Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong today (March 31) held the Commemoration Ceremony of the 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong and the Launching Ceremony of Dancing Water Drops Exhibition at the Central Government Offices, Tamar, to celebrate this remarkable and important occasion.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Wang Weizhong; the Minister of Water Resources, Mr Li Guoying; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Zheng Yanxiong; Member of the Office Leadership of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Mr Xiang Bin; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; Deputy Director of the LOCPG in the HKSAR Mr Qi Bin; Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province Mr Zhang Shaokang; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; and the Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Mr Qin Weizhong, officiated at the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lee said that the country has been providing Hong Kong with reliable and stable supply of Dongjiang water over the past 60 years. Currently accounting for about 70 to 80 per cent of the fresh water consumption in Hong Kong, Dongjiang water supports the sustainable economic development of Hong Kong, and nourishes the citizens, allowing them to live and work in a better place. Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong is not only a water engineering project, but also an epitome of the strong blood ties between the country and Hong Kong. He said that Hong Kong citizens will cherish the country’s care and express their gratitude by making greater contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Mr Wang said that, over the past 60 years, Guangdong has been resolutely implementing the strategic decisions of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and has made it a priority to ensure the safety of water supply to Hong Kong, guaranteeing stable supply of high-quality Dongjiang water to Hong Kong. Standing at a new starting point, Guangdong will always stay true to the aspirations of General Secretary Xi Jinping, and will fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the principle of “one country, two systems”, and effectively manage the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Scheme. This will ensure that Hong Kong citizens continue to have access to safe and high-quality water, providing strong support for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
Mr Li said that, over the past 60 years, the Ministry of Water Resources has resolutely implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping’s water regulating approach of “Prioritising water conservation, Balancing spatial distribution, Taking systematic approaches, Promoting government-market synergy”. Under the sincere care of the Central Authorities, the quantity and quality of water supply to Hong Kong and emergency support capabilities have been continuously enhanced. The Ministry of Water Resources will strengthen co-operation on water resources with the HKSAR Government on all fronts, and will continue to enhance the water safety security system in the Greater Bay Area while ensuring stable, safe and quality water supply to Hong Kong.
A lighting ceremony for the Dancing Water Drops Exhibition was also held at the event. The large-scale art installations exhibition was specially created by internationally acclaimed artist Simon Ma in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong. The display of water drop-shaped installations of various sizes symbolises the vitality that Dongjiang water brings to Hong Kong and social inclusion. The setting and number of water drop-shaped installations will vary at different stages of the exhibition period from April to June. Installations for the first stage include an 18.8-metre-tall water drop-shaped installation and over 100 small never-fall water drop-shaped installations, which will be on display from tomorrow (April 1). The highlight of the exhibition is a 28.8-metre-tall giant water drop-shaped art installation. It is by far the largest of its kind among similar exhibitions and will be on display for the first time in May. The exhibition will be held from tomorrow to June 13 at Tamar Park and the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section).
In addition to the Dancing Water Drops Exhibition, a series of activities in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong have been held under the theme “Dongjiang River – An Inseparable Bond, Our Blessed Origin” since September last year. These activities included a roving exhibition, thematic talks and Mainland study tours. Upcoming celebration activities will be the International Water Pioneers Summit, which will be held tomorrow, and a study tour on national water engineering projects, culture and technology, which will be held within this year.
Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar calls on Dr. Jitendra Singh, Seeks Greater Collaboration with Centre to Boost Biotechnology Centre to Extend Full Support for Andhra Pradesh’s Biotechnology Push: Dr. Jitendra Singh
Posted On: 31 MAR 2025 4:25PM by PIB Delhi
Andhra Pradesh’s Health Minister, Y. Satya Kumar, called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in the national capital, seeking greater collaboration in the field of biotechnology.
During their discussion, the two leaders explored ways to upscale biotechnology-related projects in the state and enhance ongoing initiatives with central support.
Expressing gratitude to the Modi government for its continued assistance, Satya Kumar highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to leveraging biotechnology for healthcare advancements and industrial applications. He stressed the need for increased cooperation to bring cutting-edge innovations to the state.
Dr. Jitendra Singh assured full support from the Centre, reaffirming that biotechnology remains a priority sector under the present government. He emphasized the transformative potential of biotechnology in sectors like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable StartUps, noting that Andhra Pradesh could play a crucial role in driving such advancements.
Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that, over the years, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a key player in India’s biotechnology sector, in areas such as biopharmaceutical research, marine biotechnology, and agricultural biotech solutions. The State hosts several biotech incubators and research institutions that have been instrumental in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
With initiatives like the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) funding and national biotech missions, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed significant growth in biotech startups and industry partnerships, the Minister said. The renewed push for collaboration aims to further integrate the state into India’s broader biotechnology roadmap, he added.
The meeting comes at a time when India is pushing for self-reliance in biotechnology and expanding its global footprint in research and innovation. With Andhra Pradesh seeking to strengthen its biotech ecosystem, the discussions signal a fresh impetus to state-centre collaboration in this high-growth sector.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Health Bureau announced today (March 31) the extension of the Pilot Scheme for Supporting Patients of the Hospital Authority in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Pilot Scheme) for one year till March 31 next year, with a view to enabling eligible patients of the Hospital Authority (HA) to choose to receive subsidised consultation services at the designated collaborating healthcare institution in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The Scheme aims to provide Hong Kong people with more choices when receiving HA’s services, and is currently applicable to the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH). The Government and the HA will evaluate the effectiveness and scope of services of the Pilot Scheme each year and make necessary adjustments in a timely manner.
From May 10, 2023 until the end February this year, a total of 5 100 eligible patients have participated in the Pilot Scheme, with over 60 per cent being elderly aged 65 or above. According to a patient survey conducted by the HKU-SZH in the end of last year, about 90 per cent of the respondents found its services satisfactory.
To provide more targeted healthcare support to patients, the Pilot Scheme will be enhanced. With effect from tomorrow (April 1), for eligible patients participating in the Pilot Scheme to utilise the subsidy under the Pilot Scheme, they are required to attend consultations at the service departments of the HKU-SZH that correspond with the HA’s out-patient service categories for which they have follow-up appointments.
Moreover, building on the Pilot Scheme and targeting at specific HA services, the Government is exploring the introduction of more healthcare choices of receiving services in the GBA for patients with follow-up appointments in the HA. Relevant measures will be rolled out once ready.
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “The Government has long been taking forward collaborations on medical and health aspects in the GBA in accordance with the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits. The HA will continue to explore more in-depth healthcare collaborations with suitable organisations and enhance the efficiency of public healthcare services with a view to shortening patients’ waiting time.”
Apart from the above enhancement measure, other arrangements of the Pilot Scheme upon extension will remain largely the same as those at present. Eligible patients will be required to pay on their own a consultation fee of RMB100 for each consultation received at the designated out-patient clinic of the HKU-SZH (except for specified persons whose medical fees would be waived upon verification by the HA). Such consultation fee payable by eligible patients will be adjusted on January 1 next year in accordance with the specialist out-patient consultation fee as set under the fees and charges reform for public healthcare. The Government will announce the details in due course. The remaining consultation fee will be subsidised by the Pilot Scheme, subject to a cap of RMB2,000. The validity period of the relevant subsidy is from tomorrow to March 31 next year.
Meanwhile, the scope of subsidised consultation services under the Pilot Scheme will continue to cover out-patient services provided by the HA, namely anaesthesiology (pain clinic only); cardiothoracic surgery; clinical oncology; ear, nose and throat; eye; gynaecology; internal medicine; neurosurgery; obstetrics; orthopaedics and traumatology (orthopaedics); paediatrics; surgery; and general out-patient services. Episodic illnesses, inpatient or day inpatient, as well as Accident and Emergency services are not included under the scope of subsidised consultation services. Eligible patients are required to attend at the service departments of the HKU-SZH that correspond with the HA’s out-patient service categories for which they have medical follow-up to receive subsidised consultation services.
The subsidy for existing patients under the Pilot Scheme will expire today. Eligible patients who wish to continue participating in the Pilot Scheme may make appointments through the existing channels whereby the HKU-SZH will make appointments at the departments that correspond with the HA’s out-patient service categories for which they have follow-up appointments. They should also complete the declaration to confirm continued participation at the HKU-SZH before receiving any subsidised consultation services. For patients who wish to cease participation in the Pilot Scheme and return to Hong Kong for follow-up consultations at the out-patient clinics of the HA, they may approach the HKU-SZH and the hospital will make referral for them to arrange follow-up appointments at the corresponding out-patient clinics of the HA according to their clinical needs.
As for eligible patients who have not participated in the Pilot Scheme before or those who have joined the Scheme but need to have their personal information updated, they may submit their application to the HKU-SZH from tomorrow onwards.
Details will be uploaded to the websites of the HA and the HKU-SZH later for public reference. For enquiries, citizens may also call the HA (Tel. No.: 2300 7070; Service Hours: 9am – 6pm, Mondays to Fridays, except public holidays) or the HKU-SZH (Tel. No.: (+86) 0755-86913101; Service Hours: 8am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 5.30pm, Mondays to Fridays, except public holidays).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (March 31) held the Kick-off Ceremony themed “Act Together for a Caring Community” to announce the extension of the District Services and Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly and Carers to all 18 districts for a period of 12 months starting from tomorrow (April 1) to provide support and care to elderly persons and carers in need.
​ Addressing the ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that all 452 Care Teams across the territory will help identify elderly persons and carers in need through visits and contacts in the coming 12 months. Apart from sending them care and providing assistance to ensure elderly persons and carers feel the warmth and support from the community, the Care Teams will also refer those in need to social welfare service units for suitable support.
​ He said that with the extension of the Scheme to 18 districts the Care Teams are expected to reach over 60 000 households in need. He hoped that members of the Care Teams would go beyond serving as care ambassadors in the community by strengthening collaboration with other stakeholders. In addition to encouraging carers to use the Designated Hotline for Carer Support 182 183 and the Information Gateway for Carers (carers.hk), Care Teams will also enhance communications with the Designated Hotline for Carer Support to arrange visits or contacts for the carers in need.
​ At the ceremony, Mr Cheuk presented certificates of appointment to the Care Teams of 18 districts. Accompanied by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau; and the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Edward To, he also presided at a pledging ceremony to start the extension of the Scheme.
​ Immediately after the ceremony, the Care Teams of Yau Tsim Mong and Sham Shui Po Districts conducted home visits in the two Districts with the respective District Officers and District Social Welfare Officers to introduce welfare services to households and encourage them to seek help whenever necessary.
​ The SWD will arrange trainings for the Care Teams, covering communication skills, information on local social welfare services and referral procedures. The SWD will also maintain close communication with the Care Teams in various subdistricts and provide assistance to ensure a smooth implementation of the Scheme.
​ Piloted in Tsuen Wan and Southern Districts in the first quarter of 2024 to identify singleton/doubleton elderly persons and carers of elders persons/persons with disabilities in need through visits or contacts by the Care Teams, the Scheme has made great achievements. By the end of February this year, 36 Care Teams in the two Districts had visited or contacted over 7 200 singleton/doubleton elderly persons and carers of elderly persons/persons with disabilities, making over 1 200 referrals for welfare services, including elderly services, services for persons with disabilities, mental health services, family services and financial assistance. Moreover, more than 300 elderly persons and persons with disabilities received subsidies for the installation of emergency alarm systems through referrals made by the Care Teams.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah unveils the grand statue of Maharaja Agrasen, inaugurates the newly constructed ICU, and lays the foundation stone for the PG hostel in Hisar, Haryana The land of Haryana has worked to enrich and preserve India’s culture, values, and traditions since ancient times
Maharaja Agrasen paved the way for the prosperity and welfare of every individual without burdening the state
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is also following the path shown by Maharaja Agrasen and working towards the development of the country
The Modi government has spent 64,000 crore rupees on public health centers and community health centers, building a strong foundation for medical infrastructure
In the next 5 years, there will not be a single district in the country without a medical college
In the double-engine government, Haryana is the best example of politics based on principles by like-minded people
The Saini government in Haryana provided 80,000 jobs to youth in a transparent manner, without bribes or recommendations
OP Jindal established the values of caring for the people before profit, caring for society before business, and prioritizing
In the Agarwal community, most people are entrepreneurs who are contributing to the service of the nation with a spirit of dedication
Posted On: 31 MAR 2025 5:00PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today unveiled the grand statue of Maharaja Agrasen, inaugurated the newly constructed ICU, and laid the foundation stone for the PG hostel in Hisar, Haryana. On this occasion, several distinguished individuals, including Haryana’s Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, were present.
In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said the land of Haryana has worked to enrich and preserve India’s culture, values, and traditions since ancient times. He said, from Mahabharata time to the freedom struggle and even after independence, Haryana’s contribution to the development of the country has always been far greater than that of the larger states.
Shri Amit Shah said that in this large hospital, where nearly 5 lakh people avail OPD services, 180 children graduate in medical education every year, and patients receive various types of modern medical facilities, all of this is possible due to the foundation laid by O.P. Jindal. He mentioned that today, along with the statue of Maharaja Agrasen, the newly constructed ICU has been inaugurated, and the foundation stone for the PG hostel has also been laid. He added that these initiatives represent another step towards advancing this institution.
Union Home Minister said that Maharaja Agrasen was a unique kind of ruler, and it is said that in his time, the capital had a population of 1 lakh people. Whenever a new person arrived there, they were given a brick and one rupee by every individual to help them build a house. Shri Shah said, Maharaja Agrasen paved the way for the prosperity and welfare of every individual without burdening the state. He said that Maharaja Agrasen worked to nurture the values of the entire state. Maharaja Agrasen ensured that no one in his kingdom went to bed hungry, no one lived without a roof over their head, and no one was without work. He said that these three things were guaranteed by Maharaja Agrasen through his good governance. Home Minister added that today, every individual in all the clans of the Agarwal community is an entrepreneur, dedicated to the country, serving others, and contributing to the nation’s development.
Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is also following the path shown by Maharaja Agrasen. He mentioned that during Prime Minister Modi’s 10-year tenure, 25 crore people in the country have risen above the poverty line. He said that Prime Minister Modi has provided 4 crore houses, 5 kg free ration per person per month to 81 crore people, gas connections to 11 crore families and toilets to 12 crore families. He said that the first government in the country to provide toilets in every house was the Haryana Government. He added that the Modi government has provided 15 crore people with piped water, health coverage of up to 5 lakh for 60 crore people, electricity to every household, and is now working through cooperatives to provide self-employment to every household.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, the country has seen transformative changes in various sectors over the past 10 years. He mentioned that the Modi government has taken a holistic approach to the health of the citizens. He explained that the government first provided a gas cylinder to every household, which is directly related to the health of women. Following that, yoga was popularized worldwide, then the Fit India Mission, the Nutrition Campaign, Mission Indradhanush, and the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which provides health coverage up to 5 lakh, were introduced. He stated that all these initiatives are related to health, and Prime Minister Modi has worked to weave them all together as a unified approach.
Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government has made significant strides in the field of medical infrastructure. He said, the Modi government has spent 64,000 crore rupees on public health centers and community health centers, building a strong foundation for medical infrastructure. He also highlighted the establishment of 730 integrated public health labs, 4,382 block public health units, and 602 new critical care boxes over the past 10 years. He further stated that in the year 2013-14, the country’s health budget was 33,000 crore rupees, which Prime Minister Modi has more than tripled, raising it to 1 lakh 33 thousand crore rupees in the 2025-26 budget.
Union Home Minister said that in 2014, there were 7 AIIMS in the country, while in 2024, there are 23 AIIMS. Similarly, in 2014, there were 387 medical colleges in the country, and today there are 766. He mentioned that the number of MBBS seats, which was 51,000 in 2014, has now increased to 1.15 lakh and an additional 85,000 seats will be added over the next 5 years. He also stated that in 2014, there were 31,000 PG seats, which have now increased to 73,000. Shri Shah assured that in the next 5 years, there will not be a single district in the country without a medical college.
