession process serves as a catalyst for domestic reform, helping to create an enabling environment for economic resilience and sustainable growth.

    In the same way that WTO accessions have anchored domestic transformations, accessions have also benefitted the global trading system. Through accessions, the percentage of world trade accounted for by WTO members has risen from 87 per cent in 1995 to over 98 per cent today.

    Despite the proliferation of free trade agreements and the sharp rise in tariff barriers, the vast majority of this trade – still more than 70 per cent – continues to be conducted under the WTO’s most-favoured-nation (MFN) principles. This has promoted the integration of global supply chains and, in so doing, has lowered trading costs for all WTO members.

    The scope of the WTO can also be measured in terms of population. At the time when the WTO was established, the original members represented just 69 per cent of the world’s population. Today, thanks to the accession of new members, that share has risen to 94 per cent. In other words, over the past 30 years, the WTO has extended its reach to an additional 2 billion people – further strengthening the inclusiveness and global relevance of the multilateral trading system.

    Beyond their individual reforms, economies that have joined the WTO since 1995 have made substantial systemic contributions to the WTO. Each accession prompts existing members to reflect on how best to uphold and advance the WTO’s core values. As a result, accessions have repeatedly helped to deepen, clarify and modernize existing disciplines.

    Collectively, acceded members have added more than 1,500 legally binding commitments to the WTO rulebook. These commitments – coupled with guarantees for deeper access to their domestic markets for goods and services – have made the WTO stronger, more dynamic and more responsive to evolving global trade realities.

    In key areas, such as domestic support in agriculture and the regulation of state-owned enterprises, members who have joined over the past 30 years have often taken on more comprehensive and detailed commitments, reflecting an evolution of obligations in relation to existing WTO norms. In several areas – notably trade facilitation, tariff rate quotas and export subsidies – accession negotiations have also achieved concrete results years before the emergence of multilateral trade disciplines, demonstrating the forward-looking nature of the accession process.

    In the area of transparency alone, acceded members have adopted over 250 specific commitments. Some of these members could even be considered to be “transparency champions”, given that they have submitted extensive notifications to the WTO about their trade measures – including in areas where original members have been less forthcoming, or where multilateral disciplines do not yet exist, such as the notification of privatization programmes.

    Today, 30 years after the establishment of the WTO, acceded members account for more than one-fifth of its total membership. Accessions are a force for change – driving re-examinations of the WTO rulebook, steering the trading system away from complacency, and challenging original members to match the benchmarks set by the newer members. This has been especially relevant in recent years, as the multilateral trading system has been facing mounting pressure.
    Acceding members offer a source of hope for the future of the trading system. Even amid global uncertainty and growing challenges, many of them have remained actively engaged, recognizing that no economy’s prosperity is secure in isolation, however large or small that economy might be.

    The admission of new members has been a true success story, but work on WTO accessions is far from complete. Twenty-two governments – a diverse group, whose future membership will further enrich the WTO – remain in the process of accession.

    As an institution, the WTO will try to support these governments by providing targeted technical assistance and capacity-building. As always, a key area of focus will be the accession of the remaining LDCs, all of which are also classified as fragile and conflict-affected states. Supporting these countries in their WTO accession processes, through dedicated programmes and tailored approaches, can serve as a catalyst for economic reform, institution-building and integration into the global trading system. Over time, this can also help to foster lasting stability and peace and to establish a gradual pathway out of fragility and toward greater resilience.

    Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that integration into the multilateral trading system does not end on the date of an economy’s accession. Indeed, the immediate post-accession period presents a distinct set of challenges – particularly for governments with limited institutional and administrative capacity.

    While the WTO recognizes the need for sustained support during this critical phase – when newly acceded members are often required to implement further domestic reforms to fulfil their WTO commitments – it has yet to develop robust institutional mechanisms to provide targeted support during this period. There is scope for improvement in this area, and especially in supporting the effective integration of recently acceded LDCs.

    Thirty years since the establishment of the WTO, accessions continue to renew and enrich the organization. As new members continue to bring fresh perspectives and commitment to the multilateral trading system, WTO accessions will remain a powerful force for reform, international cooperation and global economic integration.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Apprenticeship Day 2025

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 30, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 30, 2025, as “Apprenticeship Day.”

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below.

    PROCLAMATION

    National Apprenticeship Day is a nationwide celebration recognizing apprenticeships as a vital career pathway that is key to the prosperity and vitality of our state. We are proud to be a national leader in growing the number and type of apprenticeships, enabling more Californians to pursue rewarding careers while strengthening our economy.

    Apprenticeships are integral to California’s Master Plan for Career Education, a pragmatic strategy for career readiness that prioritizes hands-on learning and real-life skills in career education. Working in coordination with the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, the Master Plan takes a bottom-up approach to workforce and economic development that is responsive to the emerging needs of the economy and specific to sectors, regions, and individuals’ skills and experience.

