Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Meet the Galaxy Ring: A Personalised Health Care Device Encased in an Elegant Charging Case – Now Available in South Africa

    Source: Samsung

    The Galaxy Ring, is the smallest device in the Galaxy line-up to date. Despite its size, it’s packed with Samsung’s most advanced sensor technology and Galaxy AI capabilities, helping users keep tabs on their health by simply wearing it on their finger.
     
    Samsung Newsroom unboxed the Galaxy Ring, designed to enhance both style and convenience in everyday life.
     
    A Journey That Begins With Fine Packaging

     
    The Galaxy Ring’s innovative form factor is reflected in its thoughtfully crafted packaging. Constructed in a clamshell design, the packaging resembles a jewelry box, thereby accentuating the wearable’s unique form. Opening the box unveils a transparent charging case with LED lighting — evoking the feeling of revealing a precious gem.

     
    Consistent with the packaging, the charging case adopts a design similar to that of a jewelry box as well. Once opened, the charging case reveals the Galaxy Ring with its titanium frame and sleek curved body, subtly illuminated by LED lighting.
     
    The Galaxy Ring is available in three colours — Titanium Black, Titanium Silver and Titanium Gold — and comes in nine ring sizes from size 8 to 15. This range allows users to select the perfect combination of colour and fit, tailored to their personal style and size.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Ring, alongside its packaging, charging case and a USB Type-C cable
     
    Sophisticated Design Offering Comfort All Week Long
    To provide continuous support and help users stay on track with their health, the Galaxy Ring is equipped with a powerful battery that lasts up to seven days on a single charge.1 The battery level and charging status can be easily monitored through the LED lighting in the charging case.

     

     
    The Galaxy Ring’s main appeal lies in its lightweight and comfortable fit. Weighing between 2.3 grams (size 5) and 3 grams (size 13),2 the device’s sleek, slim design creates an effortless wearing experience that is so comfortable users might forget they have anything on.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Ring boasts a sleek, lightweight design.
     
    The Galaxy Ring is exceptionally durable, thanks to its concave design and Titanium Grade 5 finish that resists everyday scratches and wear.3 The device is also 10 ATM water resistant,4 allowing it to withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 metres. This means the Galaxy Ring can continue to monitor users’ health while they wash their hands, take a shower or engage in strenuous activities without worrying about damaging the device.
     

     
    Advanced Sensors for Comprehensive Health Monitoring
    ▲ The Galaxy Ring features three state-of-the-art sensors.
     
    The Galaxy Ring’s ability to deliver a comprehensive range of health information, from sleep quality to daily activities, is rooted in its advanced built-in sensors. With a skin temperature sensor, heart rate monitor sensor and accelerometer, the Galaxy Ring’s trio of state-of-the-art sensors encircle the user’s finger — meticulously tracking data that is subsequently analysed by Galaxy AI to provide personalised health insights. Users can access detailed health information and insights on the Samsung Health app.
     
    Quick and Easy Pairing With Galaxy Smartphones
    To use the Galaxy Ring, it must first be paired with a Galaxy smartphone. This process is very straightforward. When the case is opened, the device automatically enters pairing mode. Users can follow the instructions on their Galaxy smartphone to complete the connection.
     

     
    To pair manually, place the Galaxy Ring in the case and press the multipurpose button for at least three seconds to activate pairing mode.
     
    ▲ A long press (for three seconds) on the multipurpose button will manually activate pairing mode. A short press will display the battery level via an LED light.
     
    The Galaxy Ring can be worn on the finger once paired, and users can begin personalising and monitoring their health care right away.
     
    ▲ The initial setup screen for the Galaxy Ring when pairing showcases signature digital health features like Energy Score, sleep analysis, Wellness Tips and Heart Rate Alert.
     
    For accurate data tracking, the device should be worn with the protruding line that indicates the sensor’s direction facing the palm. The Galaxy Ring can be worn on any finger, but it is recommended that users try the sizing kit5 rings for a day or more to find out which finger suits them best.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Ring worn correctly, with the protruding line facing the palm.
     
    In addition to health management, the Galaxy Ring also offers a handy smartphone control feature with just a simple gesture of the fingers. When wearing the device, users can double pinch via Gestures to take a photo or turn off an alarm on a connected Galaxy smartphone.6
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Ring’s smartphone control feature lets users take a photo or turn off an alarm by double-pinching their thumb and index finger together.
     
    The Galaxy Ring combines powerful performance and a sleek design for a refined and comfortable wearable experience. Reflecting Samsung’s commitment to advancing user convenience and health monitoring, the Galaxy Ring invites users to embark on a new journey towards healthier living. The Galaxy Ring is available at Samsung stores, online, the Samsung Shop App, as well as participating retailers and operators, at a recommended retail price of R7,9997. Until 30 April 2025, you can get 20% off the Galaxy Ring when you buy any Galaxy S25 smartphone.
     
    [1] Based on the battery life of a size 13 product. Battery life will vary depending on ring size.[2] Weight of Galaxy Ring varies by size. Size 5 Galaxy Ring is 2.3g, size 6 Galaxy Ring is 2.4g, size 7 Galaxy Ring is 2.4g, size 8 Galaxy Ring is 2.6g, size 9 Galaxy Ring is 2.7g, size 10 Galaxy Ring is 2.8g, size 11 Galaxy Ring is 3.0g, size 12 Galaxy Ring is 3.0g, and size 13 Galaxy Ring is 3.0g.[3] Titanium is only applied on Galaxy Ring device frame.[4] ATM stands for the standard atmosphere, a unit of air pressure. In theory, one ATM means that the product is waterproof to a depth of 10 metres under water.[5] One Sizing Kit is available free of charge upon purchasing the Galaxy Ring. Only one Sizing Kit is provided per order number. Sample rings included in the Galaxy Ring Sizing Kit are inoperable and for measuring ring size only. Wearing the ring for at least 24 hours is recommended to test the ring.[6] The double-pinch feature with the thumb and index finger is only able to take photos and turn off alarms on Galaxy Rings paired with Samsung Galaxy smartphones running on One UI 6.1.1 or later.
    [7] Recommended Retail Price Only. Prices may vary per retailer.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sara Jacobs, Sen. Tammy Duckworth Introduce IVF for Military Families Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)

    April 01, 2025

    Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), and Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced the IVF for Military Families Act, which would require TRICARE to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF – and end the differing levels of reproductive health care coverage between active duty service members and their dependents and Members of Congress and their staff. 

    Beginning this year, Members of Congress and their staff who obtain health insurance through the DC Health Exchange have access to plans that include coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF and standard fertility preservation services. Meanwhile, TRICARE coverage currently only covers fertility services for those who can prove a service connection to injury or illness. In practice, this leaves about a quarter of service members and spouses who report infertility to pay tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for fertility treatment. Passing the IVF for Military Families Act would strengthen recruitment, retention, and readiness efforts and ensure that service members can access the family-building services they deserve.

    Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “Our military families have sacrificed so much for our safety and security – they shouldn’t also sacrifice their dream to build a family. But for too many service members, the lack of TRICARE coverage of IVF has left them with only a few choices: beat the odds and prove that their infertility is directly related to their service, pay tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for a chance at a family, forgo having children, or leave the military. This is wrong. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the IVF for Military Families Act with Senator Duckworth to give them every opportunity to build their families. To my colleagues: We now have access to this level of health care coverage, and we shouldn’t deny that same standard to those who wear our country’s uniform. And to President Trump: calling yourself the father of IVF is meaningless – take some action and support our bill.”

    “After all the tremendous sacrifices they make, our brave women and men in uniform should never have to make the impossible and unjust choice between serving their country or facing financial ruin just to start a family,” said Senator Duckworth. “It was extremely disappointing that our IVF provision—which would have simply ensured that our servicemembers and their families have access to the same level of IVF coverage as Members of Congress—was removed from the final defense bill behind closed doors last year, even after so many of my Republican colleagues continue to loudly and publicly claim to support IVF. President Trump pledged to voters on the campaign trail that he would go even further by making IVF free if elected and has repeated the bold-faced lie that he is governing on the principle of ‘Promises made, promises kept.’ Republicans can now help him partially fulfill his broken IVF promise by joining our commonsense legislation that would make sure those who answer the call to serve have access to the care they need to build their family.”

    “Servicemembers who risk their lives to protect our families deserve all the support they need to grow theirs,” said Senator Murray. “Federal employees have access to comprehensive infertility treatment, including IVF – and TRICARE should cover those same services for our servicemembers, full stop. Struggling with infertility is painful enough without having to worry about the cost of treatment. I’ve worked for over a decade to expand access to IVF and other fertility treatment for veterans and servicemembers who need it, and am proud to be joining Senator Duckworth to introduce the IVF for Military Families Act to continue fighting to ensure our servicemembers never have to sacrifice their ability to start a family.”

    “One in four military families experience infertility. Congress should take the long-overdue step of overturning outdated limitations on IVF to give service members access to the reproductive health care they deserve,” said Congressman Larsen. “Women and men in uniform should not have to choose between serving their country and starting a family.”

    “MOAA supports the IVF for Military Families Act that would expand TRICARE coverage of assisted reproductive technology (ART) for currently serving families. We appreciate Rep. Sara Jacobs’ and Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s leadership on this issue. Servicemembers have earned a top tier benefit in recognition of the risks and sacrifices they face.  Most large employer sponsored plans – including those covering federal employees and members of Congress – now offer ART/IVF coverage. Addressing this TRICARE parity gap will not only fulfill our nation’s commitment to the currently serving but also ensure TRICARE remains an effective component of the compensation and benefits package that sustains the all-volunteer force,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly USAF (Ret), MOAA President & CEO.

    “The majority of Americans–85%–support access to IVF, one of the most effective medical treatments for those struggling to build their family,” said Barbara Collura, President/CEO, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. “Yet so many people are shut out of accessing this care, including the brave Americans who serve in the military. They assume they will have the best medical care possible, yet we make it so hard for them to start or grow their family while serving our country. This injustice can be fixed by passing the IVF for Military Families Act, a bill that simply provides parity to the comprehensive IVF coverage that Members of Congress and their staff have now. There is no need to wait–let’s get this passed.” 

    “The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is proud to support the IVF for Military Families Act. With higher rates of infertility impacting the military due the dangers of the job and the unique family building challenges our men and women in uniform face, it is a no brainer that TRICARE should cover fertility treatments like IVF,” said Sean Tipton ASRM Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer. “For decades, ASRM has championed increasing access to fertility treatment for all Americans, including federal employees. This is why we thank Senators Duckworth and Murray and Congresswoman Jacobs and Congressman Larsen for their leadership on legislation to ensure that military families have no less than the same fertility benefits available to Members of Congress. This should be a bipartisan issue, and we are hopeful the administration will look closely at this bill as it considers ways to expand access and reduce out of pocket costs for IVF.”

    Background: As the representative of San Diego, the country’s largest military community, Rep. Sara Jacobs has led the effort to expand reproductive health care for service members and military families. Last year, she championed a similar effort to expand TRICARE to cover assisted reproductive technology, including IVF, for active duty service members and their dependents. This provision received bipartisan support when it was included unanimously in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) committee mark and in the House-passed version of the NDAA. Unfortunately, the provision was ultimately stripped from the conference report despite versions being included in both the House and Senate NDAAs. The Congresswoman also successfully secured a demonstration program on cryopreservation to reimburse active duty service members for the cost of freezing, shipping, and storing their gametes and to eliminate the co-pay on contraception for all TRICARE beneficiaries in the final version of the FY 2025 NDAA.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Altruis Modernizes Underwriting Operations and Launches New Program on Joshu

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MENLO PARK, Calif., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Joshu, the platform to build, distribute, and grow digital insurance products, is pleased to announce Altruis Group (Altruis), a specialized managing general underwriter (MGU), has successfully modernized an existing technology stack and launched a new insurance program for storage unit facilities on the Joshu Platform in just 45 days.

    Altruis’ mission to harness modern insurance technology and drive scalable growth prioritizes efficiency and innovation over traditional reliance on human capital. By leveraging the Joshu Platform, Altruis streamlined operations, reduced dependence on manual underwriting, and accelerated speed-to-market. This tech-first approach positions Altruis for long-term, sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving insurance landscape.

    “Unlike other systems, Joshu didn’t gloss over their integration capabilities, which is imperative to meet our immediate and future goals to become a leading tech-enabled MGA,” said Jason Beneducci, Managing Director of Underwriting and Technology at Altruis. “It was apparent the Joshu Platform is an ultra-modern underwriting system, which is exactly what we were looking for to offset the need for 50 to 100 underwriters. With many new programs in our development pipeline, Altruis needed a system to grow alongside our product offerings.”

    ”From the beginning, it was clear that Altruis had a bold vision for what a tech-enabled MGA should look like,” said Mark Burkhart, Vice President of Growth for Joshu. “We’re proud our platform meets their integration and scalability needs, and we’re excited to support their growth as they redefine underwriting with an automation-first approach.”

    Joshu’s modern insurance platform is purpose-built for managing general agencies (MGAs) and insurers bringing digital products to market quickly and efficiently. Featuring a no-code interface, robust integration capabilities, and a focus on scalability, Joshu empowers underwriting teams to launch and manage products without traditional IT dependencies. By simplifying complex workflows and accelerating digital transformation, Joshu enables forward-thinking organizations, like Altruis, to redefine what’s possible in insurance.

    About Altruis Group
    Altruis Group is a specialized Managing General Underwriter (MGU) focused on delivering innovative insurance solutions across targeted market segments. Founded by industry veteran Joe Beneducci, Altruis Group combines deep underwriting expertise with a modern, technology-first approach to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and accelerate growth. With a commitment to redefining traditional insurance models, Altruis is building a scalable, digital-first organization that meets the evolving needs of agents, carriers, and policyholders alike. Learn more at altruisgroup.com/.