Shri Amit Shah said that Haryana is the best example of politics based on principles, with like-minded people in the double-engine government. He mentioned that in previous governments, corruption in jobs was due to casteism, and jobs were obtained through bribes and recommendations. Shri Shah said that Saini government in Haryana provided 80,000 jobs to youth in a transparent manner, without bribes or recommandations. Shri Shah also pointed out that Haryana’s athletes have won three times more medals in the last 10 years, Haryana is the largest exporter of Basmati rice, and one in every 10 soldiers in the army is from Haryana. He added that Haryana is the state where the highest number of 24 crops is purchased at the minimum support price (MSP). Furthermore, Haryana was the first state to give land ownership rights within the red lines (Lal Dore), ensured that no Panchayat head is illiterate, and has 50 per cent participation of women in Panchayats.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that between 2004 and 2014, Haryana received 41,000 crore rupees from the central government, while the Modi government has provided Haryana with 1 lakh 43 thousand crore rupees between 2014 and 2024. He added that in addition to this, infrastructure work worth 1 lakh 26 thousand crore rupees, road construction worth 72 thousand crore rupees, and railway projects worth 54 thousand crore rupees have also been carried out in Haryana.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah says our relentless hunt against the drug trade continues In line with the Modi government’s zero tolerance against drugs, a major narco-network busted in Delhi-NCR
NCB and Delhi Police grabbed the gang by its throat and recovered methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine worth ₹27.4 crore and arrested five people
I applaud NCB and Delhi Police for this major breakthrough: Home Minister
Posted On: 31 MAR 2025 4:53PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah said that our relentless hunt against the drug trade continues.
In his post on ‘X’ platform Home Minister said “In line with the Modi government’s zero tolerance against drugs, a major narco-network was busted in Delhi-NCR. The NCB and Delhi Police grabbed the gang by its throat and recovered methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine worth ₹27.4 crore and arrested five people. I applaud NCB and Delhi Police for this major breakthrough”.
Our relentless hunt against the drug trade continues.
In line with the Modi government’s zero tolerance against drugs, a major narco-network was busted in Delhi-NCR. The NCB and Delhi Police grabbed the gang by its throat and recovered methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine worth…
On receipt of an input about an imminent exchange of high-quality Methamphetamine in Chhatarpur area of Delhi a joint team of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Special cell of the Delhi Police mounted surveillance on the suspects leading to interception of a vehicle carrying 5.103 kilograms of High-quality Crystal Methamphetamine valued at Rs. 10.2 crore (appx.). Five occupants of the vehicle including four African Nationals belonging to influential family of Nigeria have been arrested.
Sustained on-the-spot, interrogation and technical backtracking revealed that this contraband was sourced from an African Kitchen in the Tilak Nagar area of West Delhi. Search at this kitchen led to recovery of 1.156 kilograms Crystal Methamphetamine, 4.142 kilograms Afghan Heroine and 5.776 kilograms MDMA (Ecstasy pills) valued at Rs 16.4 crore (appx.). Further, a follow-up search at a rented apartment at Greater Noida led to a recovery of 389 grams of Afghan Heroin and 26 grams of cocaine.
Investigation revealed about involvement of this syndicate in facilitating African Youth peddling drugs and narcotics, in getting student visas for study at major private universities of National Capital Region (NCR) as well as Punjab. For some of the students, the visa was only a cover for their stay in India where as they were involved in supplying drugs and Crypto conversions. Further, investigations to identify the backward and forward linkages of this drug syndicate is underway.
The seizure exemplifies the NCB’s commitment to successfully dismantle drug networks. To fight against drug trafficking, NCB seeks support of the citizens. Any person can share information related to sale of narcotics by calling on MANAS- National Narcotics Helpline Toll Free Number-1933.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
In connection with a murder and wounding case happened in Yuen Long on January 22, Police further arrested a 27-year-old man, a 24-year-old man and a 36-year-old man for murder and wounding with intent, and a 35-year-old man for assisting offenders in Yau Ma Tei yesterday (March 30).
In the murder and wounding case, a 24-year-old man died and a 28-year-old man was injured.
The 27-year-old man, the 24-year-old man and the 36-year-old man have been laid holding charges of one count of murder and one count of wounding with intent respectively; while the 35-year-old man has been laid a holding charge of one count of assisting offenders. The case will be mentioned at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow morning (April 1).
Police had arrested another 14 men and two women, aged between 18 and 42, in suspected connection with the case earlier, for offences such as murder, wounding, assisting offenders and trafficking in dangerous drug.
For the ten men who had been charged earlier, the case was mentioned at Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts and Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on January 25 and 27, February 18 and March 29 respectively. The other four men and two women were released on bail and are required to report back to Police in late April.
Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories North is under way. Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3356.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (March 31).
The value of total retail sales in February 2025, provisionally estimated at $29.4 billion, decreased by 13.0% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in January 2025 decreased by 3.1% compared with a year earlier. For the first two months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 7.8% compared with the same period in 2024.
Of the total retail sales value in February 2025, online sales accounted for 7.8%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $2.3 billion, decreased by 7.3% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of online retail sales in January 2025 increased by 2.8% compared with a year earlier. For the first two months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales decreased by 2.4% compared with the same period in 2024.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in February 2025 decreased by 15.0% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in January 2025 decreased by 5.1% compared with a year earlier. For the first two months of 2025 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 9.9% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.
In interpreting these figures, it should be noted that retail sales tend to show greater volatility in the first two months of a year due to the timing of the Chinese New Year. Consumer spending in the local market normally attains a seasonal high before the Festival. As the Chinese New Year fell on January 29 this year but on February 10 last year, it is more appropriate to analyse the retail sales figures for January and February taken together in making year-on-year comparison.
Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing the combined total sales for January and February 2025 with the same period a year earlier, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified decreased by 2.0%. This was followed by sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (-15.8% in value); commodities in supermarkets (-4.4%); wearing apparel (-5.4%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-5.3%); commodities in department stores (-9.9%); fuels (-8.5%); motor vehicles and parts (-49.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-12.3%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-10.9%); furniture and fixtures (-25.6%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-9.1%); and optical shops (-7.6%).
On the other hand, the value of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco increased by 0.7% in the first two months of 2025 over the same period a year earlier. This was followed by sales of medicines and cosmetics (+0.6% in value).
Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales decreased by 2.0% in the three months ending February 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales decreased by 4.0%.
Commentary
A government spokesman said that the value of total retail sales increased further in February 2025 over the preceding month on a seasonally adjusted comparison. The year-on-year decline in the value of total retail sales in February 2025 widened, partly due to the earlier arrival of Chinese New Year in late January this year as compared to mid-February last year. Taking the first two months of 2025 together to remove this effect, the value of total retail sales saw a narrower decline on a year-on-year basis than December 2024.
Looking ahead, the spokesman said that the various measures by the Central Government to boost the Mainland economy and benefit Hong Kong, the SAR Government’s proactive efforts to promote tourism and mega events, and the sustained increases in employment earnings in local labour market, would benefit the retail sector, though it would continue to face challenge from the change in consumption patterns of visitors and residents.
Further information
Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for January 2025 as well as the provisional figures for February 2025. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first two months of 2025 taken together are also shown.
Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for January 2025 as well as the provisional figures for February 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first two months of 2025 taken together are also shown.
Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for January 2025 as well as the provisional figures for February 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first two months of 2025 taken together are also shown.
Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.
The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.
The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.
Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; E-mail : mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Correctional Services Department (CSD) invited more than 300 teachers and students from 10 secondary schools to attend a “Creation and Rehabilitation” drama and music performance by persons in custody (PICs) under the Rehabilitation Pioneer Project at Stanley Prison today (March 31). The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, officiated at the opening ceremony of the performance.
During the performance, PICs staged for the students a drama featuring the story of a teenager who was lured by his peers to take the “space oil drug”. The teenager eventually became addicted to it and engaged in drug trafficking in school. His friend was also lured by him to take drugs, and later had a traffic accident under the influence of drugs, which made the teenager regretful. The CSD hopes that through the drama, students can understand the harm caused by drugs and the heavy price of drug trafficking so that they can become law-abiding and drug-free citizens.
Speaking at the event, Mr Tang said that the Government published in the Gazette on February 14 the listing of etomidate, the main component of the “space oil drug”, as a dangerous drug. Possession, vaping or drug trafficking can make one liable for very serious criminal punishment. The Government will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards dangerous drugs and use multipronged strategies to combat drugs. The Government has also co-organised various activities with schools to prevent the spread of the “space oil drug” among young people. He hoped that, through the drama and interactive sessions, students can understand the dangers of emerging drugs and stay away from drugs at all times.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN). ACAN was invited to set up booths inside the venue to disseminate to students anti-drug messages, information on criminal liabilities for drug offences, how to seek help, and so on.
During the sharing session, a PIC who was addicted to drugs and imprisoned for trafficking in dangerous drugs shared his experience with the students, hoping that they can learn from it and recognise the harmful effects of drugs and reminding them to be law abiding and stay away from drugs.
Jointly organised by the CSD and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong Lay Prison Evangelical Organisation, the “Creation and Rehabilitation” Programme has been implemented at Stanley Prison since 2011. The Programme integrates arts therapy into rehabilitation services and assists PICs in self-exploration and self-understanding through a series of creative workshops. In addition, the Programme provides opportunities for young people to visit correctional institutions and meet PICs in person so as to understand the heavy price of committing crimes and the importance of abiding by the law. At the same time, through the creation and performance by PICs, students can deepen their understanding of diversified rehabilitation programmes of the CSD, thereby recognising the importance of rehabilitation and the significance of social harmony.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the appointment of Julia Pollak as Chief Economist. In this role, she will lead the department’s economic research and provide analysis on labor-related policies and programs.
“I am honored to serve this administration and contribute to the Department of Labor’s mission,” said Pollak. “In this pivotal moment for the American workforce, I look forward to using rigorous analysis to promote economic prosperity for job seekers, workers, businesses, and retirees.”
Pollak comes to the department from the hiring site ZipRecruiter, where she served as Chief Economist. Earlier in her career, Pollak was a doctoral fellow and assistant policy analyst at the RAND Corp., and taught economics at Pepperdine University as an adjunct instructor. She also worked as a research assistant for defense studies at the Heritage Foundation.
A graduate of Harvard University, Pollak holds a Master of Philosophy in Policy Analysis from the Pardee RAND Graduate School. She also served as a drilling reservist in the U.S. Navy from 2011 to 2022.
overnor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State landmarks will be lit pink, white and blue this evening in celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility. The Governor also issued a proclamation declaring March 31, 2025 Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrating the trans community in New York State and across the country.
“New York is proud to be the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, with trailblazers like Marsha P. Johnson, whose courage and leadership sparked the fight for equality,” Governor Hochul said. “While the Trump administration is attacking the existence of trans people through harmful policies and rhetoric, New York remains a beacon of hope and acceptance. On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the strength and resilience of the transgender community.”
Last year, the Governor announced state initiatives to support transgender, gender non-conforming, and nonbinary (TGNCNB) New Yorkers, including declaring November as Transgender Awareness Month. The Governor also announced $1 million in funding through the New York State Department of Labor for workforce development programs to improve employment opportunities and equity for TGNCNB individuals. This funding is part of the Governor’s $12.25 million investment in the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund.
Landmarks to be lit include:
One World Trade Center
Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
Kosciuszko Bridge
The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
State Education Building
Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
Empire State Plaza
State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
Niagara Falls
The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
Albany International Airport Gateway
MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station (will illuminate pink)
Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
Moynihan Train Hall (will illuminate pink)
Grand Central Terminal
New York State Division of Human Rights Acting Commissioner Denise M. Miranda, Esq. said, “On this Transgender Day of Visibility, we must reaffirm that New York State will never waiver in our commitment of protecting and celebrating the rich contributions of our transgender community. Every New Yorker deserves to live a life of respect and dignity. The New York State Human Rights Law includes strong protections against discrimination for transgender New Yorkers, and DHR remains ready to enforce the law against violators. Today, and every day, let us recommit ourselves to working towards a more inclusive and accepting world.”
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “New York is proud to have such a vibrant transgender community. As one of the only LBGTQ+ members of the State Senate, and the Senator representing the historic Stonewall Inn, I often think about how I would not be the person I am today if not for the courageous trans women who sparked the modern LGBTQ rights movement right here in my district. The incessant attacks on the trans community by the federal government are deeply disturbing, but fortunately New York State has leaders who understand the importance of accepting people for who they are. Tonight, in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility, our landmarks will be lit pink, white, and blue, the colors of the transgender flag, sending a clear message that the trans community is, and always will be, accepted and valued in New York. I’m grateful to live in a state with a Governor who is such a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ Community.”
State Senator Jabari Brisport said, “When people are free to be their authentic selves, we all benefit from the light they shine on the world. Let New York be a place where we never force trans folks to hide their light — especially in these dark times. Let New York be a place where we embrace all our neighbors and protect each other from whatever may come.”
Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick said, “On this Transgender Day of Visibility, we must recognize that the targeted attacks on the transgender community are a reflection of a world view hostile to any diversity. The LGBTQ community is under attack, but we will not be the only ones to suffer. It starts with one group and then moves onto the next target. We must remain united to defend all of us.”
Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said, “Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, I am proud to stand with Governor Hochul to honor and recognize New York’s trans community by lighting our State landmarks light pink, white, and baby blue. No matter who you are, where you come from, what you look like, what your abilities, who you love or how you identify – we all deserve dignity, justice and opportunity. Now, more than ever, my LGBTQIA+ siblings and I must speak out for what is right and condemn attacks on the trans community by proudly acknowledging their right to exist – you are here, we see you and we will fight for your right to live as your authentic selves. Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power!”
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “Today’s lighting ceremony is especially meaningful as we navigate some of our greatest policy challenges against our trans and gender non-conforming neighbors. The Trump administration has launched a full out assault against our TGNC communities, and so many are suffering because of this. Today’s landmark lighting symbolizes our continued commitment to fight for basic human rights and New York’s stance against hate. Today is also important because we know that our healthcare funding is being stripped, putting thousands of lives at risk. Many of our trans siblings face high rates of healthcare disparities, struggle to access insurance, and encounter significant barriers to mental health support. This landmark lighting is an opportunity for our state to show solidarity as we work to advance a budget that will protect all New Yorkers.”
Assemblymember Tony Simone said, “All across the state tonight, New Yorkers will see our landmarks lit up for Transgender Day of Visibility. New York is a state of freedom and liberty, where all are free to thrive in life as their authentic selves. I thank Governor Hochul for once again demonstrating what New York values look like.”
European Parliament resolution on targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – defending religious freedom and security
–having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966,
–having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Article 10 thereof on freedom of thought, conscience and religion,
–having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
–having regard to the statements by the European External Action Service on the security and human rights situation in the DRC,
–having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
–having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A.whereas the DRC is experiencing an escalation of violence, particularly in the eastern regions, where armed groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have targeted Christian communities;
B.whereas between 12 and 15 February 2025, more than 70 Christians were found dead in a Protestant church near Kazanga, North Kivu province in the DRC; whereas the victims had been beheaded by the Islamist ADF, an affiliate militia of Islamic State Central Africa Wilayat (ISCAP);
C.whereas according to BBC Monitoring analysis, ISCAP is now the deadliest armed group in the DRC; whereas from 1 January to 30 June 2024, Islamic State claimed responsibility for killing a total of 698 African Christians; whereas ISCAP claimed responsibility for killing 639 Christians;
D.whereas the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has amplified Pope Francis’s appeals for an end to the violence and has initiated discussions between the government and rebel groups, with consultations ongoing; whereas CENCO and the Church of Christ in Congo have launched an appeal for 2025 to be a ‘Year of Peace and Good Coexistence’ to address the ongoing violence;
E.whereas churches and Christian institutions have increasingly become targets of violence and persecution by terrorist groups, including the ADF, which has pledged allegiance to Islamic State; whereas the ADF, originally an armed Ugandan rebel movement, has evolved into a jihadist terrorist group operating in the eastern DRC, conducting mass killings, attacking civilian populations and disrupting agricultural and economic activities; whereas despite military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces, the ADF continues to perpetrate violence and instability in the region;
F.whereas ISIS-DRC continues to pose a severe threat in the region, carrying out deadly attacks against civilians, including the January 2025 massacre in Makoko, North Kivu, and the December 2024 attack in Batangi-Mbau; whereas recent operations by Interpol and Afripol have led to the arrest of 37 suspected terrorists across East Africa, yet ISIS-DRC remains active, exploiting instability and weak governance to sustain its violent campaign;
G.whereas the appointment of a new EU Special Envoy for religious freedom by the Commission on 7 December 2022 followed a three-year standstill, during which the former Special Envoy who had been appointed in 2021 returned his mandate after a few months to assume another position in a national government;
H.whereas in 2016 the Hungarian Government set up a special department for persecuted Christians around the world; whereas the State Secretariat for the Aid of Persecuted Christians supports, through its ‘Hungary Helps’ programme, faith-based initiatives in more than 50 countries, with hundreds of humanitarian and development projects; whereas in 2019 the Italian Government established a fund for persecuted Christian communities; whereas in May 2022 the Italian Government led by Mario Draghi appointed a special envoy for the protection of religious freedom and interreligious dialogue; whereas in 2023 the Italian Government led by Giorgia Meloni appointed a special envoy attached to the foreign ministry to protect Christian communities around the world;
I.whereas over the past decade, the EU has provided significant financial assistance to the DRC, including over EUR 272 million in humanitarian aid between 2023 and 2025 to address urgent needs such as shelter, clean water, food and education for vulnerable populations; whereas the EU allocated EUR 584 million through the European Development Fund for the period 2008-2013 to support stability and development projects; whereas the EU has also been involved in security and peacekeeping efforts, deploying missions such as the EU Security Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (EUSEC) and the EU Police Mission for the DRC (EUPOL RD Congo) to assist in rebuilding the Congolese security forces;
L.whereas the DRC has consistently ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world, scoring 20 out of 100 in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International and ranking 162nd out of 180 countries; whereas a conservative estimate of 30 % of the approximately EUR 1.2 billion in aid funded with EU taxpayers’ money, provided between 2008 and 2024, suggests that at least EUR 360 million may have been misappropriated by corrupt officials, seriously undermining efforts to enhance governance, stability, safety and living conditions in the DRC;
M.whereas the EU and Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding on sustainable raw materials value chains in February 2024, granting the EU access to sources of raw materials and rare earth elements in Rwanda; whereas several UN reports state that Rwanda supports the M23 group as a means of extracting and exporting minerals from the DRC; whereas the US Embassy in the DRC confirmed that Congolese minerals are being transported, with the support of armed groups, to Rwanda, where they are subsequently sold to international buyers;
N.whereas this conflict has been overshadowed by global attention focused on crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, despite over 10 million lives lost in years of violence and an estimated 3 000 people killed in just a few days;
1.Strongly condemns the murder of Christians in the DRC, and all acts of violence targeting them, and expresses its solidarity with the victims;
2.Notes that the DRC ranks 35th on the Open Doors’ World Watch List 2025 of countries where Christians are persecuted because of their faith; emphasises that Christians face severe persecution and violence especially from Islamist groups; emphasises that the ADF abduct and kill Christians and attack churches, leading to terror, insecurity and population displacement; emphasises that the M23 group also targets Christian civilians; is concerned about the involvement of the M23 group in the widespread violence in the DRC; takes note of the EU sanctions against people holding leading positions in the Rwanda Defence Force and M23; demands that the Rwandan Government withdraw its troops from the DRC and cease its cooperation with M23; notes that the DRC ranks fourth on Global Christian Relief’s Red List of countries where Christians have been forced to flee their homes due to violence;
3.Is worried about the growing threat posed by ISCAP in Central Africa; notes that the increasing number of violent attacks demonstrates both ISCAP’s willingness and operational capability to intensify its campaign of terror and violent attacks against Christians; is worried that the expansion of Islamic State in Central Africa poses a danger to the security of the whole continent;
4.Is of the opinion that by stalling the process of mandating an EU Special Envoy for religious freedom for almost three years, the Commission signalled to the outside world that the issue of the persecution of Christians worldwide is not one of the EU’s priorities; notes that this reflects its policy in the EU, only appointing a coordinator for combating Muslim hatred, and neglecting the rising violence against Christians in the EU; finds this lack of commitment highly regrettable and problematic in the light of the rising violence against Christians worldwide; is of the opinion that the significant delay in appointing the EU Special Envoy for religious freedom undermines the credibility of the EU’s commitment to protecting religious freedom and belief beyond its borders;
5.Welcomes the ‘Hungary Helps’ programme, which helps Christian communities rebuild after persecution and manages projects, reconstructing institutions and improving education and healthcare after violent persecution by Islamic terrorist groups; emphasises that the Hungarian initiative, enabling people to build their future in their own country, is also an important migration prevention policy; welcomes the fact that the ‘Hungary Helps’ programme and the Reformed Church of Hungary will give donations to help the victims of the Islamist terrorist attacks on Christians in the DRC; welcomes the cooperation between the Hungarian and Italian Governments to undertake joint initiatives in Africa, with a focus on supporting persecuted Christians; hopes that Hungarian and Italian policy will inspire other Member States to follow suit;
6.Calls for the EU and the EU Special Envoy for religious freedom to take all the necessary diplomatic and political initiatives to protect Christians in the DRC;
7.Calls on the DRC and its authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the murders and to ensure that the criminals responsible are brought to justice;
8.Calls on the DRC and its authorities to take immediate and effective action to protect Christian communities and all religious minorities from further violence and persecution;
9.Calls on the DRC and its authorities to provide financial and logistical support for local and international humanitarian organisations assisting the victims of religious persecution in the DRC;
10.Welcomes the efforts of religious leaders to foster peace and dialogue and urges all parties involved to seek constructive solutions rather than resorting to violence;
11.Encourages regional and international African bodies such as the African Union and the East African Community to take the lead in addressing the conflict, as they are the best suited for this task; encourages these African bodies to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence-sharing and military coordination against extremist groups operating in the region;
12.Calls strongly for the EU to work with regional and international actors to protect civilians and Christian communities and bring the perpetrators of these criminal acts to justice;
13.Emphasises the need to address these crimes at the African Union level;
14.Calls on the Commission to suspend the implementation of the memorandum of understanding on sustainable raw materials value chains signed with Rwanda in February 2024, in the light of credible reports linking Rwanda to the illicit exploitation and export of minerals from the eastern DRC, including through its support for the M23 armed group; stresses that the continuation of this agreement risks fuelling the ongoing conflict, undermining regional stability and leading to the further killing of Christians in the region;
15.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EU Special Envoy for religious freedom, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, the Special Rapporteur on Torture, Degrading and Inhuman Treatment, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the Government and Parliament of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the African Union and the East African Community.
European Parliament resolution on the targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: defending religious freedom and security
–having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),
–having regard to the UN Report of the Mapping Exercise documenting the most serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed within the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo between March 1993 and June 2003, of August 2010,
–having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025) of 21 February 2025 on the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
–having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part[1](the Samoa Agreement),
–having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which was adopted on 27 June 1981 and entered into force on 21 October 1986,
–having regard to the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, adopted on 18 February 2006,
–having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
–having regard to the Charter of the United Nations,
–having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A.whereas there has been a deterioration in the security situation in the eastern DRC over the past year, with different armed groups, and at times government soldiers, committing widespread violence, unlawful killings and other grave abuses, putting civilians at great risk;
B.whereas the UN Group of Experts, established pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1533 (2004), estimates that between 3 000 and 4 000 Rwandan army troops are on the ground in the DRC, and considers that the deployment of the Rwanda Defence Force violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, and that Rwanda’s de facto control and direction over M23 operations also renders Rwanda liable for the actions of M23;
C.whereas the World Religion Database estimates that 95.1 % of the population in the DRC is Christian, 1.5 % is Muslim and 2.5 % has no religious affiliation; whereas the Constitution of the DRC provides for freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religious belief;
D.whereasa group referred to as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), with links to the Islamic State,has reportedly carried out continued indiscriminate attacks against civilians in North Kivu and Ituri Provinces, on occasion targeting churches and religious leaders; whereas such violence targets all communities, but most victims have been Christian, belonging to the religious majority;whereas the deaths of at least 849 men, women and children were attributed to the ADF in North Kivu and Ituri Provinces in 2020, according to the UN Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC; whereas the ADF allegedly also carried out an attack on a church baptism in Kasindi, North Kivu Province in February 2023, killing 16 and injuring at least 62, as well as different attacks on villages in North Kivu in March 2023, killing more than 83 civilians, including children;
E.whereas, since 2015, the ADF has released increasing amounts of propaganda that reflect the group’s ‘ideological alignment with the Islamic State’, including, among other objectives, ‘an increased focus on efforts to kill non-Muslim civilians’, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies; whereas both local Christian and Muslim leaders, with vocal support from the government, have again condemned the ADF’s attacks on civilians;
F.whereas the UN and the DRC had agreed on the withdrawal of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) in mid-2024, leading to a degradation of the security situation and affecting civilians, who were left exposed to human rights abuses by state security forces and armed actors;
G.whereas the DRC has one of the highest rates of internal displacement in the world; whereas many women and children live in precarious conditions and are being exposed to the risk of harassment, assault or sexual exploitation; whereas displaced populations often receive no basic life-saving services and are at risk of malnutrition and disease; whereas cities that host internally displaced people in precarious circumstances are also targets of attack by different militias, causing great distress to the displaced communities and to the local population;
H.whereas state authorities and rebel groups have obligations to civilians under international humanitarian law, including protecting and facilitating access to humanitarian assistance, and permitting freedom of movement;
I.whereas the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations in the DRC have focused on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed mainly in the eastern DRC, in the Ituri region and the North and South Kivu Provinces, since 1 July 2002; whereas the DRC made a second referral in May 2023 concerning alleged crimes committed in North Kivu since 1 January 2022;
1.Is concerned by the humanitarian and security situation in the DRC and the findings in the recent reports of the UN Group of Experts established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1533 (2004), and fully supports the reports’ recommendations;
2.Welcomes the Council’s decision on 17 March 2025[2]to impose restrictive measures on nine individuals and one entity responsible for acts that constitute serious human rights violations and abuses in the DRC and for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and exploiting the armed conflict through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources;
3.Commends the announcement of the ICC Prosecutor that the ICC will continue to investigate alleged crimes committed by any person, irrespective of affiliation or nationality; is highly concerned about the fragile situation of the ICC, noting that this fragility is already undermining the ICC’s crucial work to bring justice to victims of the most serious crimes worldwide; reiterates the EU’s unwavering support for the ICC and calls on the European Council and the Commission to fulfil their obligations to ensure the functioning and effectiveness of the ICC;
4.Calls on the Commission to continue supportinganti-corruption efforts and strengthening governance in the DRC; stresses the primary responsibility of the Government of the DRC to ensure security in its territory and protect its civilians, while respecting the rule of law, international human rights law and international humanitarian law;
5.Welcomes the special session of the UN Human Rights Council of 7 February 2025 on the human rights situation in the east of the DRC; supports the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into serious violations committed since January 2022;
6.Reiterates its condemnation of hate speech, xenophobia, ethnic-based politics, and attacks on religious freedom; underlines that all those responsible for sustaining armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC must be held accountable;
7.Recalls that human rights violations are being used as a weapon of war and that the vast majority of attacks against civilians in the DRC are not motivated by religion but are most often committed on ethnic, political, terrorist or financial grounds;
8.Calls upon the relevant parties to provide a safe environment for civil society organisations and human rights defenders to enable them to carry out their work freely;
9.Calls on the Government of the DRC to implement the recommendations of the 2010 Mapping Report, particularly regarding security sector reforms, the strengthening of institutions and the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and regional cooperation efforts for the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of serious crimes;
10.Urges neighbouring states of the DRC to withdraw their troops, to cease all military activities on the soil of the DRC, unless expressly invited to conduct such activities by the Government of the DRC, and to stop their support to armed groups; emphasises that incursions by certain actors in the region, such as the Rwandan forces and M23, further destabilise the DRC by forcing the its army to engage on multiple fronts, making it more difficult to combat armed and terrorist groups;
11.Calls for a quick resumption of negotiations within the Luanda Process to find a lasting, peaceful and political solution, and urges all sides to fully honour their engagements within the Luanda Process, specifically the ceasefire agreed on 30 July 2024, the neutralisation of theDemocratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwandaand M23 rebel groups, and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the territory of the DRC; calls for the EU to have an active role in the diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a renewed commitment to dialogue, with the protection of civilians at the core of negotiations, in particular women and children;
12.Deplores the fact that fighting and the shelling of medical infrastructure in and around Goma has severely limited the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need;
13.Calls on all countries neighbouring the DRC, in particular Rwanda, to facilitate access of humanitarian equipment and personnel to all areas occupied by the rebels groups in the eastern DRC, including through the reopening of Goma airport and of borders;
14.Calls on the Commission to suspend the EU-Rwanda Memorandum of Understanding on sustainable raw materials value chains, put a halt to any plans to support any mining projects in Rwanda, put in place a trade embargo on all minerals imported from Rwanda into the EU and an export ban on weapons from the EU to Rwanda, and suspend any further military and security assistance to Rwanda until the territorial integrity of the DRC is restored; calls on the Commission to proactively engage with Rwanda’s main partners to ensure coordinated action;
15.Calls for the Government of the DRC and its international partners, including the EU, to establish new monitoring mechanisms for the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region, signed in Addis Ababa;
16.Deplores the fact that Rwanda announced the termination of its diplomatic relations with Belgium, and expresses its solidarity with Belgium;
17.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the African Union, the secretariats of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community, and other relevant international bodies.
Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Cristian Terheş, Maciej Wąsik, Aurelijus Veryga, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński on behalf of the ECR Group
B10‑0216/2025
European Parliament resolution on the targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: defending religious freedom and security
–having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as well as the right to manifest one’s religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance,
–having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which recognises the right of individuals to freedom of religion, including freedom to worship and observe religious practices,
–having regard to the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which guarantees the right to freedom of conscience and the free exercise of religious worship for all citizens,
–having regard to the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 November 1981,
–having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly Article 9 thereof, which guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion,
–having regard to reports from the UN and various other human rights organisations, detailing the rise in attacks and indiscriminate killings and ongoing violations of the freedom of belief by armed groups, including Islamist militants, against Christian communities in the eastern DRC region,
–having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A.whereas the DRC has endured decades of widespread violence and instability in its eastern provinces, exacerbated by armed conflicts that have created fertile ground for the emergence of over 100 extremist groups targeting vulnerable populations, including religious communities;
B.whereas Christians in the DRC’s eastern provinces are facing an increasing number of targeted attacks, killings and abductions as well as the destruction of their property, perpetrated by armed groups with extremist ideologies;
C.whereas, according to local reports, on 13 February 2025, 70 Christians were abducted in the village of Mayba and later found dead in a church in nearby Kasanga; whereas the attack was reportedly committed by militants of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF);
D.whereas the ADF is one of the most prominent extremist groups with explicitly religious objectives, especially since its leader pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2019;
E.whereas in May 2020, the ADF participated in ISIS’s global ‘Battle of Attrition’, specifically targeting Christian communities in seven neighbourhoods throughout north-eastern DRC; whereas in 2021, a prominent local Muslim leader received death threats from the ADF, and he was later gunned down; whereas in 2023, the ADF bombed services at a Pentecostal church in Kasindi, killing 14 people; whereas in January 2024, the ADF killed eight people in Beni during an attack on a Pentecostal church and, in May 2024, ADF assailants reportedly killed 14 Catholics in North Kivu province for refusing to convert to Islam; whereas the ADF also reportedly executed 11 Christians in the village of Ndimo in Ituri province and kidnapped several others;
F.whereas in addition to the ADF, several armed groups in the eastern DRC have politicised religion, targeting religious infrastructure as part of their insurgency strategies;
G.whereas in 2024, 355 people were reportedly killed in the DRC for their faith, compared to 261 in 2023, while an estimated 10 000 people were internally displaced because of their faith, marking a tenfold increase from 2023; whereas houses have been looted and burned down, schools relocated, churches and healthcare facilities closed, and several Christian villages have been abandoned altogether;
H.whereas the attacks on Christians are part of a broader trend of escalating violence and religious intolerance, with religious leaders and communities increasingly finding themselves under threat in areas controlled by armed groups;
I.whereas the recent activities of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group have further exacerbated the vulnerability of religious communities in the region;
J.whereas converts to Christianity from Islam and indigenous religions face pressure from their families to revert to their former faiths;
K.whereas local and international human rights organisations have documented numerous instances of religious violence in the DRC, highlighting the failure of the state to provide adequate protection; whereas, while the DRC Government has demonstrated a strong intention to address the impacts of armed group violence in the eastern DRC, other recent developments call into question the government’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedom specifically;
L.whereas the EU has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the promotion and protection of religious freedom globally, and has taken steps to combat religious persecution and intolerance in various parts of the world; whereas Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world;
M.whereas Parliament has consistently called for the strengthening of international efforts to combat religious persecution and to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on religious communities;
1.Strongly condemns the targeted attacks against Christian communities in the DRC, including killings, abductions and the destruction of religious property, and calls for an immediate halt to such acts of violence;
2.Is deeply concerned about the situation of Christians and Christian converts from Islam and indigenous religions in the region, who are facing a severe and escalating crisis owing to a combination of militant threats, familial pressure and political interference;
3.Expresses its deep concern about the violence committed by the ADF and other extremist groups in the eastern DRC and underlines that the chaos created by the M23 rebel group has further exacerbated the vulnerability of religious communities;
4.Calls for the immediate cessation of all forms of violence and for the commitment of all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC to respect international humanitarian law;
5.Calls on the DRC Government to counter extremist propaganda and provide armed security at churches and other religious buildings;
6.Calls for the establishment of early warning mechanisms to more effectively prevent and respond to attacks by the ADF and other armed groups against civilians;
7.Stresses the critical importance of supporting the DRC Government in strengthening the rule of law, improving security and ensuring the protection of religious communities at risk, while ensuring that perpetrators of attacks against religious communities are brought to justice;
8.Echoes the calls for international solidarity in defending religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities in conflict zones, particularly in the DRC, while addressing the root causes of violent extremism in the DRC and its neighbourhood;
9.Encourages the establishment of safe zones in the eastern DRC, where religious communities and other civilians who have been targeted can have access to legal services and psychological support;
10.Stresses the need for a comprehensive approach that combines humanitarian aid, peacebuilding initiatives and support for the rule of law so as to ensure lasting protection for all religious communities in the DRC, including Christians; underlines the role of religious communities in the DRC in promoting peace, social cohesion and the well-being of local communities;
11.Urges the EU to uphold its commitment to the promotion of religious freedom and the protection of religious communities, ensuring that the rights of these groups are prioritised in the EU’s external policies;
12.Calls for enhanced cooperation between the EU and the African Union, as well as regional actors, to promote stability and prevent extremist groups from using religion as a tool for violence and division;
13.Notes, with concern, the growing influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa, which is a staunch supporter of the Putin regime and its violent, unlawful war in Ukraine; underlines that, on 29 December 2021, the Russian Orthodox Church officially announced the formation of the Patriarchate Exarchate of Africa, which consists of two dioceses: the South African Diocese, encompassing 24 countries, and the North African Diocese, covering 31 countries;
14.Underlines that this move significantly expands the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church across the African continent, encroaching on the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, which holds the official canonical responsibility for the entire African continent; underlines that this development raises significant questions regarding the broader geopolitical and ideological objectives of the Russian Federation in Africa;
15.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, the African Union, the Joint Council of Ministers and Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the EU, the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Government and Parliament of the DRC.
Priority question for written answer P-001270/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D), Hilde Vautmans (Renew)
During its meeting on 19 March 2025, Parliament’s Committee on Internal Trade held an exchange of views with representatives of the Commission on the EU-Rwanda memorandum of understanding on sustainable raw materials value chains. During that discussion, Commission representatives stated that EU financing for mining projects in Rwanda is strictly limited to mines for non-conflict minerals. Since 2023, the EU has been co-financing a project with an estimated budget of EUR 4.15 million on the sustainable development of the Rwandese mining sector with the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB). Given the fact that, in accordance with Council Implementing Regulation 2025/509, the EU has imposed sanctions on the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RMB for his role in exploiting the armed conflict and instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including through the illicit exploitation or trading of natural resources, we would like to ask the Commission the following questions:
1.Is it correct that the EU is funding mining activity with the RMB in cooperation with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development?
2.How does the Commission guarantee that funds are not being misused by the RMB for trafficking minerals to Rwanda from DRC mines exploited by M23 rebels?
3.Will the Commission suspend funding for the project with the RMB now that the EU has imposed sanctions on the CEO of the aforementioned company?
The 2022 Council Recommendation on cancer screening[1] states that screen-and-treat strategies for the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, responsible for around 89% of all gastric cancers, should be considered in countries or regions with high gastric cancer incidence and death rates. Such pilot studies are considered necessary before population-based screening programmes can be implemented.
The Commission has been providing funding through the EU4Health Programme to the projects EUROHELICAN[2] and TOGAS[3].
They aim to help policymakers across the EU to incorporate gastric cancer screening into their healthcare priorities and balance effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability with potential adverse long-term effects.
Additionally, through the Joint Action EUCanScreen[4], a pilot study will look into the feasibility of integrating gastric cancer screening into colorectal cancer screening programmes.
The EU4Health-funded project CAN.HEAL[5] is focusing on the implementation of genomics and personalised medicine in clinical practice, including non-invasive screening methods, such as next-generation sequencing and liquid biopsy.
The Horizon Europe[6] EU Mission: ‘Cancer’[7] and the European partnership on Personalised Medicine[8] drive research into the development and uptake of as well as access to screening and early detection technologies in national healthcare systems.
Both initiatives will cooperate with the Joint Action on Personalised Cancer Medicine which is expected to be launched in the second half of 2025.
The latter Joint Action will also build on OncNGS[9], Instand NGS4P[10], and other Horizon Europe-funded collaborative projects, which develop and address uptake of genomics and personalised medicine.
Delivering on the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 and the climate neutrality target by 2050, as enshrined in the European Climate Law[1], calls for ambitious action to ensure a swift decrease in emissions from all sectors, including transport.
The revised CO2 standards Regulation[2] sets targets which get more stringent over time, up to a 100% emission reduction for new cars and vans registered in the EU as of 2035.
These standards drive a gradual transition towards zero-emission mobility, while giving industry enough lead-time to develop an adequate compliance strategy.
The 2025 target requires a 15% reduction of emissions from the 2021 baseline. It was agreed by the co-legislators in 2019 and was confirmed in 2023.
For manufacturers that may not be in a position to achieve target compliance on their own , the regulation provides the option to pool with other manufacturers. Pooling is not mandatory but provides manufacturers with one more flexibility to choose from.
In the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector[3], the Commission has announced that it will swiftly present additional flexibilities, through a targeted amendment of the CO2 emission standards, which would determine that compliance is assessed over the years of 2025, 2026 and 2027 combined to allow manufacturers to compensate target exceedance in one or two of these years by overachievements in the other year(s).
This will contribute to safeguarding industry’s capacity to invest, keeping the overall ambition of the 2025 targets. The Commission will also accelerate work on the preparation of the review of the regulation.
The Digital Services Act (DSA)[1] aims at creating a safe, predictable and trusted online environment.
Although the DSA does not define what is illegal or harmful, it imposes due diligence obligations on online platforms, with more stringent measures on the providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs).
Notably, the providers of online platforms are required to process notices of potentially illegal content in a timely, diligent and non-arbitrary manner.
Besides, the providers of online platforms must submit the statement of reasons supporting their content moderation decisions on the DSA Transparency Database[2].
Moreover, providers of VLOPs, such as TikTok[3], have a legal obligation to regularly assess and mitigate any systemic risk stemming from their services, including those related to the dissemination of illegal content or those of serious negative consequences to a person’s physical and mental well-being.
The Commission does not have direct competence to moderate content online, nor does it have the power to order the removal of a specific piece of content, but it takes the impact that social media can have on people’s physical and mental well-being very seriously.
On 19 February 2024, it opened formal proceedings against TikTok as it suspects, notably, that it failed to diligently assess and mitigate the risks that its service may pose to the physical and mental well-being of its users, in particular the risks stemming from algorithmic-driven exposure to harmful content (commonly called the rabbit hole effect)[4].
This investigation is ongoing, and the Commission is carrying it out as a matter of priority. An EU-wide inquiry into the broader impacts of social media on well-being was also announced in the Political Guidelines[5].
NEW YORK, NY, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Samsara Luggage Inc. (OTC: SAML), a publicly traded company focused on acquiring and growing businesses in the public safety sector, today announced the streamlining of its operations to enhance efficiency and position the company for future growth. Additionally, the company is completing feasibility studies, due diligence, and/or contract negotiations on several potential acquisitions and growth initiatives.
SAML currently operates seven public safety subsidiaries across the United States and the United Arab Emirates, along with an industrial electric vehicle (EV) business in Serbia. These businesses are undergoing efficiency and cost-reduction initiatives to better align resources and optimize cash flow while building a robust management team to support the company’s uplisting ambitions.
Like many OTC companies, the company has faced challenges raising capital over the past two years, significantly affecting the growth and operations of its operating companies and its parent company, Ilustrato Pictures International Inc. (“ILUS”). However, ILUS believes it has a clear path to significant capital access during the next quarter. It’s anticipated that SAML will benefit greatly from improved investment, cash flow, and liquidity, allowing it to revitalize the cash-starved subsidiaries and reignite its growth and acquisition plans.
Streamlining the Public Safety Division
In 2024, SAML faced challenges scaling its public safety division due to the business’s capital-intensive nature and limited access to growth capital. To address these challenges, the company has implemented operational improvements to enhance cost efficiency and plans to advance previously delayed product certifications.
“There is no beating around the bush. The last 18 months in the ERT businesses have been extremely tough, with limited access to working capital. However, we expect those days are rapidly ending as the parent company anticipates being in a stronger position to assist with working capital. We remain committed to advancing our public safety ERT businesses and positioning the company for an uplisting alongside simultaneous M&A activities. I’m expecting an exciting time, with lots of hard work bringing our visions to reality, but we are ready,” said Nicolas Link, Interim CEO of SAML.
SAML is exploring non-cash-intensive acquisitions that can add scale and enhance the company’s market presence to supplement organic growth.
Revitalizing the Industrial Electric Vehicle Business
SAML’s Eraptor division, which focuses on industrial electric vehicles, will also receive renewed focus in 2025. Resource constraints in 2024 led to stalled production and R&D activities. Management aims to resume production and enhance R&D efforts to capitalize on the growing demand for innovative industrial EV solutions.
The Eraptor business is strategically aligned with SAML’s public safety operations, sharing a similar customer base and target markets. This alignment offers opportunities for cross-sector synergies and market penetration.
Exploring opportunities
Over the past 36 months, the world has changed considerably in almost all areas, including but not limited to governments, costs, inflation, financing, access to capital, technology, geopolitics, energy demands, defense, remote working, and nearly every aspect of daily life. These changes have drastically altered global dynamics. For this reason, we will explore opportunities that will add value to shareholders and generate positive cash flow, focusing on areas that align with our management skill set.
Corporate Updates
SAML also provides the following updates regarding its corporate structure and leadership. The company had previously filed for a name change to Emergency Response Technologies Inc. and a new trading symbol (RESQ). Although the application was initially declined due to a lender relationship, the company has since resolved the matter. Management expects to refile an application after its audited 2024 financials are completed.
Mr. John-Paul Backwell has stepped down as CEO and a Director of the Company to devote his efforts to developing Nasdaq-listed Fusion Fuel Green Plc (Nasdaq: HTOO), a corporation in which SAML’s parent entity, ILUS, maintains a substantial shareholding. Mr. Nicolas Link will temporarily assume the duties of CEO while the company recruits a new permanent CEO and Mr. Backwell will remain as an advisor to the company.
“We will undoubtedly miss John Paul Backwell’s involvement in ERT, but he remains a part of our extended ILUS family. He remains an advisor to ERT while focusing primarily on the HTOO business. I want to thank JP for his incredible sacrifice and commitment to the ERT business and to the group, for that matter. We are actively recruiting for a CEO to lead the SAML business into the next stage,” said Nicolas Link, Chairman and Interim CEO.
SAML notifies shareholders that it will file an NT 10-K and will file its financials late for a number of reasons, including but not limited to the following:
Addressing several SEC comments on its previous filings and disclosures, many of which are technical accounting issues, with numerous comments dating back to a period before our takeover.
There have been a number of changes within the group, including acquisitions, mergers, and share swaps. All of these have a knock-on effect in terms of accounting and consolidation that can only be completed once the subsidiaries have been audited and can be consolidated. We are mindful that we want to file the 2024 financials and any prior amendments correctly, providing a clean runway for upcoming registrations across the group. We have engaged consultants to assist with this, who have been working on it for several months.
In 2024, we changed auditors across the group, who are re-auditing the entire two-year period and can only complete their audits sequentially as the group finishes each part.
We also underwent software integration across the companies of an integrated ERP system, which naturally took time.
To prevent this scenario from happening again, we have hired additional accounting resources, highly experienced specialists in management within this area, and consultants with extensive PCAOB and SEC experience to ensure that we are accurate going forward.
The team is working diligently to complete the filing as soon as possible. Management thanks shareholders for their patience and assures them that the delay is not due to any legal problems. Instead, it is for continued improvement and to address previously raised regulatory comments, allowing for smoother registration processes in the future.
SAML will hold its annual shareholder meeting on June 20, 2025, as part of the broader ILUS group shareholder meeting, with further information to be published in due course.
Certain information set forth in this press release contains “forward-looking information”, including “future-oriented financial information” and “financial outlook”, under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company’s business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company’s vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company’s projects; (vi) completion of the Company’s projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vii) renewal of the Company’s current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (viii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management’s beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has provided guidance to issuers regarding the use of social media to disclose material non-public information. In this regard, investors and others should note that we announce material financial information via official Press Releases, in addition to SEC filings, press releases, Questions & Answers sessions, public conference calls and webcasts also may take time from time to time. We use these channels as well as social media to communicate with the public about our company, our services, and other issues. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, considering the SEC’s guidance, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our company to review the information we post on social & media channels.
Board Chair Jessica Buss Appointed Chief Executive Officer
Charles “Chuck” Jehl will Continue to Serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer and a Member of the Board of Directors
Michelle Glasl Appointed Chief Operating Officer
AUSTIN, Texas, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Open Lending Corporation (Nasdaq: LPRO) (the “Company” or “Open Lending”), an industry trailblazer in lending enablement and risk analytics solutions for financial institutions, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has appointed Jessica Buss as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Chuck Jehl will continue to serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer and as a member of the Board. The Board also has appointed Michelle Glasl as Chief Operating Officer. The Board is conducting a comprehensive search process to identify a permanent Chief Financial Officer.
“We are thrilled to announce Jessica as our new CEO,” said Thomas Hegge, a member of the Board. “Her extensive experience in the insurance industry will be instrumental in ensuring a seamless and profitable collaboration between Open Lending, our insurance carrier partners, and our automotive lending partners. Our focus remains on enhancing loan performance, minimizing potential loan defaults, and improving our underwriting processes to more accurately price insurance premiums for the risk. We remain committed to serving our near and non-prime consumers alongside our valued partners.”
“We are grateful that Chuck stepped in to lead Open Lending through a challenging and volatile period for our Company and industry,” added Mr. Hegge. “He is passing the baton to Jessica to continue to execute our strategic plan and usher in the next phase of growth. Meanwhile, Chuck will continue to support Open Lending during this transitionary period as Interim Chief Financial Officer and a valued member of the Board.
“In addition to serving on Open Lending’s Board for the last five years, Jessica brings decades of executive experience in the insurance industry,” said Mr. Jehl. “She understands the opportunities and challenges of our industry, and I believe she will continue our legacy of serving our underserved near- and non-prime consumers.”
“I’d like to thank Chuck for his many contributions in various executive leadership roles at Open Lending since 2020, including taking the Company public,” said Ms. Buss. “He has been a critical part of the management team, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with him as a member of our Board.
Jessica Buss previously served as the CEO of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. a subsidiary of Brookfield Reinsurance Ltd (NYSE, TSX: BNRE), a leading capital solutions business providing insurance and reinsurance services to individuals and institutions. She was previously the president, U.S. insurance, of Argo prior to its acquisition by Brookfield Re. Prior to joining Argo, she was President and CEO of GuideOne Insurance Company and, prior to that, she was senior vice president – Commercial and Specialty Lines at State Auto Insurance Companies. Jessica held several other positions during her tenure at State Auto, including chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the company’s specialty subsidiary, and senior vice president of Specialty. Prior to joining State Auto, Jessica was a member of a three-person team that raised the capital for the formation and start-up operations of Rockhill Holdings, a niche property and casualty business that was purchased by State Auto in 2009. She was also CFO for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. In 2016, Jessica was named one of Insurance Business’ Elite Women of the Year. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida.
Michele Glasl also joins Open Lending from Argo Group, where she has served as Head of Operations since 2022. As Head of Operations, she oversaw information technology, security, operations and communications. Glasl previously served as SVP of Strategy and Business Development at Argo Group. Prior to that, she served as Chief Information Officer at GuideOne Insurance from June 2017 to June 2022. She previously served as Vice President of Technology at State Auto from February 2009 to June 2017. Ms. Glasl holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Board Changes Jessica Buss will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board but will no longer be a member of the nominating and corporate governance and audit committees of the Board. Thomas Hegge will join the audit committee. Chuck Jehl will continue to serve as a member of the Board.
About Open Lending Open Lending (Nasdaq: LPRO) provides loan analytics, risk-based pricing, risk modeling and default insurance to auto lenders throughout the United States. For over 20 years, we have been empowering financial institutions to create profitable auto loan portfolios with less risk and more reward. For more information, please visit www.openlending.com.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to the benefits of any leadership transition and future strategic plans. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of the Company’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, market, political and business conditions; applicable taxes, inflation, supply chain disruptions including global hostilities and responses thereto, interest rates and the regulatory environment; the outcome of judicial proceedings to which Open Lending may become a party; and other risks discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company presently does not know or that it currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.
Q4 Sequential Revenue Growth of 43% Driven by New Products and Technologies, and 131% Year over Year
New OEM and Distributor Relationships to Equip New Campers and RVs with Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries
Began Shipping e360 Home Energy Storage Solutions
REDMOND, Ore., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Expion360 Inc. (Nasdaq: XPON) (“Expion360” or the “Company”), an industry leader in lithium-ion battery power storage solutions, today reported its financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.
Q4 2024 revenue totaled $2.0 million, up 131% from Q4 2023, and 43% sequentially from Q3 2024.
Began fulfilling purchase orders for its Home Energy Storage Solutions (“HESS”).
Signed a non-binding letter of intent with NeoVolta Inc. (“NeoVolta”), a leading innovator in energy storage solutions, providing the framework for a potential collaboration that aims to engineer a state-of-the-art battery manufacturing facility and develop innovative lithium-ion battery cell and module product designs, marking a significant milestone in the production of American-made batteries.
Partnered with Scout Campers, a subsidiary of Adventurer Manufacturing, Inc., to equip its high-quality campers with Expion360’s advanced lithium-ion batteries as a standard option, enhancing the energy efficiency and reliability of Scout Campers’ products.
Added several new original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) and one new distributor reflecting successful ongoing sales efforts to expand customer base across the United States.
Closed a $2.6 million registered direct offering and private placement priced at the market under Nasdaq rules.
Management Commentary
“The fourth quarter of 2024 and early 2025 was highlighted by robust sequential revenue growth, a strengthened balance sheet, and the addition of new OEM customers,” said Brian Schaffner, Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer of Expion360. “Revenue grew sequentially for a fourth consecutive quarter, improving 43% from Q3 2024, demonstrating the successful execution of our efforts to expand sales with our more than 300 resellers across the United States, consisting of dealers, wholesalers, private-label customers and OEMs who then sell our products to end consumers. Year-over-year sales continued to be impacted by the downturn in the RV market with the persistence of high interest rates. We believe the RV market will continue to gain ground through 2025, with shipments remaining steady in the short term and increasing traction heading into next year. In January we took the opportunity to strengthen our balance sheet with the close of a $2.6 million registered direct offering and private placement.
“We are making significant progress against our goals with the ongoing expansion of our OEM relationships and acquisition of several new OEM partnerships. New customers, including Scout Campers, Alaskan Campers, and K-Z Recreational Vehicles, are driving demand for high-quality lithium battery technology for their premium campers and vehicles.
“We are working with NeoVolta to combine our strengths toward a potential collaboration that aims to engineer a US-based state-of-the-art battery manufacturing facility and develop innovative lithium-ion battery cell and module product designs. A formal engagement would enable us to contribute our expertise in design and engineering, while NeoVolta plans to provide the necessary capital and manpower. Together we expect to bring high-performance, sustainable energy storage solutions to the market to address the growing demand for efficient energy management in both residential and commercial applications.
“We have continued our progress in our Home Energy Storage Solutions vertical, with production shipments beginning in January 2025. We believe the HESS product line will benefit from a fast-growing battery energy storage market, and consumer uptake can rapidly scale with the introduction of products that improve price, flexibility, and integration. We also anticipate HESS will benefit from incentives available through California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program and federal tax credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act for home battery systems.
“Looking ahead, we anticipate our new OEM partnerships and distributors to generate incremental revenue of approximately $5.0 million for fiscal year 2025, with additional new customers expressing interest across our product line, including our next generation GC2, Group 27, and new Edge batteries. The anticipated revenue growth is expected to increase gross profits by an estimated $1.4 million for fiscal year 2025. We are also highly focused on further development of HESS and the introduction of new technologies and batteries. We look forward to announcements of additional wins and milestones in the months ahead,” concluded Mr. Schaffner.
Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Summary
Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2024 totaled $2.0 million, an increase of 131% from $0.9 million in the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to increased OEM sales with existing and new customers.
Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2024 totaled $438,552 or 22.1% of revenue, as compared to $205,114 or 23.9% of revenue in the prior year period. The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to OEM customer discounts issued in connection with higher-volume purchases.
Selling, general and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased to $1.6 million compared to $2.4 million in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to reductions in salaries related to a lower employee headcount and lower stock-based compensation.
Net loss in the fourth quarter of 2024 totaled $251,647, an 88% improvement from a net loss of $2.2 million in the prior year period. The decrease in net loss was primarily due to our sales growth.
Full Year 2024 Financial Summary
For the year ended December 31, 2024, revenue totaled $5.6 million, decreasing 6.0% from $6.0 million in the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to softness in the recreational market during the first two quarters, driving decreases in OEM sales during those same two periods.
Gross profit for the full year of 2024 totaled $1.2 million, a 20.5% gross margin as compared to $1.6 million or 26.3% of revenue in the same year-ago period. The decrease in gross profit was primarily attributable to lower sales volumes due to the slowdown in the RV industry resulting in lower economies of scale on fixed costs, as well as the liquidation of non-core product increasing cost of sales above what they would have been without the liquidation.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the full year of 2024 decreased 9.6% to $7.9 million compared to $8.7 million in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in legal and professional fees, as well as salaries and benefits, which was partially offset by an increase in license and fee cash premiums paid when making repayment on our convertible note, as well as fees incurred in connection with our termination of our warehouse lease.
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, totaled $13.5 million or $(21.03) per share, compared to net loss of $7.5 million or $(108.25) per share in the prior year. The net loss was primarily the result of $5.0 million in suspended liability expense due to our reverse stock split cash true-up payment provision in the Series A Warrants issued and sold in a public offering we consummated in August 2024, as well as increased interest incurred under our convertible note, and increased settlement expenses.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $0.5 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $3.9 million as of December 31, 2023. On January 3, 2025, the Company closed a $2.6 million registered direct offering and private placement priced at the market under Nasdaq rules.
Net cash used in operating activities totaled $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $5.5 million in the prior year period.
The share, per share, and resulting financial amounts in this press release, including prior period metrics, have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, which was effective on October 8, 2024.
Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Results Conference Call
Brian Schaffner, Chief Executive Officer of Expion360, will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period. The conference call will be accompanied by a presentation, which can be viewed during the webcast or accessed via the investor relations section of the Company’s website here.
To access the call, please use the following information:
A telephone replay will be available approximately three hours after the call and will remain available through April 14, 2025, by dialing 1-844-512-2921 from the U.S., or 1-412-317-6671 from international locations, and entering replay pin number: 10196334. The replay can also be viewed through the webcast link above and the presentation utilized during the call will be available via the investor relations section of the Company’s website here.
About Expion360
Expion360 is an industry leader in premium lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and accessories for recreational vehicles, marine applications, Light EV and residential energy storage.
The Company’s lithium-ion batteries feature half the weight of standard lead-acid batteries while delivering three times the power and ten times the number of charging cycles. Expion360 batteries also feature better construction and reliability compared to other lithium-ion batteries on the market due to their superior design and quality materials. Specially reinforced, fiberglass-infused, premium ABS and solid mechanical connections help provide top performance and safety. With Expion360 batteries, adventurers can enjoy the most beautiful and remote places on Earth even longer.
The Company is headquartered in Redmond, Oregon. Expion360 lithium-ion batteries are available today through more than 300 dealers, wholesalers, private-label customers, and OEMs across the country. To learn more about the Company, visit expion360.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing material may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, including without limitation statements regarding the Company’s business prospects, and can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “should,” “continue” or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. Forward-looking statements included in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Company’s beliefs, plans, and expectations about its operations, product development and pipeline, growth prospects, market opportunity, potential partnership with NeoVolta, the anticipated incremental revenue to be generated from new OEM partnerships and distributors, and the expected timing of the Company’s next conference call to discuss the Company’s financial results. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future actions or performance. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and its current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect current plans. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the security laws of the United States, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.
Company Contact: Brian Schaffner, CEO and Interim CFO 541-797-6714 Email Contact
External Investor Relations: Chris Tyson, Executive Vice President MZ Group – MZ North America 949-491-8235 XPON@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.us
Expion360 Inc. Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2024
As of December 31, 2023
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
547,565
$
3,932,698
Accounts receivable, net
613,022
154,935
Inventory
4,831,461
3,825,390
Prepaid/in-transit inventory
1,612,686
163,948
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
236,461
189,418
Total current assets
7,841,195
8,266,389
Property and equipment
914,081
1,348,326
Accumulated depreciation
(430,191
)
(430,295
)
Property and equipment, net
483,890
918,031
Other Assets
Operating leases – right-of-use asset
754,832
2,662,015
Deposits
27,471
58,896
Total other assets
782,303
2,720,911
Total assets
$
9,107,388
$
11,905,331
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
$
338,091
$
286,985
Customer deposits
48,474
17,423
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
187,464
292,515
Convertible note
—
2,082,856
Current portion of operating lease liability
256,153
522,764
Current portion of stockholder promissory notes
—
762,500
Current portion of long-term debt
31,758
50,839
Suspended Liability
4,985,948
—
Total current liabilities
5,847,888
4,015,882
Long-term debt, net of current portion and discount
198,412
298,442
Operating lease liability, net of current portion
542,764
2,241,325
Total liabilities
$
6,589,064
$
6,555,649
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, par value $.001; 20,000,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued and outstanding
—
—
Common stock, par value $.001; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 2,096,082 and 69,230 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively
2,096
69
Additional paid-in capital
37,091,468
26,445,378
Accumulated deficit
(34,575,240
)
(21,095,765
)
Total stockholders’ equity
2,518,324
5,349,682
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
9,107,388
$
11,905,331
Expion360 Inc. Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Net sales
$
5,624,939
$
5,981,134
Cost of sales
4,469,711
4,405,611
Gross profit
1,155,228
1,575,523
Selling, general and administrative
7,909,219
8,745,135
Loss from operations
(6,753,991
)
(7,169,612
)
Other (Income) / Expense
Interest income
(86,121
)
(125,854
)
Interest expense
976,618
124,511
Loss on sale of property and equipment
146,760
3,426
Settlement expense
709,900
281,680
Suspended liability expense
4,985,948
—
Other income
(6,073
)
(394
)
Total other expense
6,727,032
283,369
Loss before taxes
(13,481,023
)
(7,452,981
)
Tax (income) / expense
(1,548
)
3,293
Net loss
$
(13,479,475
)
$
(7,456,274
)
Net loss per share (basic and diluted)
$
(21.03
)
$
(108.25
)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
641,011
68,882
Expion360 Inc. Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss
$
(13,479,475
)
$
(7,456,274
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation
173,973
205,723
Amortization of convertible note costs
667,144
—
Loss on sale of property and equipment
146,760
3,426
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts
—
(18,804
)
Stock-based settlement
209,000
251,680
Stock-based compensation
616,632
560,365
Decrease in right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
(67,778
)
—
Increase in suspended liability
4,985,948
—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) / Decrease in accounts receivable
(458,087
)
161,904
(Increase) / Decrease in inventory
(1,006,071
)
704,746
Increase in prepaid/in-transit inventory
(1,448,738
)
(22,338
)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets
(47,043
)
(17,626
)
Decrease in deposits
31,425
5,005
Increase in accounts payable
51,106
56,735
Increase in customer deposits
31,051
17,365
Increase / (Decrease) in accrued expenses and other current liabilities
21,819
(13,649
)
Increase in right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
9,789
30,510
Net cash used in operating activities
(9,562,545
)
(5,531,232
)
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment
(19,203
)
(20,170
)
Net proceeds from sale of property and equipment
132,611
36,748
Net cash provided by investing activities
113,408
16,578
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceed from / (Principal payment on) convertible note
(2,750,000
)
2,420,025
Principal payments on long-term debt
(119,111
)
(161,194
)
Principal payments on stockholder promissory notes
(762,500
)
(62,500
)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants
185,434
49,800
Settlement of fractional shares for cashless warrant exercise
AUSTIN, Texas, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Open Lending Corporation (Nasdaq: LPRO) (the “Company” or “Open Lending”), an industry trailblazer in lending enablement and risk analytics solutions for financial institutions, today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.
In a separate press release today, the Company announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has appointed Jessica Buss, Chairman of the Board, as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The Board has also appointed Michelle Glasl as Chief Operating Officer. Charles Jehl will continue to serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer and as a member of the Board.
Three Months EndedDecember 31, 2024Highlights
The Company facilitated 26,065 certified loans during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 26,263 certified loans in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Total revenue was $(56.9) million during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $14.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The fourth quarter of 2024 was negatively impacted by a $81.3 million reduction in estimated profit share revenues related to business in historic vintages as compared to a $14.3 million reduction in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Gross loss was $63.2 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to gross profit of $9.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Net loss was $144.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a net loss of $4.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The fourth quarter of 2024 was negatively impacted by the recording of a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets of $86.1 million, which increased our income tax expense during the period.
Adjusted EBITDA was $(73.1) million during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $(2.1) million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Twelve Months EndedDecember 31, 2024Highlights
The Company facilitated 110,652 certified loans during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 122,984 certified loans in the prior year.
Total revenue was $24.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $117.5 million in the prior year. The year ended December 31, 2024 was negatively impacted by a $96.1 million reduction in estimated profit share revenues related to business in historic vintages as compared to a $22.8 million reduction in the prior year.
Gross profit was $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $95.2 million in the prior year.
Net loss was $135.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net income of $22.1 million in the prior year.
Adjusted EBITDA was $(42.9) million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $50.2 million in the prior year.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided in the financial table included at the end of this press release. An explanation of this measure and how it is calculated is also included under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Fourth Quarter 2024 Impact Related to Profit Share Revenue Change in Estimates Each quarter, the Company evaluates and updates its profit share revenue forecast and makes adjustments to its profit share revenue and related contract assets accordingly. Following this evaluation, for the fourth quarter of 2024, adjustments attributable to the Company’s profit share revenue forecast resulted in a negative change in estimate of $81.3 million, primarily due to heightened delinquencies and corresponding defaults associated with loans originated in 2021 through 2024.
As discussed below, three factors primarily contributed to this reduction of estimated profit share.
First, there was continued deterioration of the Company’s 2021 and 2022 vintages. These certified loans were generated when used car values reached an all-time high in late 2021, driven by pandemic-related disruptions in the supply chain. The subsequent decline in used car values has increased the likelihood of default on vehicles that are now worth significantly less than their corresponding outstanding loan balances. Adjustments to the forecasted performance of the Company’s 2021 and 2022 vintages accounted for approximately 40% of the Company’s total negative change in estimate for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Second, continued elevated delinquencies and ultimate defaults as a result of broader macroeconomic conditions accounted for approximately 20% of the Company’s total negative change in estimate for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Finally, the Company identified two cohorts of borrowers, borrowers with credit builder tradelines and borrowers with fewer positive tradelines, that caused its 2023 and 2024 vintages to underperform. Adjustments to the forecasted performance of loans to these two cohorts of borrowers accounted for approximately 40% of the Company’s total negative change in estimate for the fourth quarter of 2024.
As a result of the profit share change in estimate adjustment, for the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company reduced its contract assets by $33.7 million and recorded an excess profit share receipts liability of $47.6 million, attributable to the change in its expected profit share revenue. Any future adjustments to the Company’s profit share revenue forecasts, positive or negative, will impact profit share revenue.
First Quarter 2025 Outlook For the first quarter of 2025, the Company currently expects total certified loans to be between 27,000 and 28,000.
The guidance provided includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws. See “Forward-Looking Statements” below.
Board Changes Jessica Buss will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board but will no longer be a member of the nominating and corporate governance and audit committees of the Board. Thomas Hegge will join the audit committee effective immediately.
Conference Call Open Lending will host a conference call to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results tomorrow, April 1, 2025, at 8:00 am ET. The conference call will be webcast live from the Company’s investor relations website at https://investors.openlending.com/ under the “Events” section. The conference call can also be accessed live over the phone by dialing (877) 407-4018, or for international callers (201) 689-8471; the conference ID is 13752724. An archive of the webcast will be available at the same location on the website shortly after the call has concluded.
About Open Lending Open Lending (Nasdaq: LPRO) provides loan analytics, risk-based pricing, risk modeling and default insurance to auto lenders throughout the United States. For over 20 years, we have been empowering financial institutions to create profitable auto loan portfolios with less risk and more reward. For more information, please visit www.openlending.com.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to market trends, consumer behavior and demand for automotive loans, as well as future financial performance under the heading “First Quarter 2025 Outlook” above. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of the Company’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, market, political and business conditions; applicable taxes, inflation, tariffs, supply chain disruptions including global hostilities and responses thereto, interest rates and the regulatory environment; the outcome of judicial proceedings to which Open Lending may become a party; and other risks discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that the Company presently does not know or that it currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures The non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release are financial information that has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin internally in analyzing our financial results and believes these measures are useful to investors, as a supplement to GAAP measures, in evaluating our ongoing operational performance. The Company believes that the use of non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing our financial results with other companies in our industry, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors.
The Company believes these measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating its operating results in the same manner as its management and board of directors. In addition, these measures provide useful measures for period-to-period comparisons of our business, as they remove the effect of certain non-cash items and certain non-recurring variable charges. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as GAAP net income (loss) excluding interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and share-based compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA expressed as a percentage of total revenue.
Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure provided in the financial statement tables included below in this press release.
OPEN LENDING CORPORATION Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited, in thousands, except share data)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
243,164
$
240,206
Restricted cash
10,760
6,463
Accounts receivable, net
5,055
4,616
Current contract assets, net
9,973
28,704
Income tax receivable
3,558
7,035
Other current assets
3,215
2,852
Total current assets
275,725
289,876
Property and equipment, net
729
826
Capitalized software development costs, net
5,386
3,087
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
3,878
3,990
Contract assets
5,094
610
Deferred tax asset, net
—
70,113
Other assets
5,556
5,535
Total assets
$
296,368
$
374,037
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
$
953
$
375
Accrued expenses
5,166
8,131
Current portion of debt
7,500
4,688
Third-party claims administration liability
10,797
6,464
Current portion of excess profit share receipts
19,346
—
Other current liabilities
3,490
932
Total current liabilities
47,252
20,590
Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs
132,217
139,357
Operating lease liabilities
3,273
3,450
Excess profit share receipts
28,210
—
Other liabilities
7,329
5,060
Total liabilities
218,281
168,457
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized and none issued and outstanding
—
—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 550,000,000 shares authorized, 128,198,185 shares issued and 119,350,001 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 128,198,185 shares issued and 118,819,795 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023
1,282
1,282
Additional paid-in capital
502,664
502,032
Accumulated deficit
(328,759
)
(193,749
)
Treasury stock at cost, 8,848,184 shares at December 31, 2024 and 9,378,390 at December 31, 2023
(97,100
)
(103,985
)
Total stockholders’ equity
$
78,087
$
205,580
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
296,368
$
374,037
OPEN LENDING CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited, in thousands, except share data)
Three Months Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue
Program fees
$
13,734
$
13,482
$
57,040
$
64,092
Profit share
(73,160
)
(1,132
)
(43,123
)
43,301
Claims administration and other service fees
2,502
2,589
10,107
10,067
Total revenue
(56,924
)
14,939
24,024
117,460
Cost of services
6,265
5,365
23,855
22,282
Gross profit (loss)
(63,189
)
9,574
169
95,178
Operating expenses
General and administrative
10,549
12,002
43,867
43,043
Selling and marketing
3,958
4,349
17,218
17,485
Research and development
861
1,500
4,462
5,575
Total operating expenses
15,368
17,851
65,547
66,103
Operating income (loss)
(78,557
)
(8,277
)
(65,378
)
29,075
Interest expense
(2,849
)
(2,820
)
(11,317
)
(10,661
)
Interest income
2,812
3,018
12,090
10,335
Other income (expense), net
—
118
—
109
Income (loss) before income taxes
(78,594
)
(7,961
)
(64,605
)
28,858
Income tax expense (benefit)
65,842
(3,119
)
70,405
6,788
Net income (loss)
$
(144,436
)
$
(4,842
)
$
(135,010
)
$
22,070
Net income (loss) per common share
Basic
$
(1.21
)
$
(0.04
)
$
(1.13
)
$
0.18
Diluted
$
(1.21
)
$
(0.04
)
$
(1.13
)
$
0.18
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic
119,331,553
119,366,013
119,179,766
120,826,644
Diluted
119,331,553
119,366,013
119,179,766
121,474,880
OPEN LENDING CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited, in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$
(135,010
)
$
22,070
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation
8,677
9,492
Depreciation and amortization
1,674
1,159
Amortization of debt issuance costs
427
428
Non-cash operating lease cost
705
620
Deferred income taxes
70,113
(4,985
)
Other
127
15
Changes in assets & liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net
(439
)
1,105
Contract assets, net
14,247
46,116
Excess profit share receipts
47,556
—
Other current and non-current assets
(429
)
(507
)
Accounts payable
578
86
Accrued expenses
(2,473
)
1,183
Income tax receivable, net
4,198
2,699
Operating lease liabilities
(624
)
(561
)
Third-party claims administration liability
4,333
2,409
Other current and non-current liabilities
3,938
1,329
Net cash provided by operating activities
17,598
82,658
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment
(165
)
(123
)
Capitalized software development costs
(3,731
)
(2,055
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(3,896
)
(2,178
)
Cash flows from financing activities
Payments on term loans
(4,688
)
(3,750
)
Payment of excise tax on shares repurchased
(314
)
—
Shares repurchased
—
(37,322
)
Shares withheld for taxes related to restricted stock units
(1,445
)
(1,258
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(6,447
)
(42,330
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
7,255
38,150
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period
246,669
208,519
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period
$
253,924
$
246,669
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid
$
12,590
$
10,313
Income tax paid (refunded), net
(3,907
)
9,075
Non-cash investing and financing:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
$
594
$
—
Share-based compensation for capitalized software development
285
88
Capitalized software development costs accrued but not paid
15
248
Accrued excise tax associated with share repurchases
—
314
OPEN LENDING CORPORATION Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited, in thousands)
Wendel completes the acquisition of a controlling stake in Monroe Capital LLC, a transformational transaction in line with its strategic roadmap
Wendel’s Asset Management platform now represents c.€34 billion1 of AuM in private assets and is expected to generate, on a full year basis, c.€160 million2 of Fee Related Earnings and c.€185 million of total pre-tax profit in 2025
Wendel (MF-FP) today announced that it has completed the definitive partnership agreement including the acquisition, together with AXA IM Prime, of 75% of Monroe Capital LLC (“Monroe Capital” or “the Company”), and a sponsoring program of $800 million to accelerate Monroe Capital’s growth, and will invest in GP commitment for up to $200 million.
As part of the initial transaction, Wendel has invested $1.133 billion to acquire 72% of Monroe Capital’s shares (from Monroe Capital management and Bonaccord Capital Partners which owns is a minority interest in Monroe Capital) together with rights to c.20% of the carried interest generated on past and future funds. The sellers will continue to own 25% of the Company post-closing of the initial transaction.
AXA IM Prime, through its GP4 Stake strategy, has completed the acquisition alongside Wendel, of a minority equity stake in Monroe Capital. This investment is made in conjunction with Wendel’s acquisition of its majority stake in Monroe Capital and reflects AXA IM Prime’s robust relationship with both managers.
This initial transaction involving 75% of Monroe Capital would be complemented by an earn-out mechanism with a maximum amount of $255 million, subject to Fee Related Earnings (“FRE”) performance thresholds (Max if CAGR above c.26%) in the period, and if achieved would be paid in cash in 2028.
Wendel will have a path to purchase the remaining 25% of Monroe Capital’s shares in subsequent transactions (put / call mechanisms) that would take place in three instalments over 2028 and 2032 and be payable in cash. The purchase of the remaining 25% shares would be valued through variable purchase multiples determined depending on realized FRE growth.
A private credit leader in the U.S. middle market with a demonstrated strong track record across market cycles
Founded in 2004 by Ted Koenig, Monroe Capital provides private credit solutions to borrowers in the U.S. and Canada, managing more than $205 billion of assets across 45+ investment vehicles. Monroe Capital’s strategic verticals are Lower Middle Market Direct Lending, Alternative Credit, Software & Technology, Real Estate, Venture Debt, Independent Sponsor and Middle Market CLOs. Each vertical has demonstrated strong investment performance and offers potential for significant organic growth.
Through December 31, 2024, Monroe Capital has directly originated over 800 transactions, has invested over $47 billion and has earned c.10% gross unlevered IRR6 for its directly originated transactions. Monroe Capital’s LP base is very broad and diversified, including public pensions, insurance companies, family offices and high net worth investors from across the globe.
The firm, which is headquartered in Chicago maintains eleven locations. Monroe Capital has grown to a team of over 275 employees, including 115 investment professionals. The firm currently has employees in the United States, South Korea, Australia and United Arab Emirates.
Wendel Third Party Asset Management Platform has reached a meaningful scale alongside its historical Principal Investment activity
Wendel’s ambition is to build a sizeable Asset Management platform managing investments in multiple private asset classes, alongside its historical Principal Investment activity. The development of the third-party Asset Management platform will provide Wendel with recurring and growing cashflows as well as exposure to multiple and high performing asset classes. As a result, Wendel’s dual business model is expected to generate an attractive and recurring return to shareholders.
With IK Partners and Monroe Capital, Wendel’s third party private asset management platform will reach c.€34 billion in AUM7, and on a full year basis, c.€ 455 million revenues, c.€160 million pre-tax FRE8 (c.€100 million in pre-tax FRE (Wendel share) by 2025 and has the objective to reach €150 million (Wendel share) in pre-tax FRE by 2027 .
This evolution of Wendel’s business model is designed to enable the development, over time, of a value-creating platform with the potential to generate operational synergies.
The third-party Asset Management platform will be developed alongside Wendel’s Principal Investment strategy, with the objective of generating double-digit Total Shareholder Return.
Laurent Mignon, Wendel Group CEO, commented:
“This acquisition marks an important step forward for Wendel’s asset management platform, which we are committed to scaling. Wendel is now becoming an asset manager alongside our decades-long activity as a long-term equity investor. Monroe Capital, founded by Ted Koenig in 2004, is a terrific company that has consistently delivered strong performance across various market cycles in North America, bolstered by a surge in demand for private credit solutions and with the scale to capitalize on the growing opportunity set we see in private credit. Monroe Capital is strategically positioned to capitalize on this increasing demand, attracting both institutional and retail investors. We are thrilled to collaborate with Ted Koenig, Chairman and CEO, Zia Uddin, President, and their talented teams to support their success and their ability to deliver robust financial performance over the coming years.
It will be also a great privilege for Wendel to partner with such a renowned investor as AXA IM Prime. This first partnership with a leading global player such as AXA IM is for us a strong sign of confidence in the model we are building in private asset management.
Wendel is executing its strategic plan with determination, rigor and financial discipline, as demonstrated by this transformational acquisition, while also focusing on premium assets in our principal investment activities. Our transformation to a dual-strategy model is now well-grounded, with top partners in asset management such as IK Partners in private equity and now Monroe Capital in private credit. Our priority for the near future will be to build our platform and to work on the rotation of our Principal Investment assets.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Wendel teams for their unwavering dedication and to the Supervisory Board of Wendel for its constant support in driving this ambitious strategy forward.”
Theodore L. Koenig, Chairman & CEO of Monroe Capital commented:
“”We are proud to finalize our partnership with Wendel and AXA IM Prime, a milestone achievement in our two-decade journey. Together, we are eager to collaborate and align our efforts to deliver exceptional results for our investors and clients worldwide.”
Gilles Dusaintpère, Head of AXA IM Prime GP Stake Investments at AXA IM said: “We are proud and excited to partner with two institutions we know well and to further strengthen our existing relationship with Monroe, a franchise we have been investing with foryears and that we are now happy to accompany as a minority shareholder. Our GP Stake strategy aims to partner with best-in-class private markets players and we look forward to supporting Monroe and its team, alongside Wendel, to help further grow its impressive platform.”
UBS acted as exclusive financial advisor to Wendel and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to Wendel. Wendel was also assisted by Fenchurch Advisory for this transaction. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to Monroe Capital, and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP acted as legal counsel to Monroe Capital.
About Monroe Capital
Monroe Capital LLC (“Monroe”) is a premier asset management firm specializing in private credit markets across various strategies, including direct lending, technology finance, venture debt, alternative credit solutions, structured credit, real estate and equity. Since 2004, the firm has been successfully providing capital solutions to clients in the U.S. and Canada. Monroe prides itself on being a value-added and user-friendly partner to business owners, management, and both private equity and independent sponsors. Monroe’s platform offers a wide variety of investment products for both institutional and high net worth investors with a focus on generating high quality “alpha” returns irrespective of business or economic cycles. The firm is headquartered in Chicago and has 11 locations throughout the United States, Asia and Australia.
Visit our website: http://www.monroecap.com
About AXA IM Prime
Launched in 2022, AXA IM Prime is the Private Markets Enabler and Hedge Funds platform of AXA IM with c. €40 billion of assets under management as at the end of September 2024. It offers global and diversified private market solutions through primaries, secondaries and co-investments across private equity, infrastructure equity, private debt and hedge funds.
As both a principal investor and a General Partner, AXA IM Prime holds a deep understanding of client needs and offers a differentiated, global perspective of the investment world. It aims to create sustainable value for its clients, integrating ESG practices and encouraging ESG best practices within the industry.
Q1 2025 Trading update – Publication of NAV as of March 31, 2025 (post-market release)
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
H1 2025 results – Publication of NAV as of June 30, 2025, and condensed Half-Year consolidated financial statements (post-market release)
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Q3 2025 Trading update – Publication of NAV as of September 30, 2025 (post-market release)
Friday, December 12, 2025
2025 Investor Day
About Wendel
Wendel is one of Europe’s leading listed investment firms. Regarding its principal investment strategy, the Group invests in companies which are leaders in their field, such as ACAMS, Bureau Veritas, Crisis Prevention Institute, Globeducate, IHS Towers, Scalian, Stahl and Tarkett. In 2023, Wendel initiated a strategic shift into third-party asset management of private assets, alongside its historical principal investment activities. In May 2024, Wendel completed the acquisition of a 51% stake in IK Partners, a major step in the deployment of its strategic expansion in third-party private asset management and also announced in October 2024 the acquisition of 75% of Monroe Capital. Pro forma of Monroe Capital, Wendel manages more than 33 billion euros on behalf of third-party investors, and c.7.4 billion euros invested in its principal investments activity.
Wendel is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris.
Standard & Poor’s ratings: Long-term: BBB, stable outlook – Short-term: A-2
Wendel is the Founding Sponsor of Centre Pompidou-Metz. In recognition of its long-term patronage of the arts, Wendel received the distinction of “Grand Mécène de la Culture” in 2012.
For more information: wendelgroup.com
Follow us on LinkedIn @Wendel
1 As of December 2024
2 c.€100m of FRE expected in 2025, Wendel share. EURUSD @ 1.05
3 This amount includes usual closing adjustments
4 General Partner
5 Committed and managed capital (as of December 31, 2024)
SELLS, Ariz. – A Glendale man was sentenced March 11 to 38 months in prison for his role in transporting two illegal aliens in March 2024, one of whom suffered fatal injuries after jumping out of the vehicle while it was moving. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation, assisted by other law enforcement agencies.
“Smuggling activity brings all aspects of danger especially for those involved in human smuggling,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola. “Whether it is traversing over treacherous desert landscapes or placing your life in the hands of a smuggler, you are sure to face a harrowing journey. Completely avoidable, human smuggling often turns deadly, as in this case. HSI is committed to ending smuggling activity that ends with preventable fatalities.”
Steven Beltran-Lugo, of Glendale, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens for profit placing in jeopardy the life of any person and resulting in death on Oct. 1, 2024.
On March 6, 2024, Beltran-Lugo and his co-defendant, Cesar Velazquez-Munoz, picked up two illegal aliens near the border to transport them further into the United States. Beltran-Lugo was riding as a passenger in the front seat of the vehicle and was on the phone with a Phoenix-based smuggling coordinator throughout the event. When law enforcement began to follow the vehicle, the victim aliens were told to get out of the vehicle. One of the victims jumped out of the vehicle while it was still moving at about 45 miles per hour. The driver accelerated as the second victim exited the moving vehicle and hit the pavement, causing a brain hemorrhage and internal bleeding. The victim eventually succumbed to these injuries and passed away at the hospital two days later.
Cesar Velazquez-Munoz is scheduled to be sentenced March 31.
The sentencing is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha. JTFA, a partnership with DHS, has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 300 U.S. convictions; more than 250 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
While this political climate brings uncertainty at an international level, it comes with fear of job loss for many Canadians at a time when the cost of living is already straining many families’ finances.
These topics may appear to be concerns for adults, but children may also feel the effects. As psychology researchers studying parent-child relationships and child mental health, we believe it is important to consider children’s potential fears and anxiety in the current political climate.
Here, we explain why it’s important to address this topic with children, and how parents can do so in a reassuring and informative manner.
Children’s concerns and emotions
While the economy and politics could seem like topics that children would not really care about, recent research suggests that many children and youth actually worry about these topics.
Studies suggest children worry about issues affecting their families. (Shutterstock)
Similarly, studies elsewhere suggest children and youth worry about issues affecting their families. Based on these numbers, we can assume that many Canadian children also worry about the current Canada-U.S. political climate.
Of course, it’s worth remembering not all families experience political and economic events in the same way. For example, children whose families face economic precarity are likely already living with stressors affecting their households like unemployment or food insecurity. Current tensions may also exacerbate children’s existing concerns.
When children are able to talk about what concerns them with their parents, they learn important emotional regulation and coping skills. For example, they learn how to identify and understand their emotions, and how to regulate those emotions. Discussions between parents and children also help foster a climate of trust, in which children feel like they can rely on their parents in moments of need.
Noticing, tackling children’s anxiety and fears
Children may not always have the words to articulate their concerns in the same way that adults do. Parents should watch for anxiety symptoms in their children, which may manifest in various ways, including having mood changes, being more irritable or sad, having difficulty sleeping, being more clingy than usual, or withdrawing from activities. There are also signs that may be harder to spot.
We present five ways to address the situation with your children:
1. Use direct questions to understand how children feel. Direct questions can help understand how children feel. For example, you may ask: “What have you heard about what’s happening?” or “How do you feel about it?” These questions can help understand what specifically is scary to them.
Children could be worried about no longer seeing family in the U.S., or some may even fear a military clash. (Shutterstock)
This is especially important given that children tend to worry about different things than adults. For example, younger children with family in the U.S. may worry they will no longer be able to see their family members anymore. Older children may be worried about a parent losing a job, the country’s economic instability or environmental impacts. Some children may even fear a military clash.
2. Be sensitive to how the conflict is presented. In the media, it is common to refer to the diplomatic and economic tensions as a “trade war.” While adults understand that trade wars do not involve military attacks, this concept is much more abstract for children.
It’s important to reframe the conflict in ways that children can understand. For example, parents can compare the conflict between two children. Parents might say: “You know when there are two children upset with each other at school, and they have a big disagreement. Sometimes it can take a lot of time to find a solution that works for everyone. The conflict between Canada and the U.S. is a bit like that. It could take a lot of time and trouble to find a solution.”
3. Avoid misinformation. When discussing these topics, parents should seek to clarify any misinformation and provide reassurance. They should also help ensure children receive information from credible sources rather than social media or peers, who may sensationalize or misinterpret events. Providing factual but age-appropriate explanations is a key ingredient in mitigating fear and uncertainty.
4. Focus on co-operation and opportunities instead of boycotting.
Many Canadian families are choosing to boycott American products. In order to ease the emotional burden on children, it can be helpful to reframe the boycott as an opportunity for co-operation. For instance, parents can highlight how they are trying to support local businesses.
Similarly, for families with resources to travel, changes in travel plans can be framed as a way to discover new places. A parent might frame it as: “This year, instead of going to the beach, we’re going to be exploring some incredible places closer to home. We’re going to have so much fun trying new things!” This approach creates curiosity and control, not anxiety. It can also be beneficial for children’s development to learn to be more flexible with change.
5. Create a sense of normalcy and routine. As important as it is to validate children’s fears, it is equally important to help them maintain a sense of normalcy. Families should strive to balance discussions about the trade war and its potential ramifications with more light, mundane topics. Similarly, limiting the time that children watch the news or when it is audible can help limit further concerns from developing.
Routines are also beneficial for children’s development and well-being. Maintaining a predictable schedule, such as a bedtime routine, can help children feel safe and less anxious. Focus on adding fun and soothing activities to the daily routine. This lets children know life goes on.
Navigating turbulent times
As the trade war with the U.S. plays out, parents should consider how it may impact their children’s emotions and sense of safety. Even serious conflicts such as this one don’t last forever, and solutions will come.
In the meantime, parents can help children cope with these challenging times by offering age-appropriate explanations and encouraging resilience.
Jean-François Bureau receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Consortium National de Formation en Santé.
Audrey-Ann Deneault receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Senator Shelley Moore Capitol (R-WV), and Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the Alleviating Barriers to Caregivers Act (ABC Act). The legislation would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Social Security Administration (SSA), and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to review their eligibility, processes, procedures, forms, and communications to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers. The legislation would then require CMS, SSA, and CHIP to report to Congress after two years about any issues they are facing and any next steps they are taking to support family caregivers.
Family caregivers serve as a primary source of support for seniors and people with disabilities of all ages. In the United States alone, there are more than 48 million family caregivers. More than half of family caregivers act as an advocate for their loved one with care providers, community services, or government agencies. However,one in fourfamily caregivers say they want help with forms, paperwork, and eligibility for services. Many report competing responsibilities while experiencing serious emotional, physical, and finance challenges.
“America’s family caregivers work around-the-clock to provide essential care for their loved ones, and over half act as advocates on behalf of their family members. The last thing these caregivers need is more red tape that distracts from their support for those in their care,” said Representative Cammack. “I’m honored to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral ABC Act with my colleagues to lower the burden around the important medical decisions caregivers must make every day. Together we can support the 48 million caregivers that make up a critical part of our health care landscape in the U.S.”
“Family caregivers have a lot on their plates, devoting their lives to support others,” said Representative Magaziner. “They shouldn’t have to struggle with confusing paperwork and delays on top of their essential work. The bipartisanABC Actwill make it easier for families to get the support they need so caregivers can focus on what matters most — caring for their loved ones.”
“More than 1 in 4 Americans over 50 are now caregivers. I was one of these caregivers for my parents during their struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and know personally how hard it can be to balance all of the responsibilities put on individuals caring for their loved ones,”Senator Capito said.“One of the most common frustrations I hear from caregivers in West Virginia is how difficult it is to navigate federal processes and procedures. TheAlleviating Barriers for Caregivers Actwould attempt to ease this often-stressful time by requiring federal agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Social Security Administration, to review their processes, procedures, forms, and communications to reduce the administrative burden on family caregivers.”
“Caregivers, like my father was, serve on the frontlines of our nation’s health care system by giving our families and friends the care and support they need to remain in their homes and communities with their loved ones,”said Senator Markey. “But caregivers are struggling needlessly to navigate complex, burdensome, and stressful processes each and every day while also still managing day-to-day family and professional responsibilities. TheAlleviating Barriers for Caregivers Actwill help lift the weight off caregivers by clearing the red tape that so often gets in their way. I thank Senator Capito and Representatives Magaziner and Cammack for their partnership on this critical legislation.”
Cosponsors in the Senate include John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Mike Rounds (R-S.Dak.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).
Cosponsors in the House include Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), and Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16).
TheABC Actis endorsed by: AARP, ADA Watch/Coalition for Disability Rights & Justice, Aging Life Care Association, Alliance for Aging Research, Alliance for Retired Americans, Allies for Independence, ALS Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, American Academy of Nursing, American Association on Health and Disability, American Heart Association, American Network of Community Organizations and Resources (ANCOR), American Psychological Association Services, American Society for Transportation and Cellular Therapy, American Society on Aging, Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, Caregiver Action Network, Caring Across Generations, Child Neurology Foundation, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), Diverse Elders Coalition, Elder Services of Berkshire County Inc., Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving, Fight Colorectal Cancer, Gerontological Society of America, Grayce, Greater Lynn Senior Services, Hispanic Federation, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Japanese American Citizens League, Justice in Aging, Lakeshore Foundation, LeadingAge, LifePath, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Massachusetts Councils on Aging, Medical Alley, Mystic Valley Elder Services, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, National Adult Day Services Association, National Alliance on Caregiving, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Council on Aging, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Disability Rights Network, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Federation of Filipino American Associations, National Fragile X Foundation, National Health Council, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National Respite Coalition, NMDP, OCA- Asian Pacific American Advocates, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Senior Connection, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Speak Foundation, the Arc of the United States, The ERISA Industry Committee, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Third Way, USAging, Village to Village Network, and Well Spouse Association.
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Trump Administration plans to reshape the nation’s trade policy, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is leading her Midwest colleagues, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), in laying out a vision to prioritize American workers in trade policy, re-establish the United States as a world leader in manufacturing, and strengthen national security. Senator Baldwin has long worked against trade deals that undermine American workers, including opposing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with China, and other deals that are a race to the bottom. Since 2001, flawed trade policies have contributed to the loss of 4.3 million manufacturing jobs in the U.S.
“For too long, the deck has been stacked against workers and has benefited trade cheats like China and the corporate fat cats in board rooms. Workers are the ones who make our economy go around and they are the ones we need to prioritize. Right now, we have a real opportunity to level the playing field for American workers and crack down on trade cheats, grow our Made in America economy, and ensure workers get the pay they deserve to live a good, middle-class life,” said Senator Baldwin.
“We need trade policies that provide a level playing field for American workers to compete and succeed,” said Senator Peters. “For far too long, American businesses and workers have paid the price of a trade landscape that benefits countries like China who blatantly cheat the system and undercut our businesses without being held accountable. Now is the time to take a real, comprehensive look at our trade policies to ensure we are putting American workers first and preventing good-paying jobs from being shipped overseas.”
“For 30 years we’ve been outsourcing our supply chains way too far, and too many Michigan workers have suffered because of it,” said Senator Slotkin. “Democrats, especially in the Midwest, need a vision for a 21st century trade policy. To me, that strategy isn’t rocket science. It should strengthen the Middle Class and protect American manufacturing and jobs, provide certainty for American businesses and farmers, and recognize that the U.S. has powerful economic levers to wield against our adversaries.”
In the letter to President Trump, Baldwin and her colleagues outline the details of a trade agenda that would center workers, stand up to trade cheats like China, and grow the American manufacturing sector, including:
Advocating for a Complete Reimagining of Relationship with People’s Republic of China (PRC): The plan calls for revising our trade relationship with China. By allowing China to join the World Trade Organization, the United States opted to treat China like a market economy. China’s non-market practices, rampant abuses of labor and human rights, and government-sponsored trade cheating call for a complete rethinking of our economic relationship, including Permanent Normal Trade Relations.
Review & Revise Free Trade Agreements: Baldwin calls for reviewing and revising each of the United States’ 14 free trade agreements with 20 countries, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), to ensure the best outcomes for American workers.
Strengthen Trade Enforcement Mechanisms: Baldwin looks to strengthen trade enforcement mechanisms to curb cheating and manipulation by foreign countries. Baldwin identifies bipartisan legislation, such as the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act to strengthen trade remedies, Fighting Trade Cheats Act to empower private companies to hold bad actors accountable, and efforts that can be addressed by executive action, like closing the de minimis loophole, which results in lost tariff revenue and the importing of counterfeit products and contraband drugs like fentanyl.
Support for Workers Who Lost Jobs Due to Short-Sighted Policies of the Past: Baldwin also calls for the strengthening and reauthorization of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) to provide critical support for American workers who lose their jobs due to the short-sighted policies of the past, so those workers can access job training benefits and quickly return to the workforce.
Full text of the letter can be found here and below.
Dear Mr. President:
Your Administration has announced that it is undertaking a comprehensive review of our nation’s trade policy, an action that is welcome and long overdue. Free trade and globalization have left us with offshored manufacturing, devastated communities, workers out of a job or in jobs with lower wages, and supply chains overly dependent on our adversaries in too many areas. Our states have suffered disproportionately, and we write to share policy solutions informed by that experience and to urge you to implement a pro-American worker trade policy.
The current global and domestic economic landscape is the result of deliberate policy choices. Now is the time to break the cycle and boldly set a new standard for how we design, implement, monitor and enforce our trade policies. Presidents of both parties have failed Americans on trade policy, and Congress has validated their mistakes—often, in close votes. Misguided decisions like granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR), which paved the way for China’s accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO), along with the passage of NAFTA and CAFTA, as well as support of the Trans Pacific Partnership, are part of a misguided narrative that free trade and liberalization would improve economic growth and living standards, which for many communities has proven false. Since 2001, flawed trade policies have contributed to the loss of 4.3 million manufacturing jobs here in the U.S. We have fought for a pro-American worker trade policy, and would strongly support reforms that are reasoned, strategic, and durable. Our goal should be a combined pro-U.S. worker trade agenda and proactive industrial policy and strategic use of tariffs that secures supply chains, revitalizes communities, creates good-paying, union jobs and re-establishes the United States as a leader in world manufacturing.
First and foremost, we must drastically revise our trade relationship with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). By allowing China to join the WTO, the United States opted to treat the PRC like a market economy. Proponents claimed this would bring market reforms. That has proven a naïve and misguided approach. China still embraces a state-directed approach to trade and targets entire sectors and industries for global domination. China’s non-market practices, rampant abuses of labor and human rights, and government-sponsored trade cheating call for a complete rethinking of our economic relationship, including PNTR.
Each of the United States’ 14 free trade agreements with 20 countries, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), must be reviewed and revised where necessary, in order to ensure the best outcomes for American workers. While your Administration oversaw the negotiations of the USMCA, which contained the strongest labor standards of any free trade agreement thus far, there are urgent issues to be addressed during the upcoming review. The PRC has increasingly located facilities in Mexico to take advantage of proximity to the United States and preferential treatment of goods under USMCA. It has also failed to fundamentally change a core challenge facing American workers: the continued offshoring of good manufacturing jobs because of wage suppression, union busting and weak regulations in Mexico. There are long-standing challenges to the U.S. economy that USMCA’s dispute mechanism has failed to address, such as Canada’s treatment of the United States dairy sector. Separate from USMCA, the United States is part of agreements about government procurement, through the WTO or negotiated separately, that result in a losing deal for Americans. All such agreements must be thoroughly reviewed and recalibrated to level the playing field.
The ultimate goal of our trade enforcement mechanisms should not be to react to injury, it must be to deter and prevent cheating in the first place. Foreign entities will continue to transship, evade trade remedies, and create new ways to cheat and take advantage of the United States, and stopping problems as they come up in a “whack-a-mole” fashion is a reactive strategy. Strengthening trade enforcement mechanisms will curb cheating and manipulation by foreign countries. There are substantive bipartisan efforts in this area, such as the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act to strengthen trade remedies and the Fighting Trade Cheats Act to empower private companies to hold bad actors accountable. Furthermore, there are some bipartisan efforts that can be addressed by executive action, like closing the de minimis loophole, which your Administration acknowledges results in lost tariff revenue and the importation of counterfeit products and contraband drugs like fentanyl. The loophole also puts American manufacturers and retailers at a disadvantage. In addition, critical support for American workers who lose their jobs due to the short-sighted policies of the past, such as Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), must be reauthorized and strengthened as we try to right the ship on trade policy, to allow those workers to access job training benefits and quickly return to the workforce.
Tariffs are important tools for leveling the playing field when they are enacted in a strategic, deliberate, and durable way, but it can take months and years for supply chains to adjust. The positive impact of tariffs and trade policy must be bolstered by a robust industrial policy to create and sustain good-paying jobs with efforts such as investments, Buy America requirements, tax incentives, and other programs like those included in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. To be successful, we must also keep corporations in check with equitable tax rates and strong antitrust laws to prevent price gouging. Critically, we must empower workers to join unions and earn fair wages to support a middle class lifestyle and be able to save for a safe and secure retirement.
Lastly, we want to emphasize this proposal is critical to workers and communities in our states, as well as to our national security and emergency preparedness. Re-evaluating American trade policy and securing supply chains will strengthen our national security and better position the United States to defend itself if faced with conflict. During World War II, United States automakers shifted from producing civilian passenger vehicles to producing military equipment and weapons like tanks, engines, and aircraft. More recently, global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine exposed the risks of our fragile supply chains. Now is the time to learn from these lessons and prioritize a trade policy that puts American workers first.
Thank you for your consideration of this most important issue.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Landmark summit agrees new measures against organised immigration crime
The Prime Minister and Home Secretary gathered leaders from across the world in London today (31 March) to tackle organised immigration crime.
The purpose of the Organised Immigration Crime Summit is to agree new action to tackle organised immigration crime (OIC) and boost border security.
Discussions at day 1 of the summit included:
tackling the supply chains and enablers of OIC
the role of criminal finances in facilitating OIC
the UK’s systems based approach to border security
as well as how countries can tackle organised crime groups’ operations online in relation to the advertising, promoting and facilitating of illegal immigration services.
The UK and allies including France, Iraq, Vietnam and the USA, and partners including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and representatives from social media organisations, met to agree actions to secure our collective borders, protect vulnerable people from exploitation, and tackle the global threat of organised immigration crime.
Unlike previous summits, this event engaged both European nations and key source and transit countries, as well as those that are integral to the supply of equipment, including small boats and engines, ensuring a broader, more comprehensive approach to tackling OIC.
Concrete outcomes have been agreed across Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and North America to strengthen international partnerships to disrupt OIC networks. This also includes new joint work with France to tackle irregular migration in source and transit countries, through community outreach and bolstering false document detection capabilities to Iraqi officials.
The agreement represents a key step forward in the government’s Plan for Change to deliver on working people’s priorities to restore order to the immigration system and comes after the publication of new figures showing more than 24,000 people with no right to be here have been returned since the election – the highest rate of returns in 8 years.
A communiqué was issued that sets out how we will deepen our collaboration internationally to tackle this vile crime.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
Organised immigration crime undermines our security and puts lives at risk. The criminal networks have spread across the globe and no single country can tackle this problem alone.
Today, at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, the UK has led the way forward by securing international commitments to disrupt and pursue this vile criminal trade in people – part of our Plan for Change to strengthen our borders and keep communities safe.
Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt said:
I have said since I came into my post as Border Security Commander that organised immigration crime requires a coordinated international response to effectively dismantle criminal networks.
In my role I have seen first-hand how the cruelty and greed of criminal gangs puts the lives of the most vulnerable at risk in dangerous small boat crossings all for financial gain.
This summit marks a step change in the international community’s approach to tackling the problem, presenting a critical opportunity to strengthen global cooperation, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent further loss of life.
Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA) Graeme Biggar said:
Criminal gangs are using sophisticated online tactics, the abuse of legitimate goods and services, and illicit financial networks to facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys which put thousands of lives at risk each year and undermine border security.
Today’s summit sets out international agreements to tackle an international problem.
International intelligence sharing and cooperation is absolutely crucial to track criminal activity across borders allowing us to put a stop to these dangerous criminals.
In addition, today the Home Secretary confirmed over £30 million in funding within the Border Security Command to tackle Organised Immigration Criminal Networks. This significant funding package will be spent on key security projects across Europe, the Western Balkans, Asia and Africa, designed to strengthen border security and combat international criminal smuggling gangs.
The Home Secretary also announced joint work with France to fund an additional grassroots engagement programme to educate local communities on the dangers of irregular migration and people smuggling gangs, raising awareness of the realities and difficulties with travelling to Northern France to cross the Channel to the UK.
This will target both potential irregular migrants and, for the first time, teachers, religious leaders, and family members within vulnerable communities, and builds on the Home Office digital deterrence comms campaign that is already running in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The UK will also collaborate with France to deliver critical training to Iraqi officials and commercial transport staff, helping them detect fraudulent documents and passports used to facilitate irregular migration and OIC activities.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)
Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar reintroduced the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act, which would expand access to meals for every student in America by allowing states to provide no-cost meal programs in public schools. “As a father, the thought of any child going hungry in school is devastating,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “House Democrats believe that every child deserves a shot at a better life, and no kid can reach their full academic potential on an empty stomach. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration shows it doesn’t care about our children’s future by working to eliminate the Department of Education, which could force neighborhood schools to close and class sizes to increase, to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. We can make our community stronger and our children healthier by ensuring that no child in this country is hungry at school, regardless of their background or their zip code. That’s why I am proud to reintroduce the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act to help improve the health and academic performance of students in the Inland Empire and across America by ensuring that they do not go hungry.” “We are pleased Rep. Aguilar has reintroduced the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act to allow states to adopt the Community Eligibility Provision statewide,” said Crystal FitzSimons, interim president of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). “Offering school meals at no charge to families is the future for school nutrition departments and for schools. The No Hungry Kids in Schools Act supports states that want to expand access to free school meals, fueling children’s health and learning while reducing stigma and shaming in the cafeteria. We urge Congress to pass this bill. Hungry children can’t wait.” Currently, individual school districts can apply to serve free school meals to all students through the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) if at least 25 percent of the student body is identified as low-income. The No Hungry Kids in Schools Act will enable states to remove the 25 percent threshold and allow all schools in a participating state to provide free meals to all students, regardless of the percentage of low-income students. The No Hungry Kids in Schools Act also would streamline the administration of school lunch programs in states that have existing universal free school meals, helping the students who are falling through the cracks, including nearly 2.5 million students in California and over 12.5 million students nationwide. In the United States, nearly 1 in 7 children is at risk of hunger. Expanding and protecting school meal programs is especially important amidst ongoing Republican efforts to cut billions from nutritional funding. The Trump Administration recently froze $1 billion in food assistance for food banks and schools, and the proposed Republican Budget includes $12 billion in cuts to critical nutrition programs, which would harm over 12 million children. Studies have shown that students at schools who participate in school meal programs benefit from better health and nutrition outcomes, higher test scores and better school attendance. Through CEP, more than 23 million children attending high-poverty schools were able to access free, healthy school meals in the 2023-2024 school year. In addition to the Food Research & Action Center, The No Hungry Kids in Schools Act is endorsed by the National Education Association (NEA). Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.
Effie Kisgeropoulos Discusses Her Early Scientific Inspiration and Journey to Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
As a young girl, Effie Kisgeropoulos dreamed about the endless universe of constellations. Photo from Effie Kisgeropoulos, NREL
Lying on the grass in Canton, Ohio, a young Effie Kisgeropoulos studied constellations with her eyes and later through her telescope, dreaming about the mechanisms of faraway celestial bodies.
Little did the future National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researcher know that her budding scientific gaze would later turn to something closer to home: orbiting subatomic particles in microscopic structures.
The ability to translate perspectives between different worlds might be her superpower—although this superpower has come with its challenges. Yet Kisgeropoulos has persisted through all the uphill climbs, maintaining her joy of learning.
Kisgeropoulos was homeschooled for most of her childhood, and she benefited from a framework that empowered her to absorb knowledge and ask questions. Looking back, the ease with which Kisgeropoulos moved through primary education was perhaps unsurprising given her much later diagnosis with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She thrived in the home setting where learning was fun, engaging, and flexible. But when it was time to begin her university honors program, Kisgeropoulos’ success at home became a struggle to maintain. Her passion for exploring new ideas came under serious doubt.
Although Kisgeropoulos struggled at first, she persevered through trial and error and by embracing new opportunities. Her path at NREL began with a postdoctoral position that employed her passion for using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to decipher the subatomic interactions that dictate our world.
Kisgeropoulos is now a full-time researcher in NREL’s Biosciences Center, responsible for helping manage the Advanced Spin Resonance Facility (ASRF), which houses the EPR equipment. This facility helps illuminate the subatomic workings of chemical reactions, like those that sustain photosynthesis or enable light-driven ammonia production and hydrogen catalysis.
In this interview (edited for length and clarity), Kisgeropoulos discusses her contagious enthusiasm for science, her unique journey to NREL, and her passion for all things EPR.
You have an interesting upbringing that isn’t familiar to many people. Can you talk about that and how it was a factor in your embrace of science?
My mom homeschooled my sister and I until mid-high school. During our elementary years, she taught us for two days and worked the other three, when my dad—who worked midnights—would help.
Around this time, I fell in love with astronomy and spent countless hours poring over star maps and gazing at constellations. I even got a small telescope! It kick-started my obsession with science fiction and, later, theoretical physics.
Kisgeropoulos, as a child, gazes through her new telescope. Photo from Effie Kisgeropoulos, NREL
Homeschooling allowed me a certain freedom in how I assimilated information. I could work on my lessons while barefoot and sitting cross-legged on the floor, make as much noise as I wanted, go at my own pace. I was unencumbered by the classical rules of school.
Later when my parents separated, my mom juggled multiple jobs while still maintaining our education. Watching all this, I also learned a lot about hard work and perseverance. I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until 29, so these qualities—and the love of learning I grew up with—were vital to me navigating undergrad and then a Ph.D. without any context for why I had different needs than my peers.
Kisgeropoulos (right) and her sister, Sophia (left), pose in front of their school project—sprouting seeds from plants. Photo from Effie Kisgeropoulos, NREL
Can you tell me about your transition from homeschooling to the university world?
My science obsessions led me to join the honors program at Kent State University with a plan outlined by my guidance counselor: a bachelor’s in physics; grad school for astrophysics. Once classes started, a harsh reality formed. Many students are challenged during the transition to college, but I wasn’t aware of the unique challenges that came with a neurodivergent brain.
Tougher coursework meant I had to study in earnest, but sitting alone for hours in the library to accomplish this was a strange experience. It would take me significant time to clear my mind of distractions before I could fully immerse myself in a task. Although I had experience with self-directed learning, my skills began failing me in this demanding and unfamiliar college environment.
It was a disheartening first couple of years. I had been excellent at math, but I did poorly in calculus. I did okay in Physics I, but I dropped Physics II twice because it wasn’t clicking. The irony is the stuff in Physics II—like circuits, electricity, and magnetism—are foundations to some of what I do now at NREL.
So, how did you adjust?
The end of sophomore year was my worst. I wanted to study the stars, but I just couldn’t make the connections in my coursework. At around the same time, we found out my mom had breast cancer. It really impelled me, and I switched majors to biotech. I thought a more industry-focused degree would help with getting a job, if I needed to take care of my sister, and I hoped it would lead me to work in cancer research to help patients like my mom.
With the switch, I started to excel in my classes again. In Intro Biochem, I learned about enzyme pathways in cells. It was like a puzzle, mapping them all out. In some ways, it felt like mapping out the stars. I was becoming fascinated with microscopic biological and chemical mechanisms that I had no idea about. My fire for learning came back. And as I approached graduation, my mom cleared her cancer!
That’s wonderful. So at that point, you were on the path to a Ph.D. in biochem at The Ohio State University (OSU)?
Yeah. I was thrilled when I was offered a spot. I started with three different lab rotations: mouse models of cancer, yeast genetics, and spectroscopy. Although I was still invested in cancer research, I enjoyed the approach of spectroscopy the most, which was in the lab of a new OSU professor, Hannah Shafaat. And in the end, I was still awarded a fellowship for the connection of my work to cancer research!
My work at OSU involved applying advanced pulse EPR spectroscopy to biological systems. Before even developing these experiments, we needed to characterize the systems using a more common type of EPR: continuous wave (CW). At the time, the EPR capabilities we needed weren’t available at OSU. Instead, we would drive four hours roundtrip to Miami University and collect data for 10, 12 hours.
This was where I became mesmerized by the EPR process. There’s this giant magnet with a sample in the middle that’s cooled to 5 Kelvin, and then microwaves are shot at it. It’s so metal! The resulting data were beautiful. You’re investigating a signal that looks like a child’s drawing and translating it to give information on interactions happening at the electron level.
So, when were you able to work primarily with pulsed EPR?
During my fourth year, we shifted to pulsed EPR techniques, which use microwaves shot in pulses rather than continuously. Using pulses unlocks a whole new dimension of capabilities, especially manipulating electron spins to acquire different, higher-resolution information. But pulsed EPR demands a higher level of theory and understanding to run an experiment, let alone troubleshoot one or customize it to the sample.
I was applying pulsed EPR to proteins to answer questions about their electronic structure and function. This work was like what I do here at NREL in Paul King’s (Physical Biochemistry and Photosynthesis) group, except now I investigate how this reactivity is controlled and tuned into very complex redox enzymes.
Good segue to becoming a postdoc at NREL. I imagine your experience with pulsed EPR had a lot to do with you coming here?
Honestly, I struggled with the motivation to do research or become a professor. When I started EPR, my research interest sparked a bit, but I wasn’t sure how to do EPR at a private company. And then my OSU lab partner, Tasha Manesis, sent me a link for an NREL postdoctoral position in the Physical Biochemistry and Photosynthesis group. I read the job description and was ecstatic they wanted someone to study redox enzymes using pulsed EPR!
Postdoctoral researcher Effie Kisgeropoulos poses in 2022 by an MBraun anaerobic chamber at NREL’s Science and Technology Facility. This type of equipment allows researchers to work with the oxygen-sensitive proteins and enzymes that are involved in many of nature’s important energy conversion reactions and pathways. Photo by Werner Slocum, NREL
Another bit of serendipity. How was the postdoc experience here at NREL?
Right after they hired me, COVID-19 happened. COVID-19 protocols made lab interactions challenging and training and team-building difficult. Once the protocols loosened, this all improved, and we added some new postdocs that quickly became great friends of mine. My relationship with Paul, my group manager and principal investigator, also really began to develop. These working relationships, and the willingness everyone showed to put effort into making them better, were a large reason why I stayed at NREL.
How was the transition from postdoc to full-time researcher?
Getting an NREL staff position doing what I love felt validating, a recognition of my contributions to the team. It also really brought me a sense of permanence. Even though six years in graduate school was a long time, it always had an end date. With this transition, I experienced a sense of investment in my work that I never felt before.
Kisgeropoulos works with cell culture media containing ferredoxin proteins in the Research and Innovation Laboratory at NREL. These proteins are important for understanding the control electron transfer reactions in the photosynthetic cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and will be studied using techniques like EPR once they are purified from the media. Photo by Kaylee Weatherly, NREL
What are your responsibilities as a biological EPR spectroscopist?
I continue to build upon my postdoc work, contributing to research projects under Paul on photosynthetic energy transduction and mechanisms of photochemical nitrogen reduction. Both are funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science Basic Energy Sciences program.
I also took on safety-representative duties for our lab space and have an official role helping David Mulder manage and operate the ASRF, which houses the EPR equipment. David and I developed an approach for scheduling on the CW EPR, helping maintain access for all users amid high demand for instrument time. I also help train new EPR users and advise on project data collection, interpretation, and analysis.
NREL researchers (from left) Paul King, Effie Kisgeropoulos, and David Mulder talk in front of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer in NREL’s Advanced Spin Resonance Facility in Golden, Colorado. Photo by Gregory Cooper, NREL
So, why does this new role and the Advanced Spin Resonance Facility at NREL excite you so much?
Most institutions operate one CW EPR at a single microwave frequency (commonly X-band). But at NREL, we have an incredible breadth of EPR capabilities in one place: CW EPR, pulsed EPR, both X-band and Q-band microwave frequencies, equipment to produce shaped pulses, the ability to incorporate radio waves and do EPR-detected nuclear magnetic resonance, and all using helium gas in a cryogen-free system to obtain super cold temperatures. All these capabilities are the perfect playground for me to explore and grow with.
There’s also a tremendous amount of expertise here applying EPR to understand highly complex enzymatic functions, like nitrogen fixation to ammonia or hydrogen generation from protons and electrons. There’s a great foundation to build from and use my understanding of pulsed EPR to advance the research.
Pulsed EPR, and really EPR in general, is such a powerful tool for obtaining targeted information on the movement, properties, and local environments of electrons, whether they exist as radicals, in defects, or on metal clusters. It’s highly applicable across a large swathe of research disciplines, from biology to materials—even brewing beer, although that’s not really in the NREL mission space. I’d like to continue to improve the experience of our core user group and expand the reach of the ASRF across NREL.
Okay, one last question. If you had the power to make one change in the world, what would it be?
Oh, tough, it’s hard to articulate, but I’d make empathy and compassion abundant. Through all my challenges, I’ve come out of it with a different appreciation for people. We’re all flawed, but people are also surprisingly great. I think it’s important to listen to what others are saying and consider how they might be feeling, the milieu that could be contributing to the actions they take.
I try to always remember this, and I would want to make the changes necessary so everyone could feel safe enough and empowered to extend this kind of empathy and compassion to each other. I think it would help the world a lot.
Learn more about NREL’sbioscience researchand theAdvanced Spin Resonance Facility.