    The state has made historic efforts to increase access to apprenticeships across industries, proudly supporting 91,493 active registered apprentices. We are invested in initiatives to sustain and scale registered apprentice programs, through initiatives like Apprenticeship Innovation Funding, which has made $52 million available in its third round of funding to reimburse the program and training costs for growing apprenticeship programs.

    All Californians deserve the opportunity to gain the skills that build a lasting career. Through the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant program, the state is committing an additional $16 million to expand access to pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities for young people. This investment, together with the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship Grant, is expanding pathways into the construction industry and helping ensure that California’s skilled workforce reflects California’s communities.

    Apprentices offer an impactful alternative to traditional education paths that benefit employers as well as workers by filling skill gaps in critical areas and helping businesses grow. Supporting the next generation of skilled workers is how we have built the fourth-largest economy in the world – and a workforce that is the envy of the world.

    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 30, 2025 as “Apprenticeship Day.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 30th day of April 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State   

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom expands affordable housing and supportive services for rural Californians with $118.9 million in new federal funding

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 30, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom and the Department of Housing and Community Development today announced the awards of $118.9 million in federal funding for 29 California rural and tribal communities to create more affordable housing and supportive services.

    SACRAMENTO—The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) today announced nearly $118.9 million in awards from three federally funded programs to address homelessness by funding development of 487 affordable rental homes, supporting emergency shelters and homeless outreach, and providing rapid rehousing and supportive services needed to help low-income Californians attain and maintain housing stability.

    “Our nation’s housing crisis doesn’t end at city limits, and we must ensure housing and services are available to all members of our communities. We are grateful for this additional federal funding to ensure that our rural and tribal communities receive the housing support they need and deserve.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    In 2021, the U.S. Congress appropriated $5 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act to reduce homelessness nationwide. Of that amount, $512 million was awarded directly to California communities by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Another $155 million went to HCD to implement HOME Investments Partnerships American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) programs in California for those non-entitlement jurisdictions—specifically rural communities and unincorporated areas—that did not receive funding directly from HUD.

    HCD’s HOME-ARP Rental Housing (RH) program announced ten awards totaling $89 million, including two awards to Tribal Entities. The Yurok Indian Housing Authority and Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians received a combined $18.7 million to fund 31 HOME-ARP assisted units.

    “Housing affordability and homelessness affect all areas, not just our large, metro areas,” said Tomiquia Moss, Business, Consumer Services and Housing Secretary. “The State works diligently to provide and channel funding to all counties, to provide local providers the support needed to ensure programs in their communities deliver real results. This funding does just that and I pledge our continued support for local governments in their work to lessen and eliminate homelessness and create more affordable housing.”

    “By providing much-needed resources to rural and tribal communities, these awards help address our homelessness crisis and meet the critical needs of these residents,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “Federal support ensures the state continues its stride toward providing housing stability and affordability for all.”

    The HOME-ARP RH awards announced today will fund much-needed affordable rental housing in the counties of Del Norte, El Dorado, Kings, Lake, Madera, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, and Placer. The ten projects awarded will include a total of 487 affordable rental homes, including 184 HOME-ARP funded units for low-income households and other qualifying populations. This includes people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, those fleeing violence or human trafficking, and others at greatest risk of housing instability.

    HCD also announced six awards totaling $26.4 million from its HOME-ARP Housing Plus Support Program (HPSP) to support households who are currently experiencing homelessness, as well as those who will benefit from services designed to prevent homelessness.

    For more information about the awards, visit California Housing and Community Development’s website here.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lombardo Signs Data Sharing Agreement with BLM Nevada to Identify Potential Federal Land for Release

    Source: US State of Nevada

    Las Vegas, NV April 29, 2025

    Today, Governor Joe Lombardo and the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada officially signed a Data Sharing Agreement to consolidate and improve the sharing of information about federal land that is available for disposal in Nevada.

    “I’m pleased to announce the State’s joint agreement with the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada today,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “This agreement will improve our ability to share critical data about public lands in Nevada and help inform future housing and economic development in our communities. I’m grateful to BLM Nevada for their partnership, and I look forward to making progress on this key issue together.”

    “We look forward to working with the State of Nevada to provide accurate data as efficiently as possible to help Nevadans find public land potentially available for disposal,” said BLM Nevada Acting State Director Kim Prill.

    The Data Sharing Agreement has four key objectives, which include:
    ● To provide a vehicle for the sharing of information pertaining to public lands within the State of Nevada that are potentially available for disposal in Nevada between BLM Nevada, the Nevada Office of the Governor, and Nevada Division of Minerals.
    ● To cooperate in the sharing of information to realize maximum operating efficiency and cost savings for public benefit.
    ● To avoid duplication of effort in the collection of information.
    ● To improve the accuracy and maintenance of the potentially available disposable lands information.

    The signed agreement is attached.

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom deploys first-in-the-nation GenAI technologies to improve efficiency in state government

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 29, 2025

    What you need to know: California continues to improve efficiency and engagement in state government by advancing its first-in-the-nation project to integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology into state operations.

    Los Angeles, California – California continues to implement Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), today with Governor Newsom announcing the state has entered into three new agreements to utilize GenAI to reduce highway congestion, improve roadway safety, and enhance customer service in a state call center. 

    The announcement today, made at Accenture headquarters in Los Angeles, is part of Governor Newsom’s ongoing strategy to implement technologies and practices that make state operations more efficient and responsive to the people it serves. In 2023, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing state agencies to utilize GenAI technologies to improve state services and help solve important issues. Since that time, the state has integrated AI and other efficiency solutions to make state government work faster and even more effective.

    GenAI is here, and it’s growing in importance every day. We know that state government can be more efficient, and as the birthplace of tech it is only natural that California leads in this space. In the Golden State, we know that efficiency means more than cutting services to save a buck, but instead building and refining our state government to better serve all Californians.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Leading in efficiency 

    California is leading in the effort to implement AI and other technologies into state government operations, quickly adopting projects through its new innovative procurement method, Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI2). RFI2 allows the state to quickly test technology through safe and secure environments, providing the state and the innovator community valuable insights while protecting state data. RFI2 was adopted by the state in 2019, after Governor Newsom sought to improve the onerous state purchasing process and help the state to more efficiently adopt these new technologies.

    Leading in engagement

    Governor Newsom has also implemented new technologies through the Office of Data and Innovation, including the groundbreaking new Engaged California project. This first-in-the-nation digital democracy platform is currently being used to help the community in the Los Angeles wildfire recovery. Today, Governor Newsom will also host a roundtable event in the LA area to meet with stakeholders integral in the Engaged California project — and to discuss projects for expansion statewide. 

    “We are committed to harnessing the latest technologies to better serve Californians. With GenAI, we’re improving government service while also showing the benefits this California-based industry can bring to governments all over the world.” California Government Operations Agency Secretary Nick Maduros

    Projects moving forward today include:

    GenAI to reduce highway congestion 

    The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) released a problem statement to process and interpret complex data to improve its traffic pattern analysis, address bottlenecks, and enhance overall traffic management. To solve this issue, Azure Open AI, GenAI technology developed by Microsoft and utilized by Accenture, LLP, used a vast amount of data from authentic, well-recognized sources to analyze potential transportation scenarios and develop solutions, including reducing traffic congestion, enhancing incident response, and improving transit reliability. 

    The next phase of this project will analyze real-time and historical data from roadways to predict traffic bottlenecks, detect incidents faster, and identify locations for safety enhancements. This cutting-edge solution will empower Caltrans to improve mobility and reduce traffic delays across the state.

    “California is a global leader in GenAI innovation, and the signing of these contracts provides the state an essential tool to help solve some of our most pressing transportation challenges. Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California is enthusiastically advancing this cutting-edge technology and will now harness its power to help save lives and streamline mobility for all people.” California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin 

    GenAI for traffic safety 

    Caltrans will also be using GenAI to investigate near misses of injuries/fatalities to identify risky areas and monitor interventions designed to increase safety of vulnerable road users, including bike riders and pedestrians. Under the contract, Deloitte Consulting, LLP used Gemini GenAI technology to help identify high-collision locations and recommended targeted safety improvements across the highway system to proactively address road safety risks — especially for vulnerable road users. 

    By analyzing various datasets—including crash records, roadway conditions, and equity indicators—GenAI uncovered patterns, prioritized safety interventions, and delivered data-driven insights to help the department better protect all Californians on the road. In the next phase, the tool will expand upon the datasets to better identify and address locations in need of safety upgrades which will be evaluated by the department prior to taking any actions. 

    “These historic contracts exemplify Caltrans’ commitment to innovation and being a national leader in adopting new technologies to improve lives and communities. Using GenAI through smart, responsible implementation will be a game changer in developing solutions to ease traffic gridlock and reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roadways.” Caltrans Director Tony Tavares

    GenAI to enhance customer service

    The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will use GenAI to swiftly search more than 16,000 pages of reference materials and assist staff in providing responses to taxpayers via telephone and live chat. 

    During a pilot project carried out over the last 10 months, Claude, a next-generation AI assistant developed by Anthropic, was utilized by Symsoft Solutions LLC to reduce the time it takes to handle an average CDTFA customer inquiry. Typically, during peak tax filing periods, an additional 280 staff from throughout the department are temporarily reassigned to provide backup to the call center. With this new technology, CDTFA will be able to continue providing excellent customer service while limiting the need for disruptions from staff reassignments. 

    “California is demonstrating that GenAI can help us improve the way we do business for Californians.  This project will serve as a proof point moving forward to see if we can scale this technology across state government call centers.” CDTFA Director Trista Gonzalez.

    GenAI, the California way

    California will continue to implement GenAI for the benefit of all Californians, presenting additional challenges and calling for new GenAI projects by AI innovators. The second round brings the state closer to possibly using GenAI for operational efficiencies in housing, workforce planning, and bill analysis. The work is ongoing, and the state anticipates wrapping up this second round by summer 2025.  