    About Joshu
    Joshu empowers insurers to launch online distribution channels quickly and independently. With Joshu, insurance professionals can set up products and launch user-friendly portals, with less IT dependence. Founded by technology experts and insurance veterans, Joshu was designed to give insurance professionals the tools needed to harness digital distribution and go-to-market faster. Joshu is backed by top investors, including Blumberg Capital, Engineering Capital, Correlation Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Sure Ventures, and DragonX Capital. Learn more at joshuins.com.

    Media Contact:
    Jennifer Overhulse
    St. Nick Media Services
    jen@stnickmedia.com
    859-803-6597

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: From barriers to belonging: How supporting inclusivity enhances the well-being of people with disabilities

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mohsen Rasoulivalajoozi, PhD candidate, Individualized Program, Faculty of Fine Arts, Concordia University

    To create truly inclusive cities, policy-makers and experts need to go beyond minimum standards and critically examine how our urban spaces continue to exclude people with disabilities. (Shutterstock)

    What does it mean for a city to be accommodating to all its citizens?

    This requires understanding how individuals feel included and valued in the places they live, and responding to their needs by emphasizing genuine inclusivity. For people with mobility challenges, it means feeling no different from others. This applies both to navigating urban spaces and engaging in social interactions.

    Despite efforts to improve accessibility in Canada, many urban spaces still fall short, leaving wheelchair users facing subtle but persistent barriers. We wanted to understand the different challenges and barriers people with disabilities face when using mobility aids.

    To do this, we interviewed 12 experienced physiotherapists in Iran to identify gaps in how mobility aid serve the needs of those who use them, and offer recommendations based on their extensive interactions with users.

    Given the universal needs of mobility aid users — emotional well-being, social integration and functional independence — and the common challenges they face accessing health-care systems around the world, our findings can are relevant for many people around the world, including in Canada.

    Inclusive design

    To create truly inclusive cities, it is vital for policymakers and experts to go beyond minimum standards and critically examine how our urban spaces continue to exclude people with disabilities.

    Marketing professors Vanessa Patrick and Candice Hollenbeck have developed the DARE framework — design, appraisal, response and experience — and propose three levels of inclusive design aimed to make spaces more inclusive for people with disabilities.

    Level 1 ensures accessibility through industry regulations, meeting minimum standards. Level 2 fosters engagement and equity, rooted in social justice principles, by validating user experiences and emphasizing empathy. Level 3 aims to minimize mismatches between users and design, promoting human flourishing through seamless interaction among individuals, the design and their environment.

    Our study outlines how people perceive the inclusivity of mobility aids based on the cost, how they are built and how effective they are in different environments.

    We also considered perceptions of trustworthiness, support and contextual factors, including the social interpretations and representations of these devices. We highlight gaps in users’ needs and provide recommendations to address them. Through this analysis, we identified four key themes that offer valuable insights for enhancing inclusivity.

    Financial burden

    For some, mobility aids can be an added financial burden. Financial constraints may limit access to mobility aids, often forcing users to seek alternatives or delay rehabilitation, potentially worsening their conditions. For example, individuals might resort to second-hand mobility aids which may not be fitted correctly for them.

    Globally, only five to 35 per cent of the 80 million people who need a wheelchair have access to one depending on where they live, with high costs being a primary barrier.

    The high cost of advanced electric wheelchairs further restrict access. This marks a gap at the first level of inclusivity in the DARE framework, where market-driven prices fall short of meeting mobility aid users’ needs.

    Initiatives like the European Union’s Rehabilitation Policy Action Framework have called for increased governmental financial support for mobility aid users. This framework offers 48 options across six domains to translate political goals into action, such as reallocating health-care funds to expand rehabilitation and improve inclusivity.

    Mobility aid users, like all individuals, deserve equal consideration in design and planning.
    (Shutterstock)

    Mismatches between users and mobility aids

    In using mobility aids, a user will typically evaluate two aspects: the design features of the aids themselves and how well they function in their environment.

    If the mobility aid is slightly mismatched with their requirements, the user may find alternative solutions, such as adding padding to a wheelchair to relieve pressure. However, severe mismatches can lead to negative outcomes and result in unmet mobility needs. Furthermore, inadequate anthropometric and ergonomic adjustments can lead to discomfort.

    Similarly, environmental mismatches, such as barriers that disrupt navigation, can reinforce negative stereotypes and condescending attitudes. These barriers can hinder a person’s mobility and ultimately deter them from going out and engaging in social activities.

    New developments and technologies can not only address and mitigate certain mismatches but also positively impact users’ psychological and social needs. However, integrating new technologies requires careful consideration, as assistive devices can also attract social stigma.

    Therefore, it is important to identify which technological or esthetic features of mobility aids evoke positive emotions and minimize stigma.

    Mobility aid users, like everyone, deserve equal consideration in design and planning. Programs like Europe’s Design for All (DfA) and Singapore’s Barrier-Free Accessibility (BFA) promote barrier-free design for all abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

    Improving trust

    Trustworthiness is a critical factor in the use of mobility aids, particularly in unfamiliar settings where users may feel uncertain.

    To address this, users seek continuous reassurance about the reliability of their aids, often depending on the support of physiotherapists to navigate mismatches between their needs and their surroundings. Such professional support enhances confidence and mental well-being. Physiotherapists, as trusted experts, can remarkably shape users’ perceptions and acceptance of mobility aids.

    Ensuring trustworthy designs is also crucial, as perceived fragility can undermine user trust. Validating experiences, building trust across environments — including trust in physiotherapists and mobility aid products — is essential to alleviating doubts about how effective they might be.

    Sociocultural influences

    Sociocultural context and the causes of a disability play a significant role in shaping perceptions of mobility aids.

    Regardless of users’ personal experiences, others tend to view mobility aids through the lens of prevailing societal attitudes toward disability. For some, mobility aids may reinforce stereotypes about disabilities. This highlights the critical role of esthetics in shaping public perceptions and social interactions.

    For example, incorporating esthetic refinements into the design can help counter negative perceptions. By addressing negative representations and promoting designs that reflect dignity and inclusivity, interventions can align with inclusively goals and enhance positive social engagement.

    Raising public awareness is key to challenging stereotypes and building empathy. To create an inclusive society, design and planning should consider both the physical and social barriers to accessibility. Achieving this requires a multi-disciplinary effort, and the active participation of people who use mobility aids.

    This article was co-authored by Morteza Farhoudi, an inclusive designer specializing in public transportation studies.

    Mohsen Rasoulivalajoozi receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Carmela Cucuzzella receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    ref. From barriers to belonging: How supporting inclusivity enhances the well-being of people with disabilities – https://theconversation.com/from-barriers-to-belonging-how-supporting-inclusivity-enhances-the-well-being-of-people-with-disabilities-249339

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Puma’s final flypast27 Mar 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force

    The flight was organised to honour its remarkable service.

    On 26 March RAF Benson waved off Puma helicopters for the last time as they embarked on their farewell flight around the UK. The Puma helicopter has been the work horse of the Royal Air Force for over five decades.

    Introduced into service in 1971, the Puma quickly became a key asset, known for its agility, speed, and versatility. Over the years, it has been deployed in various Operations and humanitarian missions.

    In recent history it has seen service in Kenya 2009 to 2011 where they supported UK exercises and in Afghanistan 2015 to 2021. It has also provided support in the Caribbean as a part of Operation RUMAN after Hurricane Irma in September 2017. During COVID it took part in Operation RESCRIPT in 2020, providing vital aid to those in need. Up until March 2025, it has been involved in enduring operations in Cyprus and Brunei.

    “This flight route is via various locations of significance.

    “Each place reflects the rich history and contributions that the Puma has made during its time in service. The aircraft has been a cornerstone of global Defence Operations for more than five decades. We want to celebrate its contribution to supporting our people around the world over the past 54 years.”

    Wing Commander Nick Monahan
    Officer Commanding 33 Squadron & Puma Force Commander

    To name a few, the Farewell Tour took the Puma to several key locations:

    • RAF Benson: The home base for the Puma fleet, RAF Benson, has been the heart of operations and training for these helicopters. The farewell flight’s first and final stop was a tribute to the countless hours of service and training conducted here.
    • Northern Ireland: The Puma played a crucial role during the Troubles, providing essential support and transport. The visit to Northern Ireland was a poignant reminder of the helicopter’s contributions to peacekeeping efforts.
    • Kensington Palace: To honour Prince Michael of Kent’s distinguished connection to RAF Benson and the Puma fleet.
    • Cranwell, Halton, Honington, Shawbury and Stanta training area: All sights of significance for the Aircrew that have intertwined history with the Helicopter.
    • Boscombe Down and Airbus Kidlington: Sites for significance for the maintenance and operational capabilities of the fleet.

    As the helicopter flew over these historic sites, it symbolised the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the RAF. The Puma’s drawdown marks the transition to newer technologies, but its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of aviators. For those who have flown and engineered her for over 50 years this is a poignant moment and a chance to reflect on their dedication and service.

    The farewell flight was not just a goodbye but a celebration of the Puma’s remarkable journey and the countless lives it touched and saved over its distinguished career.

    “We recognise and celebrate the dedication of everyone who has served on or supported Puma operations over the last five decades”

    Wing Commander Alice Tierney
    Station Commander, RAF Benson

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The last surviving Battle of Britain Pilot, John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC, passes awayJohn “Paddy” Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain, has sadly passed away at the age of 105.17 Mar 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force

    John “Paddy” Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the iconic Battle of Britain, passed away peacefully on 17 March 2025 at the age of 105.

    Paddy Hemingway, one of a number known as ‘the Few’ and revered figures in British aviation history, played a crucial role in defending the United Kingdom against Nazi oppression during the summer of 1940. His courage in the face of overwhelming odds demonstrated his sense of duty and the importance of British resilience.

    Eighty-five years ago, a nineteen-year-old Royal Air Force Pilot Officer from Ireland, flew his Hurricane in the skies over France, providing fighter cover (strafing attacks, air patrols and dogfights) to the British Expeditionary Force and other allied troops as they retreated to the beaches of Dunkirk in the face of overwhelming Nazi Blitzkrieg attacks. It became known as the ‘Battle of France’.

    When the invasion of France commenced in May 1940, Paddy, a pilot with No. 85 Squadron, found himself locked in a bitter contest with the Luftwaffe. In an eleven-day period the squadron accounted for a confirmed total of 90 enemy aircraft; there were many more claims that could not be substantiated. On 10 May, Paddy was recorded as destroying a He-111, the following day he downed a Do-17 but his Hurricane aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, and he had to make a forced landing. As the Germans advanced, it was clear the airfields would be overrun and the remaining pilots, aircraft and crews returned to the UK.

    No. 85 Squadron, under a new commanding officer, Peter Townsend, became one of the front-line squadrons of the 11 Group (Fighter Command) response to the daily attacks from Nazi aircraft, which came to be known as the ‘Battle of Britain’. Paddy’s logbook records, almost nonchalantly, the daily sorties he and the other pilots undertook in defence of the United Kingdom. In August 1940, during hectic dogfights, Paddy was twice forced to bail out of his Hurricane, landing in the sea off the coast of Essex and in marshland on the other occasion.

    Towards the end of the October 1940, the strain of fighting and loss of comrades was beginning to take its toll on Paddy. He was particularly troubled by the loss of his dear friend ‘Dickie’ Lee DSO, DFC in August 1940, saying in later years that his biggest regret was the loss of friends.

    On 1 July 1941, Paddy was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and in September that year, he was Mentioned in Dispatches. His journey to London to receive his DFC from The King began with him escaping from a wrecked Blenheim aircraft which crashed on take-off.

    This wasn’t the last of his aircraft related misfortunes. In 1941, serving with No. 85 Squadron, based at RAF Hunsdon, in a Havoc night fighter, Paddy had to bail out at 600 feet due to instrument failure in bad weather, breaking his hand on the tail section. Paddy’s parachute failed to open properly, and he was saved further injury as the chute caught on the branches of a tree. In 1945, whilst serving in the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces with 324 Wing, he was forced to bail out a fourth time. While attacking enemy forces near Ravenna in April 1945, his Spitfire was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire. He parachuted into enemy territory and managed to contact Italian partisans, who helped him return to his squadron.

    John Allman ‘Paddy’ Hemingway was the last Battle of France and Battle of Britain (last of “The Few”) pilot. He never saw his role in the Battle of Britain as anything other than doing the job he was trained to do. He didn’t see it as an epoch-making moment in the history of the RAF or the United Kingdom.

    Paddy always had a twinkle in his eyes as he recalled the fun times with colleagues in France and London. This quiet, composed, thoughtful and mischievous individual may not have wanted to be the last of ‘The Few’, but he embodied the spirit of all those who flew sorties over this green and pleasant land. His passing marks the end of an era and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom during World War II.

    “It is with great sadness that I heard of the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway today. I am thankful that I was able to meet and spend time with him in Dublin, most recently in January this year. Paddy was an amazing character whose life story embodies all that was and remains great about the Royal Air Force. In his youth he travelled from Ireland to join the RAF and following the outbreak of World War II, was assigned to No. 85 Squadron in France, where he is recorded as destroying two enemy aircraft during the Battle for France, as well as flying supporting missions during the Battle of Dunkirk. He eventually retired from the RAF in 1969 as a Group Captain. Throughout his life he inspired those he knew and served with. My thoughts are with his family and all those who cared for him over the past few years.

    “This was a generation who understood the importance of service and comradeship. A generation who believed that with hard work, clarity of purpose and a determination to succeed, they would not lose. Their efforts and the efforts of all our personnel past & present are the bedrock on which the Royal Air Force maintains the security of the UK at home and abroad.  Their sense of duty and willingness to put others before themselves should inspire those who will build the next generation Air Force.”

    Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
    Chief of the Air Staff

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Libraries take another step in digital transformation with Wi-Fi printing

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Tuesday, 1st April 2025

    Wi-Fi printing is now available in libraries across Stoke-on-Trent – making it easier for residents to access printing facilities.

    The city council was awarded £300,000 from the Libraries Improvement Fund, which is funded via Arts Council England, and part of this project has involved improving the printing facilities across the city’s six libraries.

    There were 248,276 visits to the libraries in the years 2023/24 and the council is now on track to achieve its target of 250,000 this financial year. Improving library facilities is an important step forward in helping the city’s residents make full use of the library spaces they are using daily.

    By having Wi-Fi printing, users will now be able to print from their own device instead of relying on computer libraries and documents will be available to collect from any library.

    Customer experience will be easier and quicker and it will be a source of support for people who do not have access to printing at home.

    Councillor Alastair Watson, cabinet member for financial sustainability and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “I am pleased to see these improvements to our library printing facilities come to fruition thanks to this grant funding.

    “By installing Wi-Fi printing, it forms part of our digital transformation by providing extra support to those without printing at home, whilst freeing up staff time, so they assist customers who struggle with I.T. I hope residents make good use of these facilities and keep enjoying the library space.”

    Wi-Fi printing in libraries will be available from Tuesday, 1 April 2025. Library staff are on hand to support anyone that needs assistance.

    Any customer wanting to access Wi-Fi from home printing can visit www.stoke.gov.uk/printatyourlibrary. Customers then sign in using their library card details. Once logged in they can book to use a computer in a library or send their documents to print in any Stoke-on-Trent library.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More special school places created in Plymouth

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A £13 million programme of work to improve support for children and young people with special needs and/or disabilities (SEND) by increasing the availability of special school places in Plymouth is underway.  

    A new satellite provision for Mill Ford School will provide 50 special school places from September for children with SEND in Reception and years 1 and 2.  

    Plymouth City Council has agreed to investing £161,000 from the Department for Education’s high needs provision capital allocation fund into creating the places on the grounds of Riverside Community Primary in St Budeaux, following an executive decision signed today.  

    The new places for the next school year have already been allocated to children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).  

    This development is part of the Council’s SEND Sufficiency plan which aims to address the shortage of suitable school places for children and young people with SEND in Plymouth. The plan includes reconfiguration and refurbishment of some of the city’s special schools to increase their current capacity, as well as developing more specialist places within mainstream schools.    

    Through this work, a further 34 new special school places have also been created for this coming September, bringing the current total number of new places – including the Mill Ford satellite provision – to 84.  

    Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “We have seen a huge rise in demand for special school places in recent years, with far more requests for places than the number of places available. 

    “We understand how frustrating this can be for families and our SEND Sufficiency plan clearly sets out how we will maximise the limited resources available in order to provide more specialist provision so that our children and young people with SEND receive the support they need.”   

    In the Council’s initial plans set out last year, the intention was for Mill Ford School to have a satellite provision at Marlborough Primary Academy but the site was unable to accommodate alterations. Instead, a temporary provision was created at Riverside Community Primary which has provided 30 places throughout this school year. With the confirmed new investment, there will now be a further 20 places.   

    While most children’s needs can be met in a mainstream setting, for some a specialist setting is more appropriate. To be eligible for a special school place, children must have an EHCP or be undergoing a statutory assessment of their special educational needs and have needs that cannot be met in a mainstream school.  

    The Council and local schools have recently launched a new website outlining the Plymouth Graduated Approach to Inclusion. This helps schools and parents and carers by setting out the support available for children and young people with SEND to ensure that their needs are meet. Find out more at https://plymouthgati.co.uk.   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vacant Properties Taskforce push leads to former Brewbakers building success

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The owners must now carry out compliance works to the building, on the approach to Wolverhampton city centre, soon or risk facing further fines.

    It is part of a crackdown by the Vacant Properties Taskforce to encourage owners of empty properties to properly maintain them and actively bring them back into use.

    Jagir Singh, Jaswant Singh and Kalwant Singh, all of Ednam Road, Goldthorn Hill, Wolverhampton, were found guilty of not complying with a Section 215 notice (Town and Country Planning Act 1990), at Dudley Magistrates Court on Wednesday 26 March.

    Each defendant was fined £660 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £264 and costs of £495 – totalling £4,257.

    Compliance works include replacing the existing boards over the windows, repairing all damaged, missing and broken doors, removal of all vegetation from the building and rubbish from the site, cleaning all graffiti from the doors and brickwork, and fixing rainwater goods to ensure discharge of rainwater without leaks.

    The Presiding Justice considered the former Brewbakers building to be an outstanding building and should be brought back into use.

    City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “Despite not being the owner of the site, the council is determined to see the former Brewbakers building brought back to life, so it brings jobs, opportunities and investment to Wolverhampton.

    “That is exactly why my administration launched the Vacant Properties Taskforce – to tackle dishevelled, vacant commercial properties, left by landlords to blight our streets.

    “The benefits of reusing empty buildings and developing vacant sites are considerable, including the provision of new jobs and homes. It helps attract investment to an area, lifts its character and appearance, reduces anti social behaviour and can help boost the wellbeing of residents, workers and visitors.

    “The Vacant Properties Taskforce has a mandate to monitor these buildings, ensure they are well maintained as a minimum, and look to bring some important and iconic properties back into use.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Future Leaders Apply Now for Empire State Fellows Program

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that applications are now being accepted for the Empire State Fellows Program, a full-time, two-year leadership training program that prepares the next generation of talented professionals for careers as New York State policymakers. New Yorkers interested in the 2026-2028 class of this prestigious program should apply by the deadline of June 1, 2025. The incoming class of Empire State Fellows will serve from January 15, 2026, and receive an annual salary of $90,000, plus a generous benefits package.

    “The Empire State Fellows Program has benefited all New Yorkers by attracting some of our brightest minds and leaders to public service,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage anyone passionate about carrying on this vital legacy to apply and build a career where you can truly make a difference. During a period in our nation’s history when some have diminished the value of public servants, now is a great time to begin a path of brightness, leadership and service to causes greater than oneself by making a positive impact for New Yorkers.”

    Since its inception 13 years ago, the Empire Fellows Program has attracted extraordinary and diverse talent from New York State and across the nation to serve in high-level positions in the administration. Empire State Fellows graduates have advanced to senior roles, including Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Secretary, and Chief of Staff positions throughout State agencies. This is also an opportunity for displaced former federal workers, who are encouraged to apply to the fellowship program. New York State is running the “You’re Hired” campaign to let displaced former federal employees know about career opportunities in New York State government.

    New York State Department of Civil Service Commissioner and Civil Service Commission President Timothy R. Hogues said, “Public service is a noble calling and we’re seeking the next generation of servant-leaders to help New Yorkers all across the state. If you have a fervor for helping others and a desire to make a difference, becoming an Empire State Fellow is a great way to begin a career of service. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re looking for bright, diligent and diverse thinkers to learn and work within the highest levels of state government agencies alongside talented leaders to serve New Yorkers and their communities.”

    State Senator Robert Jackson said, “As someone who has spent a lifetime fighting for justice, equity, and opportunity, I know the power of committed public service. The Empire State Fellows Program opens the door for the next generation of leaders to bring their passion, principles, and lived experience into the rooms where decisions are made. I encourage every New Yorker ready to serve with courage and purpose to step forward—because our government is stronger when it reflects the people it represents.”

    Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato said, “New York State and Governor Hochul are once again stepping up to mentor the next generation of policymakers through the Empire State Fellows Program. This hands-on opportunity to work directly with leaders from State departments and agencies will help shape our State’s future decision makers and help ensure the best workforce for the future of New York!”

    Engagement in the work of the New York State government lies at the heart of the Empire State Fellows Program. The Department of Civil Service will appoint each Empire State Fellow to work directly with a Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, or other high-level policymakers at a New York State agency or authority, or in the Executive Chamber. Work assignments offer Fellows unparalleled experience collaborating with senior officials and participating in the policy-making process.

    While taking part in the work of State government, Empire Fellows will participate in educational and professional development programs that will help them to serve as effective and ethical government leaders. The educational component of the Empire State Fellows Program kicks off with an orientation course in January. Educational coursework will continue on a semi-monthly basis through the first year of the program. Meanwhile, professional development activities, including a mentoring program and regular meetings with Cabinet members and other government leaders, will enhance Empire Fellows’ collaboration with policymakers.

    At the end of the fellowship, the program will identify high-performing Empire State Fellows for opportunities to continue to serve as leaders in New York State government after completing the program.

    Applications opened on April 1 will be accepted through June 1. More information on the program and instructions on how to apply are available here. An online information session is scheduled for interested applicants on April 22 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Interested applicants can RSVP for the information session here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Greenbacker delivers 2024 results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Takeaways

    • Amid challenging market conditions, including inflationary pressures and macro uncertainty, Greenbacker announces decrease in NAV.
    • Charles Wheeler retires as CEO; Dan de Boer assumes position of interim CEO; Robert Brennan appointed Chairman of the Board.
    • Company institutes additional cost saving measures, including 10% reduction in workforce; operating expenses expected to reduce by $12 million, or 20%, by 2026.
    • Board of Directors authorizes review of strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value.
    • Total operating revenue in 2024 increased by 16% year-over-year, to $210 million.
    • Operating fleet grew by 8%, with 22 new solar energy assets in operation representing 117 MW of additional power production capacity.
    • Annual power production increase of 23% driven by new solar assets combined with Company’s milestone wind repowers.
    • Greenbacker’s fleet of clean energy assets generated 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of power, enough to power 250,000 US homes.

    NEW YORK, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC (“Greenbacker,” “GREC,” or the “Company”), an energy transition-focused investment manager and independent power producer, has announced financial results for 2024, including year-over-year increases in annual revenue, operating capacity, and clean energy generation.¹

    Market conditions, inflationary pressures, and re-underwriting process determined adjusted NAV

    With the renewable energy sector at a critical juncture, during 2024 Greenbacker initiated a detailed, multi-quarter re-underwriting process prior to releasing its December 31, 2024 net asset value (“NAV”), in which the Company evaluated the expected future performance of the assets in its portfolio relative to their historical performance, while also taking into account the impact of current market conditions. As a result, GREC adjusted its aggregate NAV as of December 31, 2024 to $5.03 per share, a 35.5% decrease relative to the September 30, 2024 NAV of $7.81 per share.

    Several factors contributed to the Company’s NAV revision. Inflationary pressures, supply chain imbalances, and increasing insurance costs due to heightened climate risk contributed to a significant increase in operating costs. New clean energy generation projections from independent engineers based on recent industry data have provided additional insight, replacing earlier projections that had been obtained during a period with limited historical data available and diverged relative to actual production. Additionally, there continues to be uncertainty around potential changes to the Inflation Reduction Act and the threat of additional tariffs, both of which are impacting the near-term outlook for renewables.

    These headwinds contributed to a challenging market environment and downward pressure in renewable energy asset pricing across the sector, which Greenbacker saw reflected through both market sale processes and a comprehensive asset-by asset-review.

    At the project level, the Company continues to maintain financial stability, resulting in strong financial coverage ratios. Additionally, at the firm level, Greenbacker continues to maintain sufficient overall liquidity and receive ongoing support from its leading project financing partners.

    Organizational restructuring executed to increase operational efficiencies

    Greenbacker is announcing an organizational restructuring designed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and better position the Company to capitalize on future market opportunities and deliver value to shareholders.

    As part of these changes, Charles Wheeler is retiring from his role as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chairman of the Greenbacker Board of Directors (“Board”), effective April 1, 2025. Chief Investment Officer and Head of Infrastructure Dan de Boer has been named interim CEO, effective April 1, 2025, and Director Robert Brennan has been appointed Chairman of the Board. The Greenbacker Board is considering both external and internal candidates for the role of a permanent CEO, which is expected to be confirmed no later than the end of Q2 2025. Wheeler will continue to serve as a member of the Board until the earlier of December 31, 2025 and the date on which a permanent replacement CEO has been appointed.

    Wheeler, who is also one of Greenbacker’s Co-Founders, spoke about his retirement and Greenbacker’s future:

    “14 years ago, with a group of like-minded individuals, I created Greenbacker with the goal of providing an investment vehicle that would enable ordinary American investors to participate in the renewable energy revolution. We’ve built Greenbacker into a business that is contributing to the transition to clean energy with hundreds of projects representing more than 3.6 gigawatts² of clean power generation capacity across the country.

    Given current market conditions, changes are needed to best position Greenbacker to benefit from future market opportunities. I believe that Dan and Greenbacker’s other leaders are the right team to guide us through this period while promoting our mission to empower a sustainable world.”

    De Boer has been with Greenbacker since 2023 and brings nearly two decades of experience in private equity and renewable energy investing, with prior leadership roles and positions at Allianz Capital Partners, Onyx Renewable Partners within Blackstone Energy Partners, and D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments.

    In addition to restructuring the leadership team, the Company has progressed several cost savings initiatives, including a reduction of approximately 10% of its workforce, effective March 31, 2025. Greenbacker anticipates that the reduction in force and other operational efficiency efforts that began in mid-2024 will reduce overhead expenses by $12 million, or 20%, by 2026.

    “We want to recognize the impact that this decision has on the careers and lives of the individuals at Greenbacker,” said interim CEO, Dan de Boer. “We value our people and employed care and thoughtfulness as we attempted to balance our business requirements with any adverse impact to our team. While difficult, we believe that taking these measures will better position the firm to achieve long-term growth.”

    Additionally, the Company has identified opportunities to recycle capital within the portfolio by pursuing targeted non-core asset sales.

    Annual total operating revenue topped $210 million, as Company continued to move assets into operation, contributing to year-over-year production increase of 23%

    During 2024, Greenbacker increased total operating revenue³ by $29 million, or 16% year-over-year, to over $210 million.

    Revenue from the sale of clean energy within Greenbacker’s independent power producer (“IPP”) business segment totaled $185.2 million in 2024, of which $155.0 million, or approximately 84%, came from the Company’s long-term power purchase agreements (“PPAs”).

    For 2024, the net loss attributable to Greenbacker was $(242.3) million and Adjusted EBTIDA⁴ was $59.8 million, representing year-over-year changes of (205)% and 88%, respectively. The net loss was primarily the result of goodwill impairment charges, driven by a deterioration in macroeconomic conditions, as well as by depreciation, amortization, and other impairment charges in the period.

    GREC increased its operating fleet size by 8% in 2024, which included placing 22 new solar energy assets into operation, accounting for 117 MW of additional power production.⁵ Additionally, the three wind assets strategically taken offline during portions of 2023 for repowering (i.e., retrofitting with new, more efficient equipment) had all returned to full operation producing power by early 2024.

    In total, GREC’s new operating solar assets and repowered wind portfolio drove an annual power production increase of 23% year-over-year,⁶ as the Company’s fleet of clean energy assets generated 2.7 billion kilowatt-hours of power, enough to power over 250,000 US homes.⁷

    GREC Operating Fleet 2024 2023 YoY Increase
    (total)
    YoY Increase
    (%)
    Clean power produced by solar assets (MWh) 1,504,580 1,256,183 248,397 20%
    PPA revenue generated by solar assets ($M) 87.8 $ 74.1 $ 13.6 18%
    Clean power produced by wind assets (MWh) 1,236,431 978,236 258,195 26%
    PPA revenue generated by wind assets ($M) 65.8 $ 53.9 $ 11.9 22%
    Total clean power generated by wind and solar assets (MWh) 2,741,011 2,234,419 506,592 23%
    Total PPA operating revenue generated by wind and solar assets ($M) 153.5 $ 128.0 $ 25.5 20%

    Some figures may not add to stated totals due to rounding. Total clean power generated does not include power generated from biomass facility during 2023 and a portion of 2024, nor does it include assets in which the Company holds a preferred equity position.

    Greenbacker secures nearly $1 billion financing for largest solar farm in New York State; completes $437 million financing for milestone wind repowers; and completes targeted non-core asset sale

    Throughout 2024, Greenbacker made substantial progress on one of its core objectives: securing the capital necessary for the construction of its remaining pre-operating assets—and converting those projects into revenue-generating operating assets selling electricity. The Company also continued to receive robust support from its project finance partners, enabling it to reach significant milestones over the year.

    In particular, Greenbacker secured nearly $1 billion in financing for the acquisition, construction and operation of its 674 MW Cider solar farm, the largest solar energy project in the state of New York to date. Cider also represents both Greenbacker’s largest clean energy asset to date and the largest project financing in Company history (for which it was awarded Proximo Infrastructure’s 2024 Solar Deal of the Year).

    The construction financing represented $869 million from six of the world’s top financial institutions, including ongoing Greenbacker partners MUFG, KeyBanc Capital Markets and Wells Fargo, as well as first-time partnerships with ING Capital LLC, Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A., New York Branch and Societe Generale. The Company also closed on an $81 million development loan with Voya Investment Management, its first partnership with the global investment manager.

    Greenbacker additionally completed $437 million in financing for its wind repower portfolio. GREC was able to create additional value from existing assets by updating the turbine blades, hubs, and nacelles at three wind projects in its Midwestern fleet. To finance the repowering, the Company collaborated with lending partner Bayerische Landesbank to secure $81.5 million in construction bridge loan facilities, as well as long-term debt and tax equity financing from Huntington National Bank, via sales leasebacks totaling $355.7 million.

    Also in 2024, Greenbacker completed the sale of its 54 MW Panther Creek pre-operating wind asset to an affiliated sustainable infrastructure-focused platform. The asset sale illustrated GREC’s ability to develop large clean energy assets through late-stage development, a key component of its go-forward strategy, while its affiliate platform viewed the project as an opportunity to add a fully developed, high cash-yielding asset, in line with its investment mandate.

    Long-term contracted cash flows with investment-grade counterparties

    As of December 31, 2024, the Greenbacker operating fleet represented approximately 1.6 gigawatts of total clean power generation and storage capacity, spanning over 30 states, territories, districts and provinces. Due to its size and geographic footprint, GREC’s operating fleet was listed among Solarplaza’s 2025 Top 50 Operating Solar Portfolios in North America.

    At the end of 2024, over 93% of Greenbacker’s entire portfolio of operating and pre-operating clean energy projects were currently, or will be when completed, selling power to investment-grade counterparties, including utilities, municipalities, and corporations, under long-term power purchase agreements (“PPAs”). The portfolio had approximately 17.4 years of contracted cash flows associated with these PPAs.

    Review of strategic alternatives

    In addition to the other measures to reduce costs, operate more efficiently, and promote a path to better outcomes for its investors, the Greenbacker Board has authorized the Company to conduct a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives.

    In regard to this review, the Board will consider a full range of operational and financial alternatives. A strategic review may result in Greenbacker securing additional capital to continue executing on its business plan: acquiring, owning, and operating a fleet of sustainable infrastructure assets that the Company efficiently manages to create both value and potential liquidity options for its shareholders.

    “During 2024, Greenbacker closed on the Cider deal, completed our milestone wind repowers, and brought 117 MW of additional capacity online, showcasing how we can utilize additional capital while continuing to deliver on our core focus,” de Boer said. “We believe current valuations in the renewables sector do not align with the supportive fundamentals driving the energy transition, leading to a compelling inflection point for renewable infrastructure investment. In short: we believe this is one of the better times to be investing in the energy transition.”

    Company’s investments produce power, abate carbon emissions, conserve water, and support green jobs

    As of December 31, 2024, Greenbacker’s clean energy assets had cumulatively produced more than 11 million MWh of clean power since January 2016, abating over 7 million metric tons of carbon⁸ and saving nearly 8 billion gallons of water.⁹ Greenbacker’s fleet of operating and pre-operating projects currently support, or are expected to support, thousands of green jobs.¹⁰

    Additional information regarding the Company’s impact can also be found in Greenbacker’s latest impact report.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those that relate to our search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer, our strategy and initiatives and our expectations for growth, within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ from the predicted results, performance or achievements include, among others, difficulties or delays we encounter in identifying a permanent Chief Executive Officer; our ability to execute on, and achieve the expected benefits from, our operational and strategic initiatives; our inability to realize the expected reduction in overhead expenses as a result of our reduction in force; volatility of the global financial markets and uncertain economic conditions, including changes in interest rates, inflationary pressures, recessionary concerns or global supply chain issues; public response to and changes in the local, state and federal regulatory framework affecting renewable energy projects; risks associated with changes in the fair value of our investments and the methods we use to estimate the fair value of our assets; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in our most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the SEC. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in its expectations.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    In addition to evaluating the Company’s performance on a U.S. GAAP basis, the Company utilizes certain non-GAAP financial measures to analyze the operating performance of our segments as well as our consolidated business. Each of these measures should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a substitute for other financial measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, such as net income (loss) or operating income (loss). The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to supplement its U.S. GAAP results in order to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting its operations.

    Adjusted EBITDA
    Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure, as well as for internal planning purposes. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to management and investors in providing a measure of core financial performance adjusted to allow for comparisons of results of operations across reporting periods on a consistent basis, as it includes adjustments relating to items that are not indicative on the ongoing operating performance of the business.

    Adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure used by management that is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Additionally, our calculations of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    Funds From Operations (FFO)
    FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure to analyze net earnings from operations without the effects of certain non-recurring items that are not indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the business. FFO is calculated using Adjusted EBITDA less the impact of interest expense (excluding the non-cash component) and distributions to tax equity investors under the financing facilities associated with our IPP segment. 

    The Company believes that the analysis and presentation of FFO will enhance our investor’s understanding of the ongoing performance of our operating business. The Company considers FFO, in addition to other GAAP and non-GAAP measures, in assessing operating performance and as a proxy for growth in distribution coverage over the long term.

    FFO should not be considered in isolation from or as a superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    General Disclosure
    This information has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, or to participate in any trading or investment strategy. The information presented herein may involve Greenbacker’s views, estimates, assumptions, facts, and information from other sources that are believed to be accurate and reliable and are, as of the date this information is presented, subject to change without notice.

     
    GREENBACKER RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands, except per share data)
        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
             
    Assets        
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 120,057     $ 96,872  
    Restricted cash, current     38,403       85,235  
    Accounts receivable, net     27,103       23,310  
    Derivative assets, current     17,632       24,062  
    Other current assets     28,586       62,429  
    Total current assets     231,781       291,908  
    Noncurrent assets:        
    Restricted cash     3,128       5,568  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     2,232,486       2,133,877  
    Intangible assets, net     362,352       453,214  
    Goodwill           221,314  
    Investments, at fair value     74,136       94,878  
    Derivative assets     98,495       118,106  
    Other noncurrent assets     242,667       140,740  
    Total noncurrent assets     3,013,264       3,167,697  
    Total assets   $ 3,245,045     $ 3,459,605  
    Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity        
    Current liabilities:        
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 69,464     $ 79,288  
    Shareholder distributions payable           7,606  
    Contingent consideration, current     15,293       16,546  
    Current portion of long-term debt     88,901       82,855  
    Current portion of failed sale-leaseback financing and deferred ITC gain     45,868       69,436  
    Other current liabilities     8,767       7,997  
    Total current liabilities     228,293       263,728  
    Noncurrent liabilities:        
    Long-term debt, net of current portion     1,001,654       935,397  
    Failed sale-leaseback financing and deferred ITC gain, net of current portion     201,601       169,829  
    Contingent consideration, net of current portion     300       42,307  
    Deferred tax liabilities, net     35,316       58,696  
    Operating lease liabilities     196,911       108,406  
    Out-of-market contracts, net     180,640       194,785  
    Other noncurrent liabilities     59,261       53,492  
    Total noncurrent liabilities     1,675,683       1,562,912  
    Total liabilities   $ 1,903,976     $ 1,826,640  
    Redeemable noncontrolling interests   $ 1,851     $ 2,179  
    Redeemable common shares, par value, $0.001 per share, nil and 873 outstanding as of 2024 and 2023, respectively           1  
    Redeemable common shares, additional paid-in capital           7,245  
    Equity:        
    Preferred shares, par value, $0.001 per share, 50,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding            
    Common shares, par value, $0.001 per share, 350,000 authorized, 199,326 and 197,749 outstanding as of 2024 and 2023, respectively     199       198  
    Additional paid-in capital     1,773,758       1,770,060  
    Accumulated deficit     (584,733 )     (306,525 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     34,937       45,932  
    Noncontrolling interests     115,057       113,875  
    Total equity     1,339,218       1,623,540  
    Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity   $ 3,245,045     $ 3,459,605  
             
             
    GREENBACKER RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in thousands, except per share data)
        Year ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
    Revenue        
    Energy revenue   $ 185,225     $ 159,301  
    Investment Management revenue     18,757       13,490  
    Other revenue     6,085       8,434  
    Contract amortization, net     (14,301 )     (8,060 )
    Total net revenue   $ 195,766     $ 173,165  
             
    Operating expenses        
    Direct operating costs     124,681       105,586  
    General and administrative     52,552       60,617  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     (39,348 )     (603 )
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion     81,953       125,743  
    Gain on deconsolidation, net     (5,622 )      
    Impairment of goodwill     221,314        
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net and project termination costs     88,410       59,294  
    Total operating expenses     523,940       350,637  
             
    Operating loss     (328,174 )     (177,472 )
             
    Interest expense, net     (7,612 )     (20,328 )
    Change in fair value of investments, net     (14,701 )     932  
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits     22,764        
    Other income (expense), net     2,436       (267 )
             
    Loss before income taxes     (325,287 )     (197,135 )
    Benefit (expense) from income taxes     19,378       21,548  
    Net loss   $ (305,909 )   $ (175,587 )
    Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     (63,609 )     (96,116 )
    Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC   $ (242,300 )   $ (79,471 )
             
    Earnings per share        
    Basic   $ (1.22 )   $ (0.40 )
    Diluted   $ (1.22 )   $ (0.40 )
             
    Weighted average shares outstanding        
    Basic     199,313       199,293  
    Diluted     199,313       199,293  
             
             
    GREENBACKER RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (in thousands)
        Year ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
    Cash Flows from Operating Activities        
    Net loss   $ (305,909 )   $ (175,587 )
    Adjustments to reconcile Net loss to Net cash provided by operating activities:        
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion     96,254       133,803  
    Gain on deconsolidation, net     (5,622 )      
    Impairment of goodwill     221,314        
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net     74,782       59,294  
    Loss on sale of Illinois Winds LLC     12,656        
    Share-based compensation expense     378       11,248  
    Changes in fair value of contingent consideration     (39,348 )     (603 )
    Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts     6,261       6,711  
    Amortization of interest rate swap contracts     (1,055 )     6,750  
    Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net     (44,748 )     (17,763 )
    Gain on interest rate swaps, net     (1,356 )     (2,428 )
    Change in fair value of investments     14,701       (932 )
    Deferred income taxes     (19,378 )     (21,548 )
    Interest expense on failed sale-leaseback financing and deferred ITC gain     7,549        
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits     (22,764 )      
    Other     3,565       5,743  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
    Accounts receivable     (4,864 )     (2,959 )
    Current and noncurrent derivative assets     52,602       56,696  
    Other current and noncurrent assets     9,416       (10,661 )
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     14,164       14,891  
    Operating lease liabilities     (1,543 )     (1,290 )
    Other current and noncurrent liabilities     420       1,036  
    Net cash provided by operating activities     67,475       62,401  
             
    Cash Flows from Investing Activities        
    Purchases of property, plant and equipment     (287,822 )     (360,650 )
    Net deposits returned (paid) for property, plant and equipment     8,155       8,138  
    Proceeds from sale of Illinois Winds LLC     36,563        
    Purchases of investments     (734 )     (5,298 )
    Return of capital on investments     6,775       3,906  
    Loans made to other parties     (19,742 )      
    Receipts from notes receivable     46,204       30,725  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (210,601 )     (323,179 )
             
    Cash Flows from Financing Activities        
    Shareholder distributions     (37,196 )     (87,597 )
    Return of collateral paid for swap contract           1,735  
    Repurchases of common shares     (6,428 )     (82,719 )
    Shares withheld related to net share settlement of equity awards     (1,880 )      
    Deferred shareholder servicing fees     (3,150 )     (3,486 )
    Contributions from noncontrolling interests     110,216       144,895  
    Distributions to noncontrolling interests     (17,850 )     (17,498 )
    Proceeds from borrowings     404,580       425,532  
    Payments on borrowings     (320,174 )     (351,764 )
    Proceeds from failed sale-leaseback     111,453       240,969  
    Payments on failed sale-leaseback     (87,089 )      
    Payments for loan origination costs     (34,698 )     (11,447 )
    Other capital activity     (745 )     (865 )
    Net cash provided by financing activities     117,039       257,755  
    Net decrease in Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash     (26,087 )     (3,023 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash at beginning of period*     187,675       190,698  
    Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash at end of period   $ 161,588     $ 187,675  
             
    *Cash, cash equivalents and Restricted cash as of May 18, 2022 includes all consolidated subsidiaries of the Company upon the change in status.


    Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    Adjusted EBITDA

    Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure as well as for internal planning purposes. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to management and investors in providing a measure of core financial performance adjusted to allow for comparisons of results of operations across reporting periods on a consistent basis as it includes adjustments relating to items that are not indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the business.

    The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before: (i) interest expense; (ii) income taxes; (iii) depreciation expense; (iv) amortization expense (including contract amortization); (v) accretion; (vi) impairment of long-lived assets; (vii) amounts attributable to our redeemable and non-redeemable noncontrolling interests; (viii) unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments; (ix) gains and losses for asset dispositions; (x) other income (loss); and (xi) foreign currency gain (loss). Additionally, the Company further adjusts for the following items described below:

    • Share-based compensation is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA as it is different from other forms of compensation as it is a non-cash expense and is highly variable. For example, a cash salary generally has a fixed and unvarying cash cost. In contrast, the expense associated with an equity-based award is generally unrelated to the amount of cash ultimately received by the employee, and the cost to the Company is based on a share-based compensation valuation methodology and underlying assumptions that may vary over time;
    • The change in fair value of contingent consideration, which is related to the Acquisition, is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, if any such change occurs during the period. The non-cash, mark-to-market adjustments are based on the expected achievement of revenue targets that are difficult to forecast and can be variable, making comparisons across historical and future quarters difficult to evaluate;
    • Beginning 2024, start-up costs associated with new investment strategies is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. The Company evaluates new investment strategies on a regular basis and excludes start-up cost from Adjusted EBITDA until such time as a new strategy is determined to form part of the Company’s core investment management business.
    • Beginning 2024, placement fees, including internal sales commissions, related to fundraising efforts based on the capital raised, are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. By excluding these fundraising-related fees from Adjusted EBITDA, we focus on core operational performance, separate from capital raising efforts, which might vary significantly from period to period.
    • Other costs that are not consistently occurring, not reflective of expected future operating expense and provide no insight into the fundamentals of current or past operations of our business are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. This includes costs such as professional services and legal fees, and other non-recurring costs unrelated to the ongoing operations of the Company.

    Adjusted EBITDA is a performance measure used by management that is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Additionally, our calculations of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    FFO

    FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure to analyze net earnings from operations without the effects of certain non-recurring items that are not indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the business.

    FFO is calculated using Adjusted EBITDA less the impact of interest expense (excluding the non-cash component) and distributions to Tax Equity Investors under the financing facilities associated with our IPP segment. The Company excludes these distributions as these are not recorded within Adjusted EBITDA and is therefore not a component of our earnings from operations.

    The Company believes that the analysis and presentation of FFO will enhance our investors’ understanding of the ongoing performance of our operating business. The Company considers FFO, in addition to other GAAP and non-GAAP measures, in assessing operating performance and as a proxy for growth in distribution coverage over the long-term.

    Adjusted EBITDA and FFO should not be considered in isolation from or as a superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    The following table reconciles Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC to Adjusted EBITDA and FFO:

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC   $ (176,623 )   $ (15,822 )   $ (242,300 )   $ (79,471 )
    Add back or deduct the following:                
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     (14,635 )     (30,307 )     (63,609 )     (96,116 )
    Benefit (expense) from income taxes     (16,799 )     (7,393 )     (19,378 )     (21,548 )
    Interest expense, net     (27,546 )     28,240       7,612       20,328  
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion(1)     25,310       15,589       97,056       134,647  
    EBITDA   $ (210,293 )   $ (9,693 )   $ (220,619 )   $ (42,160 )
    Share-based compensation expense     (12,602 )     1,255       378       11,248  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     (35,584 )     3,500       (39,348 )     (603 )
    Change in fair value of investments, net     15,357       (2,200 )     14,701       (932 )
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits     (22,764 )           (22,764 )      
    Other income (expense), net     (1,808 )     512       (2,436 )     267  
    Gain on deconsolidation, net     100             (5,622 )      
    Loss on asset disposition     12,932             12,932        
    Impairment of goodwill     221,314             221,314        
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net and project termination costs     55,700       8,632       88,410       59,294  
    Non-recurring professional services and legal fees     1,560       468       8,654       3,388  
    Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses(2)     2,491             4,150       1,250  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 26,403     $ 2,474     $ 59,750     $ 31,752  
    Cash portion of interest expense     (7,828 )     (7,869 )     (30,217 )     (27,473 )
    Distributions to tax equity investors     (4,327 )     (2,449 )     (18,848 )     (15,748 )
    FFO   $ 14,248     $ (7,844 )   $ 10,685     $ (11,469 )
                     
    (1) Includes contract amortization, net in the amount of $4.9 million, $5.8 million, $14.3 million, and $8.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are included in Contract amortization, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations; also includes certain other amortization costs included in Direct operating costs and General and administrative on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
                     
    (2) Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses for 2024 include start-up costs which primarily include salaries and personnel related expenses of incremental employees hired in advance to launch new investment strategy initiatives. Given the nature and scale of the related costs and activities, management does not view these as normal, recurring operating expenses, but rather as non-recurring investments to initially develop our new funds. Therefore, we believe it is useful and necessary for investors to understand our core operating performance in current and future periods by excluding the impact of these start-up costs as incurred. Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses for 2024 also include placement fees, including internal sales commission.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 has not been adjusted for the charges of $16.6 million incurred as part of a settlement agreement with a third-party vendor due to the termination of the existing purchase contract in order to acquire the solar panels needed for our development and construction pipeline from a different vendor with significantly better economic proposition due to reduced expected cash outlays.

    The following table reconciles total Segment Adjusted EBITDA to Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC: 

        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
    (in thousands)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Segment Adjusted EBITDA:                
    IPP Adjusted EBITDA   $ 26,532     $ 6,721     $ 81,197     $ 62,180  
    IM Adjusted EBITDA     3,033       1,601       2,051       (2,674 )
    Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA   $ 29,565     $ 8,322     $ 83,248     $ 59,506  
                     
    Reconciliation:                
    Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA   $ 29,565     $ 8,322     $ 83,248     $ 59,506  
    Unallocated corporate expenses     (3,162 )     (5,848 )     (23,498 )     (27,754 )
    Total Adjusted EBITDA     26,403       2,474       59,750       31,752  
                     
    Less:                
    Share-based compensation expense     (12,602 )     1,255       378       11,248  
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration     (35,584 )     3,500       (39,348 )     (603 )
    Gain on deconsolidation, net     100             (5,622 )      
    Loss on asset disposition     12,932             12,932        
    Impairment of goodwill     221,314             221,314        
    Impairment of long-lived assets, net and project termination costs     55,700       8,632       88,410       59,294  
    Depreciation, amortization and accretion(1)     25,310       15,589       97,056       134,647  
    Non-recurring professional services and legal fees     1,560       468       8,654       3,388  
    Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses(2)     2,491             4,150       1,250  
    Operating loss   $ (244,818 )   $ (26,970 )   $ (328,174 )   $ (177,472 )
                     
    Interest expense, net     27,546       (28,240 )     (7,612 )     (20,328 )
    Change in fair value of investments, net     (15,357 )     2,200       (14,701 )     932  
    Income from sale-leaseback transfer of tax benefits     22,764             22,764        
    Other income (expense), net     1,808       (512 )     2,436       (267 )
    Loss before income taxes   $ (208,057 )   $ (53,522 )   $ (325,287 )   $ (197,135 )
                     
    Benefit from income taxes     16,799       7,393       19,378       21,548  
    Net loss   $ (191,258 )   $ (46,129 )   $ (305,909 )   $ (175,587 )
                     
    Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests     (14,635 )     (30,307 )     (63,609 )     (96,116 )
    Net loss attributable to Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC   $ (176,623 )   $ (15,822 )   $ (242,300 )   $ (79,471 )
                     
    (1) Includes contract amortization, net in the amount of $4.9 million, $5.8 million, $14.3 million, and $8.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which are included in Contract amortization, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations; also includes certain other amortization costs included in Direct operating costs and General and administrative on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
                     
    (2) Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses for 2024 include start-up costs which primarily include salaries and personnel related expenses of incremental employees hired in advance to launch new investment strategy initiatives. Given the nature and scale of the related costs and activities, management does not view these as normal, recurring operating expenses, but rather as non-recurring investments to initially develop our new funds. Therefore, we believe it is useful and necessary for investors to understand our core operating performance in current and future periods by excluding the impact of these start-up costs as incurred. Non-recurring salaries and personnel related expenses for 2024 also include placement fees, including internal sales commission.


    About Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company

    Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC is a publicly reporting, non-traded limited liability sustainable infrastructure company that both acquires and manages income-producing renewable energy and other energy-related businesses, including solar and wind farms, and provides investment management services to other renewable energy investment vehicles. We seek to acquire and operate high-quality projects that sell clean power under long-term contracts to high-creditworthy counterparties such as utilities, municipalities, and corporations. We are long-term owner-operators, who strive to be good stewards of the land and responsible members of the communities in which we operate. Greenbacker conducts its investment management business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenbacker Capital Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. We believe our focus on power production and asset management creates value that we can then pass on to our shareholders—while facilitating the transition toward a clean energy future. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

    About Greenbacker Capital Management
    Greenbacker Capital Management LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser that provides advisory and oversight services related to project development, acquisition, and operations in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability industries. For more information, please visit www.greenbackercapital.com.

    Greenbacker media contact
    Chris Larson
    Media Communications
    646.569.9532
    c.larson@greenbackercapital.com

    ____________________________________________
    ¹ The financial and portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited and subject to change. Data as of December 31, 2024. Total assets and megawatts statistics include those projects where we have contracted for the acquisition of the project pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (“MIPA”).
    ² Includes pre-operating and operating assets across combined GREC and GREC II portfolios. Data as of December 31, 2024.
    ³ Total operating revenue excludes non-cash contract amortization, net.
    ⁴ Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company uses as a performance measure, as well as for internal planning purposes. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to management and investors in providing a measure of core financial performance adjusted to allow for comparisons of results of operations across reporting periods on a consistent basis, as it includes adjustments relating to items that are not indicative on the ongoing operating performance of the business. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional discussion. Adjusted EBITDA is unaudited. See the Company’s 10-K filed with the SEC for additional financial information and important related disclosures.
    ⁵ Data as of December 31, 2024. Total assets and megawatts statistics include those projects where we have contracted for the acquisition of the project pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (“MIPA”). The financial and portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited and subject to change
    ⁶ Does not include power generated from biomass facility during 2023 and a portion of 2024, and also does not include assets in which the Company holds a preferred equity position
    ⁷ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    ⁸ Data is as of December 31, 2024. When compared with a similar amount of power generation from fossil fuels. Carbon abatement is calculated using the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator which uses the Avoided Emissions and generation Tool (AVERT) US national weighted average CO2 marginal emission rate to convert reductions of kilowatt-hours into avoided units of carbon dioxide emissions.

    ⁹ Data is as of December 31, 2024. Water saved by Greenbacker’s clean energy projects is compared to the amount of water needed to produce the same amount of power by burning coal. Gallons of water saved are calculated based on Operational water consumption and withdrawal factors for electricity generating technologies: a review of existing literature – IOPscience, J Macknick et al 2012 Environ. Res. Lett. 7 045802.
    ¹⁰ Data is as of December 31, 2024. Green jobs calculated using The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) State Clean Energy Employment Projection Support, nrel.gov.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: How do coconuts get their water?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gaston Adoyo, Lecturer and researcher, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

    Coconut trees are iconic plants found across the world’s tropical regions. They’re called “nature’s supermarket” or the “tree of life” in several cultures because every part of the coconut tree is used. Its leaves can be used to thatch homes, its heart can be eaten and its roots have medicinal uses.

    The refreshing liquid found within a young green coconut is a highly prized component of the coconut palm. Coconuts are unique in the world of fruits because they have a large internal cavity filled with water. Other fruits typically store water within individual cells or pulp.

    I’m a food scientist who has carried out research on the properties of coconuts.

    All coconut palms produce water, though some, like tall varieties, will produce more than others, like dwarf varieties. The water is sourced from the trees’ immature, green coconuts. As the coconut matures, the developing white flesh absorbs the water, resulting in less liquid in a fully ripe brown coconut.

    So, how is this water reservoir created, and what factors influence it?

    A coconut’s structure

    To better understand how coconut water is formed, it is essential to grasp its anatomical structure. The coconut fruit is classified as a drupe, meaning it has three layers: the exocarp (the smooth, green outer layer seen in unripe coconuts), the mesocarp (a fibrous husk beneath the exocarp), and the endocarp (the hard, woody inner shell that protects the white flesh inside).

    Kerina yin/Shutterstock

    Within the endocarp, there are two components: the flesh (endosperm, a soft, jelly-like material in immature coconut that hardens as it matures) and the clear coconut water that fills the cavity. This water is a nutritive fluid nourishing the developing seed and is formed naturally during the development of the coconut fruit.

    The water is a filtered sap that’s drawn up from the roots and transported through the tree’s vascular system (its water and nutrient transport system), specifically the xylem tissue.

    The coconut tree’s extensive root system, ranging from 1 to 5 metres deep, absorbs groundwater – with dissolved nutrients – from the surrounding soil. The absorbed water is then transported upwards through the trunk and branches and finally to the fruit.

    The fruit retains this water, stored in the cavity of the coconut. The accumulated water, with its rich nutrients, provides food to the developing endosperm (white flesh).

    Therefore, coconut water is neither rainwater nor seawater stored inside, but carefully filtered and nutrient-rich clear liquid formed by the tree itself.

    What is coconut water made of?

    About 95% of coconut water is simply water, making it an excellent hydrating fluid.

    The rest of the water is made up of various components, which are useful for us too.

    Minerals (like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium) nourish human nerves and muscles; proteins (amino acids and enzymes) can help in metabolism in both the tree and humans; sugars (fructose and glucose) are responsible for the light sweetness and there are trace amounts of vitamins (vitamin C and B vitamins).


    Read more: Is coconut water good for you? We asked five experts


    Coconut water levels

    Many factors can influence the amount and quality of water in a coconut.

    The age of the coconut is a critical determining factor. Immature, green coconuts (six to eight months) are usually full of water: between 300 millilitres and 1 litre. Mature coconuts (12 months and older) have low water levels as the liquid is partially absorbed by the endosperm.

    High rainfall encourages greater accumulation of water, while drought conditions reduce the amount of water that can be transported to the fruit.

    Healthy soils packed with minerals lead to high-quality and nutrient-rich coconut water. Poor or salty soils, lacking in minerals that can travel up the coconut tree to the fruit, will lead to low quality water.

    Finally, unhealthy or diseased trees produce smaller-sized coconuts with little water.

    Protecting coconuts

    Coconut trees and coconut water are important to tropical economies across south-east Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean Sea territories, as well as the coastlines of central America and Africa.

    Conserving the trees and their environment is therefore essential.

    Sustainable farming practices, like soil management – including soil testing and organic composting – should be implemented to maintain the proper nutrient profile, which results in high-quality coconut water.


    Read more: The end of coconut water? The world’s trendiest nut is under threat of species collapse


    Additionally, protecting freshwater aquifers from saltwater intrusion along coastlines where coconuts grow is crucial for preserving the quality of this refreshing fluid. Drip irrigation and mulching can help maintain soil moisture for the required coconut water production.

    Pest and disease management techniques (like intercropping coconuts with bananas or legumes), as well as integrated pest management, can contribute to healthy trees that produce large coconuts with ample water.

    – How do coconuts get their water?
    – https://theconversation.com/how-do-coconuts-get-their-water-252673

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Directs Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty for Luigi Mangione

    Source: US State of California

    Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement:

    “Luigi Mangione’s murder of Brian Thompson — an innocent man and father of two young children — was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America. After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again.”

    • As alleged, Luigi Mangione stalked and murdered UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson on Dec. 4, 2024. The murder was an act of political violence. Mangione’s actions involved substantial planning and premeditation and because the murder took place in public with bystanders nearby, may have posed grave risk of death to additional persons.   
    • Following federal murder charges handed down on Dec. 19, 2024, Attorney General Bondi has now directed Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky to seek the death penalty in this case.
    • This is in line with Attorney General Bondi’s Day One Memo as Attorney General entitled Reviving The Federal Death Penalty And Lifting The Moratorium On Federal Executions

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Directs Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty for Luigi Mangione

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    WASHINGTON – Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the following statement:

    “Luigi Mangione’s murder of Brian Thompson — an innocent man and father of two young children — was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America. After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again.”

    • As alleged, Luigi Mangione stalked and murdered UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson on December 4th, 2024.  The murder was an act of political violence.  Mangione’s actions involved substantial planning and premeditation and because the murder took place in public with bystanders nearby, may have posed grave risk of death to additional persons.   
    • Following federal murder charges handed down on December 19th, 2024, Attorney General Bondi has now directed Acting US Attorney Matthew Podolsky to seek the death penalty in this case.

    This is in line with Attorney General Bondi’s Day One Memo as Attorney General entitled Reviving The Federal Death Penalty And Lifting The Moratorium On Federal Executions

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia to be placed on Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Russia to be placed on Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

    The Russian state will be specified under the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, as regulations laid in Parliament for implementation.

    Russia is to be put on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), meaning anyone working for the Russian state in the UK will need to declare what they are doing or risk jail, the government announced today.

    Introduced under the National Security Act 2023, FIRS is a tool to help protect our democracy, economy and society from covert, deceptive or otherwise harmful activities against UK interests. The enhanced tier has been specifically designed to shed light on activities directed by particular foreign powers which pose a threat to the safety or interests of the UK.

    Russia is the second country to be placed on the enhanced tier, following the announcement in March that Iran would be specified. The government will designate all parts of the Russian state – including its president, its parliament, all Russian ministries and their agencies, and the Russian intelligence services. 

    The specification of the Russian state is in response to the significant and persistent threat Russia poses to the UK and our interests, which has only increased in recent years. Russian hostile acts on UK soil have ranged from the use of a deadly nerve agent in Salisbury, malign cyber incidents – which included targeting UK parliamentarians through spear-phishing campaigns – as well as espionage and arson.   

    Less than 4 weeks ago, 3 people living in the UK were found guilty of carrying out espionage activity on behalf of the Russian state, in an operation which police described as “highly sophisticated” and at “industrial scale.” A further 3 members of the same group had already pleaded guilty to espionage charges before the trial.     

    Meanwhile, Russia continues to wage its unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine, a war which Russia could end by tomorrow by withdrawing its forces. The UK remains committed to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and will continue to exert maximum economic pressure to stop Russia from threatening and undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, and to help ensure Russia pays for the damage it has caused.   

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: 

    For too long, the Kremlin has been responsible for unacceptable threats to our national security – from damaging cyber-attacks, malign attempts to interfere in our democratic processes and attempted assassinations in this country.

    Our new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme gives us the power to take much stronger action against any Russian threat. The new measures will make it harder for Russia to conduct hostile acts against us in future and demonstrate once again this government’s unshakable commitment to keep our country and our people safe, as outlined in the Plan for Change.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

    Over the past few years, Russia has pursued increasingly hostile policies against the UK and its interests – harassing British diplomats, attempting to undermine British politics through malign interference and cyber operations, and recruiting spies to undertake acts of arson and sabotage on UK soil.   

    We’ve responded robustly, tightening up our visa laws for the Kremlin’s cronies, and withdrawing the accreditation of several Russian diplomats. We’ve unleashed unprecedented sanctions against the Russian regime following its illegal invasion of Ukraine. Today we’re going even further, holding Russia to account and exposing its shady attempts at interference to sunlight for all to see.

    The UK has already taken strong action to combat Russia’s threats against UK interests, expelling over 20 Russian intelligence officers since the Salisbury poisonings in 2018, revoking the accreditation of several Russian diplomats in response to the harassment and expulsion of British diplomats, removing diplomatic status from Russian properties believed to be used in intelligence activities, and limiting the length of visas granted to Russian diplomats. 

    Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK and our international partners have implemented the most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy. Since March 2022, we have sanctioned over 2,000 individuals and entities, leading the charge against the Shadow Fleet and eroding Russia’s war machine.

    In Parliament, the Security Minister also announced that statutory instruments to enable the wider scheme have been laid, which will enable it to commence on 1 July 2025. This includes regulations to implement the political influence tier of the scheme, which applies to all states; will allow the UK to be better informed about the nature, scale and extent of foreign influence in the UK’s political system; and will strengthen our resilience against all covert foreign influence.  

    The political tier requires the registration of any arrangement to carry out political influence activities in the UK at the direction of any foreign power. 

    Security Minister, Dan Jarvis said: 

    The political tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme will make it easier to identify covert influence and better protect against it.  

    It will also mean that MPs can verify if someone they are considering talking to is acting on behalf of a foreign government, so they can make an informed choice about whether to engage. 

    National security is the foundation of our Plan for Change, and it is our responsibility to protect the safety and interests of the UK. Now is the right time to boost transparency about foreign-directed activities, ensuring we can act swiftly and effectively.

    The tool provides transparency and will have the ability to prosecute individuals for non-compliance. 

    By laying these regulations today, the government will be giving sectors 3 months to help them prepare for the scheme. During that time, the government will work closely with the relevant sectors – including academia and business – to ensure they understand their obligations. Comprehensive guidance to help anyone who may need to register to understand their responsibilities under the scheme has been published online.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: RIDOT to Reduce Travel Lanes on Jefferson Boulevard at I-95 Overpass in Warwick

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    On Friday night, April 4, the Rhode Island Department Transportation (RIDOT) will reduce the number of lanes on Jefferson Boulevard at the I-95 overpass in Warwick to one lane in each direction. The traffic pattern change will be in place until further notice, and is necessary as RIDOT begins replacement of the bridge that carries I-95 over Jefferson Boulevard.

    The change will not affect any on or off ramps at the bridge. RIDOT does not expect this change to create any travel delays.

    The replacement of this bridge is part of the I-95 15 Bridges project, which will remove 15 bridges from the state’s backlog of poor and fair to poor condition bridges along I-95 and Route 10 between Providence and Warwick.

    The project takes a holistic approach to addressing these bridges to ensure the safe movement of over 185,000 vehicles, including about 9,000 trucks and heavy freight vehicles. Nine of the 15 bridges are structurally deficient. Three are rated among the top five most traveled structurally deficient bridges in Rhode Island. A total of 11 bridges will be repaired and four will be eliminated. RIDOT also will rebuild Route 10 from Elmwood Avenue to Park Avenue � transforming it into a boulevard with a shared use path to provide better connectivity for all users.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.

    The replacement of the I-95 bridge over Jefferson Boulevard is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration for Slashing Vital Health Funding

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 22 other states and the District of Columbia today filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for abruptly and unlawfully slashing billions of dollars in vital state health funding. On March 24, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it was clawing back more than $11 billion in funding previously allocated to states for public health, mental health, and addiction initiatives – including nearly $400 million for New York. The attorneys general argue that these sudden and reckless cuts violate federal law, jeopardize public health, and will have devastating consequences for communities nationwide. Attorney General James and the coalition are asking the court to immediately stop the administration from rescinding the funding and prevent the breakdown of crucial health services.

    “The Trump administration’s illegal and irresponsible decision to claw back life-saving health funding is an attack on the well-being of millions of Americans,” said Attorney General James. “Slashing this funding now will reverse our progress on the opioid crisis, throw our mental health systems into chaos, and leave hospitals struggling to care for patients. My office is taking immediate action to stop this heartless and shortsighted move and ensure these life-saving programs remain intact.”

    In the lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition assert that if funding is not restored, key public health programs and initiatives across the country will have to be dissolved and disbanded, and thousands of health care workers will lose their jobs. The terminated funds, which were allocated by Congress at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, include $11.4 billion in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for pandemic preparedness, overdose prevention, and community health programs, as well as $1 billion from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for addiction treatment, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention programs.

    The attorneys general warn that the revocation of this funding will cause immediate and irreparable damage in communities across the nation. Programs that provide harm reduction services, medication-assisted recovery treatment, and overdose reversal drugs are set to be slashed, just as the nation begins to turn a corner on fighting the opioid crisis and reducing overdose deaths. Funding for crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and community-based mental health care is at risk while the nation is currently facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. Financial support for hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities will be eliminated, exacerbating already devastating staffing shortages. Prevention programs that combat infectious disease outbreaks and future health emergencies are already being gutted.

    In New York, more than $400 million in critical funding has been terminated, including over $300 million for the New York State Department of Health (DOH), Office of Mental Health (OMH), and Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and over $100 million for New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)’s infectious disease detection and surveillance work. These cuts are already causing devastating, far-reaching consequences. At least 23 public health employees have already been laid off, and further layoffs are likely. More than 200 local organizations statewide have now lost funding for their efforts to address food insecurity, mental health, maternal health, and more. DOH has been forced to halt efforts to address health disparities and shutter programs focused on LGBTQ+ and immigrant health. Funding for school immunization programs has also been cut, which could have disastrous effects on child vaccination rates. Most importantly, New York state’s ability to manage infectious diseases, support vulnerable populations, and maintain critical health infrastructure is now in jeopardy, and there are long-term risks for public health preparedness and equity.

    HHS has tried to suggest that terminating this funding is necessary because the “COVID-19 pandemic is over.” This contradicts both ongoing public health data and the terms of the grants in question. In the lawsuit, the attorneys general assert that many of the eliminated funds were never intended solely for COVID-19 response – they were allocated to support long-term public health infrastructure, future pandemic preparedness, and critical behavioral health services.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue the federal government does not have the legal authority to unilaterally rescind funding it already allocated, particularly when states have built essential health programs around these commitments. The attorneys general add that the terminated funds are attached to specific congressional allocations, and that by cutting these funds, the administration is undermining Congress’s constitutional power over federal spending. The lawsuit alleges the decision to terminate these funds was made abruptly, arbitrarily, and without any opportunity for public input.

    In addition to preliminary and permanent injunctions, Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a temporary restraining order to immediately halt the chaos and destruction the administration’s funding cuts are causing.

    “These federal health cuts are not only dangerous, but they undermine public health and will broaden the health disparities we have been working hard to eliminate,” said DOH Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “It is unprecedented and unacceptable to have funding terminated retroactively without warning or regard for the impact on this important public health work. I thank Attorney General James for taking immediate action, ensuring the health of New Yorkers remains a priority, and working to get these reckless actions during the federal transition reversed.”

    “The removal of these grants will affect prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services that many New Yorkers rely on, and which have saved thousands of lives throughout the state,” said OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham. “Amid the ongoing overdose crisis, it is critical that these services remain intact and available for those who need them. We fully support these efforts to ensure that this critical funding continues to go towards these vital addiction services in New York.”

    “The loss of $27 million in federal funding will impact the mental health services and supports provided through our agency, including crisis stabilization and residence programs, Assertive Community Treatment teams and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,” said OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. “We are pleased that New York State is challenging these cuts in in an effort to avoid the consequences of losing this critical federal assistance. We look forward to working with the Attorney General and Governor Hochul as they challenge these cuts and fight to preserve funding for these important programs.”

    This is the latest action Attorney General James has taken to protect New Yorkers and the services they rely on from the Trump administration’s illegal attacks. On March 14, Attorney General James and a coalition secured a court order reinstating federal workers subject to mass firings at 18 agencies. On March 13, Attorney General James led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education. On March 10, Attorney General James secured a court order blocking the Trump administration from cutting critical grant programs for teachers and on March 6, Attorney General James secured a court order blocking the Trump administration’s freeze of essential federal funds to states. On March 5, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general won a court order stopping the Trump administration from withholding vital funding to the National Institutes of Health. On February 24, Attorney General James led a coalition of attorneys general in securing a court order preventing Elon Musk and members of DOGE from accessing Americans’ private information through the U.S. Treasury and on February 13, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general secured a preliminary injunction stopping the administration’s illegal revocation of birthright citizenship. 

    Joining Attorney General James in this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, as well as the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Macon Probationer Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MACON, Ga. – A resident of Macon pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge this week for illegally possessing a firearm when he was taken into custody for violating his probation.

    Terico Jaques Balkcom, 46, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell on March 31. Balkcom faces a maximum of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Our office is collaborating with our law enforcement partners to hold repeat convicted felons accountable when they are found violating federal law.”

    “Ensuring public safety is our top priority, the GBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable who violate the law, especially those with a history of criminal behavior,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Balkcom was stopped by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) for having an obscured tag on May 20, 2024. Balkcom was known to have an active warrant for violating state probation for a felony conviction out of Bibb County, Georgia, Superior Court. The GSP trooper could smell the odor of alcohol and performed a field sobriety test. Balkcom presented a false ID, claiming to be “Benjamin Brown.” When the officer asked for his date of birth, Balkcom answered that it was a different date from what was on the fake identification. A GBI agent familiar with Balkcom arrived and confirmed it was Balkcom. Balkcom was taken into custody based on the active probation warrant. Agents found a 9mm pistol inside a Crown Royal bag that also contained Balkcom’s prescription medication. Balkcom was recorded on a jail phone call discussing the gun and also three ounces of marijuana that officers found inside the vehicle. Balkcom has several prior convictions and probation violations in Bibb County Superior Court. He was on probation for a 2018 conviction in Bibb County for crossing state or county guard lines with weapons, intoxicants, or drugs without consent. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.

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

    The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) with assistance from Georgia State Patrol.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Dakota Felon Charged with Minnesota Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEMIDJI, Minn. – Jerami Cody Leno, a North Dakota man, has been indicted for multiple criminal charges, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, from February 2024 through July 24, 2024, Jerami Cody Leno, 48, intentionally conspired with others to possess and distribute methamphetamine in and around Minnesota. On February 7, 2024, Leno was found in possession of a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Because Leno has a prior felony conviction in Yellowstone County, Montana, for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

    The indictment charges Leno with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of illegal possession of a firearm as a felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Jon T. Huseby on March 4, 2025.

    “Methamphetamine is flooding Minnesota. This includes our small towns in greater Minnesota,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “I appreciate the partnership of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office serves every corner of this state. We will continue to rely on our state and local partners so that together, we can identify those who peddle deadly poison to our communities and bring them to federal justice.”

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement Ahead of Trump’s Next Round of Tariffs, a Tax Hike on American Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—As President Trump reportedly prepares to enact blanket tariffs that will impact trade globally and plunge the economy into chaos, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement: 
    “It is obvious that Trump ‘couldn’t care less’ about the American people feeling the pain of his reckless tariffs. President Trump needs to get real: this half-baked trade war will only raise prices for consumers. Trump’s so-called ‘liberation day’ will throw the global economy into turmoil and leave Americans holding the bag,” said Senator Peter Welch. “I can support tariffs that demand accountability from bad actors like China, but it must be done in a multilateral, smart way. We should not impose sweeping tariffs on our allies and longtime partners in trade. America’s close economic ties with our trading partners are based on trust. These on-again, off-again tariffs are extremely destructive and totally unnecessary. President Trump is sticking it to our farmers, our businesses, and everyday working people.” 
    More than 18,600 Vermonters work in industries targeted by retaliatory tariffs, and thousands more will see higher costs for food, fuel, and energy. A new poll from AP-NORC found that a majority of voters—60% disapprove—of the president’s handling of trade negotiations, and 58% disapprove of his handling of the economy. 
    Senator Welch has blasted Trump’s tariffs and trade war and shared stories from constituents about how President Trump’s economic policies have impacted their businesses, farms, and communities. In March, Senator Welch hosted a roundtable in Newport with Vermont and Canadian business leaders to discuss President Trump’s Trade War. He has also held events in St. Albans and virtually to hear directly from impacted Vermonters.  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Aditude Ranks No. 7 on Inc. Magazine’s List of Fastest-Growing Companies in the Northeast Region with 705% Revenue Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, today revealed that Aditude is No. 7 on its fifth annual Inc. Regionals: Northeast list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the Northeast, which includes Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey.

    “Our journey at Aditude has been nothing short of incredible. Being ranked No. 7 in the Northeast is a testament to our team’s hard work, passion, and expertise. We are proud of our impact on publishers and the ad tech industry, and this recognition from Inc. Magazine fuels our drive to push even further,” said Jared Siegal, CEO of Aditude. “To our team, publishers, and partners—thank you for trusting us. We’re only going up from here.”

    The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Northeast. Between 2021 and 2023, these 154 private companies had a median growth rate of 100 percent; by 2023, they’d also added 9,114 jobs and $6.7 billion to the region’s economy.

    “The honorees on this year’s Inc. Regionals list are true trailblazers driving economic growth in their respective regions, industries, and beyond. This list celebrates their achievements and tells the stories of remarkable companies that are fueling growth and adding jobs in local economies throughout the country,” said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.

    From 2021 to 2023, Aditude experienced substantial growth—expanding our team across North America and Europe, significantly increasing revenue, and rapidly growing our publisher network. This momentum set the stage for an ambitious 2024, during which we acquired CPMStar and Hashtag Labs within a six-month span. These strategic acquisitions aligned perfectly with our mission to help publishers thrive, further strengthening our ad tech capabilities, enhancing our managed services, and expanding the scale and impact of our offerings.

    About Aditude

    Aditude is a leading ad tech platform designed to put publishers in control. Unlike walled gardens, we provide publishers with an open and flexible platform that provides comprehensive control and unrestricted, transparent access to demand. From header bidding wrapper to dynamic flooring to data-driven insights, Aditude simplifies ad operations and maximizes revenue. Our flexible SaaS and rev-share models let publishers choose what works best for them. Learn more at aditude.com.

    More about Inc. and the Inc. Regionals

    Methodology

    The 2025 Inc. Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth over two years. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2021. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2023. (Since then, a number of companies on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2021 is $100,000; the minimum for 2023 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.

    About Inc.

    Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

    Trish Manrique
    trish@aditude.io

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Solomon Partners Hires Jon Pritti as a Partner in the Healthcare Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solomon Partners, a leading financial advisory firm and independent affiliate of Natixis, today announced the appointment of Jon Pritti as a new Partner in its Healthcare Group, where he will lead the firm’s expansion into the fast-growing Healthcare Technology sub-sector.

    “Jon’s experience and industry expertise will be invaluable to our growing Healthcare team and expand Solomon’s coverage in the Healthcare Technology space,” said Solomon Partners’ CEO Marc Cooper.

    Mr. Pritti joins Solomon with over two decades of investment banking experience, most recently serving as a Senior Managing Director in the Private Equity Advisory group at Guggenheim Securities. Prior to that role, he served as Managing Director in the Healthcare Investment Banking practice and Head of Healthcare Technology at Houlihan Lokey. Mr. Pritti earned a BBA from Emory University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

    “We are incredibly fortunate to welcome a banker with Jon’s background and extensive network. Jon will be a critical addition to the team as we continue to expand our capabilities to deliver exceptional service to our clients,” said Jon Hammack, a Partner and Head of Solomon’s Healthcare Group.

    “I have been impressed by Solomon’s collaborative, client-centric approach,” Mr. Pritti said. “This is an exciting era for Healthcare Technology, and I look forward to working with my new partners to help Solomon expand its services in this part of the healthcare ecosystem.”

    About Solomon Partners

    Founded in 1989, Solomon Partners is a leading financial advisory firm with a legacy as one of the oldest independent investment banks. Our difference is unmatched industry knowledge in the sectors we cover, creating superior value with unrivaled wisdom for our clients. We advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, recapitalizations, capital markets solutions and activism defense across a range of verticals. These include Business Services, Consumer Retail, Distribution, Financial Institutions, FinTech, Financial Sponsors, Healthcare, Grocery, Pharmacy & Restaurants, Healthcare, Industrials, Infrastructure, Power & Renewables, Media and Technology. Solomon Partners is an independently operated affiliate of Natixis, part of Groupe BPCE. For further information, visit solomonpartners.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97f1532a-940b-4b92-ac42-dc71d170c0a4

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE – Liquidia Corporation to Present at the 24th Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MORRISVILLE, N.C., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Liquidia Corporation (NASDAQ: LQDA), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease, today announced that the company will provide an overview of the company’s business at a fireside chat at the 24th Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, beginning at 8:45 a.m. ET.

    Access to a webcast of the presentation will be available on the “Investors” page of Liquidia’s website at https://liquidia.com/investors/events-and-presentations.

    An archived, recorded version of the presentation will be available on Liquidia’s website for at least 30 days following the event. 

    About Liquidia Corporation
    Liquidia Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease. The company’s current focus spans the development and commercialization of products in pulmonary hypertension and other applications of its proprietary PRINT® Technology. PRINT enabled the creation of Liquidia’s lead candidate, YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder, an investigational drug for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). The company is also developing L606, an investigational sustained-release formulation of treprostinil administered twice-daily with a next-generation nebulizer, and currently markets generic Treprostinil Injection for the treatment of PAH. To learn more about Liquidia, please visit www.liquidia.com.

    Contact Information

    Investors:
    Jason Adair
    Chief Business Officer
    919.328.4350
    jason.adair@liquidia.com

    Media:
    Patrick Wallace
    Director, Corporate Communications
    919.328.4383
    patrick.wallace@liquidia.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: How do coconuts get their water?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Gaston Adoyo, Lecturer and researcher, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

    Coconut trees are iconic plants found across the world’s tropical regions. They’re called “nature’s supermarket” or the “tree of life” in several cultures because every part of the coconut tree is used. Its leaves can be used to thatch homes, its heart can be eaten and its roots have medicinal uses.

    The refreshing liquid found within a young green coconut is a highly prized component of the coconut palm. Coconuts are unique in the world of fruits because they have a large internal cavity filled with water. Other fruits typically store water within individual cells or pulp.

    I’m a food scientist who has carried out research on the properties of coconuts.

    All coconut palms produce water, though some, like tall varieties, will produce more than others, like dwarf varieties. The water is sourced from the trees’ immature, green coconuts. As the coconut matures, the developing white flesh absorbs the water, resulting in less liquid in a fully ripe brown coconut.

    So, how is this water reservoir created, and what factors influence it?

    A coconut’s structure

    To better understand how coconut water is formed, it is essential to grasp its anatomical structure. The coconut fruit is classified as a drupe, meaning it has three layers: the exocarp (the smooth, green outer layer seen in unripe coconuts), the mesocarp (a fibrous husk beneath the exocarp), and the endocarp (the hard, woody inner shell that protects the white flesh inside).

    Within the endocarp, there are two components: the flesh (endosperm, a soft, jelly-like material in immature coconut that hardens as it matures) and the clear coconut water that fills the cavity. This water is a nutritive fluid nourishing the developing seed and is formed naturally during the development of the coconut fruit.

    The water is a filtered sap that’s drawn up from the roots and transported through the tree’s vascular system (its water and nutrient transport system), specifically the xylem tissue.

    The coconut tree’s extensive root system, ranging from 1 to 5 metres deep, absorbs groundwater – with dissolved nutrients – from the surrounding soil. The absorbed water is then transported upwards through the trunk and branches and finally to the fruit.

    The fruit retains this water, stored in the cavity of the coconut. The accumulated water, with its rich nutrients, provides food to the developing endosperm (white flesh).

    Therefore, coconut water is neither rainwater nor seawater stored inside, but carefully filtered and nutrient-rich clear liquid formed by the tree itself.

    What is coconut water made of?

    About 95% of coconut water is simply water, making it an excellent hydrating fluid.

    The rest of the water is made up of various components, which are useful for us too.

    Minerals (like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium) nourish human nerves and muscles; proteins (amino acids and enzymes) can help in metabolism in both the tree and humans; sugars (fructose and glucose) are responsible for the light sweetness and there are trace amounts of vitamins (vitamin C and B vitamins).




    Read more:
    Is coconut water good for you? We asked five experts


    Coconut water levels

    Many factors can influence the amount and quality of water in a coconut.

    The age of the coconut is a critical determining factor. Immature, green coconuts (six to eight months) are usually full of water: between 300 millilitres and 1 litre. Mature coconuts (12 months and older) have low water levels as the liquid is partially absorbed by the endosperm.

    High rainfall encourages greater accumulation of water, while drought conditions reduce the amount of water that can be transported to the fruit.

    Healthy soils packed with minerals lead to high-quality and nutrient-rich coconut water. Poor or salty soils, lacking in minerals that can travel up the coconut tree to the fruit, will lead to low quality water.

    Finally, unhealthy or diseased trees produce smaller-sized coconuts with little water.

    Protecting coconuts

    Coconut trees and coconut water are important to tropical economies across south-east Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean Sea territories, as well as the coastlines of central America and Africa.

    Conserving the trees and their environment is therefore essential.

    Sustainable farming practices, like soil management – including soil testing and organic composting – should be implemented to maintain the proper nutrient profile, which results in high-quality coconut water.




    Read more:
    The end of coconut water? The world’s trendiest nut is under threat of species collapse


    Additionally, protecting freshwater aquifers from saltwater intrusion along coastlines where coconuts grow is crucial for preserving the quality of this refreshing fluid. Drip irrigation and mulching can help maintain soil moisture for the required coconut water production.

    Pest and disease management techniques (like intercropping coconuts with bananas or legumes), as well as integrated pest management, can contribute to healthy trees that produce large coconuts with ample water.

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

    ref. How do coconuts get their water? – https://theconversation.com/how-do-coconuts-get-their-water-252673

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Marine Le Pen verdict ‘represents an effort to make democracy better’ in France – interview

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Luc Rouban, Directeur de recherche CNRS, Sciences Po

    Marine Le Pen, the figurehead of France’s far-right National Rally (RN) party and a three-time presidential candidate, has been found guilty of misappropriating public funds and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and five years of ineligibility for public office, with immediate effect. Despite her decision to appeal, the March 31 ruling in a Paris court will probably eliminate her from the 2027 presidential race. Political scientist Luc Rouban analyses this major political development in an interview with The Conversation France.


    The Conversation: Marine Le Pen’s sentence of immediate ineligibility came as a surprise and a shock. Some legal experts had imagined that a heavy sentence would fall but doubted that the judge, under pressure, would take the logic of ineligibility to its conclusion – despite the fact that it is enshrined in the law.

    Luc Rouban: Yes, it’s a surprise and I don’t think the RN was expecting this decision. For the rule of law, it’s a form of revenge on a certain style of political life that, for decades, operated on the basis of arrangements, on the basis of the inner circle. That’s what we were used to during the Jacques Chirac and François Mitterrand periods, when there were dangerous links between politicians and certain members of the business class. It also brings to mind – of course – the more recent Nicolas Sarkozy affair. Today we are witnessing a historic turnaround. Marine Le Pen was no doubt expecting a suspended sentence, a slightly symbolic sentence. But this sentence is not symbolic at all. She is no longer part of the old style of political life.

    Is this ruling a good thing for democracy, with a judge who applies the law without trembling? Or is it a problem, as RN president Jordan Bardella, right-wing members of parliament Eric Ciotti and Laurent Wauquiez, and left-wing political leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon have said – and as Elon Musk, Viktor Orban, Geert Wilders, Matteo Salvini and the Kremlin have also said?

    Luc Rouban: This ruling represents an effort to make democracy better. Reaffirming the rule of law is absolutely essential and legitimate. The French democratic system is very fragile, much more so than in other European countries. Public confidence in politicians and the justice system is very low and needs to be restored. One way of doing this is to ensure that the law is applied to public figures who embezzle millions of euros, not just to supermarket cashiers who are fired and prosecuted for stealing a chocolate bar. The conviction of Marine Le Pen is undeniable progress for our democracy: it’s a sign that the relationship with politics is changing, that politics has become a professional activity like any other, subject to regulations and laws.

    Of course, there will be attacks on the judiciary, we will have the Trumpist argument of “government by judges”. But it’s important to remember that judges simply apply the law. We must also remember that the figures, including Marine Le Pen, who are criticising ineligibility penalties, had applauded the Sapin 2 law, which passed unanimously in 2016 following the Cahuzac affair (editor’s note: ex-budget minister Jérôme Cahuzac was ruled guilty of tax fraud in a Paris court).

    What does the future hold for Marine Le Pen and the RN? Is Jordan Bardella capable of replacing her?

    Luc Rouban: Barring the uncertain scenario of a favourable ruling on appeal before the presidential election, Marine Le Pen is likely to hand over her position as RN candidate to Bardella. But is Bardella capable of replacing her? That’s the question.

    Internally, he hasn’t really managed to establish himself within the party, particularly in terms of renewing the leadership and structuring the movement. As soon as Marine Le Pen was absent – which was the case after the death of her father (editor’s note: Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of the National Front) – the party seemed to collapse.

    What’s more, Bardella is Marine Le Pen’s heir apparent. The party’s “normalisation” could involve a form of “de-lepenalisation”. The Le Pen family has totally structured the party, which is very vertical, very organised around itself and its immediate entourage. This oligarchic model and this verticality are obviously going to be called into question. Will Bardella suffer as a result? Other RN leaders, such as Sébastien Chenu or Jean-Philippe Tanguy, who have established themselves in the media, may try to overtake him in the presidential race. However, this would require a break with Marine Le Pen in a party where dissidents are quickly excluded. The likelihood of such a challenge therefore remains low.

    What about Marion Maréchal? Could she take over?

    Luc Rouban: I don’t believe so because Maréchal (editor’s note: Marine Le Pen’s niece, who was elected to the European Parliament in 2024 on the ticket of the far-right Reconquest party, to which she no longer belongs) plays the Trump card and makes the RN feel uncomfortable. The RN electorate is too attached to France’s sovereignty, and has evolved toward a form of labour rights that is far removed from hard-line liberalism. The Reconquest electorate is more middle-class, older, better educated and wealthier than that of the RN.

    Will the RN benefit from this verdict or lose voters?

    Luc Rouban: It is possible that some abstentionist voters whose backgrounds are similar to those of RN voters will express their dissatisfaction with Marine Le Pen’s conviction by choosing to vote for the future candidate of the RN.

    But among the right-wing, upper middle classes who voted RN in the 2024 legislative elections, the vote could shift back to Les Républicains (editor’s note: the historic French right-wing party).

    Furthermore, for whoever becomes the future candidate of the RN, there will be a problem of support. To win a presidential election, you need to have support in the business world. But dragging around a party whose main leaders have been convicted of criminal offences is not a good look. Fundamentally, the RN was already isolated from the social elites. It could be even more so tomorrow.

    How might public opinion react to this major event, which deprives millions of voters of their candidate? Should we expect large-scale responses, possibly violent ones?

    Luc Rouban: As far as society in general is concerned, there may be hostile reactions for a while, isolated incidents, but I don’t think there will be mass movements like in the 1930s. The lack of enthusiasm for political life is obvious: who is going to take physical risks and engage in violent action to defend a political party and its representative? Not many people, I think.


    David Bornstein conducted this interview.

    Luc Rouban ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    ref. Marine Le Pen verdict ‘represents an effort to make democracy better’ in France – interview – https://theconversation.com/marine-le-pen-verdict-represents-an-effort-to-make-democracy-better-in-france-interview-253551

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI China: City view of Taiyuan, China’s Shanxi

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

    City view of Taiyuan, China’s Shanxi

    Updated: April 1, 2025 21:31 Xinhua
    Tourists visit Taiyuan Ancient County scenic spot in Taiyuan, north China’s Shanxi Province, Feb. 5, 2025. Taiyuan, with a history of over 2,500 years, is a renowned historical and cultural city in northern China. In recent years, the city has coordinated efforts to upgrade industrial structure, protect the environment and improve urban management, achieving coordinated progress in environmental restoration, economic development and people’s livelihoods. The forest coverage rate of the city has risen to 43 percent. Meanwhile, the water and air quality in the city have continued to improve. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 20, 2025 shows cars running on a bridge in Taiyuan City, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors view exhibits at Shanxi Museum in Taiyuan, north China’s Shanxi Province, April 25, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 19, 2025 shows a wetland of the Fenhe River in Taiyuan City, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People enjoy a performance on a street in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China’s Shanxi Province, Feb. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Children play in the rice field in Beidasi Village of Jinyuan District in Taiyuan, north China’s Shanxi Province, May 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 19, 2025 shows a view of the Jinyang Lake Park in Taiyuan City, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 18, 2025 shows the Yongzuo Temple in Taiyuan City, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Citizens practice Tai Chi fan at Yingze Park in Yingze District of Taiyuan, north China’s Shanxi Province, March 1, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on July 25, 2023 shows the scenery of a park in Taiyuan City, north China’s Shanxi Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tren de Aragua Members Arrested on Federal Charges of International Drug Distribution

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    HOUSTON – Two Venezuelan nationals and alleged members of the recently designated foreign terrorist organization known as the Tren de Aragua (TdA) have been arrested on charges filed in the Southern District of Texas (SDTX), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Jesus Miguel Barreto Lezama, 29, who was residing in Houston, has now appeared in federal court in Houston.

    Also in custody is Briley Jesus Ballera Farias aka Derek, 32, who was arrested March 30 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he made his initial appearance.

    A federal grand jury returned the indictment Jan. 29.  

    According to the allegations in the indictment, both men participated in a conspiracy, along with others, to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Venezuela and Colombia. Barreto Lezama is also charged with importing nearly five kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Colombia between June 26, 2024, and July 3, 2024.

    If convicted, they face a up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

    The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Colombian National Police. FBI-Houston’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force made the Houston arrest with the assistance of the Houston Police Department, DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Marshals Service.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal J. Alaniz are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney David C. Smith from the Department of Justice’s Joint Task Force Vulcan. 

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

    This case is also part of JTFV, which was created in 2019 to destroy MS-13 and now expanded to target TdA. It is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including SDTX; Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Districts of New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, Nevada, Alaska; Northern District of Ohio; Eastern District of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Virginia; Southern District of California; and the District of Columbia; as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; DEA; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; and Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners and spearheaded JTFV’s investigations.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP : Form 8.3 – Direct Line Insurance Group Pls

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
     
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    Direct Line Insurance Group PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    31/03/2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    Yes, Aviva plc

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 10 10/11p ordinary
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:        
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives: 34,969,816 2.67    
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    34,969,816 2.67    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
           

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD
    Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
    Number of reference securities Price per unit
    10 10/11p ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 316,663 GBP 2.8095

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.
    Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option
    Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion
    Details Price per unit (if applicable)

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 01/04/2025
    Contact name: Alex McMillan
    Telephone number: 646 282 5805

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Influence Registration Scheme implementation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Foreign Influence Registration Scheme implementation

    Government announces the implementation of regulations of Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, specifying Russia under the enhanced tier.

    With permission Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.

    The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme – or FIRS – is a fundamental component of the National Security Act, which this House passed in 2023.

    The act was a response to the evolving threat of hostile activity from states targeting the UK.

    Parts 1 to 3 of the act came into force in December 2023 and have been transformative for our operational partners, with 6 charges already brought against those conducting activity for, or on behalf of, foreign states acting within the UK.

    A further 5 individuals involved in these cases have been charged with other offences.

    FIRS provides crucial additional powers to protect our democracy, economy and society. It does 3 things:

    First, transparency – FIRS provides transparency of foreign state influence in the UK.

    Second, disruption – FIRS gives the police and MI5 a critical new disruptive tool, with criminal offences for those who fail to comply with the scheme.

    Third, deterrence – FIRS will deter those who seek to harm the UK. They will face a choice – either tell the government about their actions, or face arrest and imprisonment.

    Given the benefits of the scheme, I can tell the House today that FIRS will go live on the 1 July.

    Political tier

    The political influence tier of the scheme, which applies to all states, will allow the UK to be better informed about the nature, scale and extent of foreign influence in the UK’s political system. It will strengthen our resilience against covert foreign influence.

    The political tier requires the registration of arrangements to carry out political influence activities in the UK at the direction of any foreign power.

    Registrations under this tier will, in most cases, be made available on a public register.

    For the first time, members of this House, will now be able to check if anyone seeking to influence them, is doing so at the direction of a foreign power.

    A move which I am sure will be welcomed right across this House.

    Enhanced tier

    The enhanced tier of the scheme has been specifically designed to shed light on activities directed by those foreign powers or entities whose activities pose a threat to the safety and interests of the UK.

    It enables the government to specify those foreign powers who pose the greatest threat to our society to ensure transparency of a much broader range of activities than just the political tier.

    It will provide an important tool for the detection and disruption of harmful activity against our country.

    Last month, I set out our intention to specify Iran under this tier of the scheme.

    And I can announce today that we will also specify Russia under the scheme. 

    Russia presents an acute threat to UK national security. In recent years, its hostile acts have ranged from the use of a deadly nerve agent in Salisbury, espionage, arson and cyber-attacks, including the targeting of UK parliamentarians through spear-phishing campaigns.

    And clearly Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has highlighted its intent to undermine European and global security.

    To ensure we are responding to the whole of state threat Russia poses, the government intends to specify the head of the state of Russia, their government, agencies and authorities – which will include their armed forces, intelligence services and police forces, parliaments and their judiciaries. 

    We also intend to specify several political parties which are controlled by Russia, including the United Russia Party.

    What this means is that any person – either an individual or an entity such as a company – that is carrying out activity as part of any arrangement with those Russian entities will have to register with FIRS

    Should any of these foreign power-controlled entities – such as political parties – carry out activity in the UK directly, they would also have to register with FIRS.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, I hope it will be clear what a powerful tool this is.

    Implementing the scheme

    Turning to implementation. It is clear that FIRS has the potential to provide greater protection for our security, our democracy and our economy, but we must get implementation right.

    In support of the scheme, the government has today laid draft regulations specifying Russia and Iran, introducing new exemptions from the scheme and making provision for the publication of information.

    Both this House and the other place will have the opportunity to consider and debate these regulations, under the affirmative procedure. The government has also laid a further set of regulations in relation to the collection and disclosure of information under the scheme.

    To support the consideration of the regulations and to assist potential registrants and others to better understand their responsibilities under the scheme, the government has published comprehensive guidance online.

    By bringing the scheme into force on the 1 July, the government will be giving sectors 3 months’ notice to help them prepare for the scheme. During that time, the government will work closely with the relevant sectors – including academia and business to ensure they understand their obligations. Taken together, this package will ensure that there is strong compliance with the scheme from day one.

    There will also be a 3-month grace period to register existing arrangements.

    I know that right honourable and honourable members on both sides of the chamber recognise the challenges posed to the UK by foreign interference.

    I hope that all members can support these further steps to keep our country safe.

    Of course, as with all national security issues we must stay agile. As I have said, FIRS will be kept under review and any new announcements will be made to the House in the usual away.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, it is our duty to defend the safety and interests of the UK.

    That is why we are commencing FIRS.

    That is why we are introducing greater protections for our democracy.

    And that is why we are clamping down on the threat from states that conduct hostile activities in and against the UK.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom