Category: Transport

MIL-OSI United Nations: Despite Diplomatic Progress, Security Council Told Continuing Attacks, Funding Cuts Worsening Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is worsening, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, as she both welcomed diplomatic progress and expressed deep alarm over rising attacks on civilians and severe cuts to global humanitarian funding.

“Since 1 March, not a day has passed without an attack harming civilians,” Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the 15-member Council. The regions of Sumy, Odesa, Dnipro, Donetsk and Kharkiv have been hit especially hard in recent weeks, with extensive damage to homes, shops, warehouses and vehicles.

Meanwhile, global funding cuts for humanitarian operations — including for Ukraine — are further reducing the UN’s capacity to provide life-saving aid. While the announcement of a ceasefire on energy infrastructure and discussions regarding safe navigation in the Black Sea are positive steps, she noted that the impact of past attacks continue to undermine civilians’ access to electricity, gas, heating and water as the harsh winter persists.

“We are deeply concerned by the human cost of continued fighting,” she said, noting that, as of 24 February 2022, at least 12,881 civilians — including 681 children — have been killed in Ukraine. The true toll is likely much higher. She reiterated that the protection of infrastructure critical to civilian survival is imperative, and that indiscriminate attacks are unequivocally prohibited under international law.

And with almost 13 million people in Ukraine in need of humanitarian aid, she warned against funding cuts that could threaten vital services — including gender-based-violence support and safe spaces for 640,000 affected women and girls. Thus far, only 17 per cent of the $2.6 billion needed for Ukraine’s 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan has been received. Against that backdrop, she urged the international community to enforce compliance with international law, secure funding to save lives and push for an end to the war — all while ensuring that humanitarian needs remain central to peace talks.

Speakers Express Concern over Increasing Attacks on Civilians, Urge Moscow to Demonstrate Commitment to Peace

During the discussion that ensued, many speakers expressed concern over growing attacks on civilians in Ukraine. “The death and destruction caused by this war are tremendous,” said Slovenia’s delegate, noting the over 42,000 verified casualties and reconstruction costs exceeding $500 billion. Three years on, and the fighting does not seem to be diminishing — in February 2025, civilian casualties increased by 35 per cent compared to February 2024. “Every human life matters and is not merely a number,” added Pakistan’s delegate, welcoming deals reached between Ukraine and the Russian Federation banning the targeting of energy sites and ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea.

While also noting progress on those fronts, other speakers continued to call on the Russian Federation to demonstrate its commitment to peace, with France’s delegate highlighting “the gaping disconnect between [the Russian Federation’s] actions and words”. Romania’s delegate pointed out that “the dialogue efforts and the proposals in the last weeks are yet to be met by deeds”, spotlighting new attacks by the Russian Federation since the night of 21 March.

“It is now for Russia to show its willingness to achieve peace,” said the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, adding: “There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine, and no negotiations that affect European security without Europe.” Finland’s delegate, speaking also for Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, echoed that, also expressing concern that limited humanitarian access makes it hard for humanitarian workers to deliver life-saving aid — especially in front-line areas.

“A ceasefire seems not to be enough,” observed Greece’s delegate, adding that peace should only be possible “with credible and robust security guarantees, which will deter and prevent the recurrence of war in the future”. Any peace must be more than a mere pause that allows the aggressor to rearm and strike again — as it has done before — Poland’s delegate underscored. “We must have enduring peace in Ukraine,” stressed the representative of the United Kingdom, adding that, until Moscow’s forces withdraw from Ukraine, “the United Kingdom will continue to work with Kyiv to achieve a just and lasting peace”.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Republic of Korea said that interviews with soldiers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea captured in Kursk show men deceived and told they were being sent to Moscow for training. “Pyongyang must stop sacrificing its own people to sustain the regime in exchange for military, political and economic support from Moscow,” he stressed.

The representative of Denmark, Council President for March, spoke in her national capacity to describe the latest report by the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine as a “grim catalogue of crimes against humanity” perpetrated by the Russian Federation’s forces against civilians. Lithuania’s delegate, also speaking for Estonia and Latvia, drew attention to the 4,000 cases against the Russian Federation in the European Court of Human Rights, all related to events in Crimea, Donbas and the wider war against Ukraine.

Russian Federation, Ukraine Acknowledge Limited Ceasefire Agreements while Expressing Reservations

For his part, the representative of the Russian Federation said that the European Union and the United Kingdom are trying to thwart efforts by his country and the United States to settle the Ukrainian crisis. He went on to say that Moscow’s air forces target only military sites, and that civilian casualties in Ukraine occur because Kyiv stores ammunition in residential areas. He also stated that Ukraine’s European supporters ignore the crimes committed by Kyiv, reiterating that Moscow’s military operation started three years ago to end the war being waged on fellow Russians.

Regarding the agreement concerning the Black Sea, he said that this will go into effect only after a series of measures are adopted — including the lifting of sanctions against some Russian Federation banks. And while agreement has been reached to ban strikes on energy sites both in Ukraine and in the Russian Federation, Kyiv continues to violate that agreement. “The Russian Federation reserves the right to respond should the Kyiv regime continue on this destructive course,” he emphasized.

Further, he asked those present if they would prefer to either continue providing weapons to “private-military-company Ukraine”, or to join the Russian Federation and the United States to “find a long-term solution that would address the root causes of the Ukraine crisis and strengthen security in Europe and the world over”.

“Moscow speaks of peace while launching brutal strikes almost daily on densely populated residential areas” in her country, Ukraine’s delegate said, adding that the Russian Federation launched — in the first half of March alone — hundreds of strikes against her people, using approximately 2,800 guided aerial bombs, nearly 2,000 attack drones and over 100 missiles of various types. Moscow has also sought to block Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, forcibly transferred Ukrainian children to its territory and that of Belarus, and made use of munitions containing hazardous chemicals.

While welcoming the United States’ mediation and Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, and reaffirming her country’s commitment to peace, she underscored: “We won’t accept peace at any price.” Ukraine will not recognize any of its temporarily occupied territories as belonging to the Russian Federation, and Kyiv will not agree to any foreign diktat regarding the structure or other characteristics of its defence forces.

While Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire regarding energy facilities and in the Black Sea, she warned that this does not extend to Russian Federation warships that enter Ukraine’s territorial waters. “Everyone should focus on Russian actions, not their statements,” she urged, noting that the coming days will be critical in determining “whether Russia is serious about peace or intends to deceive the United States and the world”.

Nevertheless, Speakers Point to Path towards Peace

“The war must end now,” the representative of the United States stressed, as she commended both the Russian Federation and Ukraine for taking the first steps towards a ceasefire. If fully implemented, the agreements concerning energy infrastructure and the Black Sea will open a path towards peace. “We call on both sides to abide by these agreements and expand on them,” she said.

Some speakers expressed optimism about the talks under way in Riyadh. “A window of peace is opening,” said China’s delegate, welcoming recent negotiations that the Russian Federation and Ukraine have had bilaterally with the United States. Positive progress was made on numerous issues, he said. Algeria’s delegate, welcoming progress, as well, added that a lasting peace must consider the legitimate concerns of both parties. The representative of Panama, noting that maritime security is fundamental to his country, expressed optimism about the steps towards a cessation of hostilities in the Black Sea.

Similarly, the representative of Somalia said that the agreement to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea represents a practical step towards reducing tensions and protecting vital economic infrastructure. The recent breakthrough is “creating tangible momentum towards de-escalation”, he said. “Even as we celebrate the modest breakthroughs,” Guyana’s delegate warned that the slightest misstep could doom millions of civilians to even more bombardment and displacement. Sierra Leone’s representative observed that “cautious hope has begun to emerge”, but highlighted the severe impact already had on children — trauma from constant shelling, loss of loved ones, displacement and abduction.

“Even when bombings subside, the scars of war remain,” said the Permanent Observer for the Sovereign Order of Malta, pointing to the need for psychological support for those affected by war-related trauma. Ukraine’s health system will need restoring, he said, adding that it is also crucial to facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced families. “The land must be restored and made habitable,” he added, as the detritus of war is cleared away.

Quoting Pope Francis, he asked those present: “Can we get out of this spiral of sorrow and death? Can we once more walk and live in the ways of peace? I would like for each one of us — from the least to the greatest, including those who are called to govern nations — to respond in one voice: ‘Yes, we want peace.’”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Memphis Man Sentenced to 22 Years of Federal Imprisonment for Drug Distribution and Possession of Firearms

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Claibon Burrus, 51, of Memphis, to 260 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute drugs and possession of firearms. Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, on January 19, 2021, detectives with the Memphis Police Department served a search warrant at a residence in Memphis, Tennessee pursuant to an overdose death investigation. They discovered that Burrus was in possession of large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana. He was also in possession of multiple firearms. He admitted to officers he was engaging in drug distribution. Following Burrus’s arrest, he directed other individuals to move additional drugs and firearms from storage units he rented to avoid seizure by law enforcement.

In July 2024, Burrus pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On March 25, 2025, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. sentenced Burrus to 260 months of federal imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by detectives with the Memphis Police Department Heroin/Opioid Response Team and Organized Crime Unit (OCU).

Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Musselwhite and Greg Allen, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

MIL Security OSI –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Final Member of Multi-State Poly-Drug Conspiracy Sentenced
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Jackson, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Anthony Hines, 46, of Memphis, TN, to over ten years in federal prison for his role in an organized drug trafficking scheme in West Tennessee. Hines was the final defendant of multi-defendant and multi-state drug conspiracy. Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to the evidence presented in court, in early 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with the Henry County Metro Narcotics task force, began an investigation into the illegal distribution of narcotics in the Western District of Tennessee. The investigation revealed that Terry Smith, 38, of Memphis, arranged for large quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl to be shipped into the West Tennessee. Smith used contraband cellular devices from Texas, Arizona, and California to arrange the shipments. The drugs were delivered for redistribution by Smith’s network of co-conspirators, including Hines, in locations that ranged from Western Kentucky to Northwest Mississippi.

Ultimately, law enforcement agents determined that Smith and his co-conspirators were responsible for distributing approximately 119 pounds of methamphetamine, 10,000 fentanyl pills, 20 ounces of heroin/fentanyl mix, 2 ounces of fentanyl and 40 pounds of marijuana throughout West Tennessee and surrounding areas. Agents physically seized a total of 17.24 kilograms of actual methamphetamine, 141.76 grams of marijuana, 68.645 grams of Heroin/Fentanyl mixture and 10.845 grams of Fentanyl.

On May 15, 2023, Hines pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. On March 24, 2025, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Hines to 125 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The following co-conspirators have already pled guilty and have been sentenced:
- Terry Smith, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee: 240 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
- Rodney Ayers, 51, of Memphis, Tennessee: 180 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
- James Dumas, 49, of Lansing, Michigan: 150 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
- Kayla Henderson, 31, of Memphis, Tennessee: 80 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
- Dustin Chambers, 38, of Jackson, Tennessee: 120 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
- Horace McNeary, 37, of Paris, Tennessee: 130 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
- Brianna Norsworthy, 25, of Murray, Kentucky: 110 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, as well as possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Jessica Vestal, 34, of Hendersonville, Tennessee: 80 months and a 5-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, as well as possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Michael Broady, 51, of Memphis, Tennessee: a time served period of 13 months and a 3-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
- Jermichael Buggs, 37, of Grand Junction, Tennessee: 84 months and a 3-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
- Christopher Hamilton, 49, of Memphis, Tennessee: 60 months and a 4-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
- Teddy Reed, 43, of Memphis, Tennessee: 63 moths and a 4-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
- Aerielle Coleman, 34, of Memphis, Tennessee: 30 months and a 2-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
- Danielle Cunningham, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee: time served and a 3-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
- Tracy Coleman, 50, of Memphis, Tennessee: a time served period of 18 months and a 2-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana
- Johnnie McGhee, 51, of Olive Branch, Mississippi: 60 days and a 2-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana.
This investigation was conducted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

The DEA; West Tennessee Drug Task Force; Jackson Police Department; Jackson-Madison County Metro-Narcotics; Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Paris, Tennessee Police Department; Henry County Sheriff’s Department; Murray, Kentucky Police Department; Kentucky State Police; Arkansas State Police; and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Davis and Hillary Parham, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

MIL Security OSI –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Starkville Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Violating Federal Firearms Laws

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Greenville, MS – A Starkville man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for violation of federal firearms laws.

According to court documents, Antonio Johnson, 49, pled guilty to possession of one or more firearms by a previously convicted felon as well as possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Johnson today to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Johnson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.

“The public has every right to expect repeat offenders to receive significant sentences, and this defendant will now have 10 years in a federal prison to reconsider his actions,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “AUSA Robert Mims and our partners at the FBI, ATF and Starkville Police Department worked seamlessly to bring justice to an individual who earned every day of this sentence.”

“Protecting the safety of our communities is one of the cornerstones of what ATF seeks to accomplish every day,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “To convicted felons and others making our streets unsafe with gun violence and drugs – law enforcement is here. No matter how long it takes, we will investigate, arrest, prosecute and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”

“Mr. Johnson’s sentencing demonstrates a steadfast commitment of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to protect the public from those individuals who illegally possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes,” stated FBI Jackson Field Office Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff. “Criminals possessing and using firearms in the commission of any crime are threats to our communities, for those who seek to threaten and intimidate Mississippians through these egregious crimes will be aggressively pursued by the FBI and brought to justice. We will continue our collective efforts through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, to reduce violent crime and gun violence in our communities across Mississippi.”

“Strong convictions matter; they have a lasting impact and require hard work,” said Chief Mark Ballard of the Starkville Police Department. “Our community is safer as a result of these agencies’ efforts. On behalf of the Starkville Police Department, we are very thankful for our working relationship with FBI Jackson, the ATF New Orleans, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.”

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Starkville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

MIL Security OSI –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Hot Springs Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Possession

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HOT SPRINGS – An Arkansas man was sentenced yesterday to 144 months in Federal Prison for Possession of More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which took place in the United States District Court in Hot Springs.

According to court records, on April 24, 2023, Alton Scott Moody, age 61, of Hot Springs, was stopped by Hot Springs Police Department Officers for a traffic infraction. Officers recognized Moody and knew that he was on active felony parole supervision through the Arkansas Department of Correction. Ultimately, Moody was found to be in possession of 242.8 grams of pure methamphetamine.

On July 8, 2024, Moody pleaded guilty to Possession of More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.

United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes made the announcement.

The 18^th East Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Little Rock Field Office, investigated the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Bryan Achorn prosecuted the case.

Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.

MIL Security OSI –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc. Announces Shareholder Approval of Merger with Carlyle Secured Lending III

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc. (“CGBD”) (NASDAQ: CGBD) announced today that CGBD shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the previously announced merger with Carlyle Secured Lending III (“CSL III”) at the special meeting held on March 26, 2025.

Shareholders voted in favor of the issuance of common stock in connection with the merger of CGBD and CSL III, with 96% of voting CGBD shareholders supporting the proposal. The transaction is expected to close on or about March 27, 2025, subject to satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.

Justin Plouffe, Chief Executive Officer of CGBD and CSL III, said, “We thank shareholders for their approval and strong support of the transaction. We have conviction in the strategic benefits and value of the merger for both sets of shareholders, and we expect the combined company to create long-term value through increased portfolio scale and efficiency.”

About Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc.

Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc. is a publicly traded (NASDAQ: CGBD) business development company (“BDC”) which began investing in 2013. The Company focuses on providing directly originated, financing solutions across the capital structure, with a focus on senior secured lending to middle-market companies primarily located in the United States. Carlyle Secured Lending is externally managed by Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management L.L.C., an SEC-registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Carlyle. Further information is available at carlylesecuredlending.com.

About Carlyle Secured Lending III

CSL III is an externally-managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. CSL III’s investment objective is to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, capital appreciation primarily through assembling a portfolio of secured debt investments with favorable risk-adjusted returns. CSL III’s investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, CSL III Advisor, LLC, an affiliate of Carlyle.

About Carlyle

Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Global Investment Solutions. With $441 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,300 people in 29 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Some of the statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements because they are not historical facts, but instead relate to future events, future performance or financial condition or the merger of CSL III with and into CGBD (collectively, the “Mergers” ). The forward-looking statements may include statements as to: future operating results of CGBD and CSL III and distribution projections; business prospects of CGBD and CSL III and the prospects of their portfolio companies; and the impact of the investments that CGBD and CSL III expect to make. You can identify these statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “plans,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “targets,” “projects,” “outlook,” “potential,” “predicts” and variations of these words and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected, including the uncertainties associated with (i) the expected synergies and savings associated with the Mergers; (ii) the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Mergers, including the expected elimination of certain expenses and costs due to the Mergers; (iii) the risk that stockholder litigation in connection with the Mergers may result in significant costs of defense and liability; (iv) changes in the economy, financial markets and political environment, including the impacts of inflation and rising interest rates; (v) risks associated with possible disruption in the operations of CGBD or the economy generally due to terrorism, war or other geopolitical conflict (including the uncertainty surrounding Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and the impact of geopolitical tensions in other regions such as the Middle East, and developing tensions between China and the United States); (vi) future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities); (vii) conditions in CGBD’s operating areas, particularly with respect to business development companies or regulated investment companies; and (viii) other considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in CGBD’s publicly disseminated documents and filings. CGBD and CSL III have based the forward-looking statements included in this press release on information available to them on the date hereof, and they assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. There may be events in the future, however, that we are not able to predict accurately or control. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ, possibly materially from our expectations, include, but are not limited to, the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and it is not possible for us to predict or identify all of them. Although CGBD and CSL III undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that they may make directly to you or through reports that CGBD and CSL III have filed or in the future may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

Contacts:

The MIL Network –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Plains Announces Retirement of President Harry Pefanis and Assignment Updates to Board of Directors

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (Nasdaq: PAA) and Plains GP Holdings (Nasdaq: PAGP) announced today that Harry Pefanis will retire as President of Plains effective June 1, 2025. Willie Chiang, Chairman of the Board and CEO, will assume the role of President effective upon the retirement of Mr. Pefanis. In addition, Plains announced updates to the lead director position and certain committee assignments for its Board of Directors that will also be effective June 1, 2025.

In line with Plains’ long-term succession plan, Mr. Pefanis will retire as President after 27+ years of service to the company he co-founded. Including his time with Plains prior to its initial public offering in 1998, Mr. Pefanis has been with the organization for over four decades. Mr. Pefanis will continue to serve on the Board of Directors and as a Senior Advisor to Plains.

“Harry is a world class energy executive who played a key role in the founding of the Company almost three decades ago, and who has been instrumental to the growth of Plains into the modern energy transportation company it is today. His time at Plains has been marked by a relentless focus on customer service, developing lasting relationships, operational excellence, and financial strength, together with an unwavering commitment to integrity, accountability and teamwork,” said Willie Chiang. “Harry lives our core values every day and has been an exceptional role model for our employees and an outstanding representative for our company and our industry. I want to thank him for his many contributions and I am very pleased that we will continue to benefit from his knowledge, experience and insights through his continued service as a Director and his new role as a Senior Advisor.”

“It has been an incredible experience to be part of Plains during such a dynamic period. I have had the privilege of working with exceptionally talented teammates that have always been committed to developing lasting relationships, delivering value, driving results, and meeting the needs of our customers and stakeholders. I strongly believe that we will continue to see growth in crude oil production and that Plains is better positioned than ever to capitalize on the growing demand for our integrated asset base,” said Harry Pefanis.

As part of the Board’s ongoing succession planning process, Plains also announced the following changes to its Board of Directors effective June 1, 2025. Bobby Shackouls will be succeeded in his roles as Lead Director and Chair of the Governance Committee by John Raymond. Mr. Shackouls will succeed Mr. Raymond as Chair of the Compensation Committee. In order to ensure continuity and a smooth transition, Mr. Raymond will remain a member of the Compensation Committee and Mr. Shackouls will remain a member of the Governance Committee.

About Plains
PAA is a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and provides logistics services for crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL). PAA owns an extensive network of pipeline gathering and transportation systems, in addition to terminalling, storage, processing, fractionation and other infrastructure assets serving key producing basins, transportation corridors and major market hubs and export outlets in the United States and Canada. On average, PAA handles approximately eight million barrels per day of crude oil and NGL.

PAGP is a publicly traded entity that owns an indirect, non-economic controlling general partner interest in PAA and an indirect limited partner interest in PAA, one of the largest energy infrastructure and logistics companies in North America.

PAA and PAGP are headquartered in Houston, Texas. More information is available at www.plains.com.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Blake Fernandez
Michael Gladstein
PlainsIR@plains.com
(866) 809-1291

The MIL Network –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Syria: Legacy of 14 years of war is huge – Special Envoy | United Nation

Source: United Nations (Video News)

“The legacies of 14 years of war and conflict and five decades of one-man rule are huge. So are the immediate challenges facing the Syrians today,” said UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen.

Briefing the Security Council today (Mar 25) on Syria’s political and humanitarian landscape, Pedersen described a resurgence of violence in early March that he said bears the hallmarks of renewed internal conflict.

“On Thursday March 6, armed groups associated with the former regime attacked and ambushed caretaker authority forces across the coastal region,” Pedersen said. “Reports indicate attacks on military and internal security targets, and also several hospitals.”

He noted the “scale and sophistication” of the attacks were “striking,” many carried out by groups linked to former regime officers. But what followed was worse, he said, pointing to mass killings of civilians.

“Far more disturbing was the appalling civilian death toll, including widespread summary killings of civilians and unarmed individuals,” he told the Council. “Accounts of entire families executed at point blank, and widespread footage of grave violations of a plainly sectarian and retaliatory nature – singling out Allawites.”

On the humanitarian front, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher warned that critical funding gaps are forcing aid agencies to make “brutal choices.”

“Last year’s appeal was only 35 per cent funded – causing us to reduce our humanitarian response by more than half,” he said. “We are under no illusions about the grim financial outlook.”

Fletcher said the UN had completed a country-wide rapid needs assessment and was now focusing aid on the most vulnerable — roughly half of the 16.7 million people in need.

“Let us be problem solvers rather than problem observers,” he urged. “The price of failure will far outweigh the investment we are asking for.”

Joumana Seif, co-founder of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement, echoed calls for long-term accountability alongside immediate aid, urging Syrians to lead the process.

“Today, more than ever, Syrians must create a transparent and inclusive national plan for transitional justice,” she said, emphasizing the role of civil society and victim associations in ensuring justice and preventing future atrocities.

Representing the Syrian government, Ambassador Qusay Abdul Jabbar al-Dahha told the Council that the country is moving forward with constitutional reform following the national dialogue conference.

“With the aim of preparing the legal framework for the transitional phase, the Presidency of the Republic formed a committee to draft the Constitutional Declaration, which was subsequently approved,” he said.

He stressed that the “new Syria will be a state of law,” vowing that attacks on civilians “will not go unpunished, regardless of the identity of the perpetrators.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFrQSem_g80

MIL OSI Video –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Do you feel £1,400 better off every year since 2014?

Source: Scottish National Party

In the 2014 independence referendum Westminster politicians said “every Scot will be £1,400 better off every year” if people voted ‘No’.

It’s therefore painfully ironic that, just a decade later, people in Scotland see headlines saying “UK families to be ‘£1,400-a-year poorer by 2030’.”

New analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) – using forecast models from the Bank of England – shows that the austerity policies of Keir Starmer’s government will leave people worse off in the next five years.

The JRF also said that if living standards haven’t improved by 2030, Labour will not only have failed to meet their own election pledge but will have become the first government in nearly 75 years to have seen a fall in living standards across a full parliament.

They concluded that the worse effects of these policies will fall on the poorest third of the population.

The pledge that “every Scot will be £1,400 better off every year” is not only looking threadbare, it’s been ripped into rags by the very people who promised it.

And, this is no joke, the same Westminster politicians seriously argued that this £1,400 meant people would be able to enjoy ‘scoffing 280 hot dogs’ or drinking ’636 cappuccinos’. Instead we’ve seen food banks rise year on year.

But those aren’t the only promises Westminster politicians made to persuade people to vote ‘No’.

In the run-up to the 2014 referendum people were also promised “lower shopping bills” and that Westminster would “keep energy costs down for families in Scotland“.

Better Together on X: “Lower shopping bills than if we left the United Kingdom say supermarkets. Read more: http://t.co/hcmC81lu9q #indyref http://t.co/MmDmHF6nrt” / X

Better Together on X: “Being part of the UK keeps energy costs down for families in Scotland http://t.co/VkNwzmQ4kq #indyref” / X

They highlighted Gordon Brown urging people in Scotland to vote ‘No’ “to create a more socially just country“; and that a Westminster-run social security system “offers better protection for pensioners, disabled and the unemployed“.

Better Together on X: “Gordon Brown urges people in Scotland to stay in the UK to create a more socially just country http://t.co/0s9ZggfkZN #indyref” / X

Better Together on X: “Gordon Brown in Dundee: “Our UK welfare state offers better protection for pensioners, disabled and the unemployed.” http://t.co/AYzvqu9EBH” / X

With Scots facing yet more energy bill increases – despite Labour promises to cut them by £300 – and Keir Starmer’s government cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners and support for the disabled.

This situation not only makes a bad joke of the Westminster politicians’ promises in the 2014 independence referendum, but it also exposes the duplicity of Labour’s promise of “Change”.

Even before the 2024 election the signs of the direction of the UK were obvious.

Reports revealed that UK workers were missing out on over £10,000 a year, with living standards falling behind other G7 nations, as well as Australia and the Netherlands.

Other analysis showed that, compared to neighbouring countries in north west Europe, the UK in the 21st century has had the least wealth per person, the most poverty, and the greatest gap between rich and poor. It also shows that countries similar in size or smaller than Scotland are wealthier and more equal than the north west European average.

But it could be so much different, and better, for Scotland.

With a huge offshore energy potential, a food and drink sector worth billions and one of the best educated populations in Europe and can even be asked: Why is Scotland in a UK trailing its neighbours so badly?

The reason is that those countries don’t have government from Westminster obsessed with cutting public spending again and again.

Those other countries get government’s they voted for with policies they want, and the results can be seen in how they are wealthier, fairer and happier than the UK.

Despite the ‘No’ campaigns 2014 promises, Westminster isn’t working for Scotland, but independence works for those countries.

So why shouldn’t it work for Scotland too?

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Security Minister observes counter-terrorism exercise in Wales
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Security Minister observes counter-terrorism exercise in Wales

Meeting emergency responders at a counter-terrorism training exercise in Wales, the Security Minister praised their collaboration to keep the public safe.
The Security Minister re-emphasised the need for close working between national and devolved emergency services and responders to minimise the impact of a terrorist attack in Wales, during a visit to Swansea to observe a multi-agency counter-terrorism exercise on Wednesday (26 April).

At the exercise at Swansea.com Stadium, he was able to watch emergency responders in Wales, including the police, fire and rescue, ambulance and other responder organisations, test their preparedness for a large-scale attack and ensure they work effectively together to keep the public safe.

Thanking all those taking part in the exercise for their unwavering commitment to protecting the public, the Security Minister gave a speech to participants, to say that responding to an incident with mass fatalities successfully depends on trust, close working and collaboration between multiple agencies.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

It was an immense privilege to witness the dedicated work of the emergency services and responder organisations and their unwavering commitment to keeping the people of Wales safe.

National security is the foundation of our Plan for Change. This essential training ensures we are prepared for every eventuality and in the best position to save lives and protect our communities.

It comes after the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill completed its final parliamentary stage this week ahead of Royal Assent. This new legislation will ensure venues across the UK – which will include premises such as sports stadiums – consider the security of the public and take steps to protect them from harm.

The new law is better known as Martyn’s Law in memory of Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life alongside 21 others in the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack.

Wednesday’s exercise also sought to test the stadium’s internal contingency response plans. Under the Bill, qualifying premises like Swansea.com Stadium will be required to plan how best to respond to a terrorist attack.

The exercise was part of a routine training exercise between the police, including Counter Terrorism Policing Wales and South Wales Police; and other services, such as the South Wales Fire and Rescue service, health and social care, and the Welsh Government; which work together in partnership to respond to and mitigate the impacts of incidents of this nature.

The various agencies taking part were able to practice the application of the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) which are widely acknowledged as critical to the success of a response to an incident and are the adopted principles for multi-agency working across the UK.

The Security Minister also visited the Senedd in Cardiff where he met with the First Minister of Wales to discuss strengthening national security in Wales and remaining prepared for terrorist attacks.

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Published 26 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Delivering Relief to Middle Class Families
Source: US State of New York

strong>B-ROLL of the Governor during the visit can be found on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.

PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page has photos of the event here.

Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul visited a supermarket in Albany County to speak with shoppers about her 2025 State of the State Affordability Agenda.

“The cost of living is too high and my Budget takes meaningful steps to put money back in the pockets of New York families,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proposing a common-sense agenda that delivers real relief and lifts up middle-class families.”

To make New York more affordable, Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget proposes:
- Nearly $1 billion in tax relief to more than 8.3 million New Yorkers through a middle-class tax cut
- New York’s first-ever Inflation Refund, delivering checks of up to $500 for families
- Increasing the Child Tax Credit to offer up to $1,000 for children ages 0-3 and $500 for children ages 4-16
This year’s proposals build on Governor Hochul’s strong focus on affordability. She worked to raise the minimum wage and index it to inflation, so New Yorkers get a raise when costs go up. The Governor also fought to implement the country’s first-ever statewide paid prenatal leave policy, giving pregnant women the opportunity to access vital medical care, and also banned co-pays for insulin on all State-regulated health care plans.

MIL OSI USA News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Acting U.S. Attorney Announces $5 Million False Claims Act Settlement With Providers Of Programs For Adults With Developmental Disabilities
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Community Options, Inc. and New York Affiliate Admit Billing Medicaid for Services Without Accurate and Adequate Supporting Documentation and Failing to Report and Return Overpayments to Medicaid
Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Naomi Gruchacz, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), announced today that the United States has filed and simultaneously settled a civil fraud lawsuit against COMMUNITY OPTIONS, INC. (“COI”) and COMMUNITY OPTIONS NEW YORK, INC. (“CONY”, and together with COI, the “Defendants” or “Community Options”).

CONY is a New York not-for-profit corporation that, among other things, operates a network of residential and non-residential facilities and programs for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities throughout the State of New York. As part of its operations, CONY provides Day Habilitation services—which are programs intended to help adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities improve their independence and skills in daily activities. COI is a New Jersey not-for-profit corporation that, among other things, oversees CONY’s operations in New York and provides administrative support, including a centralized billing team that handles CONY’s submission of claims for reimbursement to the New York Medicaid Program. The settlement resolves claims that the Defendants fraudulently billed Medicaid by submitting claims for Day Habilitation services that did not meet applicable requirements, and improperly avoiding the return of overpayments received from the Medicaid program for Day Habilitation services that failed to meet those requirements.

Under the settlement agreement approved today by U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni, the Defendants will pay the U.S. $2,148,540.37 and have admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged in the Complaint as further described below. The Defendants have also agreed to pay $2,868,085.74 to the State of New York to resolve the State of New York’s claims, for a total recovery of $5,016,626.11.

In connection with the settlement agreement, the Defendants have also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG. The Corporate Integrity Agreement requires that the Defendants maintain a compliance program designed to foster adherence to federal health care program requirements and thereby protect the programs, and that they engage an independent organization to review claims they submit to Medicaid to ensure they comply with applicable requirements.

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Community Options billed Medicaid for services that failed to meet program requirements and retained potential overpayments received from Medicaid when it had an obligation to report and return those funds. Community Options has now admitted and accepted responsibility for its conduct. This Office will continue to ensure that our most vulnerable New Yorkers receive the services they deserve, and that our federal health care programs are protected against fraud and abuse.”

HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz said: “Individuals and entities that participate in the federal healthcare system are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and the provision of appropriate services to patients. The settlement in this case involves a provider that is responsible for a vulnerable population, for which it should be prioritizing quality services.”

As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:

In order to receive payment from the New York Medicaid Program for the provision of Day Habilitation services, COI was required to ensure that such services were delivered and documented in compliance with applicable program requirements promulgated by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (the “OPWDD Requirements”).

However, between January 1, 2017, and September 13, 2024, (the “Relevant Period”), COI failed to maintain adequate policies concerning the provision and documentation of Day Habilitation services consistent with the OPWDD Requirements and failed to adequately train their employees on compliance with the OPWDD Requirements. As a result, COI’s employees failed to document CONY’s provision of Day Habilitation services in accordance with the OPWDD requirements.

COI understood that they were prohibited from submitting claims for reimbursement to New York’s Medicaid program for Day Habilitation services if the OPWDD Requirements were not met. Nonetheless, COI frequently submitted claims to Medicaid for Day Habilitation services that did not meet these requirements.

COI further understood that, as a provider of services under New York’s Medicaid Program, they were required to report and return identified overpayments to the New York Medicaid Program. During the Relevant Period, COI conducted non-routine reviews that identified their receipt and retention of Medicaid overpayments associated with Day Habilitation services. Nevertheless, COI failed to report and return those overpayments to the New York Medicaid Program.

As part of the settlement, the Defendants admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged by the U.S., including the following:
- In order to receive payment from the New York Medicaid Program for the provision of Day Habilitation services, the Defendants were required to ensure that such services were delivered and documented in compliance with the OPWDD Requirements.
- During the Relevant Period, the Defendants failed to maintain adequate policies concerning the provision and documentation of Day Habilitation services consistent with the OPWDD Requirements and failed to adequately train their employees on compliance with the OPWDD Requirements. As a result, the Defendants’ employees failed to document CONY’s provision of Day Habilitation services in accordance with the OPWDD Requirements.
- Nonetheless, the Defendants submitted claims for, and received, reimbursement from the New York Medicaid Program for Day Habilitation services that did not meet OPWDD Requirements.
- CONY was required to report and return overpayments associated with Day Habilitation services that did not meet the OPWDD Requirements to the New York Medicaid Program. Nonetheless, when the Defendants conducted non-routine reviews that identified their receipt and retention of overpayments associated with Day Habilitation services, they failed to report and return those overpayments to the New York Medicaid Program.
In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.

* * *

Mr. Podolsky thanked both HHS-OIG for its investigative efforts and assistance with the case, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at the New York State Attorney General’s Office for its collaboration in the resolution of this case.

The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Farber is in charge of the case.
MIL Security OSI –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Felipe De Jesus Zavala Medel falsely represented that his name was Johny Joe Olivo & that he was born in Texas

BANGOR, Maine: A Mexican national pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to making a false statement to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent.

According to court records, in January 2025, Felipe De Jesus Zavala Medel, 64, approached the Coburn Gore port of entry in a vehicle from the Canadian side of the international border and presented a North Dakota driver’s license in the name of “Johny Joe Olivo” along with identifying documents to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent. Zavala Medel falsely told the agent he was born in Texas. He also completed and signed a Customs Declaration form containing the false information. During questioning, he admitted that he did not have any documents that allowed him to legally enter, reside, or work in the U.S.

Zavala Medel faces a maximum prison term of five years and a fine up to $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

CBP and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

###

MIL Security OSI –

March 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: 3D Systems Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ROCK HILL, S.C., March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

Full-year 2024 revenue of $440 million, above lower end of guidance range, inclusive of a $9 million revenue reduction in Q4 driven by a change in accounting estimates for Regenerative Medicine program milestone recognition. This change in estimate is related to the now anticipated use of pre-clinical human decedent testing, successfully demonstrated by our partner, United Therapeutics, which led to refinement of the milestone technical criteria.
Continued reduction in operating expenses in Q4 reflecting the company’s focus on cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Announcement of a new cost reduction initiative expected to deliver over $50 million in incremental annualized savings related to actions taken throughout 2025 and the first-half 2026.
All regulatory approvals have been obtained for sale of Geomagic software platform, with a sale price of $123 million and targeted close in early April.
Balance sheet cash and cash equivalents of $171 million as of December 31, 2024. Proceeds from Geomagic sale to further strengthen balance sheet in Q2.
Normalizing for divestiture, 2025 full-year forecast reflects return to flat to modest top line organic growth with progressive cost reductions strengthening EBITDA performance throughout the year. Target is to exit 2025 at positive adjusted-EBITDA levels, with continuing momentum in 2026.

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
(in millions, expect per share data)	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Revenue	$	111.0		$	114.8		$	440.1		$	488.1
Gross profit	$	34.4		$	44.0		$	164.2		$	196.4
Gross profit margin		31.0	%		38.3	%		37.3	%		40.2	%
Operating expense	$	64.8		$	371.3		$	441.6		$	602.4
Operating loss	$	(30.4	)	$	(327.3	)	$	(277.4	)	$	(406.0	)
Net loss attributable to 3D Systems Corporation	$	(33.7	)	$	(292.7	)	$	(255.6	)	$	(362.7	)
Diluted loss per share	$	(0.25	)	$	(2.25	)	$	(1.94	)	$	(2.79	)

Non-GAAP measures for year-over-year comparisons ⁽¹⁾
Non-GAAP gross profit margin		31.3	%		39.8	%		37.4	%		40.6	%
Non-GAAP operating expense	$	58.4		$	65.4		$	250.3		$	246.0
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(19.1	)	$	(14.0	)	$	(66.4	)	$	(26.3	)
Non-GAAP diluted loss per share	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.62	)	$	(0.28	)

⁽¹⁾ See “Presentation of Information in this Press Release” below for a description, and the Appendix for the reconciliation of non-GAAP measurements to the most closely comparable GAAP measure.

Summary Comments on Results

“While 2024 was a challenging year for sales, reflecting weak customer capex spending on new manufacturing plant capacity through the first three quarters, we were pleased to see a healthy uptick in the sale of new industrial printer systems and global services in the fourth quarter,” said Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president & CEO of 3D Systems. “In addition, with the largest installed base in the additive manufacturing industry, we were pleased to see a return to healthy consumable sales across most markets, reflecting higher utilization rates for existing machines. These positive changes in our core business units were unfortunately masked by the impact of an accounting estimate change in our Regenerative Medicine program related to refinement of technical acceptance criteria associated with a potential change in testing methodology for printed human lungs, which are the focus of this program. This estimate change relates to the incorporation of in vivo human decedent testing protocols, which have recently been successfully demonstrated by our partner, United Therapeutics. While this accounting estimate change was not originally contemplated in our 2024 guidance, I am pleased that our core businesses still delivered within the full-year revenue range communicated in our prior forecast, and that the market showed signs of strengthening in the fourth quarter.”

Dr. Graves continued, “While sales were weak across our industry for the last year, for 3D Systems 2024 will be remembered as a historic year of innovation, one in which dozens of new products were launched in both our Healthcare and Industrial markets. This strength in new products was a direct reflection of the continuity in R&D investment that we maintained over this challenging period. Naming just a few key milestones, early in the year we announced the largest contract in the Company’s history, securing our leadership in the dental market for the straightening of teeth, while simultaneously building critical momentum in the even larger adjacent market for teeth replacement, culminating in the announcement of our jetted denture solution which was granted clearance by the FDA in September. In our Industrial business, our collaboration with Daimler Truck demonstrated the exceptional savings potential for integrating digital rights management with on-demand localized print capabilities using Oqton work-flow management for critical spare parts, a market that is expected to reach $8 billion for trucks by 2027. With the broadest range of metal and polymer additive manufacturing technology in the entire industry, and our application-first mindset, we believe our organic growth prospects will be a key differentiator in the path ahead.”

Dr. Graves concluded, “With our new products now gaining traction in the market, our focus is increasingly centered on driving gross margin expansion and operating expense improvements in the face of continuing uncertainty in the global markets. Given this potential demand profile, we believe it is prudent to undertake further significant actions to reduce costs and improve operating efficiencies to support our long-term mission of delivering growth with sustainable profitability. Our latest cost initiative, which began in Q1 of 2025, is targeted at delivering over $50 million of incremental annualized savings based on actions taken over the next six quarters. Importantly, while these efforts will not be fully completed until the middle of 2026, we anticipate significant improvements associated with them, in conjunction with those taken previously, leading us to expect break-even-or-better adjusted-EBITDA performance by the fourth quarter of 2025, despite essentially flat-to-modest revenue growth. From a balance sheet perspective, having previously retired over 50% of our Convertible Notes due November 2026, the remainder of which reaches maturity in Q4 of 2026, our cash balance at 2024 year-end of $171 million, supplemented by proceeds from the sale of our Geomagic software platform for $123 million in the coming weeks, positions us well to continue reducing our leverage while supporting the investments needed to deliver long-term growth and profitability.”

Summary of Fourth Quarter Results

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased 3% to $111.0 million compared to the same period last year and includes an $8.7 million reduction due to a change in accounting estimate related to refinement of milestone recognition criteria within our Regenerative Medicine program.

Healthcare Solutions revenue, which includes revenues from our Regenerative Medicine program, decreased 21% to $40.4 million compared to the prior year period.

Industrial Solutions revenue increased 11% to $70.7 million compared to the prior year period.

Gross profit margin for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 31.0% compared to 38.3% in the same period last year. Non-GAAP gross profit margin was 31.3% compared to 39.8% in the same period last year and decreased primarily due to the accounting estimate changes previously described for our Regenerative Medicine program. Excluding the impact of these accounting estimate changes, non-GAAP gross profit margins were 36.3% for Q4 and 38.7% for the full year 2024, offering a perspective on our core Healthcare and Industrial business performance.

Net loss attributable to 3D Systems Corporation improved by $259.0 million to a loss of $33.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year. The improvement in net loss primarily reflects the year-over-year change in impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets taken during the prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $5.1 million to a loss of $19.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year primarily driven by lower revenue and margin due to a change in accounting estimate related to refinement of milestone recognition criteria in our Regenerative Medicine program.

Summary of Full-Year 2024 Results

Revenue for 2024 of $440.1 million decreased 10% compared to the prior year. The decline in revenue primarily reflects lower hardware systems sales due to macroeconomic factors that are negatively impacting demand.

Healthcare Solutions revenue decreased 11% to $189.7 million compared to the prior year.

Industrial Solutions revenue decreased 9% to $250.4 million compared to the prior year.

Gross profit margin for the full year 2024 was 37.3% compared to 40.2% in the prior year. Non-GAAP gross profit margin was 37.4% for the full year 2024 compared to 40.6% in the prior year. Gross profit margin decreased primarily due to the change in accounting estimate related to refinement of milestone recognition criteria within our Regenerative Medicine program and unfavorable manufacturing variances.

Net loss for the full year 2024 improved by $107.1 million to a loss of $255.6 million compared to the prior year. The improvement in net loss primarily reflects the year-over-year change in impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets taken during 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $40.1 million to a loss of $66.4 million in 2024 compared to prior year primarily driven by lower revenues and increases in consulting and outside services expenses.

2025 Outlook

Assuming no material change in current macroeconomic conditions and the expected divestiture of the Geomagic business in early Q2 of 2025, the Company is providing the following for its full year 2025 outlook:

Revenue within the range of $420 million to $435 million, representing essentially flat to modest growth when excluding Geomagic revenue for the same periods in FY’24
Non-GAAP Gross Profit Margin within the range of 37% to 39%
Non-GAAP Operating Expense within the range of $200 million to $220 million
Adjusted EBITDA to be break even or better in Q4 2025

Financial Liquidity

At December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled $171.3 million and decreased $160.2 million since December 31, 2023. This decrease resulted primarily from the repurchase of our Convertible Notes due November 2026 of $87.2 million, cash used in operations of $44.9 million, and capital expenditures of $16.1 million. At December 31, 2024, the company had total debt, net of deferred financing costs of $212.0 million.

Q4 and FY 2024 Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss these results on March 27 2025, which may be accessed as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time
Listen via webcast: www.3dsystems.com/investor
Participate via telephone: 201-689-8345

A replay of the webcast will be available approximately two hours after the live presentation at www.3dsystems.com/investor.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward looking statements can be identified by terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “anticipates” or “plans” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions and current expectations and may include comments as to the company’s beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.

Presentation of Information in this Press Release

3D Systems reports its financial results in accordance with GAAP. Management also reviews and reports certain Non-GAAP measures, including: Non-GAAP gross profit, Non-GAAP gross profit margin, Non-GAAP diluted income (loss) per share, Non-GAAP operating expense and Adjusted EBITDA. These Non-GAAP measures exclude certain items that management does not view as part of 3D Systems’ core results as they may be highly variable, may be unusual or infrequent, are difficult to predict and can distort underlying business trends and results. Management believes that the Non-GAAP measures provide useful additional insight into underlying business trends and results and provide meaningful information regarding the comparison of period-over-period results. Additionally, management uses the Non-GAAP measures for planning, forecasting and evaluating business and financial performance, including allocating resources and evaluating results relative to employee compensation targets. 3D Systems’ Non-GAAP measures are not calculated in accordance with or as required by GAAP and may not be calculated in the same manner as similarly titled measures used by other companies. These Non-GAAP measures should thus be considered as supplemental in nature and not considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

To calculate the Non-GAAP measures, 3D Systems excludes the impact of the following items:

amortization of intangible assets, a non-cash expense, as 3D Systems’ intangible assets were primarily acquired in connection with business combinations;
costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and divestitures, such as legal, consulting and advisory fees;
stock-based compensation expenses, a non-cash expense;
charges related to restructuring and cost optimization plans, impairment charges, including goodwill, and divestiture gains or losses;
certain compensation expense related to the 2021 Volumetric acquisition; and
costs, including legal fees, related to significant or unusual litigation matters.

Amortization of intangibles and acquisition and divestiture-related costs are excluded from Non-GAAP measures as the timing and magnitude of business combination transactions are not predictable, can vary significantly from period to period and the purchase price allocated to amortizable intangible assets and the related amortization period are unique to each acquisition. Amortization of intangible assets will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. While intangible assets contribute to the company’s revenue generation, the amortization of intangible assets does not directly relate to the sale of the company’s products or services. Additionally, intangible assets amortization expense typically fluctuates based on the size and timing of the company’s acquisition activity. Accordingly, the company believes excluding the amortization of intangible assets enhances the company’s and investors’ ability to compare the company’s past financial performance with its current performance and to analyze underlying business performance and trends. Although stock-based compensation is a key incentive offered to certain of our employees, the expense is non-cash in nature, and we continue to evaluate our business performance excluding stock-based compensation; therefore, it is excluded from Non-GAAP measures. Stock-based compensation expenses will recur in future periods. Charges related to restructuring and cost optimization plans, impairment charges, including goodwill, divestiture gains or losses, and the costs, including legal fees, related to significant or unusual litigation matters are excluded from Non-GAAP measures as the frequency and magnitude of these activities may vary widely from period to period. Additionally, impairment charges, including goodwill, are non-cash. Furthermore, the company believes the costs, including legal fees, related to significant or unusual litigation matters are not indicative of our core business’ operations. Finally, 3D Systems excludes contingent consideration recorded as compensation expense related to the 2021 Volumetric acquisition from Non-GAAP measures as management evaluates financial performance excluding this expense, which is viewed by management as similar to acquisition consideration.

The matters discussed above are tax effected, as applicable, in calculating Non-GAAP diluted income (loss) per share.

Adjusted EBITDA, defined as net income, plus income tax (provision) benefit, interest and other income (expense), net, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation expense, and other Non-GAAP adjustments, all as described above, is used by management to evaluate performance and helps measure financial performance period-over-period.

A reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP financial measures is provided in the accompanying schedules.

3D Systems does not provide forward-looking guidance for certain measures on a GAAP basis. The company is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of forward-looking Non-GAAP gross profit margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Non-GAAP operating expense to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measures without unreasonable effort because certain items, including litigation costs, acquisition expenses, stock-based compensation expense, intangible assets amortization expense, restructuring expenses, and goodwill impairment charges are difficult to predict and estimate. These items are inherently uncertain and depend on various factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control, and as such, any associated estimate and its impact on GAAP performance could vary materially.

About 3D Systems

More than 35 years ago, Chuck Hull’s curiosity and desire to improve the way products were designed and manufactured gave birth to 3D printing, 3D Systems, and the additive manufacturing industry. Since then, that same spark continues to ignite the 3D Systems team as we work side-by-side with our customers to change the way industries innovate. As a full-service solutions partner, we deliver industry-leading 3D printing technologies, materials and software to high-value markets such as medical and dental; aerospace, space and defense; transportation and motorsports; AI infrastructure; and durable goods. Each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise and passion of our employees who endeavor to achieve our shared goal of Transforming Manufacturing for a Better Future. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

Investor Contact:	investor.relations@3dsystems.com
Media Contact:	press@3dsystems.com

Tables Follow


3D Systems Corporation Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except par value)

	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	171,324		$	331,525
Accounts receivable, net of reserves — $2,433 and $3,389		101,471			101,497
Inventories		118,530			152,188
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		34,329			42,612
Assets held for sale		3,176			—
Total current assets		428,830			627,822
Property and equipment, net		51,044			64,461
Intangible assets, net		18,020			62,724
Goodwill		14,879			116,082
Operating lease right-of-use assets		50,715			58,406
Finance lease right-of-use assets		8,726			12,174
Long-term deferred income tax assets		2,063			4,230
Other assets		34,569			44,761
Total assets	$	608,846		$	990,660
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current operating lease liabilities	$	9,514		$	9,924
Accounts payable		41,833			49,757
Accrued and other liabilities		45,488			49,460
Customer deposits		4,712			7,599
Deferred revenue		27,298			30,448
Liabilities held for sale		10,251			—
Total current liabilities		139,096			147,188
Long-term debt, net of deferred financing costs		211,995			319,356
Long-term operating lease liabilities		52,527			56,795
Long-term deferred income tax liabilities		2,076			5,162
Other liabilities		25,001			33,400
Total liabilities		430,695			561,901
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable non-controlling interest		1,958			2,006
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 220,000 shares; shares issued 135,510 and 133,619 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively		136			134
Additional paid-in capital		1,593,366			1,577,519
Accumulated deficit		(1,362,243	)		(1,106,650	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(55,066	)		(44,250	)
Total stockholders’ equity		176,193			426,753
Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest and stockholders’ equity	$	608,846		$	990,660


3D Systems Corporation Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended						Year Ended
	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Revenue:	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Products	$	70,426		$	74,763		$	279,178		$	328,731
Services		40,598			40,085			160,943			159,338
Total revenue		111,024			114,848			440,121			488,069
Cost of sales:
Products		46,288			49,816			175,859			203,258
Services		30,291			21,075			100,084			88,390
Total cost of sales		76,579			70,891			275,943			291,648
Gross profit		34,445			43,957			164,178			196,421
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative		43,360			59,549			210,132			210,172
Research and development		20,219			22,513			86,479			89,466
Asset impairment charges		1,234			289,190			144,967			302,787
Total operating expenses		64,813			371,252			441,578			602,425
Loss from operations		(30,368	)		(327,295	)		(277,400	)		(406,004	)
Non-operating income (loss):
Foreign exchange gain (loss), net		3,226			(978	)		2,452			(4,825	)
Interest income		1,502			3,781			7,302			19,511
Interest expense		(620	)		(689	)		(2,564	)		(3,301	)
Other income (loss), net		(1,505	)		31,887			20,214			32,307
Total non-operating income (loss)		2,603			34,001			27,404			43,692
Loss before income taxes		(27,765	)		(293,294	)		(249,996	)		(362,312	)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes		(4,689	)		1,045			(2,193	)		641
Loss on equity method investment, net of income taxes		(1,001	)		(535	)		(3,404	)		(1,282	)
Net loss before redeemable non-controlling interest		(33,455	)		(292,784	)		(255,593	)		(362,953	)
Less: net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest		252			(116	)		—			(265	)
Net loss attributable to 3D Systems Corporation	$	(33,707	)	$	(292,668	)	$	(255,593	)	$	(362,688	)

Net loss per common share:
Basic	$	(0.25	)	$	(2.25	)	$	(1.94	)	$	(2.79	)
Diluted	$	(0.25	)	$	(2.25	)	$	(1.94	)	$	(2.79	)

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		132,576			130,431			131,861			129,944
Diluted		132,576			130,431			131,861			129,944


3D Systems Corporation Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)

	Year Ended December 31,
		2024			2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss before redeemable non-controlling interest	$	(255,593	)	$	(362,953	)
Adjustments to reconcile loss income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		33,310			33,413
Accretion of debt discount		1,378			2,640
Stock-based compensation		18,457			23,504
Loss on short-term investments		—			6
Non-cash operating lease expense		9,871			9,267
Provision for inventory obsolescence and revaluation		12,360			6,350
Provision for bad debts		506			595
Loss on the disposition of businesses, property, equipment and other assets		2,795			6
Gain on debt extinguishment		(21,518	)		(32,181	)
Benefit for deferred income taxes and reserve adjustments		(952	)		(2,412	)
Loss on equity method investment		3,404			1,282
Impairments of assets		144,967			304,698
Changes in operating accounts:
Accounts receivable		(6,376	)		(6,186	)
Inventories		15,766			(20,555	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,049			(7,961	)
Accounts payable		(5,812	)		(5,526	)
Deferred revenue and customer deposits		3,602			1,245
Accrued and other liabilities		(6,187	)		(12,933	)
All other operating activities		(1,914	)		(12,994	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(44,887	)		(80,695	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(16,121	)		(27,183	)
Purchases of short-term investments		—			—
Sales and maturities of short-term investments		—			180,925
Proceeds from sale of assets and businesses, net of cash sold		96			194
Acquisitions and other investments, net of cash acquired		(3,000	)		(29,152	)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(19,025	)		124,784
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of borrowings/long-term debt		(87,218	)		(100,614	)
Purchase of non-controlling interests		—			—
Taxes paid related to net-share settlement of equity awards		(2,662	)		(5,211	)
Other financing activities		(1,385	)		(644	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(91,265	)		(106,469	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(5,053	)		3,516
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(160,230	)		(58,864	)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year ^a		333,111			391,975
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the year ^a	$	172,881		$	333,111

(a) The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total of such amounts reported in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

	December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents	$	171,324	$	331,525	$	388,134
Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets		123		119		114
Restricted cash included in other assets		1,434		1,467		3,727
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows	$	172,881	$	333,111	$	391,975

Amounts included in restricted cash as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 primarily relate to guarantees in the form of a standby letter of credit as security for a long-term real estate lease. Amounts included in restricted cash as of December 31, 2022 primarily relate to $3,435 deposited into and held in an escrow account prior to its use as part of our initial investment in the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation (“NAMI”) joint venture. The remaining amounts in restricted cash in all periods presented relate to collateral for letters of credit and bank guarantees.


Appendix 3D Systems Corporation Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures

Segment Revenue ⁽¹⁾

	Three Months Ended December 31,
*(in millions)*		2024		2023	$ Change			% Change
Healthcare Solutions	$	40.4	$	51.2	$	(10.8	)		(21.1)	%
Industrial Solutions		70.7		63.7		7.0			11.0	%
Total revenue	$	111.0	$	114.8	$	(3.8	)		(3.3)	%

⁽¹⁾Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding

	Year Ended December 31,
*(in millions)*		2024		2023	$ Change			% Change
Healthcare Solutions	$	189.7	$	213.2	$	(23.5	)	(11.0)	%
Industrial Solutions		250.4		274.9		(24.5	)	(8.9)	%
Total revenue	$	440.1	$	488.1	$	(47.9	)	(9.8)	%

⁽¹⁾Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding

Gross Profit and Gross Profit Margin ⁽¹⁾

	Three Months Ended December 31,
*(in millions)*		2024					2023
	Gross Profit		Gross Profit Margin			Gross Profit		Gross Profit Margin
GAAP	$	34.4		31.0	%	$	44.0		38.3	%
Amortization expense included in Cost of sales		0.2					0.4
Severance accrual adjustment		0.1					1.4
Non-GAAP ⁽²⁾	$	34.7		31.3	%	$	45.8		39.8	%

⁽¹⁾Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding ⁽²⁾ Calculated as non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of total revenue.


	Year Ended December 31,
*(in millions)*		2024						2023
	Gross Profit			Gross Profit Margin			Gross Profit		Gross Profit Margin
GAAP	$	164.2			37.3	%	$	196.4		40.2	%
Amortization expense included in Cost of sales		1.0						0.5
Severance accrual adjustment		(0.4	)					1.4
Non-GAAP ⁽²⁾	$	164.8			37.4	%	$	198.4		40.6	%

⁽¹⁾Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding ⁽²⁾ Calculated as non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of total revenue.

Non-GAAP Operating Expense⁽¹⁾

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
*(in millions)*		2024			2023			2024			2023
Operating expense	$	64.8		$	371.3		$	441.6		$	602.4
Amortization expense		(0.8	)		(2.0	)		(13.3	)		(11.6	)
Stock-based compensation expense		(1.1	)		(8.4	)		(18.4	)		(23.5	)
Acquisition and divestiture-related expense		(1.4	)		1.2			(2.2	)		1.1
Legal and other expense		(1.8	)		(3.2	)		(11.0	)		(8.1	)
Restructuring expense		(0.1	)		(3.3	)		(1.4	)		(10.1	)
Asset impairment charges		(1.2	)		(290.1	)		(145.0	)		(304.4	)
Non-GAAP operating expense	$	58.4		$	65.4		$	250.3		$	246.0

⁽¹⁾Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding


Appendix 3D Systems Corporation Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures

Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA ⁽¹⁾

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
*(in millions)*		2024			2023			2024			2023
Net loss attributable to 3D Systems Corporation	$	(33.7	)	$	(292.7	)	$	(255.6	)	$	(362.7	)
Interest (income) expense, net		(0.9	)		(3.1	)		(4.7	)		(16.2	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		4.7			(1.0	)		2.2			(0.6	)
Depreciation expense		4.5			5.7			19.0			21.3
Amortization expense		1.0			2.4			14.3			12.1
EBITDA		(24.4	)		(288.8	)		(224.8	)		(346.1	)
Stock-based compensation expense		1.1			8.4			18.4			23.5
Acquisition and divestiture-related expense		1.4			(1.2	)		2.2			(1.1	)
Legal and other related costs		2.2			3.2			11.4			8.1
Restructuring expense		(0.2	)		4.8			0.7			11.5
Net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest		0.3			(0.1	)		0.1			(0.3	)
Loss on equity method investment, net of tax		1.0			0.5			3.4			1.3
Asset impairment charges		1.2			290.1			145.0			304.4
Gain on repurchase of debt		—			(32.2	)		(21.5	)		(32.2	)
Other non-operating (income) expense		(1.7	)		1.3			(1.2	)		4.7
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(19.1	)	$	(14.0	)	$	(66.4	)	$	(26.3	)

⁽¹⁾ Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding


Appendix 3D Systems Corporation Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures

Diluted Loss per Share ⁽¹⁾

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
*(in dollars)*		2024			2023			2024			2023
Diluted loss per share	$	(0.25	)	$	(2.25	)	$	(1.94	)	$	(2.79	)
Amortization expense		0.01			0.02			0.11			0.09
Stock-based compensation expense		0.01			0.06			0.14			0.18
Acquisition and divestiture-related expense		0.01			(0.01	)		0.02			(0.01	)
Legal expense		0.02			0.03			0.09			0.06
Restructuring expense		—			0.04			0.01			0.09
Asset impairment charges		0.01			2.23			1.10			2.35
Gain on repurchase of debt		—			(0.25	)		(0.16	)		(0.25	)
Loss on equity method investment and other		0.01			—			0.03			—
Non-GAAP diluted loss per share	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.62	)	$	(0.28	)

⁽¹⁾Amounts in table may not foot due to rounding

The MIL Network –

March 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 Ministerial Panel: Republic of Congo to Promote Onshore Acreage in Upcoming Bid Round

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo, March 26, 2025/APO Group/ —

The Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons announced that the upcoming 2025 licensing round will focus on onshore blocks in the country’s continental basin.

The announcement was made on March 25 by Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, during a ministerial panel discussion at the inaugural Congo Energy & investment Forum in Brazzaville.

“Our national development plan [aims to] develop the economy, but we cannot start without the development of hydrocarbons. We have no choice but to take care of hydrocarbons to give the country the capacity to develop,” Minister Itoua stated.

During the panel session, Minister Itoua also highlighted the Ministry’s plans to collaborate with oil and gas company Trident Energy to valorize associated gas from the country’s N’Kossa oil field. The Minister announced it will launch an entity to monetize associated gas not used by international oil companies operating in the country as part of a strategy to reach zero flaring by 2030.

Meanwhile, Aimé Sakombi Molendo, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announced that the country will hold discussions with the Republic of Congo on March 26 to explore bilateral cooperation and the possibility of co-developing hydrocarbon resources in cross-border basins. This comes as the DRC and Angola are set to kick off discussions with energy major Chevron for the joint development of the common interest zone between the two countries, with a governance agreement having been ratified in December last year.

“We will be discussing with the Republic of Congo bilaterally to see to what extent the two countries can benefit from co-development of our abundant hydrocarbon resources,” Minister Molendo stated.

José Barroso, Secretary of State for Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas for Angola, indicated the potential for developing joint projects in the energy sector with both the Republic of Congo and the DRC. Barroso highlighted the need to create the requisite technical conditions to incentivize national companies to participate in their respective markets in the three countries.

“In the pipeline, we have projects that we are discussing amongst ourselves, and in the short future, we will be able to communicate more on this,” Barroso stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), discussed the role the upcoming African Energy Bank will have on resource monetization and development in Africa. Spearheaded by APPO and the African Export-Import Bank, the bank aims to facilitate, promote and finance the development of Africa’s oil, gas and energy industries. According to Dr. Farouk, both the bank and the private sector will have an important role to play in ensuring that regional markets move forward and drive cross-border development.

“None of our countries have what it takes to address the challenges of energy by themselves. The African Energy Bank is an example of how Africa wants to be independent and be in control of its resources,” Dr. Farouk stated.

An outline of the Republic of Congo’s 2025 licensing round will be presented during the Congo Energy & Investment Forum.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Congo’s Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) Explores Regional Market Bond for Hydrocarbon Development

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 26, 2025/APO Group/ —

The Republic of Congo’s national oil company (NOC) Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) is seeking to raise $300 million through regional markets to finance hydrocarbon development.

In December 2024, SNPC launched a public bond offering titled “SNPC 6.5% Net 2024-2029” as part of an innovative financing strategy. The proceeds will support drilling projects in the Nanga, Kouakouala and Le Mayombe oil fields. By tapping into subregional resources, SNPC aims to boost production, increase tax revenues and create employment opportunities within the Republic of Congo.

Speaking at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum, SNPC’s Director of Finance and Accounting, Vianney Ebenga, underscored the challenges of securing international funding for fossil energy projects, noting that “the paradigm of financial institutions at an international level has shifted to clean energy,” making it increasingly difficult to raise funds for hydrocarbon development.

To navigate this shift, Aymor Ebiou, Advisor to the Director General in charge of Finance and Mandate at SNPC, highlighted the NOC’s response: “Funding at the international level is scarce; therefore, we have to innovate. SNPC is raising funds through the subregion so that we can develop our permits together.”

Supporting this approach, Fernand Gaboumba Moukengue, Director General of LCB Capital, the lead arranger for the bond issue, praised SNPC’s strategy and emphasized the strength of the domestic market: “We are considering quickly programming the second tranche of the domestic loan. You can safely raise funds through the domestic market. Today, we are more than 20 stock exchange companies to support companies seeking financing.”

MIL OSI Africa –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons Confirms Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2026 at Gala Dinner

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo, March 26, 2025/APO Group/ —

Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, the Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, opened the Congo Energy & Investment Forum’s (CEIF) Gala Dinner announcing the premier event will take place for a second edition in 2026.

“We commend the excellent organization of CEIF and are pleased to confirm its second edition in 2026. We also aim to host similar events, including one in Pointe-Noire, to further strengthen industry collaboration,” said Minister Itoua.

The Gala Dinner, a gathering of high-level energy stakeholders sponsored by Imperatus Energy, including African Ministers and global energy leaders, took center stage as the winners of the prestigious CEIF in Brazzaville were unveiled.

Denis Sassou Nguesso, President, Republic of Congo was awarded the Lifetime Achievement to the African Energy Industry Award at the opening of the main event. President Denis Sassou Nguesso is not only the President of the Republic of Congo; he is a visionary leader whose transformative impact is shaping the very future of the nation. By making the oil and gas sector the backbone of the economy, President Nguesso has sparked industrialization, expanded electrification and driven unprecedented job creation. Under his leadership, the Republic of Congo achieved the milestone of becoming an LNG producer in 2024 and witnessed an impressive surge in oil and gas discoveries, while new players entered the market. International companies have committed millions to hydrocarbon projects, and local firms have significantly scaled up their operations across the entire value chain.

Sockaht Charles, Former Chief of Cabinet at the Ministry of Hydrocarbons & Former General Director for Upstream at SNPC was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Sockaht Charles has been an instrumental force behind the Republic of Congo’s remarkable oil and gas success, with his visionary leadership shaping policies that have unlocked unparalleled investment and growth. As former Chief of Cabinet at the Hydrocarbons Ministry and former General Director for Upstream at SNPC, he has been at the helm of driving crucial industry reforms that have reinforced the sector’s foundation. His exceptional leadership has been pivotal in advancing the Republic of Congo’s upstream sector, championing regulatory transformations and paving the way for major developments throughout the country. Through his unwavering dedication and foresight, Sockaht Charles has not only positioned the Republic of Congo as a dominant oil and gas powerhouse, but has also fueled progress, prosperity, and a brighter, more sustainable energy future for the nation.

Eni was named Game Changer of the Year. Eni is revolutionizing the Republic of Congo’s energy landscape with its groundbreaking Congo LNG project. As the country’s first natural gas liquefaction initiative, Congo LNG has set a benchmark for offshore gas development in the Republic of Congo. Through the deployment of the Tango FLNG unit and the upcoming Nguya FLNG planned to start operations in 2025, Congo LNG is redefining a new era of energy production in the Republic of Congo.

TotalEnergies took home the Explorer of the Year award. TotalEnergies has taken exploration to new heights in the Republic of Congo. Despite facing geological and operational challenges in the Moho-Bilondo offshore block, the company remained resilient, bringing the project online in 2015 and now producing 140,000 barrels per day. In the face of challenging drilling conditions in the pre-salt, TotalEnergies demonstrated that through innovative drilling and a commitment to offshore production, companies can unlock the potential of the Republic of Congo’s deep-offshore acreage.

AMMAT Global Resources won the Local Content Champion of the Year Award. Independent hydrocarbon producer Ammat Global Resources is revolutionizing the Republic of Congo’s energy sector, but its impact goes beyond exploration and production. The company has not only promoted local content but cemented it across its operations through a commitment to local inclusion, a drive for capacity building and efforts to promote community outreach. With 85% of the company’s workforce local, Ammat is setting a strong benchmark for international companies operating in the Republic of Congo.

SLB received the Service Company of the Year Award. SLB is a driving force behind deepwater development and production efficiency in the Republic of Congo. From optimizing offshore operations to enhancing well performance to maximizing recovery rates and increasing efficiency, the company has emerged as a driving force behind the country’s production goals. Going forward, SLB’s commitment to ongoing projects and its dedication to long-term industry growth will not only bolster energy security but support sustainable operations for years to come.

These awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and companies in the Republic of Congo’s energy sector.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025: Reviving Mature Fields Key to Congo’s Hydrocarbon Future

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 26, 2025/APO Group/ —

Industry leaders at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 emphasized that revitalizing the Republic of Congo’s mature oil fields is key to sustaining production and attracting new investment during the Entering The Next Era Of Oil And Gas Production In Congo session.

The country aims to increase crude production to 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) and is seeking new investment across its diverse portfolio of oil and gas assets.

“Congo offers opportunities in both oil and gas. We are actively developing offshore and shallow-water fields in partnership with SNPC and Bomoko Oil & Gas,” stated Yachtze Luchin, President & CEO of Unite Oil & Gas – a Silver Sponsor of CEIF 2025. He added that, “Through strategic partnerships, technological innovation and a comprehensive approach, we can maximize efficiency of mature assets.”

Echoing Luchin’s comments, Miguel Baptista, Managing Director for Central, East & Southern Africa at SLB, said, “Mature fields remain a critical component of Congo’s hydrocarbon industry. The vast majority of production comes from these fields, and maintaining output requires a collaborative perspective, knowledge-sharing, digital tools to harness data and advanced technology deployment.”

Service providers have a key role to play in supporting the revitalization of Congo’s mature fields. According to James Richardson, Weatherford’s Europe, Africa & Caspian Sales Director, “We need to collaborate with other service providers to optimize recovery and extend field life.”

Meanwhile, Massimiliano Mignacca, Managing Director of Ammat Global Resources – a Platinum Sponsor of CEIF 2025 -, underscored the necessity of modernizing operations. “Many offshore fields have been in production since the late 1970s and 1980s. To sustain efficiency, we need to remove outdated infrastructure and introduce new technology while ensuring minimal environmental impact.”

The session also highlighted Congo’s emergence as a gas exporter and the need for continued investment in onshore projects. “Projects like Wing Wah’s onshore development are providing a significant boost to hydrocarbon expansion,” Baptista noted. “The key is to ensure that production is maintained through a holistic strategy.”

MIL OSI Africa –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Kenya’s decision to make maths optional in high school is a bad idea – what should happen instead
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Moses Ngware, Senior Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center

Kenya’s education ministry announced in March 2025 that mathematics would be an optional subject in senior secondary school, which begins in grade 10. Most students in this grade are aged 15 years. The education minister said the mathematics taught from grade 4 to grade 9 was sufficient for foundational “numeracy literacy”.

The change, in January 2026, is part of a shift to a new education system styled as the competence based curriculum. The decision is not to scrap maths altogether but rather to make it optional. However, given the poor performance in this subject, it is expected there will be few takers.

Maths is a compulsory subject in the first 12 years of basic education in many African countries. This is the case in Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa, which opted for a choice between maths and mathematical literacy for grades 10-12.

The older education system, known as 8-4-4, featured eight years of primary school and four each at high school and university. Under this, core maths, dubbed Alternative A, is compulsory for all schoolgoing children until the second year of high school (form 2). Most students in this grade are aged 16 years. In the final two years of high school, one has the option of switching to Alternative B, a simplified version of Alternative A introduced in 2009. Alternative B is similar to South Africa’s mathematical literacy subject.

@222222The decision has triggered heated debates in the country, in favour and against.

As a researcher who has taught high school maths and researched maths teaching for over 20 years, I have the view that making maths optional is not a good idea. This is because both individuals and society need maths, regardless of the career path they might choose.

It’s been argued that the change applies to the last two senior years of high school, which was the case in the old system too. For the new curriculum, however, this should not have been a problem as it is competence-based. This implies that what matters is the specific skills and knowledge mastered by a student, and not the examination scores.

The Kenyan education department should establish the root causes of the low performance in maths, and fix them. Research shows that chief among these are resource allocation; weak teacher preparation and support for foundational numeracy instruction; a learning disability known as dyscalculia; and the behavioural performance of maths teachers.

Kenya’s maths problem

In the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams, graded between A (highest) and E (lowest), over half of the 881,416 candidates’ maths scores fell in the lowest two grades, D and E. This improved only marginally in 2023. To put the performance in context, the pass rate in high school certificate maths examinations in Mauritius improved from 81.4% to 91.8% between 2019 and 2022.

There are a number of reasons for this dismal performance in Kenya:

Resource allocation: The better-resourced national schools can only admit a small number of students, leaving out over 70% who join low-resourced day schools. Resources for learning maths range from teachers to interactive teaching and learning materials inside the classroom. With the support of partners such as the Global Partnership for Education, the government aims to achieve a 1:1 textbook-per-student ratio goal. However, the flow of capitation grants to secondary schools has been wanting, jeopardising access to resources at the school level.

Teacher preparation: Teachers aren’t well prepared to support learners in foundational numeracy (maths in early grades). Foundational numeracy skills are critical in creating strong building blocks for future learning and success in later grades.

Teacher behaviour: Classroom observation studies reveal that maths teachers favour boys. Furthermore, above average learners sit in the front closer to the chalkboard, and learners are denied positive reinforcement that would motivate them to learn maths. There are also negative attitudes about maths as a difficult subject, reinforcing the stereotype that it is only suitable for boys and “bright” children.

Dyscalculia: Worldwide, 3%-7% of the general population are affected by a disability known as dyscalculia. In Kenya, 6.4% among primary and secondary school children have the disability. It is a condition that affects a person’s ability to understand numerical concepts. By implication, the number of the 962,512 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education candidates of 2024 with this disability works out to between 28,000 and 68,000 candidates. But Kenya’s education system doesn’t support teachers in diagnosing learners with dyscalculia, or managing their disability.

Policy options

There are alternatives to making maths an optional subject in senior secondary school.

The system needs to focus on the root causes of low performance, and then on how to fix them.

I suggest the following solutions.
- Avoid unnecessarily using achievement in maths to determine access to academic and training programmes. This way, one’s career will not solely be determined by performance in maths.
- Keep a simpler maths alternative, or maths literacy, for senior secondary instead of making maths optional.
- Teachers should continue to develop their competence in maths, focusing on content knowledge as well as knowledge of how to teach numeracy.
- The general public should communicate effectively to eliminate negative stereotypes and unhelpful attitudes in society. The aim is to shift mindsets so that maths is perceived as part of life – making it necessary to support all children to succeed in maths.
- Help learners to overcome dyscalculia, using multisensory teaching approaches – a way of teaching that engages more than one sense at a time: sight, hearing, movement and touch.
– Kenya’s decision to make maths optional in high school is a bad idea – what should happen instead
– https://theconversation.com/kenyas-decision-to-make-maths-optional-in-high-school-is-a-bad-idea-what-should-happen-instead-252965

MIL OSI Africa –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Virtual High-Level Segment of the 16th Petersberg Climate Dialogue [as delivered]

Source: United Nations – English

hank you for this opportunity — and for your focus today on collective climate action and acceleration of implementation.

This could not be more timely.

There is much uncertainty and instability in our world.

But today we meet in the wake of some good news.

Just this morning, the International Renewable Energy Agency officially confirmed that 2024 was a record year for renewables additions to global power capacity.

Renewables represented more than 92 per cent of all new electricity generation capacity installed last year.

The amount of renewables added represents more than the total electricity capacity of Brazil and Japan combined.

Europe’s capacity grew by 9 per cent – with Germany contributing more than one-quarter of that growth. Africa’s capacity grew by almost 7 per cent.

All of this is another reminder of a 21st century truth:

Renewables are renewing economies.

They are powering growth, creating jobs, lowering energy bills, and cleaning our air.

And every day, they become an even smarter investment.

Since 2010, the average cost of wind power has plunged 60%. Solar is 90% cheaper.

In 2023, clean energy sectors accounted for five per cent of economic growth in India and six in the US. It accounted for a fifth of China’s GDP growth, and a third of the EU’s.

The economic case for – and opportunities of – climate action have become ever clearer – particularly for those who choose to lead.

And leadership is what we need – as today’s IRENA report shows:

To accelerate the shift to renewables…

And to correct the imbalances in the transition, which is still starving developing countries – outside China – of the investment needed to fully embrace clean energy.

Excellencies, dear friends,

As the title of this session puts it so well: we are indeed at a turning point to the future.

In the ten years since Paris, we have seen other important progress.

Ninety percent of global emissions are now covered by net-zero targets.

A decade ago, the planet was on course for a global temperature rise of over four degrees Celsius.

Today, countries’ national climate plans – or NDCs – if fully delivered – will take us closer to a 2.6-degree rise.

At the same time, climate challenges are piling up.

It seems records are shattered at every turn — the hottest day of the hottest month of the hottest year of the hottest decade ever.

All of this is hitting the vulnerable hardest, and everyday people in their pockets – with higher living costs, higher insurance premiums, and higher food prices.

Just last week, the World Meteorological Organization confirmed that 2024 was another alarming year:

Almost every climate indicator reached new and increasingly dangerous heights – inflaming displacement and food insecurity and inflicting huge economic losses.

And, for the first time, the annual global temperature was 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than pre-industrial times.

Scientists are clear – it is still possible to meet the long-term 1.5 degree limit.

But it requires urgent action. And it requires leadership.

Excellencies, dear friends,

I see two critical fronts to drive action.

First, new national climate plans – or NDCs – due by September.

Investors need certainty and predictability.

These new plans are a unique opportunity to deliver – and lay out a coherent vision for a just green transition.

They must align with the 1.5-degree limit, as agreed at COP28. And cover all emissions and the whole economy.

Together, they must reduce global emissions 60% by 2035 – compared to 2019…

And contribute to the COP28 global energy transition goals.

All this must be achieved in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of national circumstances but everybody, everybody must do more.

The G20 – the largest emitters and economies – must lead.

Every country must step up and play their part.

The United Nations is with you all.

President Lula and I are working to secure the highest ambition from the largest economies.

The United Nations Climate Promise is supporting a hundred countries to prepare their new climate plans.

And we will convene a special event in September to take stock of the plans of all countries, push for action to keep 1.5 within reach, and deliver climate justice.

Second, we must drive finance to developing countries.

The COP29 finance agreement must be implemented in full.

I count on the leadership of the COP29 and COP30 Presidencies to deliver a credible roadmap to mobilize $1.3 trillion a year by 2035.

We need new and innovative sources of financing, and credible carbon pricing.

Developed countries must honour their promise to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year, by this year.

And we need serious contributions to the fund for responding to Loss and Damage, and to get it up and running.
Excellencies,

We can only meet these goals with stronger collaboration – between governments, and across society and sectors.

Those that will lag behind need to be not a reason for us to be discouraged but an increase in our commitment to move forward.

The rewards are there for the taking, for all those ready and willing to lead the world through these troubled times.

We are at a turning point. I urge you to seize this moment; and seize the prize.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Graham, Cotton Introduce Bill To Keep Cellphones Out Of Jails
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today joined U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) in introducing legislation to prevent inmates from using contraband cellphones in correctional facilities. The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 would allow state and federal prisons to use cellphone jamming systems.

Yesterday, Graham met with Bryan Stirling, Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and discussed this legislation.

“I have been meeting with the Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections Bryan Stirling and his team for years trying to get federal legislation that would jam cellphone signals in corrections institutions. Cellphones in prisons are widely used by inmates to communicate with drug cartels, human traffickers and gun runners. Bryan and his team have made it real to me that cellphones in prisons aid and abet lawbreaking.

“I completely support Senator Cotton’s legislation that would stop this practice. This needs to come to an end,” said Graham.

The legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), and James Risch (R-Idaho). Congressman David Kustoff (R-Tennessee) is leading companion legislation in the House.

Background:
- The use of contraband cellphones is widespread in both federal and state prison facilities. Inmates have used contraband cellphones to conduct illegal activities, including ordering hits on individuals outside of the prison walls, running illegal drug operations, conducting illegal business deals, facilitating sex trafficking, and organizing escapes which endanger correctional employees, other inmates, and members of the public.
- In 2018, a gang fight over territory using cellphones to trade contraband sparked a brawl inside the Lee Correctional Institution near Bishopville, South Carolina, and left seven inmates dead and 20 injured.
- Last year, two 13-year-old boys were killed at a birthday party in Atlanta after inmates in a Georgia prison used contraband cellphones to order their murder. In 2024, Georgia authorities confiscated more than 15,500 contraband cellphones and seized more than 8,000 in 2023.
- In December 2024, two California inmates were convicted of murder, racketeering, and other RICO-related crimes for running a heroin and meth trafficking operation from their prison cells.
- Bureau of Prisons Correctional officer Lt. Osvaldo Albarati was murdered in 2013 for interrupting an illicit contraband cellphone business. His actual assassination was initiated by an inmate using a contraband cellphone to contact the gunman as outlined in the indictment.
MIL OSI USA News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 – implementing acts – P-000847/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The intention of Regulation (EU) No 910/2014[1] as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183[2] is to enable all EU citizens and residents to identify in a secure way and under full protection of personal data for online public and private services. Providing digital identification guaranteed by governments to the private sector is therefore a basic objective of the regulation.

In addition, user identification by private services is mandated in paragraph 2 of Article 5f on the cross-border reliance on European Digital Identity Wallets in the basic act.

It specifically states that where ‘… strong user authentication for online identification or where strong user authentication for online identification is required by contractual obligation, including in the areas of transport, energy, banking, financial services, social security, health, drinking water, postal services, digital infrastructure, education or telecommunications, those private relying parties shall, … also accept European Digital Identity Wallets that are provided in accordance with this regulation.’

Relying parties, whether private or public must register in the Member State where they are established in order to rely upon European Digital Identity Wallets.

As noted above, there is already a broad obligation for the private sector to rely upon the European Digital Identity Wallet for user authentication and identification.

As Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 is not regulating how to provide for identity matching for private relying parties, it is up to Member States how to tackle this.

[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/910/oj/eng

[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401183
Last updated: 26 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ageism in service provision – E-001159/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001159/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)

Article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU emphasises that the Union recognises and respects the right of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life. However, data recently discussed in the Cypriot Parliament confirm that older adults are subjected to ageism and unreasonable actions by insurance companies.

Specifically, there have been a large number of complaints about arbitrary insurance premium increases for older adults. This means that low-income pensioners stay stuck at home because they are not in a position to pay the excessively high car insurance rates. Also, in many cases, insurance companies refuse to insure older adults, exploiting the legal vacuum that exists.

In light of the above:

1.Does the Commission intend to put forward a European strategy to regulate this issue and help eradicate ageism?

2.What is the Commission’s position concerning the need to push for a European directive on addressing ageism in service provision?

Submitted: 19.3.2025
Last updated: 26 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Marathonisi – Protection of the Caretta caretta sea turtle – E-001168/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001168/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)

Marathonisi, one of the most valuable habitats of the Caretta caretta sea turtle in the Mediterranean, is directly threatened by illegal construction work. Despite the area’s strict legal protection status, the Zakynthos Building Service issued a building permit ignoring the presidential decree prohibiting construction in the area. The work, which includes deforestation, construction of a platform and the use of heavy machinery, has devastated the natural environment, stripped land and violated the park’s protection conditions, causing serious disruption to the ecosystem and threatening the Caretta caretta nesting season.

In view of the above and given that Marathonisi is part of the Natura 2000 network and is protected by the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC):

1.Does the Commission consider that the issuance of the building permit and the construction work constitute a breach of EU environmental legislation?

2.Does the Commission intend to investigate the complaints and seek explanations from the Greek authorities?

3.How does the Commission intend to strengthen the monitoring and implementation of European environmental legislation in Greece in order to prevent similar illegal interference?

Submitted: 19.3.2025
Last updated: 26 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Review of Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on F-gases and its meaning for the European heat pump and cooling sector – E-001165/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer E-001165/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases, also known as the F-gas Regulation, envisages a complete phaseout of F-gases in several industrial applications, including in stationary air conditioning and heat pumps, despite them being one of the crucial components of this equipment.

With over 250 manufacturing facilities across approximately 20 Member States, the European heat pump sector not only supports our continent’s energy security but also significantly contributes to regional employment.

However, this positive impact is threatened by regulatory uncertainty. Article 35(5) of the F-gas Regulation states that the actual phaseout of F-gases depends on the results of an evaluation of available technologies and their effectiveness, which should be carried out by the Commission by 2030. This means that for the next five years, producers will be uncertain about what kind of production lines to invest in. This is another example of the unintended consequences of European regulation, which decreases European competitiveness.

With regard to Article 35(5) and given the importance of the heat pump sector for employment, competitiveness, energy security and innovation in Europe, would the Commission consider an earlier review of the F-gas Regulation, the proposed ban on F-gases, and available technologies with low global warming potential, to take place as early as 2025 or 2026?

Submitted: 19.3.2025

Last updated: 26 March 2025

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Trans-European transport infrastructure: Driving economic growth and enhancing security – 26-03-2025

Source: European Parliament

Trans-European transport infrastructure is vital for the EU’s economic stability, resilience and security. It helps the efficient movement of goods, services and people, thereby reinforcing economic activity, strengthening supply chains and enhancing the overall security of the continent. Its foundation is the TEN-T Regulation, along with additional measures on urban mobility, multimodal passenger hubs, traffic management systems, freight terminals, charging infrastructure for alternative fuels, and military mobility.

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures to combat domestic violence and protect children – E-002802/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

Both Directive (EU) 2024/1385[1] and the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention[2] consider children who have witnessed domestic violence as victims of said violence themselves.

Specific requirements of protection and support under both instruments include specialised, age-appropriate medical and psychosocial care, as well as child-sensitive provision of shelters.

The directive requires Member States to ensure that authorities have access to relevant information when assessing the best interests of the child in civil proceedings concerning them, though decisions on parental custody lie with Member States, and to take the risk of child abuse when assessing the victims’ protection needs[3].

In case an offender has rights of access, Member States must create safe spaces where such access can take place, under the supervision of trained professionals, where appropriate.

The recommendation on integrated child protection systems[4] calls on Member States to set up special support and early intervention programmes for child victims, their family and other caregivers as soon as the competent authorities have any indication of violence.

The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV)[5] programme funds activities such as the establishment of help centres and child helplines[6], improving accessibility of services for victims of gender-based violence and domestic violence, training for professionals and exchanges of best practices at EU level.

The Justice Programme[7] also supports the protection of children through child-friendly justice by strengthening capacities of specialised staff so that they are able to access child-friendly procedures[8], and raise awareness of concerned children, before, during and after judicial proceedings.
- [1] Directive — EU — 2024/1385 — EN — EUR-Lex https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj/eng
- [2] Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence https://rm.coe.int/168008482e
- [3] Directive 2024/1385, Article 16(3), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj/eng
- [4] Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 adopted 23 April 2024 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32024H1.238
- [5] Regulation (EU) 2021/692 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014, OJ L 156, 5 May 2021, 1-21 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2021:156:TOC).
- [6] Child Helpline International (https://childhelplineinternational.org/) funded under the CERV programme, provides mental health support to children. This support can include emotional, psychological, and sometimes legal support for children who contact the helpline.
- [7] Regulation (EU) 2021/693 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Justice Programme and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1382/2013 (OJ L 156, 5.5.2021)- provides funding opportunities for stakeholders working to protect children and their rights in the area of justice.
- [8] Under an indirect management grant under the European Commission’s justice programme to the Council of Europe, a joint European Commission and Council of Europe project will help to better protect children.
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in Alberta just got easier
When it comes to setting up shop, any good business owner knows the key to success is location, location, location. Alberta offers thousands of acres of prime real estate in top locations, providing unmatched opportunities for prosperity for businesses and entrepreneurs.

In the face of a changing geopolitical landscape, Alberta’s government remains committed to maintaining a strong business environment that attracts investment, while supporting economic growth and prosperity for Albertans. Alberta’s government is investing in cutting-edge tools and technology to help businesses thrive and attract large-scale investments to the province.

Alberta’s Site Selector Tool is a free online service that helps connect businesses and investors to the best locations in Alberta. It combines real-time property listings with key data on infrastructure and socio-economic insights on communities, making it easy to choose where to expand or invest. With almost 7,000 available properties already featured on the tool, Alberta’s business community is empowered with access to free, easy-to-use data and a platform to pinpoint local opportunities.

“When it comes to innovative solutions for investment attraction, the Alberta Site Selector Tool is best in class and has the potential to help us attract high-quality jobs and billions of dollars in investment.”

Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

With the launch of new features on the tool, Alberta’s government is helping investors take their research to the next level and make their data-driven business decisions even more seamless with enhanced access to information supporting a range of sectors including agriculture, energy, data centres, manufacturing and more.

“Time is money – and Alberta’s improved Site Selector Tool gives businesses the gift of both. By using technology to simplify investment decisions, we’re making Alberta the most attractive and straightforward place to do business in Canada.”

Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation

Investors can now activate new layers of data that capture a property’s proximity to infrastructure such as high-load corridors, mainline railways and international airports as well as high-capacity powerlines, substations, power generation, natural gas service areas and fibre internet. Investors can also access regional statistics on labour force availability, including labour force by occupation and industry, unemployment rates and graduate rates by degree program.

The tool also boasts new functionality that saves investors and regional economic developers time, including the ability to:
- Drop a pin on a map to generate location-specific data.
- Save a custom view of the site that captures preferred filters and data layers.
- Share and add properties to a list of favourites that can be downloaded to a spreadsheet or PDF to view later.
This suite of enhancements was rolled out based on ongoing feedback from users, including municipalities and economic development organizations.

“As the investment attraction agency for the Edmonton Metro Region, Edmonton Global uses the site selector tool regularly to answer questions from prospective investors, partners and team members. This information, along with insights from other data tools, helps us guide investors to make well-informed decisions for their businesses.”

Jeff Bell, director of research & business intelligence, Edmonton Global

Since its launch in April 2024, the Alberta Site Selector Tool has been providing innovative ways for investors to find opportunities in Alberta while enabling economic development partners to promote their communities as a destination of choice to potential investors.

Alberta remains the best place in Canada to invest due to its low tax environment, red tape reduction efforts and business-friendly policies. The Alberta government’s policies are attracting record investment, creating thousands of jobs and further diversifying the economy. Through investments like the Site Selector Tool, Alberta is building on its reputation as a province with unlimited opportunity.

Related information
- Alberta Regional Dashboard & Site Selector
Related news
- New tool making investing even easier in Alberta (April 2, 2024)
MIL OSI Canada News –
March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Marton

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One person has died after a two-vehicle crash on SH1, near Marton, last night.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 9.45pm.

Sadly, one person died at the scene.

Another person sustained minor injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man charged after indecency incidents on buses, Wellington

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A 27-year-old man has been charged following a series of offending which occurred on the Wellington public transport network.

In early March, Police received reports relating to several incidents where a male passenger travelling on the Metlink bus network had acted in a sexually inappropriate manner, specifically directing his unwanted behaviour towards lone female passengers. This behaviour obviously caused them distress and to feel unsafe.

Police promptly launched an investigation and as a result were able to identify, locate and arrest the offender without incident.

Police understand these incidents can be distressing and we hope this arrest provides reassurance to large sector of the community who rely on public transport.

Wellington Police are committed to ensuring all members of the public are safe and feel safe as they move about our community.

Police are ensuring the victims of this offending are being provided support.

The offender has been charged with multiple counts of performing indecent acts and is due to appear in Wellington District Court on 31 March.

ENDS

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 27, 2025

Category: Transport

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Russian Federation, Ukraine Acknowledge Limited Ceasefire Agreements while Expressing Reservations

Nevertheless, Speakers Point to Path towards Peace

Security Minister observes counter-terrorism exercise in Wales

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