    For more information about why California is the home of GenAI, visit GenAI.ca.gov.

    GenAI for productivity

    Also in response to the Governor’s executive order to help implement AI solutions to make state government more efficient, effective, and productive, the state is now implementing additional AI solutions for state departments. The state recently launched a first-in-the-nation State Digital Assistance AI tool through the California Department of Technology, which will be provided to eight state departments through a pilot program. The departments will utilize the tool through a pilot program to test how GenAI can help increase productivity by assisting staff to quickly develop images, and summarize and analyze state data.

    California has also rolled out Microsoft 365 Copilot chat for state departments, which is being offered at no cost to the state for the pilot period. Copilot Chat is a GenAI assistant to enhance staff productivity by streamlining information analysis, assisting with content creation, answering questions, and more. 

    Harnessing the power of AI

    AI is already changing the world, and California will play a pivotal role in defining that future. Home to Silicon Valley and the birthplace of the tech industry, California continues to dominate as the leader in AI. The state is home to 32 of 50 top AI companies worldwide.

    In addition to California’s efforts to deploy GenAI in state government, Governor Newsom co-hosted a GenAI summit in May 2024 with leaders across academia, industry, civil society, and government to discuss how the state can best use this transformative technology on behalf of Californians. 

    First of-its-kind effort with NVIDIA

    In August 2024, the state partnered with NVIDIA to launch a first-of-its-kind AI collaboration. The initiative, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and NVIDIA founder & CEO Jensen Huang, aims to train students, educators and workers; support job creation and promote innovation; and use AI to solve challenges that can improve the lives of Californians.

    Staying ahead of threats 

    Last year, Governor Newsom also signed a series of bills to crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes and require AI watermarking, protect performers’ digital likenesses, and combat deepfake election content.

    Recent news

    Apr 29, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is filing a lawsuit today against the Trump administration for dismantling AmeriCorps, which puts service and volunteer programs across the country and in California at risk. SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney…

    Apr 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement congratulating newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney:“Jennifer and I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney on his party’s election victory in Canada. California looks…

    Apr 28, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 28, 2025 as “Workers’ Memorial Day.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONOn Workers’ Memorial Day, we acknowledge, remember, and honor…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California sues Trump administration for dismantling AmeriCorps

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 29, 2025

    What you need to know: California is filing a lawsuit today against the Trump administration for dismantling AmeriCorps, which puts service and volunteer programs across the country and in California at risk.

    SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that California, along with other states, is suing the Trump administration over recent DOGE efforts to dismantle AmeriCorps – the federal agency vital to supporting volunteer and service efforts in California and across the country.  

    As the federal government cuts AmeriCorps programs, the state is recruiting for the California Service Corps program — already the largest service corps in the nation, surpassing the size of the Peace Corps.

    Service sits at the very core of who we are as Americans. California is suing the Trump administration to defend thousands of hardworking service members and the communities they serve.

    These actions by President Trump and Elon Musk not only threaten our funding – they vandalize our values. We’re going to fight to stop them.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    In the complaint today, the Attorney General Bonta and a multistate coalition argue that by abruptly canceling critical grants and gutting AmeriCorps’ workforce, the Trump Administration is effectively shuttering the national volunteer agency and ending states’ abilities to support AmeriCorps programs within their borders. 

    “AmeriCorps volunteers bring out the best in America and in our communities. By abruptly canceling critical grants and gutting AmeriCorps’ workforce and volunteers, DOGE is dismantling AmeriCorps without any concern for the thousands of people who are ready and eager to serve their country — or for those whose communities are stronger because of this public service,” said Attorney General Bonta. “In California, AmeriCorps volunteers build affordable housing, clean up our environment, and address food insecurity in communities across our state. California has repeatedly taken action to hold the Trump Administration and DOGE accountable to the law — and we stand prepared to do it again to protect AmeriCorps and the vital services it provides.”

    In 2024, at least 6,150 California members served at more than 1,200 locations, including schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, youth centers, veterans’ facilities, and other nonprofit and faith-based organizations. When the devastating fires struck Los Angeles earlier this year, AmeriCorps members were on the ground, distributing supplies and supporting families. The agency’s shutdown ends these efforts.

    “DOGE isn’t just cutting jobs — they’re attacking the very people who keep California strong,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “They’re coming after the service members who responded to the LA fires, the tutors helping our kids and the young leaders caring for our seniors. It’s outrageous, it’s illegal and we won’t back down. In California, we’re not just defending service — we’re strengthening it. California is doubling down, and we trust the courts will strike this down and uphold the values we fight for every day.” 

    California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs:   

     Combined, it is a force larger than the Peace Corps and is mobilized at a time when California is addressing post-pandemic academic recovery, rebuilding from the LA fires and planning for the future of the state’s workforce. 

    In the 2023-24 service year, AmeriCorps members in California: 

    • Provided 4,397,674 hours of service
    • Tutored/mentored 73,833 students
    • Supported 17,000 foster youth with education and employment 
    • Planted 39,288 trees

    Members helped 26,000 households impacted by the LA fires and packed 21,000 food boxes.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Apr 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement congratulating newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney:“Jennifer and I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney on his party’s election victory in Canada. California looks…

    Apr 28, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring April 28, 2025 as “Workers’ Memorial Day.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONOn Workers’ Memorial Day, we acknowledge, remember, and honor…

    Apr 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: DOGE is ramping up its work to dismantle AmeriCorps. California will sue to stop it. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement after California received notice from the federal government of termination of its…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Development of nuclear energy in the EU – E-000862/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The choice of the energy sources in the energy mix, and the decision to use or not use nuclear energy, remains within the remit of each Member State in accordance with the Treaty on Functioning of the EU[1].

    In order to decarbonize its economy and to end energy dependencies on unreliable suppliers, the EU has been accelerating its energy transition plans.

    This transition must be technology neutral[2]. According to The Commission’s projections, all zero and low carbon energy solutions, including nuclear energy, are needed to meet the 2040 decarbonisation targets[3].

    The Commission is committed to respecting and applying the principle of technological neutrality , as reflected in the Clean Industrial Deal (CID)[4] and the Affordable Energy Action Plan (AEAP)[5].

    As announced in the AEAP, the Commission will assess investments needs in an updated Nuclear Illustrative Programme and the possibility of streamlining current permitting and licensing practices for the deployment of new nuclear technologies in the EU, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

    In addition, the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs was launched to facilitate the deployment of first SMRs in the EU by early 2030s.

    The Commission will continue to support the work of the Alliance in line with the mission letter of the Commissioner for Energy and Housing.

    The Commission oversees the compatibility of state aid granted by Member States with the EU State aid rules. As announced in the CID, the Commission will assess the state aid for nuclear supply chains and technologies, including SMRs, in line with the Treaty and with respect to technological neutrality.

    • [1] Article194 of the Treaty on Functioning of the European Union.
    • [2] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’ (https://european-research-area.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/2025-01/COM%202025%2030%20-%20A%20Competitiveness%20Compass%20for%20the%20EU%20_%2029-1-2025.pdf).
    • [3] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: ‘Securing Europe’s 2040 climate target and path to climate neutrality by 2050 building a sustainable, just and prosperous society’ (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A63%3AFIN).
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/9db1c5c8-9e82-467b-ab6a-905feeb4b6b0_en
    • [5] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/7e2e6198-b6b8-46fe-b263-984b437da3ab_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Action%20Plan%20for%20Affordable%20Energy.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for the Ionian Islands in relation to landslides – E-001597/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001597/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georgios Aftias (PPE)

    Coastal areas in the European Union are in a vulnerable and dynamic situation due to human intervention and natural processes, which change their morphology, but also due to the advantages they bring at a social and economic level. They are greatly affected by coastal soil erosion, as well as by wave activity. The Ionian Islands contribute significantly to trade, transport and tourism, offering a huge range of economic development and professional activity to Greek society.

    According to a report by the Region of the Ionian Islands, signed by the Regional Governor, Mr. Ioannis Trepeklis, after long-term research and studies it has been established that the Ionian Islands region is particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion and the most prone to ongoing and strong seismic vibrations worldwide. The islands of Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Lefkada are mentioned. The Ionian Islands Region is raising this issue with urgency, as solving the problem also requires immediate European intervention.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Will the Commission support the strengthening of the resilience of coastal areas with all financial means?
    • 2.Will the Commission finance national initiatives that contribute to the protection of the inhabitants of coastal areas from the effects caused by soil erosion?

    Submitted: 22.4.2025

    Last updated: 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Aviation safety and implementation of EU rules – E-001606/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001606/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    Critical issues for flight safety in Greece are being raised due to serious malfunctions in the ‘non-operational’ aircraft collision control and warning system, especially in the terminal area of​ Athens airport, which are being denounced by the Greek Association of Air Traffic Controllers (AATC).[1]

    The AATC is sounding the alarm due to outdated surveillance and communications equipment, inadequate staffing and other dangerous – mainly during periods of increased air traffic – operational and working conditions. The above conditions potentially jeopardise the country’s compliance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1139,[2] Regulation (EU) 139/2014[3] and Regulation (EU) 965/2012,[4] which require high safety standards in civil aviation and the proper functioning of air traffic systems.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.How does the Commission assess the complaints regarding the operational status of the air collision avoidance system in Greece?
    • 2.Has it carried out (or does it intend to carry out), through the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other competent bodies, an updated review of the status of the National Air Traffic Systems in Member States with identified gaps, such as, for example, Greece?
    • 3.What measures does it intend to put in place to ensure Greece’s full compliance with the EU aviation safety framework and the modernisation/functionality of air traffic systems?

    Submitted: 22.4.2025

    • [1] https://www.flash.gr/epistoli-vomva-ton-elegkton-enaerias-kykloforias-tyflo-to-systima-proeidopoiisis-sygkroysis-982188?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32018R1139
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/139/oj/eng
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/965/oj/eng
    Last updated: 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Iceland: Sidekick Health Secures €35 Million Venture Debt from EIB to Accelerate R&D and Global Expansion

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €35 million venture debt facility with Sidekick Health, a leading digital health and therapeutics company operating across Europe and the US.
    • The funding will accelerate Sidekick’s therapy development and AI-driven platform innovation across multiple chronic and specialty care areas.
    • The R&D-focused facility is backed by the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative and complemented by a €7M capital injection from existing and new investors to accelerate Sidekick’s commercial growth.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Sidekick Health — a global leader in integrated digital health and therapeutics — today announced the signing of a €35 million venture debt facility, backed by a dedicated life science venture debt window of the European Commission’s InvestEU programme. It provides Sidekick with dedicated capital to accelerate R&D activities, expand its digital therapeutics portfolio, enhance AI capabilities, and strengthen its data and platform infrastructure — delivering scalable, secure, and impactful solutions for patients, payers, and pharmaceutical partners worldwide. The agreement represents the EIB Group’s first venture debt transaction in Iceland, where Sidekick is headquartered.

    In parallel, Sidekick closed an additional €7M growth-focused financing, reflecting strong investor confidence and providing additional capital to scale its commercial footprint and strategic partnerships.

    At the signing ceremony today in Luxembourg, Tryggvi Thorgeirsson, MD, MPH, CEO and Co-Founder of Sidekick Health, commented:

    “This strategic financing from the EIB enables us to double down on our mission to improve and save lives by digitizing care. It strengthens our ability to invest in R&D, therapy development, and AI, while focusing future equity on scaling our commercial impact. Together with the strong backing of our investors, our diversified funding strategy — now including non-dilutive venture debt — positions Sidekick to accelerate innovation, deepen our partnerships, and continue transforming healthcare at scale.”

    Thomas Östros, Vice-President of the EIB, said:

    “The EIB has a solid track record in financing European med-tech companies through its venture debt instrument. The competitiveness of these companies is very important for our EU strategic autonomy. This is already the fifth InvestEU project in Iceland, building on a long tradition of EU-guaranteed funding for Icelandic projects.”

    Sidekick partners with leading pharmaceutical companies, health insurers, and healthcare providers to deliver AI-enhanced digital health and therapeutics solutions across chronic and specialty care, including oncology, cardiovascular, metabolic, women’s health, and inflammatory conditions. The company’s platform has demonstrated improved patient outcomes and supported cost reduction in collaboration with partners, helping drive the shift toward personalized, proactive care.

    EU Ambassador to Iceland Clara Ganslandt added:

    “It was only in January last year, 2024, that Iceland’s participation in InvestEU was formally launched but we now already have five InvestEU projects in Iceland. That is certainly worth celebrating. The EU is committed to fuelling research and innovation and making use of impactful investments – in a world of increased global competition, it is in our common interest for Iceland and the European Union to work together. For three decades, since 1994, Icelandic organisations have been remarkably active, valued and successful participants in EU programmes, and Sidekick Health will certainly make this financing agreement a success.”

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    InvestEU

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable economy. It helps generate additional investments in line with EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal, the digital transition and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. InvestEU brings all EU financial instruments together under one roof, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners who invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. This guarantee increases their risk-bearing capacity, thus mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    Sidekick Health

    Sidekick Health is a digital health innovation company offering a uniquely broad portfolio of digital health and therapeutic programs across oncology, cardiovascular, metabolic, women’s health, and inflammatory conditions. Our solutions engage and empower people to improve health outcomes and quality of life. Sidekick works with health insurers, including leading national US health plans, pharmaceutical companies, including half of the world’s top 10 life sciences companies, and develops fully regulated prescription digital therapeutics — prescribed by over 17,000 physicians — designed to improve patient outcomes, enhance clinical efficiency, and reduce the cost of care.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Our Manchester 2025-35: Our future, shaped by you

    Source: City of Manchester

    Over the past 10 years Manchester City Council has had big ambitions for our city. 

    From tackling inequalities in our society, and creating a vibrant city that people want to live and work in, to growing our reputation on the global stage as a leading city. 

    In the decade since the original Our Manchester plan was brought to life Manchester has been a city on the rise. More than 100,000 new people call the city home, more than 100,000 new jobs have been created, and Manchester is now one of the most important engines of growth in the UK and Europe.  

    More children did better in school and our residents became more qualified: nearly three quarters of our residents now have a college-level qualification, and far fewer have no qualification at all. 

    Through that decade, huge strides have been made to improve the lives of ordinary people, working in collaboration with a range of partners, from education and health, to business, emergency services and community and faith groups we began to shift the dial on hard long-term challenges. 

    Just a fraction of the things we have achieved together include: 

    • More schools, colleges and early years groups judged better than ever  
    • More pounds in workers’ pockets in our Real Living Wage City  
    • Investment to make people proud and safer on their streets in neighbourhoods like Ancoats, Beswick, Collyhurst, Miles Platting, New Islington and Wythenshawe   
    • We are now building more affordable homes than at any point in the last decade 
    • Skills and better education for people to get on and do well in our City of Lifelong Learning and Child Friendly City 
    • The opening of Aviva Studios and Co-op Live (the largest indoor venue in the UK) and global cultural events such as the Chanel Métiers D’Art show, all of which showcase the fantastic place Manchester is for our partners to promote and develop art, sport and culture 

    But, there is more work to be done. 10 years is no time at all when it comes to addressing the long-term issues which still hold people back and prevent everyone from sharing in the prosperity that Manchester has to offer.  

    This is why today, we are launching the next 10-year plan for Our Manchester, bigger and bolder than before, presenting the ambitious vision for 2025-2035. 

    During this coming decade the Council will lead the charge for Manchester to become an even better city, to continue to address issues such as inequality, fostering growth that benefits everyone, tackling the housing crisis so that everyone in Manchester can enjoy affordable, low-carbon housing, continuing to push towards becoming a zero-carbon city by 2038, and creating green and clean neighbourhoods that everyone can enjoy. 

    A list of 12 priorities have been set that will guide the Council’s policies over the next 10 years. Broadly they fit into three categories on what we can do to improve the lives of the people who live here, the neighbourhoods in which we live, and the ambitions we have for our city. 

    Priorities 1 to 5. Our People will be:  

    1. Happy, healthy and active from childhood
    2. Well educated, learning new skills throughout life to get the best jobs  
    3. Proud of our diversity, feeling valued and included  
    4. Participants influencing decisions
    5. Safe – in person and online  

    Priories 6 and 7 are for all Our Neighbourhoods to have: 

    6. Enough good quality, genuinely affordable homes

    7. Attractive, well-kept areas with good facilities, public services and green spaces  

     Priorities 8 to 12 are for Our City to have:   

    8. A growing economy with jobs and fair opportunities for all 

    9. Ways to adapt to climate change and cut our carbon emissions 

    10. World-renowned things for everyone to see and do, showcasing our passion for sport and culture 

    11. Reliable transport that’s quick, cheap, safe and clean 

    12. Technology to achieve our aims, safely and ethically 

    Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “Over the last 10 years we have seen tremendous things happen in Manchester, things which have well and truly put us on the global stage as a city and put us in an incredibly strong position to keep growing over the coming decade. 

    “We are incredibly confident that the next 10 years will be our best yet. 

    “Building on strong foundations we want Manchester to the best place in the country to grow up, live well and live happy, successful lives. We will tackle inequality and health inequity, deliver our ambitious housing plan to build tens of thousands of homes, create over 100,000 new jobs, invest and improve our neighbourhoods, invest in better transport and digital connections and build a more sustainable city. 

    “Manchester has seen significant change over the last decade, and today we are setting out our deliberately ambitious strategy for our collective future, and an action plan to power us through the next 10 years. It is a plan that will improve our city as well as the everyday lives of our residents. Getting to this stage has been a long process, and we have heard to more than 10,000 Mancunian voices about their hopes and dreams for our city. 

    “Together we will create a city that is a joy to live and work in and where Mancunians, both home-grown and adopted, that is demonstrably better in 2035 and everyone feels proud of.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Nutritional care – E-001593/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001593/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomislav Sokol (PPE)

    Parliament’s Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA) report explicitly recognised the importance of nutritional care as an integral component of cancer treatment. However, Europe’s beating cancer plan from the Commission appears to have omitted specific provisions regarding nutritional care for cancer patients.

    Disease-related malnutrition is a significant comorbidity affecting patients with cancer, impacting treatment outcomes, quality of life and survival rates. Proper nutritional assessment, monitoring and personalised interventional strategies have been demonstrated to improve treatment tolerance, reduce complications and enhance overall patient outcomes.

    In the light of this:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to incorporate comprehensive nutritional care recommendations into the next review of Europe’s beating cancer plan and its implementing activities, in alignment with Parliament’s BECA report findings?
    • 2.What specific measures does the Commission envision to ensure proper diagnosis of malnutrition risk among patients with cancer, systematic nutritional monitoring and personalised nutritional interventions for patients in need?
    • 3.How does the Commission plan to address the current gap between scientific evidence supporting nutritional care in oncology and its implementation in cancer care pathways across Member States?

    Submitted: 22.4.2025

    Last updated: 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Finland: Helsinki to get new tramline and a depot with €400 million EIB package

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB lends total of €400 million to Helsinki and its transport company to build tram connection to eastern suburbs.
    • The project also features new pathways for cyclists and pedestrians, includes the construction of a new tram and bus depot for Helsinki, and involves acquiring new trams for the city’s entire network.
    • Three major bridges to be built for new tramline.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a €400 million financing package to help the Finnish capital Helsinki build a tramline to three suburbs, construct a new tram and bus depot, purchase new trams, and add pathways for cyclists and pedestrians. The EIB support involves loans of €150 million to the City of Helsinki and €250 million to metropolitan transport company Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd (Pääkaupunkiseudun Kaupunkiliikenne Oy) for the “Crown Bridges Light Rail” project.

    The goals are to extend Helsinki’s tram system to the eastern suburbs of Laajasalo, Korkeasaari and Kalasatama with a new line that will halve travel times to 20 minutes and to increase the city’s bike and pedestrian paths. The project is due to be completed by 2027.

    “Investing in sustainable transport is a priority for the EIB and provides a key step toward advancing climate action and enhancing connectivity in the city,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros. “This project will play an important role in improving the quality of life for Helsinki’s residents.”

    Crown Bridges Light Rail reflects a commitment by Helsinki, which has a population of 685,000, to expand clean public transport. That step should in turn stimulate urban development and regeneration.
    Because Laajasalo and Korkeasaari are islands – Helsinki has around 300 of them – the project features three major bridges over which the new tramline will travel. The longest, Kruunuvuorensilta Bridge, will be 1,200 metres and have a pylon rising to 135 metres. The two other bridges – Merihaansilta and Finkensilta – will have lengths of 400 metres and 300 metres, respectively.

    All three bridges will have bike lanes that are three metres wide and pedestrian pavements with widths of between two and six metres.

    The project includes constructing Helsinki’s Ruskeasuo depot, Finland’s first combined tram and bus depot. It offers storage for about 80 trams, daily maintenance and repair facilities, and a wheel lathe track. The depot also serves regional bus traffic, with roof parking and maintenance spaces for buses.

    The EIB financing covers 40% of the project costs and will go towards building the tramline and the depot as well as buying new tram sets.

    The support aligns with EIB pledges to advance efforts in Europe to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, the EIB finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.   

    In 2024, EIB Group investments in Finland rose to €2.3 billion from €992 million the year before, focusing on green projects and business innovation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Diverting ships to third-country ports – E-001500/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001500/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D)

    In March 2025, the Commission adopted its first report on the implementation of the EU emissions trading system (ETS) extension to maritime transport. The report concludes that there is no clear evidence of ships being diverted to non-European ports or that shipping companies are relocating their ports of call to avoid ETS and FuelEU obligations. However, the report fails to calculate the CO2 emissions emitted, overlooks the fact that the Red Sea crisis is temporarily modifying traffic flows and omits the increase in announced investments in transhipment terminals in third-country ports. Nor does it take into account the fact that in 2024, European ports lost 2 % of their operational capacity, while non-European ports gained 3 %.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission analysed whether emissions have been reduced and whether there has been any impact on the connectivity of European ports?
    • 2.Will it address any of the issues raised in the forthcoming European port strategy and, in particular, does it intend to include a framework for the protection of port workers in the strategy?
    • 3.Is it considering extending the list of third-country transhipment ports with carbon leakage risks this year ?

    Submitted: 11.4.2025

    Last updated: 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Making airbags mandatory for motorcyclists – E-001560/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001560/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE)

    The many EU citizens who use mopeds and motorcycles for the purposes of mobility and recreation are particularly vulnerable because of the inherent risks of using these powered two-wheeled motor vehicles (PTWs).

    The share of PTW rider fatalities keeps increasing, the 3 361 motorcyclists and 539 moped users who died on EU roads in 2023 accounting for 19 % of all EU road traffic deaths that year[1].

    Given that:

    Inflatable airbags could, according to recent studies, improve motorcyclist safety by reducing serious spinal injuries by 60 %[2] and affording better lower-body protection[3].

    The Commission was stressing the need for specific airbag rules to address safety issues for motorcyclists as far back as 2010[4].

    Parliament highlighted the urgency of further safety measures for PTWs in its resolution of 6 October 2021[5].

    We therefore ask the Commission:

    What is it doing to improve road safety for motorcyclists? Is it considering making airbags compulsory for PTWs?

    Submitted: 16.4.2025

    • [1] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/2023-figures-show-stalling-progress-reducing-road-fatalities-too-many-countries-2024-03-08_en?prefLang=it.
    • [2] Giustini, M., Cedri,S., Tallon, M., Roazzi, P., Formisano, R., Pitidis, A., ‘Use of back protector device on motorcycles and mopeds in Italy’, International Journal of Epidemiology, Vol. 43, Issue 6, December 2014, pp. 1921–1928, https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyu209.
    • [3] Pallacci, T., Baldanzini, N., Barbani, D., Pierini, M., ‘Preliminary effectiveness assessment of an airbag-based device for riders’ leg protection in side impacts’, Procedia Structural Integrity, Vol. 24, 2019, pp. 240–250, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prostr.2020.02.021.
    • [4] European Commission, ‘Towards a European road safety area 2011-2020’, COM(2010) 389 final.
    • [5] European Parliament resolution of 6 October 2021 on the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030 – Recommendations on next steps towards ‘Vision Zero’ (2021/2014(INI))
    Last updated: 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –